Live Performance Lyrics Display: Showing Scrolling Lyrics on Stage

More and more performers run backing tracks from a laptop. If that laptop is already running Ableton Live or another DAW, it can also run your lyrics display.

What a good live lyrics display needs

• Big, readable text from a few metres away.
• Scrolling that follows the actual song, not a timer.
• One setup per song that loads with the set.
• A screen placed low, like a floor monitor, so you keep eye contact with the crowd.

Using LyricsRunnerVST on stage

Put LyricsRunnerVST on a track in each song's project or scene. When the backing track plays, the lyrics scroll in sync. Send the plugin window to a second monitor or tablet facing the stage.

Tips from the stage

• Use a dark background with bright text to reduce glare.
• Show only the current and next lines in large type.
• Rehearse with the display so it supports you rather than becoming a crutch.