my advice for performers and musicians...

❤️👍✌️

i do a few public speaking and classes I get soto nervous thank you Ren awesome advice

Love this

Great advice! I’m a theatre performer and your messages resonate with me also. I’d add that unless you’re a soloist, performance is a ‘team sport’. I hate working with selfish actors who make it ‘all about them’, upstage and pull focus from other characters, go wildly off-script unexpectedly because they’ve had a sudden idea that hasn’t been rehearsed or discussed with their ‘team mates’ etc. Casts/bands have to work as a team. As an actor, I see my role as one of service to the character I’m playing, my scene partners and the script. I’ve rescued many a colleague who has dropped lines onstage, and had them return the favour. We always laugh about it afterwards and the audience rarely notices that anything went awry.

Here to support that call to put out the “live takes” versions on an album. Call it “Final Ren-dictions”?

I laughed at point 2 - only because the line “I rock the whole room without a single rehearsal” came to mind. Seriously, great advice. I’ve never been a performing musician, but I’ve done a fair bit of public speaking and I would say the same things apply completely. I used to hate, hate, hate the idea of even being seen and noticed, let alone having to do something which brought attention to /me/ but practice, practice, practice - fake it till you make it, works. And focus on the message, make that what’s important and that people are not there to judge you, they are there to listen and you have something to give that they want. Humour definitely helps - even if it’s just seeing yourself as ridiculous rather than making jokes on stage. Also yes, watching yourself with public speaking works too - it’s excruciating at first when you are not used to it, but do it. Do it until you can’t keep feeling embarrassed by it. Be critical of the /performance/ if you see ways to make it better, but realise that the performance is not /you/. We all make mistakes and Remember “we are human beings” ;) With public speaking too, if you mess up what you are saying, if you forget a bit - who cares? You’re the only one who knows what you intended. The audience only know what you actually said. I’d add on with the rehearsal side - practice it until you don’t have to read it. Practice it until you can /perform/ it - so you don’t just learn what to say, but how to say it, how and where to apply emotion, and then by all means, still have the words there to fall back on as a reminder. But don’t “over perform” a speech…as in, don’t go all Shakespeare projecting and gesticulating with over emphasised body language. And I suspect this is also true for musical performance but you didn’t say it - done be scared of silence/gaps. Don’t feel you have to fill every moment. Let the audience have time to process, to digest, to react - this can be especially true if you do include humour as it can take a surprising amount of time for a joke to land. You know the punchline is coming so it can feel like an eternity before the audience reacts sometimes, and that’s not a bad thing. Of course, if a joke doesn’t land, you have to recognise that and not feel bad either.

This is wonderful advice. I'm not a performer but I'm a socially awkward, introverted yoga teacher and I've got more comfortable with my role over the past 17 years by using much of the techniques you describe. This was through trial and error. I'm still awkward af but people seem to appreciate that I'm just being me and sharing some stuff that helped me...🙏

Such great advice Ren. I appreciate you so, so much.

Sound advice for us all :-)

I perform on the streets, and I write my own music, playing a violin bow on a guitar...it's very different, people like my stuff, and I understand the concept of "flow state"... I have no idea where the musical ideas originate....they just do.....and I've got no stage fright any longer....I've practiced enough, and gotten enough feedback along the way for me to know I provide some value.....but the real bit I do struggle with is......looking....at people....who are looking at me.....I become completely self focused when I perform...because I feel that if I look at someone....it might make them feel uncomfortable.......recently I began video-ing the crowd, and it's been so inspiring to analyse people's expressions and actions..while they watch me......I just wonder if the fact I never make eye contact with "watchers" is detrimental or a good thing......it feels strange not to...and more strange to do it....introvert being an extrovert has challenges. Thank's Ren....I hung on every word...:)

❤️❤️❤️❤️

Ren you’re freaking adorable. Wise beyond your 33 years. I will never be a performer, but I can imagine that you just inspired hundreds or thousands of young artists in amazing ways. Good on you for sharing what you’re learned so far. Stay humble and kind, always!

