Ideeas for gig setup

[teamsterjim]

Don't use a drummer unless he has triggers and chops.
Use a real bass because if he can play his instrument it is much beter than static sequenced synth bass.
Touchscreens are ineffective onstage as the lights will ruin the benefits of its convenience. My friend bought an OpenLabs synth and it is very pretty, but hardly usable onstage under 1000 watt PAR Lamps.
Use a controller that allows to play w/o having to stare at your DAW.
Learn to use a single project and automate it from your controllers.
Add a hardware analog synth to your Vsti's as it will make those synths sound more realistic. In other words use it as a lead and synth bass or low end drone, and let the VSTi's do pads. This way people hear power and strength with the analog, and the weak sounding VSTi's will appear to have more quality, as long as you stay off of the low and high end with them. Pads around middle C will work fine.
DSP synths are much better than the VSTi's but it sounds like you are on a budget.
The 1U QWERTY's are the best for onstage use as once you start your project up, you push it back in and then use your controllers to select the sequences necessary if you're into the drum automation thing.
I use these cheapo junk M Audio KS88's as they good for playing several zones and can control an entire FOH/Monitor mix.
This live rig has been updated on occasion, but has zero crashes after 10 years of use. I don't use VSTi's, but rack mounted analogs controllable via MIDI and DSP cards for their superior routing of external hardware effects onto those synths to avoid the VST world. If you must use VSTi's I suggest a Recptor as it has a custom O.S. and is much more stable than having a PC/Mac. I have more asses in my face from guys staring at their DAW when they should be playing, and yes they'll still work, but they are suppose to earn their pay performing not squinting and showing the audience their foul backside.

[Susceptor]

Thanks for the answer; what should I use in order to trigger the sequences and such? (i.e. a software sequencer or a hardware one)
Thing is I'm not that used with using only controllers (and I never played live before) and I'm not sure how to control everything and how to arrange the sequences using only a controller.

[teamsterjim]

If I wanted to start off with a stable easy to use live portable rig, I would get an Akai MPC for Bass & Drums, and jam the synths over the top.
It leaves plenty of room for improv as you can extend the vamped sections and arrange by sections while you perfrom. It uses footpedals very effectively. Say your in a groove and people are jamming and dancing, keep 'em going by adding another 32 bars on the fly.
Better than being a slave to some static sequence. This is why people often prefer DJ's over a live band. These days, musicians need to be both.

Live is a great app even though it's software, but it allows that kind of flexibility, but I will never base my paycheck on a software sequencer unless I am recording where overdubs and multiple takes are tolerated.
That's why live performance is where players learn by doing things on the fly.
I have a friend who makes the best grooves and electro recordings with synths and software, but the poor bastard can't listen and play at the same time from years of PC/Mac style recordings.
Trust me when I did my first gigs I had to open for some real talented chaps and got my ass kicked. That's where you learn though on the stage, not in your bedroom, that's for woodshedding and practice.
You can't win if you don't go.....