The Indie Way...

This is Quartermain...they're an indie band. They're playing a show tonight. They were told that the sound system would be provided.

Here's what was provided...

Are you in an indie band? Let me define indie. Meaning you are unsigned, don't tour with your own production (i.e., sound, lights, video, backline, etc.) or sound engineer, and typically aren't playing the local arena to sell out crowds. If that's you, I've got a couple of tips that could increase the consistency and quality of your sound.

1. Try to "advance" the technical side of the show as much as possible.
That means get in contact with whoever booked you for the show and ask for as much detail about the sound and other technical nuances in advance. Over the last 16 years of working on and off with indie bands one of the things that most groups are terrible at is being up front about needing to know what technical/sound "things" will be provided. You don't have to be bossy or rude, but your "sound" as a band is part of what makes up your brand. If there's one thing that people know it's the difference between good and bad sound.

2. Recruit.
If you have a friend who you trust, is organized and will work for a late night meal at Denny's after a show recruit them to be your "manager." This is very important. This person could be the one to "advance" the shows, run the merch table, take care of the sound (only if they know what they're doing), take phone calls/emails from promoters, run your myspace, etc. This person is invaluable. As a musician/songwriter your job and passion is typically not to run a business, even though you should be business minded, your job should be to be the best musician/songwriter possible.

3. Vocalists.
I say this with as much gentleness as possible. Vocalists, whether you're the lead vocal or backup, invest in your voice. Get voice lessons and be the best you possibly can be. If you want to be in this for the long haul, training your voice will strengthen it and you will be able to play those 2 hour shows night after night and not lose your voice. Also, I am tired of the over use of pitch correction in the studio enviroment. Learn to sing on pitch. If you do this, it will greatly improve your band and your sound.

4. Bring everything and the kitchen sink! (some items I never leave home without)

• Hearing Protection (i.e. earplugs)
• Microphones (invest in some good microphones. try a Shure Beta 58 for starters.)
• 1/4" cables (i.e. guitar cables)
• XLR cables (i.e. microphone cables)
• Black Gaff Tape (there's 101 uses for this stuff, seriously!!!)
• Extra drum sticks & strings
• Extra snare head
• Nalgene water bottle (those things are awesome. I take them everywhere)
• Microphone Stands (booms. black.)
• Adapters (can't leave home without these. I did the other night and I ended up needing them)
  
• Any items that are unique to your band (loops, click, in-ear, etc.)

I hope this helps out. Remember what I've outlined above is only a starting place. We could talk for hours about this stuff. If you'd like to talk more about this leave me a question or comment and I will respond.

Paralyzed By The Sound Console...

I wanted to address the issue of something I call being "paralyzed by the sound console." What I mean by this is that you become so focused on twisting, tweaking and pushing knobs and faders that you stop listening and in turn you stop mixing. Here are some tips for combating the paralysis.

1. Look: not at the console, but to what's happening on stage. If you're not watching what's happening on stage you might miss bumping up the fader for the guitar player playing the ultra cool solo.
2. Listen: Turn your ears on. Stop looking at the console. Your #1 job is making it sound amazing.
3. "Step Away From The Console": This is probably the best thing you can do. Get your hands off the knobs and faders and literally step away from the console and listen to the mix. You might hear things that you didn't hear before.

Remember the console does not mix the sound for you. What makes the mix is your trained ear listening then interpreting what you hear into what technical adjustments need to be made on the sound console.

The Joys of Technical Directing...

For the last two years I've had the privileged of being the technical director for the Transforming Churches Conference. Ever since I have stepped out of the live production management/audio engineering gig to transition into my current role as the pastor of worship at Beachpoint the conference provides me with the opportunity to exercise some of my other gifts. Who knows, maybe some day I'll be back in the "biz" again. Here's my top ten list for the needed qualities to be an excellent TD.

1. Creative
2. Problem Solver
3. Organized/Detail Oriented
4. People Person
5. See's where the problem is before it's there
6. Self-starter
7. Willing to work incredibly long hours
8. Makes sure the creative vision becomes a reality
9. Focus
10. Sense of Urgency