Killer preshow rituals

Rapid heartbeat, clammy hands, self-doubt — all telltale signs of anxiety before playing a show. Performing in front of a crowd can be terrifying, and if you show it, that usually makes for a less-than-stellar performance. The lucky ones just relax and make it work, but for the others, Christian Gordy — one half of local band Brass Castle — lends five dos and don’ts to get your shit together.

1) Alcohol: “A no-brainer. Six beers and a couple of shots always set the mood right. All-day drinking just ends up with me busting my ass on stage. Either way ... entertaining.”

2) Empty chamber: “There’s nothing worse than having to take a huge crap right before it’s your time. And club restrooms are always disgusting. Find a nice toilet of solitude earlier in the day.”

3) Sex: “If it’s in the works, save it for later. ... Getting laid before your set totally relaxes you and ends up killing your rock power.”

4) Practicing: “Don’t. A show should be about the human element. Overly tight sets reek of effort. Surprises and fuck-ups are always fun and, for better or worse, make it memorable. So take it easy, dude.”

5) Vanity: “I always like to stare in the mirror and tell myself how awesomely pretty I am before I go on, then I punch myself in the balls.”