The Score Magazine - Archive October 2016 issue! | Page 35

AMOGH RAO
Tune your instruments before getting on stage. Another generic
tip, but absolutely crucial. Pausing in between songs to tune
your instruments is never considered professional, unless you’re
playing some unusually heavy music that detunes your strings
in minutes. Then too, it’s best to have gear that has lock-ins.
And whatever you do - even if you must tune on stage - don’t
ever tune out loud. There is nothing more off-putting than the
sound of EADGBe in between or after a song. If everyone’s using
a different tuner, make sure they all have the same frequency.
You’d be surprised to see how different instruments can sound
when tuned with different tuners.
Be methodical and make a set-list. However ‘cool’ it may seem
to just ride up on stage and play impromptu, your audience and
more so your band deserves a well planned gig. Making sure
every song is in order, and that everyone in the band knows the
order, is also another aspect of a smooth flowing performance.
Follow your house manager’s instructions. It’s important to set
boundaries and not get taken for granted as musicians, but if you
can’t follow your manager’s or your venue’s instructions, you’re
definitely not getting called for a second gig. Have your contract
established and sorted before playing and make sure there’s an
understanding with your hiring manager as to the duration of
your gig and other miscellaneous points.
Be overly prepared with the intro and end to every track. It’s
something most musicians take for granted, but a tight start and
a tighter finish make up the difference between an amateur and
professional sounding band. Always know where the drummer’s
going to crash, coordinate your breaks and make sure the band
knows how long you plan to solo for.
Keep your audience involved. The time to stare at your
instruments is in the studio. On stage, eye contact with the
crowd is essential if you wish to involve them in your music. The
energy you express on stage is what the audience absorbs, and
making them feel like a part of your performance is what will
bring them back for your next gig.
SOUND SETUP ESSENTIALS
A mixer with enough inputs for every instrument and
microphone
Enough monitors for every band member to hear themselves
and their band clearly
Onboard Equipment like compressors, DIs, gates and effects
In-Ear monitors if your band/sound guy can supply them.
Cables, extra cables and more cables. Having extra is
always recommended, however there should be only the
absolute essentials on stage in order to avoid any clutter and
confusion.
PERFORMANCE KIT
Tuners
Extra strings, Allen keys, picks, string cutters, pliers and
drum keys
Spare guitar strap
Gaffer Tape
Batteries for pedals
Tacks for holding notes
Earplugs
Amp backups
Adapter for mains
The
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