(Originally published on
Kiwi's Official Blog)
There's something to be said about music that can be played "unplugged." You know, that sh*t where you can just bust out a guitar, some congo drums, a hand trumpet, and a cowbell, and just jam. It's like having your very own party in a box!
Unfortunately, rap music just don't work that way. A dude with a boombox and no mic may be cute, but it just doesn't cut it. Actually, my dream is to one day roll around in a van or ice cream truck that can convert into a mini-stage complete with a DJ booth and boomin' sound system, where I can literally stop anywhere and do a live, fully amplified show! Imagine that! But I digress.
I can honestly say that, at nearly half the shows I do, the sound is suspect. Whether it's uneven monitoring, or the speakers are too small, or the soundperson just smoked a fat bowl before your set, bad sound at a rap show is a recipe for disaster. I mean, how many of y'all have gone to a show where you can hardly hear the vocals? Or the beat is so low that it almost sounds like an acapella? Or the sound altogether just drops out? Not only is this frustrating for the artist, but it ruins the experience for the audience. There were even a couple shows where the sound was so bad that I refused to perform. Now how does that look? I used to think that I could protect myself by bringing my own mics and accessories to shows. But even that isn't enough.
Being that I can't control what the setup is going to be like when I get there, I've had to find ways to assure that the sound will be satisfactory at these shows. The first place to start: the contract. Include a provision in there that states that you reserve the right to not perform (and still get paid) if the sound and tech requirements in your tech rider are not met. Which leads us to your tech rider: be detailed and specific. I don't even think my own rider is specific enough:
KIWI TECH RIDER REQUIREMENTS
* Quality, professional audio system suitable for a live hip hop show and pre-recorded reinforcement
Note: Conference room or ballroom PA systems usually do NOT work. A separate sound system with a power amplifier and multi-channel mixer, along with the right-sized loudspeakers are ideal. Kiwi reserves the right to NOT perform if the sound system isn't appropriate * An elevated stage large enough for 2 persons + the DJ setup
* Inputs for CD or iPod playback (as backup)
* 2 Shure SM 58 mics, or equivalent (if it says "radio shack," it's not the right mic)
* 1 boom mic stand for the DJ
DJ setup:
* 2 turntables (Technics 1200's preferred; PDX 2000 Vestax; or NuMark TTX.)
* DJ Mixer (Rane TTM series, Vestax 07 Pro or equivalent)
* Any necessary cables (RCA, 1/4", XLR. etc.)
* Serato box interface (not required, but preferred)
* A sturdy table 4-6 feet in length
* An iron (for the DJ's wrinkled clothes)
Anyways, you get the idea. The rider further goes on to include food, security, a merch table, etc.
Now… my plea to event organizers, promoters, etc: Please, PLEASE take a little time to make sure the sound is gonna be on point for your events. Not only will it be a big help to performers like myself, BUT it will also make the event crackin and hopefully keep folks coming back for more!!!!