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I am the Lead Singer and acoustic guitar player in the band Sudden Change. I just joined with them about 2 months ago. In the beginning I was only singing about 20 minutes of a 4 hour show, but now I am up to about 3 hours of a 4 hour show. With the added songs to the set list that I do, I have to work the crowd and interact with them more. I am having a hard time with conversation and what I am supposed to say to them. I am getting better, my band just steps back and won't say anything to make me do it! It has helped because they make me do it and don't just do it for me. I also do not dance around much on songs that I do not play guitar on and feel rather dumb with my tambourine just standing there bouncing my head up and down. I am a little heavyset (but am doing well shedding the unwanted pounds) and am also a female in the male dominated genre of rock music. My voice is awesome and I know that from the feedback I get but I would like to talk alot more with the crowd and dance around a little without looking stupid or ridiculous. Are there any tips to better crowd interaction and do they really think we look stupid up there or is it just our own minds that throw that thought out there? Any tips for crowd control and stage presence would be greatly appreciated. I have been a performer for a long time but have never been the frontman before. Always a solo artist at the coffeehouse thing. But now with a band I have to come up with some things to do so I don't just stand on stage and go through the motions. The crowd won't have fun unless we look like we are having fun. we have a good following and are booked the rest of the year so my issues haven't killed us but I want to go forward and think a little help in the showmanship catagory couldn't hurt. Thanks for your help ahead of time and if you want to visit our web site and leave feedback on my vocals or the band that would be cool too!@
www.suddenchange.us

"...In the beginning I was only singing about 20 minutes of a 4 hour show, but now I am up to about 3 hours of a 4 hour show..."

Answer: You must be doing something right...

"...I also do not dance around much on songs that I do not play guitar on and feel rather dumb with my tambourine just standing there bouncing my head up and down..."

Answer: Rehearse in front a mirror where you can analyze what it is that is appealing about your presentation... learn to discard anything in your presentation that seems to detract from it. Don't get carried away about it if it starts to make you too self-conscious[sp?]...

"...My voice is awesome. [and] I know that from the feedback I get but I would like to talk alot more with the crowd and dance around a little without looking stupid or ridiculous..."

Answer: Look to the above example again.

"...Any tips for crowd control and stage presence would be greatly appreciated..."

Answer: I have yet to find a good book that concisely explains "working a crowd"... even though it is extremely important...

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Synopsis-
Seems to me you have a good thing going... Maybe just need an [objective] outsider to evaluate it and give you the encouragement you need.

To me, the best entertainment value of a performance is the level of enjoyment the performer exudes. Any kind of contrived "connecting" with the audience puts me off. Just close your eyes and totally get into what you're doing. People will connect with the honesty.

Rob

Thanks for the tips! I will definitely work on my skills in front of a mirror. That will help. I do close my eyes quite frequently when I feel the music going through me and have really worked on my crazy facial expressions that I make at times. I guess I just have to get over myself and inhibitions and just do what feels right. Thanks for the help.

Hi,

I'm also a female fronting a rock band. Been doing it for a while now....

This is my take on the lead vocal position.

The best front 'men' I've seen seem to have two things in common.

One is that they never forget that they are leading someone elses good time. The main job is to keep the crowd energy up and the party going. I often think it's better for the front person to keep it simple and not take too much time between tunes gabbing...and not speak after every single tune too. A set flows better when some tunes just go straight into the next. I've often been at shows where the vocalist went on for days about the meaning of the tune (when they should just let the tune speak for itself - if you have to explain your music it must not be very good...know what I mean) and inside I'm just screaming to myself..."shut up and sing"

Second.... the front man has to be the biggest fan of the band there is and show it. When you're playing..lay back in the groove..enjoy the music....let yourself move to it naturally...smile at the guitar player and enjoy his smoking solo, punch the sky to the kick drum, scream 'yeah' at a great lick.... whatever you feel....just get into it and show the crowd that it's fun to be into it and the "feeling lame' about dancing thing should go away.

Personally, to help with the patter, I've come up with a couple of 'running jokes' that the band members know I do alot and whenever I see an opportunity to throw in a remark on theme, I do..... One example specifically... my psychedelic rock band markets itself a bunch of 'happy hippies' and we cartoon this up a bit onstage. Every time I throw in a Beatles cover, I say somthing like "what kind of hippies would we be.. " (and everyone replies) "if we didn't play the Beatles".. stuff like that...

The other night, the act before us ended his set with a tune about hippies...so of course, the first thing I did was connect the sets by saying "did someone call for some hippies!!" and make a big joke about it.

