Deedee Posted March 20, 2016 Share Posted March 20, 2016 Hi all Had another storming gig last night. Place was full, everybody rocking, good night all round. However, had someone come up to me again and ask 'why don't you smile on stage, you look like you don't want to be there?'. Now I have had this said many times before, usually it's 'why do you look like you're about to jump off stage and hit somebody?'. People who know me know that I'm a pretty fun loving guy who enjoys a good laugh, but it really is starting to concern me that punters who haven't seen us before just think 'it's that band with the miserable bass player'. I do try to show that I'm enjoying myself, it's just that I'm blessed with one of those faces which has a default look of disinterest! Mean and moody, I'm doing very well. Any tips? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heathy Posted March 20, 2016 Share Posted March 20, 2016 I feel that I should direct you here: http://basschat.co.uk/topic/281069-is-this-you/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roland Rock Posted March 20, 2016 Share Posted March 20, 2016 Haha, I know what you mean; I just recorded a little video for the noodle challenge, a happy little jaunt in G major, but I look like I'm about to burst into tears. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deedee Posted March 20, 2016 Author Share Posted March 20, 2016 [quote name='Heathy' timestamp='1458476281' post='3007842'] I feel that I should direct you here: http://basschat.co.uk/topic/281069-is-this-you/ [/quote] 😂 Perhaps not going that far Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mep Posted March 20, 2016 Share Posted March 20, 2016 (edited) I'm with you on this one. Been getting comments like that for years. I'm trying to smile a bit more and get involved up front with the singer and guitarist which seems to be working Just so long you are comfortable with yourself that's the main thing. You can always reply that you are from the Bil Wyman / John Entwistle etc school of bass playing. Edit. I find if try being more cheerful or involved I can loose concentration and mistakes happen. Edited March 20, 2016 by mep Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RhysP Posted March 20, 2016 Share Posted March 20, 2016 Next time somebody says that ask them if they smile constantly when they are doing their job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cato Posted March 20, 2016 Share Posted March 20, 2016 Don't try to force it, you'll end up looking like you've escaped from a secure unit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mep Posted March 20, 2016 Share Posted March 20, 2016 [quote name='RhysP' timestamp='1458477045' post='3007848'] Next time somebody says that ask them if they smile constantly when they are doing their job. [/quote] Can't beat that one! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vinny Posted March 20, 2016 Share Posted March 20, 2016 If someone asks me that I just say nothing while glaring intensely at them. Remember to hold the glare as they're walking away to really hammer the point home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deedee Posted March 20, 2016 Author Share Posted March 20, 2016 [quote name='Vinny' timestamp='1458477606' post='3007853'] If someone asks me that I just say nothing while glaring intensely at them. Remember to hold the glare as they're walking away to really hammer the point home. [/quote] 😂 Maybe this one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted March 20, 2016 Share Posted March 20, 2016 I`m similar, though I do make the effort to smile a couple of times on-stage. Luckily as a pretty hard-hitting punk band smiley-smiley is not really expected, but I have had a couple of people mention that I seem to stare the audience out when playing, when in reality I`m just looking to see if they`re enjoying the band. I don`t want to come across as confrontational like that on-stage though, as if a band or band member is unapproachable, well it damages possible opportunities and the crowd may be less likely to talk to you and offer feedback. So every now and then, smiley smiley it is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mentalextra Posted March 20, 2016 Share Posted March 20, 2016 Maybe just save the smiles for when the audience are applauding and go 'mean and moody' when you're playing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulWarning Posted March 20, 2016 Share Posted March 20, 2016 you don't have to smile to but make it look like you're enjoying yourself, moving around or even tapping you foot can do it, cool and moody might have worked for a young Bill Wyman etc, but we haven't all got front men like Mick Jagger, I seen bands that look like they would rather be somewhere else than doing the gig (and it's usually the bass player), it's not good, I always say if you don't look like you're enjoying it how can yo expect the audience too? But you say you had a storming gig, so the band must be doing something right, are you all a bit miserable or is it just you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JapanAxe Posted March 20, 2016 Share Posted March 20, 2016 I have a school photo taken when I was about 8. I thought I was smiling (but not grinning idiotically) but the photo shows an 8-year-old who has discovered the works of Jean-Paul Sartre*. [size=3]*This didn't actually happen for another 10 years.[/size] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BottomE Posted March 20, 2016 Share Posted March 20, 2016 Lot of musos would do well to remember that this is the entertainment industry so act accordingly. Your stage presence is part of what you bring to offer as a bass player. It should be sympathetic to the genre/gig. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AustinArto Posted March 20, 2016 Share Posted March 20, 2016 My singing voice sounds better when I'm smiling so I smile now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oopsdabassist Posted March 20, 2016 Share Posted March 20, 2016 [quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1458478992' post='3007866'] I`m similar, though I do make the effort to smile a couple of times on-stage. Luckily as a pretty hard-hitting punk band smiley-smiley is not really expected, but I have had a couple of people mention that I seem to stare the audience out when playing, when in reality I`m just looking to see if they`re enjoying the band. I don`t want to come across as confrontational like that on-stage though, as if a band or band member is unapproachable, well it damages possible opportunities and the crowd may be less likely to talk to you and offer feedback. So every now and then, smiley smiley it is. [/quote] Jeez being on the receiving end of a Lozz stare is not for the faint hearted..I can vouch for that 1st hand, and when he smiles after..its like....'yup, that one for lunch...goodie!!' On the other hand I gurn like a loon all the time, mainly to try and hide the feeling of panic everytime I cock up!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Les Posted March 20, 2016 Share Posted March 20, 2016 A hideous fart tends to make the band laugh, though since we went wireless there are escape options. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fretmeister Posted March 20, 2016 Share Posted March 20, 2016 If you become a Morrisey tribute no one will ask you again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colgraff Posted March 20, 2016 Share Posted March 20, 2016 I used to do amateur theatre stuff and remember that I knew when my expressions were right if the felt exaggerated and forced. If you feel as if you are grinning like an idiot on stage, then you have got it about right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LayDownThaFunk Posted March 20, 2016 Share Posted March 20, 2016 The only time you should smile is any on stage banter. Other than that, tell people to stop telling you what to do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colgraff Posted March 20, 2016 Share Posted March 20, 2016 [quote name='LayDownThaFunk' timestamp='1458483418' post='3007929'] The only time you should smile is any on stage banter. [/quote] Does this mean I'm not allowed to smile if I'm enjoying myself? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RhysP Posted March 20, 2016 Share Posted March 20, 2016 You could also try saying "Why would I smile when I have to spend the evening in the company of ***** like you?" or something similar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LayDownThaFunk Posted March 20, 2016 Share Posted March 20, 2016 [quote name='colgraff' timestamp='1458484065' post='3007933'] Does this mean I'm not allowed to smile if I'm enjoying myself? [/quote] I'm not your Dad, mate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Sausage Posted March 20, 2016 Share Posted March 20, 2016 [quote name='RhysP' timestamp='1458477045' post='3007848'] Next time somebody says that ask them if they smile constantly when they are doing their job. [/quote]I doubt there job would be as much fun as playing in a band! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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