MADITRONIQUE – PRESHOW RITUALS

In this Preshow Rituals segment, the singer-songwriter, MADITRONIQUE, reveals what she does before taking the stage. You can check out the rituals, after the break.

I have a few things that help me feel ready for a show – if I don’t feel prepared then it’s WELCOME TO THE ANXIETY DOME, SUCKERS. My pre-show ritual doesn’t involve sacrificing a goat and summoning the spirit of David Bowie (not usually anyway), but just a couple of basic things.

Run through my set
I like to do this on a couple of days leading up to the show if I can, which usually involves setting up all my gear and lights in the living room. If I’m super organized and have chosen my outfit well in advance (one less thing to think about on the day), then I might practice in that too, to check for annoying flappy sleeves that get caught in things, or falling over in heels, etc.

Take snacks
You can never guarantee when or what you’re going to be able to eat on a gig day, and I am an absolute toddler and CANNOT COPE with being hungry. I have a cool bag, known affectionately in my circles at ‘The Cool Bag of Destiny’, which I’ll load up with cold drinks, and snacks. Then I can eat whenever (i.e. not immediately before singing, ugh), and not be the hangriest diva in the green room.

Vocal warmups
I usually do these when I’m doing my makeup (MY WAR PAINT). I like to have this time in amongst the stress of loading in and sound checking etc, to just focus on having my voice ready, and it’s like some sort of theatrical getting into character for me too. Don’t try to hold a conversation with me at this point, but feel free to join in if you want. I use a mixture of apps and Youtube videos for warmups (Cheryl Porter is good).

Watch other acts
If there’s time amongst the setting up, and getting ready to catch a bit of the other acts, I like to do it, so it’s not like I’m just emerging from a dark cave into society, and trying to get on that gig energy from zero. It usually builds me up to do a better show, and it’s great when all the acts on a bill are supportive and cool.

Water/rider
An obvious one, but drink loads of water, more than you would on a normal day. Gig day stuff like carrying gear dehydrates you. I am a connoisseur of the reusable water bottle, I have been through many that WEREN’T RIGHT before finding the one I use now and take everywhere. And riders, they’re usually made up of beer (Red Stripe, anyone?). I don’t drink it, so I always check and get myself some delicious wine instead (bonus points for no fizz to mess up your voice).

Keep up with her on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Upcoming shows:
Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff, 2/7/22
Green Gathering Festival, 6/8/22
Gwen Gwen Festival, 13/8/22
Inglefest, 19/8/22