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Are setlist is very varied with many different genres in are set.

1.Our House

2.Moving Out

3.What you know

4.Burnt bridges (original)

5.Mowie ci ze

6.Valerie

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The venues that we are performing at is the mash house in the Cowgate area of Edinburgh. This venue bring live music of all genres and is a popular music venue that facilitates around 200 people.

This venue hosts a large variety of bands and genres and venue in the heart of Edinburgh

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making a good set list we have chosen to start with a bang that's why we have chosen "our house'' by madness.This is a well known classic.

Then we haven chosen"moving out" by billy Joel this song is upbeat and will get the crowed moving.

Next we have chosen "what you know"by two door cinema club this is a more well know song this is a classic favourite for many.

Next on are set list is are original by us this song is called "burnt bridges" we hope the crowded will like this as we have put a lot of work into it and we have placed this half way thought are set so the crowed are warmed up and enjoying the show but not at the end.

After this we are playing "Mowie ci ze" by tilt. This is a polish song that we have played a couple of times live now and is the bands favourite to play and we hope the crowed will enjoy it as much as we do.

the show stopper last on are set list is "Valerie" by the zutons we have put this last because this a world wide crowed pleaser and we think is well go down very with the crowed.

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For all bands, regardless of their popularity, a strong set list is the foundation to putting on a good show.
Whilst it can be fun to perform without a set list (especially for bands with a pre existing following) a well designed set list allows a band to win over an audience that might not have heard them before.

It means they can focus on their sound, rehearse the performance to perfection and put on the best show possible.

What is a set list?

If you are new to performing live, a set list is simply a list of what songs you would like to play, and in what order.

While that is its simplest form, putting together a great set list that really works can be a bit of an art form in itself.

John Mayer's setlist for April 7th 2017 at Wells Fargo Centre, Philidelphia PA. Photo Credit: Daniel Prakopcyk
As such, here is Last Minute Musicians guide to putting together a truly great set list...
1. Begin with a bang

First impressions are extremely important and the first song on your set list should give the audience an overall impression of your bands sound - a real "statement of intent".

However, before you even get to the first tune, there are a couple of tricks you can use to kickstart your performance;

If you're a rock or metal band, consider kicking the evening off with a "wash" (No, we aren't talking about a shower, although that might be a good idea after the show!). Taken from the drumming phrase "cymbal wash" this generally means all of the band just making a bit of coordinated noise before they all kick into the first song in order to up the tension. Plenty of cymbals, a nice low rumble from the bass and even a bit of guitar feedback won't go a miss here! Although it's actually a tough thing to describe, for good examples, check out Catfish & The Bottlemen's live festival sets:

If you're a funk, motown, jazz big band or even Chicago blues style act, consider adding a bit of an intro to your song for the band to play first, before bringing on and introducing the singer. This worked brilliantly for the likes of Frank Sinatra, BB King and James Brown.

For everyone else, the key really is to start strong. Many people are going to make up their mind about your band within the first couple of songs, so it's important to start with a couple of songs you consider to work really well together.

That said, the great Les Paul (yes, the man that designed the famous electric guitar model!) always advised that bands should not worry about their first tune as audiences take time to become directly connected with the music. Who are we to argue, eh?

2. Have the energy of your songs form "an arc"

Although it's slightly genre-dependent, you probably wouldn't want to see a band that constantly performs songs of the same tempo and mood, after all, a bit of variety never goes a miss!

Now it's important to understand that by "forming an arc" we don't mean anything about animals going 2 x 2! A good way to structure your performance could be to start with fast and energetic songs, showing off your principle sound.

Follow this by moving towards slower songs for the middle of the performance (hopefully for a bit of a sing-along!)before finally finishing off with more energetic songs. If you were to plot this out on a graph, it would resemble something that looks like an arc.

While this is good general advice, it is only one way of doing things. A band should choose their set list based on the strengths of their songs. The one key point that all bands should remember is to make every performance memorable!

