Tools of the trade
Here’s a list of must-haves for the new music performer who frequently plays in “non-traditional” (ugh, I hate that term) spaces:
- Your own microphone. One of the best investments I’ve made has been in a top-of-the-line wireless microphone. There’s nothing that makes me feel more uncomfortable during a performance than being forced to remain glued to a tinny-sounding microphone on a boom stand that gets in the way of you reading your music. Having a professional wireless mic completely alleviates both of these issues and makes you sound a heck of a lot better too.
- A portable music stand. And I don’t mean one of those cheap folding wire ones that you can barely keep one sheet of music on. Though it would be great to use that Manhasset you stole from college on all your gigs, sometimes it’s just too cumbersome to lug around. The best solution I’ve found is the portable Manhasset. The best feature of this stand is not only that it’s just like the one you stole from college, but it comes with a great over-the-shoulder carrying case, which has ample room for all your music and wireless microphone.
- A stand light or two. Because even though you’ll look really cool with all the amazing stage lights shining on you, none of them will be aimed at the music that you won’t be able to see.
- 1/8″, 1/4″, and RCA adapters.
- Extra batteries for your wireless microphone.