Artist Relations

You may be the one individual in the venue whom the artist deals with in any extensive manner, so you should remember that you are representing the hall, and the artist may well remember the experience there based in part upon how you dealt with them. Therefore, be friendly, courteous, treat the artist with respect, and be sure to listen attentively to their requests and suggestions. Start by introducing yourself, asking them if they have any particular suggestions, and then get into details such as:

(a) What kind of mix do they want in the monitors?

(b) Are there any particular suggestions they have for the house mix (e.g. one particular vocal or instrument out front, an even mix, EQ settings for any instruments, etc.)?

(c) How do they want the stage arranged (if they haven't provided a stage plot - if they have you should have already had the stage arranged before the sound check)?

(d) Do they prefer to hear the monitor mix first, then bring in the front of house mix, or the reverse (this is a matter of artist preference and also depends upon the size of the hall)?

Audience Relations

Again, you are often the most readily visible person in the hall who "looks official". Thus it's expected that you be courteous to audience members, and be able to direct them to rest rooms, water fountains, refreshments, etc. It is not unusual at all to get requests from audience members for changes in the sound during a performance (if you don't get many of these, you either have a very laid back audience, or you are doing a great job). Be as polite as possible to these individuals, and do listen to their comments, particularly if they are sitting in a part of the hall that you are not able to get to, and which could require some changes. Then do as you feel best, but remember that the audience are paying customers and a regular stream of requests from them probably means you should make some changes.

C. At the End of the Show

Thank the artist and ask them if they have any suggestions about the sound arrangements. If necessary keep out of the artists way during breakdown, and let them remove their instruments and equipment first before unplugging all mics, etc. Clean up your mess, and check with the hall managers about any problems before leaving. You may find it useful to maintain a list of artists you have run sound for, and the basics of the setup and channel EQs you used, in case you have to run sound for them again.