What Lies Below - PRESHOW RITUALS

In this Preshow Rituals segment, Andrew Watson, vocalist of the metalcore band, What Lies Below, reveals what he does before taking the stage. You can check out the rituals below:

The first order of business pre-show is being nervous out of my mind. I'm naturally a very nervous performer and even going back to school giving speeches was my worst nightmare. My pre-show ritual begins during soundcheck. I like to get a feel for the stage ahead of time and know what we're working with. Afterwards, I'll try to touch base with all the bands on the bill even if we only get a few words in. After that I usually sulk in my nervousness for a little bit before the excitement really kicks in.

When doors open and I see everyone coming in I start to get really pumped up. During this time I'm usually backstage shooting the shit with the guys having fun, and beginning my warm ups. I usually spend 10-15 minutes warming up my vocals.

Now, say we're 20~ minutes out from our set. This is where the most important part comes in. The tequila shot. It has lately become a complete ritual to do one before the set just to loosen up. By this point, I am pumped up out of my mind and ready for our set, and usually just shut my brain off and perform to the best of my ability.

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