Are You a 'Performance Junkie'?

Subject: Are You a 'Performance Junkie'?
From: Lowden Jameswright
Date: 31 Mar 05 - 09:50 AM

Around 10 years ago, after doing a local gig, I was asked why I didn't "go on the folk circuit" to which I replied "No chance!" and got the response "but you should".

I think the questioner misunderstood my reply – I probably should have said "No thanks – don't need it"

OK – I accept maybe the buzz of performing to wider audiences, and the "lure of the tour" – but for me the negatives far outweigh the positives, and I don't need the money. I guess I'm just not a "Performance Junkie" – Are you? Is it worth it?

Recent postings have prompted me to ask this question – notably "Sooz" who stated that she sometimes spends months on a song before she performs it live – one of the negatives for sure! I can't understand why folks do it, unless they're happy to be away from home and family, enjoy driving on over-crowded motorways, love dingy smoke-filled rooms, don't get bored performing the same songs night after night etc etc.

So – are you a "Performance Junkie" ??
Why the hell do you do it?

(and if you do – keep it going matey – I love to see guest artists at my local clubs)

Subject: RE: Are You a 'Performance Junkie'?
From: Midchuck
Date: 31 Mar 05 - 10:01 AM

Yes, probably.

Two reasons:

1: Playing music is always fun, but when you're playing and singing for people who are actually listening and responding to your songs, I find it to be just a tremendous rush. It only happens a small fraction of the time - a lot of the time you're just background - but it does happen often enough to keep me going.

2: When people pay me to perform, I consider the money isn't "real," so I can spend it on toys with a clear conscience. Usually, the toys involved are more instruments.

Peter.

Subject: RE: Are You a 'Performance Junkie'?
From: Wesley S
Date: 31 Mar 05 - 10:27 AM

I love the process of arranging a song and working out the parts - so I love rehearsal. But the twing of fear that you face know that you'll be performing in front of an audience next week give a lot of us the extra edge to get it right. A little bit of fear can be a good thing. Plus I have fun up on a stage. At least when the audience is listening like they were last Saturday.

Subject: RE: Are You a 'Performance Junkie'?
From: Mary Humphreys
Date: 31 Mar 05 - 10:43 AM

I want to re-acquaint audiences with forgotten songs. I can do it best by singing at clubs and telling them about the songs and where they come from. Singing something that has been languishing in a collection, unsung for the last 50 to 100 years, then months later hearing other people singing it at their club is what makes it all worth while.

And like Sooz, I may 'gestate' a song for months before it is ready to sing. It has to become part of me before I can give it away again.
Mary

Subject: RE: Are You a 'Performance Junkie'?
From: Amos
Date: 31 Mar 05 - 10:50 AM

I don't perform much, but there is an electric thrill when a song reaches someone that goes beyond mere egoism. It is a bridge that ordinary words can only touch, a spark passing in communion that leaps across in a web of musical tones, poetic lines, vivid history and bright images.

I recommend to your attention the long and beautiful thread from early Mudcat History called "Why We sing" Parts I and II.

A

Subject: RE: Are You a 'Performance Junkie'?
From: Jeanie
Date: 31 Mar 05 - 10:58 AM

I've often thought about where that "high" comes from when performing (whether it is singing or acting) and what it means. The closest I've come to explaining it to myself is that it's about being in the moment, split second by split second, where nothing else exists or matters - and not just that, but being in each moment collectively with other people (fellow performers and audience). Everyone involved helps the others to be there. Yes, I'm a junkie alright.

- jeanie

Subject: RE: Are You a 'Performance Junkie'?
From: mooman
Date: 31 Mar 05 - 11:07 AM

I don't now perform live as much as I used to but a big part of the thrill for me is the "being on the edge" aspect. Generally, because of this adrenaline rush, I play a lot better and more fluidly live than when rehearsing or recording.

On the other hand, Patricia (Lady McMoo) is reluctant to perform until she has "owned" a song and made it part of her as Mary describes above.

