The role of stage presence

Now and again, the worst band can have the best set at a concert because of its stage presence.

It is often misconceived that a band has to have a killer guitar player who can shred down scales at the speed of sound; a drummer who can orchestrate the entire band, maintain rhythm and occasionally throw in an epic drum solo; a bass player who can actually play the  bass guitar and a singer who can belt out heartfelt blues.

This all sounds great on paper, but it doesn’t necessarily translate into a good performance on stage.

Even the most gifted artists fail when it comes to generating a sensational stage presence that will make shows live in the memories of its fans.

To have a good stage presence, it is important to dress the part. If your band plays soft music, then jeans and a plaid shirt with boots to go should do.

If you play more aggressive music, then a sharp haircut with torn-up attire goes well with that. Of course, if you play heavy metal, you can’t be afraid to throw in a little make-up to complement the darker aspects of the music.

Dress is everything. Without a good physical look, it is easy to be overlooked at a concert with more than 10 bands playing, and especially if you’re still trying to make a name.

The same goes for the way you set up your stage. Many of our local bands are rather stingy when it comes to investing in backboard banners at their shows.

You go to pretty much any concert and find bands on stage with no back banner indicating who they are.

They just play, with a plain wall providing the background. Simple things like the back banner are a great opportunity to promote your identity as a band, with your logo hanging behind you as you rock out.

If you are better heeled and an afford to spend on your on-stage presence, consider throwing in some pyro and laser lights.

Of course, the usual argument, “Not all bands can afford this stuff” comes up.

However, remember that a disco ball works almost the same as having lights beaming into the crowd.

Get a disco ball at that spot you play at every weekend and see just how much more the fans will get into it.

Lastly, when you are on stage as a band, it is of great importance to get the crowd going. Your lead singer is a fundamental cog in ensuring this happens.

He needs to engage the crowd and make them cheer, talk back and sing along. The other members of the band also play a major role in this by moving around, nodding vigorously along to certain riffs in the song and complementing each other’s performance.

For instance, when it gets to the solo and the lead guitar player goes on his tangent, the rhythm and bass players can come together on stage and play together back-to-back.

Remember how well Leon and Peter did this at Battle of the Bands? 

Stage presence is everything to a good performance. Once you master this, even as a young band trying to map out its way, you’ll be heading for superstardom in no time.