Session Diary Under Pressure
Guitarist|December 2018

Anxiety can strike in the most unlikely of setting Here's how Adam Goldsmith overcomes his nerves.

Session Diary Under Pressure

Part of being any type of performer is dealing with nerves or anxiety. Some people are more naturally anxious than others and this obviously affects different people in different ways. Personally, I’ve always been a naturally anxious person, but I’ve managed to develop ways of channelling this into concentration rather than letting it overwhelm me at work. Over the past 20 years of doing sessions and gigs, I’ve found that some of the most unlikely situations can provoke nerves. For example, playing a gig at Wembley Arena vs playing a gig in your local bar? You’d imagine that’s a no brainer in the nerves charts, wouldn’t you?

The first time I played at Wembley Arena was for the Pop Idol tour in 2002, on the back of the first series, which featured Will Young and Gareth Gates. It proved to be an oddly impersonal experience – between the fact I couldn’t see the audience beyond the first few rows when the lights were down, and the isolating effect of in-ear monitors, I relaxed pretty quickly and the gigs moved along without incident. On the other hand, the first time I played with my own band in a local bar, in front of some great musicians and family members who I could see looking right at me – utterly terrifying, but ultimately more rewarding.

Denne historien er fra December 2018-utgaven av Guitarist.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra December 2018-utgaven av Guitarist.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA GUITARISTSe alt
QUICK CHANGE
Guitarist

QUICK CHANGE

As Gibson finally adds some Quick Connect pickups to its Pickup Shop line-up, Dave Burrluck revisits this simple no-solder method to mod your Modern guitar

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2024
Return Of The Rack
Guitarist

Return Of The Rack

A revered rackmount digital delay makes a welcome comeback in pedal form.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
Pure Filth
Guitarist

Pure Filth

This all-analogue preamp pedal based on Blues Saraceno's amp is a flexible powerhouse with a variety of roles.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Reptile Royalty
Guitarist

Reptile Royalty

From Queen to King - there's another Electro-Harmonix royal vying for the crown of octave distortion

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Tradition Revisited
Guitarist

Tradition Revisited

Line 6 refreshes its Helix-based modelling amp range by doubling the number of available amp voicings - and more

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
Ramble On
Guitarist

Ramble On

Furch's travel guitar folds down so you can transport it in its own custom backpack and, the company claims, it returns to pitch when you reassemble it. Innovation or gimmick?

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
Redrawing The 'Bird
Guitarist

Redrawing The 'Bird

A fascinating reimagining of one of Gibson's more out-there designs, the Gravitas sticks with vintage vibe and mojo. Oh, and that sound...

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
1965 Fender Jazz Bass
Guitarist

1965 Fender Jazz Bass

\"They made them later on, but it's not something I've ever seen this early.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
Boss Cube Street II
Guitarist

Boss Cube Street II

Regular readers will know that the last time I took the Boss Cube Street II out, I was in rehearsal for a debut gig in London.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
STILL CRAZY
Guitarist

STILL CRAZY

One of the most creative yet reliably great-sounding effects makers out there, Crazy Tube Circuits grew out of a fetish for old valve amps. We meet founder Christos Ntaifotis to find out more

time-read
8 mins  |
November 2024