Plug and Play: Your Tech Rider Demystified

Unlock the secrets to flawless gigs! In this episode of The Glam Violinist Podcast, Celeste Vee demystifies tech riders, revealing why they're essential for every performing violinist. Learn how to craft a comprehensive tech rider, covering space, electrical, and sound requirements, ensuring smooth setups and stress-free performances. Discover practical tips for communicating your needs to clients and venues, and avoid common gig disasters. Amplify your success and elevate your professional presence with this must-listen guide to tech rider mastery.

Key takeaways:

• How to communicate your needs clearly.
• Tips for avoiding gig nightmares.
• What gear to list, and why.

Celeste also shares a couple of hilarious gig horror stories (and how to avoid them!).

➡️ Email info@celestevee.com if you'd like to see a copy of Celeste's tech rider

➡️ Follow Celeste on Instagram @TheCelesteVee

➡️ Send her a DM with your tech rider questions

#GlamViolinist #TechRider #ViolinGigs #LiveMusic

Instagram.com/TheCelesteVee

Transcript

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Ah, the sweet sound of... technical difficulties. Just kidding! Mostly. But if you've ever shown up to a gig, ready to serenade the crowd, only to find the power outlet is in another zip code, or the DJ thought you were bringing the speakers for cocktail hour, you know exactly what I'm talking about. And trust me, I've been there. That's why today, we're diving deep into the nitty gritty of your tech rider. It's not the rockstar, but it's the roadie making sure the rockstar shines. 

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Are you a classically trained violinist dreaming of stepping out of the orchestra and into the spotlight? But maybe the world of solo gigs feels…intimidating? You're not alone! Welcome to The Glam Violinist, the podcast that empowers classically trained musicians to build thriving careers as sought-after entertainers. I'm your host, Celeste Vee, and each week we'll break down the secrets to getting the gigs you’ve been dreaming of. Get ready to unleash your inner rockstar and turn your passion into a paycheck! Let's get glamorous!

Why Every Violinist Needs a Tech Rider - Beyond Professionalism

Now, you might think, 'Tech riders? Aren't those just for stadium acts with pyrotechnics and laser shows?' Well, no. They're for anyone who's showing up to a location to perform in some way. It's as simple as that. Think of it as your musical manifesto. It's not just about looking professional, though it certainly does that. It's about clear communication. It’s about preventing those last-minute, heart-stopping, 'where's the power?' moments. And let’s be honest, it’s about decreasing stress. Because the only drama we want is in the music, not the setup. A tech rider is a simple document that outlines your specific technical needs. Add it to your contract, and just like that you’re not obligated to perform if the conditions aren’t met. Which sounds a little scary, but it actually gives your clients peace of mind. They know you're a pro, you know what you're doing, and you're clearly communicating. Uncertainty creates fear, and your tech rider? It's the musical Xanax for your clients.

What to Include in Your Tech Rider - The Nitty-Gritty

So, what goes into this magical document? I have four sections in my tech rider. Space, Electricity, Sound Production, and What I’ll Bring. So let's break it down. First, space requirements. You need to specify how much room you need, and when you need it for setup. Can you be ready in 30 minutes or do you need access to the venue 2 hours before your performance? Put it in the tech rider. Make sure you tell them ahead of time that you’ll need a table for your laptop, anything like that. And don’t forget about temperature rules. Because nobody wants the music cutting out because your equipment overheated. Yes, this actually happened to me at a huge outdoor party once. And it wasn’t even that hot! I now require shade if it’s over 75 degrees F. Everyone knows rain and musical instruments don’t mix so be sure to mention zero precipitation. 

Did I ever tell you about the time I performed in a cave and it was so humid that water was condensing on the cave ceiling and it was literally raining inside??? I don’t mean misting. Big ol’ drops falling all over my mixer, my speakers, my violin. Everything. But I digress…

Next, we move onto electrical requirements. Do you need power? How close do you need it? Do you need more than one outlet? Most likely as a violinist you won’t need tons of voltage but if you happen to be setting up your own large sound system for a particular gig you want to include your dedicated voltage needs here.

Alright, let's talk sound. If you’re relying on the DJ or the AV team to provide your speakers you want to be clear about what you need. Some are experienced at working with live musicians and others have no clue so it’s up to you to make sure they get it right. 

Alright, let's talk sound production. If you’re providing your own speaker and your own self-contained sound production, you won’t need this as much, but if you’re relying on a DJ or AV team to provide speakers and such, this is really important. 

If you're performing more as background music and the client is okay with you staying put, one speaker is all you need. Nice and simple, fairly contained in one corner or area. But, if they're asking you to roam through a large or spread-out space? Then you're going to need multiple speakers, strategically placed, so everyone can hear you and so you can hear yourself and your tracks! And then there's the big room, where the DJ's already got the massive sound system covered. In that case, you're golden! You can move around as much as you like without any issues.

Some speakers have all the inputs you need right on the back, but not all of them do. That’s why I require a mixer as well. And you want to be specific about the number and types of channels you need. I recommend bringing your own cables (including lots of options for various inputs) but you can also require cables on your tech rider if you choose to.

Next, you need someone to run all that stuff. You should definitely know how it all works, but if you’re using someone else’s equipment, I’d recommend that you require someone to be there for setup, sound check, and at least on call during the performance. Because, trust me, if things start going haywire you’re going to want them there to troubleshoot their own equipment so you can keep performing. I can’t count the number of times everything sounded perfect during soundcheck and then totally wonky when the performance began.

Basically, this section is your audio roadmap. It's how you ensure you sound like the glamorous violinist you are, and not, well, something less glamorous.

Lastly, don't forget to list what you'll bring. List everything - your violin, wireless system, speaker (if you’re providing one), cables, extension cords (and their length). Sometimes, this section provides more clarity than anything because a good DJ or sound engineer will know exactly what you need based on what you’re bringing.

Finally, your contact info, because questions happen and you’d rather answer them now than onsite when it’s too late.

Tips for Creating and Using Your Tech Rider - Keep It Simple, Silly

Now, how do you actually make this tech rider? Keep it clear, concise, and easy to read. Think bullet points, headings, and specific measurements. Send it to the client or venue well in advance, like, 'hey, I’m going to make this really easy for you.' And remind them to send it to their planner, their DJ and their venue contact. Then remind them again. And again if needed. I’m serious. You have no idea how many disasters we’ve experienced over the years because the client never sent our requirements to the DJ despite multiple reminders.

Oh, and bring your own backups for everything if it’s possible. I travel by plane for most of my performances these days, and that makes it tricky to carry backup gear, but I always encourage the Violinists on my team to bring an extra speaker and cables to every gig if possible. You can even leave it in your car, but just having it there will give you so much peace of mind, and you’ll be surprised at how often you’ll end up using it!

Conclusion - The Glamorous Takeaway

So, there you have it. Your tech rider: the secret weapon for a smooth, stress-free gig. And those four categories are Space, Electricity, Sound Production, and What You’ll Bring. Remember, it’s not just about being professional, it's about being prepared, being clear, and saving everyone a headache. And if you want to see a copy of my own tech rider, send me an email at info@celestevee.com and I’ll be happy to share it with you. Also, come find me on Instagram for tips and inspiration. My handle is TheCelesteVee. Thanks for listening! And until next time, remember, a glam violinist is always prepared. This is Celeste Vee, reminding you to stay glamorous!"

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