Dear Chris,
This is an excellent article. It might be a good idea to have it printed in the Folk Alliane program book; not just the national event but regional events as well.

Best Regards, and thanks.
Robin Flower

Many years ago, my old band X-tal played a show in Dresden in the former East Germany not long after reunification. It was a big club with only about 12 people in the audience. We went out and played our set and introduced each song by pointing to one person in the crowd and saying “this song is dedicated to YOU!” A few years later we played the same venue to a few hundred people and every single person who had been to the first show was there and laughing with us as they remembered how we handled it the first time around. A good sense of humor will get you through all kinds of letdowns and can win you a new audience as well.

Indeed, a sense of humour and lightheartedness will always win more respect than pulling out the diva act.

“Against the assault of laughter nothing can stand.” – Mark Twain

Good article. Ya never know who is listening

[...] Click me! (original post on the DIY Musician blog from CD Baby) [...]

Great article. Too many times I see artists get discouraged and not give it their all when the room isn’t packed. Very true especially in today’s web 2.0 community, you never know who’s listening or who will post about later.

Great article! You know who really needs to be convinced that a band’s draw doesn’t necessarily correlate with their talent? Radio, venues, talent buyers, etc… I don’t know how it is for everyone else, but when my band tried to get some local radio airplay, we were told that they only feature bands who played and sold out the bigger venues in the area, as if a band’s draw was the ONLY criteria they looked at.

Indeed, a performer must remember to play for those who do come and not be thinking there aren’t enough people, or your music will have negative vibes. Each and every member of that audience is important … they came to see and hear you! love it, play your heart out for them, touch their hearts and reach their souls with your inspired playing!!!!…the word will spread… others will be sorry they missed it!

Thanks so much for this reminder! I’m both a musician and a music therapist, and I’m preparing to do a five-hour presentation about music therapy to only three people. Having read your article, I’m now doubly committed to doing it and doing it well! I’ve always felt that the people who are meant to be there will be there. We play because it gives us a way to say what we need to say and people listen so they can hear what they need to hear. I figure the person (or people) there listening is/are exactly the person/people who needed to hear what you had to say at that moment.

Never choose quantity over quality. Particularly at a gathering like Folk Aliance it’s not how many are in the room, but who is in the room. And, that person you want to hear you may be a doorway lurker type. If you’re not putting your best into every showcase those passersby and lurkers will not even break stride. Nice article.

Sometimes one of the most difficult things about playing a concert with low attendance – or perhaps one simply held in too large a hall – is the emotion of the audience. If they don’t already know you, maybe that is not as likely, but when people who really love you and your music attend your concert and find it to be sparsely attended, they will sometimes be sad for you, disappointed that more people didn’t come out to listen.

I played a solo-acoustic concert at Gammage Auditorium at Arizona State University in Tempe many years back. It seats over 3000 people and I probably had 600 people there for my show. I’d have been thrilled with 600 folks at almost any venue I’d ever played, but they were scattered throughout the vast hall and looked more like 50 than 600. I could actually feel their sense of concern for me. In fact, someone had sent a note backstage apologizing for their community. When people love your music, they really want you to do well. They want you to be glad you were there. It can be hard to lift the mood in a largely empty hall and I didn’t want to suffer through an evening of trying to reach each person scattered about the theater. So the first thing I did was to address the low attendance. I joked about it and said, “Well, I guess people down here in the desert just don’t get that excited about a bunch of rain songs, do they? (I’m known for putting rain in most of my songs) Why don’t you all come on up close and let’s create something that all your friends will be jealous of when they hear about? I’m not worried about the empty seats, I’m just happy you’re here.”

People moved closer and before long it felt like I was singing to a full auditorium. It ended up being such a memorable night that I’m writing to you about it almost 20 years later.

I have a simple rule for performances. I prepare the same way whether I am to perform for 20, 200, or 2,000. I practice and prepare to perform at the top of my game.

The audience might be small, however in today’s world never underestimate a single individual. Sometimes the janitor is the best contact in the building. That unassuming looking person (like my friend Kenny the Firewood man, and his eclectic customer list) might just be the contact you have been waiting for.

Add to this he fact that, in most cases the “gig” you expect to be “the one” most often isn’t. My most enjoyable, and successful (sales of CDs) was a birthday party for a 90 year old sister whose daughter and grandson had heard me perform before. Two of her (younger sisters 75 & 80) were with her and all sat right in front of me as I performed. Seeing them constantly reminded me of the performance I never got to give for my mother,grandmother, and all of my aunts who are now deceased. I sold more CDs at that one event than anyother at the time. Plus, memories of their rapt attention will last forever.

This is a great article… Should certainly be in the Folk Alliance Program if possible, and rings true on every point made..

And I’ve definitely found humor to be a hugely helpful hand with situations that are less than satisfactory.. Who cares if there are only a few people at your show? You should be doing this because of the music, not because of your fragile ego that needs boosting with hundreds of fans at every gig…

And I also have to agree with NRFL about the Radio stuff… There’s no doubt that most radio stations (including some local spots) are only interested to spin or interview the biggest bands, but don’t stop looking for those that will help out! There are ALWAYS stations that would be psyched to have new local talent on their airwaves…. you have to just keep searching!

kudos for putting another great article like this out Chris!

philly d

My partner says that it’s an honor just to be performing. The best talent sings in the shower alone so if you get an audience of one then you’re doing better. It’s your life give it your best and they cant help from knowing that you came to play.

This is a great reminder. Thank you.

Yup, I was at the Folk Alliance and saw some of the most amazing performances from artists that had super small crowds. Some of my favorites (because they deserve to have recognition) were L’Angelus (http://cajunrecords.com), JP Hoe (http://www.jphoe.com), and Roadmap Music (http://roadmapmusic.com). Solid, solid stuff.

