Musician’s Notebook

C’mon … we’ve all gotten it at one time or another! And, as a new band, somebody in your lineup is gonna feel a little skittish about appearing before an audience.

Natch, this is something you wanna discuss with yer tribe while you’re in rehearsals: Is anybody a little worried about performing in front of a crowd?
If the answer’s “yes”, then here are some ways you can counter that and put on one dynamite show:

First, be sure you’re all ready. Lack of confidence is the #1 reason most performers get stage fright. If you know your material (songs), all your instruments are in good shape and tuned*, and your stage outfits look good, you’re gonna do fine!
(* contrary to what you’ll hear, don’t put brand-new strings on your guitars before a gig. You’ll need to break them in — give ‘em some play — so they won’t stretch onstage and sound either off-key or ring). And, if you can, bring an extra guitar or two — just in case …

Now, before ya go onstage, try to get a good look at the audience from a different angle; if you’re just playin’ for a party or some local function, ya might wanna mingle with the crowd a bit (but only if you have time before you haveta set up!). If you’re a “support” band (playing on a bill with other acts), take a look at ‘em from backstage. The reason is to familiarize yourself with the faces and attitudes in the crowd!

Once you’re onstage — and if you’re still a little n-n-nervous, just start your first number as you would in rehearsal (if you’ve got someone to introduce your act). Normally, you’ll wanna do a 4-count to get everybody started at the same time.
Now, here’s a tip to help your eye-contact with the audience: Instead of lookin’ at the faces or making direct eye-contact (if that worries ya), gaze just between their eyebrows, at the point where the forehead ends and the nose begins! That way, you won’t be skittish, and the audience will think you’re lookin’ directly at them!

After your first two or three gigs — especially if you’ve learned to (a) have a strong start to your songs, (b) perform each one with confidence and liveliness and (b) end the song just as strongly — you oughtta get the hang of it!

Now, we’ve got more to cover in the next episode — this time, dealin’ with gettin’ the gigs — so stay tuned; there’s more in 24! Until then …

see ya on the flip side!