Everyone gets performance jitters. Even Flashband's most seasoned musicians get nervous before they get up there and play their hearts out. Here are our tips for being prepared for your next big show!
The Week Before
Practice, practice, practice. Sure, we say this all the time. But do you do it? Make sure to schedule enough time with your bandmates to work through any kinks in your songs. Think about what your performance might look like and do a little blocking, or mapping out of where you’ll be on stage. (And if you’re a singer, work on memorizing your lyrics.)
Give a test performance. Remember how you did that blocking? Now put it to the test. Call a few friends or Flashbanders over to rehearsal and give them a private show. We don’t mean playing 30 seconds of a song and asking them what they think; run through the whole thing, start to finish, and don’t ask for feedback until the end. Your friends know this is practice, but they’ll still get swept up in your music if you play like you mean it. Bonus tip: Ask one of them to record you so you can watch it afterwards. (If you like it, send it to Flashband so we can brag about you!)
Talk to your bandmates. Everyone gets nervous before a show. Sit down with your bandmates after practice, grab a drink, and talk it through. Is there an experienced performer in your group? Ask them for some advice. Just sharing your thoughts might help someone else feel better if they’re nervous, too. Bonding with your band will help you have a better show, so don’t hold back.The Day Before
Clean your house. According to Princeton researchers, “The clutter competes for your attention in the same way a toddler might stand next to you annoyingly repeating, ‘candy, candy, candy, candy, I want candy, candy, candy, candy, candy, candy, candy, candy, candy, candy …’ Even though you might be able to focus a little, you’re still aware that a screaming toddler is also vying for your attention. The annoyance also wears down your mental resources and you’re more likely to become frustrated.” Give yourself a little time to do a once-over of your apartment, or, if you’re short on time, pick a smaller task and finish it. The sense of accomplishment will help you feel more confident, and having a clean space will calm you down.
Dress like a rock star. If you know you look good, you’ll feel good, too. Plan out what you’ll wear and make sure it’s an outfit you feel comfortable and powerful in. Fans can tell when you’re not 100% focused on the performance, so make sure you won’t be distracted by pants that are too tight or sky-high stilettos.
Call your best friend. Or your mom. Or both! Talking through your nerves with your bandmates is one thing. But talking to someone who loves you unconditionally is important, too, if only for the self-esteem boost. Call up someone in your life who will always answer, let them hear you out, and believe them when they tell you you’re great. (Because you are!)
The Moment Before
Slow down. You made it to the venue early and did sound-check. The space is filling up and your friends are almost there. While you have a few minutes, grab a glass of water, find a space by yourself, and take some deep, slow breaths. This will help you be a little more present and tamp down the anxiety.
Pick up a good luck charm. Even if it feels a little silly, research shows that carrying an item that you feel is lucky will actually boost your mental and physical performance -- but only in situations where you can directly affect the outcome. So wear your lucky underwear, or borrow a friend’s lucky guitar pick. Whatever it is, make sure you’ve got it before you go on stage.
Find your ritual. Musicians everywhere have little rituals they follow before they perform. What do you need to do to feel totally confident? Whether it’s noodling on your guitar outside, saying a prayer, or jumping around with your bandmates for a minute, do it. Rituals help you feel like everything is in place and ready to go.
Get up there. Let the adrenaline take over, let the music flow, and let go of those inhibitions. You’re going to kill it!
What are your tips for getting ready to take the stage?
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