If you have ever booked a professional band, you have likely received a document called a "Tech Rider." For the uninitiated, it can look like a confusing list of jargon. However, understanding it is key to a successful event.
What is a Technical Rider?
A tech rider is a document that specifies the technical requirements an artist needs to perform. It covers sound, lighting, stage dimensions, and power needs. It is not a "wish list"; it is a set of tools required to do the job.
Common Terms Explained
- Backline: Instruments and equipment that the band expects to be on stage when they arrive (e.g., drum kit, bass amp, guitar amp). Bands often cannot fly with heavy amps, so they rent them locally.
- FOH (Front of House): The main speakers directed at the audience and the mixing desk where the sound engineer controls the audio.
- Monitors: Speakers on stage facing the band, allowing them to hear themselves. In-ear monitors (IEMs) are becoming more common.
- Input List: A chart telling the sound engineer how many microphones and direct injection (DI) boxes are needed and what instrument goes into which channel on the mixer.
Why You Should Never Ignore It
Ignoring a tech rider usually leads to disaster. If a band arrives and there is no drum kit (because it was on the rider as "Backline provided by promoter"), the show cannot go on. If the power supply is insufficient, the sound system will cut out.
Negotiation is Possible
While the rider is important, it is sometimes negotiable. If your venue is small, the band might agree to a smaller drum kit or fewer monitors. The key is to have this conversation before the contract is signed, not on the day of the event.
At TMA Entertainment, we handle the technical liaison between the artist and the AV supplier, ensuring every item on the rider is ticked off so you don't have to worry about the jargon.