Shields (UK) – PRESHOW RITUALS

In this Preshow Rituals segment, the UK-based metalcore band, Shields, shares what they do before taking the stage. You can check out the feature, after the break.

Alex – Being the drummer I always have tons of gear to set up when I get to a venue. Luckily for me, I find this relaxing and it starts to get me on the right mindset for the show, especially after being cramped in a van for the last few hours. once the show is in full swing I will make sure I have a quiet area to change into my stage gear and warm up. Once I’m all set I make sure I stretch so I can be 100% when I hit the stage. I will normally spend a few minutes pacing back and forth by myself to get into the ‘miserable’ mindset needed for our show.

Sam, Jamie Joe – We three just spend about 20 mins stretching out our arms and legs much as we can, get limbered up! Joe and I (Sam) both, of course, have to warm up their vocals. This is preceded by drinking about 2 – 3 litres of water throughout the day, usually on the drive to the show. Then before the set, we do gentle breathing exercises and run scales to make sure we can hit the notes we need to.

I (Joe) have my own mental preparations, these take place not in the period of time I spend warming up but as the intro of our set plays. I tend to think about near death experiences and the feeling I got from them, such the sensation of drowning or being hung.

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