Stage Fright

BlackCorduroy
BlackCorduroy Posts: 1,374
edited May 2010 in Musicians and Gearheads
Hey there, I'm 20 years old and playing my first gig this Friday. I've played guitar in public before but this will be my first time both singing and playing. I haven't been singing very long, but as long as I'm emotionally connected to the song, it usually goes well. I'm really excited to get it out of the way and start performing regularly, but I can't help but fear a trembling trainwreck. Although it shouldn't matter, but being the only female on the bill has also brought about some extra nerves. I know most performers have probably experienced stage fright and I've heard it never really goes away, but any tips on conquering it?
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Comments

  • keeponrockin
    keeponrockin Posts: 7,446
    Honestly, once you get up there, lose yourself in what you're doing, and you'll be fine! I find it to be the worst 5 mins or so before I go on, then I go on, and I just go. I rarely remember specifics when I play, just try to get in 'the zone' and it'll be fine!
    Believe me, when I was growin up, I thought the worst thing you could turn out to be was normal, So I say freaks in the most complementary way. Here's a song by a fellow freak - E.V
  • mfc2006
    mfc2006 HTOWN Posts: 37,491
    keeponrockin wrote:
    Honestly, once you get up there, lose yourself in what you're doing, and you'll be fine! I find it to be the worst 5 mins or so before I go on, then I go on, and I just go. I rarely remember specifics when I play, just try to get in 'the zone' and it'll be fine!

    so true. i usually freak out a bit (10 minutes or so) before i start a set. but once i hit that first chord or sing the opening note, i'm good to go. one thing that helps me is to play a song that i'm really comfortable with first---that way, if my nerves get the best of me, i know where i am in the song.

    congrats on the gig! let us know how it goes!
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  • ScrapeMySky
    ScrapeMySky Posts: 426
    Fortunately, this was only an issue during the first few gigs I played with my band (and every single band before that). Once you get into it and get a feeling for how it all works, it goes away. I usually get over it during the first three or four songs (Nowadays it doesn't even take that long). If it doesn't go away... I don't know. A drink or two might help. But whatever you do, DO NOT get completely drunk before a gig. This definitley DOESN'T help.
    That being said, your profile picture already tells a lot about how to deal with insecurity on stage. ;)
  • mccreadyisgod
    mccreadyisgod Bumfuq, MT Posts: 6,395
    Being in a band, it often helps to ignore the crowd for the first song or so, and just focus on the other members of your band. Make a lot of eye contact with the rest of the band, and find your groove. Once you're in the pocket, it's a lot easier to connect with the crowd and use their energy for the rest of the set.

    Playing solo means you don't have that luxury. If you need to, it's okay to close your eyes and tune out the visual of a crowd in front of you. The big problem with stage fright is usually focus; that is, letting the crowd take you away from the song. Try to keep your head up, so your diaphram and larynx doesn't get compressed and restrict your voice, but by all means, close your eyes and get into the song first. The crowd sees it like you're just really into that song.

    Like mfc2006 said, it may be a good idea to start with a song that you are VERY comfortable with, and isn't too complicated. Pulling off an easy song first can build up your confidence and establish a connection with the audience, and that makes it a lot easier.
    ...and if you don't like it, you can suck on an egg.
  • Thoughts_Arrive
    Thoughts_Arrive Melbourne, Australia Posts: 15,165
    Imagine everyone is naked, sorry got that from the Simpsons.
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  • DewieCox
    DewieCox Posts: 11,432
    Just get up there and do it. I was so nervous before my first gig with my current band that I started gettin kinda light headed and crummy feelin. I thought havin a beer or smokin a little would help me. I've seen and had it work a bunch but it might not always, b/c it hasn't helped me every time.

    They do make otc medicine to help calm your nerves, or you can take a small dose of benadryl.
  • CJMST3K
    CJMST3K Posts: 9,722
    Stage fright it the one thing that stopped me from playing in front of people.

    I was the drummer "hoar" for several high school band back in the early 90's, and played a few times, but never felt comfortable up there. Of course, it may have contributed that I didn't like anyone in my high school.
    ADD 5,200 to the post count you see, thank you. :)
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  • keeponrockin
    keeponrockin Posts: 7,446
    Maybe one drink... However, with me, anymore than one or two I can feel my playing start to go.

    Most of all, HAVE FUN!
    Believe me, when I was growin up, I thought the worst thing you could turn out to be was normal, So I say freaks in the most complementary way. Here's a song by a fellow freak - E.V
  • xtremehardy388
    xtremehardy388 Posts: 2,759
    I usually pull an Ed and have some wine on stage. It helps with the voice (because I add a ton of salt). Also, just make sure you're prepared and try to feed off the crowd. If you're confident, the crowd will sense it and they'll dig in. Like everyone is saying, just have fun. If you mess up, chances are, people won't know. Just improvise if need be-I do it all the time. Have as much fun as possible. If the crowd sees you're having fun, they'll have fun, too! Good luck and let us know how it went!
    Grand Rapids '04, Detroit '06
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  • savman
    savman Posts: 230
    Yeah i have a little dutch courage helping.
    Although i generally rehearse with a few beers too - as they say you- should practice what you preach :-)
  • ScrapeMySky
    ScrapeMySky Posts: 426
    xtremehardy388 wrote:
    I usually pull an Ed and have some wine on stage. It helps with the voice (because I add a ton of salt). Also, just make sure you're prepared and try to feed off the crowd. If you're confident, the crowd will sense it and they'll dig in. Like everyone is saying, just have fun. If you mess up, chances are, people won't know. Just improvise if need be-I do it all the time. Have as much fun as possible. If the crowd sees you're having fun, they'll have fun, too! Good luck and let us know how it went!

