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Three Ps = A Great Live Show

by Backstage: Making it Your Own, Sneak Peek, The Foundation Greenroom: 4 Comments

In watching and working with artists over the years, I’ve learned a lot – and unlearned what I thought I knew.  I think most people would assume it’s talent that leads to success.  And they would be partly right. In some cases, talent alone can get you ‘discovered’, signed, famous…but if that’s ALL there is, […]

Artists, You Can Do This!

by Backstage: Sneak Peek Greenroom: 4 Comments

I’ve noticed in working with so many artists, the contrast in different types of personalities, talent levels, and learning styles.  I worked with a player recently who before even trying an idea, said in so many words, ‘that’s just not done in this genre’.  Says who??  (You know that just makes me want to try […]

Talladega Nights and the Problem With Hands

by Backstage: Materials, Tools & Skills Greenroom: 4 Comments

There’s a scene in Talladega Nights: the Ballad of Ricky Bobby in which Will Ferrell is being interviewed and doesn’t know what to do with his hands. Consequently, his hands just float awkwardly up by his face. Funny stuff! Watch the video below to see this scene. Most of the artists I work with can […]

Who’s Getting It Right?

by Backstage: Vision & Planning Greenroom: Leave a Comment

If you look at today’s live acts, what is it that makes them great? What do they do and know that makes their connection to the audience work? You might say, “Well, they’re married to their audiences – they’ve got hits and records under their belts.”  True… but what keeps people COMING BACK to see Springsteen live […]

Choosing the Right Cover Tunes

by Backstage: Making it Your Own Greenroom: 6 Comments

We receive lots of questions about doing cover tunes.  Since many of you have them in your set, either entirely or a few, let’s talk about this! We got an email from Barry, who spelled out his dilemma; “I am in a constant battle with my band-mates over the subject of cover songs.  As a primarily original […]

Can’t Download This! The Live Connection…

by Backstage: Making it Your Own, Sneak Peek Greenroom: 6 Comments

 Performing artists still have it…that one thing. Something a CD can’t contain, it can’t be duplicated, digitized or downloaded, and you can only get it if you’re in the same room. It’s that personal connection with your fans. The Booming Concert Industry A couple years back, while on a long flight, I read an article […]

Bailing Out

by Backstage: Materials, Tools & Skills Greenroom: 3 Comments

No, not talking about bailing you out of jail, or quitting your music career…though at times I’m sure you’ve felt like it!  I’m talking about the ‘bail-out’ – an onstage technique you should implement into your performance now. You’ve heard us talk about putting pressure on the audience from time to time, right?  This is […]

Sitting Down on the Job – (Becoming Stool Savvy)

by Backstage: Materials, Tools & Skills, Sneak Peek Greenroom: 12 Comments

If you’re doing 45+ minute sets, where people come to listen to your music, you need to consider using a stool for a song or two.  Maybe I SHOULD say instead, you should be doing a couple of songs in the 1-2 range.  These are “more emotional”, “you can hear a pin drop” songs.  (See the section […]

More Mic Stand! (‘Cool Tool’) Part II

by Backstage: Materials, Tools & Skills Greenroom: 1 Comment

We had some good feedback and great questions on my mic stand blog from a few weeks ago…let’s take this further and answer some questions we got on the first blog. One question referred to singing into the side of the mic when you’re using angles.  A lot of us were taught we need to […]

The Mic Stand – Your Cool Tool

by Backstage: Materials, Tools & Skills, Sneak Peek Greenroom: 13 Comments

If you’re a singer/front person, you need to know how to use a mic stand in your show.  A stand, just like a mic or a stool, is a great tool to use for some songs, and if used correctly, can really make a visual impact. First of all, make sure you secure a straight […]