Nikita Afonso – PRESHOW RITUALS

In this Preshow Rituals segment, the americana artist, Nikita Afonso, reveals what she does before taking the stage. You can check out her rituals, after the break.

Whether traveling solo or going on road trips with my band, being a musician has created some of my favorite memories, ever since first using my seatbelt as an air guitar, jamming out to Arvil as a young grasshopper.  Now that we play real guitars, we usually listen to music or crime and conspiracy theory podcasts on the way to shows. My bandmates and I are quite the nerdy chatterboxes, always having conversations or engaging in debates on topics ranging anywhere from Star Wars to cooking to sports. But mostly Star Wars. And never sports.

Once we land in the city, one of the most important stops is visiting family or friends that may live in the area. Play a board game, have a meal or just catch up with people we love.

After soundcheck is when we really start to mellow out. Sometimes we will go our separate ways and begin our own preshow vocal/instrument warm-ups. I like to drink hot water with lemon and honey while running through the entire set list in my mind. Going over moments and certain songs ahead of time prepares me so that when I am on stage I can just let go. When we come together again, there are lots of high hives, hugs and getting each other pumped for a good show. The best shows are the ones that I can just have fun with my band and the audience that has come to spend their night with us.

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