Tools of the Trade

A Professional Vocalist has their own Tools of the Trade, just as an Automobile Mechanic has their own Tools specific to their Trade.

What are some Tools of a Singer’s Trade?

The Essentials:
– Bottle of Luke-Warm, Filtered Water (in BPA Free Stainless Steel Bottle)
– Warm Scarf
– Microphone (Wireless or Wired)
– Backing Tracks on a USB Memory Drive (Good Quality, minimum Bit Rate 128kps, mp3 format)

Following is a list of some of the Tools a Vocalist is recommended to have in their Gig Bag:
– Microphone (Wireless System and/or Wired; a spare)
– Batteries (Fresh Energizer Lithium AA, AAA, 9V; Rechargeable Batteries with Recharger)
– Microphone Leads (Male XLR to Female XLR of various lengths ie. 1m, 5m, 10m, 15m)
– Microphone Stand
– Music Stand & Light
– Library of Backing & Audio Tracks
– Library of Band Charts/Sheet Music/Lyrics
– Music Player (e.g. Laptop/Ipad/Ipod)
– External Backup Hard Drive
– Audio Lead to connect Music Player to a Mixer (various lengths ie. 2m, 5m, 10m)
– Black Extension Power Leads & Power Boards

Following is a list of the minimum PA Equipment that a Band Leader/Vocalist is recommended to have:
– 2 x FOH Speakers
– 2 x Speaker stands
– 1 x Stage Monitor
– 1 x Mixer Desk
– 1 x Table (for Mixer Desk)
– Black Sheets and Skirtings
– Stage Lighting
– Tool Set: black duct tape, variety of coloured tape, black cable ties, microphone wind shields, ear plugs, music stand sheet music clips, microphone clip threads, audio lead connectors, screw driver, measuring tape, pens, business cards