Ren, there is a band called ‘Knower’ from LA I have been loving for the last decade with Louis Cole and Geneievive Artardi at the helm. Justin Hawkins said the other day that Louis Cole was literally the most interesting groundbreaking musician at the moment. I was watching videos of their newest album last night and I just thought, ‘Ren needs to hook up with these guys.’ I hung out with them in London when they gigged over here and they blew my mind. They take you to places you never knew you wanted to go, and there is a collaboration here waiting to happen. Don’t worry, I am not their manager or anything, but when you were chatting I thought of them. They are on your wavelength. https://youtu.be/ls17vqcH-Xw?si=ArIADSM3e-6urwlO

It is so rare to hear someone acknowledge that it's about the audience, not the self. So few go out of their way for others. Love the foundational stance you've taken!

You should! 🤗

I love this!!! Thank you so much for talking about this!!! To be honest with you, my fear is what's kept me off stage and I hope this helps me have more confidence. So thank you for that. I have to try to forget that I'm important in the moment and try and channel the music through me. This advice I think will help in a lot of different areas in my life not just musically. Again thank you very much 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼

Another little story about accidents on stage. In the theater (I was an assistant director) I was supposed to give the conductor flowers. He was known to enjoy smooching. That alone was bad enough. I had to walk through a narrow aisle full of cellos, music stands and such with two bouquets of flowers (the other was for the concertmaster). As I was standing just in front of the conductor's stand, my heel got stuck in the rotating stage, tripped and knocked over a music stand and the cello. The theater was full of guests. It was dead quiet after my noise. The cellist helped me up, made sure nothing had happened, gave me the flowers. The conductor was on his feet to help. He hugged me tightly, took the flowers, passed the other bouquet to the concertmaster and when I went outside I received a round of applause. Afterwards, some guests asked me worriedly if I was okay and told me that this was exactly what they thought was the horror of being on a stage. We laughed about it a lot and I'm always very careful when I'm on stage. But it didn't kill me.

Another point that just occurred to me: At my last show, I had to moderate and organize the festival and I also read it myself and because there were so many things to do (I helped set it up, looked after the musicians and authors). I forgot to change and didn't wear any make-up. But it didn't matter. Of course, afterwards I wished I hadn't looked like one of the technical crew, but whatever. It actually didn't bother anyone. As you say, Ren, it was about the audience.

I can tell you about my first readings if you like. The audience for my first reading was mostly family and took place in a book café. I drank coffee and champagne out of excitement. That made it worse. Never do that! The second time I was pushed onto a big stage with 2,000 people. There were (I think) four other writers reading and there was music in between. I was in third place and had terrible stage fright. days before. Nothing helped. I couldn't eat, couldn't sleep and actually didn't know what I was afraid of. Because if my texts weren't good, I wouldn't have been invited. The fact that I wasn't the only one on stage that night also made it easier. So a festival is easier than a single concert is what I'm saying. In the end, I prepared well, had my documents in order, relied on the technology (I now have my own technician who I take great care of) and just started. The stage fright goes away as soon as I connect with my art and forget where I am. But don't forget that you have to read, play, sing for the people and involve them. Whether that's a look into the audience or laughing along when someone laughs at a funny point. Or does actions like insulting the audience, for fun of course. I don't stand above them just because the stage is 1.40m high. I can just see everyone better and make them happy, talk to them, joke with them. Even if I don't know anyone there, at that moment we are all friends. That's how it feels for me and that's what keeps me going to a live reading, even if I still die a thousand deaths beforehand. For some it never goes away.

