When it comes to roadie jobs, I’m sure we have all been to various shows and concerts in a variety of music genres and that we have all seen the folks running around on, off, behind, in front and even above the stage making everything go off like clockwork, at least for the most part. The people behind the scenes taking care of all the shows and musician wants and needs are the road crew also known as the roadies. These folks have a very demanding job that includes a lot of different tasks.
Roadie Jobs Include
Loading and off loading the equipment before the show. Then setting up the amplifiers, lights, public address “PA” system and other miscellaneous items that are associated with the show or event. Then unrolling the cords and hooking up all the afire mentioned electronics and lighting. Once everything is set up it needs to be checked to make sure everything is functioning properly and fix anything that isn’t. This would include checking the various instruments and making sure they are in good working order tuned and ready to go. You also need to check the lights and make sure that they are all set up as desired and working.
Then you need to make sound checks to get a good balance between the different instruments and the vocals. This is a very important step and needs to be paid strict attention to as different rooms and locations acoustics can differ to a large degree. Obviously, concert goers are there for a great musical and show experience but if the sound levels are off it effects both negatively. I believe that job to be of the utmost importance when it comes to soundman and or roadie jobs. I’ve heard to many good bands play with bad sound for whatever reason sometimes the acoustics of the room are just plain bad. I once heard a major national act that you would know playing at a venue where the acoustics were so bad that when they played a song it would almost be over before we recognized what song it was.
Roadie Jobs During The Show
The beginning of the show just means different tasks for the roadies to switch to. This usually includes running the light show or manning the sound board to make any adjustments that need to be made as well as taking care of any of the bands needs. It may not be as physically demanding as hauling the equipment but still needs to be carried out in a professional manner.
Roadie Jobs After The Show
After the music has stopped and the cheering of the crowd has subsided, you are finally on the last leg of a hard worked day or night. Now it’s time to tear everything down, roll it up, haul it out and tuck it away.
Finding Roadie Jobs
If this interest you, you can check online for possibilities or you can check with bands in your area that have potential. Try inquiring with theater groups, venues, equipment and production companies. At the lower levels you’re probably looking at volunteer or low paying work but you can make good money if you’re determined to make a career of it. The main thing once you break into it at any level is to learn as much as possible, have a good attitude and keep busy. Remember it is work and slackers don’t last long.
Let me just say in closing that this is general information and that things can differ greatly depending on what type, and how big the the show is. Bigger shows can enlists a variety of roadies working in specialized area such as rigging, spotlight operators, instrument technicians and a lot more. Roadie jobs are hard work but for the right person it can also be very rewarding.