Sound and Lighting Engineer Looking for a Band

Akron OH

Description

Engineer with full sound and lighting equipment looking for one or more Akron area bands to work closely with, not really as a hired guy, but more as a band member. For the past couple of years I've scaled back to a couple of large-scale stage productions each year, but I miss the smaller band gigs and would like to get back into it some later this year. Not exactly ready for gigging just now, but want to make some connections and see if I can find some bands that could use my equipment and expertise. Politicians seem to be realizing the COVID-19 mandates did nothing to stop it and only caused exponentially worse irreparable damage than the virus ever could have, so hopefully live gigs will make it back. If not though, I've also a collection of pro and semi-pro camera equipment that maybe could be used for livestreaming until they do. Sadly, I've had pretty consistent experience with entitled self-absorbed drama queens. I don't need it and correspondingly am limiting my search to all-male ensembles. That's not to say there aren't drama kings. There definitely are, but, in about 15 years of this, I've only encountered a few. If there's a considerate gal in your band that priortizes her voice or instrument over sex appeal, there's a sliver of a chance I'd be interested... but don't bet the farm on it. My gear largely consists of Shure and Audio-Technica wired and wireless mics, a Behringer XR18 or X32 if needed, and an assortment of JBL PRX700 series speakers tailored to the venue for excellent sound. Mostly no backline. Bring your own. I'm a pretty solid sound guy, but my forte is lighting, and, due to the larger stage productions, I've way more than could ever fit in a bar. I also think the lighting is a necessary complement missing in most bands' presentations. People unknowingly apply what they see to what they hear. The same song, with great lights, always seems to sound better. Doesn't make physical sense, but that's the way it is. Good lighting can help get the gig in the first place too, so don't dismiss the eye as an unnecessary sensor. I do have a place that potentially could be used as a studio/practice space as well, but still not certain what's to become of it. Working in various production environments has made me appreciate many music genres and at least tolerate most others. Rock, pop, jazz, soul, country, gospel, blues... whatever, it's good. Unfortunately, as Akron seems to be the heavy metal capital of the world, that and other extremely harsh styles that are difficult to discern as actual music are beyond my tolerance limits. Even there though, I selectively enjoy some of it, such as the more symphonic/operatic metal of many Nightwish songs and the like (sans any bloody screaming). Never had the chance to try it yet, but the lighting could be potentially epic for some of those instrumentals. Anyway, enough about me an' my stuff. If you've got a reasonably good band and are interested in having a sound and lighting engineer as part of the team, by all means, send a reply inviting me to a practice, rehearsal, or, if you managed to get one, an actual gig. I'd enjoy coming out, listening in, and talking a bit to determine if I could work with your band. I try to avoid judging anyone's music though, so don't ask how good I think you sound. Hope to see you soon :)