Blake Ian

Host

Performance Anxiety: Beyond the Fear 🎸 🎤

Feb 11, 2014·4,334 visitors

Jake Incao

Cohost

Stage· 285 messages

Feb 11, 2014

Two performing singer-songwriters discuss the intense nerves that can accompany the preparation for a big gig, how they work through the anxiety and why they feel it's always worth it!

Blake Ian · 2:30 AM

Hi Jake this is Blake...

Jake Incao · 2:30 AM

Hi Blake this happens to be Jake

Blake Ian · 2:30 AM

sweet.

Blake Ian · 2:31 AM

SO - Let's Tawk about the weird and wild stuff that happens to our brains before playing in front of a large room of people shall we??

Jake Incao · 2:31 AM

I'm having performance anxiety about our Tawkers talk but I plan to go beyond the fear

Blake Ian · 2:31 AM

haha that was going to be one of my questions

Jake Incao · 2:31 AM

Lots and lots of weirdness gets all up in there

Blake Ian · 2:31 AM

It gets VERY weird

Blake Ian · 2:31 AM

Let's elaborate

Jake Incao · 2:31 AM

Let's

Blake Ian · 2:32 AM

First of all... for me the amount of anxiety, nerves and weirdness totally increases for a solo acoustic show, as opposed to a show with a full band on stage with me.. .

Blake Ian · 2:32 AM

would you concur?

Blake Ian · 2:32 AM

Though we certainly do conquer!

Jake Incao · 2:32 AM

I would concur for sure

Jake Incao · 2:33 AM

You up there by yourself or you with 3 or 4 other friends is large and in charge

Blake Ian · 2:33 AM

Totally, I think what it comes down to is the inability to STOP doing anything

Jake Incao · 2:34 AM

Less thinky more play-y

Jake Incao · 2:34 AM

tommy want wingy

Blake Ian · 2:34 AM

With a band playing, if I needed to run side stage to fix a string, paint my toe nails etc. Nobody would even flinch as long as the rest of the crew keep jamming

Blake Ian · 2:35 AM

but if its just me, and I need to stop for 1 second, the entire room would be like "uhhh what the hell is happening?!"

Jake Incao · 2:35 AM

That's my favorite part of seeing you play with a band... when you paint your toe nails

Blake Ian · 2:35 AM

Well thats because you are side stage... nobody else gets to see that

Jake Incao · 2:35 AM

Yeah, one of my biggest fears for a big solo show is if a string breaks

Jake Incao · 2:36 AM

a string breaking in the middle of a set in front of a large audience is like having your brain break

Blake Ian · 2:36 AM

if a string breaks while you play with a band, nobody even hears it! Its as if a tree had fallen in the woods and nobody was around

Blake Ian · 2:36 AM

But yeah during a solo show its like a garbage truck fell off the empire state building!

Jake Incao · 2:37 AM

It's almost like a bear shat in the woods but no one was around to say, "yes, bears do in fact shit in the woods"

Blake Ian · 2:37 AM

Yeah its exactly like that dude

Blake Ian · 2:37 AM

★ Spotlighted from ed goldsmith

“So what do you think of just prior to being introduced to reduce the anxiety?”

Blake Ian · 2:37 AM

Interesting question...

Blake Ian · 2:38 AM

If I may, I don't know that I try to reduce anxiety anymore

Blake Ian · 2:38 AM

As much as accept it and understand it is so necessary to play the best show possible

Blake Ian · 2:38 AM

thats why its there

Jake Incao · 2:38 AM

Well, Mr. Goldsmith, I just do my best to breathe and there is definitely a lot of pacing

Blake Ian · 2:38 AM

would you CONCUR Jake??

Blake Ian · 2:38 AM

yes pacing is almost comical

Blake Ian · 2:38 AM

sometimes I literally start jumping

Jake Incao · 2:39 AM

jumping is essential

Jake Incao · 2:39 AM

there's so much erratic energy zipping around in your body

Jake Incao · 2:39 AM

jumping helps your not explode

Blake Ian · 2:39 AM

its as if I just drank like 42 cups of coffee, and I know I am going to need this energy for the next 30-45 minutes, but for the 2 minutes prior I have to just stand still with it

Jake Incao · 2:40 AM

No greater feeling than feeling safe and calm once you're up there in the grove though

Blake Ian · 2:40 AM

★ Spotlighted from Robin Maynard

“so, when I am paralyzed by anxiety and terror, I should just start jumping around?”

