Advice topic for newbies (live performers)

[Stellardrone]

Hello, I don't know if there is a topic somewhere of such kind, but anyway.

I'd like to hear some suggestions or advices from more experienced (doesn't matter your age, but I believe most of you are way older than I am  ) pro or amateur musicians here (I can't call myself a musician though, but I'm workin on it). I don't know, just general stuff, what to do or not to do on the stage or some of your own stories of first live or semi-live events.

[petekelly]

I don't know how helpful this may be but my advice is to just go for it and do what comes naturally.
I played guitar and bass in lots of bands (all unknowns) in the 80s and mostly really enjoyed the experience, apart from one performance which started a near riot !
I was pretty much full of ego in those days - which probably helped, as did being in a band - as opposed to performing solo.

[jkn]

We had a couple of great conversations about this earlier in the year over at rM .... I have a couple of lengthy responses.  Worth your time to read through.

Sadly - the person that started both of these ( Doug / Lily Pond Orchestra) passed away last spring.

http://relaxedmachinery.ning.com/profiles/blogs/brain-picking-live-setups

http://relaxedmachinery.ning.com/profiles/blogs/more-questions-pertaining-to

[SunDummy]

I've only played live a couple times, so I am far from an expert...  but I will say that a pre-show beer is good for the nerves.  I would avoid, however, taking a huge pull on a bong seconds before walking onto the stage, as a partner once did; he spent the entire set in a haze, missing every cue.  Good thing it was a beatless drone-a-thon.   

[mgriffin]

Most performers rehearse the music they plan to play, but I recommend also rehearsing the entire setup process. Don't just disconnect your instruments and effect and mixer the day of the show and haul them down to the venue -- practice by tearing down your gear and setting it up in another room, and putting it back together. This might reveal things you forgot to consider about equipment problems or shortcomings, or something as simple as cables or adapters you'll need.

[Altus]

Practice, practice, practice your set.

Personally, I've performed a few live shows and all it did was stress me out.  Clearly it just isn't for me.   

[Scott M2]

Most performers rehearse the music they plan to play, but I recommend also rehearsing the entire setup process. Don't just disconnect your instruments and effect and mixer the day of the show and haul them down to the venue -- practice by tearing down your gear and setting it up in another room, and putting it back together. This might reveal things you forgot to consider about equipment problems or shortcomings, or something as simple as cables or adapters you'll need.

This is very good advice. I always move my entire rig to the living room and practice there to ensure I have every wire and doodad required.
Packing select extra wires with various adapters is also wise.

I personally like to have a minimum of three independent sound-sources in my rigs so I can set up the next part while playing the current one and to be able to continue if an instrument goes down. I'm lucky to almost always play with my good friend Jamie Todd in dreamSTATE. If problems arise, one of us can "take it" while the other reboots or rewires. Jamie has recently started bringing a reasonably small UPS along to shows which can help keep your gear safer from fluctuating power in a venue.

[Stellardrone]

Thank you all for replies! Appreciate very much, and also very thanks for jkn for the link

[False Mirror]

Practice and don't think too much of standing on stage. When the moment comes, you will be deep inside your music.
When I play live, I don't even realize the audience. And afterwards I'm almost unable to talk to anybody for at least an hour or such, because my mind is still captured inside the music.