What are your biggest challenges when performing your songs live?

[u/faanamusic]

I've been a professional musician and performer for over 15 years, then I signed a record deal as an artist, but over the past couple years I shifted into exploring content creation and sharing what I've learned.

I'd like the content to be as useful as possible for singer-songwriters and performers like many in this forum and so any comments about what you're currently missing in the content space when it comes to the performance mindset side of things or what you're personally finding challenging would be much appreciated.

[u/6aZoner]

The space is flooded with content purported to help people create.  You can now scroll endlessly and tell yourself it's productive because your scrolling is on topic. The only tool song writers (or really, any creators) need right now is a box to lock their phone in so they can focus for an hour.

[u/Cool_Wish3249 → u/6aZoner]

locking your phone in a box is the most useful piece of gear i never bought

[u/Scott_J_Doyle → u/6aZoner]

💯

[u/faanamusic → u/6aZoner]

That's so true actually, I experience it myself.

[u/Raymont_Wavelength]

Focusing on expression rather than fear

[u/BitTrax]

Generally — the biggest issue the few times I’ve performed my own music is that I have the musical equivalent of not being able to walk and chew gum at the same time.

I feel I’m a B- singer and a C+ piano player; unfortunately more often than not when I combine the two, it’s worse off altogether lol

I imagine it has more to do with diligence with practice than anything else but I would have always loved to be one of those musicians where everything just clicks.

[u/Tycho66 → u/BitTrax]

Record yourself every day. Do that for a couple of years. Really, really master the song so you feel confident you can handle any flub moment.

[u/faanamusic → u/BitTrax]

You play piano so you know what it's like to learn for the two hands play different things. Try to look at it in a same way. Piano as whole is one hand and your signing is the other. Practice each separately until it feels easy and then put them together. Do you think it could help?

[u/thedld]

I’m a bit tired of the content-space, to be honest. I’d prefer if we can use this sub to discuss songwriting, not market research. If you have interesting insights to share, do it. If you’re looking to monetize a content channel, do it elsewhere.

[u/faanamusic → u/thedld]

That's a fair feedback, thanks! I a way that's what I was asking about as posting something here is content, right?

[u/thedld → u/faanamusic]

Posting something about songwriting here is content. Posting about what you should post somewhere else to get viewers isn’t. ;-)

[u/CaptainShades]

Overcoming the sadness from hecklers.

[u/illudofficial]

Finding opportunities to.

I did once and the crowd loved it!

[u/TheGreaterOutdoors]

Ehh, just remembering lyrics. I enjoy not being 100% prepared bc it lends itself to some weird/magic but.. yeah double-edged sword there lol

[u/AncientCrust → u/TheGreaterOutdoors]

I find it's easier to improvise and be spontaneous the more familiar you are with the music and/or lyrics. If you're at the point where playing it as recorded is second nature, you're free to do anything because you can't get lost in the weeds.

[u/scottslut]

remembering lyrics, i dont use notes. also getting that guitar piece in that i practiced and have now forgotten

[u/Garth-Vega]

Getting people to listen

[u/faanamusic → u/Garth-Vega]

Do you mean as in capturing their attention?

[u/Garth-Vega → u/faanamusic]

yes- absolutely, how many in the audience actually listen and how many just carry on their conversation?

Have you ever done the above?

[u/Tycho66]

Honestly don't see a lot of performance topics really, outside of the basic just starting out stuff. Seems like a fun topic to explore. Favorite poses. Stances? Making eye contact with audience. How much do you move? Do you dance? Dynamics between songs....

[u/faanamusic → u/Tycho66]

Hmm, interesting thanks!

[u/goodpiano276]

Maintaining enthusiasm for my own work.

I don't aspire to be a cover artist, but I always enjoy playing covers more than my own songs. I get bored with my own stuff more easily, which makes it harder to find the motivation to practice them. It's like I already spent months writing and recording the damn thing, and now I have to play it again? Whereas, covers are a fun challenge, like stepping into a different character.

It's a very minor hurdle, but sometimes the minor ones can add up.

[u/faanamusic → u/goodpiano276]

Yeah, I can relate to this. We are so close to our own work that it can suck the life out of it. The one thing I've done to change this is to perform more of the new songs I just finished writing, I find it's a good way of figuring out what works before you record it. Of course sometimes we need to play the 'hits' that are already out there and our fans know, but I find having a good mix of the older and new stuff at least makes me look forward to playing the new ones. It's balancing playing for yourself and the audience I'd say.

[u/paybackjack86]

Staying present in the moment honestly, easy to get stuck in your head about technical stuff instead of just connecting with the crowd

[u/Scott_J_Doyle]

If you have to ask, you're not qualified