Blake Ian · 2:40 AM

YES Robert! You should :)

Blake Ian · 2:40 AM

Totally Jake, that is what we refer to as "The Cloud"

Blake Ian · 2:40 AM

Jake and I have played many of the same rooms...

Jake Incao · 2:41 AM

Different strokes for different folks Robin

Blake Ian · 2:41 AM

Oops I called Robin Robert, forgive me Robby

Jake Incao · 2:41 AM

Aside from pre-stage anxiety, walking helps my everyday anxieties

Jake Incao · 2:42 AM

But back to the topic at hand I say! chip chip charoo

Jake Incao · 2:42 AM

The anxiety is good! It works in our favor if honed properly.

Blake Ian · 2:43 AM

Totally

Jake Incao · 2:43 AM

Having some outlet to channel that anxiety into

Blake Ian · 2:43 AM

and as we have discussed so many times, particularly when playing rooms like The Paramount or Theater at Westbury... That feeling of "OMG I am going to DIE" at some point transitions into total ecstasy

Jake Incao · 2:44 AM

Im gonna die Im gonna die! Holy shit I am ALIVE!

Blake Ian · 2:44 AM

usually right around the time you finish the first song and you get a round of applause

Blake Ian · 2:44 AM

haha exactly!

Jake Incao · 2:44 AM

My first big gig opening for Sir Huey Lewis & (the not sirs) News

Jake Incao · 2:46 AM

I really wish I could have been knocked unconscious before playing. Had to be there at 5pm. Didn't play till 8pm. I think that's when I started to go gray... The 3 hours prior to hitting the stage

Blake Ian · 2:46 AM

Westbury?

Jake Incao · 2:46 AM

Then you're on the stage, you play your first song a bit shaky and timidly, then it feels like you are sitting in Gods hand

Jake Incao · 2:47 AM

Yes, blakus... at Westbury.

Blake Ian · 2:47 AM

Like God is rubbing your tummy!

Jake Incao · 2:47 AM

I literally had a feeling of being held. Like cupped. lol

Blake Ian · 2:47 AM

Hahah I remember you explaining that to me and then feeling exactly that, like I could lean all the way back and I wouldnt fall

Jake Incao · 2:48 AM

haha totes!

Jake Incao · 2:48 AM

such a perfect pocket of perfection

Blake Ian · 2:48 AM

Whats interesting is that we somehow know instinctively that there is that feeling awaiting us on the other side... or else why would we insist on putting ourselves through the pre show part

Jake Incao · 2:48 AM

peter piper picked a bunch of weirdness

Blake Ian · 2:49 AM

★ Spotlighted from Robin Maynard

“sounds like adrenaline to me. i hear it is addictive.”

Jake Incao · 2:49 AM

Because we are masochist

Blake Ian · 2:49 AM

thats one part of it for sure... though I have never really been an adrenaline seeker myself.

Blake Ian · 2:49 AM

★ Spotlighted from Robin Maynard

“because you love 'skydiving', you HAVE to take the jump first.”

Blake Ian · 2:50 AM

I have actually heard a lot of people tell me that they love skydiving but the plane up is the worst part. Always thought that was interesting

Blake Ian · 2:50 AM

I would think it was the JUMPING OUT of the plane!

Jake Incao · 2:50 AM

I've never been skydiving and not really interested but maybe to someone that loves skydiving, the feelings are comparable

Blake Ian · 2:50 AM

Well I think we all have our sources to the same end result

Blake Ian · 2:51 AM

For me its playing on stage and for you Jake its robbing old ladies and stealing their Babka

Jake Incao · 2:51 AM

Hey I never "stole" their Babka's

Blake Ian · 2:52 AM

Or was it a marble rye?

Jake Incao · 2:52 AM

I think there is an energy that connects us to each person in the crowd

Jake Incao · 2:52 AM

ya old hag!

Blake Ian · 2:52 AM

Right, and being sort of the conductor of that energy for the whole room...

Jake Incao · 2:52 AM

IT'S BANANAS!

