How to Create a Before-Gig Routine
You’ve booked a gig, you’ve practiced, and now it’s show day! So what are some essentials to know-before-you-go?
On today’s music “minute” Monday, I walk y’all through my personal routine for getting ready for a show and just exactly what I bring along with me!
1st Up, Getting ready routine:
Listen, no matter who you are, having a hygiene routine before a show not only ensures that you look fresh but it’s also just good for you! Whether it’s a shower, a skin care routine, or both, I highly recommend it before you go to your gig. Not only do you walk in fresh-faced but it also gives you an opportunity to have a moment of zen!
The Warm Up-Routine:
If you’re driving to a gig, warm up in your car! Find a tried & true routine (mine ranges anywhere from 5 minutes to 15 depending on how big or long the gig is) and start doing your warm up on your way. If you’re not driving, try and find a space in the venue to do it beforehand or even, do it before you leave home so your voice is ready to be its best. Whether it’s a short gig or long gig, you need to warm up your voice so take advantage of your down time!
The gig bag:
Caitie and I have talked about this before. Every musician has a gig bag they carry with them with their essentials. Whether it’s your gear, touch up materials for make up & hair, extra water bottles or vocal supplements (cough drops, vocal spray, a mister, tea, etc!), have it packed & ready to go the night before so you’re not running around looking for everything right as soon as you walk out the door.
What to eat:
While there’s no “diet” you need to follow (gross.) you do need to take in to consideration the fact that you’re about to sing. Teetering the line between eating enough to get through with all of the energy you need to perform and not eating so much you’re so full you can’t sing. Remember: your diaphragm pushes on your stomach and other internal organs when you breathe so you don’t want to limit it with an overly full tummy! I usually eat my bigger meals at the beginning of the day/midday and snack as I need it right before!
No matter what you’ve got going on, when you create a before-gig routine, you can take the guess work out of getting ready!