Expert Advice: Becoming an Entertainer

Moving Beyond Solely Singing

I wasn’t quite out of my teens when I withdrew from college and entered into the world of touring, rolling from city to city in a school bus painted silver with ‘LONDON FOG’ in big black letters on the side. Hotels and night clubs were our venues, playing Top 40 songs six nights a week, a four-piece band behind me, the singer. Singing itself was never an issue for me. The trouble was the time between songs. Our drummer would take over the job of talking to the audience while I would blush and clam up, unsure of what to say, and nervous to begin the next song. When the drummer got called for a gig with a major rock band, the responsibility of speaking to the crowd now lay solely with me. I knew then that my ability would need to grow beyond simply singing, I needed to become an entertainer, and one with poise.

You may ask, how does one do that?

1) Be prepared! Know your song well before you start singing.
2) Write song introductions, band introductions, and between song banter, and rehearse it.
You are performing the whole time you are onstage. It’s not limited to the time the songs
are being sung.
3) Prepare yourself for your performance. Wear clothing you are comfortable in, pray or
meditate beforehand, and make sure you are well nourished – if you are concerned with
anything other than your performance, your audience will be too. Experiment with your
preparation and find a routine that works for you.
4) Find your fans in the audience. Give to those who are giving to you.
5) Be authentic! Your audience will see through your veneer if you try to be someone you’re
not.

Today, I love being on stage, talking to my audience and connecting with them. I enjoy large venues but also intimate settings with a small audience that is more conducive to connection. I think authenticity and honesty with the crowd makes the artist more approachable, and opens the door for personal interactions that make the night so special. Comments such as: “I love your stage presence, you’re so real and down to earth,” “I’ve been having such a difficult time. Your voice helped me so much, thank you,” or “I enjoy your angelic voice, it brings me peace and joy,” are the words that confirm my convictions that I am on the right path.

A Few Thoughts:

**Stay focused on what it is that you want in the business, then surround yourself with like-minded people. Bring that knowledge and passion onto the stage.
**Never compare yourself to others. Look at people who are successful doing what you want to do and learn from them. Be happy for them.
**You are unique. Rejection is a big part of this business. Keep optimism and persistence, though. The answer is “NO” if you don’t ask.