The Thrill and Nerves of Live Performances: A Musician's Perspective
Whether they are seasoned professionals or rookie bands, musicians often experience a mix of nerves and excitement before they step on stage to perform. Let's explore the dynamics of this unique pre-performance jitters and how these feelings evolve throughout the show.
Initial Nervousness and Preparation
Before the performance, the initial feelings of nervousness can be quite intense. For many musicians, this nervousness is a natural and unavoidable part of the pre-performance process. It stems from a variety of factors, including stage fright, anticipation, and the responsibility of entertaining a live audience. As one musician aptly describes, 'Yes, depending on their experience or lack thereof, musicians will feel a certain amount of nervousness or anxiety before they perform. But over time that tends to fade.' (Citation needed)
For a seasoned musician, this nervousness often gets replaced by a heightened sense of awareness and a burning desire to start the performance. When a musician is well-rehearsed, the wait between the soundcheck and the show can feel like an eternity, much like how an athlete feels in the moments before an important event.(Citation needed)
Transition from Nervousness to Presence
As the performance begins, the nervousness can gradually transform into a state of present, focused performance. This transition is crucial for delivering a compelling and engaging show. A seasoned musician elaborates, 'For me it was replaced by a feeling of heightened awareness and an anxiousness to begin the show. When you are well rehearsed the wait between soundcheck and showtime can seem like forever sometimes and like an athlete who knows he is heavily favored to win a championship event I cant wait to get out there and get it done.' (Citation needed)
The performer describes the show as a shared experience, not just for the band but also for the audience. They emphasize the importance of making every moment count, 'I dont just go through the motions. I am present in the moment. I hear every syllable that comes through my monitors. I glance over at the guitarist and we smile when he nails a tricky lead. I lean back to back against the bassist and we help drive the rhythm while the lead guitarist and keyboardist hold the audience’s attention between verses. And under it all the drummer commands the tempo binding it all together and unleashing waves of thunder at the appropriate moments.' (Citation needed)
The Ultimate Experience: A Shared Ride
Live performances are often described as a shared ride, and this analogy holds a lot of truth. The musician continues, 'We are all on a ride band members and audience alike. Then its my turn again to take the point focus the attention of the audience on the melody of the lyrics prodding and cajoling them to sing along. And then at a certain point in the show during a certain song all hands are in the air waving back and forth in steady unison cell phone lights and lighters dancing like stars and fireflies in the dark.' (Citation needed)
The intensity of the performance can be overwhelming, and the musician feels that every hair on their body stands on end, 'Trust me when I tell you every hair stands on end. The whole thing gives me goosebumps. I start to feel like Im floating watching the whole thing through some kind of 3d video game virtual reality glasses. It is a surreal experience.' (Citation needed)
Post-Show Reflection and Sustained Presence
As the performance nears its end, the musician begins to transition back to the present, 'But too soon I am snapped back into reality. I feel the weight of my feet on the stage. I need to pay attention to something I am doing to get it right. I am back in total live action synch with the guys watching and listening for visual and musical cues to keep us all on track to the end of the show.' (Citation needed)
The performance usually leaves a lasting impact on the musician, 'Sometimes we dont want to stop and sometimes we are happy we are done. You get a satisfied feeling when you know you did just enough. Any more would be overkill. You gave everyone exactly what they paid for and you and the audience gave your all. Youre done. Its time to relax mingle talk to the fans and celebrate a good night.' (Citation needed)
Such memories and experiences contribute significantly to the musician's development, making each performance an enriching experience. This shared journey of nerves, excitement, and camaraderie is not just a part of the musician's journey but also a testament to the power of live performances in uniting artists and audiences.