The Sound Word

Hey! Welcome back! Yes, tread carefully, it can get dangerous in here... 

Today I want to bring up something that has been on my mind a bit - oh look! more ramblings... 

As performers, musicians, and vocalists, we want to sound good. You don't invest years of blood, sweat, tears, and practice to sound like cousin Waldo's 5th grade clarinet recital... (my sincerest apologies if your name is Waldo and you do, indeed, play the clarinet- rock on, dude) 

Here is something that took me YEARS to fully grasp... you are only as good as your sound tech... (if you have no sound tech(s), your restrictions tend to be equipment/amp mix, venue, and technical level;) 

I learned quickly to make friends with the guys (or girls) that are doing my sound. The tech is really another band member; chances are they love what they do, (most days, anyway) and have studied hard about how to make you come across better than you actually are. Never mind the fact that they often have to schlep tons of gear... They are the first to arrive, and the last to leave... while you are horsing around i.e. endlessly noodling during the sound check, they are locating the source of the 60 cycle hum, and dealing with snarky egos... usually ours... :) 

You see, your monster ego isn't going to impress them, but your workable attitude will :) 

People will remember your character just as much as they remember your chops- don't burn your bridges behind you- make that impression count! 

**Special thanks to Jess Dunlap for the sweet behind the scenes pic! 
She can be found frolicking around with The Awakening -  www.theawakeningrocks.com

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