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If you ask most Christian singers, musicians, or bands what they do, they will almost always say, "I am not a performer and I did not come to entertain," followed by, "I am worshipper and I came to minister." While the latter may be true theoretically, the former definitely needs consideration, because you are indeed a performer and it's not a sin to be entertaining while you're up on that stage or altar. Too often, performances are, frankly, sub-par or boring these days. If you want to be the best, you need to read the tips that follow.
Here are my 10 tips for being a better singer/band member/performer:
10) Wear a black shirt, blue jeans, and black shoes on stage and you can never look bad.
9) Don't chew gum or suck on a mint or hard candy while on stage-- this is very distracting to the audience and makes you look-- and sound-- unprofessional and sloppy.
8) Always have at least one emotional story to tell during your set of songs, so the audience can relate to you. You should either tell a story that makes them laugh out loud or cry, depending on the mood of your songs and the atmosphere of the venue. Be honest and touching and tell a personal story so people know you're human.
7) Set aside time either before or after your set of songs to meet with fans either in a private room at the venue (beforehand) or a table in the lobby (afterward). Fans are taking time out of their day or night to come listen to you, and they want to say hi and get/give a handshake or hug in person-- this makes their day, and when you don't take the time to meet with at least some fans, that's bad, very bad.
6) Try and announce the titles of your songs and once in a while mention that the songs are available for purchase either at "the table in the lobby" or "online at soandso.com." It's very important that you let listeners know if you have music for sale and where they can specifically get it, and usually they will buy a CD based on "that one song I just loved so much."
5) If possible, know which songs of yours are "sing-a-long" songs and invite the crowd to do just that, as they love participating, and it helps unite you with your audience big-time. When possible, go out into the crowd and get in the faces of some of the people if you want to break down the wall between you and them-- this loosens a stiff or unresponsive crowd up amazingly well.
4) After the first song, literally ask the audience if the volume's aok. Tell them to cover their ears during the second song if they think it's too loud or to give you a thumbs up if it needs to be louder and then ask the soundman to adjust accordingly. There's nothing worse than being in the audience having to sit thru a set that is way too loud.
3) Always have a bottle or cup of water with you when performing. It gets hot up there no matter where you are, and you'll need water if you're singing or playing because though it may look easy to the average Joe, you know it takes a lot of energy and sweat to get up in front of people and sing/play for an hour or more.
2) Have more songs in mind to perform than you actually will, so you can fill your time well if needed, and/or skip songs as needed. Generally, you can get through 12-15 songs per hour. If you don't have that many songs, either tell stories about your personal life, esp. ones that relate to the songs and/or struggles you've gone thru, or have the band be ready with a few instrumentals if you're a singer and need to take a 4 minute break or so two or three times during the hour.
1) Finally, smile when it's appropriate, relax, and have fun. There is a reason they call it "playing." It's supposed to be a good time. It's normal to be nervous before the gig starts, but once you're on the stage, the nerves need to be replaced by confidence and adrenaline because you are in effect leading a group of people in a wonderful, ethereal experience. You are essentially helping them "feel good," allowing them to let their emotions out in public, and through your words, spoken or sung, offering them your unique perspective on things which they are eager to hear. Enjoy yourself on stage and more than likely your audience will have a great time, too-- remember, you get what you give.
Ok, I hope you can use some of these tips when you're performing in public. Sincerely, Mark Weber www.markjweber.com
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