Getting set up as a solo singer in pubs?

shabaz

Hi All

Would like some information on what I would need to become a singer in a pub. Do I just need a good PA system? what actually would I need to purchase to get me started?

Appreciate your advise.

Shabaz.

sogood

How long is a piece of string? It depends on what sort of singing you intend to do. Is there a market for your material? What's the competition like? Do you play an instrument?

Many pubs etc. are quite slow to take on new acts, as they tend to rotate, using their regulars. Having said that, it's possible to sometimes break into the scene, with an incentive, like playing your first gig for free. It gives them a chance to hear you and for you to gain experience in a real venue.

Expect to maybe get a spot on a quiet midweek night, when the crowd may be very small. This is just "damage limitation" on the part of the venue.

An alternative is to make up demo CD's which can be left at venues, along with a business card. (Very inexpensive from Vista print!) But do talk to a real person, preferably the one in charge of music!

As for PA, something putting out about 150watts per channel should suffice, depending on your material/style etc. You could pick up a simple pa system, second hand, for about €200 and upwards. You don't need something with a load of channels, just enough for a microphone and maybe an instrument or two.

It's hard to be specific as your question is quite broad, but hope this helps. Incidentally, where are you based?

doolox

....it is essential to get good quality cables and mics like a Shure SM58 or Sennheiser are good.

Your gear will take a lot of punishment, good quality well connected cables are essential to avoid breakdowns. Always do a recon of a new venue ahead of time to ensure ease of parking, as close to the venue as possible. Also useful to bring along a pal to help with minding gear instruments etc for the first few gigs and also always find out who is in charge of the pub on the night and who to go to for the money at the end of the night preferably BEFORE you start playing.......

A small spotlight, for reading control knobs in dark venues, is always useful.

Get to know your gear in the dark by rehearsing how to connect and control everything at home in the dark and in limited space, like you'll be doing at the gig.....always watch out for obscure settings like hi lo gain etc on the PA amp and play around with the PA gear at home to get comfortable using it.

An adjustable stool for sitting guitar players is also useful unless you prefer standing. If using backing tracks and singing only it is more useful to stand and be able to move about the floor and be able to "work the audience" especially if you are the vocal front man of a small band. Do not rely on the venue to supply seating of high enough quality or adjustability.

Have plenty of water with you while performing as modern venues tend to be overheated and your voice will dry out quickly. I would advise against drinking on the night, barmen and staff do not drink at work and that is what you are while playing and singing, a staff member.
If you want to be taken seriously, inquire about dress code etc.. some hotels and upper market venues require a set code of dress, full collar shirts, ties and a certain colour, usually black, no harm to enquire.

Do not be afraid to tell the crowd who you are and look for feedback during the night.....too loud? too quiet? want faster/slower songs etc...?
A little intro and patter in between goes along way as do songs with personal names in them.....Valerie, Sleepy Jean, Sweet Caroline etc....

Depending on your music genre songs about work, good times/bad times etc always go down well with the crowd in addition to relationship songs....if we did not have romance lyric music would be very limited.