SLMC

runyquesti · Joined: 16 Oct 2008 Posts: 5

My band is in the prepping stages to begin performing in SL. I am looking for advice on what to do during the performance, beyond the songs.

How does one build a rapport with a crowd?

How much of a stage show should an artist create?

Are there any technical issues I need to be concerned about in regards to this? For instance sim lag if I use a lot of special effects, or even getting permissions from the land owner.

Any advice on how I can make the performance (beyond the music) more interesting for the audience is greatly appreciated.

Silas Scarborough · Joined: 04 Sep 2007 Posts: 1635 Location: None

Talk to the people in the audience as in directly, one to one. Get some patter happening between tunes, not just words to fill up space but talk to people. It's much easier to do that in SL compared to RL so long as you don't turn off the display of names above people's heads.

The stage show doesn't mean much. People go to venues because they like the person running it, they like the act, or both. It's more fun with an elaborate stage show but it won't change too much how many people come to your show. I've tried everything up to a stage that materializes out of the floor while it shoots fireworks and fog. I even built one early on that would shoot flaming cannonballs out over the audience. It's fun doing that but it'll eat a lot of time that would be better spent working up your act.

If you use a lot of pixel poofer stuff as with fireworks, slow computers will hate it. I'm not going to tune my gig for the slowest computer in the room so hexx Triskaidekaphobia and I will do rock / fireworks shows all the time. ALWAYS ask the venue owner's permission before doing this.

As to make it more interesting, you're the most interesting thing in the room; you're the only one with the mike. Call back all the stuff yer mama would tell you: don't mumble, blah, blah... Those are real people out there - Entertain them!
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Norris Shepherd · Posted: Thu Oct 16, 2008 1:23 pm Post subject:

I would recommend going to some live shows in SL, and see what the 'successful' musicians do, and take whatever fits you and try to integrate it.

I think it's individual and depends on yourselves and your style.

... sorry for the non-answer, but you really see the full spectrum of stage acts in SL. Some people love fireworks, particles, etc... others hate it and leave the show. Some people love the chat filling the screen, drives others nuts. Some love stupid banter between songs, others wish they would just shut up and sing/play music.

I'd give you my opinion on all those... but it would be just that.. one opinion. I'd go check out some shows, try to find someone you think you would be comparable to, see what works for them, and try to emulate some of the same things, i guess...

Alazarin · Joined: 04 Sep 2007 Posts: 130 Location: London

hexx · Joined: 28 Nov 2007 Posts: 386 Location: Rastafairy Beach

Gotta admit I'm rather new to playing in SL, with our Never Ending Grid Tour only a couple of months on the road, but here's my two cents.

EvaMoon · Joined: 30 Nov 2007 Posts: 748

I disagree about the blanket thanks for the donations. I'm always disappointed when that happens. People love hearing their names. It makes them happy and it's one of the reasons they tip. Is it so much to ask to thank them by name for choosing to give you money they didn't have to give?

I've heard some artists go around the room and mention by name every person there, which can get a little tiresome.

Otherwise, good advice here. One of the real tricks is learning how to connect and chat with your audience with a 20-30 second lag between what you say and when they hear it. That takes some getting used to. You have to acknowledge applause you haven't heard yet and trust it's forthcoming.
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Silas Scarborough · Joined: 04 Sep 2007 Posts: 1635 Location: None

I agree with Eva on tips and will always say thanks for each one. People very definitely like to be recognized but that's just one of many reasons for doing it.
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Find a place to play and I'll roll the P.A. anywhere
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ticious · Joined: 03 Sep 2007 Posts: 2600 Location: Chicago

RayW · Joined: 05 Sep 2007 Posts: 953 Location: Twin Cities, MN

And, I definitely agree with Norris ... GO SEE OTHER SHOWS. See what they do and how the audience reacted.

But, having said that, know who the host for the show is ... it's often the person making the most "noise." So, you might want to discount that in your evaluation. And, in truth, she/he is part of the entertainment package, anyway. Often an important part, unless the performer is great enough to stand alone without a host (or an active host, that is).

There are many things to help promote your music during the show. I personally haven't invested in them... but need to. That's another thing to check out at other shows. Think like: the gear onstage is cool ... but the props that point to websites and sell mp3s are cooler.
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Sally Silvera · Posted: Thu Oct 16, 2008 7:08 pm Post subject:

From a listener's perspective then:

First of all, I agree with the pros up there ^ Definitely catch a few shows and see what others do. Find acts that are doing well and see what makes their show special.

Having said that, here's my 0.02L:

The stage show (IMHO of course) is absolutely secondary to the music and the artist's interaction with the crowd (though you gotta see Alazarin's set-up! and the fireworks hexx and Silas throw on are spectacular! Nad's lighting is awesome as well).
The particles can however cause lag mayhem for a goodly portion of listeners and not everyone knows how to turn them off.

Greeting everyone in the room works for some people and listeners certainly appreciate being recognised especially if they are your loyal listeners or fans (can't imagine what that would be like if Max packed a sim x 4 though, there wouldn't be any time for music). I guess it depends on the number of people in the crowd.

Personally thanking people for tips is always appreciated and (again IMHO) can also be useful. Not only because it reminds people that they can tip but also because some listeners will then reply to remind others to tip as well.

I'd say a healthy balance between music and a bit of banter, greetings and thank yous would be my prefered option.

Hope to catch your show sometime!
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