During my second year at Edge Hill University, studying music production, we completed a module called ‘Playing Live.’ This module gave students the opportunity to gain credits for the performance of live music in different locations, and in front of different audiences. Composition of original music, and/or the rearrangement of existing music, and the performance of it, was fundamental to the module. We were expected to organise songs, musicians, music technology, support personnel, and gigs in order to demonstrate aptitude in a live setting.
Performance 1
The link above was a performance by Anemona, a band consisting of Thomas and myself. The gig was a professional set up based at Edge Hill University, in the rose theatre. The song performed is an original piece by Anemona, made up of a classical guitar and vocals.
The classical guitar plays rhythmic chords, with finger picking, which adds a bit of build in the body of the song. As there is no percussion, this brings a bit of life to the composition. The vocals are soft and work well around the guitar which doesn’t overwhelm the song too much.
In the video, the overall performance runs smoothly, with a few issues in areas such as timing and forgetting the lyrics in the bridge. This is something to focus on for future performances, more rehearsal time to pull such areas together. This will also help with my confidence as it is one less thing to worry about.
Performance 2
In the next performance, also played at the GetintoThis gig, is a song called ‘Forest.’ Again, this song consists of a classical guitar and vocals, similar to ‘Little Pink Dress.’
Keeping the guitar in style with the folk genre, we kept the rhythmic fingerpicking to add body to the instrumentation. We struggled in sections with singing together as the timing was out, which was obvious to the audience. In sections there were a few times we had to improvise, which as a musician is essential, especially when working with other band members. this is something that comes with time, the stronger the connection with your band members the more likely the improvising will work.
Performance 3 – The set up
As part of the module, we had to complete a TV studio performance which was recorded. Not only did we have to perform, but get involved in rigging and derigging the equipment. Organising songs, rehearsing fully, arranging music technology and instruments, was all part of preparing for a professional TV studio recording.
When it came to the initial set up, we began by setting up the monitors. It was important to set up a monitor for every musician so that they can hear what they are playing, but also hear what the rest of the band are playing. This will help with timing, for example, allowing guitarists to keep in time with drummers. Musicians can sing in tune and keep in rhythm with the rest of band. The monitors were powered up using a kettle lead (IEC lead), which we connected to an extension into the plug socket. When then connected an XLR lead from the mic/line input, making sure the monitor was on ‘line’ and not ‘mic’, which ran all the way directly into the mixing desk.
Once the monitors were set up, we then started to set up the microphones. We used the Shure sm58 for all the vocals, which were then connected using an XLR leading. We decided to connect the XLR through a stage box which which allows the sound desk to be further from the stage and simplifies the setup. We also used a microphone stand which had to be set up securely to make sure the microphone didn’t fall or become damaged. We set the monitors close to where the musician will be performing to allow them to hear themselves properly.
We also used a channel list which made the set up process quick and easy. The channel list consisted of the input, instrument, monitor, stage box and facility panel. Using these columns allowed us to find the instrument and the connections quickly.
When everything was set up we then had to do a sound check. This sound check allowed us to get the right volume levels for the performance, using the faders. It also meant we could check for any cables that weren’t working before we taped them down to prevent any trip hazards.
Performance 3
In this performance, which I performed for my Playing Live module at university, I performed my own original song called ‘Maybe.’
This song has a simple guitar with some soft vocals over the top. The song doesn’t get swamped with other sound from instruments which helps keep the relaxed feeling of the song. However, after listening to the video, I realised how some light drums or a cajon would have added a bit of body to the song and brought the structure together more.
In the video it is clear I have a lack in confidence. I Appear quite stiff and stay in one place during the performance. For future performances I would agree I need to work on stage presence more and allow myself to work with the audience. There are times in the performance that I play the wrong chord, however, I managed to fix it quickly and efficiently, without during too much attention to the mistake.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this performance. I also enjoyed getting more involved with rigging and de-rigging the stage and have gain a vast amount of knowledge because of this.
Skye McBride 