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Are you ready to crush your first live performance? Whether you’re a singer, songwriter, producer, DJ, rapper, live band, or composer, the thought of stepping on stage for the first time can be both thrilling and nerve-wracking. But don’t stress! In this post, I’ll share some tried-and-true tips that have worked for me and the oyosounds team – people who’ve stood exactly where you are, gearing up for their first gig. Let’s make sure your debut is nothing short of unforgettable!
Your first gig is more than just a performance; it’s a milestone! It’s incredible that you’ve come this far, reaching your very first show. This is the moment where all your hard work, practice, and passion come together in front of an audience. It’s your transition from rehearsing in your bedroom or studio to sharing your art with the world.
A memorable first gig can open doors to new opportunities, help you build a loyal fan base, and establish your reputation as a performer. On the flip side, a shaky performance can be a setback. That’s why thorough preparation is essential to ensure you’re ready to give it everything you’ve got.
Feeling nervous before your first gig is completely normal. Even experienced musicians get pre-show jitters. The key is to turn that anxiety into excitement. Remember why you started making music in the first place, and focus on the thrill of sharing your passion with an audience. Now is the time to literally bring your music to the people!
These days, many overlook the importance of delivering solid live performances. But at live shows, you can clearly see which artists have the seriousness and experience, and which do not. Preparation is everything when it comes to live performances. From mastering your setlist to ensuring your equipment is in top shape, every detail matters. The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel on stage. And confidence is contagious. If you’re having a great time, your audience will too!
Preparation builds confidence, so take the time to create a solid tracklist and carefully consider your choices. Rehearse and invite two or three trusted friends who can give you honest feedback. Write down their suggestions, implement them, do another run-through, and ask if things have improved. This way, you set yourself up to adjust your live show before you step on stage for the first time.
Don’t focus too much on your music! This may sound strange, since people come to your show for… music, but if they’re only interested in your music they can just go to Spotify. They want to see you! They want to hear you say more than just your lyrics. Ask the audience how they’re doing, or share fun anecdotes that relate to your setlist. Give them an extra layer of interactive experience. Be someone, a person – talk to your audience and take a moment to connect with them. Don’t make the classic mistake of just running through your setlist clinically, performing back-to-back tracks, and then leaving the stage. That’s basically just playing your own playlist live. Show them who you are, as a person.
A live show is the perfect opportunity to connect with your audience. Make the most of it. What does your performance offer that’s more than what they get at home? Think about that. This can be different for every artist. Here in the Netherlands, for example, we have several rappers who perform their live shows with a live band. That’s great because you have the ‘digital’ versions for streaming, but if you go to a live show, you get the music in a real live setting. Give your audience added value for coming from near and far to see you perform.
Keep in mind that this is one of your first live shows. There are things you can simply avoid or prepare for, just like the points I discussed earlier, but also give yourself space to grow. Don’t let that space be filled with negative thoughts because you’re not where you want to be with your live performances. Instead, channel that energy into productivity and motivation to see what can be improved. Often, there’s a lot that can be better at the start, which can seem like an impossible task, but break it down into smaller steps, and little by little, you’ll notice you’re becoming more professional on stage! Quality takes time.
In addition to focusing on delivering the best live shows possible, make sure everything before and after the process is well organized, like the quality of your audio. Just as you can tell whether a performer has done it hundreds of times or is doing it for the first time, your listeners will feel the same way if your music doesn’t have a professional sound. Let us help you with our recording, mixing, and mastering services! Did you know we also offer live show versions of your mixes upon request? Good luck with your next performance, and let us know if you found these tips helpful!