I wish I'd heard this wisdom when I first started performing. I had crippling performance anxiety. Studied music at university where I had to perform several days a week for years and the performance element was scrutinised. Performing live NEVER felt good. For years I just kept hoping that eventually I'd get over myself but it never happened because I didn't have the self belief. My last straw was when I chose to play a Jeff Buckley song at an open mic night. I'd been playing it for 10 years and knew it like the back of my hand and yet my fear made me forget the words AND chords. I traumatised myself and haven't performed live since. So 20 years of playing in bands/busking and wanting to play solo could have been so much more fulfilling had I just set my ego aside and made the performance about the audience and not about myself. I'm the kind of person who feels extremely uncomfortable being in the limelight. even being in a supermarket gives me anxiety these days. What a weird decision it was for me to train to become a lead singer/guitarist 🤣 Anyway, I'm sure that your words of wisdom will certainly help those still on the journey. I just play for myself now. My advice to anyone who is studying music is to not let it suck all the fun and creativity out of music for you. I was much better off before I went to university. After that, everything changed. Ren, I'm glad that you met your friend who gave you the advice that allowed you to perform freely (such a gift). I love that you feel so good on stage ☺️💕

I can absolutely see that when you sing/perform you become the music and the music becomes you!! That’s what makes you so amazing 🥰

Ren your lessons are transferable for performers and non performers , thank you for sharing your wisdom

I have to.agree some of.the best and most enjoyable performances I have seen over.the years the ones where.the performer poet singer whatever are.totally lost in the performance not.really thinking just feeling and doing

Sean Daniel always says, nobody cares if you mess up so don't worry about it. Take Dovydas' approach, record everything. A Zoom audio recorder is plenty good enough for YouTube and a knock off GoPro or phone is enough to start. Play ten songs in a set, you got 10 YouTube videos.

I’m not a performer myself but Ren’s performances are some of the most captivating I’ve seen. And it is to do with the freedom and expressiveness and the fact that he so obviously loves and is absorbed by what he’s doing. Thanks for the interesting insights and advice!

Man, this almost makes me want to get back into playing music. As a drummer, performing on stage was always easier for me because I was always in the back of the stage, and the stage lights blocked out the crowds.

I'm not a musician, but I taught university for about 20 years and have done public presentations as well. When I first began, I was terrified 🤯. I, too, identify as more introverted, but with a big flair for enthusiasm (more extraverted) when in front of an audience. I love that feeling so much, of being in front of an audience and getting into the flow, forgetting myself, and seeing the light shining in everyone's eyes!! But getting to that point of forgetting myself is still hard, to this day. The tricks I've used are similar to what you are sharing, Ren! Beforehand, I try to be aware of the setting, so I can gauge how I can move around and engage the audience. Then, when I feel nerves, I plant my feet and focus on feeling connected to the ground. Then I observe my body position, and make it more expansive (give space to my breath, chest, shoulders, and maybe even spread my arms wide. Also, when I get nervous and notice I'm starting to speak too fast and dart my eyes around, I slow down and make eye contact. I might also make a comment on what I sense in the room ("seems like you might need a break" or "let's do an activity/ a mindfulness exercise"). By attuning to my own aliveness in that moment, and that of my audience, I create a sense of resonance in the room. Many students have commented on feeling that resonance, and my enthusiasm, even years after they took my clases. (But I have to get to that point of losing myself in the flow of the connection). Ren, I love how you opened a conversation about this, and of course, I'm here because I feel that reasonance with you!

Great life lessons as well, many thanks for these gems

Much love man. Great to hear tips and thoughts, I will never play out, but even just for the family these are great to hear. I needed this today.

do that! do that! :D

You are such a good speaker Ren. You are such a good thinker too. Wonderful, useful life skills we can all put to good use. Good on ya!!

Advice that’s extremely relevant in out social media perfectionistic society … love the wisdom that you share with people

This was so cool and I can’t wait to share it with hubby that’s in a band!! Best musicians I’ve seen that are so tight and soooo good- foos. Seen them 3x. That’s what we think of when we think of amazing music. And yes concerts concerts concerts! Think this is gonna help a lot of people! So cool! Great content! ❤️

You are truly amazing. You are so kind to share so much of yourself with us

Very good advice for all walks of life ❤

sara b

Really interesting watch, nice one.

Max Kenny

Jenny Hoyos interview on Youtube. She study algorithms.

Connor Price inteview on My First Million, Youtube. Rapper who starts his Youtube shorts with funny chips. He earns a lot as independent on Spotify.

Enjoy! I was just worried for a sec.

