Performing live, or performance practice, as I like to call it, is often a lost art. Musicians seem to think that as long as they're amazing musicians/songwriters/singers then people will come to see them play. Unfortunately, this isn't the case. Many of them simply don't know what to do in front of the microphone. Here are a few tips.
1. Practice like you play. Sports players know this. Actors know this. The military knows this. Classical musicians mostly know this. Comedians know this. Somehow it stops there. Indie & folk musicians don't seem to take this as literally. I recently attended a seminar with Grant Lawrence of CBC Radio 3. He suggested that musicians practice EVERYTHING for their performances - including inter-song patter, introductions, thank yous, set list order. This is so that everything you do on stage is second nature. If necessary, set up your mics and speakers. Practice singing into the microphone. Practice talking into the microphone.
2. Have strong stage presence. You could be the best band on earth, but if you're boring to watch, the audience will leave. Take up the stage. Be excited to be there, and impart that to the audience. Some of this is a confidence issue. Not used to it and wondering what to do to make it easier? See the first point: Practice.
3. Know when to acknowledge the audience. I've seen many, many bands who do this prematurely. You do not thank the audience the minute you finish playing and in the dead space between your last note and their applause. Wait for them to acknowledge you with their applause. It's a constant trade of thanks and acknowledgment. The audience has paid to see you play. In return, you play music that they like. In return, they applaud. You then, acknowledge their applause by thanking them. Saying "thank you" before the audience has applauded makes you look unprofessional, naive, and presumptuous. Err on the side of being humble.
4. Get to know your fans after the show. Stick around once you've finished playing. Talk to people who purchase your CD, or who hang around while you're packing up gear. If they have a great experience talking to you, they'll probably tell all of their friends, which may mean your fan base grows by that many more people. Otherwise, they're left feeling snubbed.
Good luck, and happy performing!
Amity M
Posts like this and more at http://amitym.com and http://ivyrich.com
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