Bands and singer/songwriters can make a lot of money and grow a big fanbase from recordings, but the true test of any artist or performer is their live show. Some shows go well, and others will fall on deaf ears no matter what you do. To give yourself the best chance of success on stage check out the seven tips below on how to give a better live performance.
Bands Performance - pixabay
Record Your Performances and Practices
This can be an incredibly helpful tool to help a band give a better performance. Recording your performances and watching them back can lead you to some valuable insights that can help you improve your stage presence and your sound.
Use Technology to Boost Your Performance
Any live show needs a collection of equipment to make the whole thing possible. From amplifiers to microphones to mixing desks, every performance needs to be backed up with powerful electronic equipment. Music software can help too. Singers can benefit from a real-time pitch correction plugin that can even out their voice and guarantee clarity of the performance.
Keep Moving
A stage performance is about more than just the sound, the visuals are important too. Sitting on a stool or standing still planted behind a microphone stand will not keep the audience entertained no matter how good the music is. You don’t need complex choreography, but make sure you move around and give the people watching some visual stimulation.
Play Every Show Like It’s Your Last
The people in the audience may be paying customers that have travelled to see you. They may have had to arrange babysitters and make sacrifices in their lives just to attend your show. You owe it to them to give your performance every last ounce of energy you have. Put it all out there, play every show like it is your last.
Be a Storyteller
Part of your performance is the gaps between the songs. You need to engage with your audience and keep them entertained between tracks. Telling the stories behind the songs is always a good idea, and adds some context to the lyrics and tone of the track. Make sure they are interesting though, and that you have something to say.
Practice The Small Things
How you hold your microphone, guitar, or set up your drumkit all have an influence over how the audience perceives you. Practice the little things and make sure they look right. Take some time to look at accessories like guitar straps or drum skins. Are they distracting? Do they fit with your style?
Work The Room
When you are performing, concentrate on one section of the audience and sing to them. Get them engaged and draw them in with your performance, and then move on to another section. It is hard to get a whole audience in the palm of your hand in one big go. Pick them up piece by piece and then bring them to their feet with your performance.
Follow these tips and standing ovations will become a regular part of your live shows. Try just a few and you will see the difference in the audience’s reactions to your songs. Give them a go at your next show.