Our Own Reflection

Whether you realize it or not, the audience is a reflection of us onstage.

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When you’re performing or leading worship and you look out at the people, what do you see? Are they fully present with you? Are they singing their hearts out? Or does there seem to be a disconnect somewhere?

In one of my very first posts, I talked about taking a look in a mirror and examining our onstage performance. I shared how our production company, BNY, took on more live streaming and pre-recorded audio/video projects at the beginning of the COIVD-19 Pandemic. At that time, many churches would record their Sunday services during the week and send us their A/V files to be edited and mixed. During this time, I heard many worship team members mention that they didn’t like how they looked on camera. 

Today, I want to talk about another kind of mirror effect. Instead of looking in a mirror and seeing our own reflection, whether you realize it or not, the audience is a reflection of us onstage. 

Not too long ago, my wife Skylar (Kaylyn) and I teamed up with a church worship team for their Sunday morning worship service. It was my third time playing drums with this particular church and her first time being invited to sing and play guitar alongside me. It was special as it was the first time in a few years since we’ve played music together. 

After rehearsal, we got into a conversation with the worship leader about leading the congregation by example. Skylar shared how she always noticed that the audience would mirror what she did when she was performing. Whenever she would smile while singing, the room would light up right back at her. It’s a simple, yet powerful way to connect with people. 

Following that service, many different ones in the congregation came up and thanked us for blessing them with our gifts and complimented our playing. I share this not to boast in any way, but I would receive comments like, “I loved watching you play. I could see the joy in you.” Several elderly church members came up and made comments on how “loud I played.” I would respond saying that I hope it wasn’t too loud, and they all said, “No it was perfect. We loved it.” The thing is, I wasn’t playing very loud at all, but I knew exactly what they meant by those comments.

It took me YEARS to figure it out, but I can now say I have mastered the art of visually playing the drums ‘loudly’ by playing with the same passion, energy and expressions while playing the very softest I can audibly for any size room. But like anything, it was a journey for me to get there. A lot of humbling and some embarrassing moments to learn from, but I put in the work to be a good performer and communicator from the stage.

I encourage any artist and worship team I work with to record their rehearsals as it’s a great way to learn. Doing so helped me to develop my personal onstage presence. Many clients I partner with will send me their videos to watch and critique and we’ll schedule a video call to breakdown their performance and review it together, step-by-step. 

I hope this can serve as a reminder for us all to examine ourselves first so we can effectively communicate and lead others. If you’ve ever traveled on a commercial airline, you probably have heard the flight attendant’s instructions that in the event of the cabin losing air pressure and oxygen is needed, to put your mask on first before assisting others.

Let’s do our part to examine ourselves so we can strive to be a good reflection to others from our places of leadership onstage.

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FAQs

1. What is Purpose Live, and how can it transform my performance?

Purpose Live is your creative partner in crafting unforgettable onstage moments. Whether you're a music artist or a worship team, we go beyond typical live show production to help you connect deeply with your audience.

If you’ve ever:

• Doubted your ability to command the stage
• Struggled with stage fright
• Felt unsure about turning your music into more than just a passion

We’re here to help. From performance coaching and creating live arrangements to designing riders and stage plots, we cover every detail of your live show—giving you the confidence to hit the road with ease and captivate any audience.

2. Why should I work with Purpose Live?

Because we don’t just teach you how to perform; we show you how to connect.

If you’ve:

• Wondered why your performances don’t always leave a lasting impression
• Wanted to stand out in a crowded industry
• Felt stuck trying to turn your talent into a livelihood

We’re here to transform your onstage presence. Purpose Live ensures every aspect of your show—from storytelling to technical production—works together seamlessly, helping you stand out while staying true to who you are.

3. What makes Purpose Live different from other performance coaching services?

We’re not just about making you look good; we’re about making you unforgettable.

It’s about authenticity, impact, and leaving a lasting impression on your audience.

No cookie-cutter solutions. Every artist is unique, and we tailor our approach to bring out your true essence on stage—no one-size-fits-all methods here.

No overwhelming production for production’s sake. We focus on YOU—your story, your message, and your audience. The production enhances your presence, but it never overshadows your essence.

If you’ve ever:

• Wondered how to stand out in a crowded music industry
• Questioned whether you have what it takes to make a living through your music

We’re here to show you how to create a performance that resonates, connect deeply with your audience, and turn your passion into a sustainable career.

4. What are your prices/fees?

Our services are as flexible as they are comprehensive. Pricing depends on the scope of your project, but we work with artists at every stage of their journey and are committed to making budgets work.

Whether you need a one-time consultation or a full show overhaul, we’ll collaborate to create a package that fits your needs and resources. To learn more, schedule a FREE discovery call where we’ll discuss your goals and craft a personalized plan.

5. If I sing and play well, isn’t that enough?

Singing and playing well are vital—but they’re just the beginning.

Performances that stand out go beyond talent. It’s about how you:

• Make your audience feel seen and connected
• Turn your songs into stories that resonate
• Create moments that stay with them long after the show ends

We help you elevate your performance, making sure your talent is packaged with dynamic stage presence, polished transitions, and memorable moments.

6. Why do you adjust song arrangements for live shows?

Because what works in the studio doesn’t always translate on stage.

Songs made for streaming or radio are fast-paced, designed to grab attention quickly. But a live show is a different experience—it’s about connection, depth, and immersion.

We’ll create space for the audience to breathe, engage, and feel every moment. Picture intros, outros, and interludes that turn each song into a journey, where every note invites your audience into the story you’re telling.

Imagine the energy of a sudden, dramatic shift that takes the crowd’s breath away, or the quiet, intimate vibe of a stripped-down section that feels like it’s just for them—those are the moments that resonate long after the music fades.

Think of it as tailoring your performance. We adapt your songs to create a flow that keeps audiences engaged, ensuring your show feels like a cohesive experience rather than just a collection of tracks.

7. How can Purpose Live elevate my live show?

Imagine stepping on stage without fear or hesitation—knowing exactly how to:

• Connect with your audience
• Leave them wanting more
• Deliver a show that inspires and stands out

At Purpose Live, we’re your one-stop shop for live performance needs. We guide you through:

• Crafting an unforgettable setlist
• Honing your stage presence
• Advancing your shows
• Creating clear and professional riders
• Designing stage plots for smooth setups

Whether you want to deepen audience connections, grow your fanbase, or create an immersive worship experience, we ensure every detail works together seamlessly.

8. How can I get started with Purpose Live’s services?

It’s simple to take the first step toward creating your dream performance:

• Schedule a FREE discovery call with us.
• Share your vision and challenges.
• Receive a personalized plan to confidently deliver an unforgettable experience.

Whether it’s overcoming stage fright, refining your show, or streamlining your technical setup with riders and stage plots, we’ll help you turn your passion into a livelihood while captivating your audience like never before.

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Are you interested in diving deeper into these areas for YOUR show? I’d love to get to know you and learn about your journey in music! Let’s schedule a FREE discovery call today!