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Originally Posted by usernamessuck ok my band is starting to make it big by playing in big venues and concert halls. ok now my concern august 13 will be my first BIG show opening up for Wasp at harpos in detroit michigan. i have a bad case of stage fright. i cant even give a speech in class i dont want to screw up and screw everyone else up cause everyone ll be mad at me and want to kick my butt! HELP! Give me some advice what do you do? im only 16 and wow... i would appreciate any advice or techniques anybody uses cheezncrackers2006@yahoo.com |
First off you have a fair amount of time between now and the gig date, which is good. How much live playing experience do you and your band have? For most people some stage fright is normal so I wouldn't let that concern you.
Right off the bat I'd advise doing as many gigs - regardless of venue size - as possible between now and then to get more 'comfortable' being in front of people. And if you're only performing for 8 people who couldn't care less put on a show as if you're headlining a stadium regardless.
If there are situations around you where it's possible to personally go sit in and jam with strangers do that, also.
I'm not familiar with the venue you'll be performing at but if it's typical of those I used to play then the audience, at least visually, will pretty much 'disappear' once you start playing. With a dark room and typical stage lighting you're not going to easily 'see' the size of the audience, other than those gathered at the front of the stage. The lights will prevent that, although if it's a decent crowd you can definately 'feel' their presence.
Try to rehearse in a room with mirrors so that you (and the band) can see what's being presented as play down your set. In this manner you're not just 'going thru the motions' of practicing a set of songs that the band probably knows backwards and forwards, you'll be rehearsing what will become the all-important "Live Show". Critique each player's visual presence (with the understanding that it's not bashing one another, ego's can get bruised) and have everyone make suggestions as to what they feel can be improved upon. You have one chance to impress people when you hit the stage.
Highly recommend video taping these live set rehearsals if possible along with any gigs done between now and August. I cannot state this enough. It's amazing to watch yourself in context with the music being played, the interaction between yourself and your band mates. Watching the tapes might bring about a complete change from what you think may be your 'coolest' moves/whatever you have going on.
Check out the bands that you feel put on great live shows (without worrying about special f/x, etc). What is it about their shows that excites you visually? What makes these bands more 'fun' to watch than others? How can you emulate them and/or adopt some of this into your own presentation?
I'm assuming that you do know the band's music extremely well, enough so that you don't have to 'think' about what you'll be playing when, etc., that it's down to the point of just flowing out of you. If not, get it there asap. Knowing the set to that extent allows you the freedom to work on your presentation. The confidence will be there as far as your playing ability goes, you know you won't 'screw up' the song because you can play it in your sleep. If the music is good the audience will enjoy listening to it - now just give them the best show that you can and they won't forget.
But above all try to get yourself in front of people as often as possible. Put yourself in situations that make you uncomfortable regularly... lightning won't strike, you won't die, and with time and experience you might even begin to enjoy it!
Hope someone else chimes in, that's all I could think of at the moment.
Peace,
John Ross
BassGirl
