The truth can be harsh. Brutal. And the terrible trouble with the truth is, well, it’s the truth!
In my last post for artists, I discussed the idea of post mortems after performances and their importance in the learning process. But I may have left one thing out. You have to be honest with yourself. If you’re a band, you have to be honest with each other. Okay, maybe not Buddy Rich honest (WARNING: Filthy language alert!) You have to tell the truth. Lead or backing vocals “pitchy”? Tell the truth! Guitar solo not getting it? Tell the truth! Drummer had a bit too much to drink? Tell the truth!
You can never say the show was “good enough”. That’s not the truth. Good enough never is! The truth should be that the show was okay, but it could have been better.
LOOK IN THE MIRROR
Your post mortem should be like a mirror of your performance. Hey, I know it’s not easy but nothing worth doing right (and better than anyone else) ever is. Maintain the point of view and mindset that “good enough never is!”
Pick over every detail of the performance and find the parts of songs that did and didn’t work. Again, tell the truth. Not being honest with yourself about your performance isn’t going to do you or anyone else any good. In fact, since it’s as easy as holding a smartphone, have a friend or fan video your performance for the post mortem. Study everything about the set and if you’re not sure about what you should be looking for…
PICK UP THE PHONE
I’ve been there. I was an artist and those experiences give me a keen sense of what works and what doesn’t work onstage. I’ve learned from (and continue to learn from) some of the best performers and artists in the business and together and if you and I work together, we can move the needle on your career.
Two more things:
#TakeTheTwenty now.
Reach out to me and let’s make a plan. chris@chriskeaton.com
