Atli – PRESHOW RITUALS

In this Preshow Rituals segment, the indie folk artist, Atli, reveals what he does before taking the stage. You can check out the rituals, after the break.

Performing is a tricky little thing and can be very stressful depending on lots of things. I personally love performing and I always try to make sure I’m as prepared as possible. I come from a football background so I’m very familiar with that “Game Day” feeling and the nerves that sometimes follow.

I try to make sure I always get plenty of rest before a show and I will take as many naps as I need to make sure I don’t step on stage tired. I also make sure I run through my entire set earlier during the day just to reassure myself that I know my act. This always calms me down a bit and gives me a sense of control over the show. After that, I like to not think too much about the show and usually, I spend my day listening to podcasts and playing Rocket League until I have to leave.

When I finally get to the venue I familiarize myself with the staff there and all the equipment, making sure everything is the way it should be. I then have a little chat with the people who came to see me and the other acts performing (if there are any).

For on-stage rituals, I don’t really have a lot of things that I consistently do except for maybe making sure that my water bottle is with me. I hate being the guy on stage that asks the crowd to bring him a glass of water. My favorite thing to do on stage is telling really bad jokes and then looking back to find my band members all staring at me with a look of complete disappointment and then just carrying on with the show.

Performing truly gives me a feeling I can’t find anywhere else in the world and I’m so grateful to be in a position where I can do this on a regular basis.

Keep up with him on Instagram.