Advice wanted on setting up as an acoustic live act

[Close2u]

This may take several different routes of Q&As etc.

I have been scratching electric rock band itch for a while.
And enjoying it.
But, my wife sings ... not really electric rock.
And I love to play acoustic too.
And we'd like to do some music together.
We go to the occasional folk club but want more.
So, we are thinking of getting properly rehearsed and geared up to work up a full acoustic set of pop, rock, ballads, roots and acoustic style music.
We'd also like another singer (who can maybe play an instrument too) for harmonies, duets, variety in vocals and song choices etc.


Questions.


Is there much demand for this on the live music circuit?
If so, what sort of venues?


What sort of equipment would be a minimum?
For vocals? For guitars? For pa? etc
What sort of budget would this require?

Any essential spares / backup etc?



Has any one any similar experience?
What are some classic song choices that always go down well?



Anything obvious I have not asked?


Any other advice?


Thanks

[stompboy]

I've been doing an acoustic duo for around 10 years. The only issue you are going to come up against is competition. You will need to be shit hot or gorgeous or both if are going to get gigs.

I play loads around Nottingham and there are endless amounts of acts we are up against. It just so happens we are quite good and do stuff that others don't. Google around for acts in your area. Also check out the venues and make contact. NEVER do a free gig. You will only ever get that one and never be booked again. Same with doing a cheap gig. Very difficult to put your prices up when you have already gone in cheap. Charge what your worth. You should be coming out with £90 a head.

Gear wise, for acoustic guitar and vocals a pair (and some venues just a single will do) 12" speaker. The frequencies you will be putting out won't need anything more than that. Spend good money on your PA. You can polish a turd with the right stuff. We use a pair of these - http://www.soundslive.co.uk/product~...D~ID~13236.asp. They are bang on for acoustic stuff. Two guitars and two vocals sound amazing thanks to the ribbon.

Dress code, don't be cheesy with suits or sparkly stuff. Smart casual is the way to go depending on occasion of course.

Song choice. By all means do the crowd pleasing stuff but don't be scared to venture into some really obscure territory. We do everything from Mr Brightside and Beat It (which is rock hard on acoustic!) to Crowded House but throw in some Matchbox 20, Dave Matthews and some other stuff that people don't necessarily know but when played well they usually enjoy.

Make sure you have a website, fb, twitter etc. Network with the local acts. We have a nice little community down here and pass gigs around all the time. Go see some people. See if they are any good. If they are crap, make sure you take notes on what not to do/ play/ wear etc.

Hope that helps.

[Close2u]

thanks
very useful
we're no spring-chickens so we may have to become shit-hot then!! lol

pa wise - I've been looking at these http://forum.musicradar.com/showthre...Flex-12-active but I know I'd want mixer etc too

any advice on mixers?
how many channels?
what sort of output?


songs ... a mixture of Beatles, KT Tunstall, Alison Krauss, David Grey, Travis etc etc .... that sort of style ...




are there options to explore with a regular gig as a house band at pubs/ restaurants / wine bars etc?

[stompboy]

Song choice is cool but predictable (trying desperately hard not to sound like a wanker). Try something different like this..



PA wise can't vouch for the Flex 12's cause I haven't heard them. At that price they could be worth a go. Basically anything Peavey, EV, RCF will do you fine. Desk wise, again, above brands along with Allen and heath. You need something that is going to produce the sweetest most accurate sound. It's got to be great with acoustic stuff hence why we went for the 12d's. We use various desks including Peavey, Allen and Heath and occasionally as a backup we have a Yamaha and a Mackie.

You will probably struggle to get a residency gig this early on. Best way to get on the scene is mingle, do some open mic nights, host some open mic nights and make sure everyone knows you're alive. Put the word out. If they don't know you exist you will be playing in your lounge.

I wouldn't worry about not being early 20's and supermodels. Look at the Rolling Stones and they are cool as fu$k! Wedding fayres are also a good ting to do and some places let musicians in free!!

[stompboy]

Ooh, very important part of the rig too!! A nice rug. Persian, Afghan etc. Looks great.

[Close2u]

re - songs, none taken

song choices also could include (hopefully not so predictable)
Tom Waits - heart of saturday night
Teddy Thompson - things I do

and similar

[stompboy]

Never heard of them songs so perfect. Just do your own thing. Like I said, go and see some other acts and do something different to what they are doing. Have your own selling points. Good luck.

[GAZTOPIA]

I have been scratching electric rock band itch for a while.
And enjoying it.
But, my wife sings ... not really electric rock.
And I love to play acoustic too.
And we'd like to do some music together.
We go to the occasional folk club but want more.
So, we are thinking of getting properly rehearsed and geared up to work up a full acoustic set of pop, rock, ballads, roots and acoustic style music.
We'd also like another singer (who can maybe play an instrument too) for harmonies, duets, variety in vocals and song choices etc.

I do like the way you seem to have formed the above post into a poem of some sort. Very good ...Other than that, i have no advice other than perhaps to try a little more rhyming.

[erictheweary]

Ooh, very important part of the rig too!! A nice rug. Persian, Afghan etc. Looks great.

Ooh, is this the time to revive my Rugs On Stage thread...

Just from a punter's point of view the acoustic duo thing is hard to make entertaining; having come up with a formula ( I play guitar, you sing) the next thing, IMHO, is to work out how you deviate from it - a song on a uke, a banjo, some Dylanesque harp blowing - just to perk the audience's ears up.

I have certainly done gigs in our 6 peice band where I know duos and even solo artists get paid the same for that venue, so it is potentially quite lucrative. Hope it goes well.

[Not_the_DJ]

Get a looper, that helps to keep interest up from a whole set of strum/picking numbers, but only use it in a few tracks otherwise the impact is reduced.

I used to play in a duo with female vocals, we did coffee shop and pub afternoon type gigs. Be prepared to be talked over a lot!