Crywolf – PRESHOW RITUALS

In this Preshow Rituals segment, the indie electronic artist, Crywolf, shares what he does before every show. You can check out his rituals, after the break.

– Day of show, I make sure to pace myself. There is so much work to do, traveling from place to place, that it’s easy to overdo it and end up getting exhausted before doors open. I drink lots of water, relax at every opportunity. With so many elements to the show and so many changing dynamics at each venue, I need to remain sharp to make sure the show is as good as it can be.

– We’ll typically arrive at the venue about 3 hours before doors. My crew sets up lights, projectors for visuals, and I set up my gear (I am super anal about the way my gear is set up). After I double check the projector and lights, I sound check.

– Sound check is a 1-2 hour process, where I try to get the venue’s system as accurate and as high fidelity as possible, as well as troubleshoot any feedback issues or sound inconsistencies. I really want each member of the audience to be able to hear the set well, so I walk around to various areas of the venue to make sure there is full coverage.

– Next, I find the best sushi place in the city and go wild. I’ll typically down a few saki bombs with my crew too, to take some of the stress off. I can’t eat a ton before a show, but I save a bunch of the sushi for afterward.

– When I head back to the venue, the real pre-show rituals start: Everyone leaves my dressing room and I do vocal warm ups for about 30 minutes, then I meditate for 15 minutes, then I stretch and warm my body up. I do jumping jacks while controlling my breathing… in for 10 seconds, out for 10 seconds, in for 11 seconds, out for 11, going up till 18. I have to be able to jump and run around the stage for an hour and a half while controlling my breathing enough to sing, so this helps me get in that calm control mode.

– Next, I take two shots of whiskey, make sure my team is ready for the launch, and then I get super excited and get on stage.

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