a question on stage fright

[9zizi]

On the brink of our second world tour, I've been thinking a lot about what went well and what didn't for the last one. In retrospect and thinking holistically, I feel that we did well, but there was an extra element missing for some of the shows that for a while, I couldn't quite place. I monitored every performance, as per usual, and eventually it hit me: We weren't nervous. We felt so comfortable on stage in moments that honestly, we shouldn't have ㅋㅋ I mean, when you're performing in an arena with thousands of people in a country you've never been to, surely you should feel nervous, right? But it didn't feel like that type of energy was there.

That might seem backwards to a lot of you, but I truly feel that nerves are such an essential part of a good performance. It feels more authentic, that way. Sincere, I suppose.

Now I don't mean to sound vain in the slightest, but I believe that the success of my performances for 27 was so much higher than Another Me is attributed to the fact that I was nervous as hell ㅋㅋㅋ Terrified, even. Riding the coattails of a pretty embarrassing flop, I had a lot at stake. But I think those nerves and that stage fright contributed to performances that were just flat-out better.


What're your thoughts? For the more seasoned performers: Do you still get nervous on stage? And for those who are fresher meat: Do you think your nerves create better performances, or do you hope for them to subside?


I'd like to hear.

Comments

[lideum]

I could probably write a novel about this if I'm not careful so I'm gonna try to condense my words as best as I can !

Aside from the nerves, you did well this last promotion cycle because you are great. That's it. No more, no less. And it's something to be proud of, hyung. The first time I got to hear the album, I knew that it was going to be a hit and it was because of what you brought to the songs, what emotions and moments and feelings and everything that made the songs your own. I also think you've grown a lot both musically and personally and it makes what you're capable of creating that much better. This is only the tip of your potential, hyung. I'm already anticipating the next album !! ~.~

I still get nervous sometimes! Especially when we've done different kinds of songs or when we go to new places or even when we go to Japan and I worry I might mess up what I'm supposed to say or if I start singing or speaking Korean. I almost typed dancing in Korean and I'm not sure what that means but if anyone could do it.. It would probably be me... ㅎㅎㅎ

... I had more to say but I got linked something and now I lost my train of thought but I will be back if I remember it I will be back

[9zizi]

Eish, this whole thing wasn't about me ㅋㅋㅋ I was just reflecting on my experiences with performing and noting how nervousness has positively influenced the way I perform. But thank you, Dongwooyah.

Ahhh, yae. That's really nerve-wracking for me, too. Even English feels easier, for some reason.

[lideum]

Then don't call yourself a flop. ~.~;; Steel fist Dongwoo can and will come out for moments like these !!

You're really good with it now. Don't be worried !

[9zizi]

I'm not a flop! Just that the album wasn't as successful as I'd hoped. ㅋㅋ

You think so?

[yaho]

stop commenting, i keep going back to it instead of typing something up here ㅋㅋ i still get nervous sometimes, before we go on stage, but once we're out there they just go away. not sure if it's because of me or because of you guys.. maybe it's a little of both. ㅋ

[9zizi]

Do you think the nerves help you?

[yaho]

i dunno, that's why i didn't say. they're there, then they're not, and i do what i do regardless. ㅋ

[9zizi]

Pay attention, next time. I'm interested.

[yaho]

next time i'll just ignore your post completely.

[9zizi]

Do it. See what happens.

[yaho]

challenge accepted~~

[9zizi]

smart ass.

[yaho]

just a little.

[lideum]

I remembered the other thing !!!

I think a lot of things happened during the tour that made it easier for us to feel comfortable in these new and different places. Some were good things and some were bad things but I also think it was because we were excited to embark on that kind of journey. These types of thoughts. Now I think we might be a little more nervous because we set the bar for ourselves and we gotta jump over it to be a success. That could make anyone nervous !!!

[9zizi]

I think that's definitely true.

[dakgalbi]

I used to terribly afraid of performing in front of other people. It came from something stupid like having my classmates laugh at me for making a mistake while singing, but ever since then, somewhere in the back of my head I was really, really afraid of that happening again.

I overcame that fear over the years. (laugh) I don't think I'm nervous, still. It's more... ah.. an eagerness to please the people who came to listen to us, me, sing. There's a certain calmness to my singing, I know that, but it still would be a nightmare to me to disappoint someone with my performance. So it's not really stage fright anymore, but just a certain type of... perfectionism? (laugh)

[9zizi]

Your classmates really laughed at you? I guess you're having the last laugh now though, huh. ㅋㅋ

Yae, I hear that. I think that's where my nerves come from too. "You deserve the best; can I supply it?" This kind of thought. You and I are very similar in this regard.

[dakgalbi]

I prolly would have laughed too, back then, considering my unique style. ㅎㅎ In retrospect, it wasn't all that bad, but back then I really took it to heart.

You found the perfect words for that way of thinking. (laugh) I think I could apply it to a lot of situations in my life. It might even be a secret life motto. ㅎ

[9zizi]

...ㅋㅋㅋ How cute. I hear you, though. I took everything to heart when I was in my band days.

Mm. Yae. We're definitely similar in that way.

[dakgalbi]

When it comes from certain people I think it would still hurt me, even now.

Un. We share all the stubborn personality traits. ㅎ

[hyungwons]

Maybe I don't really have the experience to comment on this but, I agree. The essence of nervousness probably gives the light of a more sincere performance! After the survival show I was on I think we all learned how to be confident on stage but yet very aware of how fragile show business can be so hopefully we will never loose that. ㅎㅎ

[9zizi]

Experience doesn't matter so much in this; it's something all of us go through, no matter how many years we've had in the game, you know? But yes, that's exactly what I'm getting at--the sincerity in it. Fragile is a great word to describe it.

[sorning]

I think my nerves create better performances. But I'm also the type to not show that I'm nervous. I don't want my nerves to rub off on others.

[9zizi]

I think that's a huge part of professionalism; getting yourself pumped up without letting others know you're anxious. But I think there is also something to be said about vulnerability. I read a lot about leadership, and I've realized over the years that letting myself show at least some of my anxieties actually makes it easier on the other guys than harder.

[legged]

You should just wear your panties on stage. Nothing will feel scarier after that!

[9zizi]

I'll put them on your head. See what's scarier.

[jackpotsmile]

I believe that a true artist should always feel nervous about every stage. What's the point in creating art and displaying it to the public eye if you don't feel nervous or excited about whether it will be well received or not?

[9zizi]

Exactly. I feel with conviction that there is a direct connection between nervousness and excitement. If you lack nerves, doesn't that mean you kind of lack the excitement, the jitters you should feel getting on stage?

[jackpotsmile]

Yeah, that's how I see it. To be honest, I would be sad if I ever went on stage without feeling the slightest bit anxious.