I also have come up with a funny alternate lyric acapella version of a known tune to throw in if we have a long on-stage emergency, so that there's no lag.

Good luck with it! Hope this helps.

We're all in this together...but we chick rockers really have to stick together! ...lol

Peace,
Christine
The Drop Band

Awesome to see another rockin' chick out there! We are definitely a rare breed. You gave a lot of good advice. And a couple things you mentioned I do so I guess I am not doing as bad as I initially thought

We always try not to have more than a few seconds lag between songs if the floor is packed with people rockin out to us. Our set list is always a work in progress because we play what they are in the mood for. I have been thinking of some cool catch phrases to say every now and then but so far have been too timid to try them lol

We are booked at a really rowdy crazy biker bar this weekend so we will definitely have a good time and who better than bikers to try my new tactics on!

Keep rockin and you are right - us chicks need to stick together!!!

Excellent advice so far...

Something else that may help....
You should be able to notice some of the folks who are really into what's going on. Start getting more comfortable schmoozing the crowd by starting with those you see are into you and the band. It may even be some of your crowd. Then branch out to the other small groups or even a single. That will get you started.

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DakLander

Sounds like good advice already!!

I'm a woman who fronts a blues/jazz/rock band in an area where female-fronted bands (and female musicians) are DEFINATELY in the minority. There are pros and cons to this. But among the positives....the women in the audience will appreciate your being there even before you sing - just because you're female!! (then start singing and REALLY blow them away). I find that most men will appreciate a female fronted band because it's different (at least where I am). Some bar owners, well...... that's another story.

As a blues band, we have fun with the male/female thing... with songs like "You can have my husband (but don't you mess with my man)." It doesn't take a whole lot of chatter to make those connections.

Occasional "Shared jokes" on the bandstand are good -- when you include the audience. People like to be a part of something. Sounds like you have good rapport with your band -- that is SO IMPORTANT. I think I am playing with the best guys in the world, and we have fun. Sometimes they make instrumental jokes behind my back, and I just turn around for a second and laugh.

The main problem I've seen with some "front persons" (ha!) is that they tend to EXCLUDE the audience. Bring the audience in on the party, in on the joke, include them in your fun and you'll get response.

Watch people who have good stage presence and take notes. You'll probably notice that one thing in common is that they make the audience feel that they are the most important group of people in the world. When you are playing, they SHOULD be the most important people... them, and your fellow band members.

Don't be afraid to open your eyes, make eye contact, and yes, smile. Let your voice, posture, presence express how you feel about the songs. Sing songs to individuals as well as the crowd.

Can you play some rhythm guitar? At least on some songs? From a practical point of view, it helps with the sound of the band. And from a "presence" point of view, it helps too....

Having fun with it is most important. People who take the music seriously, but not themselves so seriously, tend to have great musicianship and presence.

Oh! and finally, when you have a break, go into the audience and chat with as many people as you can. I know your feet are KILLING you, but say "hi! Thanks for coming! Ya'll having fun?" etc. to as many people as you can.

THEN you can run for the restroom!!

Brenda
www.BlueMerlot.com

Thanks for the help. I actually play rhythm guitar and some keys. Currently we are going to pick up a few classic rock tunes that have flute parts in them like Can't you see by the Marshall Tucker Band and possibly some Jethro Tull since I am a great flutist as well. Since I first submitted this thread, I have been working very hard on crowd interaction, eye contact, etc... and I have gotten so much better. Plus now that I am showcasing my different talents it is a huge plus. Thank you all for your support and I hope you are having great luck with all of your own bands!

Hey hi,



I saw your post and I wanted to make some comments.



It is true that sex sells, and you might get more and better paying gigs if you were a human barbie doll. That’s the reality of this society we live in. But it is by no means necessary for every great singer to look like a crack model. With your voice you will be accepted by people who love that genre of music: they will have a hard time finding someone who sings it better. You don’t need to lose a single pound. If you want to for other reasons, fine. You WILL experience some discrimination: get over it. Black people, old people, yellow people, young people, polish, jews and on and on all experience discrimination. It’s not your problem: it’s the ignorant observer/promoter that will judge you. Don’t help them by judging yourself.



From your website: that is one of the finest versions of Bobbie McGee I have heard from a non-nationally touring band. The singing is excellent. Not just the vocal range, but the phrasing and subtle note changes. You got yourself a great instrument there – just keep singing.



