I find that the magic just happens - and seemingly for different reasons every time.

Some things have to be there already - if I don't know the song welll, or the PA is shifty and I'm worrying about it, or Person X is in the room: all these things will be detrimental.

But say you know the music backwards, haven't fallen out of love with the songs and everything is right: there's still the chance the 'magic' won't happen that night. What can you do but persevere and hope your dedication to the craft will also shine through in an artful manner?

I went to hear Luka Bloom a few years ago. I've seen him every time he has visited Australia and he is one of my favourite singers. The last concert I heard was good, but not great. There was no magic. The notes were all there but it just wasn't happening.

A friend who went the following night said it was just magic and the crowds wouldn't let him leave the stage.

Until then it had never occured to me that high profile performers are also affected by this phenomenon. Makes me feel better about the nights when things just aren't right!

Thanks for your insightful comments about performing!

Callie