The Diatribe
“Show Time?”
By Justin Peterson (Weird Sense)
Many opening acts assume they won’t be able to draw a large crowd, and most headliners performing at the end of the night assume they will have screaming fans and recognition,, but this isn’t necessarily always the case. The ability to draw a crowd that is engaging depends on the time you go on to perform. However, the time frame can change depending on many variables.
Is it an all-ages show?
Does the audience need to take a smoke break or go get a drink?
What artist is headlining?
Are you headlining at an all-ages show with giving people a chance to go smoke and go get a drink?
The last situation may seem ideal at the end of the night. Most artists likely don’t’ even realize they’re robbing their audience of essential social courtesies. To them, they are headlining an all-ages show and they might have some younger fans that will bring their friends. Due to their lack of experience, they will likely open for amateurs like the ones I mentioned in my last entry. Unprepared artists are terrible because they drive away crowds. Or, worse yet, leave with a large number of the crowd without staying around for someone else’s set. People have a tendency to leave earlier at all-ages shows, because many people have curfews, and from the few people that are remaining, only a few might stick around and listen.
Experience and awareness can help save you from falling into these traps. Pay attention to your surroundings throughout the night. If someone asks you to bump up your set because another artist isn’t there yet, it may be worth it. It doesn’t necessarily mean they are taking your prime headlining spot. Don’t let your ego prevent you from taking fortuitous opportunities. The crowd and the energy is what you want.
A good rule of thumb as you navigate the labyrinths of performing is to always perform your best no matter what the situation. You never know who that one person in the crowd may be…
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