Help! Bands playing original music

[BlockInlay]

You’re in a small venue with 3 other bands, each getting a 45 min set. What’s your go-to for a sound check if you’re lucky enough to get one?

I’m specifying original music (over a cover band) because the sound guy won’t be familiar with anything you’re playing.

 

[sleewell]

lol usually just open chugs and a solo in that key. i dont think the point is to blow anyone's hair back and i dont wanna play a short version of a song we are about to play. usually just something short so you can make sure levels are good and you have a good mix in your monitor.

 

[Mark Wein]

Usually it is something that has the most intensive backing vocals.

 

[Chicken Man]

Same--something that starts with all three/four voices going.

 

[smurfco]

do Stand by REM

 

[Dexter Inferno]

Whichever song that has everything in it, such as all backing vocals and various other sources.

 

[smurfco]

now face north

 

[Honkridge]

The FIRST THING you do is slip the sound man a 20. I learned that in High School back in the 70s. It doesn't hurt to let him 'hang out' with the band either.

 

[Denverdave]

Whichever song that has everything in it, such as all backing vocals and various other sources.

This exactly....

 

[baimun]

You’re in a small venue with 3 other bands, each getting a 45 min set. What’s your go-to for a sound check if you’re lucky enough to get one?

I’m specifying original music (over a cover band) because the sound guy won’t be familiar with anything you’re playing.

One of our reggae songs so the drum and keys are balanced.

You'll see each of these guys in vids of the different bands I play in as we all cross-pollinate each other's bands.



Biggest difference is when I play with them, I'm usually playing a strat with a sublime-ish level of gain.

 

[BlockInlay]

now face north

if only wishes were trees

 

[Monson]

 

[Gorgon90]

Whichever song that has everything in it, such as all backing vocals and various other sources.

This^.

Failing that, Freebird.

 

[Chad]

It’s been ages since I’ve gigged, but we’d usually play a song we were working on for a sound check.

 

[rhino]

Depends on the type of gig and if there is a dedicated sound guy. If it’s a “show,” there is typically a sound guy. We make sure he has a signal on everything and then just start vamping on something to set mixes. Sometimes we’ll run a new song that’s being added on that set. If we are running our own sound, it’s typically a few acoustic players. We take turns singing in pairs while somebody walks around to check levels. If it’s a restaurant or bar sort of thing, there are usually already people hanging around so we do traditional kind of stuff