Peace

moo

Subject: RE: Are You a 'Performance Junkie'?
From: treewind
Date: 31 Mar 05 - 11:22 AM

Yes, everybody who does it professionally (or semi pro) is what you call a "performance junkie". I don't know why you have to give it such a negative sounding handle though - it's just a matter of people doing what they enjoy and putting up with some discomfort or inconvenience for the pleasure of doing it. You might as well say there are singaround junkies or session junkies - much less of the buzz of performing and you don't even get paid for it... why bother? (rhetorical question)

If you do it full time for a living it's very hard work and you have to be a real addict!

As for being away from home and family - I don't think Mary and I would enjoy travelling all over the country if we weren't travelling together, and our musical life dominates our waking hours away from the day jobs so we aren't leaving much behind - but I appreciate that may be different for others.

I haven't reviewed the "Why we Sing" thread recently but there may be are lots of reasons why people like to sing that aren't quite the same as performing.

One of the motivations for me is the "race against time" - we've come into this quite late in life (Mary did only occasional local gigs before we met, and I've never gigged as a solo musician) and part of the fun is that challenge of seeing how much fame and recognition we can get while still basically doing music for fun and before we're too old and decrepit...

Anahata

Subject: RE: Are You a 'Performance Junkie'?
From: Lowden Jameswright
Date: 31 Mar 05 - 11:36 AM

"I don't know why you have to give it such a negative sounding handle though"

Apologies "treewind" - it's more a personal negative look at the downsides of what is obviously a consuming passion for many - just trying to get more understanding of the magic that's all. As I said - I do support all my local folk clubs (and there are many) and I look forward to the guests especially (I do note there are a number of my friends/colleagues who avoid guest nights - probably because they are performance junkies themselves).

Travelling folk are a special breed, and they help to make my life a very enjoyable one. I hate TV, so I need somewhere to go to share the buzz.

Power to your elbow..

Subject: RE: Are You a 'Performance Junkie'?
From: Swave N. Deboner
Date: 31 Mar 05 - 11:38 AM

I've never thought of myself as being good enough to be a performer. Though I do play several instruments, I'm not polished enough to accompany myself, so I never perform with them. The only "performing" I really do is getting up and singing a set or two at the open mic club I hang out at on Friday nights. Tom, the guy that hosts it, is a superb musician, and he sometimes attracts other really good instrumentalists that stop by for a jam session. It's during those times that my best comes out. The music is exceptional; folk, rock, jazz, C&W, blues, and standards. I'm honored to be a part of it. But I don't get upset if I'm not called up. Sometimes, there are so many good singers in the house that not everybody gets a shot. Tom tries to get everybody up in turn, based on when they get there. I usually don't have to worry about that, because people actually request me. I'll admit, I get a degree of personal satisfaction out of that, so I guess it's partly an ego thing. Mostly, I just like to make good music that people appreciate.

Cheers
SND

Subject: RE: Are You a 'Performance Junkie'?
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 31 Mar 05 - 11:45 AM

I think at least three of the previous posters mentioned spending months on a song before venturing into the world with it. I can resonate to that. I've been digesting Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out for about three months now.

But that sort of practice, while true, is not a response to this thread. After all, once you've "digested" a song, it's there forever (or should be). And unless you're a real beginner, there are lots of other songs built up in inventory.

Now I can see two, maybe several possibilities here: One, the singer doesn't have confidence in his/her command of the songs in inventory, even despite the months in process; two, there may be fear of performance, and the long time working on a song may be an avoidance mechanism, "putting off the evil day", so to speak.

I thought I had a third possibility, but it's gone from mind for the moment.

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: Are You a 'Performance Junkie'?
From: GUEST,Johnny By The Back Door
Date: 31 Mar 05 - 12:05 PM

Yes, undoubtedly. It's better than sex (almost). And unlike Treewind, for me money doesn't come into it (been a semi-pro for 40 years, much more so in the first 20 but still get a bit of paid work) - the rush is no stronger when my palm's greased than when I just do it for pleasure.

