Next Event:
What is it? And why do you need one?
October 24, 2024
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Preparing for a live performance can be stressful. Between rehearsing, managing technology, and handling promotion, the last thing you want is to worry about logistical details like music stands, lighting, dressing rooms, or transportation. This is where an artist rider comes into play—a crucial tool for setting expectations and ensuring your show runs smoothly.
You may have heard the infamous story of bands requesting a bowl of green M&Ms in their green room. While it may seem frivolous, the real purpose of such a request is to gauge how closely a venue pays attention to the details in the rider. As a seasoned Artist Coordinator in Phoenix, AZ, with over five years of experience, I’ve reviewed and negotiated hundreds of artist riders. This article will demystify what an artist rider is and offer a free template you can use for your performances.
An artist rider is an addendum to your performance contract that outlines the requirements necessary for your comfort and success. Riders can include technical needs (like stage setup and sound equipment) and hospitality requests (such as dressing room provisions or meals). Depending on the size and scope of the venue, you may choose to create separate technical and hospitality riders, though combining them into one document can also be effective.
A well-crafted rider ensures that your performance environment meets your expectations, minimizing surprises and allowing you to focus on what matters—your performance. Additionally, having a clear rider helps establish a professional relationship with the venue, as it shows you take your work seriously and understand the importance of communication.
In my experience, artist riders are rarely followed to the letter. Adjustments are often necessary due to venue limitations or other factors, so be prepared to discuss and negotiate details. The key is knowing your non-negotiables and where you can be flexible. For example, while the number of music stands may be essential, your snack preferences might not be. Venues appreciate flexibility, and a cooperative attitude can go a long way.
In our downloadable Oh My Ears Rider Template, we’ve outlined the following key sections:
You may also choose to include additional sections such as Broadcasting Rights or Personal Appearances based on the specifics of your performance. Feel free to adjust the template to fit your needs.
This section is where you can define what time you need to be ready for a show. As someone who used to tour with four 5.0-octave marimbas, this was a critical requirement as it took 45 minutes to an hour just to get set up. If you are requesting rehearsal time and don’t need production staff (sound/lighting) make sure this is known to the venue. Be respectful of the venue personnel and their time. If you only need 30 minutes only take 30-minutes.
If you are performing with other artists at the same concert, make sure you don’t take any extra time. That is a quick ticket to not getting asked back!
What do you need on the stage ready for you when you arrive? Do you need a specific size stage? Definitely something that should be worked out before a contract is signed, but it helps to call it out again in the rider. Sometimes information gets lost between booking and production and it is best to reiterate critical information. What do you need on the stage? How many music stands do you need? A small table? DI box? The stage is one of the most important aspects so it is best not to make any assumptions on the stage setup.
If you are expecting specific lighting to be available, make sure you put it here. Though most venues will have what they have, so be flexible on this one. If lighting is critical to your set or show, this needs to be confirmed before a contract is signed. For more complicated lighting setups you should bring your own lighting designer. Under no circumstances should you ask a staff member to do lighting for your set, you will not be asked back (something I have experienced).
Be as detailed as possible here and get it worked out with a member of the venue’s production team as early as possible. Don’t make any assumptions here, state exactly what you are bringing, and what the venue needs to provide (within reason). Most venues can accommodate standard setups, for anything non-standard (contact mics, effects pedals, non-standard instruments, etc.) you should be supplying this. You need to be the expert in your setup, don’t expect the production team to be able to figure out your signal flow. Practice tearing down and setting up. Have someone mess with your cables and practice putting it back together.
If you need them ask for them, most crew are happy and willing to help!
State what you would like, within reason. All venues are different. Some very famous and historic venues essentially have a closet for a dressing room and some brand new state of the art venues will have only 1 or 2 rooms. Be prepared to be flexible here. Most places will at least have a safe place for you to store your belongings.
If you need them, ask. Most venues set aside a few tickets, but this number has an affect on the venue’s bottom line, so use grace here. Don’t ask for more than you need, and let the venue know ASAP if you can return any.
Add what you would like within reason, but know that most venues have a set budget for this. It is really common to request fruits, veggies, protein bars, etc. This is also where you want to state any dietary restrictions. Most venues will let you take what you requested at the end of the night, but best practice is to keep it simple. Don’t clean out the venue’s entire green room on your way out. No Artist Coordinator wants to have to go buy new ketchup, mayonnaise, and tea.
All venues will have their own merch policies. Respect them as much as possible. If merch is paid by check instead of cash, try not to argue the point, it is most likely out of the control of the venue staff.
Communication is key to ensuring a successful performance. The venue’s production and backstage teams want you to have a great show, and building a respectful, collaborative relationship starts with a well-prepared artist rider. Remember, the artists who are easiest to work with are often the ones who get invited back!
Download Our Free Rider Template
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