Our set-list focuses on funk, jazz and pop. This varies greatly from what the other bands are working on since these songs are a bit more challenging for us and it changes the pace of the gig overall since we’re the last band to play.
We’re starting the gig off with I Wish by Stevie Wonder, a predominantly funky song featuring an aggressive funk bass part and interesting brass sections. The brass sections have been transferred over to two keys parts and split between guitar parts in some sections. The drums are similar in nature of style with some personalisation, the bass is very close to the original at the moment and the guitars are in unison in parts, like the B section and the first chord of the two chord sequence in the verses. From what we’ve played so far, I don’t think this is our strongest song but it’s the most fun to play and easiest personally to play.
Our second song is Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Aeroplane, which is our strongest sounding song as it stands. This song has some aspects of funk but is officially described as more of a psychedelic rock song due to the wah pedal effect and the guitar solo. I’m excited to perform this as the bridge contrasts the whole song nicely and sounds beautiful. It’s the sort of section that could make the audience feel something by listening to it played live.
Our last song is Uptown Funk, purely because people will know it and will be more eager to get involved with clapping and singing along if they wish. We plan to do an outro that involves members of the audience standing up, clapping and swaying to end the gig on a high note.
After only just learning the song exactly a week before the showcase, this isn’t our strongest song but could be interesting to play live as the drums are simplistic but strong and impactful in this song, as is the bass. My favourite aspect of hearing live music is feeling the bass in my chest from the kick and bass, and I think we can make that happen with the equipment we have.