It's the same thing as saying "Why do people sky-dive?" or "Are you a crochet-junkie?". We do what we do because we can, and because we love doing it - if we didn't it would just be a day at the office.
S:0)

Subject: RE: Are You a 'Performance Junkie'?
From: treewind
Date: 31 Mar 05 - 02:01 PM

Money doesn't come into it for me either. I was being hypothetical about "singaround and session junkies". I thought I made it clear enough that what I do is for the enjoyment of it. No folkie would be in it for the money anyway!

Lowden J - as for the "magic", first there's what's already beed said about the buzz of performing - it is intoxicating and addictive - and there's always the challenge I mentioned of doing better than before. For me there's also the specific personal challenge of turning people on to trad music and English music, not by "popularizing" it and turning it into something else but by keeping to the fairly unadorned real thing and doing it as well as possible. And when we get a positive reaction from those who hear it, that's hugely satisfying because we know the message is getting through.

Anahata

Subject: RE: Are You a 'Performance Junkie'?
From: kmbraun
Date: 31 Mar 05 - 02:42 PM

One of the interesting things about music is that it has two faces -- preparation and performance. By nature, the performance is public. Even if you are in a band, much of what is preparation is a private affair. Both sides have their pleasures and pains. The ideal would be to realize the joys of preparation and performance while minimizing the downs sides. If you can do without the joys of performance you have lots to play with in terms of maximizing the joys of preparation. I guess it is very personal, but for me there comes a point where I need to share or somehow validate my playing/singing by having someone else hear it.

It is also possible to get in a position where there is so much time spent on performing that the joys of practice are lost. An introvert might go long periods without performing and struggle too much perfermance demand to allow for practice time. An extrovert will itch at the chance to get on stage and might love the travel, and so on. For them, it is hard to make themselves practice, and sometimes it will show.

So this question could be turned around. Are you a practice junkie? I confess. But I was once a performance junkie. Maybe some day I'll get it right.

Subject: RE: Are You a 'Performance Junkie'?
From: treewind
Date: 31 Mar 05 - 05:14 PM

Good point. If you've got it, is it mean not to share it?

Anahata

Subject: RE: Are You a 'Performance Junkie'?
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 31 Mar 05 - 06:42 PM

I have had Theatre experience, Eisteddfod's, etc, but was trained in 'ensemble' style, not 'solo'.

I get a big buzz from an appreciative audience, but I must have a severe depletion of 'ego', as I have no burning desire to always push my meagre talents onto unaccepting unwilling others.

Subject: RE: Are You a 'Performance Junkie'?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 31 Mar 05 - 07:16 PM

Some of us are 'Listening Oiks' and some of us are 'Performing Oiks'And to be a 'Performing Oik' requires a certain amount of Ego .
I know a number of 'Performing Oiks' who do NOT push for work , altough they may be superb singers or players - Maybe this is due to
a well paid day job , hence no Financial Drive to get Gigs , or to a basic innate modesty - Who cares - WHEN they Gig they do well !!
I have also met ( and worked with) people who were Ego personified ,
regardless of their talent or ability to 'work' an audience !
The 'Junkie' aspect seems to bear no relation to talent and ability .

Subject: RE: Are You a 'Performance Junkie'?
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 31 Mar 05 - 07:21 PM

Foolestroupe said:

I have no burning desire to always push my meagre talents onto unaccepting unwilling others.

I'd have to agree, but the operative words are "onto unaccepting, unwilling others." Who would want to perform for a coerced, hostile audience? Only a masochist, and I'm sure not that.

But if an audience can be expected to be at least neutral going into the show, I'll sing for anyone--one or more listeners--that will hold still for it with AT LEAST a neutral attitude going in.

I never feel so alive as when singing for an audience, large or small.

