Taperssection.com
Gear / Technical Help => Ask The Tapers => Topic started by: LastJoyRide on January 30, 2022, 04:36:25 PM
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I apologize because I realize this is a dumb question, but it'll be my first time taping an open-taping band (Drive-By Truckers). I have the stand and all the gear. Do I need anything stating that I'm bringing this stuff in or am I gonna be good? Should I expect security to hassle me any?
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Drive By Truckers are very good at informing venues of their open taping policy so you shouldn't have an issue. If you do ask someone from security to radio the tour manager to get approval.
don't block any high traffic areas or take anything for granted (like asking the FOH if it's okay to set up your stand behind the soundboard cage if it's crowded and you need protection)
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Before I had a dedicated bag, I brought my gear in a backpack with the stand on the side-straps. We all started somewhere.
Check to see if the venue has a clear bag policy. If you have time, get one. Amazon or the like.
Don't feel like you have the break the bank on a bag when you first get started. Some of the most experienced people here use soft-sided coolers to both kudos and high utility cheers.
I wouldn't expect too many security hassles depending on the venue, but yeah, if you can get behind/beside the soundboard its favorable.
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I apologize because I realize this is a dumb question, but it'll be my first time taping an open-taping band (Drive-By Truckers). I have the stand and all the gear. Do I need anything stating that I'm bringing this stuff in or am I gonna be good? Should I expect security to hassle me any?
what shows are you hitting?
I'm going to a bunch on the west coast.
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I apologize because I realize this is a dumb question, but it'll be my first time taping an open-taping band (Drive-By Truckers). I have the stand and all the gear. Do I need anything stating that I'm bringing this stuff in or am I gonna be good? Should I expect security to hassle me any?
Not a dumb question AT ALL. Its the one stressor we all deal with especially at new venues even with Bands who are awesome about notifying security etc
going in with other tapers can sometimes be helpful (sometimes not) ;D
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I will add to kindms that of course security is going to be security. Often, some guys you encounter at the door may have just arrived and missed the security meeting so even if one of them say, "you can't bring that stuff in here" do not be deterred. Ask for someone with a walkie talkie, then ask them to call back for the tour manager, "is audio taping allowed?". They are only doing their job as they think it is defined; be patient, kind and affirmative (as in, you KNOW the band is OK with it).
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The venue may still veto recording even if the band is ok, so do your research on that. This is especially true in places like NYC where unions take offense at any "work" being done where they don't get paid. Backpacks are right out- so many venues have a no backpack rule that most of us don't even try anymore. One strap good, two straps bad.
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this is the type of post that i wish the +T system was still here for
definitely not a dumb question, we all had to start somewhere!
my advice would be that if you see another taper talk to them and try to roll in with them and explain it is your first time open taping and i am sure they will be more than happy to help with anything.
if you find yourself rolling in solo i would do my best to ascertain where a good spot is if you haven't already scoped out this type of thing beforehand. then, enjoy yourself!
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I apologize because I realize this is a dumb question, but it'll be my first time taping an open-taping band (Drive-By Truckers). I have the stand and all the gear. Do I need anything stating that I'm bringing this stuff in or am I gonna be good? Should I expect security to hassle me any?
what shows are you hitting?
I'm going to a bunch on the west coast.
Exactly this. Let us know the shows you are hitting up. I always like to try to meet up with anyone else that might be taping before doors so we can all go in together. For DBT there is a good chance you won't be the only taper (although not as good as someone like Phish, and it does seem like they are getting recorded less frequently than in the past).
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two things that never hurt: get there early and fist bump the board engineer
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Check all your batteries before you leave home and bring some new unused just in case as well...Be there well ahead before the main act starts...if it´s possible try to tape the supporting band as well...Good luck!
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Expect to get hassled at the doors, be pleasantly surprised when you don't
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two things that never hurt: get there early and fist bump the board engineer
And at the end of the night, thank him or her for the pristine sound!
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two things that never hurt: get there early and fist bump the board engineer
And at the end of the night, thank him or her for the pristine sound!
Hah, just got back from taping at a club that I tape at regularly, I'm sitting down for my relisten and was just thinking this. it's so nice to become buddies with the sound people you see over and over at the same venues.
