How to cope with gigging outdoors

Musicians can sometimes find playing outdoors a very challenging experience, as they are at the mercy of weather and other random circumstances.

Perhaps the most important thing to remember is not to expect a great on-stage sound.

Whereas sound can bounce off the walls in a proper room, it can simply disappear into the air when you are playing outdoors.

Therefore, it could be a good idea to make sure you have an effective monitor system on stage so you can at least hear some of your performance.

The weather can also be a big problem for performers, as you could find it hard to play a guitar or the drums if your fingers are frozen. In this case, ensure you warm up before going on stage.

Meanwhile, playing in the searing heat can lead to you becoming dehydrated, especially as the lighting rig and the work you put in could also lead to you sweating.

Make sure you keep drinking lots of fluids, take precautions such as wearing sunscreen and don't expose your instruments to high temperatures before you go on.

Otherwise they could go out of tune or - in a worst case scenario - be seriously damaged.

Product category: Drums, Guitar, Pianos, Synthesizers