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Help relax before and during gig

#21
Music is played best when musicians are not thinking about anything and allowing the music to flow through their bodies. The more you think about what you are about to do will only make you more tense. I would suggest trying to beat the last level on your PSP and focus on that before you play. And after you beat that level you can then pick up your bass and get your hands warmed up.
 
#22
Have the same problem with public speaking? Meeting anxiety? Gatherings with strangers make you nervous?

Speak with your GP about beta blockers, they can help with the fear and anxiety, without the performance problems of drinking, getting stoned, whatever.

Basically you just gotta get through to the fun part. Everybody out there wants your band to show them a good time, they are drinking and ready to have fun. They want to dance, gossip, get hooked up with a cutie, and get laid.

Watch em ignore you, that's what they mostly do. Get them dancing! My favorite part is watching people try to dance, and watching the few who can actually dance ride my groove.

It'll get better with time.
 
#23
TheVoiceless said:
Music is played best when musicians are not thinking about anything and allowing the music to flow through their bodies. The more you think about what you are about to do will only make you more tense. I would suggest trying to beat the last level on your PSP and focus on that before you play. And after you beat that level you can then pick up your bass and get your hands warmed up.
Click to expand...

Definately, I can play anything when I'm not think that's when I come up with the coolest riffs. It's just the pressure that kills me
 
#24
Have you ever been in a fight before?? That's what it's like. You know,that nervous,jittery fear?? What happens after you get hit in a fight?? You're ready to kick some ass!! That's the way playin' is,man. Just start out with a super easy song,that the WHOLE BAND kicks ass on. Every band has "that song",that they have,for a bit of a "confidence builder." 'Cause the way I look at it?? How the first song goes,can set the tone for the rest of the night,for some beginning bands,IMHO.
Besides,you're SUPPOSED to be doing this for fun,remember?? Forgeddaboudit!!!
 
#25
Set list is super important. Start with a couple of songs you guys really know well. If something does go wrong, forget it quickly, don't dwell on it. There are ups and downs in every performance. Honestly, 99% of the audience doesn't notice small errors.
Don't drink if you're not a drinker.
If you have a good friend in the crowd, tell them ahead of time that you'll need their support and when you look into the crowd focus on them until you get comfortable.
 
#26
pacojas said:
as i got better, i got to smokin and drinkin just to get WET for the gig.
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"Man, I didn't know you got wet." (sorry, it's a line from the movie "Training Day")

I'm sure you're laughing at this, but I think rubbing one out before the show might help calm your nerves down. Plus it might help get your hands warmed up for playing.

Drinking or herbal refreshments make me forget my parts and focus on things not related to my playing. For me they're fine as long as they're done in a non-pressure musical situation, which this obviously isn't.
 
#27
I don't suffer too much from stage fright, but my brother does. He's a big believer in taking some St. John's Wort before a gig, though I have no firsthand experience with it. For me, the best remedy for anxiousness before a gig or a presentation is knowing the material really well.

But when you make a mistake (and you will), press on and never look back. Plexing up over a clam that just escaped will only let loose more of them. It's the Law Of Cascading F**kups.
 
#30
Just remember rule number 1 if you're getting nervous, nobody listens or pays any attention to the bass player, and most sound men don't even put you through the PA. ;)

I hope that helped, sorry to be the voice of reality. :)

Have fun seriously though, that's what you're doing it for right?
Dirk
 
#32
Matt-77 said:
Don't what I done my first gig get drunk and make a and make a fool out of myself co's I had to work bloody hard to make it up to the band. Good job they were my best friends co's I would have been outta there If they wern't. All gigs after that were rockin so we learn't a lot from that first outing

Good luck you will be fine
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what?:hmm:
 
#36
If you take notice, you'll find that you feel tension in your neck and shoulders first...force yourself to relax, and take deep breaths...
During the gig, don't forget to breathe...
Yes, you read that right. BREATHE.

When i was just starting out, i had some serious jitters going on...i asked an old Jazzer for some advice and he said exactly that: BREATHE.
"Respiration aids inspiration, you just add some perspiration, you'll be ok..." he said.

Remember: the audience is there to hear you and that they want to hear you, and that you love to play music...it's a win win situation !

Get into the material, allow it to move you...

Do not drink or medicate before the show, it's a trap.
 
#37
One thing that I have learned from recording many rehearsals and live shows of bands that I have played in is that most mistakes are nowhere near as obvious from an outside perspective as you think they are when you make them. Don't worry so much about making mistakes, and when they happen, recover as quickly as you can and don't think about them after they are past.

I was talking with a friend of mine one time about a gig she had played where some unexpected challenges had arisen, and she said, "I don't know why I keep doing this; I never know what's going to happen." And then we both started laughing. The fact that unforeseen and sometimes wonderful things happen at gigs is one of the main attractions. Embrace the rush and enjoy it.
 
#39
I hate being infront of people. All of them focusing their attention on you and all. If you're singing lead and bassing it up, try Lemmy's approach. Adust the mic stand to where its above your head, tilt the mic down to your mouth and play while staring at the ceiling. If it works for Lemmy, it can work for you.
 
#40
Im wondering if LIF is wondering about the venue and the view? First live gig......take your setlist and mark each song with your first key/note/or something to set yourself in motion. While playing, pick a point in space at the bar or whatever, so that you look like you are looking out. Occasionally look at your band mates and dont forget to smile. The whole point of playing is to play for people. If it wasnt going to be fun you wouldnt do it. Remember, people will remember a good performance. Once you get a song played, get right to the next one. When you get the first set done, have a beer. Drink a glass of plain old water before the next set. You would be amazed at how freakin hot it can get on stage. You are giving the audience a little piece of yourself when you play. When its good and they get up to dance, the sound field has all kinds of deflection going on and it really gets to sounding good. This only happens when people dance.
 

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