First stage experience

Subject: RE: First stage experience
From: Alan Day
Date: 14 Aug 06 - 06:00 PM

I remember well my first stage experience it was at a Folk Club at Horsham Sussex "The Anchor".I had been singing a few songs at a local sing around with no problem,but sitting in an audience at the Folk Club I was invited to sing on stage.I think out of surprise of being asked, I accepted and stood up there in front of an audience sitting there looking at me.I started the song full of confidence and got through a couple of sentences with no problem and then suddenly I lost my breath.It was just as if I had just run around the block and then back on stage.I tried to get by breath back and let out what I can only describe as a HEE part of a HEE HAW donkeys make and just as loud.The audience helped me out with the chorus and I recovered enough to complete my song and with polite applause I returned to my seat.
Why we put ourselves through it I do not know,but it is the one person who comes up to you afterwards and says how much they enjoyed your performance,that gets you up there again.
Al

Subject: RE: First stage experience
From: Sorcha
Date: 14 Aug 06 - 03:28 PM

I enjoy the hell out of it now, but my first few......I was shaking so hard I could barely stand up.....takes a while, and some, like Barbara Streisand, never get over it.

Subject: RE: First stage experience
From: Kaleea
Date: 14 Aug 06 - 02:09 PM

Homeless,
   Try going to some jams, as that can really help you learn from watching the other guitarists. Play, sing, play, sing, & play & sing some more. Try performing for your pets and neighborhood kids, nursing homes.
   No, not everyone starts that way. My family always sang around the piano as my mother played. The first song I remember singing was "Hound Dog" for my father when I was 2 or 3. My mother stood me up on a chair & made me sing "Fairest Lord Jesus" for the relatives when I was about 4, then church, then . . .

Subject: RE: First stage experience
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 14 Aug 06 - 01:46 PM

"I think I did horrible, and had a blast doing it."

Great fun that eh!

"This isn't flying.... it's falling with style!"

Subject: RE: First stage experience
From: Homeless
Date: 14 Aug 06 - 01:42 PM

Boy, how life can spiral out of control in a short time.

So, remember that gig I was supposed to guest in for a couple numbers? That's coming up this week. But since the last rehearsal I was at two weeks ago the band got rid of the bass player. They had a gig this past weekend at a potluck lunch with friends in the park. When my wife and I got there, they asked if I would sit in on bass. My father-in-law knew that I played bass in the orchestra in high school, so figured that was good enough to play the old country songs that they do. While it's been over twenty years since I bowed out the bottom end of the Halleluh Chorus standing behind an upright, I figured I ought be able to pull out a simple 1-5 on an electric bass. So I sat where I could see the rhythm guy's hand and did my best to keep up. After we stopped and ate lunch, before starting to play again, the guys in the band told me they'd already had a bunch of comments to the effect that I was better than the old bassist, and they asked me to be a permanent part of the band. So Friday I'll be playing bass all night, and still doing the guest spot on guitar.

Oh, and FWIW, I think I did horrible, and had a blast doing it. On a couple songs the rhythm guitarist was reading the chords from a book and then transposing on the fly. Which means he frequently grabbed the wrong chord, then switched to the right one, but by then I'd already hit the root note for the first chord. Thank goodness it was a very forgiving audience.

Subject: RE: First stage experience
From: Homeless
Date: 29 Jul 06 - 01:53 AM

Oops, what I bought was a guitar, not a music shop.

Subject: RE: First stage experience
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 29 Jul 06 - 01:51 AM

Give 'm hell, h-less!

Subject: RE: First stage experience
From: Homeless
Date: 29 Jul 06 - 01:49 AM

Well, I've taken the first two steps down the road to being a starving musician. I went to 4 different music shops during this past week, and actually bought one yesterday. This is the first guitar I've had that cost over $50.
Then tonight the guys in the band were rehearsing, so I went along to work things out with them. We figure out what songs would I (we) would play and where in the set list they'd be, then ran thru them a couple time. It was really an experience to start playing something and by the second verse have 5 guys supporting you. It was a rush.
It was also fun to watch the antics these guys do when there no audience around. Y'all were right - I had fun and was hardly nervous at all. Hopefully the gig will go as well.

Subject: RE: First stage experience
From: GUEST,Mo the caller
Date: 25 Jul 06 - 11:23 AM

Sounds a good set up. A good enough musician to cover up for you, and a bad enough one to show that they are inclusive.
I used to feel like that about playing at sessions, I'm not very good but it feels great when everyone's belting out a tune that I know (or even, a tune I've started)
I'll never be good enough to play on stage but being a dance caller is nerve wracking at first. I had a similar intro, a chance to call 1 dance at our club, then more, then a member with a band took me out to one of his paid gigs to do 1 dance. The first full programme for the public was horrendous, what I had prepared just was not suitable for the crowd present. With experience comes confidence and flexibility.
Go for it. Good luck

Subject: RE: First stage experience
From: Pistachio
Date: 25 Jul 06 - 07:38 AM

Go on, enjoy the opportunity. Find a space to aim your face - so an individual in the audience thinks your singing just for them, or put a smile in your mind and Sing clear.
Let your friends bail you out if 'it' happens.
Best wishes,
H.