This is a great article. I can relate to this. Back in 1994, I was playing a club with my band and there was 1 guy in the joint. It was tough, but we did what we were supposed to do. That 1 guy booked me the next year on a festival with B B King. I was at Folk Alliance and had a small gathering in my first time showcasing. I was proud to have any ears that cared to listen and to enjoy what I was doing, and we had fun.

never ‘throw’ a gig just because of low turnout…I’ve seen bands take out their frustration on the few people that have attended their gig! why??? its not their fault

Build a fan base one fan at a time. That will always be the best way to have a true following. An Audience of one, is still an Audience.
Great article Chris R!

This is ( among several I’ve benefitted from!! ) …a GREAT article! …I routinely play for small, seemingly disinterested audiences ….and the vast majority of the time!?….If I stay in my element, and don’t try to be sumthun I’m not ( I’m BIG on that concept! ) …and retain my passion! ….@ the end of the night…I get my props! …another gig @ that venue ….and the same faces come back, and bring a few friends …..Thick skin!! ..is a talent!! …and allow me to concur with the comments left by ” NRFL on 3/9/11 @ 2:23 pm ” …the merit of your act should EXCEED the size of the crowd ya draw!

Many years ago, I was opening for Blues/R&B great Frankie Lee… there was a blizzard and only about 8-10 folks made it out to the show. We did our set, albeit half-heartedly, to a near empty room but when Frankie came out, it was like he was playing to a packed house at Carnagie Hall. His energy was intense as he strolled up and down the aisles singing “personally” to the meager crowd. After the first show, I asked him how he was able to maintain that energy and he answered, quite simply, “Those folks paid $10 and they are entitled to the full $10 show… it’s not their fault that no one else made it out… remember that, kid, and ALWAYS give them the $10 show!”

As I’ve often said, focus on who’s there – not who’s not there!

I’ve played to many a small crowd and had that kind of sinking feeling when no one shows up to your show. It does disappoint, but it tests your motives. I’ve realized that I’m willing to play for small crowds because ultimately it’s not about the crowds. I’m a better man thanks to the songs I’ve written, produced, and performed. They’re priceless to me. Regardless of how many people are in the room. I’m thankful for my songs. And I know that the people who come to my shows can see that. Do I wish I could reach more people? Yes. And I know that will come with time and effort and craftsmanship (and marketing!).

Really nice little article – something many of us musicians know all too well! I have always tried to remain a professional, even in less-than-ideal situations. “The show must go on” is the mantra, and although it can be difficult and discouraging at times consistency and professionalism will prevail!

This reminds me of a memory that has stuck with me. A while back I was asked to be the closing acoustic soloist at a youth conference, we are talking a few thousand kids at a huge venue. The Big act before me were folks I had met years ago when they were, well, just starting out. I knew some of the guys due to some festivals and such. Well, they put on the big show and packed while the youth had another evening event thing and were supposed to come back for a more intimate time with my acoustic stuff. Kinda weird but that is what was arranged.

What happened was my part on the docket had been left off the program and the teens had a curfew and so when I was all set and sound checked, the time had arrived. I went on stage not realizing what was taking place and the only folks there were the sound and light guys, the road crew for the name band and some of the guys in the band who had met me a few years before at some festivals and such.

I must admit that I was a bit nervous and shocked at the situation but I got out there and asked if they minded if I played to them for a bit. We had a good late evening together. When I got done a few of the guys from the band and road crew just said they really needed that and it was a perfect evening for them and that the kids didn’t know what they had missed. We chatted and then we were all out of there.

I got paid too so that was cool, but I think the compliment from the band and crew was a payment too, An encouragement to the need to do what you love to do whatever the circumstances and whoever the audience ends up being. It doesn’t matter the size of the audience or if you are playing on the street to someone who might be a “bum” on the street or a famous band that needed a break from all the hectic stuff they were doing.

Yes, very well said. Every word was absolutely true.

What a great article! After playing in a group for many years, one of the biggest lessons learned was that a small audience deserved our very best, just the same as a big audience. I work for a Live Music Producer, Tom Jackson, who says that one of the most important things an artist needs to do is to “love their audience.” Great advice!

sadly some bar-promoters say “you must pull X number of people to play here.” The irony is, if you could pull “X number” of people, you wouldnt be playing in their crummy venues anyway

Great article! It’s amazing this article even has to be written. We, as musicians, are lucky to be able to do what we do. The fact that people, be it one or 10,000, would spend their valuable time to come watch and listen to what we have to say blows me away. I love to be entertained, and love to entertain. The day it is not fun for me any more is the day I will set down the sticks and walk away! Let’s go have fun!

I was in Medford Oregon a few months ago listening to a great band in this little place out of town playing to a very small audience. when the band was done my wife and I were talking with the drummer. This guy and lady friend[wife?]
walk buy and comment to the drummer. The guy had a foreign accent.When he was gone the drummer asked us where we thought he was from. My wife said Australia and I said England, he sounds just like George Martin. The drummer said good guess, it’s George Martins son. I about fell over. You never know who’s in the audience no matter where you are.

I once performed a musical for 7 people and some people let the lack of audience get to them.

But in terms of attitude, some artists are supposed to have attitude as a part of their act. Would Sid really be Vicious if he hadn’t done some of the things he did?

Diana, very true. Though he’d probably also be alive.

Great article. While it’s hard not to feel disappointed at a small turnout, it is important to make the people there feel like they are getting a great show because that’s our job. Making it an interactive show is a good idea. Small turnouts happen to every musician at some point in our careers. Having a large audience is a blessing.

It’s difficult, indeed. I struggle with it myself. I think that is another reason why these performances at Folk Alliance are so inspiring. Good reminders to stay positive!