How Many Songs Does a Professional Singer Need to Know?
The number of songs a professional singer needs to know can vary widely based on their genre, performance context, and career stage. Professional singers often need to be adaptable, with a repertoire ranging from 50 to several hundred songs depending on these factors.
Genre
Different genres may require different repertoires. For example, a jazz singer might need to know hundreds of standards, while a pop singer might focus on their own hits and popular covers. This variability is one of the main factors that shape a singer's repertoire.
Performance Context
Singers performing in different settings, such as concerts, weddings, or bars, might need different sets of songs. For instance, a wedding singer might need a diverse repertoire to cater to various tastes, while a concert performer might focus on their original material. Understanding the specific requirements of the setting is crucial for performance preparation.
Career Stage
Emerging artists might start with a smaller selection of songs as they build their portfolio. Established performers often have extensive catalogs that include original songs, covers, and collaborations. The experience and reputation of the artist also play a significant role in the breadth of their repertoire.
Flexibility and Adaptability
Professional singers often need to be adaptable, knowing a variety of songs to accommodate requests or changes in performance. For example, at a club gig that lasts for 4.5 hours, it's common to have a repertoire of around 54 songs (split into 45-minute sets and 15-minute breaks, with each set lasting about 4 minutes per song). Opening for a national act, however, might only require a brief setlist, while opening for a headliner act could involve a more extensive selection of songs.
Specific Examples
Bill and Ile provide an interesting perspective on varying performance contexts:
Brief Context: In a typical club gig, a professional singer might perform 54 songs over 4.5 hours, split into 45-minute sets. Each song should be chosen to cater to the mood and preferences of the audience.
National Act Opening: Opening for a national act requires a more concise and purposeful performance. The singer jumps on stage, performs a brief set, and then swiftly vanishes, allowing for quick changes and minimal dead air. The interaction with the audience is kept to a minimum to ensure a seamless transition.
Coffee Shop Gigs: In a relaxed and informal setting like a coffee shop, the singer might chat between songs, share stories about the songs, and joke with the patrons. This approach creates a more engaging and enjoyable atmosphere for the audience, but it requires a different level of preparation and interaction.
Headliner Act: Headlining acts have more control over their setlist, with varying lengths and compositions. For instance, some bands, like Led Zeppelin, used to give three or four-hour concerts, while others might perform a fast-paced set of 40 minutes, focusing on their latest album and a few hits.
Conclusion
The number of songs a professional singer needs to know can span from a dozen to several hundred, depending on various factors. Understanding the genre, performance context, and career stage is crucial for building a versatile and adaptable repertoire. Whether performing in a club, opening for a national act, or headlining a show, the ability to choose the right songs and provide a seamless performance is key to a successful musical career.