Pre-show rituals & backstage secrets

A lot of musicians and artist have different things that they do before going on stage. Some have specific drinks like room temperature water or a shot or two of some type of alcohol, others do vocal exercises or meditation. While I haven't performed at high profile venues, I believe that any personal ritual someone does can be applied.

One of my personal rituals is simple and straight forward. And it doesn't necessarily have to apply to being a performing artist. Aside from my own, I listen to a lot of music. Maybe for a few minutes I will listen to some of the songs I will be performing at an event, then if I feel comfortable with what I will be performing I listen to whatever puts me in the mood that I want to be. If I'm performing a sad set, then I will put on music that makes me feel sad or emotional. If I want to be hype, I put on music that gets me hype and excited.

Sometimes if I have enough time I just spend time by myself and just think about my day or encourage myself. A lot of times people get so lost in a moment that they forget to think about where they are at now. I get nervous, but sometimes just reassuring one's self is all that is needed to calm yourself or tell yourself that this is really happening and you are going to do it.