Hey Headbangers,

A lot of you are emailing me asking for more live performance tips. I heard ya! So, I consulted a couple of my colleagues who see a lot of live music or who are in bands themselves. As per your request, I compiled a list of the most common errors that bands make while performing. These mistakes occur at all levels – from beginner bands to professional acts. Here you go, a “What NOT to-do List” for your next Ball:

1. Apologizing

Don’t apologize to the audience for ANYTHING (unless you accidentally hit someone in the head with a mic stand or your steel-toed boot).

Don’t put down your own band before you even play a song!!!  What’s wrong with you!? I don’t care if you’ve never played live before, I don’t care if you don’t like the song you’re about to play….I don’t want you to apologize because you’re sick or your guitarist broke strings and had a bad day…

Your typical audience member probably has 6 rugrats at home and gets one night a year out. They’ve decided to go to a bar that you happen to be playing at….they got their own problems mmmk? They don’t want to hear yours. So unless you’re going to apologize for their entire sad existence, the least you can do is ROCK! Don’t apologize. I just want you to rock. Even if you don’t rock, don’t apologize because you suck. You feel me?

2. Being Unprepared

Show the people around you that you know what you’re doing by being prepared. Show up on time for load-in and have your gear ready. Email a stage plot and input list ahead of time to the stage manager or booker and bring an extra copy with you. If you don’t know what a stage plot or input list is, it’s time to figure it out. A full sound check might not be realistic, but at least get a line check (psssttt… if you’re on time, professional and ready, the likelihood is your band is going to get the sound check). Guitarists should always have backup strings, singers should have backup batteries and even an extra (muted) wired mic.

 I know that showing up early and making sure you have all your gear can mean a lot of time and a lot waiting around. However, such is the game of Rockstar… and you wanna be a Rockstar right!?

3. Playing Too Loud

Unbeknownst to most musicians, people’s ears are sensitive and delicate.  I know that some of you like to sit in your lo’ riders with your bass turned way up high. To be frank, that hurts my ears.. and I swear I ain’t no grandma… (ok, sometimes i’m a grandma).

Point is, industry people listen to a lot of music and probably blew their ears out long ago at a Billy Idol concert 3 inches from the loud speaker (and o m g, it was so worth it!). As such, out of courtesy to your audience and to the other musicians in your band, don’t play too loud. I’ve seen industry peeps walk straight out of a venue because the band was too loud. Plus, do you really want to have the rest of your band turn up because you insist on ripping it up to eleven??

4. Being Too Drunk (or High) to ROCK!

Everything in moderation kids. Your next live gig is probably not the best time to try those wonderful new ‘shrooms or take 5 shots. Do you want to be THAT stumbling drunk singer or THAT band that’s always late to go on?

NO! Because eventually, no one is going to want to book you!

Do you really want to forget the name of the chick that wrote her number on your hand? Or lose the card of the industry rep you just met?

NO! That’s not going to be you because you read this!

Keep at it, and you’re not going to be in a band…you’re going to be drunk at home singing “ALL BY MYSSSELLLFFFF” like Noel Gallagher because you got into a big drunk fight with your booker or your bandmate.  The key is to know your limits.

5. Good God, for your own sake – DON’T BE A DICK TO ANYONE!

The venue owner or sound(wo)man’s mother-in-law’s sister is probably Lady GaGa’s masseuse mmmmmkkkk?! They don’t need another little punk givin ‘em rockstar attitude…or maybe they’re totally wacked out and live at home with 10 cats. Whatever the case may be, don’t be a dick to anyone.

Seriously, there is no need. Even if everyone else’s ego trippin’ you don’t need to act like that. When you walk into a new club you have no idea who anyone is, who they’ve worked with or who their friends/family are.

I’m not saying you need to get pushed around, but there is absolutely no harm in being nice. The soundperson has a lot of control over how good you sound on stage. You don’t want your sound to cut out right before a badass solo do you?… Do you?! Plus, you can learn a lot from soundpersons and venue staff like how to mic your own instruments, how to properly roll cables (yes, there is a proper way) and how to bake one mean vegan pumpkin loaf.

Don’t get me wrong, their are A LOT of really mean, ego trippin’ and unprofessional venue owners, staff, event coordinators, producers and sound people out there.. Good people are hard to find in any profession. Just remember, music is a profession. Professional courtesy is key.

I’m not telling you to be disingenuous or tolerate BS, just do what you need to do to put on one hell of a gig. If you’re nice, the only bad thing people can say about you is “Gez, that band rocks AND is full of nice people.” You’ll get re-booked. I promise ya.

