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| The Art of Stage Presence
by Neil Evans |
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Stage presence is often over looked for bands and peformers. With technology these days anyone can go into a studio and make a great album. Heck, they might even be able to recreate their songs live for an audience. But how do they look doing it? Are they confident? Do they cower under pressure or rise and deliver a skin-tingling performance? Want to rock the stage like you were a true guitar hero? Take notes.
Story of the Year
Now, I've seen band jump around before but Story of the Year was the first band I saw to incorporate karate jump kicks and acrobatics to accent the heaviness of their music. At first I thought it was hilarious, then cool, now kind of silly. Seriously, they had to have practiced their high-flying moves at some point during rehearsal. It's like, "Great job, that last song sounded great. Now it's time to work on our stage moves. 1,2,3 KICK!" Also, notice how both performances match up perfectly. So choreographed. Waltham
Waltham (the band) is amazing. Chicks dig lead singers and sappy lyrics. You got to sell it! Lead singer Frank Pino is a modern day Elvis crossed with Rick Springfield. Stare into the fan's eyes and rip out there hearts with the power of your heart. [NOTE: Yes, please watch all 9 minutes.] Rolling Stones
Dude, you're old and you look pretty fruity here. I would hardly call you the greatest frontman of all time. Mick, hang it up before you die onstage when you're 85. Amy Winehouse
Ok, so how many drugs do we think she's on? Great voice and an outstanding record but c'mon Amy, could you give a shit at your concerts? It's gotta be the drugs. Totally.
Taking Back Sunday
Like Brand New said, "Mics are for singing, not swinging." I really don't know if lead singer Adam Lazzara invented the swinging mic gag but it's so corny. It's creation though, has successfully distracted fans from his horrible voice for over seven years now. Congrats! Unwritten Law
Cocky. Swagger. Confidence. Everything about Unwritten Law and specifically singer Scott Russo is bad ass. I believe I emulated his every move singing with Tablesport All-Stars once at a show in Danbury, CT. I thought I was so cool. But really, no one will ever own the stage like Scott and UL. Kanye West
Love him, hate him, whatever. He sweats confidence and it's paralyzing. He's the new Muhammed Ali; funny, smart, brash, talented and he backs it all up. In a day where all rap concerts just turn into a screaming-fest with 13 rappers on stage at once, Kanye actually puts on a show and entertains. Goldfinger
On of the first bands I really fell in love with and steered me down the punk rock road. Seeing Feldman live over and over again never got old. You knew when he would jump into the crowd, you knew the set list but it was still exciting every time. And yes, I got on stage during "Mable" at the Webster back whenever they played there. Take that Mr. Green Day Mike. Speaking of Green Day…
The consummate performers, Green Day seem to get better with age. While sometimes their crowd participation call and response breaks can run a little long, they do everything they can to give the audience a concert they'll never forget. [NOTE: I believe by adding other musicians to their touring band, Green Day became an even better and more versatile band. Horns? Keys? That's not PuNk! Fuck punk, play good music.] James Brown
The godfather of stage presence. Watch and learn.
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