Discover what our Ambassadors prefer
One of summer’s pleasures is spending more time outdoors and enjoying listening to a concert or festival in the open air. Outdoor music festivals, from Glasto to Glyndebourne, with nature as a backdrop have a unique atmosphere. For musicians, playing alfresco can make a refreshing change and they also get to connect with a larger audience but there are two major challenges - the acoustics and weather!
We asked Nina Fine and Beth Keeping, two of our Music Ambassadors how they keep their cool when performing outdoors.
Soulful singer-songwriter and co-founder of Women in Jazz Nina Fine explains: “Playing outdoor festivals is a fun and sometimes chaotic experience. I like getting to know the crew who are managing the stage and the sound engineer(s) because it feels friendlier, and it’s helpful to know the full information about sound and set up, and usually makes it feel more fun too.
Crowds can often be floating around different stages and somehow feel a pull to come to the stage you are playing at. As a punter I love this feeling and as a musician, it is exciting. Even if I feel nervous before a performance, as the gig progresses, it is such a warm and unique experience connecting with a crowd exactly where they are in that moment. It feels like a privilege. Tuning into that connection is how I feel grounded. “
One of the big challenges with performing outdoors is sound. You’re much more vulnerable to weather changes, so, if it suddenly turns windy or starts raining, that will affect how sound travels and can affect the crowd mood too.”
Playing outside offers a different vibe and atmosphere. Depending on what the intention of the performance is, festival or intimate gig, there is something special to feel into while performing music.”
Artist and Songwriter and fellow Music Ambassador Beth Keeping has a different approach; “I am more of an acoustic stripped back performer, so in many ways I prefer playing indoors to intimate listening audiences. It’s always a great feeling to find new fans playing at outdoor events though, plus it’s always nice on a sunny day.
I busked for several years when I first moved to London. I got involved through the Mayor of London’s annual GIGS busking competition - I took part a few times and won the songwriting prize in my final year. That gave me the confidence to perform on the streets, and I played on the underground and at train stations. I eventually stopped to focus more on songwriting.”
I grew as a performer through busking - it’s a great way to hone your craft and develop a thick skin. You don’t have a guaranteed audience, so you have to work harder to grab people’s attention. It’s also a great way to reach new audiences - you never know who might see you on the street! One of my friends is a busker and she ended up being played on BBC Radio 2 because a DJ passed her busking and loved her music!”
You can find out more about Nina and Beth and listen to their music, by following them on Instagram and Yamaha Music London.
