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Performance and Stage Presence by Carl Dawkins
Performing on stage is something we all have to think about and evaluate at one point or another when we start to play live. Everyone has their own views and ideas on what they should and should not do, and most importantly, what their performance will bring to the live show.
This is just the opinion of one musician. When I attend gigs, I don’t want to be standing there having nothing to look at, nothing that’s catching my eye. Frontmen/women who are energetic have always made an impression on me, and I always remember them.
Now, this applies to all of the musicians in a band. When you hear a track on your IPod, you may be occupied with another task, a bit like talking on the phone to someone – they’re not going to be able to see you, so you don’t have to worry about how you look. Think of a live gig as having a conversation with someone in person—you are using your music to talk, however the audience can see you while you are talking to them. This is just one of the ways you can view your performance on stage.
I do realize that with every genre comes a certain level of demand on different instruments, but no matter what style of music you are playing there is always room for “performing”, be it subtle or exaggerated. I will be trying to focus on genres as a whole, as well as general performing tips that we should all take into consideration when playing.
I am currently at the international guitar festival in Cheltenham UK. I’m the house bass player along with the house drummer Henry Appleby. Henry is a pleasure to work with, and shares my views on performing. Every person involved with the performance needs to share the same respect for a good show, and be willing to perform out of there comfort zone if required.
Being the house Rhythm section, we have had to play a diverse range of styles over the last the 10 days. This gave both of us the opportunity to practice changing our performance style to suit the music, and the other musicians we happen to play with.
What I have realized over the last 5 years is that many musicians play with their back to the crowd. At certain times, that’s acceptable, as you need to cue someone who is behind you, or to rock out with the drummer for a few bars. However, if you have your back to the audience, it defeats the objective of the crowd coming to see you play. You wouldn’t turn your back on someone while talking to them, and the same should hold true for your performance on stage.
Here are some great examples of this:
Both of these performances are from Glastonbury. Pendulum’s stage presence is incredible…take note on how the band is playing to the crowd, and also how they are standing. Your stance can make a lot of difference to how you are perceived on stage. This is one thing a lot of people seem to underestimate. You could unintentionally look awkward on stage. It happens to all of us at one point or another, so try to be aware of it.
The second video is the very talented Beyonce and here remarkable backing band…now there is a serious amount of choreography. Each member has an assigned space on stage, yet each musician is holding there own, performing and fitting in place with the theme of the set.
We all rehearse and do production rehearsals before a tour to make sure everything fits before taking it to the stage. This preparation is always a must. You want to rehearse as if you’re playing live. This is something I have always done in bands, on all levels, just to make sure the show is going to come across in the right way, so you know the show was good after you’ve finished.
A good tip; practice something while being recorded, or in front of a mirror, or get a good friends feedback. I have always been in favor of adding some kind of character to my performance, and not just in my playing. Some may disagree, but from a live aspect, they work hand in hand.
The most important part of performing is making sure everything fits in with what is happening during the songs, “that” is what truly makes a great performer.
Carl Dawkins
www.caldawkins.co.uk
Bass Videos
Interview With K3 Sisters Band
K3 Sisters Band Interview…
It is very rare when I talk to a band where all the members play bass. The K3 Sisters Band is a perfect example of a group where Kaylen, Kelsey and Kristen Kassab are all multi-instrumentalists and take turns playing bass.
Hailing from Texas, these three sisters have been playing music since they were very young and have amassed an amazing amount of original music, music videos, streaming concerts, podcasts, and content that has taken numerous social media platforms by storm. On TikTok alone, they have over 2.5 million followers and more than a billion views.
Join me as we hear the story of their musical journey, how they get their sound, and the fundamental principles behind these prolific musicians.
Here is the K3 Sisters Band!
Photo, Bruce Ray Productions
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Bass Player Health
What is a Pinched Nerve? with Dr. Randy Kertz
What is a Pinched Nerve?
In this month’s video, we will cover how to tell if you have a pinched nerve and when to seek professional help.
Dr. Randall Kertz is the author of The Bassist’s Complete Guide to Injury Management, Prevention and Better Health. Click here to get your copy today!