Blake Ian · 2:53 AM

Is going to feel intense, especially before you can actually start playing

Jake Incao · 2:53 AM

it's spiritual, animalistic, enlightening, calming

Jake Incao · 2:53 AM

I wanna ROAR!

Blake Ian · 2:54 AM

and you do sir, you do

Jake Incao · 2:54 AM

what was that dragon thing you said when you opened for Loggins and Sapena

Jake Incao · 2:55 AM

subpoena

Jake Incao · 2:55 AM

loggins and the weena

Blake Ian · 2:55 AM

hahah it was just Loggins and I quoted a line from one of my favorite books, Letters to a Young Poet by Rilke

Jake Incao · 2:55 AM

wow, i'm losin' it

Jake Incao · 2:55 AM

well go on then... quote it again my dear boy

Blake Ian · 2:55 AM

a book I HIGHLY recommend to anyone going through any kind of anxiety, sadness or other emotional struggle

Blake Ian · 2:55 AM

Im building up!

Blake Ian · 2:55 AM

dont ruin my flow!

Blake Ian · 2:56 AM

It was "Perhaps all the dragons in our lives are princesses who are only waiting to see us act, just once, with beauty and courage."

Blake Ian · 2:57 AM

and then I quite sappily told the audience at Westbury they had all been an immense dragon for the last couple of weeks, and had turned into quite a beautiful princess!

Blake Ian · 2:57 AM

haha

Jake Incao · 2:57 AM

courage is how we got here

Blake Ian · 2:57 AM

But hey I was floating on a cloud of adrenaline induced ecstasy so lay off me!

Blake Ian · 2:57 AM

Courage is key

Jake Incao · 2:58 AM

it's like my dad always said...

Blake Ian · 2:58 AM

courage is the difference between letting the fear stop us, and walking out on that stage and saying, for lack of a better term "Fuck it, lets do this!"

Jake Incao · 2:58 AM

"Jake, don't be such a pu&&*"

Blake Ian · 2:59 AM

I can't believe your dad would use ampersands at you like that!

Jake Incao · 2:59 AM

Yeah, it always so confusing when he did that. lol

Jake Incao · 2:59 AM

I kid I kid

Blake Ian · 2:59 AM

But it was so important to learn that courage doesn't mean the absence of fear, it means action in the face of it

Blake Ian · 3:00 AM

Before that realization I got pretty down on myself for feeling so intensely nervous

Jake Incao · 3:00 AM

Ya just gotta get up and do it!

Jake Incao · 3:01 AM

Don't cower in the corner. Jump up and down!

Jake Incao · 3:02 AM

How bout the feeling after the set. How long does that last?

Blake Ian · 3:02 AM

Well it depends on how big the show was, and honestly I think its in equal proportion to how nervous I was before the show

Blake Ian · 3:02 AM

the more nervous before, the longer I am HIGH on life after

Jake Incao · 3:03 AM

There's always a balance. Performing in front of a huge crowd and being accepted and feeling that love is like nothing I've ever felt. Have to realize that can't stay with you forever, but do your best to carry that love and euphoria

Jake Incao · 3:03 AM

Spread that high on life vibe

Blake Ian · 3:03 AM

Speaking of high on life...

Jake Incao · 3:04 AM

yo i be stayin' high on life homie

Blake Ian · 3:04 AM

When I was younger I would just get up on stage and not give too much thought to the nerves, they were there but they didn't stop me much at all...

Blake Ian · 3:04 AM

and I think there could be a few contributing factors to that, but one major one for sure was

Blake Ian · 3:04 AM

I was never sober!

Jake Incao · 3:04 AM

was there alcohol involved

Jake Incao · 3:05 AM

haha exactly

Jake Incao · 3:05 AM

you probably thought you were so cool!

Blake Ian · 3:05 AM

So these nerves that you and I experience so similarly, come from the fact we are both performing solo acoustic in front of large rooms, and we are doing it totally SOBER

Jake Incao · 3:05 AM

being intoxicated during a performance may block the anxiety, but then it also blocks the euphoria

Jake Incao · 3:06 AM

the natural high euphoria

Blake Ian · 3:06 AM

Right, again the level of nerves is equal to the level of joy during and afterwards

Jake Incao · 3:06 AM

it's almost like the love you make is equal to the... umm, how's that go?

