This week I've got some ideas to help you put your songs in order when you're creating a set-list. Also...The Ukulele Entertainer Book is now underway. A collection of wit and wisdom from the first 18 months of this blog plus new material too. If you haven't yet pre-ordered there is still time! Go to: Ralph Shaw Book pre-order info
If you don't know what a Set-List is it's probably because you have never performed in public. The Set-List is a list of songs chosen and placed in, what the musician hopes will be, the ideal order that they can be played. The songs are written down and the finished list is placed where it can be seen during the show.
That's it. Sounds easy, yes? In a way it is simple and most beginners have no problem writing out a list of songs before performing them. However it seems
that with experience the task of writing a set-list becomes more and more difficult. The performer acquires the notion that a show should "flow" and that there must be a way to optimize the impact on the audience.
that with experience the task of writing a set-list becomes more and more difficult. The performer acquires the notion that a show should "flow" and that there must be a way to optimize the impact on the audience.
Set-Lists are tricky things. A set that rocked the house last night can fail miserably for the next crowd. There is never a guarantee of success. However there are some elements worthy of keeping in mind when creating your set list:
1) The First Song
This is your introduction. It's where the audience gets to check you out. They are looking at your clothes, your face and your instrument and don't necessarily have their full attention on your music. You, on the other hand, are meeting the audience with a sense of nervous anticipation and its during the first song that you are most likely to make mistakes. So make it one of your best songs but also one that you can play with ease. The band Led-Zeppelin began many of their concerts with the energizing "Rock and Roll". You'd think they'd chosen this song because of its high-energy and familiarity. Yes but less obvious is the fact that its easy playability helped the band to get comfortable on stage. Yep. Big stadium stars get the jitters too.
2) The Second Song
Unless the second song NEEDS an intro then consider not talking at all. Many performers are still somewhat nervous at this point and they have a tendency to talk in cliches: "Hi I'm so and so, its great to be here, how are you doing, here's a song I wrote when I was breaking up with my boy/girlfriend, I hope you like it, it goes something like this." Yada yada yada...
You'll create more curiosity and anticipation by being a silent presence than by spouting drivel. Find a song that is strong enough to tell its own story and, ideally, is quite different from your intro song.
3) Make the Show Flow
Think about the concept of taking your audience on a journey. Your musical mystery tour should contain as many elements of variety as possible: Alternate fast and slow songs or put them in groupings; e.g. follow two or three fast songs with a couple of slower ones. Change keys from one song to the next. Alternate major and minor keys. Look at the song themes. Avoid singing 3 songs in a row about breaking up with your girl/boyfriend unless the intent is to relate the unfortunate episode as an epic trilogy.
4) Bring it Down
Before growing the show to a crescendo it's a good idea to mellow things out so that the crescendo will be as pronounced as possible. Pick your most beautiful "quiet" song. This is the time for the audience to get introspective.
5) Build to a Crescendo
Think about raising the energy for the last few songs; whatever that means to you. Create a sense of letting-go. Even without being told, the audience should get the idea that the set is building to a climax.
6) Finish Strong
There is a reason for the show-business adage, "Always leave them wanting more." End your set while the audience is still enjoying themselves and END STRONG. Avoid ballads and songs about breaking up with your boy/girlfriend. Consider putting your best song here. Let the audience know when to applaud by giving them a strong finish.
7) Encore!
Even if you don't expect to be asked for an encore it's a good idea to have something prepared in advance. Think of it as the cherry on the cake; an extra treat for the good people with whom you have shared time. So judge their mood. You may want to continue playing more of the same style; especially if people are dancing. On the other hand you can use the encore as an opportunity to do something quite different to what they've seen so far. For example: If you've been singing all originals you might want to try a well known cover song or a singalong. If all your other songs were backed by ukulele now's a good time to try that quirky thumb-piano number you've been working up. This is your chance to have a bit of fun; and fun is much more likely to be had if, before the show, you already took some time to prepare for this moment.
Ready-Set-LIST
I may be large I may be small I may be short I may be long.
Most performers write me out before they sing a song.
Sometimes I don't exist at all 'cept in the singer's head
But usually I am placed at the singer's feet instead.
I'm always being perfected though I'm very rarely seen
A map to show the band where its going, where its been.
They could try to sing without me but I'm afraid they'd have to wing it
A song might not get sung at all without my showing when to sing it.
Some think that I'm essential, others not so much
I could be consequential or considered just a crutch
After the show I'm left behind, never to be missed
Taped to the stage by the microphone stand; a lonely forgotten Set-List
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