posted by Stein : 10:36 AM
Those of you that I know that frequent this blog are, no doubt, actively involved in the consumption of music. And, because of two concerts I recently attended (one local act and one national act) and the fact that I'm in
a band that has a big show tomorrow, I come to you, the great bloggers of What Is Recoil?, with a question. How would you compose a setlist?
It's harder than you might think. As a band, you must consider the following: Are you out for yourselves? Or are you trying to please the people that paid to come see you play? Do you "give the kids what they want" early? Or do you make them wait? How much do you rock out vs. play the slower (possibly more "musically in depth") songs? When should you throw in a slow song and when should you not? Do you close with your hit, or play that next to last and close with a new song to integrate it into your catalog? And what about covers? Should you play one popular cover song, one lesser known cover song, or are cover songs selling out?
Honestly, probably way to much thought goes into composing a setlist, and a band should probably just play whatever songs they feel are their best and strongest. Having said that, here is how I would compose a setlist if I didn't have the rest of
the band to worry about.
1) Start off with an up-tempo, poppy song that is considered strong by the band
2) Continue the up-tempo vibe with about 2 or 3 songs
3) Throw in a well-known cover song, so that the average music listener, who is not familiar with your music, might say, "Hey, I like this song. Maybe these guys are cool. I'll give them a chance."
4) Hit 'um with a slower song, that has its moments of rocking out...maybe a catchy, poppy chorus
5) Go back to rocking with for a few songs...possibly throw in a lesser known cover so you're in with the "cool kids" who know music or a new song
6) Insert the final slower songs that you plan on playing here
7) Go with a faster paced song with the intent on bringing the vibe back up (possibly insert a new song here)
8) Finish with "the Hit," an upbeat song that the kids know and can sing along to, or that has a flurry or music and fun at the end
Your thoughts?