J Fernandez – PRESHOW RITUALS

In this Preshow Rituals segment, the singer-songwriter, J Fernandez, shares what he does before taking the stage. You can check out the feature, after the break.

These aren’t really rituals. Just sort of normal routines. I don’t really consider myself a very natural performer so it takes some preparation before getting on stage. These are a few things that get me in that mode.

Spending a bit of time away from the venue can be key. And taking a walk in the area near the venue helps. During this time a combination of the following things might happen:

If I feel tired, I’ll just walk back to the van and sleep or listen to music alone.

If there’s a record store close by, I might look through the new arrivals section, but not really buy anything cause it gets sort of annoying having to keep up with vinyl in the van for the rest of tour.

If I need to relieve stress, then I’ll go into a place like a cafe or something and destroy a public bathroom.

If I need to actually use the bathroom, then I’ll find a cafe, use the bathroom then destroy it.

If I need to cry, I’ll walk back to the van.

If I get hungry, I usually don’t like to eat before sets, so I’ll just walk around looking at amazing restaurants in the area but not get anything. Then I’ll wait until the end of the show when everything’s closed and complain to the rest of my band about how hungry I am.

Once I’ve explored all options in the surrounding area, I’ll head back to the venue, drink some J&B brand whiskey (I avoid carbonated drinks before the set), then go through each song in my head just to make sure I remember what they sound like.

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