How to... Prepare a technical rider

Putting today’s musicians in control of their careers

How to...

Prepare a technical rider

How to...

Prepare a technical rider

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What is a technical rider?

If you are working at a professional level, you will be expected to provide a technical rider for live concerts and gigs.

It informs the promoter and venue staff what you need to perform your music at its very best and helps with the planning process for settingup times and sound checks. You may be asked to assist with the set up or the staff may have everything ready for you when you arrive.

A technical rider may be a relatively simple document for a solo performer or more complex for an ensemble or band, however it is important that every musician provides one to the promoter and venue.

What are my requirements?

Think through every piece of equipment, hardware and technology that you need to perform, for example microphones, leads, 0.1. boxes and amps. What will you bring with you and what do you need to ask the venue for? All of these should be included on your technical rider. If you are part of a band or ensemble, make sure you include everyone’s requirements on the document.

Additionally, think about your stage requirements – essentially what you need to be comfortable while playing. This could include chairs (what type?), bottles of water and towels. Do you have any special requirements or access needs?

Estimate as accurately as possible the minimum space needed for each performer. Think about the instruments that are being played and how this influences the space you need. Also consider where you normally position yourselves in relation to each other.

Finally, hospitality items are sometimes allowed on a technical rider. These could include a private dressing room or vegetarian meals.

Other information

It’s helpful to include details about your music -your name, genre, group members, contact details and website. Include a link to your videos or audio files, so the venue knows the type of sound you are trying to achieve.

Ask the promoter and venue to read through your rider carefully and to let you know if they need any further information or if they have any questions – they may think of things that you haven’t! The staff at the venue, for example the sound engineer or site manager, will know the space best so if they make suggestions about your rider, listen to them carefully.

Finally, it’s worth noting that a technical rider is often referred to as a wish list and you’re not guaranteed every item you put on it, so think carefully about the things that are most important. You should clarify in advance with the promoter if the cost of the items on the rider will be deducted from your fee or if they are provided in addition.

Technical rider checklist

Information about the performer(s)

Name

Description

Members

Languages spoken

Contact detail and website

Link to a video/audio files

Technical contact(s): (e.g. do you have a regular sound engineer?)

Instruments and equipment being brought by the performer/band (repeat for each performer)

Performer: Jane Doe

Instrument: Electric guitar

Equipment and hardware , for example:

1 x electric guitar

1 x amp

1 x multi-effects processor Line 6 (DI stereo output)

To be supplied by the venue, for example:

Microphones

Front of house PA system

Monitors system

D.I boxes

Front of house control

Mic stands

9 x electric sockets (specify voltage and inputs per musician)

Off stage area (storage & tech area)

Lights set Set up time, sound check, and set time

Load in time

Install/sound check time

Set time

Patch list

This should include a description of the instrument, output and the type of stand mics you need. For example:

Input Description

Stand type

Other

Video and photography – you should speak to the promoter and venue before asking a friend, photographer or videographer to photograph or record your performance. There may be restrictions to discuss and a facility fee to pay

Merchandising – remember to make clear arrangements about the merchandise stand with the promoter and venue in advance of the show, including how it will be manned, profit share and whether customers can pay by cash or card

More information about recording performances and merchandise stands can be found on page 11 of How to... Play at a festival

Hospitality

Your hospitality rider could include, for example:

Dressing room

Dietary requirements (if catering has been agreed)

Mic/D.1.

1 Jane Doe – Electric Guitar Stereo D.I. Short boom

2 Tom Sharp – Synth 2x Jack (mono) – D.I. N/A

About the author

Independent Society of Musicians

The Independent Society of Musicians (ISM) is the UK’s professional body for musicians and a subject association for music. Founded in 1882, the ISM is dedicated to promoting the importance of music, defending the rights of those working in the music profession and protecting music education.

The ISM supports over 11,000 members across the UK and Ireland with unrivalled legal advice and representation, comprehensive insurance and specialist services.

ISM members come from all areas of the music profession and from a wide variety of genres and musical backgrounds. As well as working musicians, membership also includes part-time and full-time students and retired musicians.

The ISM campaigns tirelessly in support of musicians’ rights, music education and the profession as a whole. The ISM is a financially independent not-for-profit organisation with no political affiliation and this independence allows the freedom to campaign on any issue affecting musicians.

If you would like to find out more about the ISM or join as a member, please visit ism.org