I was recently in Whitehorse Yukon. Amy Wolter and I were there working with some of the top bands in Whitehorse. The bands we worked with will be showcasing at the WCMA's next month. We had the privilege to spend 3 hours of one-on-one rehearsal and than working with all 8 bands the last day.
The diversity in music was very intriguing. We had everything from Folk, Pop, Rock to Rap! The one thing that I wanted to emphasize was that rules never changed. Each genre of music had the same goal...an emotional connection with the audience. Working with the rap artist really helped reinforce that. We had no instruments to work with, no back up singers, nothing to manipulate other than the rapper himself (Kelvin Smolers)!
Every artist had to find a way to create a connection. We had singer songwriters with either a piano or guitar, we had full bands in costumes! I was once again reminded of the simplicity of our goal. Create Moments, Capture and Engage, and see lives moved to change by the power of your music...by the power of the CONNECTION. Tom explains this so well - check out this DVD Series: ALL ROADS LEAD TO THE STAGE
The DVD series is the most comprehensive in the industry. No one else explains our reason for performing like Tom does. No one can give you the insight as to why and HOW we do what we do as musicians.
Without an emotional connection there is no way we can communicate our music to it's fullest potential!
I relearned that while working in the Yukon! We do not hit the stage to play music!! We hit the stage to connect with a group of people, the method for this is the music!! I challenge you to take off your musicians hat and place it to the side while putting on the hat of a performer. Allow yourself to be transformed into a communicator, a story teller, an emotional conduit! Allow your audience to feel what you felt when you were stirred to write the song, or the feeling you had when you decided to sing that song!
Tom always says, " People do not buy songs, they buy moments!" GO CREATE MOMENTS!!!
Kevin Pauls
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Some practical how to stuff...
How to plan new sets each week, and Working around short rehearsals and hectic schedules.
I want to address a couple questions that have been asked with 2 very simple, practical ways that can help. I am dealing with Song Choice, and Rehearsal times.
A) Planning new sets each week can be a very tedious job. I want to give you one practical way to re-think this task:
1. Think about the theme and the song choice FIRST. Often we try to fit the song into the band. By that I mean - "I have 7 players on this week and 5 singers, I can't do this song because it won't work with the players" Don't be afraid to change up the style's and the number of players each week. I know this sounds basic, BUT - we are often limited by the smallest things. If you are bound by the band, and the singers you might tend to choose songs that you might leave out if you had more freedom. So, plan your songs and the theme a few weeks in advance...THAN pick your band and singers that will fit into your plan...not the other way around!
This will create more interest from the congregation as well. You will find that the change up of "ear candy" will be a welcomed!
B) Rehearsal times and the lack thereof can be very frustrating. Here is a very practical way to reduce stress...Yours and the bands!!
2. SIMPLIFY THE ARRANGEMENT!! Often we try to duplicate the arrangement we have heard on a recording, or we try to duplicate how we saw a band play it live. Both of those, without a lot of practice can end in disaster, leaving us frustrated and wanting to quit. My thought is to take the song, simplify the arrangement, and sometimes even simplify the chord structure. There are a lot of songs that have very complicated chords inserted into a very simple melody. On the recording it sounded cool, but without a ton of rehearsal time, and pro players you are often left frustrated! When you are dealing with crazy schedules, not a lot of rehearsal time, and musicians that have a "real job" (lol) you might need to change some things up. Remember the changes you will need to make, will not effect the audience...They are things musicians will see and know, but the audience you are leading in worship will just know it is WORKING!!
Kevin
I want to address a couple questions that have been asked with 2 very simple, practical ways that can help. I am dealing with Song Choice, and Rehearsal times.
A) Planning new sets each week can be a very tedious job. I want to give you one practical way to re-think this task:
1. Think about the theme and the song choice FIRST. Often we try to fit the song into the band. By that I mean - "I have 7 players on this week and 5 singers, I can't do this song because it won't work with the players" Don't be afraid to change up the style's and the number of players each week. I know this sounds basic, BUT - we are often limited by the smallest things. If you are bound by the band, and the singers you might tend to choose songs that you might leave out if you had more freedom. So, plan your songs and the theme a few weeks in advance...THAN pick your band and singers that will fit into your plan...not the other way around!