Are you alright, mate?

Thank you Ren! I am only a performer for the babies in my class at work. 😂 They don’t care what I look like! I just act silly, sing and dance for them and seeing their smiles is the best!!

I think your advice may very well be applicable to all kinds of crafts and activities, not only to performances. At least how I understand what you said. Practice until you can do it in your sleep. When you do stuff, just do it and try to get out of your head. Revise your work. Have fun, enjoy what you’re doing. Accept mistakes as normal, as human, as something that can even be an enrichment to what you are doing. And to me, one point stood out in particular. For any human interaction I think. Connect with people while staying true to yourself. English is not my native tongue so I find it hard to convey what that really means to me. It’s like, noting is more important than human to human connection, finding a common wavelength, even just for a moment.

Regarding rehearsals, one of the Cirque du Soleil performers commented on their punishing workout and diet: "We're lucky to be suffering for our art. Some people just suffer and have nothing to show for it."

Martin

Like I say every single day:"don't take yourself so seriously" 😊👍🏻 nobody's perfect and be ourselves is enough ❤️❤️ you can do it 🥇 you're strong 🏆🤟🏻

Orlaure9

I think I speak for everyone when I say how much we love your guitar and bass faces bc we can see the music coming from your soul 💜🐷

FerretMom

Yes. That makes everything always ten times better. :D

Harry Haller

Such great advice for pretty much everyone I think. Even for me and my own life. Thank you so much!

Harry Haller

First dates make me nervous too 😂 People in general really lol but it's all good

This was really, really useful. My main thing is not performing, but from time to time I do it. You reminded me to do it more and you gave me great tools to be better at it. Sincerely thank you man :)

Great words :)

Think I will start practicing all your lyrics so I can sing them back to you. Hanging on in hopes of getting that opportunity.

Your practise, practise practise and then play it in a liberated way using that foundation to support it is exactly what happens with your one-take videos and why they are invariably the best versions. The "production version" of your recorded songs are not the end, but the end of the rehearsal phase - to say "I've got it now". What's really powerful is those more liberated versions that you do after, like the one-takes. You should put out an album of the one-takes that we all love so much from YouTube.

And as for my advice, because I don't wanna leave that space just taking and taking - TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEALTH before performance! Sleep longer than usual, at least nine hours before your show, hydrate, eat superfoods. Leave cookies, coffee, cacao, ayahuasca :P, wine or whatever boosts your party stamina for after the show - you need that body to be a beautifully clean channel. Even if this healthy lifestyle is against the genre. Fuck it. You don't wanna be like Papa Hetfield in Alcoholica in the 80s :P

Are you kidding?????!!!! That was one of the most helpful pieces of advice I have heard in my 32yr long life!!!! I have taken courses, I have listened to spiritual coaches, I have been listening to podcasts - and all that was so valuable and I celebrate every minute of my willingness to heal my stage fright trauma - and yet I hear you dropping a line about how lucky I am as a performer to be able to show up in front of people and do what I have always loved the most, channeling my best, truest self through music - and I just start crying as I always do when someone refers to that, my dormant, hidden part that craves life onstage sooooo much. And ugh, Asaf Avidan is playing in Poland in a week maybe it's time to see him...?

I wish I’d had this advice years ago!

Kathleen Kristjansson

Thank you for sharing your advice Ren. I'm the type to laugh at myself, like on my first solo open mic. I was so inside my own self. I felt like if I was being larger than life I was going to be not authentic, I had no idea that being myself would be the reason I felt so insecure. I did wonder, thank you for clearing that up. How do you get out of your head though, like I use the "fourth wall" and hide behind it but that caused me to just stare down at the guitar and I couldn't face the eyes. Maybe I should call on my acting training? Because when I'm acting on stage I completely forget myself and try to embody the character. So if my character is just confidence maybe I will still be, being genuine. Yeah, no one is going to understand this comment but hey ho. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