Blake Ian · 3:07 AM

I am the Walrus

Jake Incao · 3:07 AM

Man where they trippin or what

Jake Incao · 3:08 AM

walrus, submarine, lucy, the rigby broad

Blake Ian · 3:08 AM

What about getting up on stage more often as opposed to big gaps of time between shows... thats a big factor for me too

Jake Incao · 3:09 AM

Very true

Blake Ian · 3:09 AM

Do you find if you play a string of shows in a short amount of time... especially big ones, the nerves are way reduced

Blake Ian · 3:09 AM

I do

Jake Incao · 3:09 AM

I guess it would suck to become immune to the fear in some degree

Blake Ian · 3:09 AM

Yeah I was just going to say

Jake Incao · 3:09 AM

yes, definitely way reduced

Blake Ian · 3:10 AM

part of me doesn't want to do it that often because I wouldnt want to lose the fear entirely

Blake Ian · 3:10 AM

though I suppose there are always bigger room

Blake Ian · 3:10 AM

Jake Incao · 3:10 AM

I wonder if at some point there's a cap on the fear

Jake Incao · 3:11 AM

Just cause you play giant stadium doesn't necessarily mean you'll have more fear than playing The Westbury

Blake Ian · 3:11 AM

Well I think the first time you will no?

Jake Incao · 3:12 AM

I've actually been more fearful playing for 2 or 3 people as oppose to 2 or 3 thousand. All depends on the circumstance

Jake Incao · 3:13 AM

Have you ever played for a relative in your living room? Or your girlfriends mom? Now that's some fear right there! You are so close!

Blake Ian · 3:13 AM

I used to feel that way a lot actually too!

Blake Ian · 3:13 AM

I used to always say to people, sometimes I'd rather play for 1000 people than 1

Jake Incao · 3:13 AM

absolutely!

Blake Ian · 3:14 AM

Though I have to say lately I haven't felt that way anymore

Jake Incao · 3:14 AM

you are just locked in by 1 person

Blake Ian · 3:14 AM

Then again I've never even met your girlfriends mom, let alone played her a song

Jake Incao · 3:14 AM

no real room to grow. almost TOO intimate

Jake Incao · 3:15 AM

I was just gonna make a joke, but decided to think before I typed

Blake Ian · 3:15 AM

Good for you Jake! All growns up

Jake Incao · 3:16 AM

ohhhh you don't even own a gun. let alone have enough guns that would necessitate a gun rack

Blake Ian · 3:16 AM

It is funny that there are currently over 2,000 people reading this, 27 logged in, and yet only a couple willing to comment publicly. Pretty appropriate considering the topic.

Jake Incao · 3:16 AM

Come on people! Comment your tits off!

Blake Ian · 3:16 AM

I wonder how many reading this feel anxious about adding a comment...

Jake Incao · 3:17 AM

speak up i say!

Jake Incao · 3:17 AM

even if it's just to type a smiley face

Jake Incao · 3:17 AM

;)

Blake Ian · 3:17 AM

Jake Incao · 3:18 AM

Robin and Ed... we applaud you!

Jake Incao · 3:18 AM

Blake are you happy with how this is going?

Blake Ian · 3:18 AM

Jake Incao · 3:18 AM

I'm starting to feel anxious over my performance

Blake Ian · 3:19 AM

I think this has been great, I hope if there are any folks out there reading this that are struggling with performance anxiety, that it is somewhat helpful!

Blake Ian · 3:19 AM

I have been through such intense struggles with it at different times, once I actually thought I would never get on a stage again

Jake Incao · 3:20 AM

You're mind was being a dick

Jake Incao · 3:20 AM

But seriously, you should be proud brother

Blake Ian · 3:20 AM

Robin does fear stop you from performing in any way?

Blake Ian · 3:20 AM

(also - chrome doesn't support emoji, so if you are using chrome that why) : )

Blake Ian · 3:21 AM

★ Spotlighted from Robin Maynard

“depends on what you mean by 'perform'. it does keep me from speaking up, when i would like to.”

Jake Incao · 3:21 AM

Tell us about yourself Robin.

Blake Ian · 3:22 AM

What situations do you not speak up because of fear? Professionally? Romantically? Creatively?

