With as much music as there is in Seattle, we can expect an endless amount of opinions about what style, bands, and venues are great, and which one’s don’t make the cut. In this piece, we’re turned onto the perspective of one local music fan who has some things to say about how bands present themselves live. Andrew Harris is an avid show-goer, music lover, DJ, and the Promotions Director at Seattle University’s radio station, KSUB. Here’s the scoop from the man who knows–or at least has some strong opinions.

1. Never abuse your audience–rather, engage us. Remember, I could be anywhere else right now. Don’t make me regret coming to see you, ’cause I won’t be back.

2. Bring the thunder. What I mean by this is, I want to see you giving everything you’ve got, the total bag of tricks, be it a five-dollar bar show or a stadium, this is your shot. Stop looking at your fingers and show me something. I want to hear your soul.

3. Say “Thank You”. Gratitude is undeniably endearing, and I want to know that you appreciate me as much as I appreciate you. I’ve met both douchey starving artists and down-to-earth superstars. Well, guess which one gets my money?

4. Act like you give a fuck, like there’s thought put into this. I love it when the artist I’m watching looks like they’re digging what they’re doing. If you aren’t enjoying yourself, fake it until you are. I promise I’ll come next time you play and give you another shot. It’s about seeing something.

5. Don’t fight onstage.

6. There’s nothing worse than hearing a musician claim to be a friend of the local scene, only to abandon it when the checks/adoration start coming in. I realize that people need to make a living, but don’t let your financial desire to get a sizeable % get in the way of what’s important. The people that watched you get big are still watching. Don’t let them down.

7. Never say the line “We’re gonna slow it down right now.” You’re in control. Just slow it down, we’ll get the picture. Also, every time I hear this said over the PA, I immediately want to leave.

8. No exorbitant light and laser show is gonna make up for the fact that your music, while heartfelt, isn’t good enough for you to skip practice in lieu of getting a Lubriderm handie and taking acid. Trust me. Introduce a mediocre artist to a light guy, and you have a shiny turd. Introduce a group of dedicated, motivated, and talented artists to each other, and you have something worth my time.

9. Don’t be an asshole. We all know an asshole when we see one. Some of you may hear how great you are too often to know when you’re being an asshole. Try this: If you find yourself hearing, “That guy’s an asshole” while people are walking away from you, it’s time to stop being an asshole.

10. Don’t play wasted. I just paid you at least five of my hard-earned dollars. Act like you give a fuck, for me. Sure, it was only cool when Kurt did it, but things change.