If you play live, or intend on doing so, it is important to
plan how you’ll go about doing so. Apart from the most important thing – that
is the performance itself – there are certain things which you need to do as a
performing artist prior to the performance, as well as after it.
Before the Performance
1. Keep in touch with the venue – Make all arrangement and
agreements with the venue well before the performance. Sit down with the venue
management and sort everything out. Make sure that both parties are on the same
page. Now would be a good time to iron out any major and minor details, like
how you’ll be paid (by number of seats sold or at a fixed rate). Make sure that
you maintain a written copy of all correspondence.
2. Promote relentlessly – Promote the performance as much as
you can. The aim here is to draw a big crowd. Venue like when artists,
performances or bands promote, but what they really love is when you draw a big
crowd. Put an announcement up on your website and Facebook page. Ask bloggers
to do a plug or two for you. Get other musicians in the industry to promote the
gig. Get the word out as far and wide as you possibly can. Create a hype, a
buzz around the event. Get people moving!
3. Practice, a lot! –
Pre-performance practice is important, for obvious reasons. Always do your
homework beforehand – doing so (more on that in a bit) will pave the way for
you to put in a flawless, nerves-free performance.
4. Do your homework – Who you’re playing with, what other
bands are performing with you, what’s their history, what sort of music do they
play, where are they from, how big are they? It is important to know about
other bands on the night’s roster.
5. Look the part – Look the part by dressing appropriately. If
you’re a rock guitarist, wear a black tee, blue jeans, a few wrist bands, accessorize
a bit, and you should be good to go. Look at how some of the other musicians,
especially some of the bigger names in your genre, and see how they dress for
their performances.
6. Get to the performance well on-time – Don’t expect the
venue to wait for you to arrive so that they can kick the show off. Be
professional, and get to the venue on time. This gives you plenty of time to
set yourself up, set your equipment up, and shows a serious and professional
attitude on your part. It also allows you to acquaint yourself with the staff,
especially the sound engineers at the venue. Speaking of which…
7. Acquaint yourself with the staff – One of the most
important people on the night will be the sound engineer(s); trust me, the
sound guy is who will ultimately make or break your performance. Make sure that
you know everyone’s names, and get off on the right foot with these people. Not
only does it leave a good impression, it also tells everyone that they’re all
part of the band, which ensures that your performance goes smoothly.
8. Beat the pre-performance nerves – Being nervous before
the performance is pretty natural. As an artist/musician, it is important to
develop a routine or a mechanism that lets you overcome pre-performance nerves.
Pep talks, meditation, a good warm-up, a beer or two… whatever it might be. For
me, one of the best ways of delivering a flawless, confident performance is a
good night’s sleep, and being well prepared.
9. Hydrate – Drink a lot of water before and during the
performance. As you’ll find out once you’re on that stage, keeping yourself
hydrated will be one of the most important things!
After the Performance
1. Thank your fans – Thank your fans for coming, right after
you’re done with your performance. Thank the sponsors, the venue and the other
bands while you’re on the stage. Saying a quick word of thanks can go a long
way in building positive relationships with everyone who was involved.
2. Meet with your fans – They paid to see you play, and a
lot of them probably travelled a lot in order to do so. Go into the crowd to
meet your fans, and sign some autographs (they will absolutely love this!). You
could even do a little contest where you invite a few fans to hang with you
backstage, or go for a beer or two.
3. Give out some CDs – Keep a few CDs handy, and give a few
out to some of your fans, the sound engineers, organizers, the doorman and
maybe other people at the venue. Yes, you’d want people to buy your CDs but
giving a few out won’t really make a big difference, plus it’s still publicity!
4. Meet people at the merch table – Hang around the
merchandise table to meet your fans and get some photos taken. Your fans will
love this, and love you even more for doing this! Ask them to pick up a tee, or
a mug, and like you Facebook page as well. If you’re in a band, someone from
the band should be around the merch table when your performance is over. Make
sure that you represent, by wearing one of your own tees!
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