Jack Vandervelde – PRESHOW RITUALS

In this Preshow Rituals segment, the singer-songwriter, Jack Vandervelde, shares what he does before every show. You can check out his rituals, after the break.

My pre-show ritual starts the moment I get up. I like to run through my set a few times as early in the day as possible. This allows me to warm up my vocals and assure myself I am prepared. I usually write down my setlist because different shows mean different time slots. In the past year, I have done performances ranging from one song to three hours worth of songs. Next, I eat a big meal during the day that will last me until after the show. I do not like to eat a couple hours before a set. I drink a lot of water and run through everything in my head.

At this point, it may sound like I over prepare but the truth is I do. Preparation is the only constant variable you can bring with you from show to show. I get too anxious when I am doing nothing so I will often play video games to quickly pass the time. Before I head off to the venue I shower, change, and pack some extra clothes. I leave no room for wardrobe malfunctions. In the hour leading up to the show, I listen to rock, death metal, and songs from my childhood in my headphones.I have a playlist just for this occasion and add to it often. The first song ever added was “Carry Me” by Dead By April and the most recent song added is “Pretend I’m God” by It’s Alive. In between, it ranges from Daft Punk to the Backstreet Boys. I find these various styles of music distracting in a good way and also different from the music I am about to play. Lastly, I run through the first line of the first verse of the first song so I feel comfortable when I step up to the mic.

The first time I was invited to play a show came after I posted a song called “Save the King”. Since I was playing these shows with a loop pedal and traveling alone, I came up with a saying I would say to myself walking backstage since I had no one else to talk to. It was “failure now is not a thing, but when it is, God save the king”. It basically meant if all else fails on stage, the only song they are expecting you to play is Save the King. I say a prayer and walk on stage. This has all stuck with me since.

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