Every band, no matter how slick or seasoned, ends up staring down the barrel of a dead room at some point. Let’s show you how to flip the switch and get the crowd energised.

1 – CHECK YOUR EGO AT THE DOOR

First off, you need to accept that the crowd isn’t always the problem. Sometimes you’re off your game, sometimes the sound is shit, sometimes the venue is just a bit crap. But your job is to fire up the flames, no matter what.

If you’re playing like you feel like you’re owed something, then the crowd will smell it. They’re not there to rescue you or simper, they’re in the place to be entertained. So, ditch the sulk, shake off the entitlement and get to work.

2 – READ THE ROOM LIKE A PRO (ESSENTIAL PUB GIG ADVICE)

Don’t just stare out into the void and hope for a miracle. Watch what little energy there is. Are people chatting? Are they half-watching you? Are they ignoring you completely?

Adapt. If your opening salvo of bangers is bombing, it’s time to switch tactics.

Practical Move:

• Abandon the setlist, just for a song or two. Pull out a tune you know always gets a big reaction, play it even if it might not be cool.

3 – DON’T BREAK THE ICE, SMASH IT TO PIECES

You want to jolt people out of their apathy? Talk to them. Not in a “So, who’s celebrating a birthday?” cruise ship way, but in your own voice. Tell a quick, funny story about your worst ever gig, or how you nearly didn’t make it tonight because the drummer accidentally set fire to his jacket on the train. Make it personal, make it real, make them laugh.

If you’re feeling brave in your big boy pants, then get off the stage and play a song from the floor. Walk around and look like you’re having fun, because then they’ll start to loosen up too.

Practical Moves:

• Call out the venue in a cheeky way (“I heard this place gets pretty wild on a Thursday. Let’s prove it.”)
• Dedicate a song to the bar staff. They’ll love you for it, and sometimes that’s all it takes to get the room going.

4 – CROWD PARTICIPATION, NO AWKWARD MOMENTS ALLOWED

Forget those awkward “everybody clap your hands” routines. Instead, give them something easy and irresistible. Start a singalong on a chorus everyone knows, but don’t force it, just drop the volume and see who bites.

Challenge the crowd: “Bet you can’t out-sing the band on this next one.”

If it’s dead, embrace it: “Alright, looks like we’re playing for the hardcore few tonight. So, what you lack in numbers let’s all make up for in noise. Who’s with us?”

5 – PLAY FOR THE ONE & WIN OVER SMALL AUDIENCES

Sometimes, the room just isn’t going to turn. That’s reality. But there’s ALWAYS at least one person watching with interest, even if it’s just that old couple, the barmaid or that lone punter at the bar. Play for them. Throw out the energy and make their night.

They’ll remember you and they’ll talk about you. That’s how legends start, one fan at a time.

6 – CAPTURE THE CHAOS WITH SOCIAL MEDIA FOR COVER BANDS

Even if the gig feels like a write-off, film a song or two. Sometimes, the weirdest, emptiest gigs produce the rawest, funniest moments. Share it with your followers and be honest, “we played to five people and a dog last night. Still tore it up”.

People love that shit. It shows you’re real and you’re in it for the music, not just the glory.

7 – DEBRIEF & MOVE ON (YOUR ESSENTIAL BAND SURVIVAL TIP)

After the gig, don’t let the mood fester. Have a quick, honest chat, think about:

• What worked?
• What tanked?
• What could you try next time?

Then let it go. You’re not defined by one dead room, but you are defined by how you bounce back.

Epic band photos are not about standing in line, staring at the lens like you’ve all just shit your shorts. If you look like you’re being held hostage at gunpoint, then you’re probably doing it wrong.

WHY YOUR BAND PHOTOS SUCK ASS & WHY IT MATTERS

If I see one more band photo shot against a knackered old brick wall, I’ll fucking lose it. First impressions count, and your band images are the frontline on your website, your press kit, your gig posters and every damn social media profile you run. If you want to get booked for gigs, build a powerful brand and stand out from every other cover band in town, then your photos need to look as wild and professional as your live show feels.

STYLE LIKE YOU MEAN IT

Stop overthinking your outfit and start thinking about your identity for your cover band photos. Are you a gritty indie band, a party-starting cover band or something in between? Dress like you actually play gigs, not like you’re off to a job interview or a shitty stag do for your dodgy cousin’s gypsy wedding. Wear what you rock on stage, the clothes you can move in and that scream your vibe. If you’re not sure, pick a lane and go bold, go dark or go energetic. And for the love of chaos, ditch the oversized clothing brand logos unless you’re getting paid to wear them.

NO MORE HUMAN LAMPPOSTS

The secret to all this shit is confidence. Don’t stand there like you’re waiting for detention. Move, lean and laugh. Get the front person actually up front, but don’t make the rest of the band look like they’ve been sentenced to the back row forever. Mess around with height, angles and attitude, and if you feel like an absolute bell-end, then you’re probably doing it right. Try action shots, crowd reactions or even a staged mid-gig meltdown. You want photos that look like your band sounds: full of energy, unpredictable and ready to blow the roof off.

STAY AWAY FROM THE BRICK WALLS

Find a spot that fits your vibe. Whether that’s gritty alleyways, neon-lit bars, rooftops and skylines, or even the sticky flea-infested floor of your favourite boozer. The best band photography locations tell a story and give your band images some actual personality. Oh yeah, and bonus points for weird props or catching the golden hour light. While we’re at it, always check the lighting, because dark and moody beats washed-out and boring every time.

DIY OR PRO PHOTOGRAPHER?

If you can afford a pro who actually understands music photography, do it. But if you’re broke, then grab a mate with a decent camera or phone and shoot a ton of stuff. Use natural light, experiment with angles and don’t be afraid to get weird. Most importantly, someone needs to take charge and direct this ship, otherwise you’ll end up with 100 blurry shots of you all blinking, confused and looking like someone took you hostage and is demanding a ransom.

EDIT LIKE A BAND THAT GIVES A SHIT

Don’t slap an Instagram filter on and call it done. Edit your band photos so you look sharp, not fucking radioactive. Crop for your website, socials and press kit, and make sure your images match your music branding. Consistency is king, so use the same style across your Facebook, Instagram and your EPK (that’s your electronic press kit) so people know it’s you, not just some random pricks with an instrument fetish.

USE YOUR PHOTOS LIKE A PRO

Look, you’ve put all the work in, now actually update your website, press kit, Facebook, Instagram and every gig poster with your new shots. Don’t let your killer new photos rot in a Google Drive folder. The right band image can get you more gigs, more fans and more respect, so just frigging use them everywhere already.