Subject: RE: First stage experience
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 24 Jul 06 - 08:20 AM

Just one thing to keep firmly in mind Homeless. This band is good enough to be doing professional bookings, and THEY think you have that spark.

GO FOR IT!

They are probably right.

Don T.

Subject: RE: First stage experience
From: Leadfingers
Date: 24 Jul 06 - 07:47 AM

Homeless - I would suggest that you get together with at least one of the other members of the band as often as you can before the gig - Just playing with ONE other muso will help you get it together for the night! And as the porter said to the elderly lady at Grand Central Station who asked how to get to Carnegie Hall -"Practice , lady , Practice !"

Subject: RE: First stage experience
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Jul 06 - 06:21 AM

" Geez, I can't believe I've talked myself into this."

And so it begins.

Welcome . . . to the dark side!

:-)   :-)   :-)   :-)   :-)   :-)   :-)   :-)

Subject: RE: First stage experience
From: freightdawg
Date: 23 Jul 06 - 11:29 PM

Hey dude, you have a band to back you - and they all probably started right where you are. Go for it! They are all encouraging you, which means that if you make a mistake (and you probably will - who cares?) they will pick you up. They'll keep on going and you can jump in when you're back on top of things again. You say you do not want to perform often, but this is in front of an audience that will be in your corner instead of out to get you. I really think you have an ideal situation here. Just play for yourself - the other guys in the band are there for decoration and the audience doesn't exist. Once you feel the band carry you along I think your opinion will change - maybe not about the perform every week kind of thing, but I bet you will love the daylights out of your first gig! Break a leg!

Freightdawg

Subject: RE: First stage experience
From: PoppaGator
Date: 23 Jul 06 - 10:04 PM

I started out singing and playing solo, for tips, out on the streetcorner. I had been playing at home (at a sort of communal hippie pad ~ this was back in 1970), and my housemates kicked me out with instructions to play on the street and not come back until I had collected some change.

It was scary, and for the first few hours I wasn't able to make myself sing; I could only play "instrumentals," and really wasn't a good enough player to pull it off. But I envetually broke the ice for myself and pretty quickly began to enjoy my new "job."

The busker's "audience" is different from any other performer's. Those who don't want to listen just walk on by and ignore you ~ it's very unusual to be heckled or confronted in any way. The few who are interested enough to stop and listen provide a one-hundred-percent positive experience ~ even though there might be only one such individual at a time, and only one or two per hour.

Getting used to the scrutiny of actual live listeners starts out as a gradual process, but I think you'll be surprised at how quickly you become tolerably comfortable with it. Sounds like the performance venue you stumbled upon is very low-key and forgiving; the people there just want to enjoy themselves and each other, and they are inviting you to be part of their little scene. Have fun!

Subject: RE: First stage experience
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 23 Jul 06 - 08:22 PM

The only ones who don't start this way are the ones who don't start. I played a couple of songs at a Hootenanny in Greenwich Village. I'd been playing guitar, singing and writing songs for close to ten years by then, and rarely sang in front of anyone, including family up until that point.

I discovered that even though I probably stunk up the joint, nobody threw any tomatoes at me or dragged me off the stage. Once I realized that I wasn't in any immediate physical danger, I relaxed a little more. And yes, it does get easier. For most folks, a lot.    Especially if you do it regularly..

Jerry

Subject: RE: First stage experience
From: Homeless
Date: 23 Jul 06 - 08:08 PM

Crud, someone moved above the line and I couldn't find it.

As was suggested, I've given this some thought, and I understand what terrorizes me about the idea. I am very much a "research it thoroughly and be full prepared" kind of guy. And this situation is the very antithesis of that. Nothing was ever said of planning, practice, etc. Just get up there and go. That kind of spontenaity in and of itself pushes me *way* out of my comfort zone. Leaving the spontenaity aside, I'm not a musician. I've never played with anyone. When I play - by myself - I don't have to worry about variations in tempo, being in tune, making mistakes, etc. Being on stage, playing along with people for the first time, playing songs the band doesn't know, is too much uncertainty for me to live with.

The thoughts of playing with other people scares me. As it is right now, e.g. playing solo, if I make a mistake I can restart that line. If I forget how a verse starts or start the wrong verse, I stop and do it over. If I've got five other guys following along, I can't do that. Which means I have to go thru an entire song flawlessly. Or at least pick up from a flub without stopping - which I can't do right now, or at least have never had a reason to try.

