| Very often musicians, artists and bands are oblivious to | | | | or simplify the setting up process! Take note of how |
| the basic rudiments of performing. In some cases they | | | | professional performers prepare for their gigs. They |
| are so engrossed in the creativity and the art of music | | | | are always in a state of preparation, tuning their guitars, |
| that they totally ignore the people they are supposed | | | | miking up the drums or plotting out their set while the |
| to be entertaining, to their detriment. | | | | wannabes are just waiting to be entertained. |
| With live performance being an integral part of a | | | | Sadly, many people will not return to see the band I |
| musician's income stream, more value must be placed | | | | spoke about earlier for a long time. That kind of |
| on performance and on delivering an excellent | | | | entrance can leave a bad taste in your mouth that |
| performance, as this can drive sales to an incredible | | | | you're not ready to taste again. It bad manners and |
| height. | | | | disrespectful to your audience to keep them waiting so |
| One simply needs to look at the news papers or any | | | | don't do it! |
| music press to see the huge difference in ticket prices | | | | 2. Lacklustre Introduction: In business circles it is said |
| to see a performance by Madonna & Lady GaGa as | | | | that you are judged in the first 10 seconds, and then |
| opposed to the Joe Bloggs band down the road, with | | | | opinions are formed about you. Those opinions can |
| ticket prices ranging from hundreds of pounds to free | | | | cause you to have an easy ride or an uphill struggle. |
| entry! Your customers are paying for the | | | | I think this saying can be applied to a musician's |
| "performance" song; therefore it is ridiculous not to | | | | performance. In one of Madonna's tours she started |
| invest appropriately in your performances especially as | | | | the Scottish leg of her performances with Bagpipe |
| a band, artist, or musician where performing to an | | | | players and drummers followed by her first |
| audience is part of your strategy for success. | | | | appearance dressed in a Highland costume in an |
| The following tips will help you deliver quality | | | | unusual synchronised dance routine. The whole format |
| performances: | | | | was spectacular. (Please note: I am not necessarily a |
| 1. Quick Setting Up: I went to see a new band recently | | | | Madonna fan, but I do recognise a good performance |
| in the West End of London. Unfortunately, I had a long | | | | when I see one.) Yet when the average band or artist |
| wait to hear them as they spent almost 40 minutes | | | | is announced they do nothing besides merely singing |
| setting up their equipment, even though they were | | | | their song with no form of introduction what so ever. |
| already 40 minutes behind schedule. And it was on a | | | | The first time a performer appears on stage there |
| week day! Needless to say I was pretty fed up by the | | | | should be a wow factor that sparks the audience's |
| time they actually began to play. Considering how I felt, | | | | curiosity and makes them want to hear more. So ask |
| I wonder how much ground they lost in terms of | | | | yourself these questions; |
| developing a fan base and gaining potential sales? | | | | - What can you do for an intro? |
| People judge you by what you do! Do your sound | | | | - What dramatic/unusual entry can you create? |
| checks in good time if possible and if you are in | | | | - What intros stand out for you? |
| between bands you need to find a way to speed up | | | | Put these 2 into practice. More next in part 2! |