Setlist Builder Template

A great setlist can make or break a show. This template helps you build setlists that engage audiences, showcase your strengths, and create memorable performances.

Why Setlist Strategy Matters

Good Setlist:

• Captures and holds attention
• Builds energy and momentum
• Showcases band's strengths
• Fits venue and audience
• Creates memorable experience
• Flows naturally

Poor Setlist:

• Loses audience attention
• Energy drags or peaks too early
• Doesn't showcase strengths
• Wrong songs for context
• Forgettable performance
• Awkward transitions

Setlist Building Principles

1. Know Your Audience

Consider:

• Age and demographics
• Musical preferences
• Energy level expected
• Familiarity with your music
• Venue type and vibe

2. Understand the Context

Venue Type:

• Bar/club - high energy, familiar songs
• Concert hall - showcase artistry
• Festival - grab attention fast
• Private event - client preferences
• Opening slot - win over new fans

Time Slot:

• Early - build energy gradually
• Prime time - bring your best
• Late night - high energy party
• Closing - memorable finale

3. Create an Arc

Structure:

• Strong opening - grab attention
• Build momentum - increase energy
• Peak moment - climax
• Valleys - give audience breaks
• Strong closing - memorable ending

4. Consider Practical Factors

Technical:

• Instrument changes/tuning
• Vocal rest for singer
• Complexity and stamina
• Setup changes needed

Flow:

• Key changes
• Tempo transitions
• Mood shifts
• Natural connections

Setlist Builder Template

Show Information

Date: _______________ Venue: _______________ Type: Headline Support Festival Private Event Set Length: ___ minutes Audience: _______________ Goal: _______________

Song Pool

Available Songs:

Total Available: ___ songs Set Length Needed: ___ songs (based on time)

Setlist Structure

Opening (Songs 1-2)

• Goal: Grab attention, establish energy
• Strategy: Strong, confident, engaging

Song 1: _______________

• Why: _______________

Song 2: _______________

• Why: _______________

Building (Songs 3-5)

• Goal: Build momentum, establish vibe
• Strategy: Increase energy, showcase variety

Song 3: _______________

• Why: _______________

Song 4: _______________

• Why: _______________

Song 5: _______________

• Why: _______________

Peak (Songs 6-8)

• Goal: Climax, highest energy
• Strategy: Best songs, maximum engagement

Song 6: _______________

• Why: _______________

Song 7: _______________

• Why: _______________

Song 8: _______________

• Why: _______________

Valley/Breather (Songs 9-10)

• Goal: Give audience (and band) a break
• Strategy: Slower, more intimate, different vibe

Song 9: _______________

• Why: _______________

Song 10: _______________

• Why: _______________

Build to Finale (Songs 11-12)

• Goal: Rebuild energy for strong finish
• Strategy: Increase tempo and energy

Song 11: _______________

• Why: _______________

Song 12: _______________

• Why: _______________

Closing (Songs 13-14)

• Goal: Memorable ending, leave them wanting more
• Strategy: Strongest songs, high energy

Song 13: _______________

• Why: _______________

Song 14: _______________

• Why: _______________

Encore (If Applicable)

Song 15: _______________

• Why: _______________

Song 16: _______________

• Why: _______________

Setlist Analysis

Total Songs: ___ Total Time: ___ minutes Average Song Length: ___ minutes

Energy Arc:

• Opening: High/Med/Low
• Middle: High/Med/Low
• Closing: High/Med/Low

Variety:

• Fast songs: ___
• Medium songs: ___
• Slow songs: ___

Balance:

• Originals: ___
• Covers: ___
• Crowd favorites: ___
• New material: ___

Backup Plans

If Running Long:

• Cut: _______________
• Or: _______________

If Running Short:

• Add: _______________
• Or: _______________

If Crowd is Cold:

• Switch to: _______________

If Crowd is Hot:

• Add: _______________

Technical Issues:

• Backup songs (no special gear): _______________

Setlist Strategies by Venue Type

Bar/Club Show (45-60 minutes)

Strategy:

• High energy throughout
• Familiar, singable songs
• Keep them engaged
• Build party atmosphere

Structure:

1. Strong opener - grab attention 2-4. High energy, familiar 5-6. Peak energy, crowd favorites
2. Brief breather (still upbeat) 8-10. Build back up 11-12. Strong finish, most popular

Tips:

• Shorter songs (3-4 min)
• Minimize talking
• Keep energy high
• Read the room

Concert/Listening Room (60-90 minutes)

Strategy:

• Showcase artistry
• Tell stories
• Create journey
• Build connection

Structure: 1-2. Strong, engaging openers 3-5. Showcase variety 6-8. Peak moment, best songs 9-11. Intimate, storytelling 12-14. Build to climax 15-16. Memorable finale

Tips:

• Longer songs OK
• Tell stories between songs
• Vary dynamics
• Create emotional arc

Festival Set (30-45 minutes)

Strategy:

• Grab attention immediately
• No slow build
• Showcase best material
• Make impression fast

Structure:

1. Biggest, most energetic song 2-3. High energy, memorable 4-5. Best songs, crowd pleasers 6-7. Peak energy 8-9. Strong finish, memorable

Tips:

• All killer, no filler
• Shorter set, best songs only
• High energy throughout
• Make every song count
• Introduce yourselves clearly

