There’s something electric about playing a live show in New York City. The energy is high, the audiences are sharp, and the expectations? Even higher. Whether it’s an intimate venue in the Village or a big room uptown, every performance here has its own rhythm—and over the years, I’ve developed a personal routine to meet it head-on.
In this post, I’m breaking down my full pre-show process: how I prep mentally, physically, musically, and everything in between.
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1. Locking in the Music (Rehearsals with Purpose)
Rehearsals aren’t just about running the setlist. For me, it’s about internalizing the feel of each song—where I can push, where I should pull back, and how to make every section breathe.
If it’s a solo set or I’m backing an artist, I make sure to run the full set in order at least twice with no stops. I treat that like the real show. It’s a test for stamina, transitions, and spotting any trouble spots before the lights come on.
And if there are any musical cues, transitions, or arrangements that are unique to this show, I chart them out on paper—even if I never look at it again, the act of writing it cements it in my
2. Tuning In to the Venue Vibe
Every NYC venue has its own personality. You might be in a classic jazz club one night, then a warehouse-style indie spot the next. I always do a little recon: check past performance videos, learn how the room sounds, and get a feel for the crowd.
If possible, I show up early enough to catch the opening act or vibe out the space before we go on. That helps me calibrate my energy—not just my volume.
3. Gear Check: Dialing in the Setup
I keep my setup tight and intentional. Depending on the gig, I might go full kit or strip it back to the essentials: kick, snare, hats, one cymbal, and a pad. If I’m using electronics or triggers, I make sure everything’s dialed in at least a day before, not the morning of.
I’ll sometimes change drumheads or sticks depending on the room. Smaller clubs might call for coated heads and brushes; bigger rooms, I’ll go with something punchier.
Also: spare everything. Sticks, cables, drum key, in-ears. I never want to be the one asking if someone has a spare hi-hat clutch five minutes before showtime.
4. Mindset Reset
It’s easy to get distracted—traffic, load-in chaos, soundcheck delays. So I make it a point to give myself 10–15 minutes pre-show to step away from everything.
I’ll either throw on headphones and run one of the songs in my head, or just breathe. Sometimes I do a light stretch, especially if it’s a long set. It’s not just about warming up my hands—it’s about centering myself. No matter how many people are in the room, I treat every show like it matters. Because it does.
5. The Moment Before: Showtime Rituals
Right before hitting the stage, I check in with the band. Eye contact, dap, a quick “let’s kill it.” It’s not cheesy—it’s chemistry. That’s part of the magic of live performance: the connection, the unspoken cues, the shared energy.
Then I hit the stage, take one breath behind the kit… and lock in.
Final Thoughts
Playing in New York isn’t like playing anywhere else. The city’s pulse becomes part of your playing. There’s grit, there’s urgency, and there’s beauty in the chaos.
Whether you’re a fellow musician or a fan of live music, I hope this gave you a little glimpse into what goes into the performance before the first note even hits. If you’re coming to a future show, now you know: every beat has a story behind it.
📍 Got questions about my setup, rituals, or favorite NYC venues? Drop them in the comments or shoot me a message. Always down to connect.
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