How are you on stage? - WisMusic

BareBonesBassPlayer · 08-11-2007, 03:51 PM

I love to go and watch a live show almost as much as I love playing one. I catch myself more and more watching what kind of habits other musicians have on stage. Some have an outrageous persona and can really get a crowd moving even if the band is having a bad night amongst themselves. Other times, even on the best of nights, I've seen musicians that are very withdrawn all the time. I suppose the latter is probably a case of stage fright or possibly a hundred other things. For example, I know of one fellow who has been in and out of bands for many years. I've only seen him in two bands and he was a frontman in both and a fairly decent singer. He has a habit of wearing his ball cap pulled way down and always wants to face the guitar player on his right side. Me, on the other hand, I'm the kind of musician who always hams it up on stage, even when I'm having a bad night. Then of course there's people who just hang out and play and have a laid back vibe, but you can see they're having a great time to.
What kind of musician are you?

Lightning · 08-14-2007, 03:01 PM

Most of my stage experience has been amateur productions of Broadway and off-Broadway musicals or as part of a singing group. Especially at a smaller venue, you really have to engage the audience to keep them coming back.

I've always had a bit of stage fright (and who wouldn't with thousands of eyes staring at you pretending to be some character you're not?) but what fun would it be if you weren't a little scared? Haven't been on stage for a few years but I prefer to move out to the front of the stage where you can see people in spite of the lights. I wouldn't say I have an outrageous persona, but I like grabbing an audience and trying to hold them in thrall. It's as close to true magic as I think really exists. The performer is the wizard and the audience wants you to cast a spell on them. That's what they're paying for; they want you to be more than you are, to take command of their attention and keep it.

I don't get musicians who don't engage the crowd. I mean, they might be genius musicians, but why do a live show if you aren't going to at least acknowledge the audience?

BareBonesBassPlayer · 08-14-2007, 07:17 PM

Well said

stoney · 08-15-2007, 09:09 AM

the world is my stage
on the internet I play
streaming music online
no crowds to be unkind

no smoke to be choked
no spilling beer
to be soaked
no unwanted adoration
no lame justification

I don't get no pay
but that is okay
podcasting is fun
it can be done by anyone

so while some go out
and rock on stage
I do it all
on a web page

I'm just a series of 0's and 1's
it's either one or none
If I got paid
so how could I sum

I have very little experience on stage and in fact it was so long ago and I was so young that I did not even have a thought about presentation. That alone should give you a clue about me.

What a great topic for discussion. I hope others join in and share their experiences.
BareBonesBassPlayer, Dude you ЯØÇЌ

§ŧØŊę¥

KateOYM · 08-24-2007, 12:03 PM

On the other hand.. Jim Morrison wouldn't face the crowd at first and look at how mysterious he was and what a legend he became. I like shows like that where the performer isn't completely in your face, but leaves you wondering what're they going to do next? I find it completely intriguing watching the way different people come off on stage. As a dancer, we went through the same things - there's a time to capture attention, and a time to be mysterious. I think a true mix of both makes a great performer. As long as the audience gets their money's worth, it's all a success. I do give a ton of credit to the groups that can separate the troubles of life with the duty of performing.

TheBalance · 08-26-2007, 11:04 PM

I get on stage with a band and pick one person in the audience to play to. Usually it's the one that dances out loud.
I'm the guy that plays along with the band while standing in the audience...get's the gals dancing, and then gets on stage with the band to play along with a tune or two. I think it might be a ploy by the band to get me to stop playing.

Dance sister, dance.

Lightning · 08-28-2007, 08:44 AM

I think Jim Morrison might qualify as a special case. I don't think many people can match him for sheer mesmerizing charisma.

BareBonesBassPlayer · 08-28-2007, 04:42 PM

Well, Jim was just about like any newbie on the stage. He was scared to death at first. Lord knows I sure was. Even after playing for a long time I still manage to get the jitters, but then the adreniline takes over and then I'm a ham lol

.

dgridley · 08-24-2010, 11:04 AM

Seems like a good approach..

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBalance

I get on stage with a band and pick one person in the audience to play to. Usually it's the one that dances out loud.
I'm the guy that plays along with the band while standing in the audience...get's the gals dancing, and then gets on stage with the band to play along with a tune or two. I think it might be a ploy by the band to get me to stop playing.

Dance sister, dance.