WORK!!!! There I said it! This is worse than a swear word to many artists...now you might think I am overstating it. Not all artists are lazy! I am not saying that artists are lazy at all (Well than Kevin, what are you saying??) Thanks for asking!!
I work with artist's that are signed to a major label, have #1 hits, and are just starting out...and the same issues are there. They often think they are working, but they are focused on what they like...They love to "work" on the music, the chords, the beat, the tempo, the lyrics...the MUSIC...Artist's often think they are working...but when you cut through all the smoke and mirrors you find they are continuing to "work" on what they like...not what they need! The tedious nature of repeating and going over the same thing and making sure the entire band knows their roles, their placements, the arrangement change...this is the WORK!! Once you are happy with your show...once you think you like the live arrangement of the tunes and how it is looking...you now need to play the show in rehearsal...10, 20, 50 times!! This needs to become second nature. This kind of rehearsal is called "muscle memory". When the nerves kick in, and when the monitors go down, when the lights don't work, when you lose focus you need to have your muscle memory. You need to build a show that will play itself! If you know the show cold, when you have a bad day, the show will still work, because your muscle memory will take over! If you have a great show, but dont work it until it becomes second nature...when the nerves kick in you will return to what you always did.
I know this sounds like a blanket statement, and it can also sound a little harsh. I do not mean to be unkind, but I want to shed the myth. The MUSIC is not the only thing...The music needs to be communicated. The best band in the world playing the best music - without focusing on how it is "landing" on the audience will not be heard by the masses. In fact, the only people that get that kind of performance...is other musicians - and we all know that they never buy your music or pay to see you perform!!
Now let me clarify...The music is VERY important, the ability to play is VERY important...BUT the MOST IMPORTANT THING = did the audience get it!!!
So, once you know the music, you have to spend time WORKING on the show!! Rehearsal must take on a new look. Watch the Tom Jackson Videos
You need to take the time to rehearse the show, not just the songs. If you do have great musicianship, and great songs...combined with a GREAT show...this will equal - UNSTOPPABLE!!
Work on your show...Work on your show!!! Create moments and make fans...THAT IS THE RIGHT THING TO WORK ON!!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
The band is a part of the show as well!
The show is not only about the frontman or the person with their name on the bus!! LOL
I often watch shows where the band is really just a backdrop. Often, you could play a well recorded track and most people might not event notice the difference. You should not have a band just to play the music, you have a band to play TO the audience!!
Guitar solo's are much better from the front! The bass player needs to have visual contact with the audience! The horn section needs their moment in the sun! The drummer needs to be creative and find a way to connect the people!
Not every song, not every solo, not every big or slow song needs to look the same, but all of those moments need to happen as a unit! The more we allow the band to be a part of the show, the more the frontman looks good!
When each part of the band plays their specific role, the more the WHOLE BAND wins!! The frontman looks more in control. The frontman (or woman) needs to allow each instrument to enjoy their moment and each musician needs to know how and when to have their moment.
Check out and buy BAND DVD from TOM JACKSON!
This video from Tom Jackson talks about the band as a unit and describes the roles and responsibility of each member. You want your show to connect and generate fans? Make sure your entire band is a part of that! You cannot do it on your own...you need the band and the band needs you!
Kevin
I often watch shows where the band is really just a backdrop. Often, you could play a well recorded track and most people might not event notice the difference. You should not have a band just to play the music, you have a band to play TO the audience!!
Guitar solo's are much better from the front! The bass player needs to have visual contact with the audience! The horn section needs their moment in the sun! The drummer needs to be creative and find a way to connect the people!
Not every song, not every solo, not every big or slow song needs to look the same, but all of those moments need to happen as a unit! The more we allow the band to be a part of the show, the more the frontman looks good!
When each part of the band plays their specific role, the more the WHOLE BAND wins!! The frontman looks more in control. The frontman (or woman) needs to allow each instrument to enjoy their moment and each musician needs to know how and when to have their moment.
Check out and buy BAND DVD from TOM JACKSON!
This video from Tom Jackson talks about the band as a unit and describes the roles and responsibility of each member. You want your show to connect and generate fans? Make sure your entire band is a part of that! You cannot do it on your own...you need the band and the band needs you!
Kevin
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Creativity? Really, we should use it...in church??
Leading a congregation in worship is not as simple as singing songs and having them join you...is it?
Having the responsibility of leading a congregation into worship is a HUGE responsibility. Preparation and planning is key!! The songs selection, the tempo's, the band? All of these decisions are crucial. You don't need to have the same instruments every week. You don't need to pick the same songs every week. You also do not need to have the same number of songs...
My challenge for you is to rethink your planning and preparation time. Really look at the plan from the perspective of the ultimate goal. What is the message about? What do we want people to feel at the end of the musical part of the service? Is this a contemplative service? Celebratory?? The service style and the outline of the service should dictate some of your choices.
We often have the same instruments for every style. I have witnessed an 8 pc band try to play everything! Take time to plan the style, as much as the songs!! If you are having a service that is more reflective in nature...maybe all you need is an acoustic guitar or piano. If you are celebrating - bring out the horn section!!! 12 backup singers for the old time gospel stuff!! Maybe just a duet in times of quiet...