Finally, don’t forget to be courteous to other bands. If you’re gigging in the same area, you’ll see that band again. Even if you don’t want to see them again… you will. If you’re nice, at least it’ll be a tolerable experience.

Share your kit, have a beer with them after the gig – maybe sometime soon after you’ll be gig swapping in another city, speaking on the same radio show (if radio still exists) or sharing a set on the same festival.

The music community is a small tight-knit world. You don’t want to be kicked out before you even get in.

and last, but not least…………

ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS, turn off your cordless microphone before taking a bump backstage with your new girlfriend.

“SNORT!! Aww, Oh God Baby I Love You, I Got To Bring You On Tour With Me.” Yes, we all heard you.

(True story).

For more tips on how to improve your live performance, click here

Cheers and Happy New Year,

Executive Producer, Toronto Independent Music Awards
Daniela Oliva

A HUGE Thank You to the wonderful: Todd Pinnell, Joe Oliva, Dave Borins, Nikki Teen, and Alana Leprich for your time and comments on this blog.

Brothers and Sisters,

We are gathered here today to talk about one of our favorite ways to engage in Sloth: Video Games.

About twice a month my friends get together for a Rock Band party. YEP, a Rock Band party.

…and these Rock Band parties are like no other…

The events are hosted by James at his Colosseum of Beer and Rock ‘n’ Roll. The mightiest and bravest of the crew arrive. Only some will be victorious, but a good time will be had by all.

James, God of Party and Beer

…Meet The Rock Band Titans:

Bernardo, Father of Rock n Men

Bernardo and Phillip, The Fathers of Rock and Men. Their Rock Band controllers gilded by the Gods. Their swift fingers fly like thunder. They rips through solos like Poseidon rips through a ship during a sea-storm. Clad in Gretsch and their favorite band T. I’d tap that axe.

Phillip, other Father of Rock n Men

Fair-haired Haylee, The Beatles connoisseur. She can sing anything from Amy Winehouse to free-spirited licks. Once, she sang so beautifully 9 neighbors came by to bask in her presence.

Don’t underestimate her charm.

She is sweet,

Woo!

….but Ferocious in battle.

@_@

Anthony is a double-threat. Bass Player and Earth Shaker, he creates quakes with his sticks. Don’t pluck with him.

Anthony Bass Player, Earth Shaker - depicted in his natural pose.

The song selection is endless of course, the entire Music Library of Time at their fingertips.

…and every time I attend, I can’t help but think what a fucking awesome band I would have in front of me if any of them could actually play instruments.

Well friends, we might just be getting closer to Rock ‘n’ Roll Fame in our living rooms. Last Rock Band event, Anthony told me that they are releasing a game like Rock Band where you can plug in YOUR OWN guitar… not just any guitar – but that ’64 Fender Duo-Sonic you sleep with, the acoustic you have on your wall OR EVEN that Squire sitting in your basement you purchased when you swore you were going to learn how to play guitar….

and I thought, maybe I will finally be victorious in our Colosseum of Beer and Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Welcome, Rocksmith – I hope you don’t suck. I will enjoy many study breaks with you: Rocksmith.

Amen!

-Daniela Oliva

Executive Producer, Toronto Independent Music Awards

http://www.torontoima.com

Hey guys,

Guess whaaatttt?? It’s “Back to the Basics” of performance time! I named this blog post after the Billy Bragg collection… get it? Ha ha, it’s cute right?……….

No?   Ok…….

who is Billy Bragg anyway, right?…… :*(

Homies, a lot of bands and artists ask me to go see them live, which is super cool. You all know how I love live music. I try to go to gigs whenever I can. You could be singing Whitney Houston “I Will Survive,” dancing the “Y.M.C.A.,” playing like Muddy Waters, performing your own original songs or doing covers! I don’t care, I love it all.

However, after the gig I almost always get the question that I love AND dread.… dun dun dun….

  Bands ask me: “How was I on stage?” “How can I improve?”

This seems like a simple question right?… I could give you a high-five and tell you your performance was awesome!……… but the reality is,

Asking me how your performance was is NOT a casual question for me! Sometimes it makes me feel like I’m about to break out into (The) Hives!! In fact, it’s one of the hardest question for me to answer.

Why? because I get super excited after seeing anyone live and it’s hard for me to say all that I would like to say within two minutes after seeing a band perform.

