Developing a Stage Presence

12 November 07

Welcome to The Pier's 'Ask Weege' column. Every week the 880 South's front man and music scene veteran will be answering questions and providing tips for up-and-coming bands and musicians.

Pete asks, 'Hey Weege. Do you have any tips or techniques on how to develop a better stage presence? Are there any ways to help build up the old confidence when performing? I guess these kind of go hand-in-hand.'

Weege: Hi Pete, stage presence is not something that comes natural. At least for me it is not. It takes years of experience and trial and error to figure out what you're good at and I've seen it done right as many or more times as I've seen it done wrong. In fact there was a time when I thought my stage presence was great and it wasn't. It took me nine years to get it right and I still have my moments where I need to criticize myself.

The reality is, the best angle of approach is try and think of all the times you were at a show. What did you like best about the performance? I tend to feel the energy you feed from a band during a live show is reciprocal. If the crowd is diggin the music, you as the performer are digging the crowd. When you're having a good time on stage. That tends to give off a much better vibe.

Some of the best bands I've watched live I notice one huge factor. If everyone is into it then it gives the impression that the band is really into what they are doing. Take The Expendables for example. One thing I admire is that when I watch them live. Even the guys who aren't singing are hummin or singing along as well. That shit gets me pumped. It makes me go, "yeah man...they are into it!" "Let's fucking break something!" JUST KIDDING It really does give me the impression that they all love what they are doing and that's...and I quote..."rad"

My former guitarist Steve Shyshka obviously has some issues when it comes to live performance because of blindness. In my opinion it never hampered him in anyway. Obviously mobility is an issue on a dark stage and you will never see Steve dancing or jumping around. That never held him back from putting on a show. When you watch Steve perform, his expression, even his limited movements were enough to show how into the music he really is. I always fed off of that.

What I'm saying is you have to really be into your music and you have to prove to your crowd that you love what you're doing.

Practice makes perfect. What you want to do on stage, you should do in practice. If you're drunk at shows, and you don't drink in practice. There is a good chance you're going to suck when you play live. If you like to jump around during your set. You should probably make some movements in practice or at least break a sweat so you're used to it. If you're completely comfortable with your music it will show. Practice really is important because it builds your confidence mentally and accurately to a level where you don't have to second guess yourself on lyrics/parts.

Don't get me wrong, I flub lyrics from time to time. Sometimes I see a hot chick in the crowd that throws me off my game and I might switch around a verse or two. It happens, but I have so much time in rehearsal that I can quickly bounce back and find where I'm at. It really is important to know your parts/lyrics to a point where you don't have to think about them. In a sense, don't overthink the song, you should be reacting to your natural instincts. You almost have to think like a martial artist. Rely on your training and fundamentals. Dancers, Actors, Comedians, Public Speakers...we all rely on the same codes & ideals. Practice makes perfect. Don't be a slacker.

One funny incident I saw at a recent show. It was clearly this artist’s first time on a stage. He started out with a cover of Lou Reed's Walk on the Wild Side and I mean he butchered the song, but that wasn't the funny part. The funny part was when he kept stopping the song to correct his guitarist. WOW! Look I try not to criticize, but one thing you never do on stage is point out flaws or rag on your bandmates. It shows a lack of respect for one, and a lack of professionalism. The kid had a good voice, but the wrong attitude.

Drinking.

Let me clear the air. I love to drink. Alcohol is fun, loosens you up, removes a lot of inhibitions, can even give you that liquid courage you need to get on stage. But take my word for it. It will not make for a better performance. I do drink when I perform. Lightly. I drink a Guiness or two, maybe 3 if it's a long set. The truth is when you're performing, you're sweating, exerting energy and heat. If you get dehydrated and drunk, you're gonna have issues performing your best.

I for one as a singer can not get shitfaced drunk because I will lose my voice. I already perspire like a savage beast, alcohol only intensifies it under hot lights. So to protect my voice, and prolong myself over a week's worth of shows I drink lots of room temperature fluids, avoid caffeine in the evenings and I use Clear Voice (here I go plugging my sponsors - www.clearvoicespray.com). After a good long sweaty set you can switch out T-shirts so you don't look like you were digging a ditch on a summer afternoon. T-shirts rule, like my Left Coast Boardwear T-shirt (www.lcboardwear.com). They're awesome.

Ok I'm done whoring...back to the subject. Here are some light guidelines or as I will call em. Uh Huh's and Nah Uh's.

Uh Huh's

Loosen up and enjoy yourself!

Be professional on stage as well as off stage!

Know Your Lyrics & Music - Rehearse!

Nah Uh's

Don't get piss drunk and forget lyrics!

Don't stop in the middle of a song to make corrections!

Don't over think. Rely on your instincts & practice hard!

So those are my words and guidelines. Performance is all about craftsmanship. Take yourself a little serious, but not a point where you're a tightwad or a diva.

Ask Weege Fan Letter

From Chris, 'Hey Weege, I am currently a sophomore at Santa Clara University. One of my highlights of last year was seeing you guys play at the Bronco on a few occasions. Any chance you guys will return there soon? Those shows were always fun!'

Weege: Chris, this really isn't an advice question but fun nonetheless.

Because you asked so nicely and we love our fans. We will come back. I will get on that for 2008. That place doesn't really pay us well for all the work we put into getting shows together there, but if a fan asks it of us I will do everything I can to make it happen. We definitely have a lot of fun when we perform there and the crowd is pretty awesome. Good Times, Free Show, Killer Music, All Ages, Beer, Food & most importantly Pretty Girls. Good combo.

Make sure you bring lots of people. Take it easy Chris.

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