I’ve come a long way in the last year or so (some might think it’s in the wrong direction, but that’s debatable) in regards to preparation for playing a show.  Back in the days when I took voice lessons, I would be very strict about how I get ready to perform.  I would have a specific vocal warm up routine, I would refrain from drinking anything caffeinated or alcoholic, I wouldn’t have any dairy, I would go easy on the carbs, and I would basically build myself up into nervousness.  With all the pressure of having to make everything right and believing that all the elements had to be in place for me to sing on key, I could not be able to relax.

This was nonsense!  Relaxation is a very important part, if not the most important part, of singing.  A singer who is uptight is more likely to forget lyrics, hit bad notes, sing without conviction, and bore the audience.  

Recently I’ve tried another approach: having a good time (“We’re just to guys and we’re having a good time, having a good time, having a good time”).  I will still pay a bit of attention to what I eat and drink before a performance, but I don’t worry about it.  For example, I don’t drink a big milkshake before a show (that’s just playing with fire… a dairy overload causes phlegminess), but sometimes I’ll have a beer before I sing (it’s relaxing and enjoyable).  I still warm up my voice sometimes, but the main difference is in the mindset.  I look forward to the show.  I don’t worry about all the little details.  One time I even played without a set list… and you know what… it was fine.  I knew what songs to play.  When I just relax on stage, my performance seems more natural and the audience picks up on that.

Last night I played a show at the Live Music Wednesdays (which I host) and I came across something else that tampered with my relaxation.  When the show started there was almost no one in the audience.  This was very discouraging and I know that my downcast-spirit had an effect on my performance.  It makes sense - singing is a very emotional experience, so when my emotions are lost somewhere else, I can’t pour my whole being into the song.  But after a while, people started showing up.  For the last two thirds of the show, the coffee shop was almost packed.  And I really noticed the difference in how I performed.  With this new energetic crowd, I became more energetic and broke out of my shell to expose who I really am as a singer.  It was quite interesting.

So to all performers out there, my lesson to you is to be aware of your emotions as you perform.  If you are worried or discouraged, this will come out in your performance.  Try to understand where your emotions are coming from and decide if there is something you can do to change them.