I usually end up spilling my guts like an idiot because I have so much to say, or I stand there all weird and say nothing so I don’t spill my guts like an idiot……

ME ^^^^^^

So, to avoid my own self-embarrassment/word vomit at the next gig you invite me to, I am writing you this post. Now, I can give you a high-five and say “rad gig” like a normal human being…

Now that we are on our way, the first thing I would like to tell you is that a live gig is not an ideal place to get live performance coaching.

WHERE TO GET LIVE PERFORMANCE COACHING:
Usually, the best place to get live performance coaching is in your own rehearsal space. That’s right! Have someone come to your personal rehearsal space. For example, your rehearsal space may be your bedroom (like me because I’m terrified to step on a stage), your bathroom – like Linda Perry (she has a grand piano in her bathroom, how legit is that?!), a rented rehearsal space or whatever it may be!! Just make sure its a place where you feel comfortable.

Next, put on a great show for the person you invite, whether it’s your friend, manager, cousin, gf/bf, A&R rep or whomever – make sure your performance is stellar! Just like you put on a play for Mom and Dad when you were a kid!!!(don’t deny it, we all know you did it). Make sure the person is someone you can trust. Then, perform ONE SONG for them.

Perform the song ONCE and make sure it’s the best performance of your life!…and then ask their opinion on EVERYTHING in that song….. and I mean, everything.. literally dudes, everything: from the song lyrics, to your style, your pronunciation, your tone, your voice, every guitar lick, every rhythmic strum, every chord, every drum roll, every bass pluck, slap, mute, your fretting…. and so on!!!

Take that criticism and listen  carefully. Apply what you’ve learned and then ask someone else!

Wash. Rinse and Repeat… and PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.

It’s a long process, but the more opinions you get, the more you are able to filter out other people’s opinions. Then, you can make your OWN judgements about your music and find your “true artistic self.” 

PHEW, get what I mean? That’s a mouthful. How do I tell you that in two minutes after a gig!?!? I can’t, it’s insanity and I end up sounding like I should be in a ward:

Now that you have my thoughts on where to get performance criticism and coaching. Here is my very condensed and very general interpretation of live music performance:

A live performance is about finding the balance between two ostensibly impossible things: vulnerability and control.

VULNERABILITY

Music is about exposing yourself to the audience. Put  your heart on your sleeve (for real dudes). Make your audience understand where you are coming from. Feel that moment so hard you feel like you got kicked in the gut, sing so hard you’ve shattered the mic, articulate every lyric (or don’t and slur like Tim Armstrong from Rancid if that’s your thing) and make sure the audience understands every note you’ve written. It doesn’t matter if you’re playing in a dive bar or a stadium. BE Confident and BE Yourself.

CONTROL

At the same time, you need to zoom out and have a birdseye/helicopter view of yourself on stage. Slow the moment down in your head. Understand EVERYTHING about your instrument  (be it your instrument is your voice, a guitar, a horn, a kazoo, a box – whatever!!) and PERFECT your craft!

Be aware of yourself and ALSO other members in the band, each have different skills to help support the band in its entirety. Watch your OWN videos and read your body language.  See how the crowd reacts to what you do on stage. For example, repeat spontaneous moments that elicit responses from the crowd.

Most importantly….. OWN (PWN) THAT STAGE!!!

Finally, be aware of your audience! Don’t play death metal if you are performing to grandmas at a Lion’s Club event. Even if you are a death metal band… mmmmk?

Just don’t do it…

I know it’s tempting as all hell (I would totally do it) – but don’t alienate your audience!!

Try death metal, unplugged – acoustic style!

Whether you’re strutting like Mick Jagger (OMG, did you know that Tina Turner taught Mick Jagger how to strut!?), shakin’ it like Tina Turner (Tina is 70 years old in this video!! CLICK), playin’ the keys like Elton or Billy Joel, strumming very still and projecting emotion like Brody Dalle, destroying the stage like Eminem, or having a very quiet, private moment with your audience like Beyonce…..

REMEMBER the key is the balance between: Vulnerability (your independent thoughts feelings, style, lyrics, being yourself) and Control (self-awareness, audience awareness, instrument technique, band awareness).

It’s a lot of work, but you’ll see results! I know it’s rough out there, but don’t be discouraged!

Peace and Love,

Executive Producer, Daniela Oliva

P.S. If you are really interested in improving your performance and need more guidance from the ground up. I recommend checking out Tom Jackson’s live performance 7 DVDs set called “All Roads Lead to the Stage” – they are expensive but comprehensive and include everything for every kind of performer… I have a set myself! OR if you don’t have the extra cash to spend, you can learn just as much by watching the classic icons of OUR/YOUR TIME: Madonna, Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson, RUSH, Jay-Z, Eminem, Beyonce, Blink 182, whatever floats your boat! The more you delve, the more you discover, the more you’ll learn.