Great advice Ren. I used to do a lot of improv when I was younger and I am a total introverted extrovert. You are right you have to get totally lost in the moment and not give a shit about how you look. Applied the same thinking when I used to play Roller Derby all over Europe. I remember once losing control of my skates and ended up face first into some guys lap. I laughed, he laughed, the crowd laughed. It was a funny standout moment. I love watching the total abandonment when you perform. It’s the real shit!! 🙌

Thank you for this one. It's the kind of content that is so fascinating. You're really good at capturing people's attention and taking them through an experience. It's why people connect with your music. And with you. You invite them in. It's very interesting what you say about you not being the most important part of it. That's an experience that sounds like mindfulness. Or the flow state. Being in the moment so much that you're deeply connected to it. Interestingly, that's what also happens when you connect with someone on a deep level. Which is probably why people connect with you on a deep level. This type of content is so valuable, because you don't hear artists talk about it much. And it isn't always easy to articulate. I'm glad that you can explain it in a simple, straightforward way.

So... Next gig, I'll put on my red suspenders.

Thanks Ren, for me the shorts falling down moment was is a good example of the general “elephant in the room” question that usually needs to be addressed at some point for an audience to relax and listen more closely to your message, whatever the elephant happens to be, not just mistakes that happen onstage. In a work context I often feel the elephant nibbling away wanting to be heard..

Wonderful advice! I'm not a musician (except in fantasy), but I'm on a recurring TV show occasionally, and I do the same thing: I talk to the camera as if I'm talking to a friend, having a chat. I give talks to groups too, and I speak to them the same way. If I make a flub, I joke about it or ignore it, and move along. People want you to do well, they want to enjoy your presentation, and they will automatically mirror the emotions you put out there. So be enthusiastic and joyful! I'm a massive introvert on my own, so if I can do this, anybody can.

Maybe it's you needing to say all of these words of wisdom out loud for yourself or maybe it's me that needs to hear them at this time in my life, maybe both! 🤔😉 That was amazing and very much worth while, thank you for sharing. My performance journey has been wonderful, so far, and your advice is very relatable. I've always been very comfortable on stage in a theater setting, acting, but more nerve racking when singing. Fortunately I was with a very talented and patient guitarist. We had such a good time. Two examples of just "being yourself"and feeling the song... 1. Singing Me and Bobby McGee... I sing by ear and can't adlib/improvise worth a damn! I had to step out of my comfort zone to really capture the power of the ending of that song. 2. Singing Sweet Jane... Cowboy Junkies version. This came so naturally to me and so I shined each time I sang it and the audience voiced their pleasure. Fantastic feeling! I will keep this video forever and use it as needed. Love you lots... Take good care!! 🌻🤗🦋

Coming from a musical/performance family background, visualization & practice are so important. Never got jitters or "stage fright" until AFTER performing. 😆 But having fun & taking ownership of "bloopers" are important too. I was teaching a fitness choreo one time & my leggings fell down & I "mooned" the class. Laughing, I grabbed them up & kept going & all my students incorporated my pants grab move into what they were doing, too. We had a great time.

Not a performer, but I feel there's some good practical advice in there for everyone. Thank you, Ren! Hope all is well.

Kelly Srader

Absolute truth. The performance plays through you. You don't play the performance. And always have nice underwear.

❤️I needed to hear this Ren, it gives me encouragement to just be me❤️

making people happy right coming from someone who most of his songs makes us cry 😁🥰🥰

Best concert I ever saw was Ween in 1998. They pretty much incorporated everything you were just talking about. Thanks for inspiring me and so many others, man! ❣️

Welp.. if Ren starts doing shows, and every show will be different.. RIP my bank account.

Thank you for this 🩷

Great advice .I love watching you play guitar you are Ying and the guitar is yang 🤟❤️🤟

Yes, about that flow state when you as a performer forget yourself? Well, it's not just obvious for me as a part of the audience, it's also as if you give use permission to let go too, you know. So that we can be in that moment and in that music with you. That's what I see on your busking vids too - crowd dancing, or moving, or sitting down, whatever, just being free to do whatever in that moment. So that "mirror neurons" mechanism is not only working between members of the audience, also happens between the artist and the members of the audience. If you're having fun - so will the crowd

Jack

Excellent advice! I act in theatre shows and although I am nervous before I go on stage because I care about giving everything I can to the audience. I get on stage and I am no longer there. My character is there translating the material to the audience and interacting with the other characters on stage. Staying real, vulnerable and available creates such a magical connection with the audience and that is what life is about. You are a master! Thank you for sharing!

