Low Life
You’ve got to make it at local level before you hit the big leagues, advises Tax The Heat bassist and BIMM Live Performance tutor Antonio Angotti...
Tax The Heat bassist and BIMM Live Performance tutor Antonio Angotti advises on performing at local level
Hello, bass players! In this issue, I want to go all the way back to the beginning, where most of us commence our journeys into live performance – when we were gigging for the first time as part of our local music scenes. This prospect can be quite daunting, but I assure you that it’s an experience like no other. For all of you who enjoy playing their local venues, or even who are yet to take the leap to performing live in public, here are my top tips to help you get going!
DON’T WORRY – YOU’LL FIND THE RIGHT BAND
We’ve all been at this point, figuring out how we take our bedroom playing to the stage – and what needs to happen for this to become a reality. For most of us, it’s a case of establishing or joining bands as a way to start gigging. This in itself can be an initial obstacle, but it’s now easier than ever to connect with like-minded musicians. The most important piece of advice here is to practise your live show together and rehearse regularly. Rehearsal is an entirely different process to individual practice, because it helps you to lock in with other instruments, adapt to time and feel, learn parts or changes quickly, memorise material and structures, develop your live sound and build many other important skills. It also allows you to gel as bandmates – and it is this chemistry that can make or break a band’s live show.
EXPERIENCE YOUR MUSIC SCENE
I fondly remember my early days of gigging as a teenager: I was attending local shows as much as I was playing them. The point I want to make is that valuable lessons come from being an audience member and an active part of your local scene. Not only are you meeting people who could help you on your journey, but it’s a great opportunity to check out how other people play live. I always used to chat to the other bassists and swap tips on gear or bass-lines, or even arrange a gig in the future together. I would also be looking at other band’s stagecraft – and considering how I might be able to borrow some of it for my own performance.
MAKE SURE YOU PROVE YOUR WORTH
Once you’re up there, it’s a case of putting everything into action. Most performing musicians will attest that their first gigs were not their best work, but remember, this is a journey – and you get better by doing it more and more. I appreciate that being a part of a band line-up isn’t necessarily everyone’s sole aim, so another route into performing in public is via local jam nights. This calls for a broader set of skills as you’ll need a wide repertoire under your fingers – and the ability to improvise and/or transpose in order to deliver a solid performance. But if you do a good job, you may well get the call for more live opportunities.
BUILD YOUR REPUTATION
If you were to divide into segments the key elements of what it takes to become a ‘successful’ live musician, the actual bass playing is only some of it – I wouldn’t even say it is a majority share. There are many things that make for a good reputation, and one that takes you from local to national or international stages. This includes your capacity to be a reliable and likeable person: people skills go a long way. Networking is also crucial, so being a functioning member of your local scene will help you to get more gigs. You should also not neglect the visual side of your performance – static players will often be disregarded for those who are more engaging and who bring an exciting spark to the show. Keep a handle on those essentials, and you’ll be gigging regularly in no time!
Do you have any questions surrounding live performance? Message me at @MrA_TaxTheBass and I’ll broach them in an upcoming issue. Catch you all next time!
“NETWORKING IS CRUCIAL, SO BE A FUNCTIONING MEMBER OF YOUR LOCAL SCENE”