Do you smile when you play? [Poll]

[Jeff K]

I don't usually grin unless it's when the lead guitarist plays a sizzling riff or something like that. And then it's directed at them.

With the audience, I find that certain audience members seem more dialed in than others; and I tend to make more eye contact with them. I'll smile with my eyes (if that makes sense), but my actual smile is generally more of a "Mona Lisa"-type close-mouthed smile.

 

[chadds]

I like to go see the local symphony orchestra once in awhile. I never see any of them smile until they are taking their bow at the end of the concert.

Well that genre is a bit different. Even the audience is now supposed to sit still. Originally classical audiences were boisterous and expressed their emotions to the music. According to David Byrne to separate the classes a more refined demeanor was cultivated and expected. Now when Beethoven gets huge and sweeping you're supposed to sit there like it's nothing.

 

[Standalone]

I make plenty of pressed-lip bass faces, funky stank faces, and the usual -- but I love to put out those positive smile vibes and when I am feeling them, I want that to come across to the audience. They're here for the good vibes, and a smiley face is the best "EQ" to transmit that vibe...!

So I chose "i'm conscious of it" as a response, but I don't really fake it.

 

[arbiterusa]

As a result, I have started including smiling in my practice routine.

My wife teaches dance team for high school, smiling and awareness of what you look like in front of a crowd is a huge part of what they get taught.

 

[Spearsy]

"Do you smile when you play?"

Usually yes. The stage is my happy place.
But, that can be affected by certain drummers ...

 

[Williethump]

I only smile when I mess up!

I'm only a elderly student hack bedroom bassist but with a pretty fair gnarly bass face. I do smile though whenever I play a clam. As if to say (Pee Wee Herman voice) "I meant to do that.". Or else "woops". I get lots of smiles and woops. But it's as much therapy as music and it's about all I can do for joy lately with daddy in hospice. I need all the smiles I can get these days and my playing provides the opportunity.

 

[MYLOWFREQ]

I smile when I mess up.

 

[Spidey2112]

After watching video of myself performing, I'm more cognizant of it now. Eye contact with any member of the audience usually puts a smile on my face.

Even during practice and rehearsal, I try to keep it light, making faces at the other band mates...

... side benefit is it forces my head up and away from zoning in on my digits doing the string dance.

 

[Spidey2112]

I need all the smiles I can get these days and my playing provides the opportunity.

Awesome!

 

[Nephilymbass]

I never used to think about it. But in the last few years, I’ve been playing Sunday mornings at a church that has developed a significant media department, which means my face is on camera every dang week. So when I watch the playback, I see what a grumpy bass player I can look like. As a result, I have started including smiling in my practice routine.

To be clear, I don’t stand up there grinning like an idiot. Sometimes, the only answer is bass-face. However, I’ve learned to be mindful of the fact that I’m doing something I really love and my overall demeanor should reflect that.

Sounds silly, but it’s a real thing.

Anyone else ever pay attention to this?
(As always, photos encouraged!)

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Depends on the gig and really what the situation is in that moment. I take song topic into consideration… if you’re smiling like giddy child while playing songs about serious topics it comes off as kind of fake imo.

As far as smiling where I’ve really gotten more conscious about it over the years is doing it off stage. When we’re around the club and the fans but not playing. Because if you don’t look happy to be there people can take it the wrong way.

 

[Smoove-Groove]

You know who does smile when playing bass?

I don’t think there is a picture out there of the great Nathan East not smiling while playing.

 

[Gaolee]

I smile when I mess up.

Count your mistakes. First to 100 wins!

I usually look like I'm having a good time. Because I usually am. I play for fun, and I like the people I play with. So, it's having fun with my friends. Sometimes, if there's a bit that requires extra concentration, I probably look more focused. Most of the time, I look around at the audience and other band members for cues and to cue them.

The fun part of looking around the audience is that they generally don't realize that you can often see them as well from the stage as they can see you. I haven't been under blinding stage lighting, so they are lit up more or less the same as the band. Which means you get to see some pretty amusing things.

 

[Gaolee]

"Do you smile when you play?"

Usually yes. The stage is my happy place.
But, that can be affected by certain drummers ...

I screw up enough as a drummer that you would either be in stitches from the incompetence or completely grumpy for the same reason. When the drummer is grinning like an idiot, you know you are in trouble.

 

[Bob_Ross]

Never intentionally, but often unintentionally.

 

[WI Short Scaler]

Absolutely I smile, I enjoy playing, my bandmates and I have great fun so why wouldn't I?