SMALL VENUE GIGS

FROM KIT SHARES TO VOLUME CONSTRAINTS, SMALL-VENUE GIGS ARE ALL ABOUT ORGANISATION.

TALK TO THE PROMOTER

It’s important to get as much information from whoever is putting on the gig ahead of time. If it’s a single-band pub gig, that’s most likely going to be the landlord. If it’s a multi-band gig in a music venue, you’ll have been booked by a promoter. Find out what time you need to be there, who is providing the PA, whether or not there’s a sound engineer (in the case of in-house systems) and any other kit-share arrangements.

SHARE, AND SHARE-A-MIC

If the gig is going to involve a kit share, speak to the other bands before the day if possible. Four sets of backline with three tight changeovers is a recipe for chaos, lost or broken gear, and can really slow down the entertainment. Be open to sharing your gear, and equally the possibility having to use an unfamiliar amp, but most importantly, find out exactly what parts of your rig you’re required to bring, otherwise you could end up going from too much gear on stage, to not enough!

BEWARE, LIMITER!

A lot of venues – particularly if there are residential properties nearby – have noise limiters fitted. These devices monitor the sound levels giving you an indication of what’s an acceptable volume via a ‘traffic light’ system. Once the volume passes the threshold it’s been set at, the limiter will brutally kill the power on stage, throwing your gig into jeopardy, or more seriously, risking damage to your gear. Ironically, it’s the lead-footed heavy hitter sat behind you whose gear isn’t plugged in who’s most likely to trigger the limiter, so make sure your drummer can play quietly, and if necessary give them some brushes or rods to play with.