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: Are You a 'Performance Junkie'?
From: Justa Picker
Date: 31 Mar 05 - 08:29 PM

I did it for 20+ years as a keyboard player.
Then much later on I took up the acoustic and electric guitar.
No need to go out and do gigs (and pay my dues) all over again.
Been there done that.
Nothing left to prove nor validate.
The audience buzzes aren't what they used to be.
I'd rather just release CDs and be the Holden Caulfield of acoustic guitar picking. :-)

Subject: RE: Are You a 'Performance Junkie'?
From: Lowden Jameswright
Date: 01 Apr 05 - 09:50 AM

"The audience buzzes aren't what they used to be."

Is it that the audiences aren't what they used to be - or the buzz no longer lifts the hairs on your neck?

I first plucked up the courage to play & sing in public 15 years ago (after learning guitar and practicing at home for 20 years). I started going to folk clubs 35 years ago and thought I'd love to be like one of the many guest performers I admired.

For several years I played a number of gigs without having to venture far, and got enormous pleasure from playing to the folk audiences. Now though I get just as much pleasure (if not more) playing regular gigs in local pubs - for peanuts, financially speaking. The drive's still there, but has shifted ground.

I love playing ad hoc acoustic sessions with a wide variety of musicians, and get a buzz from the challenges of playing "off the cuff". The desire to be like those guest performers has gone now - maybe I'm in a comfort zone.

Subject: RE: Are You a 'Performance Junkie'?
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Apr 05 - 11:04 AM

I am an "Acousitc Dude" and a "Folkaholick" because I NEEEEEED it.

Subject: RE: Are You a 'Performance Junkie'?
From: Justa Picker
Date: 01 Apr 05 - 11:37 AM

"Is it that the audiences aren't what they used to be - or the buzz no longer lifts the hairs on your neck?"

Both.

Mind you if I could find the right combination of musicians to perform with acoustically (but amplified), the audience's reaction would be quite incidental in terms of the fun it would be to "cook" with these "boys"/"girls".

Unfortunately most of the people I'd really like to play, perform and could be coerced to getting on stage with, are either dead or live far far away. C'est la vie.

Subject: RE: Are You a 'Performance Junkie'?
From: breezy
Date: 01 Apr 05 - 11:47 AM

No, and if you want proof come to the alternative folk award winning Windward club and see for yourself


Hello Treewind, O K you've got yourself an offer of a gig seeing as you have declared your motive most clearly.

Subject: RE: Are You a 'Performance Junkie'?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 02 Apr 05 - 08:33 AM

hello

my name is alan and I'm a recovering performance junkie

At first it was speaking up in public meetings, even though I had nothing to say. I would recite the works of Rudyard Kipling to illustrate a point - even though I didn't have one.

I always hoped it would be appropriate, and frequently it drew a round of applause from conservatives.

somehow it never seemed enough.

then somebody turned me onto folk clubs. they offered ten minutes with just me at the centre of attention in a room full people.

by then I had heard about gigs. I have been mainlining on them for some years now, but I am receiving help.

this then is the twilight seedy world of the performance junkie. If someone offers you a floorspot - just say no.

Subject: RE: Are You a 'Performance Junkie'?
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 02 Apr 05 - 11:15 AM

I have always performed for the joy of sharing the music with others, but have taken gigs (few and far between) when asked. There is no better buzz than that second of complete silence before the applause, when a song has really touched the hearts of an audience.

Next year I retire, and I intend to go full time and try for bookings (club organisers please note, (grins)), not for the money per se (tho' it will help me to a more comfortable life), but because I cannot afford to travel widely if that has to be financed by my pittance of a pension, and I have enough ego to want to share my songs with a wider audience.

I am definitely a performance junky, and would go to the ends of the earth to find those golden nights when you know, halfway through the second song, that you have captured the audience, and they are with you for the duration.

I have never found myself playing to an "unaccepting, unwilling audience", and have always felt that, if the feedback isn't right, I am not doing my best work, so I tend to change tack to find out what works. People generally seem to attend guest nights when the guest is one they want to hear, and as a folk club organiser I have never coerced an audience to attend. In fact I don't think that is possible.

Don T.