What Upcoming Music Artists Must Do if They Want to Steal the Show

This episode will cover preparing and crushing your first performance. Before you sign up for your first open mic or before you get on your first bill there are some steps you’re going to want to take. Keep in mind that you don’t have to do any of these. You can just get in front of people and rap over your song but that isn’t a pleasant experience for the crowd. Let’s take the proper steps to make sure you are entertaining.

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Prepare a performance track and explain what it is. You don’t want your vocals competing with the track. If your pitch doesn’t match or if your flow is a little off it creates dissonance and the listeners get turned off without even knowing why. This will happen even if your song is good!

Design your songs and set them to be optimal for a performance instead of just having a listening experience. This can involve taking out the verses, lowering the volume of your hook, and including ad-libs. 

Rehearse multiple times before your first performance. Use a mirror or record yourself and then study your moves. Do you like how the hook sounds? Do you need more elements for the performance track? Remember that while performing you will have a greater challenge breathing compared to being in the studio. Practice what you are going to say in between songs. Be intentional. Don’t rap to the ground. Make eye contact. What are you going to wear?

Get a lot of rest the night before and make sure that you have eaten and are hydrated. Don’t eat anything an hour before and don’t eat anything too heavy at all beforehand. Chugging water an hour before won’t do the trick. Start 24 hours before. Give your voice a rest if you can. This is your instrument and it needs to be taken care of. There are various exercises that you can do to warm up your vocals in anticipation of a performance.

Get there early for any sort of preparations and to introduce yourself to other artists and people at the event beforehand. Do not forget the Sound Person! Befriend people, grow your community, be interesting, be interested, and have fun. This will help build your confidence. Do not leave immediately after your performance. Stay to watch the other artists. Study what they do. Socialize with the guests at the venue and tell them where they can find more of your work. Be enthusiastic about the event. 

With your first show in the books, it is now time to reflect on the experience and prepare for the next one. With focused effort, you will only continue to improve! 

Artists, I see a world where all committed Indie Music Artists - and their communities -  profit off of their passion. Thank you for being here and contributing to that vision!