| I think the biggest thing that works for me is honesty. It's important for me to go into an ensemble situation with my own music (and any other music for that matter) where I'm not trying to prove anything, then the performance is automatically enhanced by being open minded and honest, and the music can come out rather than a bunch of egos onstage.
I personally try to write music that is melodic, that's fun to play, fin to listen to, emotionally open, and interactive between not just the band members, but the band and the audience. I try and never lose sight of the fact that it's a two way street and that anyone can play music for themselves, but to have people show up to your concert and pay money to get in..... there has to be a reason for that, and I think that reason is having something original to say in my case. At least that's what I strive for no matter what the reality might be. A lot of people do get hung up on technique and ego based aspects of the music, and at most shows there are people who come to see jojo on drums, and me on bass, rather than to listen to the music. These people are generally more and more disappointed because we really don't try and be flashy and play to that egotistical side of the audience. And I think the more we travel and play, the more the audience starts to understand where we're coming from, and even the people who normally show up for the chops start to appreciate music over technique.
I hope this helps a little.
Easy,
Janek | 
