Unknown songs

[devilish23]

Posted: 6/21/10 at 5:13pm

Is it bad to perform songs not many people are familliar with? I will be performing "Larger than Life" form My Favourite Year at a recital soon and when I tell people I usually do not get a positive reaction becuase no one knows it. Should I do something more well known, or are there advantages to doing material people not many people know?

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 6/21/10 at 5:15pm

For a recital? Perform what you like. Maybe others will find a new song they enjoy in it as well. One of my favorites for recitals was Look For Small Pleasures from Ben Franklin in Paris.

[ClapYo'Hands]

Posted: 6/21/10 at 5:17pm

I always perform what I want to. And on the upside, you get to make something your own in the view of the audience.

[newintown]

Posted: 6/21/10 at 5:19pm

I love this question, mostly because there's no right answer.

When I see a concert/cabaret, I much prefer to hear material that's either rare or entirely new to me. I always compare a rendition of something I know to the best version I've already heard, usually, of course, detrimentally. And a good new song is just a real delight, I think.

But I have friends who swear that they know the majority of audience members, like them, vastly prefer to hear songs they already know. When asked to explain why, they say that they need to know a song before they can fully enjoy it.

I wouldn't pretend to know which point of view is "right."

[TheKandyLife]

Posted: 6/21/10 at 7:07pm

i always pick a song thats far from reality, or a song that is silly and fun, i can get deep into a character that people love and remember at a recital. for example i've performed Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life - Spamalot, Second Banana - The Addams Family (my own music), 9 to 5 - Dolly Parton, several songs from South Park, and the reaction is always uproarious (if thats a word lol) BUT that is only for me....i dont know how you sound or act at a recital, but comedic songs get a very positive feedback, sentimental ones do as well, but sometimes (i've found myself doing this) i get bored and forget to listen XD but seriously good luck! i hope ur a blast and go far x