07 Ways To Play Better Gigs

From prep to performance, there’s simple ways to step up live

1 PACK A SURVIVAL KIT

Unless you’re one of the select group of musicians with a road crew, you’ll need to be your own tech. And there are certain things you will definitely need at some point if you’re playing live. Here’s our essential list to pack and why:

• Pen and paper: Not just to write the setlist for you, but any other members too

• Strings: You were taking these anyway, right?

• Spare guitar leads, patch cables, pedal power leads: Make sure you check all your connections before soundcheck and the start of your set.

• Gaffer tape: The universal cure for all manner of breaks.

• Multi-plug adapter: Never assume that the venue will provide them.

• Amp backup: A portable power amp like the Electro-Harmonix 44 Magnum essentially gives you a backup handheld head that can be plugged into a speaker.

• Picks and Blu Tack: What happens if you drop your pick mid-song? Attach spares on your mic stand or guitar.

• 9V batteries: Backups for your more essential pedals if your power supply goes down.

• First aid: Painkillers in case of a headache strikes, Vocalzone for throat issues and microtape/plasters for any cuts.

2 TREAT YOUR SOUND ENGINEER RIGHT