Tea Bag
Tiger Talk Pro
Reged: Sep 16 2004
Posts: 1410
Loc: Canada
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What techniques do you do to make sure you are fully rested and 'On' when you walk into a gig?
The reason I ask is;
- on gig day you load your equipment, drive a good distance, unload it, set it up, sound check and run around prepping etc. Then after all that, someone turns on the lights and you have to be sharp as a tack on the first downbeat.
Normally I don't have a problem with it but sometimes I find setup can take it's toll and playing fatigued is never good. Here's one example of gig fatigue and I'm not sure what the main cause was:
- I saw a loud 12 piece band play the night before a gig, woke up the next day with a headache that lasted all day. Got setup and soundchecked with 3 hours before the show. As I felt so tired, I went home and had a nap for ~40 minutes. I woke up seemingly rested.. but when it was time to play, my head felt like - EMPTY! - I couldn't remember cues in several tunes that I know inside out and backwards!
So.. I'm not sure if it is exhaustion or the 'power nap' did more harm than good..or maybe going out the night before and getting my ears blown off by a loud band is not a good thing..
Any gig prep tips out there?
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James Walker
Tiger Talk Pro
Reged: Mar 18 2002
Posts: 1281
Loc: Connecticut
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The big thing for me is diet. I usually don't eat before a gig, but if I do, I make sure it's something light, and really small portions. No alcohol for me, either. I'm not much of a drinker, but still - it just doesn't work for me.
The other thing that helps me is to have at least a few minutes of quiet time before hitting, which I know isn't always an option.
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moderator, mallet forum
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777Drum
Tiger Talk Pro
Reged: Feb 08 2006
Posts: 915
Loc: TX
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Sometimes there are just days when you feel a bit off. When I played in Bar Bands I always tried to get a nap b4 I had to leave. I think it helped some as Fridays were hard getting up at 5:30 am for work. Eating a lot b4 is a huge mistake I made a few times when the buffet table was open.
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" I am not a Number! I am a Free Man!
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Foursticks
Tiger Talk Pro
Reged: Feb 19 2003
Posts: 1015
Loc: California
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I recently left the bar band scene after 12 years of almost non-stop gigging (I only play at church now), primarily due to the fact that I am almost 58 and exhaustion has set in after too many nights ending at 2 a.m. (or later). But what I always tried to do before a gig was make sure to set up and soundcheck early enough that I could eat a very light meal and then take a brisk 30-45 minute walk to clear my head, get some fresh air, etc. Also, during breaks, I would always go outside the bar or club for more fresh air, away from the noise, the crowd and the smoke for a few minutes. All of that helped, but as I said, after 12 years...enough is enough! (At least for a while)
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Tea Bag
Tiger Talk Pro
Reged: Sep 16 2004
Posts: 1410
Loc: Canada
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Oh c$?! I must have overslept - from Wikipedia:
"prolonged naps, those exceeding 30 minutes, can lead to sleep inertia, causing the subject to be groggy after the nap" although short naps of 15-20 minutes can be refreshing. Probably that combined with a sleep deficit from the night before - and voilà - groggy head... That's pretty much describes the symptoms I had..
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Tea Bag
Tiger Talk Pro
Reged: Sep 16 2004
Posts: 1410
Loc: Canada
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I changed the name of this post from 'gig fatigue' to 'gig energy' because I realized it's all about energy.. (notwithstanding the 'groggy head - sleep inertia' syndrome). From stored 'potential' energy to kinetic energy.. to conservation of energy; an energy deficit can affect your performance. It seems to me that it's a chain - from how you prepare for a gig (sleep,food, physical fitness) which translates into the energy that you transfer to the sticks as they bounce off the heads..and then maintaining a constant tempo for long periods of time - without losing concentration and having the physical endurance to never let the meter budge.
Some have said that diet is a big thing for them; I tested that out at my last outdoor gig and carefully measured my intake from a giant pig roast buffet i.e., keep it light. Seems like a good strategy.
Which got me thinkin' - if you find yourself with an energy deficit going into a gig; are there any foods/drinks you find help for boosting your energy level?
- I know caffeine and alchahol can have negative effects.. but what about those energy drinks like Gatorade? I must confess I've never had the urge to try one based on all of the sugar content in those drinks..
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awfulldrummer
Tiger Talk Pro
Reged: Jun 26 2007
Posts: 984
Loc: the internet
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i usually have a very large coffee drink before a gig!
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DrumsUp
Tiger Talk Pro
Reged: Dec 06 2005
Posts: 142
Loc: Cape Breton Nova Scotia Canada
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Try some natural products such as Ginseng or Bee Pollen capsules. They don't contain caffeine or sugar, but they restore alertness and energy without keeping you awake when you get home. Some people have tremendous results. Gatorade, while quenching thirst and restoring sodium and electrolyte levels, doesn't really give you energy or help you stay awake.
Hope that helps.
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"Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup."
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Tea Bag
Tiger Talk Pro
Reged: Sep 16 2004
Posts: 1410
Loc: Canada
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Ah yes.. I've heard caffeine is a stimulant and some claim it can make you rush, alchahol is a depressant (which also wrecks your singing voice) and can slow you down.. but I suppose in moderation..
I forgot about Ginseng.. isin't it supposed to cure the common cold as well?
Which reminds me.. those 'fruit based Smoothies' give you a jolt as well.. probably add ginseng to it for an extra kick..
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awfulldrummer
Tiger Talk Pro
Reged: Jun 26 2007
Posts: 984
Loc: the internet
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moderation is the key to everything in life! obviously i don't mean to chug down a gallon of coffee before a gig! but a little sweet or caffeine drink/treat can't hurt. unless you're diabetic! but truthfully a quick look at your daily diet would be the best trick.
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