What is it that inspires us? It could be something we see, hear, touch, feel, or maybe a thought or feeling that arouses us into action. It's something that can't be taught, only felt by each individual that comes from enjoying what they do. Inspiration can't be forced, only found in our subconscious minds, the doorway to the soul that picks up our
innermost feelings.
Performing before a quiet crowd can be nerve-racking. Why is the crowd quiet? Maybe the band is so nervous about getting the song just right that inspiration gets lost and the crowd can pick up on that. If this happens to me, I focus on one person in the crowd that looks they're having a great time getting into the music. This helps boost my confidence and helps start the inspiration rolling.
Most bands will pick songs for popularity, originality,
danceability, or storytelling. I find in picking a song that it should make me feel something when I sing it. If it can inspire me, then it will come across to the crowd better. I really want the crowd to be inspired also.
If you find yourself in a position where your singing for many hours, inspiration can get harder to reach. I read in a magazine about a guitar player
(Stevie Ray Vaughan) that found a way to help him keep his stamina going. He would make-believe that he was in prison. And that he was escaping the prison, climbing the wall, tearing through fences, running through fields with the guards right behind him. Maybe it was an adrenaline punch that helped him. I've tried this method and it works. Once the strength comes back, the inspiration will sometimes follow.
What I concentrate on when I'm trying for inspiration is something simply beautiful. It could be the ocean, open fields, mountain tops, something peaceful or serene. The words to a song can certainly bring on inspiration. I want to express the words that give feeling and meaning to other people. Luckily I work with
band mates that inspire me every time we play music together. It's important to work with other people that can bring out the best in us.
There are all kinds of ways to find inspiration. You need to find the best method for you. It could be praying, meditating, visualizing, working off emotions. What you
feel, and how much work you put into a song will always show, when it becomes performance time.