STAGE ETIQUETTE - Part 1: Set up

This entry will deal directly with setting up gear on stage. There are several specific ways that this is handled, depending on the schedule of the show and size of venue, but most fall into two categories:

1. Back lining
2. Loading on stage during the changeover

When back lining, you are setting up your gear on stage to create a smoother changeover between anyone playing before you and your own performance. So, don’t throw all your gear up on stage willy-nilly with no respect or regard to other performers. You’re trying to save some time, so make it easy to change between their set and yours by organizing your shit well. If you’re playing first, that’s even better and easier. Everything should be set up on stage and ready to go as far before your set time as is possible. Shit always goes wrong at shows, so budget yourself twice as much time as you think it will take.

When loading on stage during the show, be fucking prepared!! Have your gear as set up as possible off stage somewhere. This is particularly aimed at drummers because of the amount of time it takes to set up a kit, but it applies to everyone. Uncase any gear that can uncased. Set up any stands that can be set up. Don’t scramble around trying to figure it out while the band before you is hitting their last chord. You want to make the most of the time you have on stage, so be quick and efficient during the changeover.

I know there’s a bunch of shit that can go wrong with a changeover that are out of your control, which is all the more reason to be as prepared as possible. And speaking of that: HELP THE BAND PLAYING BEFORE YOU LOAD OFF THE STAGE! I know that some people are a bit picky about other people touching their gear, but at least offer to help them get their stuff off stage. It will clear room for you to finish setting up.

This is starting to delve into next week’s entry already (possibly my biggest complaint about some band’s behaviour), so I’ll leave it there for now.

Next week: STAGE ETIQUETTE – Part 2: Loading off stage.

Introduction

I've been in a band for the past 10 or so years, playing in a variety of places, and have come to the conclusion that no one has a fucking clue as to what to do in many situations in this business. While I will be the first to admit that there is still a hell of a lot more for me to learn (and there always will be), I figured it was time that someone tried to put into words some of the ridiculous shit that goes on.

I'll try to keep my posts restricted to situations I've encountered, which is to say small to mid-level live and studio environments. In many ways, I believe this info to be the most relevant, because the bands and artists that are at this level are the ones that are the most fucking clueless. Now this could be just blatant ignorance or inflated opinion of self-importance. Either way, if you pull any of this shit, your antics are annoying and self-centred, and it gets on many people's nerves.

I may branch out into other aspects of the music industry, but for now I'll probably have enough cannon fodder just talking about live and recorded music. So, get your heads out of your asses and maybe this might help you.

I will try to post one a week, every Tuesday. Next week: CHAPTER ONE - STAGE ETIQUETTE.

*DISCLAIMER: My opinions are mine alone. If you don't agree with them, that is completely fine. I'm just calling it like I see it.