Roadie 101
ROADIE 101
Item: Mailing List
A mailing list is a great way to let people know when you will be performing, where at, new updates on the band etc. SINce lots of communication is done online these days, an EMAIL List is a good idea. A pen & a blank sheet of paper with your band name at the top is all you need. This will let you contact your fans in advance of your next gig. Two main points about these lists: somewhere on there (at top works well) you need to have "PLEASE PRINT!" Have you tried to decipher someones handwriting when you don't know who they are and they were drunk when they wrote it? Usually if people print, it is MUCH easier to read. Second and most important point: DO NOT EMAIL THEM MORE THAN TWICE A MONTH! People don't want a bunch of emails from anyone that keeps saying the same thing over and over. Some bands send out a newsletter at the beginning of the month with all their shows listed on that, then follow up a day or so before the gig. Send out an email the week before your gig, then again a day or so before in case they forgot. Keep the messages simple & short and give as much info as possible. The band name, the venue name, the directions and time the show starts. If you want to promote the other bands playing as well, that is OK, just keep it as short and simple.
Item: Time Keeping Device & Pocket Knife
Everyone in the band and crew should have some type of time keeping device on their person at all times. This serves several purposes. First, so you will know what time it is and adjust your set up/break down schedule. Second is so that you will know when you have to go on. Third is so you will know how long you have left in your set. Fourth is so you can be sure to make it home in time to watch REV-TV. Lots of people use their cell phones as a watch, however this doesn't work well when you are on stage jamming. A wrist watch or pocket watch is better. A pocket knife is NOT A WEAPON! It is a tool! Sometime during set up or break down, somebody is going to yell "Who has a knife?" Pocket knives come in handy more often than most would believe. A small nice one costs about $10. Go grab one and watch how often you use it. A well prepared band and road crew ALWAYS have a pocket knife on their person. They can be used for a multitude of things, most notably carving your band name into a fans arm. Go get one and you will be surprised how often you have a use for it. One more quick note about time keeping devices: If you use your cell phone for a watch, BE SURE TO TURN IT ON VIBRATE WHEN YOU ARE PLAYING! You look like an idiot when it starts ringing in the middle of a song or when the singer is talking to the crowd. Yes, we can hear it ringing, even when it is in your pocket.
Item: Set List
This should be a no-brainer. However, lots of times with all that is going on, the set list is overlooked. A set list is mandatory. You need one for each member of the band and three extras. Each list should be secured somewhere on stage where the band members (NOT the audience) can see it. The main reason is so you will know what tunes you are playing in what order. I have been to shows where the band without a list gets mixed up and has to stop playing because someone was playing the wrong song. A set list should eliminate this. Also, you need to make sure that the sound man gets one. This way he can keep track of your set (most likely he won't know your tunes) and he can judge if you need to cut it short or if you can stick to your time slot. Last but not least the head roadie should get a list as well, so they can be ready with guitar changes and/or anything else that may be needed (lighting cues, etc.). A good rule is to have three more lists than people in the band. The extra ones go to: the soundman, the lightman (if there is one) & the head roadie.