My last time out left me a bit deflated, I'm still very unsure about whether I want to continue trying to perform to an audience and the odd comment from the congregation has doubted me further recently.. :-(
I'm certainly well down the order of standard there and slot in as just another act, but as I got up for my second go last time, an outspoken person said "I much preferred him when he was shy"... being the sensitive sort, I took it to heart a bit and wondered if trying to get over shaking like a leaf and knotting myself up each fortnight is a good thing.. I haven't changed my approach to going up since day one and still have real issues with volume and my abilities.
Just take it on the chin and carry on..? I'm not a runner but I haven't heard anything said about anyone else. I'd hate to look over confident or anything as that would be as far from the truth as could be..!!
I had another comment a few weeks earlier too and just laughed it off..
I enjoy the club but the thought of having to get up now has changed my outlook on going sadly, I really just want to be an audience member applauding the acts again.
Shame......
8 Comments |
 | rendesvous1840 says:
7/22/2011 9:15:15 AM
There could be any number of reasons for the comment, and it may not have been you to whom he was referring. Are you going to let someone spoil your fun? I vote "Nay!"
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 | David M says:
7/25/2011 1:35:36 AM
It's not a comment or two that would stop me, I'm ugly enough to handle them, my night is just being spoiled by the thought of having to perform when I go. The other's have a level of extrovert in them which drives them on I think..
Give it a week or two and I might have a different outlook...
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 | panthersquall says:
7/26/2011 7:59:16 PM
Take a break, David! Get the enjoyment of listening and being an audience member back and relax for a little bit. You've certainly earned it!
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| David M says:
7/27/2011 1:22:30 PM
Hi Laurie, I was starting to relax a bit each turn and semi enjoy myself, playing a more variety of tunes and singing away. Just feel a bit deflated and would hate to be seen to come across cocky in any way, really not me at all..!!
I don't want to jack in going, Julia is enjoying the music too and it's a good night out. It just seemed a way out there kind of thing for me to attempt, which I have now.
We'll see how it goes, take care Laurie and best wishes with your banjo.. ;-)
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 | Paul R says:
8/27/2011 7:39:49 PM
I hope you're still going.
That was a curious comment for someone to make, David. I can't quite grasp the intention behind it. I can imagine the same person saying, "When will he drop the scared, shy act?" What then?
When I have to re-evaluate my "act". the usual conclusion is that it's time to get back to basics. Put across something simple with good timing, and check that I'm on pitch.
I often bring in songs that they don't know. And if it has more than a I-IV-V chord structure, forget it. So songs like City of New Orleans or Mr. Bojangles become solos. I know how to scare them - just say, "This song has chords!"
Yesterday before things started, I told the lead guitarist what I was going to do and he nearly took a fit. When I explained that it was only two chords, and showed him how the song went, he was better about it. You just never know how anyone will react.
Sometimes the best thing to do is just to do your own thing, as solidly and as well as possible. I have a bit (?) of a competitive streak in me, and I sometimes switch songs to contrast with someone who's gone before me.
My suggestion is to make sure your singing is in key and your timing is solid (not saying they aren't!), and just be yourself up there. By all means, keep it going!
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| David M says:
8/30/2011 3:26:41 AM
Hi Paul, thanks for your reply.
We're going to the club again Wednesday but I'll leave the banjo at home this first week, otherwise I know the organiser will keep making an issue of getting up (he wants as many to participate as possible through the night).
Sounds like you have a great and varied time of it with plenty of drive..!! Do you perform solo anytime..?
My old sport competitive streak doesn't seem to have followed me into music.. yet.. :-)
Best wishes.....David
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| Paul R says:
10/19/2011 2:53:48 AM
Sorry to take so long to reply, David.
Any time it's your turn, you're going "solo" with a backup band. It's a song jam, so you get up and sing and play your two songs and the "regulars" back you up. It's possible to do an instrumental, but only a very few people do that. The solist gives the key plus any instructions, then starts the song. The solist also signals the end, often by raising one foot. Everyone is responsible for staying in key (chord changes at the right spots) and in time.
My competitive side keeps me evaluating my song choices and how well I sang and played. I'm even evaluating as I'm singing. "Oops! Got to make sure I'm not singing flat!" I've occasionally swiyched song choices to try to "sound better" than the person(s) who sang before me, or to contrast with their song choices.
Overall, though, everyone is trying to make everyone else sound good. Playing backup means a lot of listening and trying to follow along and blend in. It's good discipline.
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| David M says:
10/19/2011 10:52:28 AM
Hi Paul good to hear from you. Sounds like you have a great setup and night out, I wonder if I need a mate to maybe carry me along a bit now and again and take some of the limelight.
I've jacked in performing all together now and we haven't been back to the club since the comment night, sadly it just knocked my enthusiasm for it so I'm back to just me in the front room on my own now. We even missed Ken Perlman the other week I think, oh hum..
Keep up the good work Paul, good to hear it's going well.
All the best......David
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