Dec 22, 2010
01:10am, 4th Set, Liquid Band performing Thursday Night at Safari Club, Grand Hyatt Muscat in Oman
As I perform Waka Waka to the crowd pulling off some of Shakira‘s moves, beads of sweat run down my brow and I feel my mascara running but all I am thinking is, “One thing I have to do tonight is rock this crowd”!!!
There are so many hours of preparation to take into consideration as a Rockstar long before the curtain call. Frequently, people question what musicians actually really ‘do’ during the day…I threw this very question out for discussion to guys in the band over lunch and there was roar a of laughter, because it is the one thing musicians are always asked! So I decided for the next three months I’m going to explain a Rockstar’s life with a few figures…this is Part I, which is all about stage image.
Rockstar Living…The Real Deal
Clothing: 10-12 outfits per week = 2 wardrobe changes per night
Shoes: Dancing – 4 hours per night in 5-inch stiletto pumps = 1 pair of new shoes every 2 months
Make-Up (Clinique/MAC/L’Oreal): Apply Make-Up 4 x daily
Hair: Every 6-8 weeks haircut & highlights, blowdry hair = 2 x daily & styling 4 x daily
Toiletries: Shower = apply 2-3 x daily
Massage: Feet need TLC after 4 hours of dancing!
Phone: Love you Mom & Dad calls!
Rehearsals (song preparation – lead vocals, backing vocals, musician parts; song research for choreography; creating forms & sequences; constant reviewing material): 3 hours daily
Sleep: 8-10 hours daily
Free-time: 1 hour daily
Eating No-no’s: Spicy and fatty foods (try avoiding the dessert table!) = 2x daily
Staple Diet: Ginger, honey, fruit, vegetables, herbal tea
Exercise: 3-4 x weekly
Vocal Warmup: 30 minutes per day
TOTAL: 24 hours of preparation per day
***NB: Each musician has their own schedule, but it’s pretty much the same***
Much of what we do is all in planning and making preparations, so that when we hit the stage it is at maximum impact, has the most affect and leaves the crowd wanting more.
We perform six nights per week for 4-6 months at a time. Often we we go straight to the next destination from one gig to the next, jump off the plane and onto stage…there is no stopping the show for anything!
Next up is ‘Part II, All About The Song’ which we’ll delve into what it takes to learn a song (properly) and what is added into the performance.
As the Christmas period draws in and I think of you all back home, I’m singing ‘I’ll Be Home For Christmas’ to you…I will miss you during this time. Wishing you a blessed festive season!
Until next year :>
Love, light and happiness always
LT
XXX