Stage chemistry missing

But in a band, just how important are the rest of the band members besides the lead singer?
Are they critical to the success of the show and what is their contribution?

The past few weeks I spent some time just checking out different bands jamming on the stage.
There is a trend that I noticed with all the bands that unfortunately left a lot to be desired. The chemistry between the lead singer, backing vocalist and the band is missing.
Is this because most of these band members are session artistes?
How committed are they since they play for one group today and move on to the next band the following day?

Picture this, the lead singer is belting out some good melodies and trying so hard to convince the audience that he has a message that he wants to deliver.
They come with the solution to happiness and backed by some of the best instrumentalists who, from the looks on their faces, don’t seem to be enjoying the music.
It’s like they have been forced to come and play or they never rehearsed the music.

The bass player plucks some of the most complex bass patterns with such cold body language, so is the lead guitarist and the rest of the band.
This they do with no ounce of life, excitement or spirit. Your ears can’t help but enjoy the musical expression but something is missing in this whole effort.

The energy coming from the stage is not convincing. It is obvious there is lack of performance skills, stage presence and energy.
Believe me, many of our bands are showing great progress, musically that is.
There is something that our instrumentalists need to work on besides being able to play their instrument of choice.

This is what makes people label Alick Macheso as the best bassist, John “Chibhodhoro” Muyambo as the best percussionist.
Develop stage techniques that complement your musical ability. Don’t just stand and stare as you play the guitar, move up and about show excitement and good body language.
It is one thing to play well and it is quite another thing to perform well.

The combination of musical skill, spirit and body language always makes the best impression. Before going in front of audiences practise some ways of drawing attention. The audiences are lured not just by the sound you make but by the way you are also demonstrating your conviction in what you are playing.
Nodding your head to the beat, smiling and eye contact with other band members helps to generate good stage energy and spirit.

Basically, ask yourself that besides what I am playing, what am I saying with my body expression?
During rehearsals band members must be encouraged to develop actions that are relevant to each song.
Over the years I noticed that anything you can’t do at practice you won’t be able to do on stage.

Music is a spiritual experience and so every member must embrace that and get involved. Half-heartedness is not required when you are an artiste especially on stage. It’s either you perform or you sit down.
When you are on stage next time look at the response coming from the crowds. It will tell you whether you are doing your part right – the smiles, the clapping of hands and the general mood.
Crowds naturally respond to what the musicians are giving them. A good performance sounds good and definitely looks good.

Till then, let the music play.