Saturday, June 18th, 2011

Venue # 1: Yonge Dundas Square

This one was a no-brainer. The first half of the Yonge Dundas Square line-up is a real stunner, Cults (meh but tons of buzz), locals DD/MM/YYYY, DEVO (YES!.. DEVO!) Dirty Beaches, Gentleman Husbands are all GREAT and ….. it’s a FREE gig!

Venue # 2: The Great Hall

Look forward to Chad VanGaalen playing tracks off his latest release Diaper Island. The album is cohesive and full of delicate folk and upbeat moments. The Calgarian hasn’t forgot the lost art of lyricism either. Stay for Jennifer Castle.We haven’t heard too much from her yet, but she excites the hell out of us and we can’t wait to hear more.

Venue # 2:  Lee’s Palace

Twin Shadow is from Brooklyn, New York. If you haven’t heard of George Lewis Jr. already, think hazy-synth melodies and chill vocals. He has been on a festival whirl-wind this year playing Coachella, Bonnaroo and a ton of others events. Twin Shadow has also the opening act for Florence + The Machine on their latest tour.

Unique Events on Saturday:
Up for something adventurous? What about Ty Segall, Young Governor, Uncle Bad Touch and Jesuslesfilles ON A BOAT! Yep! Check out the Bruise Cruise presented by M for Montreal & Brooklyn Vegan. The Boat is leaving from 207 Queens Quay West, boarding at 1:30PM and it’s flippin’ free!

At 3PM there is a Red Bull Rooftop Party with DJ Valeo and DJ M-Rock, it’s also free! Email cora@popmontreal.com to RSVP!

Sunday, June 19th, 2011.

Sunday is a pretty quiet day with only a handful of shows. Tired? Hungover? We don’t care! GET YER PUS*Y A*S UP and go to the Launch Party for Static Zine at Sky Blue Sandwiches and Christie Pits.

Support local ‘zines! Let’s face it, everything in print is dying-out. Static Zine combines new-age social media w/ DIY cut-and-paste, launching only a week or two before NXNE. The event starts at Sky Blue Sandwiches at 2PM with a march to Christie Pits park with a great line-up, who the hell would wanna miss a rock ‘n’ roll picnic with Bravestation (in our top 5 fav. bands playing NXNE) and our very own TIMA winners, The Ruby Spirit? Notttt us!

Hungover yet? Hopefully not because you have 3 more days of awesome! Once again, our theme for this year’s NXNE is hear something you’ve never heard before! Here’s our list for Friday, June 17th:

Venue Pick #1: Wrongbar

There are a lot of great bands playing tonight, but we think the Wrongbar line-up is a stunner. If you like lo-fi and surfy art rock, you’ll be in your element. Trust us! The gig opens with the amazing Julianna Barwick, a solo songstress from Brooklyn, New York. Julianna integrates herself with technology and creates beautiful noise.

Odonis Odonis from Toronto are a stand-out, yet fit right in. “Mr. Smith” is an extraordinary distorted train wreck you can’t stop listening to. Seriously, we’ve played it on repeat 15 times.

PUJOL is catchy, noisy rock ‘n’ roll from Nashville, Tennessee. He’ll make you dance like Nashville never should.

Ty Segall looks like he’s cleaning up NXNE, with a ton of gigs. WHY? Surf rock ‘n’ roll from San Francisco, California with dynamic, well-written songs. It’s wonderful stuff, AND he’s man enough to co-write a song with his mama, awww.

Venue # 2: Yonge Dundas Square / Phoenix Concert Theater (Ok! We Cheated!)

If you don’t have surf-fever to the alarming degree that we do, check out Diamond Rings John O’Regan lead vocalist of ‘Urbervilles’ (now known as MATTERS) latest outfit. Sexxyy, androgynous pop with connects from Fucked Up to Robyn. See ‘em at Yonge and Dundas Square – why not? If you miss the gig, catch Diamond Rings again on Saturday at Wrongbar, midnight!

then run over to…. The Phoenix Concert Theater for some sweet punk rock!

Anti-Flag, Bouncing Souls, Junior Battles and The Flatliners, enough of a line-up to make your 14 year-old fuck-the-establishment-self swoon.

Honorable Mentions: Lee’s Palace (Dum Dum Girls),  Rivoli, Sneaky Dees

Look out for a ton of TIMA winners playing tonight: Romney Getty, Emma-Lee, Jadea Kelly, MAGNOLIUS, Dave Borins (multi-nominee).