Missed Opportunities - Pt. 1

Do you think my show sucks?

I couldn’t believe it when I heard those words come through the loudspeakers.

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A few years ago, I was working production for a concert at a county fair. It was one of the rare times I wasn’t playing drums at such an event. The opener was an acoustic act that put on a highly entertaining show. However, I can’t say the same of the headliner who went on immediately afterwards. 

I saw this particular artist once before as the opening act of a tour. He was a pretty good opener. But closing the night at the county fair was a completely different story. This artist had a few radio hits, but the connection wasn’t the same with his live audience. I won’t sugar coat it or beat around the bush; it was an awful performance. He obviously carried some insecurity about it himself. Halfway through the night, when the audience was all sitting down and not at all engaged with the performance, he said, “I hope you guys aren’t bored or think my show sucks.”

My jaw dropped, and my face met my palm. Two things about what he said: One, he had an accurate perception of his own show. Two, even if the audience wasn’t thinking it, they sure were now! The best part of the evening was the end of the set. Not because it was over, but because the band played an impressive instrumental of a Top 40 pop song! Meanwhile, the front man made an awkward exit. He walked to the back of the stage, grabbed his can of LaCroix, took a big gulp and sauntered off the stage. 

Not too long after that experience, the headliner of another show I worked production for said to the audience during his last song, “Stand up, this is my biggest song!” Once again, my jaw dropped. This artist wouldn’t have lost the audience to complete boredom if he had delivered a captivating performance. I wondered how he thought the audience would respond to this closing statement. Maybe they would think, Oh I'm sorry, I didn’t realize this was your biggest song.

Please, don’t be like these artists. Don’t miss opportunities to properly communicate and connect with the audience. Don’t carry insecurity onstage. Rather, own the stage with confidence. However, the only way to effectively do this is to put in the hard work to improve your show. This is a time-consuming process that many artists don’t want to invest in, but in doing so, you will build lasting relationships with your audience and longevity into your career.

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FAQs

1. What is Purpose Live, and how can it transform my performance?

Purpose Live is your creative partner in crafting unforgettable onstage moments. Whether you're a music artist or a worship team, we go beyond typical live show production to help you connect deeply with your audience.

If you’ve ever:

• Doubted your ability to command the stage
• Struggled with stage fright
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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.

2. Why should I work with Purpose Live?

Because we don’t just teach you how to perform; we show you how to connect.

If you’ve:

• Wondered why your performances don’t always leave a lasting impression
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• 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.

3. What makes Purpose Live different from other performance coaching services?

We’re not just about making you look good; we’re about making you unforgettable.

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
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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.

4. What are your prices/fees?

Our services are as flexible as they are comprehensive. Pricing depends on the scope of your project, but we work with artists at every stage of their journey and are committed to making budgets work.

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5. If I sing and play well, isn’t that enough?

Singing and playing well are vital—but they’re just the beginning.

Performances that stand out go beyond talent. It’s about how you:

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We help you elevate your performance, making sure your talent is packaged with dynamic stage presence, polished transitions, and memorable moments.

6. Why do you adjust song arrangements for live shows?

Because what works in the studio doesn’t always translate on stage.

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.

7. How can Purpose Live elevate my live show?

Imagine stepping on stage without fear or hesitation—knowing exactly how to:

• Connect with your audience
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At Purpose Live, we’re your one-stop shop for live performance needs. We guide you through:

• Crafting an unforgettable setlist
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Whether you want to deepen audience connections, grow your fanbase, or create an immersive worship experience, we ensure every detail works together seamlessly.

8. How can I get started with Purpose Live’s services?

It’s simple to take the first step toward creating your dream performance:

• Schedule a FREE discovery call with us.
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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!