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How do you improve your stage presence?

#162
Mingus_Habens said:
We're not actors
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Speak for yourself ;) I am: Invalid Link Removed

Seriously though, I agree with all you say. Trying is obvious. However, I do find a lot of advice to agree with on this thread: not getting lost staring at one's fingerboard or shoes, dressing for performance, knowing the material, actually enjoying what one is doing and the music (not fake smiles) - I'd add avoiding drawing undo attention to bandmates mistakes, etc.
 
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#164
More bass face.

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#165
Dynacord said:
I'd add avoiding drawing undo attention to bandmates mistakes, etc.
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Hahaha, yes, especially if you have a bandmate who makes a lot of them. We have certain routine (ahem) issues and if you watch me closely you'll see that my smile broadens every time a wrong note wrings out. It's a trick I've learned that helps me not focus on the problems and makes me look happy and keeps me from diving into negativity on stage.

I got video of another recent show where I caught our lead singer actually doing a facepalm over similar problems. That doesn't happen often, but we were all in a pretty bad state that evening due to a variety of disgruntlements.
 
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#167
Dress well.
With some exceptions, most folks aren't expecting the bass player to be the guy moving around a lot but you've got to at least give them something to look at that is better than their everyday. Remember that when it comes to performance It's not only "about the music" and people listen with their eyes as well as their ears.

I also definitely agree with look at your fingerboard less and the audience more.
 
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#168
If you’re happy and you know it , slap your bass. Yes, kidding of course. But a little motion that shows you’re feeling the groove and a smile is always a good thing (unless you’re a front man kind of guy). Overly animated players just look like they’re trying too hard. It kind of puts me off. If you’re faking it, I think people can tell.
 
#169
LBS-bass said:
Hahaha, yes, especially if you have a bandmate who makes a lot of them. We have certain routine (ahem) issues and if you watch me closely you'll see that my smile broadens every time a wrong note wrings out. It's a trick I've learned that helps me not focus on the problems and makes me look happy and keeps me from diving into negativity on stage.

I got video of another recent show where I caught our lead singer actually doing a facepalm over similar problems. That doesn't happen often, but we were all in a pretty bad state that evening due to a variety of disgruntlements.
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Cuss mistakes in practice, laugh them off at a show. My wife knows my gaffes by my smiles way more than by her ears.
 
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#171
I love watching players that are in the moment. When the music is down cold and you are on Auto Pilot its so much easier to smile and engage the crowd. I remember once seeing Sister Hazel and the whole band just exuded pure joy. I still think about it to this day. It was an outdoor event in Florida and great. They were making a living doing what they enjoyed and appeared to be loving every minute of it. Was really infectious. Every-time I get to play at this age I appreciate every note and it really feels like a privilege.
 
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#172
Axtman said:
I know one of the things I really need to improve on is my stage presence. I tend to stand still and/or look at the musicians. What are some of your tips for improving stage presence for a rock cover band bassist? Thanks!
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Personally, just the way I am wired - I stand pretty still - I don't quite stand like a statue (even though my singer called me out one time on the PA for being a statue) - but I'm pretty reserved - it's just my personality. Like if I could emulate a well known band - for me it would be TOOL. THEY are pretty much like statues. When you see Tool you are there for the music - not the theatrics, explosions, the singer walking out on a 40 foot ego ramp to sing to the audience, guitar player sliding across the stage on his kneecaps with his back arched while wailing some solo, dragons shooting fire out of the PA, etc. etc.

I'd much rather play/look like Tool on stage then all the running around like a wild man, jumping off the drum riser, etc. etc.

But again, that's just me. My two cents to you; if you feel comfortable just standing there and locking in with the drummer - do it. Don't feel forced or pressured to act crazy or thrash around :)
 
#176
If you want to have better stage presence at the performance, you gotta have better stage presence in the practice room. I had to learn to play air guitar -gag me- danced around the house acting like a diva, to the Nth degree. Totally "Spinal Tap"ing out, spandex and all!! My wife things I'm crazy, what else is new. Of course I'd never do 95% of those shenanigans on stage, but the last 5% left seem to suffice - a little rockin back and forth and head bobbin.

When I'm apprehensive my stage presence = ZER0!! I do this ritual when I feel uncomfortable, to Kinda break the ice with the audience: I walk to the edge of the stage after I plug in, tips of toes to the edge. I Shade my eyes with my hands and act like I'm looking to see if someone in the audience showed up. What I'm really doing is looking confidently, but friendly, at every face in the audience and whispering to myself," You my bitch, You my bitch, You my bitch, oh yeah you definitely gonna be my bitch, you my bi ....." Not literally ,duh? Musically. Most of the time they give me the nod when our eyes meet. So I smile, nod and keep on looking. After I'm done, shrug my shoulder's and maybe do a little dance step if I'm feel myself. lol - Oh well, my guest isn't here yet - and go finish tuning or grab a beer, and introduce myself to a couple folks, especially the pretty ones :)

You'll be surprised How warm they are after that. You've Looked everyone in the eyeballs - awkward, said a couple awkward hello's - (some of those girl's are cute, you just broke the ice with them), The guest have had a chance to look you up and down - awkward, and you have already looked lost and a little disappointed that your guest isn't here yet. All the awkwardness is out of the way. Nothing left to do but have fun with your new friends.They'll dance with you, yell out your name, and even laugh WITH YOU if a mistake comes up - "I caught that!" Yes Sir/Ma'am, you caught me - Awkwardness all gone. Now you can buy me a beer - lol.
 
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#180
The number one rule is to not stare down at ur bass like a zombie the whole time. Look at people in the audience. Try to make eye contact with every single one of them, it is your job.

Also scoot over to the guitarist, put your head next to his for a "head hug", extend your hips and swing out your bass for a true rockstar look. :bassist:
 

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