Superstitions, Rituals, and Routines

It is a new month and time for Memphis and Mid-South Musicians and Artists to answer another question. 

In March many people celebrate Saint Patrick's Day. St. Patrick's Day is synonymous with luck. Do you have a good luck charm or a superstitious pre-performance routine before going on stage that you follow to influence the outcome of a fantastic show? What is it?

Self Portrait

Sinsere Amir

"Easy! Smoke a lot of doobies. That's all and take a couple of gin shots."

You can find Sinsere Amir here. Look forward to his upcoming new release in July 2015.

Photograph by Edna Donald

JR Truth of OMNI

"Before every show I find a space alone to stretch and shadowbox. Gets my adreneline flowing."

JR Truth can be found performing with OMNI and as a solo artist.

Photograph by Adam Holton

Misti Rae Holton, singer-songwriter and ukulele extraordinaire 

"I am probably the least superstitious person you could ever meet. I at least run a close second behind Stevie Wonder. Stevie says it better than me but superstition is based in fear & the need to control. There's no freedom in that.

I do have something I like to do before every show & that is to pick a flower from my garden for my hair. If there aren't any in bloom I get one from the store on the way to my gig. My husband is even used to this routine of mine. He knows that it is one of those small things that makes me very happy. It makes me feel connected to the magic of nature and makes me feel beautiful and feminine. And flowers & gardening are one of my favorite conversation topics, whether it's between me and an avid gardener or someone who wants advice on growing something for their first time. See how much connection I can make with nature & people just by simply putting a flower in my hair? They have brought me immeasurable joy and are responsible for creating many new friendships & deepening old ones. Nature is a conduit, like music & art but perhaps more powerful than music & art because it is our source, our inspiration. I am humbled by its power. Getting in touch with humility & gratitude is important before I get in front of people. It helps me to more effectively be a conduit."

Misti Rae's music can be found on Reverbnation.

Photograph by Darius B Williams,
design by Brandon Eso Tolson

Arean Alston

"I honestly don't believe in luck so much but more so in hope/strong faith. The regular routine I do before gracing a stage is pray that all goes well and that the music/performance truly touches someone."

Arean, a native Memphian, is currently following her dreams in Los Angeles, California. Her inspirational song Believe is on YouTube or you can purchase it on iTunes.

Bruce Cole Photography

Conscious Leo of Y.R Generation

"I have both a good luck charm and a superstitious pre-performance routine. My good luck charm is my Ankh, which is supposed to be "the key of life." I wear it because it symbolizes me being in control of my destiny. My routine includes doing a couple of push ups and drinking at least two bottles of water. I like to get my blood pumping and get hydrated. LOL. I also meditate. I block everything out and get into myself."

Y.R Generation is currently living and performing in New York City where Conscious Leo is also teaching Hip-Hop History/Culture classes in the public school system. Listen to Y.R Generation on SoundCloud. 

Photograph by Andrew Adkins

Leeah Vickers, poet and author

Leeah's marble

"She carries hope around like a marble in her pocket. Clutching a reminder that peace is possible when the rest of the world scrambles because they lost theirs in this game they play called life."

Leeah carries a small blue and white marble as her good luck charm. She has had it since she moved into her house, "I found it in the overgrown flowerbed our neighbors left behind."

Leeah, originally from Memphis, has found love. He has taken her to Nashville. When she is not in the classroom as a public school teacher she writes inspirational and reflective Facebook posts as well as poetry with compassion and imagery that calls upon the reader to move into action. Her first collection of poetry is Free to Fly. 

Photograph by Ashley Benham

Mike Hewlett & The Racket

"Well we do have a few pre-show rituals that include but are not limited too... Bush not eating on show days, Grizz gear if it's a game day, and Bush and Jon smoke healthy amounts of cannabis. Some booze is generally involved at some point. If Bush feels that I, Mike, is not hyped up enough he tries to hit me in the balls. That usually gets me good and pissed off. LOL. I funnel the energy toward the performance. LOL. (You don't have to use that if you don't want) LOL. We always have to bring The Racket. As in, the actual beat to hell green tennis racket from our photos. It finds a place on the stage at every show.

Mike, Bush, and Jon keep it lively. They are known to put on a show that some might consider too loud for rock 'n' roll. You can judge that for yourself at their Facebook or Bandcamp. Better yet, see them live in Memphis. Also, be on the lookout for the anticipated June release of "Happy Fucking Birthday: A Rock & Roll Mixtape from Mike Hewlett & The Racket." 

Lighting and design, Darius B Williams Photograph, Self Portrait Series, by Eso

Eso of Artistik Approach

"I'm not really superstitious. I do know that strange and unpredictable things happen everyday. Some good. Some not so good. I think a lot of luck is truly believing in the possibility of the chance of those things actually happening. However, I believe that being prepared for life to come at you from all directions beats luck any day. And those who are "lucky" just had the cards in their favor that day.

Before a performance, I gargle...A LOT. Drink plenty of water and throw in a Hot Toddy into the mix. The performance is really an energy thing. If you have good energy combined with preparation, you're sure to have a great show."

Eso is an a cappella artist. Check out Artistik Approach on Bandcamp. 

Photograph by Bill Piacesi 

Faith Evans Ruch

"I like to have a couple beers and socialize a bit with some of the audience members before the show. It makes the experience more personal which makes me feel more comfortable, and when I'm relaxed and feel like I can be myself, things go much more smoothly!" 

Faith is a labor and delivery nurse here in Memphis. In her spare time she is a singer and songwriter. This summer Faith will tour in the UK. Find all of the impertinent information on her website including her schedule and latest music videos. 

Averill R. Conway Photography

Jaeci King

"I don't typically go to the gig early and hang out. I sit in my apartment & smoke no less than 5 "re-rolled" cigars. Drink several pints of IPA & the only "weird" thing I like to do is take a long hot shower before I head out (I drink & smoke in shower btw.) I jump from shower to ablutions to car to gig. Makes me feel like the planet slows down enough for me to light the fuse, lose it on stage & watch the flames. So much FUCK YEAH right there!"

Jaeci labels himself as a "singer, songwriter, poet, and Las Vegas Dancer." He's quite the comedian. You might recognize him as the vocalist of Modern Slang or the Mane 1. Jaeci is also the voice of Radio-Memphis.com's announcer guy. 

Photograph by Justin Fox Burks

JR Blu

"I always have to buy a new pair of socks. Thin silk socks.. Comfort.

JR Blu is a Rhythm and Blues artist from Ruleville, MS. Follow his New Old School style of music here. 

 I hope you are wearing your green today! But whatever you views on luck are, may the luck of the Irish be with you. Or, may your luck charm suit you well today. Happy Saint Patrick's Day!