With festival season upon us, I got to thinking that there are plenty of articles that tell us which knob to turn, which button to push, and other mechanical methods of our trade. So I’ve set out here to provide information on some of the other “not so obvious” aspects to keep in mind when working gigs this summer and fall.
These are things that I’ve encountered in touring as well as here in “home territory” at local festival settings. Some of this may not apply to your methods of working just yet, but may prove to be useful one day in your career. And, not all of them are directly show related, but have proven to serve me well nonetheless.
Fly in the day before the gig. Airplane cabins are pressurized at an altitude of 8,000 feet when at cruise altitudes, meaning your ears are subjected to several changes in “atmospheric pressure” every time you fly. We’ve all been there, even when driving—just a few hundred feet worth of elevation can result in a notable change in the pressure in our eustachian tubes. It can take a good while for the pressure to dissipate so that our hearing is stable enough to trust in a mixing environment. Plus the extra day may be the only chance you get to explore a new city…
Get plenty of sleep. Long gone are the days of “rock ‘n’ roll all night.” Remember that you have a job to do. Just as a guitar player has to take good care of his instrument, we have to take care of ours. In this case, our instruments are our awareness and our ears. We need to be sharp and hear well. Fortunately, we carry these instruments everywhere we go, so it’s convenient to use them as an excuse to stay away from of the places we’re often asked to go after gigs.
Don’t be “that guy.” Avoid being the person complaining about every little detail of every little thing at the gig. Unless its something truly detrimental to the show, shut up and deal. And realize that some things may have been done on purpose, with your input neither wanted nor needed. No one likes a prima donna, and besides, that’s the band’s job. On the other hand, do be the person with the extra Sharpie or gaff/board tape or multitool at the ready. Event organizers are always watching, and your preparedness (or lack thereof) will be noticed.
