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When performing, where is your mind? Do you pay attention to nothing but what you're playing? Are you thinking ahead to remember how to play the song or trying to remember the lyrics? Do you zone out? Do you pick out a member in the audience and watch them all night?

What do YOU do?

I haven't been on stage in many years, but I always split between zoning out and focusing on playing the song...

I guess occasionally I noticed something in the crowd, but 90% of the time, that was in between sets...I wasn't a very good guitarist, so I had to pay a lot more attention to our songs than most...

I always just try and not f**k up the words... I'm not too good at it.

I tap into whatever I'm feeling or felt strongly that day. I try to put myself into a performance. I make sure that I'm moving with the music (if standing) and that my eyes and face match the expression of the music/lyrics/emotion I'm conveying. I constantly tell myself over and over and over again, "OPEN YOUR forking EYES, GARR!!!!" I tend to close them when I sing. It helps me get to that place.

I will find people and connect with them for a few seconds. I look for friends. I interact with bandmates. If I'm just singing, I move around with the mic. If I'm singing and playing, then I'm a bit more restricted and I feel that it detracts from my performance.

If I'm ripping out a lead or a solo, my wife says that I close my eyes, thrust out my pelvis, and throw my head back staring at the sky. I don't realize doing this.

anderson wrote:I always just try and not f**k up the words... I'm not too good at it.

I said 'musicians'. Skin flute doesn't count as an actual instrument even though you're good at playing it.

Garr wrote:If I'm ripping out a lead or a solo, my wife says that I close my eyes, thrust out my pelvis, and throw my head back staring at the sky. I don't realize doing this.

Welcome back OA, you old pain in the butt. . . (woo hoo)

I have no clue what I am thinking about, but I know it isn't about playing the drums. That is just like second nature to me.

My wife says I look like I am forking crazy though.


What do you think?

Try to be in the moment, incorporate the audience, be fully aware of all foolishness, and-most of all-enjoy myself. Lyrics by now (LLC set at the Whammies notwithstanding) are autopilot.

anderson wrote:I always just try and not f**k up the words... I'm not too good at it.

That's why you have a tv on a stand so you have the words!! ; )

I never think about lyrics anymore. That sometimes does lead to unfortunate situations. I know I spend a lot of time with my eyes closed, and I keep trying to remind myself to open them. When they are open, I tend to interact with my guitarist. Sometimes, depending on the song, I'll try to find a girl in the audience to interact with.

I guess I spend most of my time trying to find ways to ham up my act. It's what I do.

Depends on the song...Musically I think about what part is coming up, and where I'm at in the song. I keep an eye on our drummer for cues, see how the crowd is reacting, try to move around. Think about how this set is flowing (song order, etc.). Some parts are easier than others, so I can relax a bit and enjoy the moment. It is fun, after all.

I would usually pay attention to what the drummer and the guitar player(s) were doing rythm-wise and try to keep them both locked at somewhat the same tempo.

In certain types of music where the guitar riff and the bass are similiar, the two players tend to listen to each other to stay in sync. Also, bass and drums usually listen to each other as well to keep rythm solid. So, even though bass is often overlooked, I found it's often the glue that holds everybody together.

(or, maybe I'm just a bass player trying to make myself feel useful)

Watching the audience, watching me. Locking eyes with those who are into the music and trying to connect with them.

And then trying not to f*ck up.

I'm pretty fortunate in that, I have 7 members in the band... I know the songs well enough to where I don't need to e'en think about 'em. If, on the off chance I play somethin' wrong... I can jus' stop, an' if anyone notices, it's usually only someone *in* the band.

I find myself with my eyes closed far too often as well. Or staring just above the crowd or at the lights.. Which I *try* to avoid.. Not so much though. I tend to pay attention to singing more. There's some stuff we do.. that I don't think I've ever used the same exact vocal melody on more than once or twice. Also, some o' the old irish shite we do has like... 7 or 8 verses sometimes.. s'alot goin' on, an' tellin' the story is kinda more important to me.