Important Tools In Your Gig-Bag !
Joy C. Green's personal checklist for her two most important gigs bags.
IMPORTANT TOOLS IN YOUR GIG-BAG !
Here I offer my personal checklist for my two most important bags. Why two? Because there are two different occasions for me as a singer and performer, I have to be very well prepared for:
1. A Rehearsal / Audition / Casting and
2. A Concert / Gig.
This is my setup that I need ready to go! :
1. Rehearsal / Audition Bag
When you are in charge of a whole band, like me, you have to be prepared better than the other musicians. So the first things in my bag are:
- note pad, enough music paper to write all changes over, if need be
- pencils, erasers, ruler and highlighters
- ALL the changes in the correct key to ALL the songs you want to do in this rehearsal + extra (if needed)
- your complete lyrics and arrangement notes
- for an official audition you need the fully written out music sheets of three different tunes (different musical directions), - (even though you only get to sing the first 16 bars most of the time!), add playback, if available!
- for a band audition you usually need a song or two out of the bands‘ repertoire, or you bring your own music sheets with 2-3 of your best tunes you want to present yourself with
- music examples (original versions) of your tunes
- recording device: Mini Disc recorder, MP3 recorder or tape recorder (you want to be able to listen back to the final result of the songs and the way your voice sounds on it)
- of course your microphone (in a rehearsal you may also test new and different mics for different concert venues! a perfect opportunity)
- also : some voice tone pedals (for example the TC Helicon products)! in the rehearsal room you have time to check out all the possibilities and options that gear is offering for you!
- a good cable (when you dont go wireless) with a XLR ending (for much better power and sound quality than any other cables) and with a reasonable LENGTH (no less than 10 feet), since you want to be able to move around and find the best position possible- to hear the band and yourself best
- enough fluid (water bottle) to avoid dehydration of your mucous membrans, since you are working extra hard on/with your vocal tract; warm drinks are great also, when you have the possibility to get hot water. However avoid black tea or coffee, they put a sticky layer on your vocal folds. Use herbal teas and hot water with a dash of lemon juice.
- mild cough drops, without sugar and/or menthol (when you consume a lot of them, menthol influences the ph- scale of the mucosa negatively and interferes with homeopathic treatments in generell)
- dress comfortably, bring extra sweater and socks...some rehearsal rooms a humid and cool (at least here in Germany, basements are often used as rehearsal rooms and you start getting chilly after 2 hours and more), looking good is neat, but staying healthy is better!:-))
- bring some snacks and fruit for long rehearsals, avoid your blood sugar to drop to low, because then your concentration will be lacking- dont forget about your fellow musicians!
- at an official casting or audition make shure your name and adress is written out correctly, so you can be contacted! Bring some extra adress cards!
- at an official casting some extended waiting times can occur, bring something to read, to relax and something to keep your mind focussed, you dont want to run around and get more nervous than necessary by talking to a lot of people. Stay settled and calm, just read some:-))
Now have a GREAT and successful audition/casting/ rehearsal !!
2. Concert / Gig Bag
We have to add a few items to the above bag! SORRY, go and grab a bigger bag or simply add another one.
For„the road“you need to go safe and avoid any complications for your own benefit, soooo you will add:
- a second microphone and a second XLR cable to your bag!
- if you are not sure about it (some smaller clubs are lacking equipment), pack an active monitor, so you will be able to hear yourself- a drag , I know, but better than not being able to hear and control your own voice !
- add your favorite warm-up scales (on tape or MP3 f.e.) so you can do adequate vocal work befor it is show time (only a fool goes on stage without having done them and misses the opportunity to sound good from the first tune on!)
- of course: your stage outfit!! (Ladies- dont forget a second pair of stockings! Test the fit of shoes and dress BEFOR you pack it! Later it is tooooo late!:-))
- make up and jewlery for the ladies; hats, ties, ....? for the guys.
- if you are responsible for it: pack the contract and driving directions! (if you plan to find the venue and get paid after the gig)
NOW, we should be set and ready to have a good show!
All the best and lots of success to all of you !
Sincerely,
Joy C Green