How to Build Your Repertoire of Songs
As a new artist, it might be challenging to come up with enough songs to fill a 45-min set, let alone multiple 45-min sets. Or maybe you're preparing audition songs but want to be able to choose from a variety of songs, depending on the role you're auditioning for. Whether you fill your repertoire with cover songs or originals or a mix of both, here are a few tips on how to build your repertoire.
#1: Identify a genre or style
While it is good to practice songs from different genres and styles to familiarize yourself with your voice and the style you like and your voice sounds good with when you start performing it will be beneficial to choose songs within a coherent style so that you can market towards a specific audience.
If you start your set with classically influenced ballads, continue with K-pop, and close with country music you might have a hard time gaining a following. It's cool to be unique and diversify but find a common denominator that makes you recognizable. This will help your audience to relate to you, recognize you and follow you!
#2: Make a list of potential songs
Now that you have narrowed it down to a genre or style, make a list of all potential songs. Spend a while thinking about the impact of these songs on your own musicianship. Think of this as Brainstorming, you can add as many songs as you'd like, and narrow it down later.
It's better to lay all of your options out and narrow them down than to limit yourself to the first batch of songs that comes to mind. Choose the songs that feel right to you and make sure you genuinely enjoy performing them.
Once you've created a general list, you can start narrowing down your selection.
Pick a number of songs that are realistic for you and your goals as a performer. For open mic night, you might choose 5-10 songs, if you're looking to headline venues, you'll want closer to 15 or 20 songs. You might not play all of them each night, but no one wants to see the same set twice; have a few extra songs you can weave in and out of your setlists.
Also, be sure you're choosing songs that are realistic for you to perform. It's always good to push yourself, but it's better to give a great performance of an easy song than a sloppy performance of a technical song.
#3: Create a timeline to learn each song
Without a deadline or timeline, you might find yourself never finishing a set. Be diligent about creating a timeline for when you'll have each song learned. It can be a loose timeline, but having specific dates and goals will keep you on track.
In your timeline, create a practice schedule. If you end up learning each song quicker than you thought, great job! Move forward. If it's taking you even longer, no worries, just readjust your timeline to fit your schedule. But if you're going to extend your timeline, be sure it's because of genuine effort – not because you were too busy going out for drinks and watching TV. Make it a priority!
#4: Practice efficiently
Practicing with bad technique, while browsing through the internet will only create more bad habits. Make sure you practice with focus and diligence. Use a metronome to keep you on track with the rhythm and speed, record yourself while you practice receiving immediate biofeedback, and practice with minimal effects (no auto-tune, little reverb, etc).
Use your time wisely and you will progress much quicker!
#5: Keep your Repertoire alive
Use it or lose it!
Once you've practiced your songs make sure you don't forget the songs you learned in the beginning. If you don't perform these songs regularly, set aside time each week to play and sing through your entire song list to make you're polished up and good to go for your next performance. Sometimes gigs, open mics, performance opportunities happen unexpectedly and are announced last minute, be ready!