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Gear News
New Gear: Ashdown ORIGINAL-EVO-C112T-300
Introducing the Original-EVO-C112T, a ground-breaking innovation in the realm of bass amplifiers. This exceptional amplifier redefines the standards of power, portability, and precision, offering musicians an unparalleled experience in amplification technology.
Weighing in at a mere 13.5kg, the Original-EVO-C112T packs an astonishing 300 watts of unadulterated Ashdown bass tone into a compact and lightweight package. Say goodbye to the days of lugging around heavy and cumbersome gear – this amplifier is designed for the modern musician on the move.
Introducing the Original-EVO-C112T, a ground-breaking innovation in the realm of bass amplifiers. This exceptional amplifier redefines the standards of power, portability, and precision, offering musicians an unparalleled experience in amplification technology.
Weighing in at a mere 13.5kg, the Original-EVO-C112T packs an astonishing 300 watts of unadulterated Ashdown bass tone into a compact and lightweight package. Say goodbye to the days of lugging around heavy and cumbersome gear – this amplifier is designed for the modern musician on the move.
Designed to accommodate global touring, the Original-EVO-C112T features auto-protect voltage support and an adaptive temperature-controlled fan for optimal performance in any environment.
In summary, the Original-EVO-C112T is a game-changing amplifier that combines power, portability, and precision. It’s a testament to innovation and quality in the world of bass amplification, deserving attention from musicians looking to take their music to the next level.
Product Specification-
Power Output: 300 Watts
Power Requirement: 115-230 Volts
Speaker Configuration: 1 x 12” + Horn
High Instrument Input: Impedance 3.9m Ohms, Input range 150mV – 20mV p-p
Low Instrument Input: Impedance -1M Ohms, Input range 150mV to 10V p-p
Line Input: Impedance 10k Ohms, Input range 300mV – 40V p-p
DI Output: 600 Ohm balance / Level -20dBu nominal
Minimum Impedance: 4 Ohm
Headphone Output: Yes and safe for silent practice
EQ: Bass +/-15dB @ 100Hz, Lo Mid +/-15dB @ 220Hz, Middle +/-15dB @ 660Hz, Hi Mid +/-15 dB @1.5kHz, Treble +/-15dB @ 7kHz
Effects Send: Impedance 22k Ohms / Level 0dBu nominal
Effects Return: Impedance 22k Ohms / Level 0dBu nominal
Dimensions (H x W x D in mm): 470 x 606 x 381
Weight: 13.5kg
For more info please visit www.ashdownmusic.com
Gear News
Tech 21’s SansAmp Bass Driver DI Celebrates 30th Anniversary
Tech 21’s SansAmp Bass Driver DI Celebrates 30th Anniversary…
The SansAmp Bass Driver DI has been an arsenal staple for players and studios almost since the day it was introduced in 1994. To commemorate its 30th anniversary, Tech 21 is issuing a limited edition with an anodized precision-machined aluminum billet housing and all metal knobs.
This all-analog multi-function, multi-application pedal dials up big vintage tube tones, bright modern slap sounds, gnarly distortions, and all in between. There are three different outputs to drive power amps, recording desks, PA mixers, or simply enhance your current rig. Controls include Presence for definition and upper harmonic content; Blend to combine the ratio of direct signal and SansAmp circuitry; and active 3-band EQ with 12dB of cut or boost.
The 100% analog SansAmp Tube Amplifier Emulation technology encompasses the entire signal chain, from pre-amp to power amp to speaker simulation. An integral part of the circuitry, the individually-tailored SansAmp speaker simulation will complement any type of bass speaker cabinet system.
It is rare an electronic music-related product can withstand such a test of time. The SansAmp Bass Driver has been used for every kind of music style from death metal to commercial jingles, in countless studios, and on tours around the globe. In fact, many mammoth stage rigs you see are actually driven by a SansAmp nestled behind the backline. It has defied the odds and to this day, SansAmp remains the standard of the industry.
Anticipated Availability: May/June 2024
For more information, visit online at tech21nyc.com/products/sansamp/bass-driver-30/
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