The Singer's Newsletter

6 Tips To "Up" Your Live Performance

On the road again!! 2023 is the year to get back out there! Festivals and touring are in full swing, and this is the time to get your live performance on! As you already know, playing live is not the same as doing a video or recording in the studio. There are no "do-overs" live. You can't cut and paste a bad note, phrase, entrance, move onstage - you get the point. Many artists who got signed from TikTok during the pandemic got dropped because, even though they had thousands of followers, they hadn't done the hard work it takes to function at the next level.

 
Photo: Grammy.com
Diana Ross 

Here are Some Tips to Consider: 

1. Which performances/artists do you admire? - Maybe you like Mick Jagger's swagger or Pink's acrobatics or Ed Sheeran's solo style. Each offers something unique, but look to what inspires you. Maybe you can't perform like that today, but this gives you a direction to work towards.
2. The type of music determines your performance decisions and opportunities - If you're a jazz singer, you can perform with just a keyboardist or even a track, then a band. The venues then become clear. If you're a pop singer/songwriter, you can start out simple (you - an instrument, an accompanist, or a track) at an open mic and build from there to a full production. If you're a dance or EDM artist, singing at club events with DJs and a track is a solid way to go.
3. Make a list of things you need to perform - As a singer, you need your own mic (corded or cordless), your instrument (if you play), a solid set list, a track and/or musicians, a way to use the technology live (triggering tracks, effects, etc.), and performing clothes (even props!). If you haven't performed a lot or recently, it's ok to start small and build up. If you're dancing and singing, plan your moves and where you'll sing.  
4. Practice to solid - This means practice everything - how you'll enter the stage, hold the mic, move across the stage, trigger any loops or tracks, interact with musicians, and what you'll say in between songs. Also, consider what you'll wear and what image you'd like to project. Don't be afraid to ask for help with this. It's a lot! A vocal coach, producer, musician/accompanist/arranger, engineer, or choreographer can assist you with what you need.
5. Do dress rehearsals & warm-up gigs - Please don't skip this step. Do a dress rehearsal like it's a real gig. Wear what you'll wear, use what you'll use, bring everything you need to bring - including water, hot tea, etc. Next, do a warm-up gig, like it's a bigger gig. The Rolling Stones are known to do a series of small club gigs to warm up before a new tour or big event. Things can go very right or very wrong in an instant when performing live, and you want to plan and be prepared for things that you know can go wrong (including your voice!).
6. Assess what works & make adjustments before a bigger gig - When you do a dress rehearsal and/or warm-up gig, you will see what's up. Assess what worked and what didn't, and make changes accordingly. For example, maybe the set list order doesn't work as well as you thought or your outfit isn't comfortable for what you're doing. Maybe you need a different track or cues in it to tell you where you are in the song. Use every performing experience as an opportunity to become the best live performer that you can be. Rock on!

To learn more about pop technique, please check out my new VIDEO, #1 Pop Singing Tip To Nail It Every Time. To schedule lessons, please contact vocalcoach@teridanz.com  or call 310-283-9688.

   
* Image: Canva