Instantly Boost Your Bands Performance Level

​ As an avid lover of rock, blues, and jazz music I always enjoy seeing a good band whether they perform covers, originals, or a mix. Over time I’ve learned to appreciate what it takes to get on stage since I’ve also had the experience of being in a few bands. I realize performing takes a lot of cojones, skill, and hard work so when I see and hear musicians belting out some tunes I have instant respect for them. However, to hold my attention throughout the night takes a bit more effort. Bigger more popular bands will often have a manager that will provide them with feedback but most often the bands that you find in a bar or small club don’t have that luxury. So, for those bands I’m offering some advice. Here are a few ideas that can instantly boost a bands performance level.  

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1. Mix it up – you’ll want to play songs that people know, it’s inevitable. However, so will all the other cover bands in your area and chances are they’ll choose the same songs. Try mixing in some obscure songs. Your whole audience may not know it but you’ll those people who are instantly impressed that you pulled a gem out of the vault. Or you can simply play a popular song differently to change it up. Make it interesting, be an original cover band, if that makes any sense.
2. But it’s an easy song – just because a song is easy doesn’t mean you should play it. Same goes with just because you know it, you should play it. Choose interesting songs and put some work into learning the ones that are a bit more challenging. 
3. Play it like you mean it – no matter how easy, boring, or times you’ve played a song, play it like you care. Nobody wants to see a pouty face on stage. Have a good time, enjoy yourself. If you’re a guitarist or dedicated singer, walk around in the audience if you own a wireless system. The audience came out to have a good time and they’ll feed off that energy. 
4. Don’t read the lyrics – this isn’t karaoke, learn the song. A lot of musicians don’t realize it but when they read lyrics they’re not performing. If you’re bad at remembering words then have a cheat sheet with the start of each verse hidden somewhere. A lot of times it’s better to repeat a verse than to read it off a tablet, a high majority of the time nobody will even know. Just don’t ever forget the chorus.
5. Laugh it off – mistakes happen and when they do, laugh it off. Most of the time if you never stop, and you should never stop, the audience will never know. Even if the audience caught on, so what. It shows that you’re only human. Playing live is risky and things happen, just roll with it. If there are too many mistakes then you need more practice.
6. Don’t hide – don’t hide behind too many obstructions, the audience wants to see you perform. That’s why they’re there. If you’re the drummer, don’t put a giant cymbal in front of your kit, put it to the side. If you’re the guitarist or bassist and you use a microphone for backup vocals, put it slightly off center, don’t hide behind it the whole night.

Unlike a NASCAR race, people don’t go to a show to see a wreck, they want to be entertained and they want you to play well. Give them what they want. I’m not talking about just the song choice, I’m talking about the performance.