Ask the Experts | March 20, 2024
Q: Do you have any pre-gig rituals to help you get psyched up to perform?
John Bohlinger
I’m big on tuning and checking my rig.
Elle Cordova
For me, it's more about not doing certain things. For instance, I can't have any caffeine or I'll suddenly be battling nerves. And it's always a treat to be able to get in the venue super early and get sound check out of the way so I can get in the right headspace for the show. I've had my share of rushed sound checks and wolfing down pizza right before showtime, and it never sets you up well. But then, I'm also that weirdo that likes to show up to the airport three hours before my flight with a book.
Steve Howe
Yes. Relaxation, salutation to the Sun, vocal warm-up, and imaginary archery.
Jimmy Leslie
I like to do a gratitude meditation in order to get in a proper headspace to become more of a clear conduit for an appreciative audience. If the venue has a history of notable performers, I’ll look at the photos on the wall backstage and try to summon that spirit, the energy in the building that I’m about to channel.
Brooke Ligertwood
I usually need a few moments to myself, a band huddle, and always always prayer!
Zach Meyers
My pre-show ritual is pretty calm for being in a rock band. Usually it’s listening to something polar opposite of what I am about to go do – James Taylor, John Prine, Tom Petty. I'm a huge sneaker guy, so picking sneakers is a big part of it. We all get with our entire crew while the loud song is rolling and we each have our own individual handshakes with our crew. It’s very team-driven and makes everyone feel like they’re a part of this thing, because they are.
Steve Miller
Play scales, do vocal warm-ups, and play rhythm guitar for 30 minutes before every performance.
Paul Riario
Not really. I just try to relax and be loose and remember that most musicians don't perform as often as I do, so live in the moment and enjoy it.
SamuraiGuitarist
I do not. In fact, I actively don't do any pre-gig rituals. I think that, ideally, you are as comfortable on stage as you are in your bedroom or rehearsal space, and your mindset in both of these is close to the same. This is an incredibly difficult thing to achieve. I can't do it, but this is what I strive for. I'd like to go for dinner with friends and then walk right on stage, keeping the same calm, comfortable mindset in both. For me any rituals or stuff like that take away from this.
Mary Spender
It’s always chaos behind the scenes before the gig. I’ve definitely gotten better at calming my nerves over the years, but I still always need five minutes alone before I begin. I’ll have already sound checked and warmed-up my voice, but I just need five minutes to calm myself, either in a dressing room, or bathroom. That’s it – no special assortments of M&M’s required – just a little alone time, and some deep breathing.