Ollie Gabriel – PRESHOW RITUALS

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

Every show that I do, no matter how big or small, I have to do my certain routine. The same way that Clark Kent goes into a phone booth and then comes out like Superman. Rocking a crowd is no easy task, so I like to make sure that I’m prepared mentally, physically, and emotionally every time.

For my physical preparation, I definitely like to get in some HIGH-INTENSITY cardio the day of a show, in the morning right when I awake. This helps raise my energy levels, and, for some reason, it makes my voice sound clearer after I’ve had a good workout. If I’m in a hotel, then I definitely will always do the sauna and hot tub after a workout. The sweating is great for opening up my vocal passage.

Once I’m all nice and wrinkly, It’s time to take a power nap about 4 hours before show time. I will stop talking altogether and this gives my voice a little extra rest. I’ll sleep for like an hour, then I’ll wake up and start my pump up. This usually consists of me turning on 80’s fight music, like “Eye of the tiger’ or “Fight to Survive” from the Bloodsport soundtrack. During this time I transform into the worlds greatest fighter, and I pretend to beat up an entire clan of air ninjas. This serves two purposes, it loosens up my joints and lightens the pressure and mood.

About 2 hours before the show, I like to have a big meal and I drink lots of hot tea and honey. After eating I start some vocal warm ups for like 20 minutes. I find a quiet place again, to visualize my performance. Then I knock out 100 push ups so I feel strong. I then get dressed, and I pace like a boxer in the locker room ready for war until it’s show time.

The biggest ritual for me is the visualizing. I have to see the show before it happens. Also, I like to keep the energy fun and positive. So most importantly, even though touring is serious business, It has to be fun. So when I’m getting ready for a show, I never forget the hyper kid who used to dream of this being his job.

The lights come on, I hear my name, I have the microphone now, Superman emerges out of the booth.

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