This will create more interest from the congregation as well. You will find that the change up of "ear candy" will be a welcomed!
B) Rehearsal times and the lack thereof can be very frustrating. Here is a very practical way to reduce stress...Yours and the bands!!
2. SIMPLIFY THE ARRANGEMENT!! Often we try to duplicate the arrangement we have heard on a recording, or we try to duplicate how we saw a band play it live. Both of those, without a lot of practice can end in disaster, leaving us frustrated and wanting to quit. My thought is to take the song, simplify the arrangement, and sometimes even simplify the chord structure. There are a lot of songs that have very complicated chords inserted into a very simple melody. On the recording it sounded cool, but without a ton of rehearsal time, and pro players you are often left frustrated! When you are dealing with crazy schedules, not a lot of rehearsal time, and musicians that have a "real job" (lol) you might need to change some things up. Remember the changes you will need to make, will not effect the audience...They are things musicians will see and know, but the audience you are leading in worship will just know it is WORKING!!
Kevin
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Song Selection on Sunday Morning!
Song selection...man this can keep you up at night? OR...you simply throw it together last minute. Let me give you a few simple tips for Sunday morning. There is a formula that will help you to create a good environment for Sunday morning. Please remember that this is a guideline...NOT a rule, but a plan that will help you when you are stuck.
1. Always remember that the congregation is entering the building cold. The majority of church attendees have not been in prayer for the last half hour, they just wolfed down breakfast, couldn't find a thing to wear, were stressed about getting to church on time and than finding a parking spot...UGH!!! They need some time to acclimate themselves to the service. Try to start with a song or 2 that is fun, inspiring and light. The theme of the song does not have to be "fluffy" but the feel of the music needs to be inviting, simple to sing and allow the congregation to feel as though "church" has begun.
2. I would strongly recommend that you insert a scripture or a reading that will set the theme for the service. We often forget that The Word Of God is incredibly powerful in the praise and worship part of the service! Allow HIS word to capture the congregation. Once your transition from the faster, upbeat style of music has happened with the spoken word, or welcome prayer - you can than move into something a little more contemplative. Try to have the prayer or the scripture tie in thematically so as to have a smooth transition.
3. Come out of the contemplative and you can go one of 2 ways...IF the flow seems to be moving towards soft intimate worship or if the theme calls for that - go to a chorus or simple well-known song that the people can worship to without the need of the words...OR you can take them to a mid tempo style...It is a good idea to always have a couple songs chosen and than allow spontaneity to direct this. The Holy Spirit is so kind and gentle, but we often do not allow Him to direct once we have a path...true spontaneity only comes from FORM!! If we plan the service and leave space for God to move HE WILL!!
4. With the theme in mind, have a closing song that will tie into it, or at least will set the mood for the style of message that is about to be spoken. It is vital to know the direction of the service. It is awkward if the soft, intimate worship is met by a funny comment. We need to be sensitive to the Spirit and allow Him to influence our planning, and than also leave room for the prompting during the service.
5. Just because you plan and leave space, and pick songs according to the theme - don't be surprised if every once in a while HE changes the plan on you. BUT - our job is not to anticipate that HE will change the plan every week, therefore we don't make one...Plan as though God will not move, and than leave space for when HE DOES!! (by the way - God is always present and is always seeking to bless us!! - it's just a saying...you know what I mean!!)
Prayer is a huge part of service preparation. God will direct and lead. Our job is to communicate what God has laid on our heart. Do not be caught last minute trying to put it together...Plan, create and allow Him to lead.
1. Always remember that the congregation is entering the building cold. The majority of church attendees have not been in prayer for the last half hour, they just wolfed down breakfast, couldn't find a thing to wear, were stressed about getting to church on time and than finding a parking spot...UGH!!! They need some time to acclimate themselves to the service. Try to start with a song or 2 that is fun, inspiring and light. The theme of the song does not have to be "fluffy" but the feel of the music needs to be inviting, simple to sing and allow the congregation to feel as though "church" has begun.
2. I would strongly recommend that you insert a scripture or a reading that will set the theme for the service. We often forget that The Word Of God is incredibly powerful in the praise and worship part of the service! Allow HIS word to capture the congregation. Once your transition from the faster, upbeat style of music has happened with the spoken word, or welcome prayer - you can than move into something a little more contemplative. Try to have the prayer or the scripture tie in thematically so as to have a smooth transition.
