by Büdda
So you've booked your first gig. Congratulations! This is a big step for you as a musician, and as all good musicians do, you want to ensure you are as prepared as you possibly can be. Let's see; You have selected a list of songs? Check. You know your individual parts well, and have rehearsed as a group? Check. That's a great start, but you may or may not realize there is more you can do to prepare for the gig. In this edition of my blog, I will discuss some of the things you can do to help make the experience a bit less stressful. All of the stuff I will talk about here can be utilized for every gig, no matter if it is your first, or your 500th. So, with out further dudes, let's jump right in.
One of the things alot of musicians over look is what I like to call "Gig Reconnaissance'. Unless the distance is too great, it is ALWAYS a good idea to take the time to visit the venue prior to the date of the performance. Doing this gives you a chance to get a little familiar with the route you will take to the venue. It is also a good idea to do your research utilizing a map site such as Google maps to pre-plan the route, and print a map. Google has done some really cool stuff and now for most areas they provide turn by turn directions, distances and even offer a photos in most cases.
Make sure you take a pad and pen with you to take notes. Write down things you notice; construction zones, road closures, detours, heavy traffic and times, etc. Once there, check out the stage/playing area, locations of the outlets, where you 'load in' and maybe even sketch out the stage. I usually take a tape measure with me, because there have been a number of times the drum riser was too small to hold the drum kit, etc. Take notice of how many extensions cords you may need to run ample power for all of your gear. For a reasonable amount, you can get a meter to test the grounding of the outlets. This is a very smart idea, and can save you from possibly getting electrocuted.
On a related note, it is also a smart idea to ask about the sound system (PA)- does the venue have a sound man? How many total inputs the mixing board can handle, and what extra equipment you may need to provide, ie- microphone stands, monitors, etc. Record all of this information in your notes. Now you have valuable information to assist in you preparation. Bottom line, when you have a good knowledge of the playing conditions, and the details, you are already ahead of the game and will be able to form a plan of attack, and know where and how you will set up.
When it comes to the Load-in( this is where you physically move your gear into the venue), you should be familiar with where/how the venue wants you to accomplish this. Really it isn't as involved as it sounds, just make sure you ask. Some venues have a back/side door for this, some venues require you bring your gear in the front door. What ever the case, if you know this before hand, you will save some time when you arrive. If the Venue gives you specific instructions, follow them. This is especially important if you are not the only band performing. Venues usually have had their experiences with performing artists and running shows, so they most likely have a system worked out.Remember to 'roll with the punches' and adapt the best you can.
CHECK ...1...2...
Sound check is a very important part in the process of performing live. Sound check affords you the chance to adjust your gear, and get all instrument and vocal levels "mixed" so every aspect of your sound comes through clear and audible. Any band can jump on a stage and start to play, but with out taking at least a few minutes to work the kinks out of the bands stage sound, it is easier for the band to sound muddy, and unclear which in turn will fatigue the listener's ears unnecessarily. Sound check is also a chance to run through any possible parts of the songs or the show that may need some additional "brushing up on". Keep in mind that the long sound check is rare for most independent, or local bands. There are also times where you don't really get much of a sound check, maybe the sound guy will do a quick levels adjustment. Again adapt the best you can to the situation - attitude and professionalism are two traits that really shine in those "less that desirable" situations.
Finally, Let's talk a bit about The business of gigging. There is one bottom line rule here that you should always remember. If you plan to excel as a band, and want to get paid, GET IT IN WRITING! This means that someone attached to the band and authorized to handle band business (ie.- a manager, booking agent, even a member of the band) must learn how to read, and utilize contracts. This also requires you to learn how to present and conduct yourself in a professional manner, and deal with venue owners, promoters, etc. Lets look at a couple of scenarios that happen frequently.
Scenario #1 - The "Handshake Deal"
This scenario happened to my band, and was a great learning experience. You contact a local venue and booked your band to perform. The date has been set, a pay amount agreed upon and you begin to plan your marketing strategy. You print posters and flyers, do a ton of internet promoting and feel confident that you have successfully gotten the word out and expect a good crowd. The day of the show you pull up to the venue, and walk in only to find the venue "double booked". This means that the venue booked another band the same day. In my case, the venue simply did not write down the gig on their calendar. In the case of my band, the other band was given the gig because they had a larger draw and meant more money for the club. They happily rescheduled us for the following evening, but the damage had been done. All of our printing and internet promotions meant nothing because the date had changed at the last minute, and there was not enough time to advertise the correct date and time.
Scenario #2 - The Band Swap
This scenario involves another band/member of the band acting as your "booking contact". It might be a friend, neighbor, someone you know from work, or maybe even a contact with a band you see in the clubs gigging regularly. You get offered a spot in a show the other band is playing. You have all the details, and have been told how long you get to play, even when in the night you will be playing. You are also told there is no need for a contract, because your booking contact ensures you he will make sure things are handled professionally. So you rehearse, do all your homework and drive to the gig with your gear. When you and your band arrives, you are told there was a last minute addition, and you are now the last band to play. After a long wait, and several technical issues, your band finally gets set up to play. It is late in the night, and most of the crowd is gone, but whatever, you get to play. Three songs in the set, the club owner tells you to stop playing, it is time to close down for the night. So your band reluctantly agrees and packs up the gear and goes to get paid. Your booking contact gives you $25 and says "you only played three songs, and we can't justify paying more. Next Time..."
As previously mentioned, both these scenarios play out again and again on music scenes in cities all over the country. Had well written, fair legal contracts been used in a professional manner, Both these 'let-downs' would have been avoided. One final thought; Take the business of gigging seriously, and rely on your common sense and integrity. Just as you play your instrument with love, try to use that same drive and motivation in your business dealings. It is true that the musicians that do it for the love are the musicians that last.
Next: The Art of Running a Band
Büdda is the IT specialist for BRG Music, and a professional musician with over 20 years experience both on stage and off. Büdda is also the guitarist for the Utah based Rock act Crutchmoney.
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