MINDSET!

Last week we touched upon a magic formula for kicking up your live show.
Here was the simple formula
PREPARATION + PRESENCE = CONFIDENCE!

The basics of Preparation are 2 parts - Voice & Mindset
last week we covered vocal 101
When these pieces are in place, your brightest stage presence begins to manifest
And the natural result? Some Kickin' Confidence ;) And a more polished show.

What is mindset? A Clear focused positive mind.
When you can walk into a club feeling this way you are able to create a presence.
Also, you are less likely to be shaken by the little unexpected joys that can happen in a live setting (poor sound, broken cables, your ex sitting right in front of you or the talent buyer watching your show!)

The more prepared you are, the more you will be able to hold your space and enjoy your show in the face of chaos - More Importantly, when your mind and body are calm, this enables you to appear more Radiant = Confident.

Here are 3 things that can help to foster a Powerful Mind-Set

1. Ground Yourself and Do a short visualization
As part of your routine Before you leave the house. Take a moment to sit feet flat on the floor. Take a few deep breaths. (set a timer and do this for 3-5min)
Allow yourself to feel grounded and supported.
Visualize the energy around your body, see it as a white light expanding your radiance and creating a glowing bubble around you.
(I go into much more specific exercises in classes and one on one but I am excited to say that very soon - I will have a free Breath MP3 with these exercises and MORE to share with You!!)
If you want to take it a step further - Imagine yourself at the venue, playing your set feeling confident, having fun, rocking out, looking radiant.... Etc Visualize your show in a positive & successful light

2. Get to the club on time.
This reduces the unfortunate adrenaline rush (you need that for your set!) panic mode of "Yikes!!! I'm going to be late"
Being there a little beforehand gives you a chance to acclimate and settle into the energy of the space, greet your fans, meet new people (remember not too talk too much or too loud ;) and to support the artists playing before you.
Quite frankly, if you stroll in 5 minutes before your set it's unprofessional. Bookers and Sound people notice this stuff (I did both jobs for years in nyc). You don't want to leave them wondering, "Where is my next artist/band?!?!?" If you want to play that venue again, make yourself a reliable & pleasant person to work with ;)

3. Take Your Time to prepare before your song.
Take the time you need to adjust your seat, mic stand, etc & make yourself comfortable. A good tip is to practice with a mic/stand so that you can be familiar with your best placement!
Allow yourself to take a few deep breaths in and out before you begin. This enables you to ground yourself before you start your song.
If you're not solidly present in the space, the audience senses that. Make your presence known by making yourself comfortable.
It might seem like forever, but it's actually only a few seconds. After all, it's YOUR show!!
That being said, be reasonable and use your judgment so that you don't take minutes

Also, take your line check (that's the term for that lovely 5 second sound check....) seriously!
Prepare a little piece of a song (even a cover) that explores your quiet range AND your louder sound. Make sure the settings feel good on both sides and that you can hear yourself.
Getting to know just a tiny bit about sound is a powerful asset (I think it's essential) for any performer.

Listen to your gut and POLITELY ask for changes if you need them! Befriend and show gratitude to the sound engineer :)

Now, Take a deep breath, exhale, and Shine! Have fun!
Let me know how it goes!
Love Light and Radiance to YOU!
Meredith

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