Rock and Roll, Country, Blues, Jazz, Southern Rock - which genre is the best for getting gigs? I think having the ability to effectively cover multiple genres is the real key. As a solo artist, having the ability to cross multiple genres has helped in keeping the audience engaged and improving my chances of being rebooked. Granted, different venues desire different genres, but the broader genre appeal you have, the higher likelihood of being booked and re-booked is greater.
What's your sweet spot? Does what yuo play resonate with a broader audience? You want to play beyond open mics, then create set lists that speak to your target audience!
When I decided to play more places other than "smokeytonks", I knew I had to learn other tunes besides mostly country. I started to learn regional Carolina Beach tunes on acoustic, The Beates, pop tunes from the 60's and 70's and some Motown. But I think there's a lot more to it than the genres such as stage presence, personality, crowd engagement, singing tone, eye contact, but we all know that. I haven't figured out my what you call a "sweet spot" because I like so much music. I do get tired of certain song and genres though. Like blues. "If I hear Chris Stapleton's version of Tenn Whiskey one more time, I'ma gonna.....!" I learned the original version long ago and prefer the twang of country. But this year I've sat it ALL down for the most part because of a fretting hand issue and I was just plain worn out of the songs. Sure, learned some good new ones but I needed a break. And as of recent, some funds have been freed up to pursue my first love, music, and my second love, travel and hiking and fishing and sitting on my butt. Don't be too surprised if at one of your gigs, Cindy and I will be heckling you down front. 🙂 But that's the short version for music genres paired with establishments.Â
@traveling-bone-sc Agree with your comments on the "Stage Presence, personality, and professionalism" for sure. What I play at shows isn't necessarily what I play for my own enjoyment. As a hired performer, I play what the audience wants to hear - EVEN if I don't like playing it. (Sweet Caroline, Wagon Wheel, Tennessee Whiskey, to name a few) - but these are the most requested songs. So - playing what they want to hear trumps what I want to play.Â
I do know that different venues have different vibes and will play to the venue (one venue all country; the next all acoustic rock).. Having the flexibility to do multiple genres opens more doors.
