In this lively and insightful conversation, Bree Noble and Tara Brueske dive deep into the art of delivering truly engaging live performances—emphasizing that it’s about much more than just playing great music. Here are some of the top takeaways from their discussion:
1. It’s All About Connection Both hosts stress the importance of real-time audience connection. Bree points out that no amount of digital marketing or AI can replace the experience of bonding with your audience in person. Whether you’re performing to a crowd or in an intimate setting, engaging with listeners directly helps build your career faster and more authentically.
2. Curating Your Set List Choosing the right mix between cover songs and originals is key. Both Tara and Bree suggest starting with covers to establish a connection—because audiences feel more comfortable when they hear something familiar. They recommend weaving in originals after warming up the room, ideally balancing two covers for every original song, though this ratio can change based on the venue and audience.
3. Use Stories To Bring Songs To Life Sharing the inspiration or story behind your songs isn’t just “nice to have”—it’s essential. Set the stage for your original music by telling a quick background story. This helps listeners pay closer attention to lyrics and connect on a deeper level, especially when your lyrics are nuanced or open to interpretation.
4. Mind the Flow: Tempos, Keys & Dynamics Keep things musically diverse. Bree and Tara recommend mixing up tempos and keys to avoid monotony—especially for self-accompanied artists who might get stuck in one key. Mix in upbeat tunes, special mid-tempo moments, and powerful ballads—but never too many slow songs in a row, or you risk losing your listeners’ attention.
5. Incorporate Audience Interaction From singalongs to simple question prompts, including your audience makes the performance memorable. Even having people chat with their neighbors or participate in trivia or small contests can help people feel included.
6. Visual Engagement Matters It’s easy to focus on your instrument, but Tara and Bree encourage artists to make eye contact and, if possible, venture away from the keys or stand to connect, even if it means using tracks for a song or two. Even facial expressions and posture make a difference.
7. Stage Banter & Show Endings Don’t neglect your transitions and endings. Thoughtful stage banter, mentioning merch, inviting audience engagement after the show, and planning a clear, impactful closing number will leave a lasting impression. It’s also smart to have an encore song in your back pocket—preferably a well-known cover that people can sing along to if called for.
8. Self-Reflection for Growth Watching yourself on video or performing for a test audience can reveal so much about your presentation and stage habits. Tara and Bree recommend using family or even a mirror to help identify areas for improvement, both musically and visually.
Final Thoughts The underlying message? Serving your audience and focusing on their experience is the golden rule. Whether you’re a born extrovert or a quieter introvert, approaching each show like a conversation helps build relationships and community—with the music as your vehicle.
There are more topics on the horizon, including themed shows and marketing tips, so stay tuned to Bree and Tara’s podcasts for continued inspiration!
Connect with Bree at Profitable Musician LLC and with Tara at Tara Brueske Music on Instagram and Facebook for more tips and resources.