From phone etiquette to crowd participation, here's the insider knowledge that'll make you a better gig-goer and keep the bands happy.
After watching countless punters fumble through live shows, it's time for some straight talk. Musicians are generally too polite to say what they're really thinking, so consider this your crash course in not being that person at the gig.
Your Phone Isn't a Professional Camera
We get it—The Jungle Giants are killing it and you want to capture the moment. But holding your phone above your head for three songs straight? You're blocking the view for everyone behind you and missing the actual experience. Take a few quick snaps, then put the bloody thing away and actually watch the band you paid to see.
Early Sets Matter More Than You Think
Showing up fashionably late might work for dinner parties, but venues like The Workers Club and Bar 303 are programming support acts for a reason. These opening slots often showcase the next big thing—missing them because you're still pre-drinking is your loss. Plus, arriving early means better positioning and supporting the entire music ecosystem, not just the headliner.
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Volume Complaints Are Pointless
If you're standing near the speakers at 170 Russell complaining about the volume, you've fundamentally misunderstood live music. It's supposed to be loud. That's the point. Artists like 360 and Phil Jamieson have spent years perfecting their sound for live environments—trust them to know what they're doing.
Crowd Participation Isn't Optional
When Jon Stevens asks you to sing along, he's not just being polite. Live music is a collaborative experience. Your energy feeds the performers, who feed it back to you. Standing there like a statue scrolling Instagram defeats the entire purpose. If you wanted background music, you should've stayed home with Spotify.
Respect the Venue and Staff
Whether you're at the intimate Ellington Jazz Club or the grand Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, these spaces exist because people care about them. Don't be the dickhead who treats bar staff like servants or leaves your empty cups on the floor. These venues are fragile ecosystems that need your respect to survive.
Timing Isn't Always Perfect
Technical difficulties happen. Set changes take time. Sometimes the drummer's kit falls apart mid-song. Rolling your eyes and checking your watch doesn't help anyone. The best gigs often include these imperfect human moments—embrace the chaos instead of expecting a flawless iTunes playback experience.
The artists grinding through 30+ shows like Yours Owls and Darklab TAS aren't just performing—they're sharing something personal with you. The least you can do is show up properly and participate in the magic.
Ready to put these tips into practice? Discover your next live music experience at musick.com.au and become the audience that artists actually want to play for.