The thing about festival gigs is that…
The lights are on. As in, the sun is out. As in, it’s not dark like you’re accustomed to, like the 98% of other shows you play.
Usually. Unless you’re one of the last three acts of the day.
When you’re a young act your dying to get on those festival stages, and then when you do it can often “just feel weird”.
It’s probably because you played your first 150 shows in the dark. Dingy clubs and bars, where having more than a few can lights was considered a luxury…and now all of a sudden the sun is illuminating absolutely everything. There’s literally no hiding. It’s a very different set of feelings and circumstances.
But even for acts further up the food chain who are used to playing with production in bigger clubs and theaters…those acts are still getting the day time slots at festivals…So there’s no smoke and lights to help the climactic moments. There’s no black out at the end of the song to help the audience know it’s the end of the song.
It’s just you. Brightly lit you.
It’s important to remember. And it’s important to embrace the difference and do something with it.
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I’m always interested in your perspective, whether affirming or dissenting. Continue the conversation anytime: gabethebassplayer@gmail.com