Now I know that two of the guys are good enough that they could pick up on any song I play. In fact Moon, their rhythm guitarist, started accompanying me that night, just by watching my chord changes. And when they've performed I've seen Moon start a song they've never done, sing two verses, during which the lead player figures out the melody, and then he does a lead break. So I know even if I screwed up so bad that I had to quit playing that they could keep it going.
Two other guys, on bass and banjar, are bad enough it wouldn't matter if they knew the song or not. The last guy's guitar isn't plugged in, so you never hear him anyway. He's primarily there for vocals (but was the one doing most of the persuading the other night). I don't know if they'd intended an impromptu spot, but from the way they were talking it seemed that way.

On the upside, the audience is very casual. Family and friends for the most part, everyone knows one another. The band doesn't get paid, they just play for fun. They'd be playing at home anyway, but going to the Depot gives them a place to do it where people can listen. There's a lot of joking around between the band members and between the band and the audience. The band doesn't start together - usually one guy starts to sing and play while the others are horsing around, then the others catch up. They don't always end together. The general feeling is more of everyone hanging out and having fun rather than a formal performance. So I supposed my fear of needing to perform flawlessly is unfounded.

I've wanted to get a semi-decent guitar for a while, and I've kinda been using this as an excuse to get off my duff and go look at the store. The downside of course being that if I use this excuse, I have to fulfill the commitment.

Do I have some secret desire to perform? No, not that I know of. I've never cared to be the center of attention, and large groups (say, more than 6 people) make me nervous. I've always just played for my own enjoyment. It's not that I'm against performing, I just have no desire to do so. Ambivalent, I guess. On the other hand, I definitely do *not* want to perform on a regular basis. If for no other reason, I don't want to commit to becoming that good of a musician, nor do I want to commit the time. It'd become too much like a job to me.

Yeah, being under the lights and mics should probably only come after informal session or song cirlces or whatever, but I've never participated in any of those, and the guys in the band are ready now. It comes back to having no ambition to share/perform. If I did have a desire to be under the lights, I would certainly work my way up. But again, taking it step by step would make it seem too much like work to me.

When I first started writing this response, I was still pretty adamant about not doing this, even tho three of the band guys and the club owner were all pretty forceful in their attempts at persuasion. I wanted to mention that another complication is that I've done artistic photo portraits of the members in the band and have a permanent display in the gallery there. Last Friday we walked in (between songs), about 20 minutes after the start and Moon stopped what he was saying in order to introduce me, recommend everyone look at the prints during the break, and give a plug to our portrait studio. When someone gives me an unsolicited plug like that, I'm uncomfortable denying something as seemingly simple as, "Hey, come up and play a song with us."
But having written this, explaining, proofreading, etc. I think I've come to the conclusion that I will probably do this, provided I get a chance to practice with them a time or two. I think my two biggest fears are the uncertainty, which can be remedied, and a flawed performance, which is not necessary.

Geez, I can't believe I've talked myself into this.

Subject: RE: First stage experience
From: mandotim
Date: 23 Jul 06 - 05:20 AM

Hi! Well done for getting up at all! The feeling you describe is an adrenalin reaction; but it's one of two, fight or flight. Bear in mind that this feeling can be helpful; the adrenalin gives you the 'edge' needed to perform at your best. Try reminding yourself mentally that 'it's just adrenalin, and it's something I need'.
Very best of luck.
Tim

Subject: RE: First stage experience
From: Amos
Date: 23 Jul 06 - 01:47 AM

Jeremiah has it right -- get through a few times, get a bit of the feel for it and then see if you like it or not. I suspect, from you post, that you will find it worth doing more.

A

Subject: RE: First stage experience
From: Joe Offer
Date: 23 Jul 06 - 01:39 AM

I sang songs at campfires long before I ever got up on a stage. Starting out at campfires is a lot less daunting.
-Joe-

Subject: RE: BS: First stage experience
From: Jeremiah McCaw
Date: 23 Jul 06 - 01:26 AM

The first (few) times on stage yer so damn scared it's not till 3 days later you realize it was fun!

I say, go fer it!

Subject: RE: BS: First stage experience
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 22 Jul 06 - 11:22 PM

It helps a lot to accustom oneself to playing before an audience by playing in low-stress non-stage settings like song circles before getting on stage. There's really not that much difference between singing a song for a dozen people sitting around a campfire and singing it for an audience of fifty at an open mic.

