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RWD
`Olu`olu
USA
850 Posts |
 Posted - 03/06/2008 : 04:14:39 AM
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How do songs get selected for play on the radio or a set list for performing?
I have been thinking there must be logical way to line them up.
Tempo is probably big in the decision but do the choices have anything to do with the key relative to the prior song?
There must be a rational way to do it.
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Auntie Maria
Ha`aha`a
USA
1918 Posts |
Posted - 03/06/2008 : 05:53:44 AM
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For my radio shows, I try to pay attention to tempo -- "slow" is usually followed by another "slow", or a "moderate". A "fast" is rarely followed by a "slow", etc.
Because I take phone requests during the show, if the flow is going to be abruptly changed, I usually will go on-air with some yah-dah-yah-dah to make the tempo transition easier on the ears.  |
Auntie Maria
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Mark
Ha`aha`a
USA
1628 Posts |
Posted - 03/06/2008 : 06:26:08 AM
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quote:
How do songs get selected for play on the radio or a set list for performing?
Though related, those are two very different questions.
Here's what relates them: Ideally, one's goal as a DJ or performer is to tell a story. So you construct a set that does that.
As a performer, my set list depends on what kind of gig I am doing, then develops from there. F'rinstance: a "casual" where I'm essentially hired to entertain at a party, luau, wedding, etc. has one set of conditions (have to include a lot of familiar songs).
I also play a bunch of what are essentially back ground music gigs-- wineries, restaurants, etc. Here the purpose of the music is to not intrude; folks are there for a different reason. So my set list may have more to do with how songs fit togther by tuning than anything else. And I'll save the razzle dazzle stuff for the end of each set, so folks know I am finished playing. 
A concert is another thing entirely. Here the goal is to tell a story, from start to finish.
Like many performers, I have developed a bunch of what I call "modules" - short sub sets with maybe one or two songs and stories that relate to each other. I can slice and dice these depending on the audience and gig-- and the current condition of the audience: if I need to punch it up, I can stick in an "up" kind of deal. If I'm on a long bill (like a festival) and the act before played my best song (happens) or did nothing but slow ones (also happens) I can adjust my set accordingly. It helps that I have a lot of stuff that I know works.
Maybe this sounds calculated, but it is the way every acoustic act I know works. (Electric ones, too.)
Other considerations that go into the mix:
Tuning (no one likes to hear you tune between every song. Make sure you can do it quickly.)
Key. Audiences get bored if one plays a whole raft of songs in the same key. Mix it up!
Mood. Ditto. My biggest complaint about the "Mainland Slack" crowd is that they play every thing sloooooowwwww. Sure, slack key is mellow, relaxing music. But it doesn't have to all be lullabye time! Listen to Led, Cyril... heck, listen to anybody.
Story telling: Depends on the gig. Stories are a huge part of what I do. But I'll keep my mouth shut if that is what is needed to tell the story.
Vocal vs instrumental. Hell, I'm an instrumentalist. But I have been known to inflict my singing on a crowd if I thought the gig needs it.
Humor: Another big part of what I do. The goal is to entertain, right? (There's a joke about a singer-songwriter introcing his act: "I suffered for my art. Now it's your turn.)
Speed and pacing: Sorta like mood, but also relates to the pacing of the whole set. Ever been to a show where a half hour into the set you are waiting for it to end? Or one where you look at your watch at the break and realize you've been entrance for 90 minutes?That's what I mean.
That's a little bit of how I approach it.
Oh--- competence goes without saying, right? I mean, one doesn't put stuff in a set that you can't play. Backwards and forwards. In the dark. If the monitors break. While being heckled by your ex's attorney. Outdoors.. in the rain... after a big meal. (OK, I do, but I like to take chances on stage. Keeps me amused.)
Looking forward to reading what other folks say.
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noeau
Ha`aha`a
USA
1105 Posts |
Posted - 03/06/2008 : 08:53:41 AM
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| Jus press! Seriously though I agree with Mark and the mix varies from venue to venue. However one a connect is made to the audience then what is played is more of communication and the song list goes out the window. Requests can be made and attempts should be made to accommodate them by all means. Radio shows are a different kind of animal. The DJ is rarely playing and singing for the audience and every number is competently played. One thing is you can't be all things to everyone and shouldn't even try. Have fun and if anyone s really listening then talk to the people in between songs. That helps gain attention and develop rapport as well. |
No'eau, eia au he mea pa'ani wale nō. |
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Retro
Ahonui
USA
2368 Posts |
Posted - 03/06/2008 : 11:11:13 AM
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Additional radio note: I think in three-song sets, most often, and as to how the three songs will flow together. Then I step back to make sure I don't have too many of the same type of sets. That's about as deep as you need to get, considering the way listeners' attention is given to radio.
Sequencing a live set is quite different, as you have more attention paid to you. People aren't as likely to be drying the dishes, painting their walls, paying bills, heading in and out of the room, or chatting with each other, as they are when listening to the radio. |
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