“This Next Song Is About My Cat”: What to Say Between Songs Onstage
29/05/2025
A few Ask-Me-Anything webinars ago, a wonderful question came from Kim. One that stirred quite a bit of recognition among the singers present, myself included.
She asked something that every performing singer, no matter how experienced, has likely faced at some point:
“How can I prepare to engage the audience and the band between songs — with stories, banter, or introductions — so I can feel more at ease and have ideas in my back pocket?”
She shared a very relatable experience: she usually plays with a bandleader who’s great at doing all the in-between song talk. Light-hearted intros, funny asides, all the stuff that makes a set feel alive. But one night, he showed up under the weather and didn’t say a word. Kim suddenly found herself needing to fill the space… and realized she never wanted to be that unprepared again.
This conversation turned out to be a goldmine. So in this post, I’ve gathered 3 essential tips that were shared during the webinar. You’ll find practical tools and personal experiences from several singers — including myself — about how to prepare, improvise, and own your role as the connective tissue between your songs.
And if you want more after reading this blog post, consider joining The singsing! Sofa Library to get access to the full recording of this webinar ànd a collection of 40+ highly educational webinars, 65+ hours of content!
I lead Ask-Me-Anything webinars once a month, and Library members get to participate for free.
Owning your role as the bandleader
This isn’t just about having something clever to say. It’s about stepping into leadership, creating connection, and taking responsibility for the atmosphere you’re creating.
What Makes Good Banter?
There’s no single right way to talk to your audience. It can be:
- Heartfelt storytelling
- Quirky observations
- Emotional context for the song
- A funny moment or mistake
- A shared feeling with the band or audience
What matters most? Authenticity and connection.
Kim talked about seeing another singer who made it all look natural and later found out she had been working on it for ELEVEN YEARS. Understandably, Kim doesn’t want to wait that long, hence her question in the AMA session. The good news is: there are ways to speed up that learning curve. Let’s dig in.
Tip 1: Write it ALL out like a script
This is where I chimed in with a method I love: treat your set like a musical theater show or an opera. They have talking – in an opera, this is called “recitativo”, then a song, then more talking. The songs are emotional moments where time stops. Everything in between builds up to them.
So here’s what you do:
- Write out every single word you might say between songs. Yes, every word.
- Practice it like a script until it sounds natural.
- Repeat until no one suspects a thing.
The first time, it might feel stiff. But the audience will feel your intention and appreciate that you care enough to prepare. Over time, your delivery will relax, you won’t have to prepare so diligently and you’ll become more responsive to what’s happening in the moment.
Stella shared a delightful and oh-so-familiar moment. She had to introduce a set at a birthday party and had a tidy 30-second script prepared… but then it took the band FOUR minutes to be ready. So she improvised. She made jokes, asked the birthday girl if there’d be a drum solo, and filled the time without losing the vibe.
Lesson? Be prepared, but be ready to throw the plan out.
Improvisation doesn’t come from nowhere. It’s built on layers of thoughtful preparation. Think of it like jazz: you learn the scales, and then you can “ad lib”.
Tip 2: Collect little stories and transitions
Build a little “banter bank.” Prepare transitions like:
- “This next song is one I’d love to dedicate to…”
- “I first sang this at…”
- “The other day, when I sang this, something unexpected happened…”
- “This one is about…”
These can be brief and still deeply connective. And if they come from real experiences or emotions, they’ll ring true, every time.
Tip 3: Take care of your nervous system (Dana’s wisdom)
Dana shared another powerful layer: nervous system awareness. She’s taken a course in nervous system regulation for performers, and she teaches a concept called “nervous system leadership.”
The idea? You don’t need to pretend you’re totally fine if you’re not. Instead, you can show up with presence and honesty.
Dana’s favorite tool is called “Calling Out Your Dog”. If something’s off, like you’re sick, tired, or anxious, say so. Not as an apology, but as a point of connection.
“I care so much about this moment, and I want to give you a great performance. I’m feeling a little under the weather today. So let’s see what happens.”
This opens up the space and removes pressure for you and the audience.
I shared a similar story from a previous AMA webinar, where I started the webinar by telling everyone I was heavily medicated and might need to stop if it got too much. Just saying it lifted a huge weight.
Kim circled back to a dress she loves but that’s quite tight to wear while performing. Her plan for next gig? “Let’s see if I can sing in this. Let’s see what happens.” Clothes and shoes absolutely affect performance. So does temperature. So does lighting. It’s all part of the reality we navigate. Sometimes, calling out the tight dress, or the hot lights, or the tricky mic cable, is what creates the human connection you need to make.
This is a skill and you can learn it
Just like choreography, just like singing technique, just like writing your first lead sheet, this is something you can learn.
It starts with scripting. It evolves through experience. And one day, when a mic fails or a bandmate freezes or the audience coughs mid-ballad… you’ll know exactly how to respond.
Because you’ve practiced not just what to say, but how to be present and connected.
This was just one of the many brilliant conversations in our Ask-Me-Anything webinars. The full recording of this webinar with all the extra stories, laughter, and ideas is available for members of The singsing! Sofa Library.
As a member, you get:
✨ Full access to a collection of 40+ highly educational webinars, 65+ hours of content.
✨ Free participation in future live AMA sessions.
✨So much more, check it out here!
Curious? Come join us in The singsing! Sofa Library. and be part of the growing circle of singers who learn, grow, and laugh together.
Ariane De Dom - Vocational singer
Susanne Vahle - Vocational singer
This session was a great add-on to my voice lessons with Sarah!
M.J. Johnson - Singer & Voice teacher
Bec Tilley, Voice Coach & Singer
Susanne Vahle - Vocational singer
Ariane De Dom - Vocational singer
As always, feel free to send me your thoughts, questions, and feedback in the comments below this blog, via the contact form or in the singsing! online community 
Cordially,
Sarah