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for shows/ venues that use in house sound guys I always offer a copy if running open . Cant hurt.
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Thanks for the tips, everyone! Show ended up getting postponed but this was really useful info.
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Wouldn't hurt to reach out to the band and see what they think, especially if they are a smaller not so well known band. I've done this many times and had mixed responses. Trout Steak Revival was new on the scene and said I could tape and even gave me permission to patch the board but at this one venue the house sound man said no and to go somewhere else. Same venue New Monsoon's sound man offered access to the board but I was testing out my new to me VMS02IB. Saw New Monsoon again and they remembered me and offered a soundboard patch but I wanted to run the 4v's and Nbox.
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I'd add, google image the venue ahead of time and try to get some images around the sbd area. It's nice to see what you are working with. Seams that tripods are getting some shade these days, so an area to clamp can be real nice. Also, look on Live Music Archive for other recordings at the venue you are hitting up. Often they have the blueprint spelled out for you. I also like to have the bands taper policy on my phone, just in case you need additional exhibits for your case. I've had a lot of luck over the years reaching out to smaller touring bands on Facebook Messenger. Let them know your stoked for their show, and you want to get their permission to tape it. Be sure to tell them you will post it to their page on Live Music Archive. Often they will leave your name at the door. You will feel like a king walking in the venue knowing your name in on the guestlist!
And...rehearse your BS. "It's just audio...Hell, I can't even figure out the video on my iphone"; "I record the live shows for the band"; "The band wants me to do this...I taped their Austin show last night and Houston the night before"; "You don't want Dallas to be the only show that doesn't get recorded on this tour?!". You get the picture. Good luck moving forward. Just know that pre-show anxiety never goes away, and your local venues are where you build confidence, so get out as much as possible and make friends with the local sound guys. Welcome to the Jungle!!!
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I hope everybody reading this who is thinking of taping DBT this year will get there early and record the opening band for much of the tour, Ryley Walker.
He is an amazing songwriter and you are going to be impressed. Plus he is enthusiastically pro-tapers. If he finds out you are taping and he offers to give you free merch because you are a taper, please do not accept. Like all musicians he needs that money.
Check him out on the live music archive, frequent posts on NYCTaper.com, and the Bandcamp page for his label, Husky Pants.
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I hope everybody reading this who is thinking of taping DBT this year will get there early and record the opening band for much of the tour, Ryley Walker.
He is an amazing songwriter and you are going to be impressed. Plus he is enthusiastically pro-tapers. If he finds out you are taping and he offers to give you free merch because you are a taper, please do not accept. Like all musicians he needs that money.
Check him out on the live music archive, frequent posts on NYCTaper.com, and the Bandcamp page for his label, Husky Pants.
i had tickets for a Dinosaur Jr / Ryley Walker show but it got covid'ed out.
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I hope everybody reading this who is thinking of taping DBT this year will get there early and record the opening band for much of the tour, Ryley Walker.
He is an amazing songwriter and you are going to be impressed. Plus he is enthusiastically pro-tapers. If he finds out you are taping and he offers to give you free merch because you are a taper, please do not accept. Like all musicians he needs that money.
Check him out on the live music archive, frequent posts on NYCTaper.com, and the Bandcamp page for his label, Husky Pants.
this genuinely had me laughing. +T
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Wouldn't hurt to reach out to the band and see what they think, especially if they are a smaller not so well known band. I've done this many times and had mixed responses. Trout Steak Revival was new on the scene and said I could tape and even gave me permission to patch the board but at this one venue the house sound man said no and to go somewhere else. Same venue New Monsoon's sound man offered access to the board but I was testing out my new to me VMS02IB. Saw New Monsoon again and they remembered me and offered a soundboard patch but I wanted to run the 4v's and Nbox.
Soundmen with egos and mental illness add to a lot of anxiety that almost never goes away. Some just are in it for the control and insults to match - and I will never forget the rude ones despite being kind. It's hard to know who those are until you ask them directly. That's one of the biggest problems - you never know if you can be allowed permission to do anything unless you ask.