Next Nik Everett Group appearance

[smoothmoniker]

you know what? that rock! i can't tell you how many times I look with unabashed envy at guys who don't have to make their living playing, and as a result they just soak in the awesomeness of every moment of playing.

Long live the weekend warrior kick ass rock and roll hobby players.

[mrnoodle]

Originally Posted by smoothmoniker

you know what? that rock! i can't tell you how many times I look with unabashed envy at guys who don't have to make their living playing, and as a result they just soak in the awesomeness of every moment of playing.

Long live the weekend warrior kick ass rock and roll hobby players.

Let's make a big Cellar band. Any style is good. We could have a yearly gig/BBQ/beer bash.

I am envious of UT and sm -- it'd be nice to have regular paying gigs. I'm not sure why our band hasn't connected yet. I know the style of music hinders us as far as widespread acceptance, and we lack the firebreathing frontman that would get us noticed in wider metal circles, but we always get props for our shows.

I wish I could soak in the awesomeness OR get paid. I rarely get to do either -- too worried about not screwing up. How do you regularly performing musicians overcome the technical aspect of playing, clear your minds and just kick ass onstage?

[smoothmoniker]

Originally Posted by mrnoodle

How do you regularly performing musicians overcome the technical aspect of playing, clear your minds and just kick ass onstage?

Practice, practice, practice. There is no secret zen mind mode that will get you there, it's a function of technical fluency and musical confidence. I know what I can play, and I am confident in my musical choices, and it comes from hours and hours and hours spent with my hands on a keyboard. I'm sure UT is the same way with bass.

I'm a big believer in the 80% rule - the most difficult thing you attempt in a live setting should only be 80% of what you're able to do in personal practice. Leave yourself that level of cushion to account for nerves, bad sound, a drummer dragging a bit, the hot girl in the front row winking at you, any of a thousand things that will make the live performance more difficult than the private practice.

-sm