Do you get nervous pre-gig?

irlirishkev

Simple question for fellow musicians out there..
Do you get nervous before gigs? Particularly those of you who perform solo.

I get quite nervous when playing solo, even though it's only covers in pubs. Yet I don't get nervous at all when playing with others. I guess there's a lot more pressure when you're on your own.

So do you get an attack of the nerves, and if so, how do you deal with it?

Siamsa Sessions

I do mostly solo gigs (covers in pubs/hotels) and I know what you mean about them being harder. There's no other bandmate's sound to cover a dud note you sing or a guitar chord/riff that's just slightly off. And there's no one to have a laugh with and bounce off up there with ya.

(I had a tough solo gig Saturday night so this is close to the surface with me!)

The hardest thing I find with solo gigs is getting the sound mix/volume right. I guess that adds to the nerves as well.

One thing I try to remember is that the punters, for the most part, want you to be good. They're not there to criticise or judge you. They're on your side, even if they don't give much away in terms of a reaction to what you're playing.

shamsteak

I know exactly where youre coming from. I am also a solo performer, pubs and hotels. I had to make the tough transition from playing in bands for the last 15 years to playing on my own this year. I was dreading it, but i have to say its getting easier now. I generally don't have a problem with nerves, more a concern that i am singing and playing to the best of my ability, and sometimes when you think about it too much, it can effect you concentration. I agree with siamsa sessions on the sound issue. Hard to do a soundcheck on your own. If ever i find a gig hard going, i use a little trick a pro singer gave me about 20 years ago: Whilst your singing, find one spot or object in the room and stare at it, like an exit sign, or a picture. I found it great advice, it helps me to concentrate and relieves any tension i might have. Can i ask how long you are playing/singing for?

irlirishkev

Thanks for the replies.
I initially asked because I found myself bricking it before a gig on Saturday. It was my first one for a while, and in a new place aswell. Also I knew the pub would be busier than what I'm used to, and having seen other acts there, I needed to be on top form.
I was getting frustrated and annoyed at still finding myself that nervous, having been playing in front of people for so long. So I'm relieved to find out I'm not alone

I only started solo gigs at the beginning of 2012, playing a few a month since then. I guess if I was doing it 3 times a week like some people, I'd be a lot more relaxed!

Siamsa Sessions

I'm getting very huggy-feely here now, but to me being nervous before playing just means you care and that it matters to you.

I know lads who are at it years and they don't really give a f*ck anymore. They're never nervous because they're almost beyond caring at this stage.

Kettleson

I think its totally natural to get nervous before gigs. A very well known friend of mine used to literally puke up before he went no stage, but then that was the end of it.

Just don't start to rely on booze or whatever to calm the nerves. That is a recipe for a long and hard struggle with overcoming nerves which would only get worse.

Try a bit of meditation, deep breathing or other things to take your mind off the nerves.

And my last advice would be say to yourself pre-gig.

"I dont give a f**k how it goes, I'll do my best and enjoy MYSELF".

(To be honest, I think it is essential to communicate/make eye contact as part of your performance. It might take a while to get into that comfort zone. but the public will enjoy the show so much more if they think the performer is relaxed and enjoying him/herself).

roast

I haven't gotten nervous before a gig in years.

When I was younger (late teens) I played in an originals band and always got super nervous before gigs. This continued throughout the set and inevitably resulted in me making mistakes here and there. Not a big deal really, but frustrating nonetheless.

In hindsight, I think it was because I just wasn't particularly confident in what I was playing. Now I'm playing in another band which I love, and I really feel strongly and believe in what we're playing. Haven't felt nervous since my first gig with them.

In short - I guess if you're feeling nervous - practice practice practice - know the songs you're playing inside and out. If you don't feel 100% confident playing them, nerves will get the better of you.
YMMV.

HughieQ

nerves is not a bad thing......it makes the gig/set real ,you know its happening...helps you remember it.....I used to get nerves......remember supporting Aslan in the spa hotel lucan 2006.......wasn't expecting the crowd that turned up there......nerves disappeared when I started singing though!!!!......I personally think if there is no nerves, its not a gig!!!!!......its all part of the music experience!.............

Mike747

Get some beta blockers, greatest thing ever for the nervous musician.

They won't stop you from feeling anxious but they do prevent the physical manifestations i.e. trembling voice, shaking hands.

endacl

Mike747 wrote: »

Get some beta blockers, greatest thing ever for the nervous musician.

They won't stop you from feeling anxious but they do prevent the physical manifestations i.e. trembling voice, shaking hands.

Don't bother with beta blockers. Have a couple of bananas. Cheaper and with the same effect. Full of potassium. Natures beta blocker!

Of course, they're also full of fibre. Maybe not such a good idea if you're already nervous...

ohigg84

Yeah I get nervous, i'm in an AC/DC tribute band. But its only natural. Once you play that first song, you're fine. Im relaxed when I hit that note. Then the gig just flies in. Its amazing how fast the time goes, but every time I play, I do get nervous before I play. And the bigger crowd, makes it more daunting, but as I said, its fine, I get over it quickly!

Kettleson

Sweet Jesus! Beta blockers! You're kidding...if u need them you probably need some CBT.

Seriously, if u need to do drugs or alcohol to perform, you should not perform or you should seek alternative therapy. Relying on drugs or alcohol is bad sh!t.

Ohiggs84 post is very true. Use this as a base. If you remain very very anxious, do not do drugs or drink to sort it. It will only get worse.

endacl

The only cure for nerves is familiarity. Gig more.

Shaun Letang

When I first started gigging I used to get very nervous. The wait around before the gig starts was the worse. Like Endacl said though, the more you gig, the more comfortable you get with it. Preparing well helps a lot too, as if you haven't got the words % in your head or if you're not sure what you're going to do, it becomes easier to freeze up. So make sure you're fully practised and things will go a lot smoother.

Leftyflip

ohigg84 wrote: »

And the bigger crowd, makes it more daunting, but as I said, its fine, I get over it quickly!

I don't always get nervous, but I tend to get very quiet before gigs. Contrary to ohigg's comment, I found the bigger the crowd the more relaxed and more confident I get!