Get a video camera. Set it up at home, put your bands music on and sing along in front of a mic. Be yourself: REFUSE to be a pretender, but let yourself go. You will hate it at first, but keep watching the same recording half a dozen times and then make another one. Don’t judge: just say “this is me: this is what I look like. Good thing I have a great voice!!!” Before you know it, you will realize that you also have a stage presence. Hell woman, even a ventriloquist’s dummy has a stage presence! But stage presence comes second to talent, and you have that in abundance. The more you celebrate that fact, and how much fun it is to share it with people, the more you will relax and be yourself on stage.



Enough philosophy: google the internet for “one liners” and “musician jokes”. The ones that make you laugh, share them with the crowd like “I got a friend who emails me bad jokes, like “What do you do if you find a rock and roll singer on your porch? ------------- You pay her for the Pizza!” Just have fun with it.



Force yourself, and your band members, to go table to table during breaks and ask people where they are from. If they danced, just say “hey, I wanted to thank you for getting up and dancing: it makes it so much more fun for the band and me.” Soon, this will become easy to do and you’ll have a mailing list sign up card in your hand to leave at their table with a pencil stub. And you’ll realize these people are just your neighbors, and they really do like you a lot. If they didn’t dance, ask how the sound is: “are we too loud? Can you hear the lead guitarist okay? (but use his name)” Once you have a following you can easily up your fees, and expand your touring area, but followings don’t just happen because you’re good and play out: (actually, they do, but it is rare and usually takes years): they happen because you have a marketing plan, even if it’s a little one.



On a band note, I suggest you get “mustang sally” off your website. No offense to the singer, and don’t let him get defensive: it’s just a suggestion. I’m sure it goes over well at gigs: I’d dance to it and enjoy his energy. But every band needs a front person: the one with the most vocal talent. Why present “good” when you can deliver “great”?



I’m almost 50, and was very worried about debuting (six months ago) as a singer/songwriter. It turns out I needn’t have worried. People embrace you if the music is good. Check out my touring schedule on my website, and keep in mind that I am neither Richard Gere nor do I have half the vocal talent you do. People like my songs: that's all I need.

Have fun, break a leg, kudos to your band: they sound great.



-- lafe



www.lafedutton.com



www.SkyHunterRecords.com

Oh my! Where do I begin? Thank you so much for your wonderful compliments and advice. With every passing day we get better and better. We just let go of our rhythm guitarist and I have picked up some of the slack there and we already sound 6 times better. We only have 3 or 4 dates left to book this whole year and are so incredibly booked we can't believe it. The guys I am with have been playing together for about 15 years and with the addition of myself, we have moved on to the next level and are loving it! It is nice to have found a band that focuses on talent instead of looks and the fact that we are booked out all year shows that talent supercedes looks anyday. I have really learned since first starting this thread that the audience really doesn't care if you are a barbie as long as you rock and we most certainly do that. Now we are going to redo our demo, pics and bios and start going after bigger venues. Maybe someday we can be playing out as our day job!!! Wouldn't that be the greatest!

From one Pro to another... just be real. The audience can and will pick out a phoney. Just be honest and let the audience know you're happy came! Time and experience will take care of the rest.

Peace,
Slick

ps for ap: I do this(sing) full time days for 11+ yrs... cool, huh?!

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There are two kinds of music... good music and bad music. - Duke Ellington

http://www.acidplanet.com/artist.asp?songs=25457&T=6380

http://groups.msn.com/SwampYankeeBlues

[This message has been edited by jive4005 (edited 05-02-2005).]

I am a singer/songwriter/guitarist who performs our mostly as a solo artist & from time to time I hire a band for my bigger shows...for me, the most important thing is to truly be emotionally connected to my songs and the music...if you are totally connected, and you are truly having a good time, the audience will know it and feel it, and in turn, they will have a good time! When selecting songs, try to pick songs that make you FEEL...I think practicing in front of a mirror at home is a good idea...practicing movements or dance moves at home- the more you do it (repetition), the more comfortable you will feel & the more natural it will become for you. Many artists practice their moves and have it down before doing it on stage...As far as talking in between songs...less is more...I've gone to see bands who don't say anything & I felt like they took me on a musical journey...I've gone to see bands who talk too much and they lose me...I've gone to see bands who say something short and sweet to introduce the song...me personally, I talk a little from time to time when I have something I feel is important to share which will enhance the song, or I've talked in response to the audience...feel it out...but I believe less is more with talking. Hope that helped
Peace & Joy
Denise Vasquez
http://www.myspace.com/denisevasquez

Hi, Denise...Welcome to Just plain Folks

I agree with your comment about talking less on stage; audiences can lose interest if the performer talks too much. I also agree that it's a good idea to let the music "speak" for itself...and talk only when you have somehting really important to say.