Becki

Beautiful advice! Freddie Mercury was larger than life on stage too but was known to be very quiet and somewhat shy in his private life. You guys were just BORN to do music and entertain. We’re all so lucky to experience your talents! Thank you! 🥰

cheryl spoletini

Great advice! Any opportunity to connect as flawed humans, always goes over well. I think you are right! People want to have fun and see you succeed. Falling into that flow state off the stage works just as well. I'm the person in the group who sees the elephant in the room, and says " oh look at elephant!" Works every time. Sending a hug.

All great advice. I definitely see you incorporate that flow state. When I watch you perform and you’re in that flow state the feeling that is projected out to me as the listener is so magical, it makes me feel very connected to you and the music, and this is coming through a computer screen. I can’t imagine how it must feel in a live setting. I just hope I get a chance to see you perform live one day. Thank you Ren.

I've been to many concerts over the years and the ones I remember the most, is when the artists take time to engage with the crowd. Like they really want to be there and it's not just a show for the money xx

Oh, its just amazing when coming to a stage of not worrying about mistakes. I worried about it too much when i was younger. Other people will not remember them anyway. I have my confidence now to speak with strangers. I guess its right. I am not myself in that moment. Never thought about it that way. I speak to myself a lot. Thanks for sharing the advice.

Thanks Ren, think your advice is transferable to situations other than performance too. I could definitely do with getting out of my own head in work situations. Hope all ok with you.

I love it when artists make those "stupid faces" , you know they are giving their whole soul and body to the moment and the music❤️🙂

Julita Piotrowska

You're right - practice, practice, practice! I'm antisocial but do alot of random public speaking as part of my job - it's all about getting your message across and making that connection. If I see they're not getting what I'm trying to say I rephrase and watch their faces and body language.

Interesting, I would love to watch you do an interview with neurogal on YouTube. She's a doctor in neurology who has a great perspective, she's already reacted to hi Ren and sick boi. I know that you wondered whether the emotions are linked to memory, I personally know that my memory of "significant" and meaningful connections are much more reliable than normal memory. My neuropsychologist told me there's a different area farther back in the brain which handles these apparently. Glad to see you seem well 🙏

Thank you Ren 🫡

Thank you, I love how simply and beautifully you share your joy and knowledge with us

Oh, I wish that I had any talent to perform with at all. If I had, maybe I also would find the courage to actually do it

Yessss! This is exactly what I needed. As I got older the worst my performance anxiety became. Piano songs I've memorised for years instantly gone when I perform infront of people. It's why I didn't pursue singing, I would of forgotten my own lyrics 🤣 even when I did MMA I would just go numb at Jiu Jitsu competitions

Advice for life 🥰

If im preforming i need to just switch off my brain and as you said fall into the flow of the music ❤️❤️

🤘🥰🤘

Fantastic advice! Applicable to so many situations. Thanks for sharing this ❤️❤️❤️

I havnt played in decades ( I’m self sabotaging my aim to play at our open mic) , but have no problem doing non creative stuff in front of people - prep and breathing. Laying it down here that I will play one of your songs at our open mic in 2024 😬. Thanks for all of this ren, it’s worth way more than a tenner a month to me 🥰🙏

Spoken like a true mentor my man. Not just info but true life lessons.

It comes out very clearly in your busking and videos that the song/performance is what it's about, not you. In addition to the lyrics of your songs, your performances are what captivate people. Keep playing/performing with passion and people will continue to be invested in you. I hope you're doing well with your treatments and hope you come out the other side on top of the world.

You look great! Hopefully you are doing well ❤️‍🩹

Melinda Webb

It's also all excellent life advice too. ❤️