There are generally two types of bands: bands that play covers and bands that play originals. What these types have in common is they both usually start out with covers.
Original Performers
Bands who go on to be original performers pretty much have to start out playing covers. They make a setlist with a few crowd pleasers, a couple more niche songs, and something to show off their skills. Eventually, they throw in some originals until they find their whole set is originals. As someone in a band, this is what I have observed and try to do myself.
It is super important to start out with covers because it is one of the most effective ways to gain a fan base. If people like your performance energy and your renditions of popular songs, they’re likely to try to see more of you. They might even be interested in what you can make yourself.
The process of converting from all covers to all originals is different for every band. Some are able to pump out songs weekly and others have to take their time. In the end, they have originals to show off.
Cover Bands
Some bands choose to be cover bands. I think there are two different kinds of cover bands: those that play a variety of artists and genres and those that are tribute bands.
One of the very first concerts I even went to was a Pink Floyd tribute band when I was six with my dad. It was a wonderful and spectacular time for my tiny self. Since then, I have also seen a Fleetwood Mac tribute and a Tom Petty and the Heartbreaker tribute band, with one of NC State’s own professors on lead guitar.
One of my best friends was in a band who, to start, were fairly dedicated to playing only Nirvana songs. My friend has a very very similar voice to Kurt Cobain and was able to get some of those screams on point. He has since joined a different band and they play almost all originals, while still incorporating that Nirvana-esque feeling to their songs.
I have seen a good amount of cover bands, of either variety and I have nothing but the highest respect for their good quality and hard work. What I think might be an issue with some cover bands is that setlists can get repeated sometimes.
While visiting Ocracoke Island this summer, I spoke to a resident about the local music scene. I was told of a couple spots where live music is played often and was good quality. One small warning was coupled with this recommendation of the fact that out of the five bands on the island, four were cover bands. He even said that if he hears live music, with incredible accuracy he can predict the next song on the setlist.
This seems like it could get old pretty quick, especially living on a tiny island or a small town. It’s one thing to have a standing setlist if one is guaranteed to have a varying audience from show to show. I think it might be a better idea to switch things up if you’re pretty much having the same people listen to you all the time.
The issue of repetition is not unique to cover bands. In my own experience, my band and I were unfortunate enough to have to basically repeat a setlist consecutively. It was during finals and we were mainly focusing on debuting a new original. There were some familiar faces in the crowd and so I hope they didn’t fault us too much.
Mix it up if you can.
— dj dragonfly