The only thing I would add -- is to trust one's instincts. Occasionally, I have had a situation in performance where there was a moment when it seemed appropriate to tell a story or talk more.

Emily
emilysanders.net
http://cdbaby.com/cd/emilysanders

Denise, Rule #1 Never fear looking "stupid or ridiculous!"{especially since you have a great voice.}

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bc

i have a big gig coming up in a few months, well hopefully.
and i think of it this way,

"if they dont want to see you, they wouldnt pay the money, and if they are disapointed then thats their own fault."

and listen, you can play guitar and sing, thats an amazing skill to have, and alot of people take it for granted. I have a guitar, and i sing in a band, but it would take me along time to do both.

if you want my advice on getting your band to help u say more, say like

"this is our drummer [name]."
just, be yourself
everyone loves you when you be yourself.
and i wish you goodluck
- Theunknownpoet

Danni,

I just saw a VH1 concert with Bonnie Raitt. Her special guests were Allison Krauss, Ben Harper, Norah Jones, and Keb MO. It might be worth your while to give it a view, to see where she's coming from and how she does it.

Michael

[This message has been edited by ascydeus (edited 04-25-2006).]

Thank you all so much for the great tips and advice. My voice has gotten alot stronger and lasts alot longer.

We have some new songs on our web site now. I'll put the link below. Rock Me Right and Chain Gang are getting airplay on 107.7 The Fox in Northeast Ohio. They are having a poll of the favorite local band and we are in first place so far.

The links below will take you to the polls and our web site. Please vote for us! My band is Sudden Change. Feel free to critique and leave feedback! I want to know your opinions.
T
hanks everyone!
Danielle

http://www.foxclassicrock.com/pages/local_bands.html

www.suddenchange.us

One thing to remember, Be Yourself,

Don't do what all your peers do.
Be original.
Voice Is Awsome, that's a bold statement
coming from the owner, How does it record, ?I know acts that sound great live, but record badly.

What do you look like? It matters, and it always has, but today more so.

Who do you like,? Who are you most like?

Who's songs do you cover the most.

Can you write Top Class Commercial Songs?

What is the percentage of covers to the percentage, of original songs you perform.

What's the longest you do on stage?

How many gigs do you play a month.?

Are you big headed?

If we can know the answer to these questions we may be able to give extra advice, You have had some pretty good acts
giving you advice so far.

Ben M.D. Xanadu Music Group.

Hi there.

I went in and listened, "To Rock me Right"

as a song it's okay nothing more, in fact the arrangment and guitar sound is out of date,(that maybe down to your band playing with a deliberate strong retro feel ) The Chorus / Hook is an anti Climax.

As a band You certainly need to work on your song Writing skills.

As a vocalist you have a very high range, one could allmost think it was a woman singing,

For me I would find the voice irritationg after fifteen minutes, , it maybe down to the engineer , but for me it's a
all top and a bit of middle, nothing in the bass.

I would describe Aero Smith's Lead singer as having an Awesome voice, but not the one on this recording of yours.

Anyhow that's my opinion and all your fans will dissagree, but they don't sign bands, and solo singers , and I do.

Best Wishes, Ben for P.J.Xanadu Music Publishing Group.

P.s A band like this will always find work,
but don't give up your day jobs at the moment. You did not ask for a critique, but when you described your voice as awesome, it warranted one.



[This message has been edited by BEN (edited 05-17-2006).]

Thanks for the opinion but it would help if you had it straight before giving out criticism.

#1 - Rock me right is a cover. Not an original. Written by blues singer Susan Tedeschi. Our lyrics are great to the originals we have. They just aren't up on the site yet. Yes the lyrics to this tune aren't the greatest but the feedback from the fans is too amazing to drop. 107.7 is playing this song regularly.

#2 - You were talking about an annoying man trying to sing as a woman and how it was annoying after 15 minutes. HELLO! It IS a woman singing! Makes me wonder how you got in the business if you can't tell girl from guy.I am most definitely not a guy trying to sound like woman. lol

#3 - In the previous post, I think you recognized I was a chick. You were a little more supportive there. Here are the answers to your questions from your previous post just for giggles.

I record in one take. The times I do record the track twice and each track is played together they are identical. I have no problems recording. Recording is a great pleasure because it shows the flaws and you know what to fix.

I am cute, but a little heavy. Gorgeous eyes and face but a little thick. But I have huge personality and presence.

I am most like Alanis or Sheryl Crow, Stevie Nicks. I love to write my own stuff, music, guitar and lyrics. I love to cover these two artists as well as Stevie Nicks, Blondie. I have no desire to be a pre-fabricated pop tart. I write my own lyrics, music and tunes.

