Kick off performing list of songs (5)
I believe the answer is:
onset
'kick' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'performing list of songs' is the wordplay.
'performing' becomes 'on' (as in being on stage).
'list of songs' becomes 'set' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'on'+'set'='ONSET'
'off' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for onset that I've seen before include "Start - notes (anag)" , "First signs" , "Inception" , "17 down [ASSAULT]" , "Attack using stone" .)