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Preparing For Your First Live Performance

Preparing For Your First Live Performance

The Tunedly Team

Performing live music is one of the most enjoyable activities music artists will encounter during their time as musicians. A lot of musicians look forward to performing regularly because it is a chance for them to be able to connect with their fans in the most intimate way possible. Fans get to see exactly how the artist feels performing some of the songs they have spent a long time listening to consistently. For some musicians, it is a none ending loop of excitement and joy they can not get enough of. As long as they keep performing and they have fans who keep listening and paying to watch them, the sense of fulfillment in their lives will always be there to keep them happy at all times.

It is therefore no fluke that every artist looks forward to their first performance. Their first live show. Again, some artists find it easy and great. Some others might have some things they had requested prior to that performance. Whichever way it goes, here are some tips that will help you prepare for your first live performance


  • Be actually ready for a show. This means that before you make an attempt to even go to a live performance, you should find out or make sure that you are ready for that kind of show. For instance, performing in 30 minutes set for a show that doesn’t want its performers singing covers and you as a band not having enough songs to perform during that time is going to be a problem for your career. This is you setting yourself up for failure, as you will not be able to deliver what the show wants. Make sure to actually be prepared for that first show you are being booked for. There is absolutely nothing wrong in saying no if you are genuinely not ready for a show.


      • Practice, rehearse and create a setlist. First, it is important to really practice the songs you want to perform. Knowing them like it is second nature is most definitely a good preparation tactic. Rehearsals are meant to put the actual performance into perspective. In this situation, the band is no longer just learning the song, they are practicing their stage presence, stage banter, understanding how they can adjust to real-life situations, and generally just playing the exact show in the presence of nobody. This helps the crew to again be able to confidently glide through the songs they plan to perform and understand how they intend to deliver that experience to the audience. This whole process is done by using the proposed setlist. A setlist is the list of songs a band intends to perform for an audience. In the process of practicing and rehearsing, a setlist can be created that expresses the exact way the band wishes to perform and be identified with. The song arrangements can be tweaked till the best performance list has been obtained from the countless rehearsals building up to the show.


      • Organize your equipment and backups. Every piece of material required for your show should be put in place beforehand. From your playing equipment to your costumes and outfits, everything should be arranged and organized in an efficient manner. It should be easy to access and find when the need for it arises. Organizing one’s equipment also means being in shape for the show. Physical preparation and exercises should be carried out so that one can be able to perform effectively on stage. Vocals should be allowed to rest as often as possible and all health supplements are taken at the right times. Finally, it is important that backup instruments be provided, just in case the main instruments decide to mess up on the d-day.


      • Get preshow feedback from trusted pals. It is your first show of course. You most likely are skeptical about the strength of your performance abilities as it is. Getting good feedback will definitely help to get prepared for that gig beforehand. The best way to get this is to perform in front of close friends and family who will be honest with you about your performance. Doing this will help build your confidence levels enough to mount the stage you’ve been invited to. Test out your stage banters and ideas with these people, let them tell you what they feel is honestly working and what isn’t. Overall, it helps to keep you ready and in shape for that first show.


      • Be punctual. On the day of your show, whatever you do, please be early. Go for your soundcheck early. This way you can be able to make any changes required for the show itself. Being early also lets you know what time you are going to be up on stage earlier. You and your band can feel the atmosphere as well and understand what the audience might be looking for from the participating performers. And generally, the earlier you arrive, the calmer you get to be right before your performance.


      Your first performance is obviously a big deal. A good start will be great for a lifelong career on stage. Your first few life fans can be captured on your first gig. Making sure you are well prepared for it will surely do you far more good than you can hope for. Follow these tips and you are good to go.




      Thank you for reading this article here on Tunedly, your favorite online music recording studio, music publishing company, and masked music discovery platform.