MILES PLATTING IS AVAILABLE FOR BOOKINGS.
To book Miles Platting for your folk club please contact us.
LYRIC SHEETS: THE ENEMY WITHIN
GLOBAL FOLK PARLIAMENT
2023
Lyric sheets are killing folk clubs. They should be banned.
Here are the 3 most common excuses for this addiction:
- “My memory’s going” Hmmm.
Learning a song is an excellent way of improving your memory.
- “I get so nervous without them” – You’re supposed to be nervous.
Nervous ENERGY is a fundamental NECESSITY FOR PERFORMANCE.
- “I haven’t got the time” – There are no deadlines. Sing when you’re ready.
__________ ___ __________
What’s wrong with lyric sheets? It’s all about ENERGY.
The rigmarole of using lyric sheets:
Creates false confidence in place of nervous energy.
Drains energy away from the “performer”, the audience and the room.
Squanders the opportunity to learn the words and become a performer.
___________ ___ __________
The use of lyric sheets offers no recognition to those performers who:
DO make the effort,
DO learn the words
DO not rely on an artificial repertoire.
This obvious lack of preparation betrays a lack of respect for
themselves, the song and especially, ESPECIALLY the audience.
__________ ___ __________
Why do folk clubs tolerate lyric sheets?
They believe lyric sheets enable less proficient “performers” to participate.
They do, but they drastically diminish standards, deterring casual visitors from returning.
A BAN ON LYRIC SHEETS NEED NOT AND MUST NOT
DETER LESS PROFICIENT PERFORMERS.
What will be gained from the ban? … THE HOLY GRAIL
Raising the energy level will attract and retain new audiences,
more than offsetting any errors that occur.
Liberation from lyric sheets will:
Eradicate an additional source of anxiety.
Help control the fear of failure.
Bring true confidence by fixing the song in the mind.
Remain faithful to the oral tradition…learning the song by heart.
A folk club is a supremely unique musical venue
The only place for performers to hone material.
A two-way conduit of energy between performer and audience
This doesn’t happen at an open mike
At folk clubs folks come to listen
and to share an authentic experience!
__________ ___ __________
WHAT TO DO?
Recommendations for clubs
AMATEUR STATUS PROFESSIONAL ATTITUDE
- Learn your lines
2. Never book guests who use lyric sheets
– Especially those who sell product
– Particularly if it’s original material:
If they can’t be bothered why should you?
- A sensible notice period (overnight) after which,
Lyric Sheets will no longer be tolerated.
- Silent protest. Applaud all performers who don’t use them…none who do.
A lyric sheet is not an effective prompt
Just a focus of fear
NO OBFUSCATION
SINGING WITH A LYRIC SHEET IS PRACTICE!
WITHOUT IS PERFORMANCE;
THE LIFEBLOOD OF ANY CLUB.
LEARN YOUR LINES!
© idolvinyl.com