3. Leave room for improvisation

Again, this will be slightly genre-dependent, but if your band is beginning to attract a fan base, it will become increasingly important to allow some room for improvisation and experimentation within your set.

Fans won't want to see the same show over and over again. Have some changeable set lists, and allow for extra room in songs to jam and keep things fresh for both you and your audience.

This could be done by adding in new songs, changing a solo or even changing the arrangements songs. For example playing an acoustic version, or even fundamentally changing the groove of a tune can really help to change things up. For great examples of improvisation, rearrangement and groove change, check out Justin Timberlake's medley on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.

4. Ensure that your set list flows

From the perspective of the audience, a band that stops between every song, perhaps mumbles a few words and then clumsily begins the next song can become incredibly tiresome.

This sort of performance can be seen pretty regularly, but if we're being brutally honest, it can potentially turn new fans away. Similarly, long gaps in between songs can also prove for an incredibly awkward experience for all involved.

As a guide, more than 10 to 15 seconds of complete silence on stage is going to start to feel pretty awkward. This might not seem like a long time, but it can feel like a lifetime with 200 hundred pairs of eyes and ears hanging on your every word and movement.

By treating every gig as an opportunity to engage with the audience and considering yourself as an 'entertainer' as well as a musician, you can end up with a much more interesting and interactive experience for both the band and the audience.

Come up with "standby" things to talk about. Interesting facts about the band or song (especially if it's a cover), stories about how the song was written or what inspired it and even a few tried and tested jokes can all be great ways to avoid an awkward silence and get that extra bit of audience interaction.
Like him or loathe him, Noel Gallagher is rarely caught without something to say onstage!
That said, no one wants to hear you break into a long monologue after every single tune, so it's important to strike a balance.

This can also be done musically - weaving songs into one another (known as a "segue") and leaving clear gaps in the set to allow for audience participation such as clapping along or sing-along breakdowns.

5. End with a showstopper

It could well be argued the most important bit of the set is the end of the performance and a band should aim to make as memorable impact on the audience as possible.

Depending on the genre, this could be an opportunity for one last sing along with the audience, the lead guitarist's last chance for a solo (or both!). Either way, make sure you have a strong set of songs towards the end of your set.

As the old adage says, it's important to always leave the audience wanting more!

Always, always, always have an encore prepared, just in case. There is nothing worse than an audience screaming out for more and having nothing to give them!

Not only will this increase your chances of being asked to perform another show at the same venue, but you may even get asked for an encore! You should know that there are very few musical experiences quite as gratifying as having 300 people shouting, "We want more!" at the end of a show...

General tips:

Always over prepare. It's better to have more songs ready and cut some than to not have enough. That said, if you're playing a bill with multiple bands, keep one eye on the time as you don't want to run over by so much you eat into another bands set.

Make sure everyone has copies of the set list and compares notes beforehand. The last thing you want is the drummer launching into a different introduction to the guitarist!

Keep a sharpie handy for last minute set changes. This should be part of your gig bag. For more advice on what to keep in there, check out this LMM guide.

If you're a function or covers band, decide as a group if you want to take requests. Be realistic, given the amount of material you have prepared. You can always offer the audience alternatives IE "Sorry, we've already done 'Mr Brightside' but how about 'Chelsea Dagger'?"

Sources: Do you have any tips on writing a set list? Let us know in the comments below!

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How to write the perfect set list for your band

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For all bands, regardless of their popularity, writing good set lists is the key to putting on a good show.

