Artist performances: 5 amazing ways to bolster your stage presence

Artist performances are a key part of the music industry. Artists gain attention and new fans from great performances as well as earn a large portion of their income. Most great artists and performers have a lot in common regarding a great stage presence. They bring on special moments, create unforgettable experiences, and capture the audience’s attention with their presence and star power. 

Here are 5 amazing ways for an artist to increase their presence while performing.

Body Language

Artist performances should bring on the kind of energy that can be felt from the front row all the way to the back. 

Having the right body language, being confident, and staying present in the moment. All of it can be felt by the audience. 

Find the unique traits that make you stand out as an artist. Use those great traits as a tool to empower yourself. Use the space available to you. Cut up the stage and portion it in 3-5 parts in your head. Face the crowd. Make eye contact. Engage the crowd in each section. Always end up back in the middle of the stage.

Taking a choreography class can be helpful in finding movements that look good and natural. Record and watch back a performance. 

Focus to improve any weak points. Work towards becoming a more confident performer. Fake it til you make it also works pretty well until you’re used to performing more.

Don’t forget to breathe. Feel the beat of the music move you as you perform.

Practice

Practice makes perfect, especially when it comes to artist performances. Practicing helps an artist find all the right angles on stage. Makes the stage to become their 2nd home. Practicing helps identify parts of the performance that can be improved. Like if there are any silent gaps that can be filled. Or sudden dip of the energy during a set. Try different set lists. Or placing an acoustic performance in between. 

Use the advantage to show up on every soundcheck. Don’t be afraid to try new ideas. Watch other performances for inspiration. Notice their body language. The choreography. The way other artists carry their presence and originality. 

Great live performers are artists like Beyonce, Cardi B, Chris Brown, Jennifer Lopez, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and others.

Visual appearance 

“Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.” — Rachel Zoe.

A great outfit is a big part of a great performance. It adds to the whole experience of the show. Look for signature pieces that stand out. Like leather or denim jackets. Great designs. Cool sneakers or shoes. Pieces that compliment you as an artist in a way you feel comfortable. Even if your style is clean and simple. Adding simple jewelry or accessories is a great way to spice up a look. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different looks. Different colors. Find what you love the most. What feels right? Look clean. Things like dirty shoes, or an old t-shirt will get noticed and it will take away from your overall performance, image, and look. Unless that is what you are going for of course. 

Set List

A set list is a list of songs an artist plans to perform in a specific order. It is usually taped on stage where artists can easily see it. It is one of the most important, if not the most important components of a great show.

The setlist can vary from show to show. Creating a perfect set list sets the tone of the show. The energy of the show. Think of the songs you want to add first. Then you can decide on an order you want to perform them. The first song sets the tone and energy of the whole show. Artists usually start with one of their most successful known songs. And end with their most successful recent hit song. Sometimes a set list includes a cover of another known song. Especially if their music catalog doesn’t have enough material. Switch up the tempo and energy of your songs during your performance. This will keep the crowd entertained and keep their attention. Switch between old and new material. 

Interaction 

Interacting with the crowd is a great way to make them feel special. Things like eye contact, a smile, or even a wink show you are having fun. 

Think about if there are any thoughts, or messages you want to communicate during your set in between songs. Always be positive about any comments or messages. Be aware you are representing your name and brand in the things that you say. 

Find a time to shout out your team. Like your guitarist, keys, drums, etc. 

Stay present in the moment, and enjoy yourself. Don’t show your nervousness, even if you are. Be yourself. Remember the audience came to see you because they love and support you. Stay in a positive mind space. 

Fill any silent moments during your set with interacting. Thank the crowd for coming out. Compliment and shout out the city. Tell a story about the next song, or a memory you would like to share. Don’t be afraid to get personal with your crowd. Thank the crowd at the end of the show. Here you can promote your next show, album, your new single, social media, etc. Most of it all – enjoy your moment. Have a great time and great memories. And do what you love most. Perform!