Make Every Gig Count
When we say “small venue,” what do we mean?
We’re not talking coffee shops or massive festivals. Think private parties, small corporate events, bustling restaurants, large bars, or weekend town events—spaces with audience ranges anywhere from 100 to 2,000 people. These are the gigs where people are walking around, eating, shopping, and socializing… not necessarily sitting down and watching your every move. That means you’ve got to earn their attention.
These venues are our sweet spot—and here’s what we’ve learned along the way:
1. Build the Right Setlist
Read our full blog on How We Build a Setlist for Live Shows for a deep dive, but here’s the short version: your setlist can make or break you. For this kind of gig, you want fun, upbeat, instantly recognizable songs—bangers from all genres and decades. Keep it family-friendly and keep people grooving. You’re setting the vibe for the whole event.
2. Sound is Everything
Let’s be real—bad sound ruins good music. Invest in quality gear and make sure your system can fill the space without overpowering it. Check in with your audience: “Can you hear us okay?” goes a long way. Ask your event contact, too. They’re the ones who booked you and could book you again. Your professionalism here matters.
Want to know what kind of equipment we use for small and mid-size venues?
👉 Click here to see our gear list on Amazon.
3. Dress the Part
You’re a performer—look like one. That doesn’t mean formalwear, but you do need to look intentional. A graphic tee with your logo or merch and a nice jacket works great. If it’s hot, clean shorts are fine—but keep it modest and tasteful. For us, we always coordinate our outfits to reflect that we’re a duo. It shows we care. It shows we’re a brand.
Need some style inspiration for your next gig?
👉 Check out our go-to stage outfit ideas on Amazon.
4. Engage (But Read the Room)
Most of these gigs are “background music”… until they’re not. Watch your crowd. If people are stopping to listen, give a little wave, a quick shoutout, or a short story between songs. People love knowing who they’re listening to. We often share little bits about ourselves—our son, our dog, our journey. It builds connection. If you’re playing an original, introduce it with a quick 30-second backstory. Keep it short, sweet, and human.
5. Make It Easy to Connect
Don’t just play—promote. We always set up an A-frame sign with a photo of us and a big “Scan to Follow or Tip” QR code. We also bring a good ol’ fashioned tip jar (clearly labeled). Not everyone will stop, but some will, and you want to make that as easy and visible as possible.
6. Don’t Fear Mistakes—Own Them
This isn’t a stadium tour with auto-tune and backing dancers. Live music has rough edges. Embrace them. If you flub a lyric or miss a chord, laugh it off. Say something. Be real. People appreciate humility and humor more than perfection. It makes you relatable—and way more fun to watch.
Why We Love Small Venues
These shows are where we feel most at home. They’re laid back, flexible, and give you space to experiment. You can try new songs, engage in spontaneous moments, and really get to know your crowd. It’s where you find your style, your groove, and your confidence.
Whether it’s your first show or your 50th, small venues are where you grow.
Want to see what our live sets look like?
Check out our Live Album Recording to hear a real example of what a small venue set sounds like from start to finish.
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