Opening Slot (20-30 minutes)

Strategy:

• Win over new fans
• Don't overstay welcome
• Leave them wanting more
• Support headliner

Structure:

1. Strong, confident opener 2-3. Best, most accessible songs 4-5. High energy
2. Strong closer

Tips:

• Shorter set
• Most accessible material
• High energy
• Be gracious
• Don't go over time

Private Event (2-4 hours)

Strategy:

• Background to foreground
• Read the room
• Client preferences
• Maintain energy over time

Structure:

• Set 1: Warm-up, familiar
• Set 2: Build energy
• Set 3: Peak, dancing
• Set 4: Sustain, requests

Tips:

• Flexible setlist
• Take requests
• Read energy level
• Pace yourself
• Breaks between sets

Setlist Building Tips

Opening Song Selection

Good Openers:

• Confident, strong start
• Band sounds great on it
• Engaging, attention-grabbing
• Not too complex
• Sets the tone

Avoid:

• Slow, quiet songs
• New, unrehearsed material
• Songs you're shaky on
• Long intros
• Ballads

Closing Song Selection

Good Closers:

• Memorable, strong
• High energy
• Crowd favorite
• Leaves impression
• Natural ending

Avoid:

• Weak songs
• Downers
• Unfamiliar material
• Songs that fizzle
• Awkward endings

Song Transitions

Smooth Transitions:

• Similar keys
• Complementary tempos
• Thematic connections
• Natural flow

Intentional Contrasts:

• Dramatic tempo change
• Key shift for effect
• Mood change
• Wake up audience

Practical Considerations:

• Tuning changes
• Instrument swaps
• Vocal rest
• Technical setup

Energy Management

For Band:

• Pace yourselves
• Vocal rest for singer
• Vary intensity
• Stay hydrated
• Strategic breaks

For Audience:

• Build and release tension
• Give them breathers
• Vary energy levels
• Keep them engaged
• End on high note

Common Setlist Mistakes

Mistake 1: Weak Opening

Problem: Lose audience immediately

Solution: Start strong, grab attention

Mistake 2: All Same Tempo/Energy

Problem: Monotonous, exhausting

Solution: Vary tempo and energy

Mistake 3: Best Songs Too Early

Problem: Nowhere to build to

Solution: Save strong songs for peak

Mistake 4: Too Many New Songs

Problem: Audience disconnects

Solution: Mix familiar and new (80/20 rule)

Mistake 5: Ignoring Venue/Audience

Problem: Wrong songs for context

Solution: Tailor setlist to situation

Mistake 6: No Flexibility

Problem: Can't adapt to room

Solution: Have backup plans

Mistake 7: Running Over Time

Problem: Disrespects venue, other bands

Solution: Time your set, have cuts ready

Setlist Checklist

Before the Show

• Setlist created and shared with band
• All songs rehearsed and ready
• Timing verified (with transitions)
• Backup songs identified
• Printed copies for all members
• Stage plot matches setlist
• Technical needs noted

During the Show

• Stick to setlist (unless good reason to change)
• Watch the time
• Read the room
• Adjust if needed
• Communicate changes clearly

After the Show

• Note what worked
• Note what didn't
• Audience response
• Timing accuracy
• Adjustments for next time

Sample Setlists

Example 1: Rock Club Show (60 min)

1. "High Energy Opener" (3:30) - Grab attention
2. "Crowd Favorite" (4:00) - Get them engaged
3. "Upbeat Rocker" (3:45) - Build momentum
4. "Singalong" (4:15) - Audience participation
5. "Fast & Furious" (3:00) - Peak energy
6. "Big Chorus Song" (4:30) - Climax
7. "Mid-Tempo Breather" (4:00) - Brief rest
8. "Build Back Up" (3:30) - Increase energy
9. "Dance Track" (4:00) - Get them moving
10. "Anthem" (4:30) - Peak again
11. "Crowd Pleaser" (4:00) - Strong finish
12. "Closer" (4:00) - Memorable ending

Total: 47 minutes (leaves buffer)

Example 2: Festival Set (30 min)

1. "Biggest Hit" (3:30) - Immediate impact
2. "High Energy" (3:00) - Maintain momentum
3. "Crowd Favorite" (4:00) - Win them over
4. "Singalong" (3:30) - Engagement
5. "Peak Song" (4:00) - Climax
6. "Fast Rocker" (3:00) - High energy
7. "Strong Closer" (4:00) - Memorable finish

Total: 25 minutes (under time, safe)

Example 3: Opening Slot (25 min)

1. "Strong Opener" (3:30) - Confident start
2. "Accessible Song" (3:45) - Win new fans
3. "Upbeat Track" (3:30) - Keep energy up
4. "Best Song" (4:00) - Showcase strength
5. "High Energy" (3:00) - Build to finish
6. "Strong Closer" (4:00) - Leave impression

Total: 21:45 (under time, respectful)

Key Takeaways

1. Start strong - Grab attention immediately
2. Create an arc - Build, peak, resolve
3. Vary energy - Don't be monotonous
4. Know your audience - Tailor to context
5. Save strong songs - For peak moments
6. Have backup plans - Be flexible
7. Respect the time - Don't run over

A great setlist is part art, part science. Use this template to build setlists that engage audiences and showcase your band at its best.