I feel that stage performance is an important element in an artist’s career. Beyond making and promoting the music you create, you have to think about your live performance. Nobody wants to watch you stand there, lifeless. Take control, get the energy up, and ROCK that thing. Creating a routine for your live set is an important role in achieving the greatness of legends such as James Brown. What are you contributing to your live set that creates interest with the crowd? How can you keep their interest so they don’t start thinking, “I wonder what else is going on tonight”?
With that being said, I often look to James Brown as the bar to my own performances. Regardless of what is going on, James Brown is aware of everything around him and stays in complete control at all times. Watch the way he interacts with his band and how he plays with his mic stand. Observe the band, what is it they’re doing and when do they do it? Just remember, they call it a “show” for a reason, so be sure to put on a show for your audience.
Check out James Brown in this video as he performs Cold Sweat.
- Bryan “Black Tim” Swain
