The Arson Choir – PRESHOW RITUALS

In this Preshow Rituals segment, the metalcore band, The Arson Choir, reveals what they do before taking the stage. You can check out the story, after the break.

My pre-show ritual actually starts the day before the show. I tend to be the guitar nerd of the band so a big part of that is making sure my gear is in good working order; that means new strings, checking my speaker cab, and deciding which amp to use. Doing all that ensures that when I get on stage, I know that everything I use is ready to be thrown around for the show. The other part of the night before is making sure I had a decent enough meal because I have a tendency to not eat until after the show. I know that’s not the best idea but the most I will eat before a show is a protein shake.

An hour or so before the show, I try to stretch and run with my guitarist Eric. We like to be very energetic on stage and that means trying not to hurt ourselves if possible. I’ve found some amazing workout videos on YouTube and they tend to really help with being not time-consuming and quick warm-ups. About 20 minutes before jumping on stage, I try to pick up my guitar and get acclimated to the weight and play through a few of the more difficult parts so my hands aren’t completely cold. I try to save the last 5 minutes before getting in the proper headspace for the music. The Arson Choir is a high energy release for me and playing a show is my version of therapy. All of those feelings that I’ve been bottling up are able to be let out and for those 30 minutes, I can be free with my dudes.

Post-show, I try to drink as much water as possible and finally find something to eat, usually chicken nuggets of some kind. While packing up, I try to disengage as much as possible and focus on getting all my gear in one spot and try not to throw up from heat exhaustion (which has happened to our drummer Kevin).

Keep up with the band on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.