In this week’s video blog, Amy Wolter discusses a recent performance by Ed Sheeran on Good Morning America. Ed performs with just an acoustic guitar and a loop pedal. However, there’s a lot more he could do to use the stage and connect with his audience.
What two things did Ed do wrong in the performance above?
When Ed took the mic out of the stand…
he should have moved the mic stand so it didn’t create a barrier between him and his audience.
Also, he did not effectively use the 40-50 ft wide stage he had. By not using the entire stage, he was wasting space and didn’t engage the entire audience. Yes, he is married to his audience and they love everything he does, but he could have drawn even more people in by using the stage while the loop was going.
For your performances, always use the stage no matter how big or small it is. If there are people on each side of the stage, make sure to get over there and engage that section of the audience. Always make an effort to get out of your center stage spot, connect with both sides of the audience, and use the entire stage.
Amy Wolter
As a trained Live Music Producer for Tom Jackson Productions, Amy Wolter brings her years onstage as a lead singer & keyboardist - along with her experience as a producer, arranger, and songwriter - to singers and bands who won’t settle for ‘good enough’. She’s worked with artists at all levels, and genres ranging from Rock to Celtic, empowering them to have confidence and authority onstage, and put on memorable live shows, a few of whom have been on two of the largest US tours in recent history. Some of her clients include Grammy award winners The Band Perry & Lacrae, CMA and ACM –winning country acts, Gloriana & Thompson Square, 2016 The Voice contestant Mary Sarah, CCMA (Canada) winners High Valley, Jess Moskaluke & Chad Brownlee, and Winter Jam Tour veterans Sidewalk Prophets & Love and The Outcome.
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The mic stand and looper is definitely something to ponder here. Definitely he should have moved to different parts of the stage to communicate and more eye contact. Where was the looper?
When I use a looper I usually have my whole pedal board in front/right of me and the stand is strategically placed within that layout so that I can kick off the looper for a new section and start it if I start a vocal and then want to add the loop I created back into the mix. Moving the mic stand seems like it would be very tough and clumsy. Any thoughts on this?
This would also apply to my being in a band where I have the guitar in hand as well, and then we have another lead singer. So, the issue here becomes how to switch us up for who is up front for lead vocal on a tune,
I do most of the lead vocals but we are hoping to add more and more of her as lead vocal to new songs. That said, how do we move me out of the way and her into center for each time she sings a lead? I would think we want that but then the practicality of – how – comes into play. It means I am often playing a tune, moving a mic back for bac vocals and moving to the side for her solos. That’s a lot of logistics, I would assume.
Your wisdom on this would be nice, Amy.
Thanks
Jim
Your set-up is correct with the looper in front of you and the mic stand. There’s no need to move the stand…maybe I’m not getting what you’re referring to-? You can take the MIC out of the stand and move around…
Also Jim, in answer to the question about your band and other lead singer, I’d need to know who else is in your band to know how to set up your stage. Is the other singer playing an instrument too?
Great advice, and something I’ll definitely be bearing in mind. However, Ed would have had a slight problem doing those two things. Firstly, he DID indeed remove the microphone from the stand but only briefly and then he placed it back so that he could play guitar again. And he would need access to the looper pedals at all times. So moving the mic stand isn’t always an option – it will be perfectly positioned behind the pedals. And moving too far away from the pedals is something that would only be possible for brief moments of the act. It’s a problem I’ve had to face myself and there’s no great solution to it.
Yes, I said he took the mic out but stayed right where he was! He had already created the loop so he could now get to another part of the stage for a bit, but unfortunately he chose not to. Remember too that HE is in charge of the song, so he can dictate how soon he needs to get back to the pedals. Arranging the song to allow for longer sections like this makes all the difference. Thanks Jesta!
Glad you guys are seeing the difference this makes and taking charge of YOUR STAGES! And thanks for the positive comments about our video blog direction. We’ll keep ’em coming!
I was thinking the same thing when I watched him!
Thanks for the tips! AS a guitar player, these are some good things for me to keep in mind. I don’t use a loop pedal, but I can still apply the advice for my concerts about using the stage space more effectively!
Hilarious…he did the same thing as Avril Lavigne…i like her music but god people…you have a cordless or just sing…uise the stage you’re given! i have a guitar and sing and I STILL manage to move around when i can depending on the size of the stage…and these are big stars…!!
I see what you are saying and feel your annoyance. Here is the clip https://youtu.be/HQhoojTOkHQ?t=4m20s
Thanks for posting the clipTim! Also noticed an extra boom mic up there…not sure what that’s about -?
Awesome video. So glad you were being safe.
Keep the videos coming.
Great points, Amy! Video blogging is perfect for what you guys do – keep them coming!
Awesome tip, Amy! That’s one of the first things you taught me to do — get the mic stand out of the way. And I will never forget it.
Sometimes when I am at a gig, I have to move OTHER people’s mic stands out of the way too!! And music stands and amps and other stage detritus. Seriously.
I always take my time and try to do this “roadie work” as slowly and mindfully as I can. I do that so it appears I am doing it at a normal, relaxed pace to the audience. I try to see it as a moment of calm before the storm … a time to gather myself and get ready.
Keep on keeping on with the videos.
love from NYC,
Kate
Cute video and great tips, Amy! I like the transition you guys have made to video blogging.. We love hearing you in person. Thanks for all you guys do for artists!
Wow! That is such a simple thing to do, but it would make a world of difference. Thank you for this incredibly helpful tidbit of information. I will definitely use it next time I am onstage!