For those that perform music who are fortunate to be getting bookings and stepping back on-stage again, there’s another opportunity not to be overlooked.
After all those months of sitting at home waiting and wondering when the pandemic would end and “settling” for only being able to perform online, you’re starting to put some dates on your calendar. I know, finally!
You waited very (very) nervously as you watched your bank account dwindle and you held out hope that your fans would support you enough to get you through a patch so rough that you weren’t sure if you’d still be a performer on the other side of it.
But now that there are live shows happening again in enough markets to warrant this, I am compelled to write the following advice this week.
Throughout those scary times, you posted on social media quite often about, ‘When this is all over, I’m going to be thankful every single time I step on stage. And I’m going to express my gratitude to each and every one of you at each one of my performances’ (or words to that affect). Now, here’s your chance!
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While some audience members might not be ready for a hug yet, thanks to the Coronavirus still hanging around, you’ve got an otherwise golden opportunity to let people know – in-person – how much their support means to you.
Remember to approach this solely from a place of gratitude, however. It’s important to keep in mind that lots and lots (and lots) of people across a number of different industries were affected by the pandemic, including permanent job loss. In other words, there are folks who are still looking for work. So, now that you’re returning to the job, groveling about how bad things got or “I didn’t even know if I was going to be able to pay my bills” might not sit too well with people who cut down to one meal a day (or know someone who cut down to one meal a day) due to no longer having a paycheck coming in.
But remember to thank the venues too. They had it really tough as well and don’t have to be resuming live music yet. So, the fact that they are, well that’s another opportunity to express your gratitude.
I know, it’s a shame that yesterday was Easter and not Thanksgiving because it sure is a time to be counting your blessings.
But take all this to social media too. Let the people who are following you from a distance and not able to attend your live shows know that you’re grateful – and that you’re telling people “thank you.” Post a short video clip of you at a live performance doing exactly what I’m recommending here. If you don’t and all people see is you posting your upcoming live shows the way you were always used to doing, they’re going to think that you took nothing away from the experience of seeing what it’s like having your livelihood taken away from you.
Seize this chance to say what you mean and mean what you say.
Share with me how you’re thanking people. Tweet to me via @NHT_tweets. Or post it instead on Facebook or LinkedIn. Alternatively, get in touch with me via email. Plus, in this reboot of getting back out performing again, include a private, one-on-one video consultation with me to talk about your music career and what I can help you with. Take advantage of my more than 15 years working with artists like you (or my seven years of podcasting) when you have a chat with me, which you can schedule through here.