Subject: RE: BS: First stage experience
From: Alba
Date: 22 Jul 06 - 10:15 PM

You'lle never know unless you go Homeless:)

Sounds like you are suffering from the FEAR (F**k Everything And Run) Factor! That fear will disappear (mmm, that rhymes!) after the first verse of your first Song.
Being nervous isn't a bad thing imo. As Bill says, it shows you care:)
Maybe think about playing the Guitar you are comfortable with playing then if you like doing the stage thing then buy a new one. Of course if you are looking for an excuse to buy yourself a new Guitar...none better than a Gig!:)
I have a feeling you will do just fine. Just go up there and take a couple of slow, deep breaths before you start to play...*smile* I wish you every success and may this be the first of many performances for you.
Warmest Wishes,
Jude ( who bets Homeless will blow them away and will finish the evening wanting to play to Folks again..asap! :)

Subject: RE: BS: First stage experience
From: Bobert
Date: 22 Jul 06 - 07:50 PM

I think there's a big difference between "wanting" to go on satge and being "afraid" to go on stage... Yer gonna have to do some serious soul searchin' to see where you really are...

If it's afraid then this can be dealt with...

But Clinton is correct is sayin' if you truely don't want to perform, then don't...

I kinda think that most folks who fiddle with instruments have a deep down desire to share their music or get to a point where it is sharable...

If after you've done your soul searchin' and you find its fear and nerves then retitle the thread and maybe those of us who do parform with some degree of regularity will share some stories about how they overcame those initial fears and insecurities...

No matter, keep playin'...

Bobert

Subject: RE: BS: First stage experience
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 22 Jul 06 - 02:13 PM

"But I don't want to go on stage!"

Then don't... it isn't for everyone....

Some of us are VERY comfortable up there.... some work at getting comfortable up there.... some seem to regard it as some kind of pennance or something....

The ones I don't understand are the ones who try to claim they hate it, but yet they still get up......

Subject: RE: BS: First stage experience
From: Ernest
Date: 22 Jul 06 - 02:01 PM

Congratulations!

Now that you found a home on the stage, are you going to change your nick? ;0)

Best
Ernest

Subject: RE: BS: First stage experience
From: Bill D
Date: 22 Jul 06 - 01:59 PM

"...does everybody start this way?"

Only those who care...*grin*

I had 'almost' the same experience with the autoharp...sorta pushed to play with some folks. That was 30 years ago, and I don't suppose I've played in front of mics more than 15-20 times since. I ONLY play in song circles. (Total of twice at Getaway, and one was acapella)

*IF* you decide to be a 'musician' (one who tries to do as well as possible, rather than just playing), the nerves and fretting will be a 'regular' part of life, even though you'll enjoy doing it and improving. People are usually pretty forgiving, if they know you are trying...

Have fun!

Subject: BS: First stage experience
From: Homeless
Date: 22 Jul 06 - 01:51 PM

I've been playing with guitar for a few years now, off and on. I say "playing with" because I do it for my own enjoyment, and I'm certainly not good enough to say I "play guitar." Just plink out a little Stack-O-Lee or some untitled folk blues at the end of the day to relax, on a junky little cardboard and plywood guitar my granddad bought at a pawnshop before he died. I play just for fun, and get nervous if I know someone can hear me. There's been a total of less than two dozen people who have ever (over)heard me play, most of them at the FSGW Getaway four or five years back. My total singing experience started at a song circle at said Getaway, and has been limited to the shower since then.

Onywise, my father-in-law and four of his friends perform old C&W songs at a little "arts center" in their town (of about 2000) once a month. Last night they played to an audience of about 40, mostly family and friends. After the concert, instead of breaking down and packing up, my f-i-l wandered off to talk to friends. After a few minutes of waiting for him, I picked up his guitar and started playing a little bit, just to occupy the time until he was ready to go. It's electric and wasn't plugged in, so I figured I was safe. One of the guys in the band heard me, then started listening, then called over a couple of the others. Next thing I know they're handing me an acoustic so they can hear better. Nerves are getting rougher, but I'm still muddling thru. When asked if I'd like to do a concert some time, I told them I only knew a couple songs and I'd never done anything mic'ed. So they moved me to centerstage where there was still a mic, and set the sound back up. I suddenly found myself, for the first time in my life, on stage, with a sound system, playing and singing to an audience of about 15 - the band, their wives and kids, and the owner of the center. You know how a mic and an amplifier will take a sound and increase it tenfold? I found out that it will do the same thing to nervousness. Sweating buckets, my leg started shaking so bad I couldn't hold onto the neck of the guitar well enough to play. I had to quit playing and chatter long enough to calm down enough to start again eventually.

After telling me it gets easier, they've asked me to come up on stage next month. Since I only know two songs, they want me to play one song during each of their two sets. I don't know if my nerves can handle it, but I've been thinking about heading to a music store and looking into getting a better guitar (as he silently screams, "But I don't want to go on stage!"). So am I a masochist, or does everybody start this way?