Sing AND bass AND go nuts on stage?

[ric1312]

I'm trying to work up a better stage show. Problem is I'm the bassist and the lead vocal in my band. Vocals are in the Priest/ Queensryche range as far as cover and originals, so it's important I don't screw that up and don't screw up my bass playing at the same time.

Right now when playing I bob and weave to the music but I still feel like a statue on stage. If I just did one or the other I could be much more energetic on stage. I like the front guy to work the stage a bit, but I'm feeling like I have nail in my foot. And feel quite lame at times. Anytime I start to get into it I then have to pay attention to when I have to run back to the mic. On stage I feel like I have all this pent up energy I can't let out properly because I'm chained to my vocal mic.

People like our music, but I feel if we had a better stage show it would help us out a lot.

The only thing I can think of is getting a wireless headset and going wireless with my bass? I've never tried a wireless headset mic and don't know if those are any good for loud rock environments?

Any other suggestions?

Do you think lots of movement on stage matters that much if the music is good? I personally like it, but I've seen some really good bands, that although they weren't lame, didn't really move around a lot.

[Sahm]

Don't do it man! Headset mics say McDonald's drive through, not rock and roll!

The main thing, which I always need to remember to do, is to interact with the audience, make eye contact, point out silly things to them between songs. That'll improve stage presence more than a headset mic.

[ric1312]

Originally Posted by Sahm

Don't do it man! Headset mics say McDonald's drive through, not rock and roll!

The main thing, which I always need to remember to do, is to interact with the audience, make eye contact, point out silly things to them between songs. That'll improve stage presence more than a headset mic.

eww, "may I take your order.........ok you ready to rock....who wants mcnuggets."

Thanks good tips.

[fullrangebass]

Originally Posted by Sahm

The main thing, which I always need to remember to do, is to interact with the audience, make eye contact, point out silly things to them between songs. That'll improve stage presence more than a headset mic.

Eye contact with the audience, stage contact with the other band members (just as important in a show), have some stage or dance moves during solos or vox-less sections. That's what I do and people really enjoy the show. Have one of the backing vocalists to fill in for you while you do sth that would not allow you to sing while palying. I am suggesting a head mic (I have one) but if you are doing a lot on stage (which I do) the mic on the stand is a far better (and safer) option

[bassmanslap]

Get a headset if you wanna look like brittany spears!

Just stick to a good old mic stand.

[mutedeity]

Originally Posted by ric1312

I'm trying to work up a better stage show. Problem is I'm the bassist and the lead vocal in my band. Vocals are in the Priest/ Queensryche range as far as cover and originals, so it's important I don't screw that up and don't screw up my bass playing at the same time.

Right now when playing I bob and weave to the music but I still feel like a statue on stage. If I just did one or the other I could be much more energetic on stage. I like the front guy to work the stage a bit, but I'm feeling like I have nail in my foot. And feel quite lame at times. Anytime I start to get into it I then have to pay attention to when I have to run back to the mic. On stage I feel like I have all this pent up energy I can't let out properly because I'm chained to my vocal mic.

People like our music, but I feel if we had a better stage show it would help us out a lot.

The only thing I can think of is getting a wireless headset and going wireless with my bass? I've never tried a wireless headset mic and don't know if those are any good for loud rock environments?

Any other suggestions?

Do you think lots of movement on stage matters that much if the music is good? I personally like it, but I've seen some really good bands, that although they weren't lame, didn't really move around a lot.

Look at it this way. Think of some other bassplayers that sing. The obvious example for a start is Geddy Lee. What does Geddy Lee do when he is singing and playing? Now think, do people think Rush is a good live band? You can answer that by how many people are still going to see them live.

The other thing I would point out is that unless you are a solo act, it's hardly all up to you to provide a good live show.

[stflbn]

I've been completely wireless several times before and it's definitely the best choice if you want to stay lively while singing. How good you go just depends on your budget. I currently have an x2 Plus, and would love to add a headset wireless mic. Just haven't convinced myself enough yet to do it again.

