Foundation (Ingredient #1)
This is it! This right here is the “meat and potatoes” of your live show. I work on developing the foundation of a performance more than anything else.
My wife doesn’t like eating burritos when the tortilla splits open, and all the filling falls out. Whether it’s savory like a burrito or something sweet like a donut, you can’t enjoy the filling without a good foundation.
I see many artists and their management teams put great emphasis on adding lighting and other special FX to their show without first establishing a good foundation. I fully support added production. If the budget allows, I’m all for dreaming and creating something spectacular in a live show, but all of that is filler. As I’ve said before in previous posts, the production should only be an enhancement of what the artist is already doing and not act as a crutch or a replacement of good communication.
I was recently sent an interview of legendary drummer Gregg Bissonette. In it, Gregg shared that he took lessons many years ago from another famous drummer. He was asked to share his biggest piece of advice he received from his lessons. Checkout his response in the video below.
I’ve seen it time and time again, it doesn’t matter if it’s a touring artist or church worship team, many of them spend time, energy and resources in places that truly aren’t important in the grand scheme of things. Good gear is a necessity and added production is fine, but all great shows need to be built on a good foundation.
What is the foundation?
The Music, The Message, The Movement
We must first begin with the music. Your songs act as our guide for everything. The first step I take in partnering with artists or church worship teams is to pull out the experience within your songs. We do this by creating live song arrangements that are different than the recorded version.
THE MUSIC
The music tells us:
- Where to go (The Setlist)
- What to say (The Message)
- What to do (The Movement)
THE MESSAGE
The message guides us on:
- What to convey to the audience and when (The Theme / The Delivery)
- What the audience should do with it (Their Response)
- What the audience could take away from it (The Tangibles / The Intagibles)
THE MOVEMENT
The movement is determined by:
- What the song arrangement is for that setlist (The Version)
- What the lyrical or musical elements of the song is (The Content)
- What the setting is that the performance is taking place in (The Venue)
Like Gregg shared in the video about the single biggest piece of advice he ever received from Tony Williams, is that we need to be intentional with our communication. “We need a direct line of communication with a person in the audience. The more that we can be clear with our intentions of what we’re doing [onstage], that will translate to your audience.” Having a solid foundation is crucial. I can’t stress enough how important it is to work on your music, your message and your movement in order to communicate clearly to your audience. Everything else after this is the flavor. It will take a lot of work and a continual pursuit to creating an engaging live experience onstage, but with having the love for it and devotion to do it, you can accomplish anything.
If you’ve ever:
- Doubted your ability to command the stage
- Struggled with stage fright
- Felt unsure about turning your music into more than just a passion
We’re here to help. From performance coaching and creating live arrangements to designing riders and stage plots, we cover every detail of your live show—giving you the confidence to hit the road with ease and captivate any audience.
If you’ve:
- Wondered why your performances don’t always leave a lasting impression
- Wanted to stand out in a crowded industry
- Felt stuck trying to turn your talent into a livelihood
We’re here to transform your onstage presence. Purpose Live ensures every aspect of your show—from storytelling to technical production—works together seamlessly, helping you stand out while staying true to who you are.
It’s about authenticity, impact, and leaving a lasting impression on your audience.
No cookie-cutter solutions. Every artist is unique, and we tailor our approach to bring out your true essence on stage—no one-size-fits-all methods here.
No overwhelming production for production’s sake. We focus on YOU—your story, your message, and your audience. The production enhances your presence, but it never overshadows your essence.
If you’ve ever:
- Wondered how to stand out in a crowded music industry
- Questioned whether you have what it takes to make a living through your music
We’re here to show you how to create a performance that resonates, connect deeply with your audience, and turn your passion into a sustainable career.
Whether you need a one-time consultation or a full show overhaul, we’ll collaborate to create a package that fits your needs and resources. To learn more, schedule a FREE discovery call where we’ll discuss your goals and craft a personalized plan.
Performances that stand out go beyond talent. It’s about how you:
- Make your audience feel seen and connected
- Turn your songs into stories that resonate
- Create moments that stay with them long after the show ends
We help you elevate your performance, making sure your talent is packaged with dynamic stage presence, polished transitions, and memorable moments.
Songs made for streaming or radio are fast-paced, designed to grab attention quickly. But a live show is a different experience—it’s about connection, depth, and immersion.
We’ll create space for the audience to breathe, engage, and feel every moment. Picture intros, outros, and interludes that turn each song into a journey, where every note invites your audience into the story you’re telling.
Imagine the energy of a sudden, dramatic shift that takes the crowd’s breath away, or the quiet, intimate vibe of a stripped-down section that feels like it’s just for them—those are the moments that resonate long after the music fades.
Think of it as tailoring your performance. We adapt your songs to create a flow that keeps audiences engaged, ensuring your show feels like a cohesive experience rather than just a collection of tracks.
- Connect with your audience
- Leave them wanting more
- Deliver a show that inspires and stands out
At Purpose Live, we’re your one-stop shop for live performance needs. We guide you through:
- Crafting an unforgettable setlist
- Honing your stage presence
- Advancing your shows
- Creating clear and professional riders
- Designing stage plots for smooth setups
Whether you want to deepen audience connections, grow your fanbase, or create an immersive worship experience, we ensure every detail works together seamlessly.
- Schedule a FREE discovery call with us.
- Share your vision and challenges.
- Receive a personalized plan to confidently deliver an unforgettable experience.
Whether it’s overcoming stage fright, refining your show, or streamlining your technical setup with riders and stage plots, we’ll help you turn your passion into a livelihood while captivating your audience like never before.
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Are you interested in diving deeper into these areas for YOUR show? I’d love to get to know you and learn about your journey in music! Let’s schedule a FREE discovery call today!
Purpose Live
Equipping and empowering singers and musicians to genuinely connect with their audience.