Comments on: Reflections On Performing Live

By: Matt

Matt — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 02:50:14 +0000

As you know, I can play a pretty crappy bass, if you ever need it.

By: Benji

Benji — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 06:30:46 +0000

It would be kinda a rude come back, but you could start singing about how someone is texting or talking during the show, while they are in the act. Maybe even sing their name in an annoyed voice.

By: Benji

Benji — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 06:26:11 +0000

I enjoyed your thoughts and self evaluation. While watching videos of your live performance, I think about what parts I would be doing if I were playing with you. If you ever have a weekend gig (and if I can come), I’d love to play a live show with you.

By: michael

michael — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 02:35:49 +0000

Josh, thanks for chiming in. I hadn’t ever heard your music, but I checked some of it out on your website. Very beautiful stuff!

I saw you’re playing in Findlay at Coffee Amici in November. I was just talking about that place today (I moved to Findlay last year) about maybe trying to play there sometime. I’ll try to make it when you play.

By: Josh Woodward

Josh Woodward — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 20:14:24 +0000

All of this rings equally true to my ears. I was playing constantly for awhile, but I’ve all but given up live performance the past few years. The whole solo artist thing is an enormous challenge – getting butts in the seats, not having anyone else to fall back onto when I screw up, keeping the audience’s attention without the powerful weapon of deafening volume, trying to distill 24 tracks in the studio to a guy-and-a-guitar, etc. I’m forcing myself to dive back in with a couple shows coming up, but it’s tough to figure out where to start. The studio is like a warm cocoon. :)

I’m hoping to catch one of your shows soon – I’d love to hear how you’re approaching it!

By: michael

michael — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:35:30 +0000

Mark, I think it has to do with genre and style, too. On heavier songs I’d do well to feed into the atmosphere and mood. On softer songs relaxation is really important.

By: Mark

Mark — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:30:31 +0000

Come play in Canada I’ll do a show with you! Also, I found what you said very insightful and interesting. I tend to have the exact opposite problem regarding my voice. I tend to feed off the live atmosphere and the crowd which pushes out a stronger performance from me. I find it very hard to sing my best in a room in front of a microphone. But maybe thats just because I am still not used to the sound of my voice. Anyways, I’m constantly enjoying your music and keep it up it can only get better! And come to Canada!

Cheers

By: Dad

Dad — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:19:32 +0000

Amen to the audience issues. If you’re not going to listen attentively, stay in the back and munch and slurp and mingle–away from the rest of the audience (=”hearers”); if you’ve come for the show, especially an acoustic-centered show, move forward, and focus, and politely (or not so politely) ask others to take their conversations elsewhere.

By: michael

michael — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:19:28 +0000

I’m glad you came, Anthony. It was good to see you again. Sorry I can’t make it to your party Friday.

By: Anthony Sitter

Anthony Sitter — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:11:35 +0000

I like what you wrote here. I think I paid attention about 80% of the time (or so I thought). Either way, you know I’m a fan. So I’m glad when I can come home and see you, even better when I can see and hear you play. Snoop dog stole the show.