We cover most chick rock songs. But I am versatile. Can sing anything from italian a capella, latin to most musical genres. I just have one of those voices.

I can write catchy, well versed music. Lyrics are solid, music is great. Guitar parts are more simple but the guys in the band add all of their talents to that aspect.

The longest I've done on stage is 5 hours straight. Voice lasts that long.

We play about 4-5 shows a month right now. hoping to get more.

I am most definitely not big headed as I know I good at music and don't have to be. I am humble and know there are others better than me, there always are, I just learn from them.

Thanks for the help but please realize that the songs on our site are covers at the moment and a female IS the lead singer.

[This message has been edited by acousticpoetess (edited 06-13-2006).]

[This message has been edited by acousticpoetess (edited 06-13-2006).]

My acting teacher said the best thing is to be natural on stage. Be yourself. Its so simple and cliche to say, but its true.

Nothing is worse than when your'e trying to hard to entertain. When a performance looks forced. In essence, its bad acting. I noticed a lot of this on American Idol. Trying to do everything big too much, and too often can create a false performance.

Just be natural, tell some jokes. Tell stories about the song your'e gonna do. Of course there a different styles. If you're a folk/country singer the style is more laid back and subtle and quieter. if you're a rocker you move your body more.

But all in all, just be the best version of you, you can be. If you'r nervous, dont be afraid to tell the audience that.

In acting class, we were taught that the audience is actually rooting for you, not against you.

And most importantly, if you are really enjoying being there it will show. If you're not it will show too.

Dont shake your hands to much in doing a song- it may look like you're beating eaggs.

Pick one person in the audience to sing to, and just that one. Then cast a spell over the entire audience.

Im sorry, but I TOTALLY disagree. If you dont talk at all in a show, how can you engage the audience? How are you entertaining the audience by just getting up there and playing music without uttering a word like you're a zombie and thats it?

I agree that less is more, but it has to be the CORRECT less. If you talk in between every single song, it can get annoying and break the mood. However, when I see a band that doesnt talk at all, has their heads down during the song like they are ashamed to be on stage, doesnt banter or cheer the audience at all, I feel bored to tears. No matter how "good" their music is.

If you dont banter with your audience, how are they supposed to get a sense about who you are?

Remember, its a show. Your job is to entertain the folks. If they just want music, they can listen to the radio.



[This message has been edited by VASINGER (edited 06-14-2006).]

I have followed your advice, everyone thanks so much! We are filling clubs, I am no longer so intimidated by the sober audience. lol I know when to joke or comment and when to jam. I learned to read the crowd. It just has come with all of the playing out I have done in the last year. Plus my guitar skills have greatly improved so I am not so focused on the neck and can look away from it, making eye contact with the crowd. My range has greatly improved as I have tapered down on the nicotine and alcohol when playing out. I am having a great time and the crowd can really tell. Thanks so much.

Interesting Topic showmanship. I have been singing professionally from a wheelchair for 16 years. How do I work the crowd. Firstly everything has to be correct musically, sound etc, vocal delivery and the most important factor confidence. Communicate with your audience, make sure you are with them, this brings them along with you. Work them with your material - whether its Rock, Blues, or Country. If you are a vocalist then let your talent do the convincing, and the most important factor believe in yourself. You have decided to sell yourself to an audience then go for it.
or else stay at home, because salesmanship just aint your quarter. It can work I have proved it.

www.putfile.com/loguemccool

I've been toing this for 30 years, "Less is More" Keep the songs going. do watch for people who are watching you and not just there for a good time and make eye contact with them and talk, if you must, to them

I agree with TNS. Eye contact. One trick. Always make sure you can see the spotlight or stagelights. That way you know that your eyes aren't in a shadow and that there is a "sparkle" in them.

A lot of good suggestions here...good luck.

Mike

national touring acts quite often 1. videotape practice, review critically, see for yourself what looks cool and what looks awkward, if this is too much trouble, 2.put a mirror or mirrored wall and watch yourself. If you are in clubs, encourage the crowd to take a swig, tip those bartenders and waitresses, I'll assume you are in a bar alot of times, if you're selling drinks the club will want you back, if the servers are getting tips, you get the picture, learn something hot that just broke onto the charts with your group and pull it off live as soon as it hits the top 10, nothing like being in the groove to set the mood. Invite your friends to keep coming to the shows, nothing motivates more than havin' your bro's watch you rock a packed house...good luck, you're gonna do great...Moker