If you are asking the question “why doesn’t the audience love me?” then you’re asking the wrong question!
The right question – the one that will make a great music career possible, the one that will make your music gig have some longevity, the one that will help you reach your goals in music – is “do I love my audience?”
“But, Tom,” you say. “I’ve got the voice, I’ve got the songs, they’re paying to come and see me! Shouldn’t they love me?” OK. I get that you want the audience to love you and your music. But what do people respond to more than anything?
The answer to that is the answer to what makes the difference between a good show and a great show! Watch this video…
You see, when an artist makes an emotional connection with the audience they are telling the audience, “Hey, I’m here tonight for YOU!”
Bruce Springsteen says he looks out at the audience during every performance, picks out a few people to look right at, and sings to them as if to say “You’re the reason that I’m out here right now, and I’m going to push myself till it feels like my heart’s going to explode.”
Know some others who love their audience that much?
Tom Jackson
Tom is uniquely talented and skilled at transforming an artist's live show into a magical experience for the audience; helping artists at every level create a live show that is engaging and memorable, teaching them to exceed their audiences' expectations and to create fans for life. Tom has taught indie and major artists of every genre. He has worked with Taylor Swift, Le Crae, Home Free, The Tenors, Shawn Mendes, The Band Perry, Francesca Battistelli, Jars of Clay, & many more. Tom also teaches at colleges, conferences and events worldwide.
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Hey Tom,
My daughter and I just saw Phil Keaggy in concert on Saturday night. We had front row center seats. I think Phil is a master at loving his audience. He definitely has that marriage thing going one with his audience like you talk about. There were several times where he looked both of us right in the eyes during the concert. He is humble and makes you feel like he is your friend while he is performing. I am trying to do this with my music as well.
Keith
i’m getting it.
kirk
baton rouge la.
I agree with everything you said Tom. I just find as a newer artist it’s so hard to put yourself out there to be that vulnerable…because a lot of gigs I’ve played the audience has never heard my tunes before because I’m opening for another band. You start to worry and get self conscious it’s human nature. Hopefully, in time it’ll all come together on stage but right now it’s a struggle. Thanks for the helpful advice though.
Tom,
That last piece with the Springsteen reference was so good! I kept nodding my head saying, “right, right!” I did a show the other night in Newport, R.I, a big Gala for the Tall Ships. When I began to relate to people openly while they were dancing, my whole show went to a different level. It became way more personal, and one-on-one with each party goer. The songs were big band, Sinatra type that have been heard for years. It was as if my crowd was hearing it new for the first time. It blew me away with the connection the crowd had with the band. When you have to think too much on stage – boy what a difference in the performance. Your DVD’s have been great tools for improvement. Thanks for what you do!
Mike