Hi,

This week’s newsletter is an extension of the artist development post from last year. Last week, I was thinking about how the live performance aspect of an artist’s career can sometimes receive the least attention.

We’re in such a content driven and online world that it can be easy to forget about what happens offline. Let’s take a look at a few ideas that can improve an artist’s performance and stage skills.

Let’s dive in ⬇️

It’s funny…we’re in such a chronically online and social world that it makes it so easy to forget about the importance of showing up offline.

While content, social media engagement, and online growth is important - so is showing up in the right way offline, for example on stage with performing.

Over the last few years, as more and more artists have become internet savvy and found ways to create moments online, there’s been lots of conversation about how those online moments don’t always translate into real life.

From my perspective, the conversation normally occurs around 2 angles:

1. Artists who blow up online but aren’t able to convert that into selling tickets and bringing people out in real life

2. Artists who can sell tickets, however their performance is lackluster and it feels like there wasn’t enough attention or development in that area of their career

A few days ago while on the subway home from work one night, I was scrolling on Instagram and saw quite a few people on my timeline raving about Beyonce’s recent concert at MetLife Stadium. In their words - it wasn’t just a concert, it was an experience.

I found myself thinking about that idea and wondering…what are the elements that make a great performer? Beyonce is obviously the pinnacle but what elements or skills could an emerging artist work on to really improve their live show performance and leave people impressed?

I’m by no means a live performance expert but thought it’d be worth sharing some of the things I’ve seen and noticed in the past. Let’s break it up into 2 categories:

1. Preparation

2. The show itself

PREPARATION

1) Mindset

I’ve seen so many artists who diminish or overlook the importance of playing small shows, even if it’s just a few people. They think it’s not worth their team or they shouldn’t take it seriously - that the real shows matter when there’s a lot of people in the crowd.

Reframe: treat small shows like big shows. Those 5 people in the audience deserve the same energy, focus, and attention as the 500 who may see an artist later on in their career. Just because there’s only a handful doesn’t mean they don’t deserve a great performance.

Also, small shows are a great time to experiment, try new things, and get feedback - there’s less pressure because of the audience size. Small shows are also a great opportunity to work on the skillset of building 1 on 1 connections with fans because there are less people in the crowd.

2) Practice

It’s certainly worth rehearsing and practicing when you have an official show but that doesn’t need to be the only time you sharpen your sword.

Open mic nights can be helpful to develop those same skills and build the performing muscle. It’s a game of repitition and practice makes perfect.

I’ve seen artists make a goal of performing at least one time per month so they don’t get rusty and can continue getting practice in.

3) Record it

If you can, have someone (either a friend or a hired videographer) come and film your shows. Use it as an opportunity to watch “game tape” and see what others in the crowd are seeing.

You can use this recording to develop your live performance and identify areas that are strong while also observing areas that need improvement.

4) Planning your set list

Be intentional with your set list - don’t just perform the songs you like from your catalog….what songs are actually the best fit for a concert and to be performed?

Which songs will translate best in a room full of people? How do those songs transition between each other so you don’t lose momentum during the set?

THE SHOW ITSELF

1) Appearance

This one might sound obvious but your appearance on stage matters! It’s important to be intentional with your outfit and how it reflects your brand. From your shirt down to your shoes, the way you dress on stage should align with the other parts of your brand.

It should also be comfortable (to some degree) and allow you to be flexible when moving around.

2) Eye contact + body positioning

This is where recording your performances comes into play but how is your eye contact? Are you looking at the crowd and displaying confidence or looking away?

How is your body positioned? It’s easy to seem unconfident (for example maybe shoulders are slouched and you stand in one place as opposed to walking around and displaying comfort in the space) while on stage can be something to work on.

Are you facing the crowd or turning away from it shyly? All of these little elements communicate something and are part of how the crowd receives your energy.

3) Crowd interaction + engagement

Crowd interaction is a big part of a live show - whether it’s bringing people on stage, calling people out in the crowd, talking to them, asking questions, etc, it’s important to make the crowd feel like they’re part of the show.

Becoming great at this takes time and practice - to know where in the set list to incorporate this, how to do it smoothly, and then transition back into performing so it doesn't feel like an interruption.

I’ve also seen this come in the form of a story that the artist tells during the performance. They may lower the music and go into sort of a monologue that encourages crowd participation.

4) Transitions

Without coming across as nitpicking, every single moment on stage matters.

It’s all part of the experience and making fans feel like they’re getting a show.

Another thing that’s worth considering are transitions - how does each song transition into the next? When there’s a few seconds of downtime between song transitions, what is the artist doing - are they drinking water, looking at the crowd, talking, etc?

When the artist walks on stage for the first song, how long do they need to walk / will it take before they start performing? How many seconds do they have?

Are you performing with a DJ or a live band? If a DJ, are you in synch on when they should start and stop each song and transition into the next?

These are all important factors that might seem small but go a long way in giving your fans the best experience possible.

Hopefully this was valuable - what did I miss?

Thanks for reading, until next time.

_{The Vault}

1) The Artist Marketing Playbook - I teamed up with my good friend and fellow music marketing expert Drew De Leon to present The Artist Marketing Playbook. An in-depth look at what an artist can do to set themselves up for success in 2025. More info HERE.