When Kej tours, he brings backup laptops loaded with both his audio backing tracks and video content, so he can instantly swap a new machine in if anything goes wrong. If you have budget and space, carrying backup laptops which fully mirror your primary gigging laptop is indeed a great way to go. If one suddenly crashes, all it takes is a single button press to switch to the backup machine, and the audience is none the wiser. In large touring acts that use computers for track playback, engineers backstage regularly have two machines running the exact same programs, playing the same music at the same time. Have an emergency planĮven if you prepare your laptop perfectly, the unexpected can happen, so what happens if your computer suddenly fails before or during your gig? Kej uses two laptops on a nightly basis for video, for example he says that he carries both HDMI and VGA connectors, just in case. Many laptops’ power supplies can automatically handle the different currents you may encounter when gigging abroad, but make sure to check ahead and pack voltage adapters - not just plug adapters - if needed.įinally, if you don’t know exactly what you’ll be plugging into each night, bring cables and adapters for all contingencies. If you’re gigging internationally, make sure you have the correct plug adapters. This is especially true if you’re traveling to areas where the nearest computer store might be miles or hours away. Power and connector cables fray and fail with regular use, so make sure to carry extras. Virus and spyware protection can also go a long way towards keeping your laptop uncompromised and gig-ready. Keep your music programs updated and regularly test them, well ahead of any gig, to make sure there aren’t any unexpected compatibility issues with a new OS, for example. “We only connect the laptops to the Internet if we need to update software or download something urgently on the day of a concert.”Įven if you aren’t in a position to have a laptop that is exclusively dedicated to music-making, common-sense maintenance can go a long way towards giving you the stability you need for a solid performance. If you’re able to have a laptop that you use purely for music performance and nothing else, Kej recommends keeping it off the Internet unless absolutely necessary. “We do not use them as our regular laptops.” “The laptops that we use for gigging are only used for gigging,” he says. Grammy-winning composer and artist Ricky Kej, who tours with five laptop computers in his regular rig, makes sure that the only software loaded on his performance laptops is the software needed for music making. In other words, delete unnecessary files and programs, turn off applications running in the background that don’t have anything to do with your performance, make sure that the laptop is charged and has plenty of free memory and hard disc space, and clean out/turn off anything else that could potentially hinder its ability to give you the sounds you need when you need them. Keep the computer lean and cleanīefore you step onstage with your laptop, try to keep your machine as internally uncluttered and uncomplicated as possible. Here are some tips to help you take advantage of the huge musical capabilities laptops can offer while minimizing the risk of crashing your gig in the process. If you’ve never used a laptop onstage before, the prospect can seem intimidating - but making it work isn’t as hard as it seems. Artists of all genres regularly use laptops for backing tracks, keyboard and synth sounds, electronic drum tones, DJ stylings, video, and more - both in the studio and on stage. Considering using a laptop onstage to enhance your sound or visuals at gigs? These basic tips can help you minimize problems and keep your shows on track.Īs music technology marches into the future, laptop computers become more useful and ubiquitous tools for sonic creativity.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |