Pro Tip #37: 4 signs you might not be as professional as you think

by harlowmedia | Mar 7, 2022 | Pro Tips

In any profession I know of, being professional is what sets you apart and makes you desirable. It puts you at the top of your game and creates credibility in each of your actions. It builds trust and relationships.

However, for whatever reason, there are always some bands and musicians that appear to be incapable or struggle at acting professional. It’s hard to determine if this comes from a rebellious standpoint of rock n roll or if it’s just complete ignorance on how the real world works, or just lack of care in general but it’s all fascinating to me.

This article is written to share 4 things which could easily be perceived as “unprofessional”. It’s common sense yet I’ve seen this stuff throughout my years and some of it as recent as this weekend across my web surfing. I’ve even learned these lessons personally and plan to never go back (most of us have).

These things are tough to write about because it sounds like a bitch session and “shooting the messenger” is a real thing but it’s still worth the share and it’s targeted for folks who are truly taking music seriously and choosing to work it like a profession.

If you are saying “duh” then you are likely a professional and this article is NOT for you. However, maybe it’s worth the read because I’m sure you’ve seen the same things in your journey and it will make you shake your head and smile.

1. You’re Late

Time is our most valuable possession. You can’t buy it and once it’s gone, you can’t get it back. This one applies to the entire spectrum of music life to include making it to a rehearsal on time or making it to a sound check of a gig on time. Consider this, major artists have been booed off stage because they were late, and those were paying customers.

From both a gig (venue) standpoint and band member standpoint, being late creates a credibility issue. It causes 2^nd and 3^rd order consequences which can ultimately lead to band breakup or removal as well as not getting future gigs at venues. It’s that serious.

If you are going to be late, communicate it quickly and prevent it in the future as much as possible. Things happen and can be excused but being in a band is hard enough and being late all the time plants a seed which can destroy your crop. I cannot think of a single member that was kept in a band that was constantly late. Some could say it goes down to a character thing and values but that’s another article. I almost want to provide the wide array of excuses I’ve heard but then I’d embarrass the people who have used em in this area so I’m gonna hold tight and take my own advice of #4 below!

2. You don’t know your material

At the gig:  It seems pretty obvious that you would not want to perform a song you did not know in front of a crowd right? Then why do bands and musicians consistently go ahead and try playing that song they don’t really know on stage? Some will even announce to the crowd that “ we don’t know the song but we’ll do it anyway” in some way to lessen the blow of suckdom. End result, exactly as they said.. they didn’t know it. And yes, I did this when I was young.. guilty as charged! LOL

The question must be asked at this point, was the $5 or even $100 tip worth it? Was it worth it for that one person in the audience who yelled out “free bird” when the rest of the bar patrons are thinking “this band / musician sucks”? Was it worth it to the venue who paid for quality but sees and hears something different? Oh, and don’t forget the cell phone footage on Facebook which clearly shows your best for venues and club owners to review for future gigs.

At rehearsal:  Again, pretty obvious but.. if you are the musicians that does not learn your songs when others in the band have learned their material, it makes you unprofessional and a liability. Bands cannot maintain any level of momentum with an anchor and it breeds resentment. The professional thing would be to lay out what you can do and then deliver or move on to others who have the same commitment. Not learning your music = wasting others time. It’s professional to be respectful of others time, the most important asset.

3. You can’t handle your alcohol

The overused but still reliable banter “the more you drink, the better we sound” is used across America. It provides a little humor and ultimately helps to sell more drinks for the venue you are playing. However, it’s intended for the crowd and not the band. Fact: your band doesn’t sound better the more it drinks. The more your band drinks on stage, the worse it sounds and those things like #2 break out.. “hey guys, let’s do that one song, these people will love it”, knowing that nobody knows it and the vocalist cannot sing it nor knows the words (time to break out the phone.. lol). Net gain… 1 person likes it, the rest.. not so much. Yeah, I’ve been guilty again.. dammit.

Admittedly, I’ll cruise through facebook live video of bands because I’m looking for the best bands to book at the venue and I ultimately see bands across the states that drink to a point of sounding like total crap. These are good bands with bad actions or bad band leaders allowing it. These videos are on the web and there is no way for the band to try and say “man, we were drunk.. that’s why it sounded so bad”. How is that even an excuse? There is just no escape from looking unprofessional and its out on the web for everyone to see over and over.

I’m thankful cell phones were not around when I was young. I mean, I wish I had video of my playing a long time ago but the stakes are so high if you are in a band taking it seriously with cameras everywhere. The competition is fierce and there is certainly more supply than demand so getting drunk makes no sense to me.

BTW, I’m not suggesting to never drink but I’m suggesting that you’ve rehearsed so much for the gig and to consider the fact you can screw the entire band and venue if you can’t control yourself. Point is, what other professional service would you pay for that you would be ok with someone being drunk? Why would a venue hire you if it’s going to become a $hit show and it’s been documented online?

I’ll leave this subject with this: I speak with bands occasionally that will talk “business” and work their band as a professional business but then have this exact activity. I’m all about a good time but if a band was truly a business and you had to put food on the table with it, I don’t think getting drunk at your job would be a smart move.. I digress. Actually, maybe that is the deal.. these people are not really in a business or really don’t need it for food.. it’s just a hobby. Ok, I digress now. LOL

4. Your mouth overloads your canary ass

Our community is so small that our theme song should be “heard it through the grapevine”.  

The quickest way to find yourself unlikable as a musician or band is to talk crap about other people and bands. It spreads so so quickly and everyone knows it. I assure you, you are not as good as others, especially if you have to say it to yourself and your friends or put others down.

I get it though, you don’t like that band or maybe that person rubs you wrong. However, being a true professional means not discrediting or talking about other musicians and bands or even venues. Let the person / band actions speak for them and the rest will work out without you having to say anything or get sucked into the conversation or as an accomplice in many cases around these parts. We owe it to each other to be kind and supportive. The people and bands that are at douche level 11 are easily spotted without anyone having to say anything.

I’ve found being professional also requires to have an open mind without prejudgment. As someone who is connected fairly well to the community, I hear so much stuff and I can tell you that the majority of negative stuff I’ve heard on bands / people is not remotely true. I can tell you that the people in our community are amazing people and we’ve got an amazing amount of talent yet some don’t get the opportunity because others have heard negative comments..etc. Again, let the actions of those people / bands speak for themselves. You might be surprised that everyone actually has more in common than not and there are some really cool players in the area that may have been improperly labeled.

Last, when I see musicians or bands call out each other online, it truly makes me shake my head in disbelief. I’ve seen local folks who will comment on someone’s ability when they themselves have little to no experience or ability (the ol’ put someone down to raise me up thing) . When things get posted online, it’s no longer on the grapevine, it’s action, it’s not professional, and folks will always remember how you made them feel, especially in a public forum.

Ok, there we go. 4 blatantly obvious things which can make you look unprofessional. I’d love to hear your opinions or even your disagreement, you have the right to be wrong (joking). I’m hopeful the content will help everyone pause and say, I’m so glad I’m not like that. If you recognize some of the behavior in yourself, it’s never to late to make a change. My entire life has been experience (surviving mistake) and some of the stuff above (and below) is what I’ve learned in my journey. I’m not proud of many things but I’m proud to be able to share and hopefully prevent you from making some of these simple mistakes like i did when I was young.

Bonus: if you are still reading this, here is a bonus.

#5 You’re too loud

Your loud amp directed at the audience doesn’t sound as good as you think. The louder, the better? NO. The volume you have on stage or volume of your PA can have a direct result on future patrons, gigs, and how you sound to an audience. I’ve seen people leave shows because it’s too loud and I’ve seen bartenders who could not perform their jobs because of it. I’m speaking from personal experience. PLEASE, PLEASE, know the room and play to what’s best for an eventful night of music and not a painful one, louder is not always better. Many pro bands are now doing silent stages (other than drums) and the control of the mix is incredible. In ears are also a great resource to consider.

thanks again for reading!

Pro Tip #36 – How Stella got her groove back and how you can too!

by harlowmedia | Jan 9, 2022 | Pro Tips

By Ken Kirkland

What exactly is “groove”? I’ve spoken with other musicians about it and there’s not really a clear cut definition. Most people say it’s just something you feel. But what if you don’t? Let’s try to dive in and figure it out exactly what groove is and how to find it. 

Groove gives music life. It has an influence on others that gets them moving and swaying and dancing to the music. It makes music more memorable, and is one of the ingredients that brings out emotions in others. Groove is basically the swing and flow of a beat or song. If a beat has a good feel to it, it has good groove. Learning to feel what you’re playing, and playing with feel is an important step for any musician. Learning to play with groove comes with experience. It is a skill that needs to be learned. It comes more easily for some than others. Some people have natural groove. If you find yourself struggling with groove here are some tips that may help.

1. Count with the Music
Music is made up of repeating patterns of beats. Most commonly patterns of four. You need to be able to feel where those patterns start and finish. Learning to count out loud with the music really helps here. Before you can start grooving to any beat you must feel the pulse of the pattern. This takes a bit of practice. Listen to the pattern and try to count the quarter notes in your head. Developing your internal clock is what every musician needs to do. When you can feel the pulse of the song, you will be able to play around it and accent certain notes and beats.

2. Move to the Music
If you want others to move to your music, it helps if you move to it yourself. While you count, tap your foot, sway your body, nod your head or wave your arms…whatever. It will help you feel the music, and also help you to play in time. Moving as you play your instrument is a key ingredient for playing with groove.

3. Loosen Up
If you feel tight and mechanical, you’ll sound that way too. If your fingers, wrists and muscles in general are tense, you’ll find it hard to put those little variations into your playing that are so important to groove. Tension inhibits movement, which makes you slow and sloppy. Speed and precision come from loose and relaxed muscles and a stress free playing posture. The common denominator and most important aspect of any technique is a natural, relaxed, comfortable motion that produces the desired sound as effortlessly as possible. I consider a motion to be “natural” when its movement gives the fullest range of motion, least resistance, and the most relaxation.

4. Jam with Others
For some of you, setting up a home studio has robbed you of a social life. Well, it’s time to get one back again. Learning to play with others is an important musical skill, and really helps in learning to play with groove. If you can’t find any real friends, then jam along to your favorite songs (the dreaded “trackwork”). Playing with others for fun or a gig gets your mind right for being technically correct and perfect. It also teaches you to play something that fits in with what the others are playing, and to think about the roles each musician is playing. Playing with someone who has a good feel is one of the best ways of picking it up yourself

5. Learn to Listen
When you’re playing with other people, learning to listen to them will help with improving your sound and feel more than anything else. You learn to complement one another’s playing by blending or contrasting with what others are doing. You’ll never learn to play with groove together unless you can hear and feel what the others are feeling.
A bass guitarist needs to listen to the kick drum and lock in with what it is doing. A rhythm guitarist can often find inspiration in what the snare drums are doing. A keyboard player or lead guitarist can add interesting “phrases” when the other instruments are less busy. And you can learn to make room for one another’s playing. To drop out on what you are doing so that someone else can take over.

6. Use Eye Contact
Eye contact can help with this too. I rely on eye contact more and more as my tinnitus gets louder. I can watch the way the other musicians are moving their bodies, and move mine in sync. It really helps in picking up the feel of their playing. I can watch the drum stick hitting the hi hat and the rhythm guitarist strumming. Using eye contact helps me to focus so we can stay sharp as a group. And it makes it easier to communicate a change in direction if we are looking at each other. Of course, you don’t want to ignore the crowd and stare at one another, or give each other the evil eye – though I do often try to make my other band members smile. But when I’m playing in a group, I make sure I look at the other musicians fairly regularly.

7. Don’t Emphasize Every Note
This is a big one. Groove comes by emphasizing some beats more than others, and anticipating or holding back on certain notes. Playing every note with the same intensity is mechanical, boring and lifeless. Rock emphasizes the back beat. Beats 2 and 4. Experiment with emphasizing different beats or emphasizing half a beat early or half a beat late (reggae 101). If you take a chord progression from a familiar song and emphasize different beats, it will sound like a whole new song.

8. Leave Gaps in the Rhythm
Incorporate some silence into your playing. Besides emphasizing some beats and playing the others quieter, silence on the occasional beat can add an extra flavor, and give the groove a different feel. From time to time during a song have all of the instruments abruptly stop playing for a beat or two – or even a whole bar. The effect can be very dramatic. “Less is more.”

9. Play Longer
After all, there’s is no substitute for time. The longer you play with your band the more natural it’ll be to find the groove. Learn each other. You can anticipate changes in the song based on body language and become more effective at “groovin’ ” with each other.

How important is groove in the music you play? How do you achieve it? If you have some tips to add to the list, let me know in the comments.

Pro Tip #35 – The Wish List

by harlowmedia | Dec 19, 2021 | Pro Tips

It’s Christmas time and as I think about something to write about, it seems appropriate to maybe write something about a wish list. I’m not talking about that perfectly tuned and amazing SUHR or LUXXTONE guitar (hint hint – tele style with tremolo please LOL), rather a wish list compiled from what a community member, venue owner, and musician might want.

This article was written with the intent to hopefully share that regardless of the role we play, we’re all the same, and we simply want to enjoy our passions and have the best times of our lives. Although I’m sure there are more wishes, this list might invoke some thought and perspective. Ultimately, if we respected the wishes of all roles, I believe we would have an unstoppable music scene and find more joy together in this world called the Music Entertainment Business.

The Community Wish List

We would like…

• A prosperous local community where members support and promote each other.
• To be respected regardless of what genre of music we play, what type of gear we use, or what level we are on our journey.
• Musicians / bands to share experiences with one another.
• For musicians / bands to quit talking trash about each other (we all know who you are).
• To work with cities / venues to establish a better music scene.
• To put on a huge concert celebrating our diverse community (hint hint).

The Venue Wish List

We would like…

• Musicians / bands to come see the venue, introduce themselves, and create long lasting relationships.
• Musicians / bands to respect the amount of time, energy, money, and risks associated to allow bands to perform.
• Musicians / bands to have a video, bio, or Electronic Press Kit (EPK) prior to trying to get booked.
• Musicians / bands to be punctual, professional, and respectful to the team.
• Musicians / bands to connect to the audience and entertain and for patrons to purchase merch from the musicians / bands.
• To see musicians / bands supporting each other and promoting the venue.
• To partner with musicians / bands to find a winning strategy for everyone.
• To not resort to other entertainment options and keep the doors open.

The Musician / Band List

We would like…

• The opportunity to share music with people and have fun.
• For venues to give a chance to play original music or covers.
• For venues to respect the amount of time, energy, and money invested in a single performance.
• For other musicians to share venues names, contacts, and experiences or lessons learned.
• For players to commit at the same level, learn their material, and be reliable.
• To be able to record my songs.
• To be able to make a living doing music or get paid for my talent.
• For people to realize just how hard it is to be a musician.

As I wrote those rather quickly, I realized the list could go on and on but if you break it all down, the theme is all about Respect and Relationships. As a musician, we must respect what the venue provides for you. As a venue, we must respect what the musician provides to you. As a community member, we must respect each other. None of this works great until we can gain respect.

It’s my personal wish that this next year is filled with opportunity for everyone, regardless of the role you perform. Each of us has been impacted greatly by the pandemic and the ever-growing alternative entertainment choices available (karaoke, digital jukeboxes, Netflix, football..etc).

Live music has not gotten easier, and it’s time we all work together. Other than the really big shows, live music has been greatly declining at the local levels with venue closures across the country. I wish that relationships be forged across all roles to realize again we’re all the same and simply want to enjoy our passions.

Thanks for reading this and I wish you a Merry Christmas and rocking New Year!

Pro Tip #34 – Yeah, book it… Wait, didn’t we just play there?

by harlowmedia | Nov 5, 2021 | Pro Tips

By Ken Kirkland

In some of my other pro tips I’ve mentioned the importance of playing often. However, I need to add a disclaimer: it isn’t just about the quantity of shows played, it’s also about the quality. While in theory, it sounds good to perform as much as possible because you can gain more exposure, the results can be quite different. There is such a thing as playing too often, especially in the same market. Here are some of the biggest reasons why you should limit the number of shows you play:

It Hurts Your Draw
Even your most die-hard fans won’t want to see you every week or two. Playing too many shows close together will limit your ability to draw. This in turn hurts your relationship with the venue. In fact, some promoters actually make you sign an agreement that prevents you from booking in the vicinity for 2-4 weeks around a show. Unless you are invited to play a residency, try not to play the same town more than once a month.

It Diminishes Your Value
We tend to think of things that are rare, collectable, or limited as more valuable. The same is true with your show. Not only will your supporters consider it a special opportunity to support you (especially when they’re only being invited a few times a year instead of a few times per month), you’re more likely to get a higher turn out as a result.

It Doesn’t Increase Your Fanbase (that much)
If you are playing with unknown acts that don’t draw well, you’re going to only end up playing to the other bands. These days, most venues(always exceptions) don’t have a steady built-in crowd that you can perform for. Music venues rely heavily on the bands to make the show a success. That extra time you spend booking your local shows could be spent finding better acts to play with instead.

It’ll Cost You Other Shows
Playing too many shows in your region will crowd your calendar and might cause you to lose opportunities opening for larger acts or special events that you could be invited to. If you stay in good standing with promoters you can work with them to be more strategic about the calendar.

It Wears Your Band Out
Too many shows can also stress the band out: your gear, your vehicles, interpersonal relationships, etc. You don’t want to burn yourselves out playing small shows every weekend when, if spaced out properly, those shows could be doubled in size.

It Takes You Away From Building Your Potential Career
Shows take up a lot of time. You have to book the gig, haul gear, setup, play, tear down, etc. That’s extra time that could be spent on writing music, working on your music career’s long term strategy, booking a tour (different than regional gigs), networking, or even visiting someone else’s show to get some inspiration for your work.

Instead of trying to fill the calendar, use your efforts to fill up the venue. Think about your long term goals. Add some variety to the calendar with the types of venues, locations of shows, the kinds of events you could be playing. If your goal is to play 100 shows this year, 90 of them should be out of town.

Try this: imagine that your band can only play four local shows this year. Where would you want those to be? Which acts do you want to play with? If you value your time and believe that each show needs to be a part of an integral part of a long-term goal, you’ll be more careful about the kinds of shows you book or accept. Being strategic about your shows will get you closer to your goals than conquering one dive or bar patron at a time.

Pro Tip #33 – TIPS FOR OVERCOMING STAGE FRIGHT

by harlowmedia | Oct 21, 2021 | Pro Tips

by Ken Kirkland

“His palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy, There’s vomit on his sweater already, mom’s spaghetti, He’s nervous, but on the surface he looks calm and ready”

I have a musician friend (yes I have like 4 of those) who confessed to me that she feels like she’s gonna throw up everytime she goes on stage. So I did some homework and wrote this to help her and anyone else suffering from performance anxiety.

Your palms start sweating, your muscles tense up, your heart beats so loud you think that the whole audience can hear it. Stage fright, a.k.a. “performance anxiety” is common and affects many musicians from beginners to professionals. If you’re one of the millions who suffer from stage fright know that you’re not alone. That it’s not your fault, and that there are activities and exercises you can do to help overcome the anxiety.

What is Stage Fright?
First, let’s understand why we feel stage fright. It’s a natural reaction due to the body’s fight or flight response, a biological survival adaptation that kicks in when we feel threatened. We naturally want the approval of others and when we’re front and center, under a spotlight, we can experience the threat of not gaining that approval. Even after performing hundreds of times and getting nothing but praise many people still experience stage fright. I found some examples:
Barbra Streisand is known to use a teleprompter during live performances due to anxiety. Adele has spoken openly about her fear of audiences, and John Lennon would get physically ill prior to performing as a symptom of stage fright.

But fear not, there are measures we can take to lessen the severity of our stage fright symptoms on gig day and between performances. I found 10 activities and exercises that you can rely on to perform without fear.

1. Prepare
We all know the importance of practice prior to a big show but if you suffer from stage fright it might be helpful to take it one step further. While practicing your piece, envision exactly what you’ll think about while performing. Visualize upcoming difficult parts while you play and immerse yourself in the rhythm. Don’t allow yourself to go into auto-pilot practice mode. Instead, fully engage with the music. Instead of practicing by yourself at home, ask close friends and family that you feel comfortable playing in front of to serve as your audience.
The bottom line is that you should know your music like the back of your hand. Memorization can be a huge stressor on performers, so do yourself a favor and eliminate it from the get go!

2. Skip the Coffee
You may think it’ll help you be more alert, but caffeine and sugar can actually agitate the symptoms of stage fright. It’s best to avoid sugary foods or caffeinated beverages the day of your performance. Be aware if you’re sipping something to sooth a tired or sore throat, it should be caffeine free! Believe me, the natural pre-show adrenaline boost will be more than enough to keep you alert and energized. If you’re feeling overly energized or anxious try eating a banana. Its natural beta-blockers may help regulate your energy levels.

3. Accept the Fear
A lot of times when people experience stage fright they tend to blame themselves thinking that there is something bad about feeling nervous. Accepting that what you’re feeling is a natural biological response can be incredibly freeing and will allow you to work past your stage fright.

4. Don’t Focus on Yourself
Try not to think about the way you look, sound, or feel. Instead, think about how cool it is that you have an opportunity to bring enjoyment and fun to others!

5. Be Confident
Don’t fixate on what could go wrong, but rather imagine all your preparation, skills, and musical talent aligning perfectly. Remember that your audience is there to support and encourage you. Avoid any and all feelings of self-doubt.

6. Listen to Music
Sports psychologists have long encouraged athletes to listen to music prior to big competitions. Some of the same benefits can cross over to musicians as well. For one, we can choose songs to put us into the right mood. If you need a boost, pick a song that fires you up. If you need to relax, listen to your favorite chill-out song.

7. Relax and Focus
We all have our own way of entering ‘the zone.’ Practice your relaxation technique ahead of time, so that it’s ready to go when you need it. One suggestion is to find a quiet spot to sit.  Slowly take 10 full breaths, in and out, through your nose. Count each breath as you go.

8. Stretch
Stretching will help loosen tense muscles and allow you to focus on something other than your jitters right before the show. Take it easy, concentrate on your movements, and shake it out when you’re done. Imagine all the negative energy leaving your body. If you’re feeling extra jittery, do a few exercises (like push-ups or jumping jacks) to release some adrenaline.

9. Use the Facilities
It may sound silly, but DON’T FORGET TO USE THE BATHROOM. Believe us, we speak from experience when we say there’s nothing worse for stage fright than having to “go” when you step on stage.

10. Enjoy Every Moment
Smile as you walk on stage and look at the crowd. Imagine all the people who have supported you out there cheering you on. Perform like you know you can and graciously accept applause at the end. Not only will you SLAY your performance, but you’ll overcome your stage fright too!

I hope these tips have been helpful for you and that you will be motivated to perform through your stage fright. I’m rooting for you, and I know you’ve got this!

Pro Tip #32: The art of banter (Oh crap, I have to talk?)

by harlowmedia | Oct 13, 2021 | Pro Tips

Written by Jason Harlow

The band is melting faces, the music sounds better than ever and the energy in the show is electric. You’ve got that amazing moment where you are like “this can’t be real; this is way too much fun and it sounds too good to be true!”. The song ends and the fans are screaming, clapping, and going crazy! Life is sooooo good! And just then, you realize, I got to say something to these people. You start to panic, you swallow deeply, oh crap, what do I say? The silence is now deafening and you let out a uhhh…. Uhhh… you start to sweat and turn red, you’ve got nothing. You yell “How yall doing tonight”.. but it’s during the day. You realize, oh my gosh, my talent is not enough to be an entertainer.

As a guy who was extremely shy growing up (yes, true statement), I am no stranger to the emotional nightmare of being put into a situation where all eyes and ears seemed to be focused on everything you say or do. If you are the guy or gal who is the “frontman” of a band, you’ll quickly realize that your vocal talent is maybe 50% of what makes a great entertainer and that public speaking and playing music are two completely different things.

In this article, we’re going to discuss some things to consider to prevent those moments of anxiety, hopelessness, and fear in speaking to the audience.  

The term most used for this type of dialog to the audience is called “banter” and pending your bands “brand”, it can be everything from the use of comedy to engaging in storytelling.

First and foremost, if you want to be good at anything, it requires practice and dedication. There is NO moment where “it will be good when I get in front of an audience”. Public speaking requires lots of practice and execution before you become comfortable. Until you are able to get a PhD in BS, don’t expect your improv skills to get you by all the time.

Solution: Consider scripting banter and practicing it.

Like Politicians, comedians, or even TV show hosts, they are not shooting from the hip, they have scripts or have memorized dialog. This is crucial to deliver a message that resonates with pin point precision to an audience.

When I took a speech class in college, the instructor alerted me to listen to the “umm’s”. Interestingly enough, you would be surprised if you record yourself in dialog because “umm’s” happens constantly. I remember “shooting from the hip” with a speech presentation on a guitar. I knew I was going to slay it because, hey, I know guitar…right?  Well, I did indeed get a standing ovation for my performance (likely because I actually played guitar more than speaking), however, I apparently said “umm” about 25 times and I never realized how much I say “umm” if I have to think. It’s something we all do and something I work hard not to do these days. Could you imagine if I was writing this article “shooting from the hip” or “improvised”, it would be like “you should… umm… umm… try and memorize what ummm you are gonna say”.

As a public speaker now, I still look back at my idiotic thoughts that magically things would just “come to me”. Point is, practice makes perfect and with experience, you’ll be able to read the crowd and nail the banter! But before then, consider scripting some things and doing lots of practice!

So, what does a scripted banter look like? What is some stuff I can talk about?

The examples below are just that. Examples. One thing for sure, they are intended to be delivered larger than life. Not just spoken. When reading these, awaken your inner rockstar and imagine being in front of a screaming audience.

Those are just a handful of ideas you can consider but know that it takes work. You may want to tell a joke if the audience is in the mood or you might want to let them on a special secret about an upcoming song or something that makes the audience feel special.

You’ll want to remain calm and confident in your execution which comes from practice.. yes, practice this stuff in the car or in the shower.

Don’t be afraid to learn from others as well. Go out and see some shows and learn what works well and what doesn’t work so well.  If you’ve read any of my articles, I’m a fan of visiting the venue or location you are going to play to get a feel for the audience and environment. KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE! I’ve seen bands completely bomb because they thought the “comedy routine” works every time… not. When you find the magic thing that works, keep doing it. This is a long journey and it only gets better with practice and experience (surviving mistake)

The last bit of wisdom I’ll share is that when you are on stage, people perceive you differently. The person they may know to be shy is not the same person on stage. The person on stage is expected to be different. As an entertainer, it’s part of the job to be bigger than life and to exaggerate movement and action. Much like a wrestler doesn’t walk around town puffed up 24 hours a day, they play a role (yes, spolier, wrestling is an act of entertainment). If you are standing there expecting to look cool just because you have lights on you, think again. This is the entertainment business and people hear with their eyes. Don’t be afraid of the mirror, taking video of yourself, and rehearsing this stuff so it’s natural. In other words, practice like you play and you’ll be ready to slay the next crowd.

I hope some of these ideas can be put in use. As always, I’m open for comments, ideas, and your own war stories. Rock on.