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"Our House" is a song by the British ska and pop band Madness.The song was released on November 12 in 1982 and it was the lead single from their fourth studio album, The Rise & Fall. this song was written by band members Chas Smash and Chris Foreman, the track became one of their most iconic hits, reaching No. 5 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 7 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1983

The song was loosely written about a story of a marriage's unraveling primarily exploring themes of infidelity, betrayal, and the impact of secrets on relationships and the family home

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"Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)" is a track by Billy Joel from his 1977 album the stranger. The song critiques the aspirations of working-class individuals striving for material success, highlighting the futility of such pursuits. Joel portrays characters like Anthony, who works at a grocery store to fulfill his mother's wish to "move out to the country," and Sergeant O'Leary, who works two jobs to afford a Cadillac, suggesting that these efforts may not lead to true happiness. ​

The song was released as a single in September 1977 and re-released in March 1978. It peaked at number 14 on the U.S. Cash Box Top 100 chart and reached number 11 in Canada.

This is a great song and is well written

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Billy Joel - Movin' Out (Anthony's Song) (Official Audio)

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What you know by Two Door Cinema Club, from their 2016 album Gameshow. The song blends their signature indie rock style with a more synth-heavy, electronic pop influence that was part of the evolution of their sound on this album. this song soon became a world wide favourite

in essence, “What Do You Know?” is about questioning what you know versus what others think they know. It’s about rejecting easy answers, standing up for your own identity, and navigating the pressures of the world around you. It might be wrapped in a grove of the songs but the lyrics provide a thoughtful commentary on personal freedom and introspection.

and is one of our favourite songs on the set list

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"Mówię Ci Że" is a song by the Polish rock band Tilt, which was released as part of their 1994 album Mówię Ci Że. Tilt was a prominent band in the Polish alternative and rock scene, especially in the 90s. They combined elements of punk rock, grunge, and post-punk in their music, creating a unique sound that resonated with many listeners.

"Mówię Ci Że" (translated: I'm Telling You That) is one of Tilt's iconic tracks, representing the band’s raw, emotional, and often rebellious energy. The song touches on themes of frustration, communication, and personal relationships. It's a classic example of how Tilt blends introspection many of there listers.

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"Valerie" is a song by the English indie rock band The Zutons, released on June 19, 2006, as the second single from their second studio album, Tired of Hanging Around. The track became one of the band's most popular songs, reaching number 9 on the UK Singles Chart.

The song was written by The Zutons' members Dave McCabe, Sean Payne, Boyan Chowdhury, Russell Pritchard, and Abi Harding. The lyrics were inspired by a makeup artist named Valerie Star, who was in a relationship with McCabe. Star was set to fly to the UK to visit McCabe when she was arrested for driving with a suspended license, causing the trip to be canceled. McCabe reacted to the news by quickly jotting down some lyrics while riding in the back of a taxi, which eventually turned into the song "Valerie."

The success of the Ronson/Winehouse version brought renewed attention to The Zutons' original, highlighting the band's songwriting prowess. Despite the cover's popularity, The Zutons' version remains a beloved track in the UK indie rock scene.

In recent years, The Zutons have reformed to pay tribute to Amy Winehouse, performing "Valerie" and her hit "Back to Black" in her honor. The band expressed their honor and pride in Amy's version of their song being so highly

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Personal Instrumental Practice (Saxophone)

Activity: Before each practice session, I made sure to tune both my alto and tenor saxophones to ensure optimal performance. I focused on playing scales and covering the full range of the saxophone to maintain flexibility and control.

Routine: My practice routine included playing through various scales and focusing on using the full range of the saxophone, from low to high notes, in order to improve my tone and dexterity. I also spent some time working out the key in which each sax part and solo was and practising them.

Evidence:

see recordings down below

Reflection: Tuning my saxophones and ensuring they were in proper condition was crucial for maintaining a consistent tone. The exercises in my routine helped with improving control over the instrument, especially in higher ranges.

Songwriting and Composition (Original Song "Burnt Bridges")

Activity: As a band, we worked together to write the song "Burnt Bridges." We collaborated on writing the lyrics, melody, and chord progressions but did not use any technology or tools for the songwriting process.

