This is a question that often divides musicians and band members.
I was reminded of it again last week when one half of a duo from New Zealand emailed me. He told me how well some of the "one-liners" in "Rouse the crowd" band booking manual had worked for him during their latest gig. He said that even his partner in the duo was now able to "Play up to the audience".
I do understand those musicians who feel uncomfortable with the notion of using”scripted banter" during their gigs. They worry that they'll come across as false or contrived during the performance if everything isn't natural.
For me though, not having at least some idea of what you'll say to a crowd in between songs is like turning up for a gig without a set-list worked out.
Just because you've played a song (or even the same set) before, doesn't mean it can feel, look and sound fresh to any audience..
The key really is in the way you use any pre-planned banter. Obviously you don't want to be looking down reading from a script or use one-liners which have no relevance for that particular crowd.
Most musicians, when they've tried using some pre=planned audience chat will never go back to turning up on the night and hoping for the best. Not least of all because if you have at least some idea of what you're going to say to an audience (and when during the show), you have no chance of those awkward moments or long pregnant pauses when you "dry up".
The best one-liners are those that you can adapt to suit the particular gig or which give you further ideas for some of your own creations. Either way, many musicians find that once they do a little work on audience banter ahead of the band booking it will do two major things for you.
1. Hugely boost your stage confidence
2. Help your performance and delivery come across as much more professional.
Now unless you're going for the nervous/amateur look, who wouldn't want those benefits?
Audience Banter Tips
Rouse the Crowd ebook
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