Sunday 16 January 2011

On Headlining.

Headlining is a bit of a double edged sword. As headliners you get your name printed bigger and closer to the center. You get longer times to play and if there's money involved you tend to get the bigger share.

However if, like me you're in an original unsigned band then headlining is problematic, in that usually the entire audience disappears before you've even played a note.

We're just as guilty of this as anyone else, possibly more so. I can't remember the last time I stuck around more than a few minutes after our own set. I'm not much of a night out person so after a gig I'm usually very keen to get packed up and home.

The unwritten rules of headlining.

The first thing to know is that as headliners you're expected to have the biggest fan base. The promoters and venue ultimately want as many people there are possible and the supporting bands are trying to get themselves head by those people. So generally if you're playing in an area in which you're not likely to get much of a turn out, avoid headlining.

Headliner provides the equipment. I personally used to get really annoyed when I had to provide the bass rig for all the other bands, especially without notice. Mostly because I was always given some cockamamie story about how their bass rig had exploded only moments before they arrived at the venue and due to climate change they aren't able to secure a replacement, this type of excuse was  regularly from a 'touring' band as well. The reason it annoyed me is because bass rigs are big, heavy and cumbersome to equalize. And regardless of my providing it for up to three other bands, I've never once been offered any assistance in hauling it. Also because every bass player is fighting so many elements when achieving their desired sound it's frustrating when someone else steps in after you've got it all how you want it and messes it up.
On the flip side, there are a lot of good reasons for equipment sharing. The headliners equipment always goes through the most detailed sound check, their equipment is going to be set up first and will likely remain on stage for the whole night. Not a lot of local venues have very big stages and even if they do, one drum kit takes up half of it straight away. Add two or more bass rigs, guitar rigs and their associated cables, you'll struggle to find somewhere to stand. So it's just easier if there's just one drum kit and one bass rig if, just for the sake of space. Often the headliners are a little bit more established and thus have better gear. I've played on a number of different types of amplifiers from Trace Elliot or Ampeg to Ashdown and Laney. With my being in the market for a new rig, it's good to get a proper jam on them, see what's out there. I've also played on a lot of really terrible rigs too, helps to know what to avoid.
Guitarists are generally not requested to share their equipment, this is a delicate subject and is best avoided all together. Guitarists tend to have several effects and other things attached to their amplifiers in a particular way and since the guitar makes up for the majority of most bands' sound, it important that it be protected. There's also the risk that some inexperienced guitarist will blow their speakers or damage your tubes, it's easier than you might think.

So if you headline, expect to be providing your drum kit, bass rig, and possibly PA if the venue doesn't have one. One thing to note is that if you're not headlining, don't openly criticize the headliners' gear.

First to Sound check. This is good because it kind of means that everyone works on your schedule. I've been to countless gigs where the headliners turned up at the last possible moment, which is frustrating because no one can do anything until they've set up and sound checked. So if you're headlining and punctual you can ease the stress levels of the venue, the other bands and keep things on schedule, even leave more room at the end of the night, should you want to play a little longer than your allotted time.

Being first means that you get the longest and most thorough sound check, which in theory means you should have the best sound.

Biggest Promotion. Your names are the center point of all the posters and fliers. The headliner should have the bigger fan base already but it's good to have your name hung up all over town.


Networking. If you're so inclined you can use the fact that you're on last to speak to the members of the other bands and make some connections. I've met quite a few musicians from other bands with whom I've since done a few small projects and met other promoters etc. I'm not really the networking type, but my singer is. She's forever establishing new contacts.

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