My Gig Day Request

I've wanted to put this out there for a while.  More for myself than anyone else really. 

So I can get clear on my expectations and what works for me on gigging days. 

It's all a big juggling act at the moment, working a day job, making music, finding time to gig, second guessing, booking shows.  Oh, the self doubt and the drama can be crippling. 

I have learned to just ask anyone and everyone, send event listings, invitations, texts to people I know well, people I used to know well, people I thought I knew, anyone really. 

Just in case. 

In case they are interested, in case they like my stuff, or know someone who does or might. 

Or just in case they are up for supporting me on a gig day. 

I was sharing with a fellow musician the other day that I hoped in the not too distant future to get to the point that I don't know all the people coming to my gigs. 

People who know someone who knows someone who said it was worth checking out, people who heard the songs on the radio, itunes, spotify, somewhere. 

Don't get me wrong, I love it when friends and friends of friends turn up, maybe even dragging more unsuspecting friends along.  It's awesome. 

There is this thing that happens though when you invite people to a show.  Take note, this applies to every invitation.  

People text me during soundcheck to say they aren't coming. 

Here's what works for me: 

1. If you want to go but can't, say something like this: "Thanks for the invite, I'd love to go, I have something else that day"  I do not even have to know what that something else is. 

Do NOT say yes, and then text me during soundcheck to let me know you can't make it. 

2. If you don't want to go, say something like this" Thanks for the invite, I won't be making it" I don't need a reason. If you can sincerely add, have a great show, do.  If not, don't.   

Do NOT say yes and then text me during soundcheck to let me know you can't make it And especially do not add your cat is sick,you are sick, you have a flat tire.  

I get it. 

We live in a society where so much pulls at us all the time.  We can't possibly get everything done and accept all the social events in our calendars. 

I get it. 

I say no, too. 

I'm only asking one thing, mentioning it, bringing it up..Please don't text me during soundcheck to let me know you can't make it. 

Unless you are my son, my sister, a close friend, someone I will worry about if you are conspicuously absent. 

This may seem weird, I know.  It's just when I'm getting ready for a show, that's what I'm doing, getting in the space, being emotionally aware, finding the zone. 

Thanks for the love and support. 

M

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