YOUR SONG IS LIKE A SCULPTURE
Three words come to mind when I think about a great piece of art...
Energy = Passion
Emotion = Be True
You-Nique Expression = Be YOU!
Here are some tips to bring that beauty to your live show!
The lyrics are sharpened, clearly sung, easy to understand. Give yourself the time to sculpt and craft the way you want the song the sound!
2. Include changes in texture and shape
Create dips, curves, waves, angles and surprises - Dynamics will entertain and keep the audiences attention!
High vs. Low - Fast strum vs. Slow - Loud vs. Soft - Breaks - Repeats, etc.
I cannot emphasize this enough
Think of a roller coaster, the excitement is in the twists turns loops, ups and downs, varying speeds- That's what makes it fun
4. It's startling If you throw it at me!!
When you are playing solo and the song starts @ mock 10 and continues with the same rhythm -pitch- range- speed for 3 minutes? By 1 min 30, I can't keep up, it's too much going on and my brain gets overwhelmed. Give it space to Breathe- this makes the sections more powerful
5. When you splatter paint over the masterpiece I feel like I've been gypped
Your hook is your magic and your purpose. I want to be able to hear it. Please don't play over it or mumble it. MAKE IT STAND OUT Take a musical break there- Repeat it- Build into it- Vary the pitch or volume.
6. Give me something creative to entice me to make me want to look at it
Hook, Riff, Rhythm, Snazzy intro, Instrumentation,
Find something special to reel me in. Most of our brains are full so remember....
Repetition, Repetition, Repetition if you want me to remember it
7. Understand your Medium
Wood is going to carve differently than granite, marble, etc... got it?
We carve a song differently for different purposes -
Club, Round, Radio, Demo, Club Remix
You are not going to put a huge carved fountain in a studio apt, right? Therefore,
It's also crucial to know your music, know the rooms you are booking & make sure it is a good fit.
If you are a rock band - don't take a gig at a coffee shop just because it pays well.
If you are a sentimental singer/ songwriter don't book a dive bar
Set your sculpture up in an environment where people can appreciate it!
Banter, talking to the audience, we are there because we WANT to hear about you, your songs, etc
Sorry to tell ya... oftentimes, good banter is prepared. This is the foundation for being able to improv. That does not make you lame. That makes you prepared and more powerful.
BUT please don't take 5 minutes to introduce a 3 minute song. A few sentences will work just fine!
9. Be Sure to Sign It
Remember to say your name a few times during your set. If I think you rock, but I don't know who you are? It's hard to follow you or hear you play again! Also mention your mailing list, sites and social media.
10. Have Fun Making It!
Use each tip here and there within your set and within certain songs. Not all once!
Be wary to create a sculpture from 5 different materials with blinking lights and fluorescent colors. Unless, of course, that approach IS your You-Nique Energy and Emotion. In that case? Go For it!
Sending You,
Love, Light, Magical Blessings & Creative Inspiration
Comments
Post a Comment