Overview

Why do some performers sell out the same venue month after month while others struggle to get rebooked?The difference isn't talent. It's design. Most musicians build setlists on instinct. The best ones build them on science. Your technical skill gets you hired once. Your setlist determines if you're invited back. Hold The Room reveals the psychological architecture behind unforgettable performances-the hidden patterns that make audiences stay longer, spend more, and demand your return. Inside this book, you'll discover: The 15-20 Minute Rule: Why even engaged audiences begin mentally checking out-and the specific reset techniques that recapture their attention The Reminiscence Bump: How songs from ages 10-25 create neurological bonds stronger than any other music, and how to weaponize nostalgia for instant connection The I.M.P.A.C.T. System: A six-part framework for choosing songs that resonate (Identity, Memory, Psychographics, Aspirational Self, Connection Moment, Timing) The Three Banger Rule: The physiological limit of peak intensity-violate it and watch your crowd disengage, no matter how good your songs are Emotional Triplets: The ""Establish → Deepen → Deliver"" structure that shapes attention like a story, creating mini-arcs that keep nervous systems engaged The Commercial Truth: How your setlist directly drives bar revenue, customer dwell time, and the financial metrics venue managers actually track What you'll walk away with: A repeatable framework that cuts setlist prep time from 90 minutes to 15. A psychological toolkit for reading any room within three songs. The confidence to design experiences that audiences remember-and that venues reward with repeat bookings.

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9781764414609

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Author Information

Wilton Kerr is a Perth-based musician and educator with over 35 years of experience in the Australian entertainment industry. Specializing in live performance psychology and setlist design, he helps gigging musicians and bands transform their performances into commercially successful events. Hold The Room is his first book.

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