I started my 2011 House Concert tour a few weeks back and I'm just loving the format. I'll share some comments and experiences about some of the gigs in the next blog. But I still get a lot of people scrinching their face and going "huh" when I mention that I'm doing house concerts so I thought I'd "lift" the discussion about it from my website HC page and post it here.
Social networking, viral marketing and DIY technology have fractured the music biz landscape and enabled a more fertile environment than ever for world class musicians slightly outside the mainstream to successfully practice their craft, expand their exposure to a greater, more appreciative audience and simultaneously connect with their fans on a deeper personal level. There is one other element that further advances the indie artist / fan connection: HOUSE CONCERTS.
House concerts are hardly a new concept; indeed throughout history, house concerts have found favor with all segments of society from live recitals in aristocrats' parlors to blues jams in the neighbor's back yard. Today there is a global resurgence of house concerts and they have become a highly preferred way to experience live music by fans and musicians (including me) all over the world.
SO WHAT'S A HOUSE CONCERT?
Quite simply, a house concert is an invitation-only concert hosted by individuals in their own home or other suitable space.* A house concert creates a more intimate and directly engaging environment that enhances the performance experience for all involved - musician, audience and presenter. Think of it as hosting a VH1 "Unplugged" or "Storytellers" show of your own (without the broadcast crew of course).
THE BASICS - In keeping with the "simple" theme above, the basic ingredients for a house concert are:
- a willing host
- music fans (25+)
- a space* for them to sit comfortably and experience compelling music.
- oh yeah, the artist (hopefully me)
FORMAT - After the basics, there is no one perfect formula or format. House concerts can take on many different forms depending on the host's inclinations and the level of creative collaboration between host and artist. We mentioned the VH1 vibe above, but a creatively ambitious host with the right space can turn the event into its own unique "happening" - e.g., have you seen this commercial where a group takes over an abandoned gas station and turns it into a performance space? But do remember that it's a concert and not a party with music, so be sure as a host, to control the expectations of invitees as well as the event's basic outline:
- pre-show - arrivals / socializing with optional food and beverage (or even "pot luck")
- performance period - e.g., 2 sets with an intermission
- post-show - artist "meet and greet", CD and merchandise purchases (unwrap em and get them signed while he's there!)
* SPACE: The host's home is the most obvious space and most living rooms can easily hold 40+ people (really)! But there are many "unconventional" venues that work quite well: apartments, lofts, club rooms in apartment complexes, community spaces in college dorms, libraries, churches, barns, green houses (!) laundry rooms (!) your office (!) your empty warehouse (!). Again, a creative host could actually make just about any space work (although if you're booking me, make sure there is electricity - I don't literally do "unplugged"). And don't forget to consider outdoors if weather permits!
I have links to "how to" resources for hosting a house concert on my own HC page. They are good general guides that cover planning, logistics and money considerations. They are also full of helpful tips and suggestions. But if you want to contact me for more ideas and suggestions for tailoring one of your own contact me at info@emaworldrock.com
Next blog: notes from the house concert "trenches"!
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