Baha Men – TOUR TIPS

In this Tour Tips segment, music director/guitarist Herschel Small, of the Bahamian reggae fusion band, Baha Men, gives you his tips for being on tour. You can check out the feature, after the break.

It’s a great opportunity to be able to share your music all over the country and the world and here is what I believe is very useful advice.

1) Be Punctual
This is often approached in a lackadaisical manner by many groups that find themselves having issues with being on time. Find the balance of being overly anxious about punctuality. Focus on being on time by pre-planning. Estimate the time you need to do all the necessary task and allow more time for each task, i.e. if you have a task that takes 30 minutes and you want to be done by 9:30 a.m., if possible begin at 8:30 a.m., so that you would be finished ahead of time and on time for the next.

2) Pre-Plan Wardrobe
If possible, plan your attire at least the day before. Whatever you plan to wear and use, make sure that you have them readily available and you can physically see/touch them. Try on clothes (especially if new) to make sure they fit just right. You want to be as comfortable as possible out there and you wouldn’t want to be making last minute changes in anything.

3) Warm up With Light Exercise
Warm up with your body with light exercise. Don’t do anything strenuous before your performance. Any rigid exercises (if you do them at all) should be done during the days or nights when you’re not performing. During the daylight of, you may want to do just light cardio, just to get the body warmed up a bit. You want to feel as good and as fresh as possible on stage.

4) Warm Up Vocals
You may be surprised at a number of bands that don’t take the time to do this. You should warm up the voice! (if only to avoid cracks….. nobody wants to hear your voice crack). Warm up with vocalizes that are comfortable in your vocal range. As the voice warms up, you may extend the range but only with what is comfortable. Avoid strain.

5) Avoid Negative Chatter
This is your show! This is your big day and maybe your big break. Your dressing room is most likely the last place to affirm a good state of mind. Focus on how great your show/ performance is going to be. See the audience responding favorably. Imagine them calling out for more. Envision everything going just the way you planned it or even better. While you are backstage, avoid anyone that may be saying derogatory things and/or any chatter that doesn’t inspire you. Be calm, be positive….. Be Great.

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