If you want your music career to take off, mastering the art of a truly engaging live performance is essential. In a recent episode of the Profitable Musician Show, Tara Brueske and Bree Noble dive deep into what it really takes to connect with an audience from the stage. Their conversation goes far beyond just playing good music — it’s about intentional choices, interaction, and building memorable experiences.

Watch the episode here

Listen to the podcast here

Here’s a roundup of key points and direct quotes from their insightful episode:

It’s About More Than Just the Music

Right from the start, Bree Noble highlights that performance isn’t solely about song quality:
“You can’t have a successful musician business if you can’t engage people in performance. […] The idea of being in front of people and having that connection, one to one or one to many […] is so much more important and will grow your career so much faster than anything that you can do through online and AI.”

Tara emphasizes the significance of thinking critically about audience connection:
“It’s such a great topic. […] It’s really fun to, again, think about those aspects of what does it take to actually connect with your audience?

Programming: Setlists & Structure Matter

Both Tara and Bree discuss how to build a setlist that hooks listeners:

Start with covers to establish familiarity:
“I always start with covers. […] I want that connection point right up front.” — Tara

Find the right balance:
“Obviously you don’t want to have more than half of your set be cover songs if you’re trying to promote yourself as an original artist.” — Bree

Sprinkle originals strategically:
“So, you know, we kind of, like, I’d say maybe, you know, two songs that people know, then a song they don’t. Then two songs…” — Tara

Use familiar songs in the middle to re-engage audience attention and stave off fatigue.

The Power of Storytelling Between Songs

Setting context for your originals is crucial, as Bree notes:
“Oh my gosh. Essential. Like, why are they gonna care? […] If you like, set the stage for it… they’re actually going to pay attention and listen.”

Tara adds:

“If you don’t give a story, it’s actually harder. […] even if it’s short, like, super short.”

A well-told story not only preps the audience for your lyrics but increases emotional involvement.

Vary Your Songs: Tempo, Key, and Arc

Don’t let your set get monotonous!
“It is important to vary the keys because otherwise, it really starts to feel one note.” — Bree

On avoiding too many ballads:
“You do too many ballads in a row and you start losing your audience.” — Tara

Create an “arc” for your show, opening and closing strong, and taking them on a journey in between.

Engage Your Audience: Interaction & Banter

Audience participation changes everything:
“The more audience interaction, the better.” — Bree

Ask questions, invite singalongs, or even set up small group discussions:
“They were so excited. Like, I couldn’t almost get them to stop talking, but it engaged them with each other too.” — Tara

Tara also suggests simple giveaways or games to break the fourth wall.

Stage Presence & Visuals

Even logistics like stage visuals and movement matter, especially if you play an instrument:
“If you are accompanying yourself, if you can try to learn that instrument or have simple enough accompaniments, that you really are not tied to looking at your instrument.” — Tara

Both agree that connecting with your eyes — not closing them the whole time — is key:
“You have to be mindful of that. […] You have to get back in the game.” — Bree

Endings and Encores

Endings should be intentional:
“I always say, like, before I do my last song or something like that, you know, I always mention the merch table. […] And just kind of give them the clue that this is the last song.” — Bree

And if encores happen, have a simple cover ready to wrap up:
“Usually it is a cover. Just because I think I want to leave them again with something that they can already go, yep.” — Tara

Final Thoughts

The heart of an engaging performance?
“You’re serving the audience. […] If you can just kind of think of that. And then number two is that even if you are more introverted and […] maybe you feel like you’re not engaging… Maybe just think of it like you’re talking to a person.” — Tara

Practice performing for a small test audience or on video to catch your mannerisms and verbal tics, and continually refine:
“If you’re brave enough, you can video yourself and look at that and be honest.” — Bree

Above all, remember:
“We are entertainers, not just musicians. […] They’re not perfect people. We’re not perfect people.” — Bree

Wrap-up:
Keep your performances authentic, interactive, and well-structured. For more deep-dives into themed performances and show programming, stay tuned for future episodes — and feel free to reach out to Tara or Bree on their social platforms with your questions