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By Linda M. Sekulic
In the “grand scheme of things” stage production
plays a pivotal role in a live performance. Keeping in mind,
there is a difference between an “amateur” musician
and a “professional” musician, sometimes there
are financial limitations that dictate over a live performance,
so we need to look at the basics and try to develop a strategy
of some kind, that will enable us to do what we came to do:
deliver the best live show possible, so that people will
come out to see us play, again. For those of you who are
signed to a label (with financing attached) keep in mind
that repeat ticket sales = touring next year – or for
those independent artists – that could even be instrumental
to you getting signed to a major label, or picking up a
major sponsor, respectively.
THE TIMING OF IT ALL:
Timing dictates over all the necessary
components of stage production. If the band’s sound and light guys know the band’s material well, they
will always be “on the mark” with the timing of lighting changes,
mechanical props and sound effects.
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DIGITAL EFFECTS FOR INSTRUMENTS:
There are (digital) effects that an artist
can use for vocals (PA system) for guitar, for basically everything.
For example, if you have not ever seen Stone Temple Pilots live,
would you know their vocalist Scott Weiland uses a bullhorn
with his microphone? A really basic, but very crafty “vocal
effects” alternative. Or, If you have ever seen an amazing
quitarist live, and tried to figure out how they could possibly
play “all that stuff at once” that is a good example
of “technically enhanced” playing – which
is quite common with a one guitarist type of band. You can
make the song sound like “more” which always works
in the artists favour. It also gives the performing musicians
more “room to run around” physically, and interact
with other band members, so they can all work together, towards
putting on a great show. Show the people something to see – after
all, that is why they came in the first place.
LIGHTING
Lighting is a main component - if a band
has an elaborate lighting system, sometimes a professional light
man owns the custom system, sometimes the gig promoters or record
label will provide one – but any way you slice it, you need someone who
really knows what they are doing. You would not want to get
temporarily “blinded” by too much lighting and
end up falling down, or off the stage, or breaking your instrument – or
even a body part, in the middle of a show. You would not want
a heavy (encased) light to fall on your head, either! Sometimes
lighting is also used on a backdrop (for new album promo),
but primarily it is used for stage. Different colored light
combinations are also cues for different instrument solos,
at the end of a performance. Lights can also be used to assist
security in large crowds, by “putting the follow spot
directly on a “bad” fan who is perhaps overly violent,
and could cause a fatality – like someone with a gun
- so security can immediately remove them, without causing
a “ripple effect” in the audience, that could result
in multiple fatalities, or various law suits to the venue,
and the band performing.
SOUND EQUIPMENT
Sound equipment is another critical component.
A good P. A. system and a professional digital board is an absolute
necessity. I am sure of one thing: probably every musician I
know will agree with this: a good sound man can “make or break” a
live performance. If you can’t hear things properly,
you will miss your ques….Since most recording producers
know how to run a pro board, that may be one suggestion, if
your budget will not accommodate a Union sound man.
VISUAL SPECIAL EFFECTS:
There are many options available in this
category. A band can use dry ice to produce “smoke” but the correct amount
of this has to be adhered to, otherwise disastrous results can
occur. Keep in mind, musicians are basically immobile when they
can’t see the cables on stage, to avoid them. Flash pots
produce “flaming explosions” and again, there must
be much caution used here. You have to determine the length of
the flame, the noise factor, versus what is combustable, closest
to that area on the stage. (paint is a big factor)
Confetti guns and balloon guns are used to enhance atmosphere,
but also for promo. I was at a Metallica show where the radio
station sponsor shot out Metallica balloons. T-shirt guns are
also another handy promotional tool. This usually results in
increased t-shirt sales.
MECHANICAL PROPS
I could offer you many examples, but I would
like to choose a couple of the ones most widely recognized: Iron
Maiden’s “bigger
than life” mascot, the rotting corpse, “Eddie,” ACDC
- Onstage Cannons, Motley Crue (Tommy Lee’s revolving
drum kit), Metallica (suspended coffins with 3-d images)
Mini-suspended stages over the audience,
just to name a few. The odd time, even live animals are used – for example,
Alice Cooper uses a large snake to add the “theatre” aspect
to his performance. Even Harley Davidson motorcycles have been
used (Motley Crue), driven out onto the stage. When considering
the “big boys” live shows, they typically spare no
expense in giving the fans what they came to see – a memorable
performance. However, there are some famous bands who are exceptions
to the rule – one of them is Velvet Revolver – In
all my years, I have never seen a band that hit me in the face
like a live locomotive – like they did. Minimal effects,
unforgettable performance – mostly based on their musicianship.
ROADIES
Roadies are also a critical component for
any show. They don’t
just move gear in and out of anvil equipment cases – they
tune guitars, they connect cables, they handle mechanical stage
props, help the sound man check the levels on the sound board
for each instrument, they assist with lighting rig testing, and
assist with backstage security. They are a necessity.
Linda has been a musician for
over 40 years playing several instruments, including bass, guitar,
drums, vocals,
For over 16 years she has working in the field of Entertainment
Law and is the President of an
Independent Record Label for over 20 years. Formerly listed
in the Who's Who Music Directory, then listed annually, in Music
BC's Business directory, her largest business deal to date:
a distribution deal (with Spinner Distribution) involving 20
bands that were unsigned, and had no existing management for
a compilation CD to market in Europe.
Volunteer for the New Music West Festival, and Music BC (formerly
the Pacific Music Industry Association)
Linda M. Sekulic is the
Owner/President POP RECORDS INC
She can be reached for
inquiries at linda_sekulic@yahoo.ca
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