What To Expect When Expecting (Your First Post-Covid Gig)!
Danielle DePalma
You have dusted off your instruments from under the bed, put on pants, listened to those demos from pre-Covid and happily surprised yourself! You feel excited to get back out into the world and play shows. Where exactly? And how? Here is what to expect, coming back into the deeply missed world of concerts.
During the pandemic shutdown, The Bowery Ballroom updated both its sound and lighting equipment in preparation for the return of live music to its stage. (Danielle DePalma)
As the current Production Manager of the Bowery Ballroom in New York City, we are seeing the floodgates open. For the first time in over a year, I am planning for a packed calendar. The Covid year was spent thinking about the ways things could be better on the other side of the pandemic. We have done necessary building improvements and supplemented production to reflect artists’ riders and accessibility concerns. I installed a new soundboard, new lights on our motorized truss, and added broadcast quality video streaming capabilities.
Video is part of the new future of shows. Deals are already being discussed which will contain a new livestream component for fans, and exclusives for industry professionals who may be interested in your show. Expect the contract deals to be as different as the show offers themselves and decide for yourself if this is a beneficial opportunity. If so, come prepared and check out Phillip Anderson’s tips.
Video capture and multi-track audio recording from the venue are also available for future use. Expect additional costs to be associated with these offers. Most venues have origination fees associated with recording audio or video in their space, and rely on these as a source of income. Ask in advance, and plan accordingly. If you have the support of a label or management team, see if this is something they will cover. If not, make this a business expense for your band.
Staff member upgrading the equipment at the Bowery Ballroom in New York City. (Danielle DePalma)
In terms of physical health and safety, organizations like NIVA and OSHA have been focusing on scientifically proven methods to reduce disease transmission, and offering guidelines to performance spaces. MERV filters (which improve dust and contaminant filtration) have been installed in our HVAC system, and UV sanitizing technology will focus on high touch surfaces around the audience area, and near the production equipment. We have purchased new microphones, windscreens, and grilles for vocalist safety, and cleaning solutions appropriate for production equipment. We are also looking into contactless payments at the bars, and merch booth. Consider services like AtVenu, Shopify or Square for your merch management and ease of payments. All house staff will be trained in new ways of interacting with fans. Start to think about your own health and safety rider, and what you want to see all venues implement.
The Bowery Ballroom is working with organizations such as NIVA to better serve and support customers, staff and talent. (Danielle DePalma)
An important point for any artist as we return, is to make sure you have got a friend who will have your back. Often times, if you encounter confrontation, conflict or discrimination at a gig, it takes us time to process what has just happened. By that time, you could be in a totally new city. Being able to confide in someone you trust will not only help you feel better, it can help to spur the lasting change we want to see in this industry as a whole. They can address the issue in the moment and be your ally. Likewise, it is the responsibility of both the club and the artist to ensure their fans stay safe and have a good time. Making Spaces Safer lists some actionable steps you can take as an artist or a venue. For example, is it time for you or your agent to negotiate lodging or a travel stipend in your contract? Are you getting fed well, and does your hospitality rider reflect the things you like and will use? Do you have an anti-harassment policy you would like posted? Can you add some equipment to your setup that will save you time each day? In the ‘before-times’, I have seen many small format mixing consoles travel with artists. If done correctly, this can save valuable production time, keeping load in and soundcheck short, and the shows consistent. Think of not just physical, but mental health. Happiness is a constant struggle on good days, and thankfully there are friends to help.
Consider joining a support group. Most are virtual nowadays, geared towards our industry, and can be helpful while on the road. Below are some great resources:
For my venue, all production staff and members of security will be trained in effective bystanding, active listening and de-escalation practices. Staff will also have access to outreach resources. Many festivals now have counselors on site, and we plan to partner with select therapists in the vicinity who can be on-call for venue and artist support. Please utilize these resources, and stop the stigma by helping us all talk about mental health.
There is a seemingly endless supply of talented musicians who can fill a medium capacity venue. This is not entirely new, but it bears emphasis. It is all the more important for you to understand your worth. It is a promoters market, and they are looking for strong ticket sales, artists that can appeal to fans virtually, and push the message of vaccination. Remember that you absolutely deserve their respect and attention. Your agent is your advocate, so make sure they hear your voice. Your influence is powerful and does affect change. Make lists of the places you do NOT want to play. Remember the places where you had a great time. Many amazing venues closed during Covid, and it is so important that the ones that are left understand the partnership of artist and promoter and work to affect lasting, positive change beyond our return.
Here are a few last tips to take with you:
Social media is more powerful than ever before.
Build your network of venues by rank choice. For every gig you get, you will need to reach out to at least 10 others. Pay attention to who is doing it right, and who will offer you the best experience, not just the most money.
Consider participating in a musicians union like UMAW, with a pool of resources dedicated to helping like-minded musicians.
By the time you see a show on the calendar, it is likely fully booked for talent. Try artist management websites to see future tours or releases and anticipate what is to come six to nine months down the line.
Be a human, messaging humans. The typical tact and respect rules apply. No, “To whom it may concern,” and no “book me!” Find a name, check in and write as if you are talking to someone you respect and hope to build a relationship with.
Ask for feedback or advice if things do not work out. Apps like Clubhouse are chatterboxes for “what to do, if” conversations, or full sessions with agents, managers, promoters, etc. Do not be afraid to ask questions or ask for feedback and remember to turn on your “manager” brain so you do not take it personally.
In early June of 2021 the Bowery Ballroom upgraded its Midas Heritage analog audio console to the Avid S6L. This shows the de-installation process and the installation of the new system. Total time took approximately 1 week.
I hope some of this is helpful, and kick starts a much better year to come. We truly cannot wait to see you all again, and get back to doing what all concert venues love to do. Hit the road, and stay safe, and get vaccinated, if you are able.
Danielle DePalma is a live sound engineer and the Production Manager of the Bowery Ballroom. She has been fortunate to tour with artists like Sharon Van Etten, Florence + the Machine, Emily King, and Josh Ritter. During the pandemic, Danielle has kept sane through motorcycle rides and adventures with her new adopted puppy, Huck.
