I played a three-hour solo acoustic show at Sloan+Parker last Friday. I just want to jot down some learnings to keep in mind for next time.
- 22 songs was not enough for three hours, even with several breaks.
- Need at least 30 songs, preferably 35 or more.
- Should have enough to skip a couple if not vibing.
- Juggling between apps on my iPad (mixer, simplenote, tabs, google doc) was terrible.
- Next time, prep a set-list on Tabs – use iPad.
- Use iPhone for managing mixer.
- Physical mixer and paper would be best.
- Several songs really need a capo.
- All We Got – Capo 3
- Try It and See – Capo 2
- Holding TIght – Capo 3
- Outta Here – Capo 2 or 3
- It’s better to play a cover than an instrumental.
- No instrumentals ever. That’s weak.
- Always prep muppet songs. Even if I’m trying to do all originals. Still prep muppets.
- Practice songs to the end — need work on ending songs.
- “Two Words” was a sweet spot for my voice.
- Need to practice where/when to go higher energy.
- Worst songs:
- It’s a Shame
- Outta Here
- Mixed Up World
- Hear the Train Roll By
- Follow You Into the Dark (unpracticed)
- Sweet Home Chicago (boring as a solo)
- Best songs:
- Two Words (vocal sweet spot)
- In the Dark (but not a good closer)
- All We Got (great closer)
- Come Over
- Don’t Know Why (resonated)