I thought I would put together a little list of tips to help you all be prepared for when gigging!
- Most important thing of all is!! The show must go on...in some form, but the show much be go on and you must be prepared or have some idea of a backup show.This could be an acoustic set, piano only and vocals for example, figure out what combinations you have in the band and if you can make something work! You'll be remembered for it!
- Always have a backup and always have a backup plan. Obviously it is not possible to take a back up of every piece of gear, but for leads, guitars, mic stands etc always have extras! For bigger items, have a solution, for example I have a simple and cheap amp modelling pedal, which I can stick in in an emergency if my amp blows up. I leave it in the gig bag and it is always there, a simple little solution to get you out of a hole.
- Be logical in problem solving. Always start at the beginning of the chain when sorting out a problem, for example, if a mic isn't working. Replace the mic first, then the cable, then work back to the mixer. Likewise for a guitar, check the volume pot, the lead, the pedals then the amp! Be systematic and it will save you time.
- Timings will change so be prepared to be flexible! Especially when playing weddings, where things never go to time, what with extended speeches etc, just go with it, be adaptable to the change and be prepared for it and be ready to get on and play at a moments notice. Do quibble about it, just go with it.
- Be professional at all times, you will always encounter 'idiots', accept them for what they are and move on. Keep smiling!
- Turn down, not up. Yes, this might be a controvesial one, but many problems with levels, bad monitoring, people unable to hear themselves, can be solved by turning levels down, not up!
- Gaffa tape, can be used for anything - never ever ever be without it. There isn't much it can't fix!!
- Batteries - always take spares, take rechargeable and charger and charge them during the gig!
- Allocate tasks to band members! Work as a team to get things set up
- Keep playing! Yes this is a famous old one, just keep playing, things will be occurring all around you, but just keep going, especially if something
- Be prepared for sound level meters/limiters! This is the big one currently, it is very possible to turn up at a venue only to find they have a sound limited fitted. If possible, contact the venue before hand to check, be prepared for the fact that they may not necessarily know the technical issues and you may get a response like "we had a band in last week and it didn't trip the sound", try and find out as much information as to what kind of band it was, because bands can be very different in their dynamics. If you are confronted with a limiter, it has the potential to ruin the whole evening. You will need to know if it is a peak meter or a averaging meter. Peak meters are the easiest to deal with, as you can try and reduce anything that peaks, perhaps with a compressor/limiter. If it is an averaging meter, then you will need to figure out how you can play quieter, can you direct the sound away from the meter. Be warned that some meters will go off even with a couple of hits on an unmic'd drum kit!
Post your tips in the box below!!PeaceNeil