It's not just about playing well: The importance of a good stage performance
When we attend a concert, no matter the style, we always go with the expectation of having a good time, that the artist on stage delivers an impeccable show according to his/her style, and that we not only return happy after the show, but also we are with the need (almost addiction) to see him again. This has happened to us several times, and that is why we already have our own list of favourite artists.
However, sometimes it happens that when we go to see a live concert of an artist, usually for the first time, since we don't know them, we realize that they have very good songs and they play them very well, but after the attended the event, we left it with the feeling that something was missing, even though musically they sounded ok. And if someone asks us if we would go to see them again, the answer is probably: "I don't know, I already saw them and it was good".
The difference between the first case and the second one, is what we call "show", is the performance of the artist that goes beyond just playing good songs, and which today in the music and entertainment industry is something fundamental and determining to be able to continue to exist as an artist. That "show" I am referring, consists in generating an "emotional connection" with the audience, and this is why you pay a ticket when you go to a concert, because if not, it would be enough to stay at home listening to the mp3 player or our mobile phones.
This emotional connection consists of everything that is attached to the musical performance: the attitude on stage, the clothing, the dialogue with the audience between songs and during them, etc., in other words, everything that makes the concert attendees get involved with the artist and with the message he/she wants to give.
And here comes the most important thing: The emotional connection does not happen by magic or because the artist was born with a "gift", but rather it is prepared, worked on and rehearsed; in the same way that songs are prepared, rehearsed and studied. This is something that is obligatory for everyone who wants to aspire to achieve more in their musical endeavour, regardless of whether their projection is as an amateur or a professional.
Just as there are music producers everywhere, it is also the case that in places with a more advanced musical industry (such as the USA and Europe, for example), there are also "live show producers", who are responsible for advising artists (many of them with a massive audience) on all the details of their live performance on stage. This term should not be confused with show promoters, who are those who are responsible for organising a concert in a city.
The topic of stage performance and making an emotional connection is too big to be discussed in this post, but here are some tips to start putting it into practice:
The most important thing is that the stage performance has to be in line with the essence of the artist and also with his/her style. He/she has to be honest with what he/she feels, and this is called "authenticity". This is the first thing that the audience perceives.
It is not necessary to spend excessive amounts of money on expensive sets or pretentious stage devices. Everything starts with the person on stage and their attitude towards the audience. Then comes the rest of the things.
Always look in the eyes of the audience, if not, we make them notice shyness and insecurity on our part. And the audience wants to see someone confident and dependable on stage.
Prepare and write down everything that happens between songs: greetings, jokes, emotional situations, etc, Those are part of the show and have to seem spontaneous.
Rehearse in front of a mirror all of this, or film yourself and then review to correct movements and actions.
If something unexpected happens in a show, as it is possible, take it naturally and calmly, solve the problem and continue with the show as planned. The audience doesn’t care if everything isn’t going perfect, but it will be uncomfortable if they see that the artist himself is uncomfortable.
I propose you two exercises: Go to Youtube and choose ten videos of your favourite artists, and watch them in mute, in order to see the coherence between your stage work and your music. Then do the same with artists who, according to you, they are not authentic.
And finally, do the same with recordings of your own live shows.