Originally Posted by ric1312

I'm trying to work up a better stage show. Problem is I'm the bassist and the lead vocal in my band. Vocals are in the Priest/ Queensryche range as far as cover and originals, so it's important I don't screw that up and don't screw up my bass playing at the same time.

Right now when playing I bob and weave to the music but I still feel like a statue on stage. If I just did one or the other I could be much more energetic on stage. I like the front guy to work the stage a bit, but I'm feeling like I have nail in my foot. And feel quite lame at times. Anytime I start to get into it I then have to pay attention to when I have to run back to the mic. On stage I feel like I have all this pent up energy I can't let out properly because I'm chained to my vocal mic.

People like our music, but I feel if we had a better stage show it would help us out a lot.

The only thing I can think of is getting a wireless headset and going wireless with my bass? I've never tried a wireless headset mic and don't know if those are any good for loud rock environments?

Any other suggestions?

Do you think lots of movement on stage matters that much if the music is good? I personally like it, but I've seen some really good bands, that although they weren't lame, didn't really move around a lot.

[Diddii]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=-AfPa1_vOzg

[sasebastian]

I am having similar issue with my main band. I do co-leads on many songs, and backup on the rest. I'm often late getting back to the mic. One band that pulls this off real good is Blink-182. Green Day, too. I plan on checking out some vids, kinda like they do in the NFL, to see how they pull it off. Maybe that'll help you, too. Stylistically different, but same idea - instrumentalists singing lead, putting on a show.

[ForestThump]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzMu6ugTNfA

[rumbler]

Originally Posted by ric1312

eww, "may I take your order.........ok you ready to rock....who wants mcnuggets."

Thanks good tips.

LMFAO

[Nick Kay]

When you're setting up on stage, pick three spots. My usual suspects are on the drum riser (or standing on the kick), beside a guitarist and in front of my mic (or standing on the monitors). Whenever you're not singing, head to one of those spots and rock out. A bar before your next vocal line, head back to the mic. No need to time it - a measure should be plenty of time if you're not playing at 320bpm. Practice this at rehearsals. Head over to the couch or the mixer or the washroom when you're not singing, and head back a bar before you start singing again. It'll become second nature after a little while.

[Chipsonfire]

Originally Posted by Nick Kay

When you're setting up on stage, pick three spots. My usual suspects are on the drum riser (or standing on the kick), beside a guitarist and in front of my mic (or standing on the monitors). Whenever you're not singing, head to one of those spots and rock out. A bar before your next vocal line, head back to the mic. No need to time it - a measure should be plenty of time if you're not playing at 320bpm. Practice this at rehearsals. Head over to the couch or the mixer or the washroom when you're not singing, and head back a bar before you start singing again. It'll become second nature after a little while.

That's some sound advice!

[Deacon_Blues]

Originally Posted by Nick Kay

When you're setting up on stage, pick three spots. My usual suspects are on the drum riser (or standing on the kick), beside a guitarist and in front of my mic (or standing on the monitors). Whenever you're not singing, head to one of those spots and rock out. A bar before your next vocal line, head back to the mic. No need to time it - a measure should be plenty of time if you're not playing at 320bpm. Practice this at rehearsals. Head over to the couch or the mixer or the washroom when you're not singing, and head back a bar before you start singing again. It'll become second nature after a little while.

+2

Rock out when you're not singing. That will give a more dynamic show than if you either stand still the whole time behind your mic or headbang all the time. Find a good balance between those extremes.

Don't forget showing some attitude also when you stand more or less still.

[jmorbita]

I have a similar problem. I like to jump around in some songs, the music just makes me want to jump and I feel it makes the audience jump too... I don't sing, only some backup chorus, but jumping while playing some lines is almost impossible to me... I don't know how flea pulls it out. I think it needs as much practice as anything else.

[ZonGuy]

Right before you go on stage, drip a good shot of Absorbine jr. down your ass crack.

Your stage antics will make Flea jealous.

[ric1312]

Thanks for all the great advice. Last weeks gig I was much better on stage.