I like going or being a part of events such as these as it allows the bands to see their weaknesses and strength. It also serves as a guide to seeing how they fair against other bands and how to cope with performance pressure, which is very different from a practice studio or a small venue.
Malaysia has a lot of musical talent but they need guidance and polish so that they can shine. So many have the ability but it isn’t just about that. It’s the whole package – looks, musicianship, performance and stage presence, communication, handling fans, talking to press, etc.
Going to these things always ends up enlightening me too. There are a whole bunch of things to write about. Here are just my two cents worth of observations :
1) Respecting each other
A band is a group of people, all with different characters, hopes, likes and dislikes. So the first thing you need to do is RESPECT and understand each other. There is, however, no excuse for not coming on time, not turning up at all and not practicing your parts. Discipline is a BIG part of success.
2) Open to Criticism.
The Band (or Artistes) themselves need an open mind so they can always learn and improve. There is ALWAYS room for improvement. There is a fine line between confidence and arrogance. Sometimes people say hurtful things and some times the truth hurts. So you need to be able to take it all in stride and use it positively.
3) Practice for perfection.
You need to play your songs over and over again so that you don’t even need to think how to play it. It becomes second nature or auto pilot so that you can concentrate on other things – the way you look, the way you stand, the way you communicate with the audience.
4) Perform to excel.
You need to perform then only can they improve their musicianship, playing together, pitching and communication with the audience. Practice IS important but performing on a live stage with an audience is very different. So we need performing venues and a touring circuit (Yes, government I’m talking to you… this is totally another subject which I can rant on)
5) When you think you’re doing enough, do some more.
Performance is about giving 200 percent, passionately. Fake movements and reactions really show, that’s why when you do something you have to commit. Practice in front of a mirror that’s the only way you can see how you look. If you see Aerosmith, Queen, Deep Purple, Earth, Wind and Fire they all perform with passion moving the audience with their playing ability and their passionate performance. You give 200% and the audience will feel 100% anything less and you will get a lukewarm response.
6) Buy a tuner, AND USE IT.
.
Most bands still do not own a tuner you cannot tune your guitars without a tuner. I have seen so many bands suffer the consequence of playing out of tune. For the audience, what more if the audience is professional, it is excruciating.
It doesn’t need to be fancy clothes or outlandish but it does need to suit the concept. Yes outlandish if you’re playing glam rock but not if you’re going to do a killer ballad. Even a small amount of accessories can make blue jeans and a white tee look good.
8) Fitness matters.
Working out gives you the stamina to stand on stage and play your instrument or sing. Try standing on stage for 60 – 90 minutes carrying a bass/guitar or drumming consistently non stop. After a while if you get tired you will start making mistakes. The fitter U are the more alert you will be.
9) Play as a team but still have star players. As a band you have to realize that it is a team effort. Unfortunately it is normal that the singer or one of the musicians (normally the guitarist, don’t ask me why) is more recognized or covered than most. The others will have fans but normally they are people who play the instrument. This is something that you have to live with. If you don’t believe me look at The Police, Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, etc. And if you can’t accept it become a singer (or guitarist).
10) Choice of repertoire.Choosing what songs to play and how you deliver them is something you have to learn to do. A show is playing with mass emotions. Driving the crowd, making them feel, leaving them wanting more. You need to plan your set and then practice it as it so you get the feel. And don’t ever make the mistake of not playing a hit song just because you’re fed-up because your fans will never tire of the song. Or if you’re participating in a competition you need a song that will grab attention (strong melody, tight playing, passionate) after all you only have minutes to impress.
Bands are a challenge but if you manage to stay and grow together it is definitely a rewarding experience. And to watch a band at work, like a well oiled performance machine, is always an exhilarating experience.
P/S : To all the metal bands I've been watching bravo to you cause you have the most heart and soul for the material you're playing. Not saying that you have to scream or jump around to be good you just have to believe and really feel your material.
Peace, Love and Respect.
