How many times have you played the same songs, for essentially the same audience, on multiple occasions? The answer is probably quite often.  Your fans may love you, and your music, but at some point they’re going to start getting tired of the same songs and performance each time they come see you.

Here are some tips on breaking out of the same show rut and changing your performance so it seems fresh each time:

1.)    Play an Acoustic Show vs. with the Entire Band

-          If you usually play a full band, play a night where you’re all playing acoustically with a simplified percussion setup. Or, vice vera, if you usually play acoustically, play a night with a full band.

2.)    Invite some Special Guests to join you.

-          Ask other musician friends to join you for a night.  This might include a special vocal guest or maybe add some different instrumental guests for the night.  You might even include 2 or 3 of their songs or favorites in your set.

3.)    Combine with another band for a night

-          This can be a fun time to get together, play each other’s songs, and share your fan base for an evening.

4.)    Perform your own arrangements of classic tunes.

-          Who says you only have to play the songs you wrote.  There are a lot of great songs out there that are meant to be enjoyed forever.  Change the arrangement, the instrumentation, etc.  Pick songs that you think your fans will like in addition to your own.

5.)    Change your set list

-          If you’ve been playing for a few years, and you have more songs than can be played during your entire show, change up your set to include your lesser played songs.

6.)    Play more of your older songs

-          Have an oldies night where you play more of your older songs.  Maybe you’ve re-arranged them, rewritten parts, etc.  I’ll bet your fans, new or old, haven’t heard all of your songs.

7.)    Try out new songs

-          Most songwriters have a pile of songs they’re continually working.  Try some of these out at your next show.  Solicit some feedback from the audience, during or after the show, as to if they liked them or not.

8.)    Showcase other band members during the set

-          Many bands have members who are happy playing their part but who happen to be very proficient with their voice or instrument.  Give them a chance to shine.  Everyone will enjoy it.

9.)    Add some special effects or other art forms to the production, i.e. background images, lighting, dance, etc..

-          It might look great to add some changing backgrounds or pictures while you’re playing.  Your music might also lend itself to including a another art form while you’re playing, i.e. having someone choreograph and perform a dance piece.   This may not always work, depending upon the venue, but might add a little flair to your show.

10.)  Create a special theme night highlighting a cause or a non-profit.

-          There might be a cause or an organization that you’d really like to help out.  Team up with them for a night.  Maybe a fundraiser , or, it could be just to raise awareness.  You could create a song list that revolves around the theme for the night, maybe even write some special songs for the evening.

What other ideas do you have?  Share your thoughts.