Mastering the festival stage: What you need in midsummer

Festival season is a long-awaited highlight for many female musicians. Big stages, new faces, sun on your face and the thrill just before your performance - a summer dream. But this dream can quickly become a challenge if you are not well prepared. Because the reality on festival stages is very different from a small club gig.

In this article, you'll find out what you should be prepared for in the height of summer - and how you can confidently conquer any festival stage with presence, technique and mindset.

Festival means: chaos, sun, sound checks in the midday heat

In the music business, flexibility is everything - and this is particularly noticeable at festivals. You are not alone with your act, the schedule is tight, sound checks are short and the audience is often slow to get into the mood. Heat, dust and few opportunities to retreat can challenge your energy levels. This is where you need structure within yourself.

What you specifically need:

1. Be technically prepared:
   Take your own in-ear setup with you, mark your cues and get your stage layout straight to the point. A clean tech rider will save you discussions - and time.

2. In a nutshell:
   Heat dries you out. Plan your warm-ups more consciously. Voice, water, rest. These are your three keys at festivals.

3. Stage presence with clarity:
   The audience is not always attentive - especially in large, open areas. Presence is created when you are clear, focused and in touch with yourself. Don't be intimidated by the size - fill it with your energy.

4. Mental setup:
   Don't assume that everything will work out. Assume that you can handle it. A strong inner dialog gives you security, even if things are shaky on the ground.

5. After the gig:
   Plan time for yourself. Social interaction is important - but so is retreat. Especially as a woman in the music business, you are often expected to "perform". Consciously choose when you want to - and when you don't.

Why the topic is important now:

We are in the middle of the festival season. The stages are calling, the opportunities are there - but only if you use them professionally. With good preparation, you will not only be invited, but will also be remembered.

If you want to delve deeper into the topic of stage presence and festival preparation, sign up for my free newsletter or book a 1:1 music coaching session.

Kind regards,