As the world gets back on track, there’s finally what looks to be a bright future for nightlife around the globe. And as our favorite clubs, bars, and festivals prepare to open their doors once again, that means artists will be back to playing on real stages, in real life – no more Twitch streaming or bedroom DJing.
For many of us, it’s been over a year since we’ve performed in front of a live audience, with a dancefloor ready to react to your tunes. There’s no doubt that as a result, the pre-show jitters are so, so real – perhaps, even more so than beforehand. Some artists turn to alcohol or other substances to calm themselves, but that’s not always the right move for everyone – especially if you’re sober.
We found a great thread on Twitter, started by @AFKdubstep, on how to deal with stage anxiety as a sober individual. And although this advice may be focused on sober artists, there are plenty of great tips in here for performing artists who generally want to improve their anxiety levels when performing.
1. Mindfulness: meditate, breathe, and exercise
2. Chew gum, or choose a similar “creature comfort”
3. Focus on your first transition
4. Stock up on your favorite non-alcoholic drinks in the booth
5. Do what feels best for you when it comes to crowd interaction
6. Prepare your body with a good night’s sleep – and don’t forget to eat beforehand
7. Remember: you’re doing this because you love it, and that the crowd’s there for you
At the end of the day, you’re up there because you love your art, and you’re good at it – so don’t let the stress of performing in front of a crowd get to you. Take care of yourself, prepare in the ways that feel great to you, and have fun with it.
What other tips would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments below.
