How to deliver an unforgettable performance? Strong sound and lighting, as you may already know, are two core elements before facing a crowd. To make your performance soar, you will need to look for ways to make it extraordinary, keep the people out of their seats, and make them cherish the magic you created on stage.
Your performance should appeal to the crowd enough to make them want more from your band in the future. Everything you do on-stage should not only be to make your existing fans happy but also to make those who recently found your work stay for the future. So the rule is simple: make your performance unforgettable enough to keep your old fans and make new ones. To help your band make your next performance extraordinary, we have listed some ways you can make it happen.
1. Visuals, visuals, visuals
Incorporating appealing visuals adds significant value to the aesthetics of your performance. An artistically strong visual display on the stage will help reinforce your band’s brand identity in many ways. It will also let your audience know what to expect from your next performance.
In today’s world, the ways to be creative are enormous. Our advice: think big, but also think “you.” Get yourself an appealing backdrop that showcases your band’s essence. Start by thinking of the vibe you will create for your performance- will your songs create rave-party energy or sad-drinking-in-the-club energy? Both the vibes will demand different aesthetics, for you can’t have a lively and colorful backdrop when you mean to create a quiet and emotional atmosphere. Once you have decided on the vibe of your performance, explore where to buy a band backdrop and get yourself the perfect match.
The backdrop should have your band’s name emblazoned across in the colors and fonts you want to associate with your name. However, only getting a backdrop is not going to cut it. The standard for aesthetic stages has risen quite a lot in recent times. With elaborate decorations, confetti canons, light displays, and sculptures, there is always room for you to be more and more creative on stage. However, it is essential to remember that every visual element should align with the vision of your performance and be well thought-out to engage your audience.
2. Dress the part
Your outfit also falls under the visuals of your performance, and you will have to ensure that your band’s outfits do not clash with the theme you have created with your other visual elements. Not only that, but you will also have to make sure your outfits do not tastelessly contrast with each other as well.
Think of the vibe of your performance, and then think of a cohesive dress code for every band member to follow. You don’t want to have one of the members in a suit while the other sports basic jeans with a tee. Choosing all your members’ outfits is not about going all out with extra clothes- it is about wearing something that coordinates with the music you create and the props you display. The meaning you wish to convey through your music and stage aesthetics should also align with your chosen clothes.
3. Use all the stage space
The moment you get on stage, it’s about creating and maintaining your band’s stage presence. Your stage is your turf, your area, so make the best use of it. Move around the whole stage, and let the people from every corner of the room witness you. Your audience is there to watch you perform, not only to listen. And movement and activity make up a large part of every performance.
Many musicians stay rooted in the same spot throughout their performance, taking away the entertainment value for the audience. You do not want to make the same mistake. Sure, some songs may demand you to stick to a place with the spotlight shining on you while the crowd soaks in the words you are putting out there. However, moving spots and walking around the stage for your other songs may work well in your favor.
4. Interact with the crowd
Your audience has come to your performance to experience something and make a memory. The whole purpose of people going to their favorite artist’s concerts is to create a live connection with their music by watching them perform on stage. Why else would they go to a musician’s performance when they can conveniently listen to their songs from their phone?
The audience members take time and spend money to watch you perform. Now it is on your band to make their experience unique and worthwhile. Involve your crowd in your performance to make them feel their presence is being acknowledged and appreciated.
You can engage your crowd in so many ways. Introduce the backstory of your song before you go on to sing it. Get the fans to sing along with you. Make them use their flashlights or clap to the rhythm of a particular song. Use whatever techniques you can. At the end of the day, it is about connecting with the people who support your music by giving them something special to remember.
5. Interact with your band members
Those who listen to your music already know your band members, and they know how great you sound together. While they may wish to watch and listen to the musical synchronization in person, that is not the only band interaction they want to see.
Behind every great piece is a great team, and the audience wants to see how well the team works together. It wants to see the chemistry and the friendship between the members- how everyone pulls each other up and understands each other’s needs. So use this opportunity to give them the interaction they seek.
Furthermore, when you perform as a band, you must ensure that one member does not overpower the stage and leaves others out of the spotlight. A band’s stage presence makes the performance- your individual stage presence should complement those of other members instead of overshadowing them.
6. Take rehearsals seriously
Your performance at the show will result from the effort you put into your rehearsals, so don’t take those lightly. Practice like the crowd is in front of you. Of course, the energy of rehearsals and the actual show will be different, but it doesn’t hurt to give it your best even while rehearsing.
Practicing extensively with your band to help all the members harmonize with each other better. Plan some unique performances for each band member. It will give a unique element to the live performance.
Conclusion
Music should always be the core of your performance, but being innovative, creative, and collaborative on stage can make the listening experience of the crowd even more memorable. Live shows allow musicians to connect with their listeners and prove why they should keep listening to their work. If your show does not deliver as well as you had hoped, do not worry. Mistakes are a part of life. Instead of being discouraged, use your next performance as a chance to do better. There is always room for improvement, and you can always take time to capitalize on your strengths.
