7 Things you can do to Become a Better Performer
We recently added a new artist to our management program, and I’ve got to say, I was really excited about this one. She has the look, she has the sound, she’s mature, and she’s serious. I thought to myself when she walked in, “Damn. It might just be plug and play with this one”.
Like all clients we’ve attracted, they all come because they need something. Sometimes they know what it is, sometimes I’ve got to figure it out. I was kind of scratching my head on this one for the first month. She’s putting in the. work, what does she need?
And then I found it.
“Hey I booked a house party for you next weekend, show is at a mansion, you down?”
“Uhm, I don’t think I’m quite ready for that yet.”
“What do you mean? Too short of notice? I might be able to change it.”
“No, I’ve just never played in front of people before.”
“… foreal? With a voice and attitude as confident as yours?
“Nope. Not once.”
And there it was. She had never performed in front of people before.
Performing for people is part of the artistic experience just like recording, growing a fanbase, and developing your sound. And it’s actually integral to all of those things. In the modern age of bedroom recording, live musicianship is often overlooked, and artist’s are thrown into a situation way before they are ready for it. I’m going to share a couple of quick tips on how to grow more confident as a performing artist.
Practice your songs, by yourself.
Stand up, move around. Sing at full volume. One thing that sets live apart from recordings is your quiet Billie Eilish whispering just won’t come through a PA live. Its too quiet, and the other instruments are too loud. Compound that with bar noise, the kickass drummer you hired, and the sound of your mom yelling hysterically from the front row, your quiet-ass vocals just won’t cut it. The sound guy will be screaming from the back fo “fucking open your mouth!” and you’ll feel self-consious as hell. So project a little. Get a little loud. It’s best to pretend as if you won’t have any amplification at all, so when you do have it, you really blow people away.
2. Go to a concert for an artist in a similar genre, on a big stage.
Watch the confidence. Watch how they interact with their bandmates and the audience. Think about how you could incorperate certain elements on a smaller scale.
3. Watch a local artist that plays frequently.
If you are in Dallas/Fort Worth I can recommend like 10 of them. This arguably might be more important that number 2, because you’ll see how to use raw talent and charisma without big fancy lights and LED walls to hide behind. Watch how they interact with the audience. People come back to see these artists week after week because they build a genuine connection with the artist on stage. My friend Joseph Neville is amazing at this, and Averi Burk is a great example as well.
4. Practice with a live stream.
Interact with people watching, say hi, perform your songs. With any luck, people might dm you after and boost your confidence.
5. Make eye contact with people.
Bring them into your performance. This goes for public speaking in general, so just make a habit of it.
6. Perform a practice gig for close friends and family.
Just do something small in your house, invite 5-6 people, and talk to them as you play. Ask them questions, make it conversational. There’s no need to be nervous, because its just you and them hanging out, you just happen to be singing a couple songs along the way. We have practices like this at our studio monthly, and it makes everyone feel more comfortable.
7. Practice with a live instrument or prop.
Every Christian worship leader since the beginning of time knows this one. That’s why almost all of them play with acoustic guitars attached to their hips. It puts something between yourself and the audience, almost like a wall. If you don’t play an instrument, utilizing a prop, a stool, sword, whatever, can be helpful here. But don’t rely too heavy on your instrument or prop. As you increase levels, you may want to eventually do away with it. Because the instrument creates a barrier, if you can get away from it, you’ll have an even better time connecting with your audience.
Looking for an easier way to grow your live performance skills? We have a group of artists that get together every week to improve together at our studio, right down the street from Downtown, Fort Worth. We’d love to connect with you, and help you improve your skills. Shoot me an email blakelabella@trndmedia.com, and we can get started.