• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Stage Presence - how to get some?

M

mrossi

Apr 21, 2009
13
0
Colorado
#1
Fellas -

Just started playing with a new set of guys (actually 3 from my old band and 3 from another - kind of like the brady bunch) and the feedback we've gotten is that everyone is stiff and serious. We play all covers which are a little harder to get into than original content, but some fun songs.

From those that have much more stage experience than me, I'm looking for some advice as to how I (as the supporting bassist) can breathe some life, fun and performace antics into the boys so we appear a though we are enjoying ourselves as much as we really are?

I've thought about increasing our minimum required beer intake or perhaps de-pantsing the lead singer - thoughts?
 
#3
mrossi said:
Fellas -

Just started playing with a new set of guys (actually 3 from my old band and 3 from another - kind of like the brady bunch) and the feedback we've gotten is that everyone is stiff and serious. We play all covers which are a little harder to get into than original content, but some fun songs.

From those that have much more stage experience than me, I'm looking for some advice as to how I (as the supporting bassist) can breathe some life, fun and performace antics into the boys so we appear a though we are enjoying ourselves as much as we really are?

I've thought about increasing our minimum required beer intake or perhaps de-pantsing the lead singer - thoughts?
Click to expand...

Just move around to the music. It doesn't matter if you headbang, jump, run around, or just do the weirdest moves you can think of (imagine Maynard James Keenan of Tool/APC, except with a bass in his hands). Moving around on stage will make your show look so much better.
 
#5
just be yourself and let yourself have a good time up there. A friend once told me that people having a good time is infectious, when they see you up there enjoying what you do they will enjoy themselves. Me on the other hand, apparently I don't smile or for that matter I don't show a lot of expression on my face, so I just pull my hat as far down as I can so I can hide. I am the mystery man on the bass.
 
#6
+1 to funkmetalbass's maynard comment. nobodys got a clue what hes doing, but its damn good to watch! i try and walk or bend in every which way, going from almost losing my balance on one side to the other. another easy thing is just to point at somebody and stare em down, doesnt matter if you know them or not they love it.
 
#10
Energy-Drink-RedBull.jpg


that aught to do it.
 
#12
Basically eye contact goes a long way. So, quit staring at your feet. Seems like all the band around here do that. Even pros do, drives me nuts. Once I realized I was doing that, my presence improved.
 
#13
Fellas -

Just started playing with a new set of guys

You guys are new to playing together, you need more rehearsal time as a group.


the feedback we've gotten is that everyone is stiff and serious. We play all covers which are a little harder to get into than original content, but some fun songs.

Are you having fun? Or are you so new to the songs and each other that you are fully occupied on getting through the song with OUT a train wreck.



I've thought about increasing our minimum required beer intake or perhaps de-pantsing the lead singer - thoughts?

This is an extremely bad idea. You are already stiff and nervous because you are not comfortable with the material, and with each other. Alcohol induced incompetence will NOT help matters.
 
#14
Good points -- we are still very new and have limited play time with one another. We need time to gel as a group. The songs are relatively new as well so that will surely smooth out over time.

I was mostly kidding about the drinking - no issues with taking the edge off but I'm new enough to my role on bass that I need all my wits! Thanks for the feedback gents -- much appreciated. We'll see how it rolls on Saturday. Thinking about adding in some pyrotechnics to mix things up a bit, Great White style!
 
#15
Please tell me you were kidding about the "Great White" style comment?!?!?! If not........google "great white fire"...... After seeing that, the only way I'd be near pyrotechnics is if i had a class ABCD fire extinguisher next to my amp and the nearest exit scoped out and cleared (and pointed out at the beginning of the show.) :eek:

Back on topic......
Seeing yourself is definetly the best way to go...... "do I seriously look at the fretboard that much!?!?!". I swear every time there's a camera shot I'm looking over, and I make it a point to try to not look there!

I've got the same issue as the OP, gotta increase stage presense...... seems to be a common bass player problem LOL. *subscribed*
 
#17
John Wentzien said:
Eye contact with the audience & smile..
Click to expand...

Or..... Inversely......

I always have my eyes squeezed tightly shut and ditty bop around in my own "Special Place". People claim that I'm "Interesting".



woodsideh said:
As the old saying goes...."3/4 talent - 1/4 flash".
Click to expand...


I got this one backwards too. Dance around like and idiot and pound out 1/4 notes.



My idea of "Stage Presence" is taking something relatively easy, and making it look like it's incredibly hard!
 
#18
Phalex said:
Or..... Inversely......

I always have my eyes squeezed tightly shut and ditty bop around in my own "Special Place". People claim that I'm "Interesting".






I got this one backwards too. Dance around like and idiot and pound out 1/4 notes.



My idea of "Stage Presence" is taking something relatively easy, and making it look like it's incredibly hard!
Click to expand...

Or like Gene Simmons said "if you hit a wrong note look the audience in the eye and make em think it was planned"
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back