3. Come out of the contemplative and you can go one of 2 ways...IF the flow seems to be moving towards soft intimate worship or if the theme calls for that - go to a chorus or simple well-known song that the people can worship to without the need of the words...OR you can take them to a mid tempo style...It is a good idea to always have a couple songs chosen and than allow spontaneity to direct this. The Holy Spirit is so kind and gentle, but we often do not allow Him to direct once we have a path...true spontaneity only comes from FORM!! If we plan the service and leave space for God to move HE WILL!!
4. With the theme in mind, have a closing song that will tie into it, or at least will set the mood for the style of message that is about to be spoken. It is vital to know the direction of the service. It is awkward if the soft, intimate worship is met by a funny comment. We need to be sensitive to the Spirit and allow Him to influence our planning, and than also leave room for the prompting during the service.
5. Just because you plan and leave space, and pick songs according to the theme - don't be surprised if every once in a while HE changes the plan on you. BUT - our job is not to anticipate that HE will change the plan every week, therefore we don't make one...Plan as though God will not move, and than leave space for when HE DOES!! (by the way - God is always present and is always seeking to bless us!! - it's just a saying...you know what I mean!!)
Prayer is a huge part of service preparation. God will direct and lead. Our job is to communicate what God has laid on our heart. Do not be caught last minute trying to put it together...Plan, create and allow Him to lead.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
DUDE, but we Rock!!!
If I had a quarter for every time I heard that!!
The majority of bands think that unbridled energy equals a great show. What they do not see is the impact on the audience. To take your show to the "next level" you need to understand what is happening to the audience during your show. You need to give them what they want and set them up for the big payoff. We often give them everything we got in the first 3 songs. After the 3rd song, if the audience left, they would have missed nothing!!
It doesn't matter what type of music you play. It doesn't matter the age demographics of your audience. You cannot play every song the same way...they don't sound the same, therefore they should not look the same!! (Tom Jackson)
We need to get creative. We need to think about timing. When do you come forward and give the audience everything you got and put pressure on them? When do you let a song "simmer" and allow the audience to anticipate what is next? When is ok for unbridled energy to rule the stage...and when is standing completely still appropriate???
Tough questions...These questions can be answered better with direction. This will start to take form once you truly have a vision for your show!! You need to get this DVD series from Tom called 7 DEADLY SINS
Purchase this DVD Series and it will change the way you approach the show. You need to catch a vision...understand how to make your show more than crazy energy. Learn to pour your heart and soul into your craft, in a way that communicates to your audience. In a way your audience wants to be communicated to!!
Don't be satisfied with being loud and crazy!!! Take time, invest in your music, and become a band with a purpose and vision!! Your product sales will increase and you will create FANS everywhere you go!!!
Kevin
The majority of bands think that unbridled energy equals a great show. What they do not see is the impact on the audience. To take your show to the "next level" you need to understand what is happening to the audience during your show. You need to give them what they want and set them up for the big payoff. We often give them everything we got in the first 3 songs. After the 3rd song, if the audience left, they would have missed nothing!!
It doesn't matter what type of music you play. It doesn't matter the age demographics of your audience. You cannot play every song the same way...they don't sound the same, therefore they should not look the same!! (Tom Jackson)
We need to get creative. We need to think about timing. When do you come forward and give the audience everything you got and put pressure on them? When do you let a song "simmer" and allow the audience to anticipate what is next? When is ok for unbridled energy to rule the stage...and when is standing completely still appropriate???
Tough questions...These questions can be answered better with direction. This will start to take form once you truly have a vision for your show!! You need to get this DVD series from Tom called 7 DEADLY SINS
Purchase this DVD Series and it will change the way you approach the show. You need to catch a vision...understand how to make your show more than crazy energy. Learn to pour your heart and soul into your craft, in a way that communicates to your audience. In a way your audience wants to be communicated to!!
Don't be satisfied with being loud and crazy!!! Take time, invest in your music, and become a band with a purpose and vision!! Your product sales will increase and you will create FANS everywhere you go!!!
Kevin
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Please!! Do not use that 4 letter word!!!
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!!
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!!
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!!
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