After my not quite a jam of two weeks ago, I decided the best strategy was to have my own songs. At my skill level on the piano, it's just easier for others to accompany me than for me to accompany them. So today I was researching how to create a setlist and what makes a good one. And if I'm doing the research, maybe my fellow Steemians can benefit too. Sometimes I think I was born to do research.

First, what is a setlist or set list? (both are accepted spellings) It's your list of songs in the order you intend to perform them. Other things, such as the key and capo position are really handy. And why should you have one? A well thought out setlist aids in making you seem more professional. Certainly the pros need one, and you can bet they rehearse every detail.

Now you're probably thinking...

“Sure, for professionals, but why
would I need one for 3-4 songs?”

That's the average at an open mic.

[I shake my head sadly.] I have spent the last three years attending open mics. sometimes once, twice and occasionally three times per week. If all you do is follow the basics, you will avoid some really common problems. Unlike the pros, your setlist is much simpler.

Creating and Using a Setlist

1. You should have a written setlist composed of songs you practised, their key, and capo position (for guitarists). 10-15 seconds of silence gets really awkward as you try to remember the song or key and it's no fun for your fans. Write out enough of each title to remember it, and do that in big letters you can see from wherever you discreetly place it. Under no circumstance must the audience see you consulting it. Aim for the illusion of songs flowing magically from you with no assistance. Afterwards, keep this list and write the date, venue and any changes on it so you never play the identical set to the same people (within reason). But don't stop there -- you should make notes of how it went and how you can improve.
2. What songs do you choose? So what do they typically play at this venue? Your setlist should contain music that fits in. If you did your homework, you know what they play, either because you checked it out as an audience member OR you contacted the host and asked. What's the crowd like? Do they participate? Is there a dance floor? What do they expect?
3. For a place that usually allows 3 songs, have 4-5. You might get an encore, or more likely, be invited to play another on a slow night.
4. You will be remembered by your first and last songs. I recall the phrase, “Start with a kick and end with a punch.” Put a good song first; put ones you're less confident of in the middle; end with another solid one. Remember, it's the overall performance and how you make the audience feel that matters. It's also a known fact that people like familiarity so a good idea is to start with something like a popular song to lure them in before trying your own songs on them.
5. Aim for some variety. You can vary songs by their key, tempo, mood, dynamics, and structure. If you happen to play all of your songs in the same key with the same structure at the same tempo, fans will think all of your songs sounds the same. Play all minor keys, and they're probably vaguely uncomfortable. On the other hand, too much variety might be jarring for the listeners and piss off any dancers.
6. Choose songs of an appropriate length. When selecting songs, maybe an open mic is not the place to try out your 8 minute composition.
7. Aim for continuity. What links these songs? Most likely genre, but what else? You have probably listened to an album or two in your life so you know what I mean.
8. Pick songs and keys that showcase your best qualities. I know performers who attempt challenging pieces to impress themselves instead of considering how the overall performance must sound. (Sure, you could hit those notes but it was pretty squeaky...)
9. Be flexible. If the guy ahead of you just played one of your songs, choose another. It happens. That's why you have extras. Be sure to record the change on your setlist.
10. Plan the transitions between the songs in your set. How does one song lead to the next musically? If it were a large set, we might discuss medleys and segues, but you can still transition smoothly. You might also plan to chat with your audience while you're putting on a capo. Chatting makes the performance more personal. Just please rehearse first and don't kill time at an open mic. There are probably others waiting to play.

What's Next?

Well, now I know what to consider. I hope you liked it. So what's next for me? I'm starting to work on songs for my setlist. And if you have anything to add or think I missed something, please comment below.

Image sources: Photo from Pixabay

@kansuze