A different gig approach.

[Andy]

After a few seasons of performing at medium scale festivals + some larger events, this year, we decided to dip our toes into self promotion (i.e. we’re hiring the venue + staff & selling tickets) theatre & event space gigs. We’ve started small (circa 200 - 300 seat), & this one last weekend was the smallest so far (capacity 120). A lovely little historic welsh chapel (1752) in the very small & sleepy border town of Hay on Wye, now a mini theatre / event space with a wrap around mezzanine balcony.

We went really stripped down on this gig. Tiny PA, very minimal lighting, etc - I didn’t even mic the toms! All this to create an intimate feel that we think suited the venue. Our other theatre dates will feature a much larger “show” with accompanying increase in ticket prices. This little show sold out with only a modest marketing budget, & returned an acceptable profit.

Here’s a short clip compilation. You can see some of the venue size context in a couple of drum cam shots near the end of the video.

Given the minimal setup, I was very happy with the sound

 

[JoeVermont]

Nice result, drums sound great, too!
Is that a Bose or a Bose clone system you were using? Those are pretty amazing!

 

[Smoke]

Cool! The intimacy of a pub gig without any of the drawbacks. Patrons are paying to see YOU instead of paying for drinks. You guys get to be the main attraction instead of the "background music." The crowd seemed engaged throughout; the musicianship and stage presence was excellent as always. I can't see why this wouldn't be your approach going forward. Hopefully the load-in/out were easy!

 

[Andy]

Nice result, drums sound great, too!
Is that a Bose or a Bose clone system you were using? Those are pretty amazing!

Thanks. The PA was provided by the venue. It’s a HK Audio Elements system (better than Bose IMHO). Pushes out around 3k RMS, so surprisingly punchy for it’s physical size.

Cool! The intimacy of a pub gig without any of the drawbacks. Patrons are paying to see YOU instead of paying for drinks. You guys get to be the main attraction instead of the "background music." The crowd seemed engaged throughout; the musicianship and stage presence was excellent as always. I can't see why this wouldn't be your approach going forward. Hopefully the load-in/out were easy!

Thank you, & you nailed the rationale, except on this occasion, load in was a PITA (no parking, street load in through venue main door).

This didn’t pay as well as our usual fee based gigs, but we’re not all about the money. We’ve booked again for next year, & will change our ticketing policy. This first punt at the venue, we were more concerned with getting good numbers, so put out an early bird price without a cap on numbers. That reduced revenue, but all good.

 

[Andy]