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