As mentioned above, the list should be as specific as possible, with brand, model, specifications, sizes, etc. The contract rider is simply a list of all the backline gear required for the performance. The instructions for monitors could also be included in the contract rider. You might choose to include more labels or indicate different monitor mixes for each individual. This example is very basic but functional. Here is an example of what a stage plot could look like, from one of my recent concerts: You might consider using some CAD (Computer Assisted Design) software there are free programs available online if you search for them. You could also show hanging curtains or scrims. Make sure to show the placement of every piece of gear, plus microphones for vocalists, music stands, risers (if any), and where the performers will stand. You don’t need to be a visual or graphic artist to draw your plot, but try to do it as neatly as possible. You can draw your stage plot neatly by hand. The back of the stage will be at the top. Note that stage right will now be on the left side of the page and stage left will be on the right side. This way, looking at the stage plot can give a facsimile of what the audience will see, though pictured from above. The stage plot is usually oriented showing the front of the stage at the bottom of the page, which should be in landscape orientation (lengthwise from right to left). Depending on the size of the stage, you might have a separate monitor for each musician, or in a smaller hall, just a frontline monitor for vocals and side fills (speakers placed on either side of the stage in the wings, pointing inwards) for the other musicians. Monitors are necessary so that the performers can hear each other and themselves. The stage plot is a detailed drawing of the stage showing the placement of all the backline gear, plus microphone and monitor placement. This way they can have everything you need ready so that you can just walk out on stage and play (usually after a brief soundcheck conducted earlier). In this case, it’s crucial that you communicate all your equipment needs in advance to the venue or sponsoring organization. But for the bigger shows, and especially when you must travel to perform at some far-off destination, you will likely not be carrying all your gear with you. There are times where you might bring all your own gear, such as to a local small gig. You need this complete list to communicate to Promoters and Stage Crews all equipment for the stage your group will need in order to put on a performance. All of your backline specs will ultimately go into the contract rider, which I’ll explain below. specs) for all pieces of equipment, such as make and model, speaker size and power handling capacity, drum sizes, plus any other details specific to each piece of equipment. In addition to the general description of gear needed, the backline list should include specifications (i.e. Knowledge is power and armed with the knowledge of your group’s backline needs, and how to communicate those needs to others, you will be better prepared to give a great performance. I’ll take you through all the components of the backline, as the term is commonly used, and explain how you can make a professional-looking rider and stage plot. If you weren’t sure exactly what to do, or how to do it, this article is for you. You may have heard the term backline thrown about and wondered what is a backline? Possibly, you were asked to provide a stage plot and a contract rider to stipulate your band’s backline needs to a Concert or Festival Promoter, venue, or Booking Agent.
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