    Dude! You drink heavily SALTED wine on stage?? :shock: Is that even possible? That's what I call some serious commitment.
  • justam
    justam Posts: 21,415
    Keep your mind focused on the music you're playing and singing. Listen to the thread and keep pulling your mind back if it wants to move off. It'll become a habit to stay focused.
    &&&&&&&&&&&&&&
  • keeponrockin
    keeponrockin Posts: 7,446
    xtremehardy388 wrote:
    I usually pull an Ed and have some wine on stage. It helps with the voice (because I add a ton of salt). Also, just make sure you're prepared and try to feed off the crowd. If you're confident, the crowd will sense it and they'll dig in. Like everyone is saying, just have fun. If you mess up, chances are, people won't know. Just improvise if need be-I do it all the time. Have as much fun as possible. If the crowd sees you're having fun, they'll have fun, too! Good luck and let us know how it went!
    This.
    Believe me, when I was growin up, I thought the worst thing you could turn out to be was normal, So I say freaks in the most complementary way. Here's a song by a fellow freak - E.V
  • BlackCorduroy
    BlackCorduroy Posts: 1,374
    Thanks for the advice everybody. What a pleasant little section of this message board..I'll need to frequent here more. I had been thinking about drinking and haven't been sure if it's a good idea. I'll probably go with one or two as someone suggested.
    ScrapeMySky wrote:
    That being said, your profile picture already tells a lot about how to deal with insecurity on stage. ;)

    Haha absolutely, they're my two biggest heros and their music always sparks inspiration before playing. I'll probably cover a tune or two by each of them. Possibly Atlantic City, The Promised Land, Does this bus stop on 82nd st, Off He Goes, Small Town, Force of Nature, or Wishlist (I've been replacing the Ebow with harmonica and it sounds pretty badass)
  • keeponrockin
    keeponrockin Posts: 7,446
    BlackCorduroy wrote:
    Thanks for the advice everybody. What a pleasant little section of this message board..I'll need to frequent here more.
    It's by far the friendliest are of the board!
    Believe me, when I was growin up, I thought the worst thing you could turn out to be was normal, So I say freaks in the most complementary way. Here's a song by a fellow freak - E.V
  • BlackCorduroy
    BlackCorduroy Posts: 1,374
    keeponrockin wrote:
    BlackCorduroy wrote:
    Thanks for the advice everybody. What a pleasant little section of this message board..I'll need to frequent here more.
    It's by far the friendliest are of the board!

    I love the quote in your sig. What song did he play?
  • keeponrockin
    keeponrockin Posts: 7,446
    BlackCorduroy wrote:
    keeponrockin wrote:
    BlackCorduroy wrote:
    Thanks for the advice everybody. What a pleasant little section of this message board..I'll need to frequent here more.
    It's by far the friendliest are of the board!

    I love the quote in your sig. What song did he play?
    "Hide Your Love Away".. It was at the Albany show in 2006!
    Believe me, when I was growin up, I thought the worst thing you could turn out to be was normal, So I say freaks in the most complementary way. Here's a song by a fellow freak - E.V
  • ScrapeMySky
    ScrapeMySky Posts: 426
    BlackCorduroy wrote:
    Haha absolutely, they're my two biggest heros and their music always sparks inspiration before playing. I'll probably cover a tune or two by each of them. Possibly Atlantic City, The Promised Land, Does this bus stop on 82nd st, Off He Goes, Small Town, Force of Nature, or Wishlist (I've been replacing the Ebow with harmonica and it sounds pretty badass)

    These all sound like good cover ideas. These guys have so much great material for covers. Especially Springsteen.
  • BlackCorduroy
    BlackCorduroy Posts: 1,374
    Just thought I'd drop in here and let you guys know how it went...I had so much fun last night! I did end up having a couple drinks, so perhaps that contributed, but I really wasn't as nervous getting up there as I expected. It certainly wasn't a flawless performance but I had a blast and the crowd seemed to dig it too. I was expecting very little reaction but my third song was The Weight and it seemed like the entire room was singing. After that, I pretty much settled in. They also sang along to Mary Jane's Last Dance (dedicated to our campus security after a recent incident) and I got several "Bruuuce!"s hah. That was quite a rush, can't wait to play again. Thanks again for the encouragement everybody!
  • ScrapeMySky
    ScrapeMySky Posts: 426
    Congrats! Great to hear that you had fun and it all worked out ok.

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