General Music Chat

Hi,

I'm interested to know the process you go through to write a set list? Obviously it's rather subjective but do you think there is a general blueprint bands can follow?

I wrote an article on writing a set list, but am keen to expand on it!

http://www.lastminutemusicians.com/how_to_get_gigs/?p=1617

Looking forward to hearing your opinions

Front man handles the set list per event based on the anticipated age / needs of the audience, and the verbalized requirements of the venue's management.

The general flow is to start heavy ( high energy ) bring it down slow.
Then build to a crescendo at the end of the performance.

Not entirely dissimilar to the construction / flow of an individual song.

I/we have a couple of considerations.

We have 3 good singers, I like to let one sing lead while the others get a break for a couple of songs and just do some harmonies, then put on with just one vocalist so everybody gets a break now and then.

I also try to put several songs in a row where I don't have to switch guitars unless I go out of tune. I use at least two open tunings, drop D, acoustic and in several cases a specific guitar for a specific song. So I don't want to swap every song. It only takes 10 seconds, but I'd much rather keep one for at least 3 songs if I can. SO we work around that too.

Otherwise, ALWAYS start and end with a bang. One of the guys suggested doing a slow one for the last song, no way. Wind up the set and the night with a really good rocker, and try for one of your best. In between, I like to go for 2 or 3 rockers, easier feel fast ones, then a slow tune or acoustic. We have at least 10 all acoustic ones to throw in. Then work back up to a good energetic one or two and end the set with one that really rocks. I'm still trying to think of one for the last song of the night, REO Speedwagon's "Riding the Storm Out" is one of my all time favorites. Or Doobie'Brothers' "Rockin' Down the Highway".

But whatever you do, do a really good one for that last song and pull out all the stops. Start oft the night the same way, hit 'em hard, leave 'em breathless and beggin' for more...And reserve one for an encore...I've had to do them plenty times, even as a nightclub dance band...

If you are working clubs doing covers you can often get away with repeating your first set for close out.

One thing to beware of: the music seems to go faster when you play live and your 45 minute set list can become thirty minutes.

Talbot

I always tried to make a set similiar to a concert that blew me away. I try to take minimized time and merge songs like it was an arena event(at least I try). Once I have to take a sip from dry mouth, then its time to barrel through again. Hopefully, in the end, the music made the place seem bigger and the show seem longer.

Keep it tight and try to be warmed up beforehand, or your arms will cramp up.

If you are working clubs doing covers you can often get away with repeating your first set for close out.

One thing to beware of: the music seems to go faster when you play live and your 45 minute set list can become thirty minutes.

Talbot

One time I played a show and the set was 30 mins. Played it so fast we were off after 15 mins...haha! Controlled adrenaline is not easy.

Good tips from all above!

The "speed-adrenaline" thing is something that needs to be addressed and worked on. You may not notice it during practice or even a gig unless you get to parts that you can't play because they are too fast, or unless you record it listen back after. That's where a GOOD drummer is key - if he can't rein back the tempo himself, then he needs to use a metronome (or a pre-recorded click starter). That's the problem we had in the Beatles tribute -the drummer insisted he was started the songs at the right speed - until you went to sing or play it and couldn't keep up!

Changing of instruments and lead singers is also key in developing your set list - you want to minimize between-song pauses and make sure you don't burn out a singer's voice by having too many difficult songs in a row.

w MERE MORTALS (bluegrass band) we always have a set list. i'm mostly on mando but play dobro on a few songs...so we'll string together a few dobro tunes. the front guy tends to capo his gtr a lot for different keys (friggin' grassers can't play a damn bar chord!) so he'll put songs in the same key together a lot. (groan). it does save him time retuning every time he moves the capo.

VAL & MAL...no set list

THE 121's (truck stop band playing country/rock/honky tonk)...no set list

PLANET JAZZ...no set list.

my solo instrumental gtr gigs....no set list.

all these groups tend to thrive on a lot of improv, and being loose, flexible, and in the moment.

other than MERE MORTALS, we often we'll take turns going across the stage where everyone takes their turn calling the next tune. it keeps things fresh and somewhat keeps us on our toes.....and we never have much dead time between songs.

Whats a set list, dont you guys just play what folks ask for, how hard is that?

JW

I was once asked to play Red Roses for a Blue Lady. Nah...Not tonight tough guy...

One night a guy hollered at our all original band - 'Do you guys know any Hendrix?' The singer replied, 'No - but I hear he does a couple of our tunes!'

Talbot

I remember the big New Years Eve party we played at the Franco-American Club, real mix of ages there. We had just finished our one fairly slow 3/4 time song (waltz beat) - Mr Bojangles - when a guy comes up to the stage and drunkenly requests a waltz! We repeated Bojangles in our 5th set!

Depends on the gig, really.



Typically a "concert set" would be decided thusly:

Going with a 10 song set, this guideline can be divided into percentages if there are more or less songs.

Since not all people are tuned in at the start, my first two songs are fast, short, and have a trash can ending (so people know to clap). The third song and the fifth song are the most "radio hit-friendly", while the song between them is the most-unlike-the-rest-of-the-songs.

After song 5 is when I take a few minutes to talk to people, try to connect with them on a personal level, then song #6 is the song that most describes or applies to me personally, or the work I'm doing at the time.

Song 7, 8, 9 are the closest thing to a lull in the set, where the energy should chill for a few minutes, bringing it back to a high crescendo for the big ending with song #10

And the encore is the 'big hit single' or sing-along hit, right?

Great stuff! Thanks to everybody's who has replied!

Do you think that a well produced set list can help turn an average band into a great one?

And the encore is the 'big hit single' or sing-along hit, right?

Yea, if you have another great song leftover, but don't hold back any songs for the encore. ONce you get that, the audience is saying they love whatever you do, so you can almost lay an egg onstage and they would be happy at that point.