Category: Jam Session
Hi there:
I have some pretty exciting opportunities happening in my life right now and I really want to make the most of them. I was on craigslist and saw an ad searching for a vocalist for a 70's and 80's disco band. This band also plays motown, R&B, and some country, and there is currently a revolt with the guitarist who wants to play jazz and blues as well. Anyhow, I auditioned and it really is looking as though I'm going to be in the band as a possible frontwoman. How exciting! I have never really sang professionally, so this is going to be quite a learning and growing experience for me.
My question, though, is how do I increase my stage presence? I know that I do move a little bit, but the idea of playing to the crowd, walking around on stage, and possibly doing some dance moves scare the heck out of me. I am so terrified at the idea, but I know that I need to branch out and not be as stiff as a board. I know this comes so much easier for sighted people. So much information is gained by seeing the little gestures, the facial expressions, the subtle movements. I truly feel very awkward at the thought of having to move, and trying to coordinate movements with singing. I want it to come naturally, to flow from me so that people know that I'm not just putting on some kind of act. What are your suggestions? What have you done to increase your stage presence? How do I break this paralyzing fear of moving about on the stage? What kinds of things can I begin doing now in private to make myself become more accustomed to moving about? Am I going about this all wrong? I know that I do move some and look around when I am really getting in to a song, but there is always that fear that I am looking incredibly stupid and that thought alone stops me dead in my tracks.
thanks for any advice that you may have for me on this matter.
Meka
Hi Meka,
PQN me, I know a professional blind singer I may be able to put you in touch with, but don't want to put her contact info here.
Well, you can do what I do--Play keyboards and hide behind your instruments whenyou sing. Seriously, find someone who is sighted and that you trust for their honesty. If this peson has performance experience, that is the best. Ask them to coach you. Depending on your level of vision, try and scope out the place by day when the lighting is better so that if you have a stage, you can figure out some ways to avoid going over the edge, physically, I mean. Good luck, and we'll look for your name up in lights with braille dots.
Lou
I think also, if you're a good enough singer, and you can look at the crowd, and act like you're happy with what you're doing, a lot of movement isn't necessarily called for! No, you don't wanna be stiff, but remember, wireless mics weren't always around! You could even request a wired mic, just so you're alwahs tethered to something, as people who use wired don't tend to move as much. It's the age in which we live! Get back to the music, and let it speak through you, and you won't have to worry.
First of all, congratulations! That's awesome! Go you!
As to the question, well, I'm supremely unqualified, but I think getting a sighted opinion that you trust is the way to go. The same movements don't work from singer to singer, or from style to style, so going with what you feel like doing is the way to go. Feedback's good though. You do want someone to tell you, honestly, if you look like a tool, or if a particular gesture is too much, especially with disco, where the motions are pretty, erm, girating. And I like the suggestion of wandering round the stage beforehand, just to get a sense of where everything is. That way, if you decide to skip the dancing altogether, you're still comfortable to walk around a bit, gesture to the musicians during the middle-eight, etc, and look fluid and comfortable and not like you're terrified of walking off an edge.
I can also think of a zoner who knows all about this stuff. OK if I point her in your direction?
Whatever you choose, have fun with it. It's your gig.
Erin
also, you don't necessarily have to move, if you can sing to a crowd, look at a crowd. and most of all if you can talk to a crowd. Sure some hand movements, or facial gestures might help a bit, but if the music is powerful enough, people will pay attention to you, and you will have the attention you deserve. It's all in how you present yourself in the end
good suggestions, especially about getting a sighted person to crtique you, but you have to make them understand that you want them to be honest, not just tell you the good things.
Hey Meka!
i don't have much more to add but felt i should say something because i've done all this and know exactly how you feel. the wired mike is a great tip, i always do that, it takes pressure off a bit. also, use your band. you can talk to them about their movements and performance on stage. i always interact with my guitarist physically (sometimes off stage as well) and find it can help. the other thing i've tried is actually seeking help from instructors. find a dance school or something, find a place where people are training to be dance teachers and offer yourself as a test subject. of course ask for oppinions before using their moves incase they are still unqualified for a reason!.
talking to a crowd is really important, make them laugh, make them chant and sing and all that kind of crap. its great fun and really works.
oh yeah, if using wired mike, remember you'll have a mike stand. you can use this to gage your position a bit, not loads, but a bit., and of course, you don't have to jump all over the place. sometimes hair flicking, facial expressions and the way you hold your mike etc. do just as well.
sorry, didn't mean to write an essay but i have as usual. if i can help anymore pqn me.
good luck!
Ash
Ash, that's a great idea about dancing instruction. I'd even suggest maybe working with someone who has done musical theatre.
I'd have never thought of a wired mic. Just pray that nobody has given you a longer wire after they set things up. (smile). I like the idea of interacting with band members. ersonally, when I play out and people are actually listening to the music, if I talk, it rlaxes me. Another plus of interacting with the band members is that if you listen closely, you can hear them off-mike, and it will give you a further sense of your position on stage.
All the best!
Lou
Hi hi!
Just thought I would give you guys an update. Things are going quite well with the band and I have been singing and practicing with them on a regular basis. We don't have any gigs as of yet, and it's all very interesting, to be certain. I will be trying out these ideas and try to find someone in musical theater that might be able to help me move more fluidly and comfortably. Thank you again.
Hugs,
Meka
Another thing you can do is talk to your bandmembers during your sets. This will further re-enforce where you are on stage, and like I said, for me, it loosens me up. I work with an organist on my church gig. Sometimes, he'll play a harmony, or do something in the pedals. I get too excited, and forget where I am. You'll hear a "Yeah!" out of my corner, or a "go you", or an "I hear you."
Lou