The following was written by music entertainment blogger Kristal Bean, of Greenlight Booking.
A melodious voice is a gift, and singing can be a walk in the park for a person with a melodious voice, but giving a memorable performance is a different ordeal. It’s a work of art which only a few have mastered. Bands like Metallica, singers like Bon Jovi and John Mayer attract crowds of massive proportions only because they don’t just sing; they perform. Here are a few tips that can make your performance better.
Body Language
Body language shows the confidence of a singer. Dancing to the beat adds flare to a performance. Map the stage before the performance, have a good idea of the places where you’ll be most visible, and continuously move to those places. Feel the music, and try to form a connection with the other musicians. “You better lose yourself in the music, the moment, you own it, and you better never let it go.”
Crowd Control
The crowd usually gets rowdy during concerts. Very few people have the know-how about controlling the crowd. The best thing to do once you’re on stage is to establish a rapport with the crowd by engaging them, asking them what they would like to listen to, or if they pumped up for the show since they paid money to see it. If things go south during the performance, a little bit of humor goes a long way in helping you manage the crowd.
Equipment and Sound Check
Make it a habit to do a sound check before performing anywhere. Knowing a problem beforehand will save you a lot of embarrassment onstage. Use the best equipment available; cordless mics are better, as they provide more mobility while performing on stage.
Rehearse
I can’t overemphasize the importance of rehearsals for better performance. Feeling at home during the performance is a major confidence booster. Rehearsing with the band builds up coordination, and your mistakes can be covered by the band. The shortcomings can easily be hidden with enough practice. In case of a karaoke performance, try practicing with and without music, so that you know your shortcomings ahead of time and know how to make up for them. It is difficult, but it becomes easy with practice.
Learn an Instrument
Learning an instrument helps a lot in singing. The idea of scales, modes, intervals all become clear and adds more dynamics to your singing. Another thing it also adds is versatility to a singer, which is quite impressive.
Appearance
On the stage, all eyes are on you. You are the center of attention. A shabbily dressed singer is not attractive. People will look at you throughout your performance; make it worth their while. Being a singer gives an edge on the type of clothes you can wear. Think outside the box. Go crazy! You can pull off anything you want as long as it suits you. “You only get one shot, do not miss this chance to blow, this opportunity comes once in a lifetime.”
Keep these tips in mind and you’ll go a long way. Whether you’re a cover band, Dallas band or just a solo singer you’re performance is sure to get better.
Author Bio
Kristal Bean is a Southern California-based writer and sometimes wedding planner. In her free time, she homeschools, works out and listens to live music. Check her blog Green Light Booking.
