When I first started performing live on stage in the past, I used to be scared as hell when I get on stage to perform. I used to get nervous, and shake a little bit. Messing up my singing and guitar playing a lot too. I notice a lot of musicians and bands STILL have stage fright. Even some of the most successful and well known musicians can still have it too. They stand on stage looking like a zombie. While playing their instrument, they would either stare at the floor or stare at the instrument, or worse, a lot of singers would sing with their eyes closed a lot. I see this all the time that singers, sing with their eyes closed. I don’t know why they do it, but I always believed it is very important to have eye contact with the crowd.

If you seen my live photos and videos over the years (or even seen me live at a show), you would know, I have full confidence performing on stage. I believe, confidence is key to playing a great show and drawing a crowd.

Ways to overcome stage fright, before booking an actual gig, play as many open mics as possible. Playing open mics at bars or cafes or where ever, will definitely help you get used to performing in front of large crowds. When rehearsing at home alone, pretend you’re performing in front of an actual audience. Picture yourself playing in front a lot of people even if there’s no one in the room or even  practice playing in front of a mirror. That stuff helps too.

When you have full confidence being on stage, you’ll be able to put on a much better and more exciting show. Remember, eye contact at the crowd, all the way through the performance. Smile often. Look like you’re having fun and enjoying yourself. Move around on stage, dance a little, do a little head banging, or whatever. When you want to give the crowd a blast of a good time, you want to look like you’re having a blast too.

I can’t wait when I get my own band going. When I do get a band and start playing full band gigs, you can very well believe, I’m not gonna stand there. I’m going to move around like a fucking rock star. Trust me on that.

Kev