Blake Ian · 3:23 AM

★ Spotlighted from Robin Maynard

“i am an artist - painter. i have a lot of strong political opinions. little old lady in Montana. =D always been petrified by having any spotlight on me.”

Jake Incao · 3:23 AM

I would love to see some of your paintings and hear your strong political opinions

Jake Incao · 3:24 AM

So now the spotlight is on you. Feel free to jump on through it

Blake Ian · 3:24 AM

Me too! can you post a link to some of your work on the internet?

Jake Incao · 3:24 AM

★ Spotlighted from Robin Maynard

“well, you could look me up on facebook. my art page is... Robin Maynard Fine Art. ;]”

Blake Ian · 3:25 AM

https://www.facebook.com/RobinMaynardFineArt

Jake Incao · 3:25 AM

I love it!

Jake Incao · 3:25 AM

Love the profile picture right from the get go!

Jake Incao · 3:25 AM

Is that a little girl you know?

Blake Ian · 3:26 AM

★ Spotlighted from Robin Maynard

“the drawing? it was me as a kid putting my sox on.”

Jake Incao · 3:26 AM

Oh wow! People out there reading this... Robin is legit! Very talented! Go check out her page for sure

Blake Ian · 3:27 AM

I guess thats the point here Robin, what is to be gained by not sharing, not speaking up?

Blake Ian · 3:27 AM

Not much

Jake Incao · 3:27 AM

★ Spotlighted from Robin Maynard

“<- laughing and loving this”

Blake Ian · 3:28 AM

Fear, anxiety, nerves, its all there to be our tool, our weapon, and should never be given any power to stop us from doing something we KNOW we want to do

Jake Incao · 3:28 AM

See! you don't like the spotlight on you, but now that we are admiring your fine art. How does it feel?

Blake Ian · 3:28 AM

★ Spotlighted from Steven LaSala

“Might be little late on the topic... anything weird you do help with the jitters?”

Blake Ian · 3:28 AM

Steve, we did discuss that Jake and I both apparently jump up and down before shows!

Blake Ian · 3:28 AM

haha

Jake Incao · 3:28 AM

pace, breathe, pace, rock, breathe, pace

Blake Ian · 3:28 AM

I also meditate before every single show

Blake Ian · 3:29 AM

though I do that every day anyway, but on show days - I sit about 30 minutes before showtime

Blake Ian · 3:29 AM

It's my one request to any venue, that there is somewhere I can sit on a chair with a closed door and not be disturbed

Blake Ian · 3:29 AM

★ Spotlighted from Steven LaSala

“come on... there must be something else. nothing rediculous? only eat green M&Ms?”

Blake Ian · 3:29 AM

haha

Blake Ian · 3:29 AM

I def have some diet quirks

Blake Ian · 3:30 AM

I usually hardly eat anything that whole day, and then I eat a bag of almonds about an hour before the show

Jake Incao · 3:30 AM

Oh I need a good meal before showtime

Blake Ian · 3:30 AM

and sometimes a banana, I stay away from ANYTHING that could cause me to have stomach issues!

Blake Ian · 3:30 AM

Really?!

Blake Ian · 3:30 AM

wow - I want nothing in my stomach, I FEAST after the show

Jake Incao · 3:31 AM

Yeah, I need to feel a healthy fullness in my belly. If it's empty my voice doesn't work as well. It's like stomach acid comes up to the ol' esophagus and that's no bueno

Blake Ian · 3:31 AM

Im all tea and almonds for the whole day til Im done playing hahah a

Jake Incao · 3:32 AM

I usually like to eat at Mendy's before a big show. Ya wanna go ta Mendy's?

Blake Ian · 3:32 AM

Im like 40% chamomile by the time Im up there

Blake Ian · 3:32 AM

We're not going to Mendys!

Jake Incao · 3:32 AM

Soup is not a meal!

Blake Ian · 3:33 AM

Seriously though, you know one of the most helpful things for me has been finding out about other performers who are hugely successful and suffer with intense nerves and even panic

Blake Ian · 3:33 AM

★ Spotlighted from Robin Maynard

“it feels great, but a little scary”

Blake Ian · 3:33 AM

people like David Bowie, Barabara Streisand...

Blake Ian · 3:33 AM

Johnny Carson!!

