4 Things Musicians Should Never Do at a Gig

Getting a gig is no easy deal, but messing it up due to poor music etiquette is easier. When going for a gig, there are specific unwritten rules that you should take note of. Adhering to these rules creates an enjoyable performance for both you and your audience. What are four things you should never do at an event?

1. Never Get Drunk

Most social events always serve alcohol. However, it is your duty as a musician to maintain a sober state throughout the gig. Getting drunk imposes some detrimental effects that can destroy your musical career. 

Firstly, getting drunk impairs your judgment and coordination and slows down your reaction time, thereby leading to an overall decrease in performance.

Secondly, losing your mind on stage will prevent proper interaction with your audience, leaving you as the laughing stock grazing the stage.

Lastly, it will take years of hard work to build your reputation as a professional musician. 

2. Arriving Late or Unprepared 

Late arrival at an event is a massive disrespect to the organizers. Arriving late to a gig will disrupt the flow of events and frustrate the audience. 

However,  an early musician who arrives early but is unprepared for the gig is as good as the latecomer. 

It is your duty as a musician to train and practice at all times in order to perform your best when called upon. 

To avoid late arrival and unpreparedness, ensure you plan for the gig days before the event. Suppose any unforeseen circumstances arise, try your best to communicate with the client about the situation.

3. Technical Issues 

Constantly experiencing technical issues at a gig is a sign of unprofessionalism. Technical problems are common, but dedicated musicians know how to prepare for unforeseen technical difficulties. To avoid these issues and prevent ruining your reputation, you should inspect your equipment, test your set-up, and always have a backup plan. A smooth gig without hitches will lead to good pay and may even include a bonus.

4. Overstaying Your Welcome as a Musician

Knowing when to end a gig is as essential as starting at the gig. Before the deal is signed, ask the clients the minutes or hours you can use to perform your music. Being aware of the time allocated to you will assist you in creating the best musical content that suits the stipulated time. Overstaying your welcome during a gig can lead to a tired audience and conflicts between you and other musicians who want to perform.

Improper etiquette during a gig tarnishes your image as a professional musician. Furthermore, if you use our robotic AI booking agent to get the gig, you automatically start to create a bad image for the booking agent. If you get the gig through a person, you will destroy the trust between the client and the person who recommended you. In the long run, your bad etiquette will create a spiral of bad reviews for everyone and everything that connected you to the gig.