subject: The Importance of Performance Experience [print this page] The Importance of Performance Experience The Importance of Performance Experience
The Importance of Performance Experience
I have met many, many bands who don't want to play - and don't very often - live shows. Now, of course, everyone of them has a "logical" reasoning...
Some are just too nervous to play out in front of people or are scared of what people will think if they mess up. If this is you, I hate to break it to you, but it won't get easier having a "record deal." How do you expect to handle the pressure if it came down to it and you haven't ever played a show?
Some say that they want to be super tight and it is just not time yet. This reason holds a little more water, but still is not a good reason. Yes, it is important that you play well together and be tight musically. No, practicing for 2 years to get super tight will not make you a good performer. And don't 99% of people go to concerts to see a performance?
Some people don't think its necessary because you cant get a "deal" without ever playing a show. This is a very hard point to argue for or against, but I think that you do need to get experience and perform shows. While it is true that there are many artist and bands who have gotten somewhere not playing out much, thanks to the internet, it makes it even more of a long shot. Word of mouth is still the most powerful marketing tool and people interaction is better then just putting something out there.
So, I have laid out three arguements I hear all the time for bands, or artist, not wanting to do a show, but there is one truth - NOTHING will polish a band like live performance does. If you are nervous about performing in front of people, start out by just doing performances for friends or family. Then you can move on to small clubs. This will help you get over the nervousness (which by the way, often goes away once the music starts) and help you develop new and creative ways of performing.
Performing live, cutting demos, and writing new songs are all things that are very important and help shape a band into a seasoned artist. It is very important that bands be confident (NOT COCKY) in themselves and their music. Practicing for years to yourself does not build confidence. Playing shows, getting feedback, and performing in front of people builds confidence.
But, do you want to know why experience is most necessary? Record labels love experience! If you (your band) have performed a lot, then labels will be more likely to take you on as an artist because that is one less thing they have to worry about training you on. If you can sell 3,000 albums by yourself and have marketed yourself, then labels will be more likely to take you on as an artist because that is one less thing they have to worry about training you on. If you can consistently sell out your shows, then they will be more likely to take you on as an artist because that is one less thing they have to worry about training you on.
Get the point?
Hopefully now you see the importance of getting experience. Yes, being nervous and not wanting to get out there and mess up in front of people is a hard thing to deal with. Yes, worried about being musically tight is a hard thing to deal with. But, waiting for the record label to just drive down your street and hear you practicing in your garage, run up to your doorstep, and offer you the record deal of a lifetime - that is just stupid.