Blake Ian · 3:33 AM

The guy did one of the greatest shows of all time every single night

Blake Ian · 3:34 AM

and every night before the show he was sick with anxiety

Blake Ian · 3:34 AM

Thats really important for me, because when anxiety shows up I can answer it logically and understand that this is part of the process, it is not an alarm telling me something is wrong

Blake Ian · 3:34 AM

Because thats what it can feel like right Jake?

Blake Ian · 3:35 AM

like some intuition is warning you that if you go out there, the world is going to end

Blake Ian · 3:36 AM

I even read something very interesting once that said stage fright is actually related to ancient rituals that can make the person on stage feel like the audience wants to eat them!

Jake Incao · 3:36 AM

Oh wow!

Blake Ian · 3:36 AM

like the way animals surround prey

Blake Ian · 3:36 AM

This was never more evident than at Westbury to me

Jake Incao · 3:36 AM

That's a fear I wouldn't want to deal with

Blake Ian · 3:36 AM

in the round is a FREAKY thing

Blake Ian · 3:37 AM

at The Paramount, The Emporium, the Downtown... There is that safety behind you of the curtain and the back wall...

Blake Ian · 3:37 AM

at Westbury its just more people back there!

Jake Incao · 3:37 AM

You go from feeling like that want to eat you to feeling like they want to have you over for a wonderful family get together and serve you some homemade goodness

Jake Incao · 3:37 AM

geez mistypes a go go

Blake Ian · 3:38 AM

Its like that twilight episode, How to cook man, turns into how to cook for man

Blake Ian · 3:38 AM

or something like that, I only know it because the simpsons spoofed it

Blake Ian · 3:38 AM

SIMPSONS DID IT!

Blake Ian · 3:38 AM

★ Spotlighted from Robin Maynard

“Do you guys ever feel like, "this time they're going to hate?not love me?"”

Jake Incao · 3:39 AM

I felt like a rotisserie chicken the first time I played The Westbury

Blake Ian · 3:39 AM

During the nerves yes for sure but thats why that first applause after you finish your first song changes everything

Blake Ian · 3:39 AM

★ Spotlighted from Steven LaSala

“Is it the act of playing the music or the fact that you are in front of the crowd and itll be ok that the anxiety goes away?”

Blake Ian · 3:39 AM

The playing the music helps use up the energy

Jake Incao · 3:39 AM

Once they applaud, you know they're on your side

Blake Ian · 3:39 AM

which is prob why the energy is there in the first place!

Blake Ian · 3:40 AM

Yeah people don't usually clap for you before they eat you...

Blake Ian · 3:40 AM

I never saw that on Discovery Channel

Blake Ian · 3:40 AM

"and as you see here, the hyenas have the wounded cub surrounded... and whats this? They seem to be giving him a standing ovation..."

Jake Incao · 3:40 AM

I seriously am about to heat up some soup right now

Jake Incao · 3:41 AM

It's one thing to be eaten alive, but to have them clap first before they eat you... that's just so tacky

Blake Ian · 3:41 AM

Actually something going wrong early in the show, particularly before or during the first song can feel so intense

Blake Ian · 3:42 AM

That was actually the first time I felt myself have a panic attack during a performance

Blake Ian · 3:42 AM

I stepped on a guitar pedal and it didn't click on and no noise came out, right when the song was supposed to kick in

Blake Ian · 3:42 AM

all the energy left my body, and I knew that I had to still play an entire show after that... it. was. dreadful

Blake Ian · 3:43 AM

But the good thing is... I have gotten to the point where I can be totally fine with something going wrong, even work it into the show

Blake Ian · 3:43 AM

The thing is, you are so scared of that happening, but when it does finally and you survive, like anything else, you realize its not deadly

Jake Incao · 3:43 AM

Sorry I am becoming more and more MIA from the convo

Jake Incao · 3:44 AM

I must give attention to my little baby boy now

Blake Ian · 3:44 AM

All good, we did go a bit over on time here anyway, shall we wrap this up, perhaps pick it up another time??

Jake Incao · 3:45 AM

Yes absolutely

Blake Ian · 3:45 AM

Well thanks for joining us everyone, and especially those who had the cojones to comment along with us

Blake Ian · 3:45 AM

Thank you sir Jake for hosting this with me!

Jake Incao · 3:45 AM

And I am imagining the fear you felt as you just explained. That is some extreme panic right there!

