ARTISTS: HOW TO PREP FOR A GIG
Whether it’s your first time on stage or you’ve done a few shows already, one thing remains true: the way you prep matters!. Too many artists treat gigs like they’re just something to “show up” to. This is a chance to connect, grow your presence, and make people remember your name.
Let’s talk about how to prep for a gig.
🎶 1. PICK YOUR TRACKS + SEND THEM IN ON TIME!
This might sound basic, but we’ve seen it too many times:
Artists don’t send their music in on time!!!!
That delays the show, messes with the DJ, and stresses the team out. Don’t be that artist.
Pick your songs early.
Finalize your set order. (Be intentional with the order)
Label your files clearly (ArtistName_SongTitle.mp3).
Email them in BEFORE the deadline.
Respect the platform that booked you by being prepared. That’s how you get booked again!
🗣 2. REHEARSE, REHEARSE, REHERASE
We know you wrote the song. But do you perform it?
Practicing at home helps, but nothing beats full-out rehearsing your set:
Run through the performance standing up.
Practice holding a mic, your breathing, and your stage voice.
Work on your transitions—how you intro each song, how you end them.
If you show up rehearsed, you shine different. Period.
🧍🏽♂️ 3. MOVE AROUND. CONNECT. BRING PRESENCE.
Too many newer artists freeze up or stay stuck in one spot on stage.
Your music is important—but your energy brings it to life.
Move. Walk the stage.
Look up. Make eye contact.
Talk to the crowd. Ask them how they feel. Hype them up. Introduce your songs.
Bring a friend on stage if it helps you feel more natural.
The crowd wants to connect with you, not just your lyrics. So let them.
📢 4. ROLL IT OUT (YES, EVEN SMALL GIGS)
Even if it’s a local show, do a mini rollout. That promo shows people you take this seriously.
Post the flyer on social media.
Share BTS clips of you rehearsing or prepping.
Countdown to the day. Make it a moment.
After the gig, post-performance clips, thank the crowd, and tag the event page.
People can’t support what they don’t know about.
🎤 5. ON STAGE, BE YOURSELF—BUT TURNED UP
Authenticity always wins, but don’t confuse that with low energy.
Be you, but be bold.
Don’t be afraid to show emotion, smile, and talk.
If you mess up, keep going. Most people won’t even notice.
Commanding the stage doesn’t mean being extra—it means being intentional.
🌟 6. TAP IN, DON’T TAP OUT
After your set, don’t leave unless you have to.
Watch other artists.
Support the rest of the lineup.
Network. Build.
Tell the event host or organizer, thank you.
Collect footage and clips from the night to repost.
Every show you do is part of your story. Make sure people remember your page on it.
💬 FINAL WORD
Every gig is an opportunity. Whether there are 5 people in the crowd or 500, show up with purpose. Send your music in. Practice your set. Move with energy. Connect. Promote. Tap in.
—Snxwdxll
