It’s 2:55am so probably not a sensible time to write a blog but I feel like it so here goes.
I love analogies, they help me make sense of the sometimes very confusing World around me. I enjoy listening to the analogies that others offer and even more so, I love creating my own.
I recently had to learn “You Only Live Twice” and the more I read the lyrics the more I disagreed with the title. So, to prove my point (just to myself) I thought about an analogy of “life”compared to a singer’s ideal live performance.
I will now share my thoughts with you.
The preparations for a gig can be compared to life. It’s good if you know what’s expected of you, and, there are usually some essential requirements (you need to know the location of the gig, learn the songs, have a set list etc.) So, like life, a gig usually goes better if you have taken it through some type of planning process.
Now I think this is where the important bit comes in, the performance part. This is where some singers choose to either “give it their all” by performing to their limits or choose to play it safe.
The stage lights have been illuminated, you have been introduced, so there is no going back for a rehearsal, you can’t ask for another sound check (not even a small twiddle of the knobs) because the audience have arrived, they are watching and are listening. It’s time to do it.
The performance choice is, to keep it nice and safe and maybe have an “OK” gig or to make it exciting, take risks, maybe make mistakes but most importantly make the performance an enjoyable and memorable one. I have chosen to live my life like I perform.
I want to seize every opportunity that presents itself to me and even grab some that have not been presented to me. At times I will push my range and experiment with vocal licks that I previously had not even thought about, let alone attempted. If I feel that the band are happy to embark on a mystery tour I may occasionally stray from the set list altogether. I have no doubt that I will make mistakes. There is a danger in this way of living /performing because mistakes could make others uncomfortable so it is very important that whilst performing I don’t forget that others are on the stage/in the venue with me and they must be considered. The band must have an explorer’s spirit and not be distressed by being taken into uncharted waters. It is essential that the audience enjoys the experience. On and off stage it’s also nice to make time to bring smiles to the faces of the bar staff, security, cleaners (and anyone else you might bump into before you pack up and leave).
I find that writing things down is like creating analogies, it helps me understand and achieve what I want. I hope writing the above will help me focus and perform a blinder.
Life is no rehearsal, this is the real thing. You only live once and it’s happening now so make the most of it and “Life’s A Long Song” so sing it the very best you can.