Blake Ian · 3:45 AM

yeah it was awful haha

Blake Ian · 3:46 AM

★ Spotlighted from Robin Maynard

“I feel braver already!”

Blake Ian · 3:46 AM

Thank you Robin, that is extremely gratifying

Blake Ian · 3:46 AM

★ Spotlighted from Steven LaSala

“Thanks guys...”

Jake Incao · 3:46 AM

Thank you Robin! Thank you Steven!

Jake Incao · 3:46 AM

And thank you Mr. Blake Ian for inviting me on this evening

Blake Ian · 3:47 AM

Word.

Jake Incao · 3:47 AM

no, that was a few words

Blake Ian · 3:47 AM

Goodnight gracie.

Jake Incao · 3:48 AM

★ Spotlighted from Robin Maynard

“G'nite, Blake n Jake. enjoy your soup!”

Jake Incao · 3:48 AM

the noodles have absorbed the ummm soup part

Blake Ian · 3:48 AM

Robin - All the most wonderful experience in my life have come from being very afraid and then doing it anyway.... I hope that you keep that thought with you. Goodnight

Jake Incao · 3:49 AM

yeah.... what Blake just said

Jake Incao · 3:49 AM

Keep painting Robin... and keep sharing!

Jake Incao · 3:50 AM

Goodnight everyone!

Blake Ian · 12:33 PM

★ Spotlighted from Ellie Hirsch

“Looking back, has the anxiety gotten better with each performance as you get more comfortable? How do you prevent yourself from feeling anxious the night before and what do you do to relax?”

Blake Ian · 12:35 PM

Hey Ellie, for sure the more I perform the more manageable the anxiety feels... It becomes more "normal" I suppose. Also the thought of "I have just done this recently and felt great during and after the show" is a helpful anchor

Blake Ian · 12:38 PM

The night before has been less of an issue for me lately, but the nerves used to start a week or 2 before a really big show. ?

Blake Ian · 12:40 PM

When this was the cases I relied on a lot of the practices I have learned to cope with anxiety in general. Exercise, meditation, breathing and good books!

Blake Ian · 12:41 PM

Also, jake gave me some great advice once, "practice the set like a song."

Blake Ian · 12:42 PM

So I will play the entire set in full about twice a day for a 2 weeks. By the time I am getting on stage I know I could basically be sleeping and my fingers and voice would play the show by themselves.

Blake Ian · 12:44 PM

Knowing you could rely on muscle memory like that is so helpful, and so the most important thing to calming nerves is rehearsal, rehearsal, rehearsal!

Forum · 46

Forum· 46 comments

4,334 visitors

Tawkers AdminFeb 8, 2014, 5:56 AM

Welcome to the comment section of the Tawk, where audience members can share their thoughts about the main conversation happening on the left. Don't by shy! Entering questions and comments is the only way to get the attention of the two Hosts on stage!

ed goldsmithFeb 11, 2014, 2:32 AM

Think you nailed it right away... Going beyond your fear!

ed goldsmithFeb 11, 2014, 2:37 AM★ Spotlighted

So what do you think of just prior to being introduced to reduce the anxiety?

Robin MaynardFeb 11, 2014, 2:40 AM★ Spotlighted

so, when I am paralyzed by anxiety and terror, I should just start jumping around?

ed goldsmithFeb 11, 2014, 2:41 AM

Would you agree that the energy felt and displayed in the body is very similar to the feelings one gets when feeling excited!

Robin MaynardFeb 11, 2014, 2:42 AM

I was trying to imagine the jumping while walking into my congressman's office. not so sure about it. might get me arrested. Blake.... No problem, i assure you. ; D

Robin MaynardFeb 11, 2014, 2:44 AM★ Spotlighted

sounds like adrenaline to me. i hear it is addictive.

Robin MaynardFeb 11, 2014, 2:49 AM★ Spotlighted

because you love 'skydiving', you HAVE to take the jump first.

Robin MaynardFeb 11, 2014, 3:03 AM

It is the 'extemporaneous performance' that paralyses me. where you do not know in advance exactly what you are going to say or do, because it has been provoked by someone else's word or deed.

Robin MaynardFeb 11, 2014, 3:05 AM

* note to self: get another large bottle of rum.