Process: The song was created organically during our jam sessions, with each band member contributing their ideas. We didn't rely on software or formal arrangement tools, opting instead for a more traditional collaborative approach.

Evidence:

see recordings down below

Reflection: The process of creating the song together was both fun and spontaneous. Although we didn’t use any technology, we were able to come up with a strong piece that resonated with the group and became a key part of our set.

Rehearsing with Others (Band Rehearsals)

Activity: I rehearsed with my bandmates, including Fraser, Franek, Damien, and Conner. We went over our setlist, which included:

1. Our House

2. Moving Out

3. What You Know

4. Burnt Bridges (original)

5. Mowie Ci Ze

6. Valerie

Rehearsal Focus: Our rehearsals were aimed at fine-tuning the arrangements and working on transitions between songs. We also spent time focusing on dynamics, timing, and band coordination.

Evidence:

. see recordings down below

Reflection: Rehearsing with the band helped us solidify our setlist and create a cohesive live performance. We worked through any rough spots in the songs and built a strong chemistry as a group.

Collaborating with Sound Engineers and Photographers

Activity: We worked with sound engineers from the venue to ensure the sound was optimal for our performance. A soundcheck was conducted a few hours before the gig to adjust levels and check for any technical issues. Additionally, photographers were present to document the performance.

Role: I contributed to the collaboration by providing my own microphone which is designed for wind instruments. I helped the sound engineer by informing her of the sound I was after and making sure to stay aligned with the sound engineer’s adjustments and the photographer's setup during the performance.

Reflection: The soundcheck went smoothly, and the engineers helped us achieve a clear, balanced sound. The photographers captured some great moments from our performance, adding a professional touch to the event.

Performance

Activity: We performed live at The Mash House on May 15th, 2025. Our setlist included both covers and our original song "Burnt Bridges."

Role: I performed as a saxophonist and sang backing vocals, contributing to both the band’s covers and the original composition.

Reflection: Performing live was an incredible experience. The energy from the audience was amazing, and the band’s tight performance made it one of our best gigs. Having video footage from the performance allows me to reflect on my stage presence and overall performance.

Practical Skills Summary

Music Technology: While we didn’t use any technology for composing the songs, we did utilize it for documenting and promoting our work. We recorded our original song "Burnt Bridges" and rehearsals to review and improve our performance.

Collaborative Work: My experience with the band taught me the importance of teamwork and communication in a musical setting. We all contributed to writing, rehearsing, and performing the setlist, which enhanced our understanding of group dynamics and musicality.

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this is one of the recordings from are practice this was in the early stage of us learning the song for the band

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mowie ze ci and moving out rehearsal voices memo 

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mowie ze ci and moving out rehearsal voices memo 

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this was two songs the we practised one after another in rehearsals on the 9th of April

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this was a early recording of are song that we wrote and performed every one had a contribution into this song

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other gigs that I have done has helped me with my confidence and knowing how to paformed infont of large crowds. And being prepared before the gigs. all of this has helped me with doing the mash house gig this gig was a lot easier due to the factors

(I will attached the photos down below)

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this was a gig that is did for cala home 

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this was a gig that is did for cala home 

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this was one of the first solo gig I had done and I was very nervous for this and now in conparison now when I playing my confidence helped me never be nervous

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this is my proposal for the event

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UAL 3 Project 4_Proposal caleb middletonE.docx - Recovered.docx

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the research that in did was into the song. the song that had sax in it I watched the videos of other sax player and looking for sheet music. this also expanded in guitar chords to find out the key for the songs so that I could transpose

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the research forms that helped me were web sites and YouTube videos these helped me with find notation

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the most thing i am proud of is being able to come up with sax hooks and Melodys that I came up with and seeing the crowed like them and the band liked then as well

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I would be more up to date with the paddle this has been a area I want to work on in the future

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The skills from other gig and playing with other band has helped me over the years having experie inside of different environments has helped me be very flexible