Unusual stage set-up requests?

[ProFool]

Unusual stage set-up requests?

Hi guy's, what are the most unusual stage set-up requests you encountered?
The new band i'm working with for a while now (see the sound check for newbie’s post) ) are demanding the weirdest stage setups I ever heard and they are still at a pub, club gig's level. My experience in this kind of gigs is that the stage setup is set depending on the space there is available (if there is a stage after all ) mostly not. Now the band, witch is a tree peace band (drums, bass, and acoustic guitar) wants to play in some triangle setup since David Gray plays like that. (Whatever that may mean.) So what I understand they want to achieve is: drums setup on the right with the kick pointed to the left side of the stage and put the bass player and his rig on the back left side (rig pointed to drummer) and next to him front left the singer , guitar player. This would by there means be a comfy setup and they would be more In touch with each other during the gig's. I think this would be possible on larger stages (even then I find it weird). I still believe the best way is the normal way of doing (drums center back and bass and guitars left and right of the drummer).

Anyway my comment where that the stereo image of the drums would be gone (since there is more masking going on these kind of gig’s than FOH only, the room play's a big roll to) and the contact with the audience would be gone too. It would look like there private gig.

I’m not sure if it’s worth the thought since there on a kind of “our way or the high way policy lately” even I work on spec with them. Witch have been a source of frustration for me the past nine month’s, mostly there lack of experience and interest in producing a good show (gig) for the audience bothers me.

Spinal tap is my most common thought when working with them and actually its o so true. In this case not the girlfriend is becoming the manager but the singer’s brother. lol

so what are your weirdest demands you had and how did you deal with them?
I’m sure there must plenty. Any tips on how to deal with these guys are welcome too. I’m staying very calm and patient with them; even I think a lot of leaving them behind and move on since it's a huge step backwards compared to the other bands I work with.

Thanks

I hope i didn’t moan too much:-)

[edwinhurwitz]

In my mind, a good performance trumps any other considerations. If this is the way they love to perform together, why fight it? If you mic everything up properly, you can create any kind of image you like. I have recorded a number of bands where the drummer is on the side and faces inward and never had any problems with the recording.

As far as interacting with the audience, that is their own issue (unless you are more than a recordist for the band). If the audience is feeling left out, bring it up through their manager, but if the connection is being made, don't sweat it. As a performer, I don't mind this setup (I am a bassist) as long as good communication can be maintained. In my current band, we all play better with the more traditional setup. I guess you could suggest setting up a different way, since you aren't getting paid. Once you do get paid, the relationship changes, but as it is, it's in their best interest to keep you around and thus, listen to what you have to say.

My feeling as a recordist is that I should accomodate anything the band wants, cheerfully. Generally, bands gravitate toward a standard setup because it works, but sometimes it's interesting to do something different. This can also lead to doing things in ways you haven't considered.


While there is no financial pressure, I say, have fun! Try some different things yourself, weird mic'ing techniques, etc.

Edwin

[LX3]

What they want to do sounds fine to me, assuming there's room on stage to set up like that (wide not very deep stage might be a problem). As a drummer myself, I quite like playing in that shape... means you get far better eye contact with the bass player than normal (normally all you see without craning your neck 'round is the singer's ass - not always a bad thing, depending on the singer - and perhaps the front row of the audience).

Might also be able to hear the bass rig, since it's pointing slightly towards me, instead of it being to one side of me pointing forwards. Got to be good.

Same with drum risers. I mean, on a small gig... why? Being a foot or two up in the air just makes it harder to communicate with the band, and invariably they're too small and you end up with your back tight against the wall.

There have been plenty of bands that have played with the drums over to one side. (Almost every big band ever... Pat Metheny recently... and for some reason, what springs to mind is Genesis way back in the early days!). Quite a few support gigs end up that way too, because the headline band don't want to take their drums off stage, so all that's left is one side or the other.

In fact, there's lots of records with the drums mixed over to one side too.

I say go with it. If the artist is happy, I'm happy. If you don't like the band, it's always much nicer to apologise and duck out than get fired!

Paul

[ProFool]

Originally Posted by LX3

I say go with it. If the artist is happy, I'm happy. If you don't like the band, it's always much nicer to apologise and duck out than get fired!

Paul

Thanks for the thoughts on this guys,
Two thing I consider right now are A: ill go there way and experiment if they alowe me to and they chance there attitude a bit towards me. Change there "our way or the high way" and "sound is sound" attitude. They dont realise the luxury they have and had the past nine months for a beginning band. After a chat with a good friend composer, we came to the conclusion that most starting bands dont have a sound dude and a free fully treated rehearsal room, free gear etc. and have to do ther gigs by themselves with a mini P.A. But these guys are really spoilled and dont realize it. and plan B: is just to leave it behind and wish them good luck, leth them find a beginning tech that also thinks "sound is sound" so they can grow together on a same level.

I dont know how patient man can be, I suppose until the gray mass starts boiling or something. On the other hand i had some good news too yesterday, they have been selected in the first round of a talent concour next month. I not sure if i wil have to mix them since there will be allot of bands in it all have time for four songs and it will be recorded too for a future live album of the councour. So I guess its better to let the staff on duty have there gig and provide the rider etc. Did you guys have any experience on gig's like that? I asume it would be a real mess if al the foh engineers stand in line to mix there four songs. I could be wrong, its my first talent councour.

grtz