Robin MaynardFeb 11, 2014, 3:17 AM

: P

Robin MaynardFeb 11, 2014, 3:18 AM

= D thank you!

Robin MaynardFeb 11, 2014, 3:19 AM

somehow, i cannot see your 'face' Blake. just look like squares to me.

Robin MaynardFeb 11, 2014, 3:19 AM

Sort of helpful. i was able to comment, anyway.

Robin MaynardFeb 11, 2014, 3:21 AM★ Spotlighted

depends on what you mean by 'perform'. it does keep me from speaking up, when i would like to.

ed goldsmithFeb 11, 2014, 3:22 AM

Tell robin to host a talk with me then she can answer my questions!

Robin MaynardFeb 11, 2014, 3:23 AM★ Spotlighted

i am an artist - painter. i have a lot of strong political opinions. little old lady in Montana. =D always been petrified by having any spotlight on me.

Robin MaynardFeb 11, 2014, 3:23 AM

situations.. creatively, politically. socially.

Robin MaynardFeb 11, 2014, 3:24 AM★ Spotlighted

well, you could look me up on facebook. my art page is... Robin Maynard Fine Art. ;]

Robin MaynardFeb 11, 2014, 3:25 AM

politics... i an so frustrated with the current system in the US and globally.

Robin MaynardFeb 11, 2014, 3:25 AM

oh thank you!

Robin MaynardFeb 11, 2014, 3:26 AM★ Spotlighted

the drawing? it was me as a kid putting my sox on.

Robin MaynardFeb 11, 2014, 3:27 AM★ Spotlighted

<- laughing and loving this

Steven LaSalaFeb 11, 2014, 3:27 AM★ Spotlighted

Might be little late on the topic... anything weird you do help with the jitters?

Robin MaynardFeb 11, 2014, 3:27 AM

definitely, Blake

Robin MaynardFeb 11, 2014, 3:27 AM

i am afraid i might be more 'stupid' than i think i am.

Robin MaynardFeb 11, 2014, 3:28 AM★ Spotlighted

it feels great, but a little scary

Steven LaSalaFeb 11, 2014, 3:29 AM★ Spotlighted

come on... there must be something else. nothing rediculous? only eat green M&Ms?

Steven LaSalaFeb 11, 2014, 3:31 AM

Thats probably the way to do it... everything must taste better after performing

Steven LaSalaFeb 11, 2014, 3:32 AM

Except black licorice cause that shit is gross

Robin MaynardFeb 11, 2014, 3:33 AM

Soup... for the lazy cooker (me). everything in one pot!

Robin MaynardFeb 11, 2014, 3:36 AM★ Spotlighted

Do you guys ever feel like, "this time they're going to hate?not love me?"

Steven LaSalaFeb 11, 2014, 3:37 AM★ Spotlighted

Is it the act of playing the music or the fact that you are in front of the crowd and itll be ok that the anxiety goes away?

Robin MaynardFeb 11, 2014, 3:40 AM

a little known tribe in the jungles of Manhattan, will eat you after clapping.

Robin MaynardFeb 11, 2014, 3:43 AM

traumatising

Robin MaynardFeb 11, 2014, 3:43 AM

use your mistakes to your advantage!

Robin MaynardFeb 11, 2014, 3:45 AM

thanks, guys. this was a good one.

Robin MaynardFeb 11, 2014, 3:45 AM★ Spotlighted

I feel braver already!

Steven LaSalaFeb 11, 2014, 3:46 AM★ Spotlighted

Thanks guys...

Robin MaynardFeb 11, 2014, 3:48 AM★ Spotlighted

G'nite, Blake n Jake. enjoy your soup!

Robin MaynardFeb 11, 2014, 3:49 AM

i will, Blake, thank you.

Robin MaynardFeb 11, 2014, 3:49 AM

will do!

Robin MaynardFeb 11, 2014, 3:50 AM

Nighty nite!

Ellie HirschFeb 11, 2014, 4:38 PM★ Spotlighted

Looking back, has the anxiety gotten better with each performance as you get more comfortable? How do you prevent yourself from feeling anxious the night before and what do you do to relax?

Guido BlacuttAug 2, 2014, 2:09 AM

Yoooooi

Guido BlacuttAug 2, 2014, 2:09 AM

Whats goodington