We talk a lot about what we do on stage during the service, but I challenge you this week to look at the planning stage. Really plot out the type of praise and worship that will represent the goal of the message and the overall theme of the day. Don't get caught in a rut, doing the same stuff with the same people every week. Change it up!
Your band will not get burnt out as fast and the congregation will be more engaged, and you will find the process more interesting!! After all you are worshiping the God of creativity...let's try using some!!
Having the responsibility of leading a congregation into worship is a HUGE responsibility. Preparation and planning is key!! The songs selection, the tempo's, the band? All of these decisions are crucial. You don't need to have the same instruments every week. You don't need to pick the same songs every week. You also do not need to have the same number of songs...
My challenge for you is to rethink your planning and preparation time. Really look at the plan from the perspective of the ultimate goal. What is the message about? What do we want people to feel at the end of the musical part of the service? Is this a contemplative service? Celebratory?? The service style and the outline of the service should dictate some of your choices.
We often have the same instruments for every style. I have witnessed an 8 pc band try to play everything! Take time to plan the style, as much as the songs!! If you are having a service that is more reflective in nature...maybe all you need is an acoustic guitar or piano. If you are celebrating - bring out the horn section!!! 12 backup singers for the old time gospel stuff!! Maybe just a duet in times of quiet...
We talk a lot about what we do on stage during the service, but I challenge you this week to look at the planning stage. Really plot out the type of praise and worship that will represent the goal of the message and the overall theme of the day. Don't get caught in a rut, doing the same stuff with the same people every week. Change it up!
Your band will not get burnt out as fast and the congregation will be more engaged, and you will find the process more interesting!! After all you are worshiping the God of creativity...let's try using some!!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
i just sing wtih tracks...
Until recently i had been strictly a track performer...UGH!! I traveled for over 20 years and performed over 95% of my concerts with tracks. Trying to capture and engage an audience when you are the only thing to look at is not easy! I started to bore myself!!
You have to get very creative. Within the Christian Music scene there is a lot more artist's that travel with tracks. There are a few obstacles to playing with tracks...tracks can be so boring, you are limited to the same arrangement everynight, you are limited to the same dynamics etc...EVERYTHING IS THE SAME!! The other concern is this - YOU have to do everything...You can't rely on a guitar solo to divert attention, you don't have backup singers to do something on their own - if YOU don't do it, it doesn't happen!
So with that in mind i want to share some things you can do while using tracks to enhance your show!
1. Song selection
- this is huge. You really need to study Tom Jackson video that teaches on the flow of a show! There is a method to this. You need to know the rules...and you need to understand why they exist!
2. Transitions (speaking)
- Take all the speaking out of your show...Then, very carefully put it back in, where it is needed and LEARN it, STUDY it!! Insert speaking that makes sense. Do not feel the need to insert talking between every song. Less is more...stop winging it. Also, get vulnerable...tell a story that lets people into your world!
3. Learn to emote!
- tracks can for the most part be emotionless. Often the sound in most churches is too low and the audience can't feel the track so the feeling is left to you. Emote with your eyes! Emote with your body language...physically represent the song! Emote with your voice. Don't give us everything on every verse of every song! Take your time, hold back, sing straight, sing soft with breath...than belt it! We often do all we can all the time and it loses its effect!
Get a band! If you can possibly add musicians to your show...DO IT! BUT - if you need to be a track artist, learn your craft, plan the show and be the professional by communicating with your body, your eyes and your voice!
Kevin
You have to get very creative. Within the Christian Music scene there is a lot more artist's that travel with tracks. There are a few obstacles to playing with tracks...tracks can be so boring, you are limited to the same arrangement everynight, you are limited to the same dynamics etc...EVERYTHING IS THE SAME!! The other concern is this - YOU have to do everything...You can't rely on a guitar solo to divert attention, you don't have backup singers to do something on their own - if YOU don't do it, it doesn't happen!
So with that in mind i want to share some things you can do while using tracks to enhance your show!
1. Song selection
- this is huge. You really need to study Tom Jackson video that teaches on the flow of a show! There is a method to this. You need to know the rules...and you need to understand why they exist!
2. Transitions (speaking)
- Take all the speaking out of your show...Then, very carefully put it back in, where it is needed and LEARN it, STUDY it!! Insert speaking that makes sense. Do not feel the need to insert talking between every song. Less is more...stop winging it. Also, get vulnerable...tell a story that lets people into your world!
3. Learn to emote!
- tracks can for the most part be emotionless. Often the sound in most churches is too low and the audience can't feel the track so the feeling is left to you. Emote with your eyes! Emote with your body language...physically represent the song! Emote with your voice. Don't give us everything on every verse of every song! Take your time, hold back, sing straight, sing soft with breath...than belt it! We often do all we can all the time and it loses its effect!
Get a band! If you can possibly add musicians to your show...DO IT! BUT - if you need to be a track artist, learn your craft, plan the show and be the professional by communicating with your body, your eyes and your voice!
Kevin
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