Musicians as Performers - Rose Kimberley

As live musicians we are expected not only to play or sing our hearts out to the best of our ability, but also to perform to our audience.

There are so many ways you can approach performance, but if you’re just starting to analyse and develop your stage presence, here’s 5 areas you may want to consider.

1. Genre. If you are in a heavy rock band, your performance will be somewhat different to if you were an acoustic act! Sounds obvious - but, I wouldn’t necessarily be fooled in to thinking that an acoustic show is easier going (especially for singers)… it requires just as much interaction with the audience, if not more, due to the intimate nature of the performance.
2. Stage space. One of the first things I tell bands to do when performance coaching is to use the stage space more. You’ll surprise yourself how fixated you are on your one little spot on stage like you have concrete surrounding your feet! As soon as you start moving around, you instantly become more exciting to watch.
3. Interact with your band. I’ve found that one of the most common comments from audience members that really enjoy a live gig, is to do with how the band's ‘vibe’ is, not only towards the audience, but also with each other on stage. You have to look like you’re enjoying what you’re doing (even if you don’t!) – If you don’t look convinced that you’re having a ball – why would your audience believe in what you’re doing!?
4. Engage with your audience… either using eye contact, going out in to the crowd (eg. crowd surfing), or whatever else creates a connection. Your audience is VERY important. Make them feel special.
5. Research. Look at what other bands or performers are doing. Who do you like to watch? What do you like about them and why? For me, this clip of Locked Out of Heaven by Bruno Mars is a great example of a very well thought out and engaging performance. However… this performance by Cheryl Cole (bad pitching aside) just doesn’t cut the mustard!

** Rose offers private vocal tuition in both London and Surrey as well as band performance coaching through www.bandworkshops.com.

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