Stage Presence for Musicians
What do you look like on stage? Are you standing like a statue? Are you thinking about catering? Sometimes I personally feel like I’m stuck behind a wall of plastic and I can’t get loose. I love a good groove to dance to. It’s all about the pocket for me! However, we as musicians need to remember to sell our show! We need to perform.
Here are 6 little ways to make a big impact in your live performance (if you aren’t doing them already!).
Dirty Heads in Iowa - Island Glow Tour 2023 // Photo by @samscarce // Grateful Apparel // Use my code SHAWNZO for 15% off by using my link.
Be Yourself
Let your personality shine through your playing and your body movement. Personally, I love a good groove but since my hands are usually preoccupied, I’m forced to show my groove with a pulse in my knees and by using body movements. Head banging is a good one, too. FEEL THE MUSIC.
I also like to accentuate passing accent movements that most people won’t even notice. The music nerd in me loves these moments.
Lastly, be yourself by wearing the fit or “lewk” that makes you feel comfortable on stage.
Dirty Heads in Patchogue, NY - Island Glow Tour 2023 // Photo by @samscarce // Grateful Apparel // Use my code SHAWNZO for 15% off by using my link.
2. Smile
When in doubt, just smile! There’s plenty to smile about! Also, you never know when someone is filming you or when you’ll be on the big screens. 🙂 Give them something!
Dirty Heads in Cleveland - Island Glow Tour 2023 // Photo by @samscarce // Grateful Apparel // Use my code SHAWNZO for 15% off by using my link.
3. Stay busy
If you have a free hand, use it! You could play a different part of the music, you could use that hand to trigger some effects, or just use your hands to engage with the crowd. Point at someone who’s making eye contact with you. If you have a break from playing parts, keep performing!
4. Analyze your Setup
Ideally, since I’m right-handed, I’d prefer that my setup be facing inward to the band so that I can maintain good eye contact. I also tilt my front keyboard. I get asked that question all the time - why do you tilt your keyboard? Well, I tilt my front keyboard because 1.) It creates more visibility as to what I’m playing, 2.) it’s very photogenic, and 3.) It’s easy on the wrists. I’ve played some shows when I was coming up where the backline wasn’t perfectly set to my height, and I experienced too much uncomfortable bending of my wrist. It’s so important for longevity. Also, all cables should be tucked away so the stage looks clean and you don’t have tripping hazards or any chances of something coming loose. Analyze your setup to ensure NOTHING can get in the way of you having a great show.
5. Sing along
You’ve heard and played these songs thousands of times, right? Yes. However, for many people in the crowd, it’s their first time hearing and seeing them performed live. Even if you aren’t a backup vocalist, lip-sync the lyrics when you can. It’s fun and educational ;)
Dirty Heads - Island Glow Tour 2023 // Photo by @samscarce
6. Confidence is Key
The more comfortable you are with your parts, the more freedom you feel with every other aspect of your live show. If there are passages in the music that are tricky. WORK THEM OUT! The show is not the time to figure things out. The more confident you are in your parts, the more fun you will have by being present in the moment. Your bandmates and the audience will feel this when they watch you. You are a STAR. Shine like one. Shine bright.
