Anklebiters

So, I bid on this gig — the sound, the lighting and the generator. It was a relatively large area with a wide stage backed by a waterfall. The client wanted to make the waterfall change in colors; he also wanted a followspot for a performer who goes into the audience. I took the initial meeting with a buddy who does amazing set design work and brings very cool ideas to the table, fitting every size budget including zero. I sent this client the old package price bid and he proceeded to cherry pick what he wanted and the prices. That usually only irritates me a little, but then I sent over a contract with the description “client didn’t take package, but took package pricing” written in bold font. Childish, but it made me feel better.

Oh, into the summer I go, alone, as apparently my writing partner is MIA. Join me as I relate the exciting trials and tribulations of a true anklebiter. And let me know some of your experiences so I can pass them on to other catfish in the sound engineering pond.
 

Brian
Well, Ken, we both know that there’s plenty of work coming up this time of year with all the festivals and fairs going on. It seems that every little town has some kind of festival each summer. Do you have any strategy to go after that kind of work? I mean, how do you even find out who is on the planning committee for the town’s annual strawberry festival?

Ken
Oh my God, Brian, at yesterday’s gig I almost went in the drink! My client, the bandleader, did a site survey the day before, and reported back that it was all good — a very easy load-in except for off-loading the truck on the street. This was a corporate gig for 250 attendees, and I work for the band. The end client was a German car manufacturer that shall go unnamed. The venue was beautiful, bucolic, and the load-in was a pain in the ass. One of those 500-yard, switchback down the mountain on the cobblestone path kind of deals. Needless to say, I was soaking wet and exhausted just by the time the stuff was in the room. Because I couldn't make the site survey, I think my client didn't want to let me know the misery in advance. You have clients who "forget" to mention things to you?

Ken
Hey Brian, one of my steady clients is developing a young act that has some potential.  Problem is, their backing tracks are bad and they don’t know how to use the wireless gear they have purchased or borrowed from me. I get at least one call each day when they are rehearsing to talk them through some fairly basic function. How much do I educate my clients and hold their hands for free? Bear in mind that they are always nice and appreciative.

Brian: It seems like only yesterday we were ringing in 2007, and here it is 2008 already.  And the New Year brings a couple of cold, slow months in the event business.  All the holiday shows have come and gone, and yes, they all paid in cash, but I still have to keep the heat on until business picks up when the snow melts.  Maybe you’ve got it easy out there in Vegas, but what can I do to keep the money flowing?

Brian: So Ken, I’ve just recently moved, and I’m finding myself dealing with a new frustration. All of my equipment is still 10 minutes up the road from my old house, which puts it about an hour and a half from my new home. I’ve got to get my shop closer to where I’m living now, but I don’t have a nice three-car garage, and I certainly don’t have the money for some big commercial space. Have you got any thoughts on a good way to store lots of equipment? 

In honor of Brian’s wedding, I recount a wedding situation I recently worked. Hope you enjoy it and send Brian well-wishes on his honeymoon, while he employs a part of his anatomy besides his ears!

Summer weather inspires procrastination, and other lame excuses.

Ken: Hey Brian, it’s already in triple digits out here. I really should retouch the paint on a few of my speakers, but I can’t seem to get motivated in this heat. I seem to be getting pretty good at procrastination. I think I could turn pro — Professional Procrastinator — I wonder if I could get paid for that… I already have the uniform. As a matter of fact, I am writing this article attired in said gray-tinged underwear. Anyhoo, any inspirational words to get me moving?

Brian: Oh, Ken… I’m not sure I needed to know that! Kind of like the whole e_commuting thing. People out there are doing their work from their home office dressed only in their bathrobe.  Or worse yet, they are sitting in bed with a laptop perched gently on their bare legs…eeeeew! OK. Bad mental image. Maybe I can clear my mind if I address the root of your problem instead.  
I know the heat doesn’t help. I just want to stay out on the deck spending some good quality time with the grill. For that matter, cruising around the Chesapeake Bay with some friends isn’t bad either. The problem is, it’s either too nice out to do maintenance on the gear in the summer, or it’s too cold to fool with it in the winter. 

It’s an annual pricing war.

Ken: All right Brian, as we come into the sunburn season, I face the same pricing battles as usual. I try to explain to the bands I non-sexually service, that me doing a gig on the cheap just wins me the chance to do more cheap gigs! Every cheap gig means twice as much work at half the appreciation — in other words, I feel like I get bent over, then these acts still think I’m an asshole because they really wanted 12 monitors instead of the zero their budget allows! I am out of tactful ways to say no. Help!