Jagwar Twin – PRESHOW RITUALS

In this Preshow Rituals segment, the alternative rock artist, Jagwar Twin, reveals what he does before taking the stage. You can check out the story, after the break.

A big part of my creative and pre-show process is daily mediation. I meditate for around 45 minutes every morning, usually after some type of moving workout, but sometimes before. I’ll do Chi-Do, Tai-Chi, Yoga, running, hiking, or calisthenics, depending on where I am and what my body tells me. I like to switch it up. I used to tell myself “I hated working out”, but I really enjoy it now.

I drink a lot of water, spring water when I have access to it, and eat a primarily organic, vegan diet, but I don’t say I am a vegan. I just listen to my body and if my body says it needs a steak one day I will eat that and try to get it from the most humane and fresh source possible. I also always pray and thank the plants and occasional animal before eating. With that being said, I try to limit acidic and mucus-forming foods in my everyday life which is extremely helpful for singers on the road but has many other health benefits.

Before walking onstage I do a 45-minute vocal warmup from Eric Vetro. I usually do it in a room by myself. I turn on a hot shower to steam up the room a little bit when that is an option. I also imagine the show in my mind sometimes. I picture the stage, and the lights and the people in the crowd and feel it with all my senses. Sometimes I picture the show happening from the vantage point of space looking down on earth. It’s hard to be nervous, no matter how big the show is, looking at it from that perspective.

Right before walking onstage I say a prayer and do a ritual to create a circle of light around the stage and paint different geometric patterns around the room in my mind. I remind myself that everyone in the room is one body of consciousness and we are all here in this moment together to co-create this experience to be an uplifting, safe place where we can connect to our shared human spirit. Then the band and I huddle up and we say some words and bless the show. I like to burn Palo Santos on the stage too. If I’m in the studio or creating at home I often do a similar ritual l. It helps me to enter into the space of creative imagination.

I end my days with a 20-40 minute meditation before bed, reflecting on the day and what was created. I go over things I did well and things that can be improved, and what I would like to see in the future. Then I let them all go and give them to my subconscious to be translated. Then I lay down and allow myself to slip into a dream.

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(photo credit: Josh Hubberman)