DELETED_5350
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I can't imagine you'd be able to jump straight into a big festival type scenario.
if you're learning the ropes i'd suggest you get to your local venue and ask for the sound engineers contact details/if you can chip in and help.
I know one of the engineers from Academy 2 in Brum did this for my mate.
It is a bit of a big venue to start with but he started off helping set up and eventually learnt some of the live production side of it. Maybe a smaller venue would be a good place to learn your craft....somewhere you know there is a good engineer and good sound.
if you're learning the ropes i'd suggest you get to your local venue and ask for the sound engineers contact details/if you can chip in and help.
I know one of the engineers from Academy 2 in Brum did this for my mate.
It is a bit of a big venue to start with but he started off helping set up and eventually learnt some of the live production side of it. Maybe a smaller venue would be a good place to learn your craft....somewhere you know there is a good engineer and good sound.
See if there are any local studios around your area and ask about helping out (for free).
Once you learn the ropes and start getting a few contacts, see where it takes you.
The other alternative is to go to a college/uni and study music technology, but that's quite a big commitment.
Once you learn the ropes and start getting a few contacts, see where it takes you.
The other alternative is to go to a college/uni and study music technology, but that's quite a big commitment.
festivals can be a good place to get involved, as there's such a large need for people, but you will be doing the most meanial of things, working between the riggers and the bands techs, but it's all about getting your name known and getting experience where you can, other options are local venues and studios just offer to help the existing engineers, dont let them take advantage of you but you're going to be of limited use especially to start with so just be as helpful and flexible as you can and you should make some progress
Associate
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can you get to lincoln?
I have no idea what your qualifications are so please don't take this the wrong way but, I spoke to a friend who does sound engineer work and he said that there are thousands of people around who think that being able to do a few thing on Cubase or similar, qualifies them as an engineer, unfortunately, that isn't true.
He suggested (as have others here) that you get to a studio and offer your services free and get to know something of what the job really entails.
There are a few courses around but be careful what you pick ...... Liverpool is good apparently.
Good luck.
He suggested (as have others here) that you get to a studio and offer your services free and get to know something of what the job really entails.
There are a few courses around but be careful what you pick ...... Liverpool is good apparently.
Good luck.
Associate
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used to work at the engine shed in Lincoln as a lighting tech. There might be a job as a sound tech if you look into it. When I started (was a student at the uni), I had no experience but learnt on the job same as everyone else there!
Soldato
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smoove, I know this is an old thread, just wondering how it went?
I noticed you are in South Wales, there's a good company in Newport who rent out sound systems and sound engineers, you could do far worse than contact them. My e-mail is in trust if you want thier details.
I noticed you are in South Wales, there's a good company in Newport who rent out sound systems and sound engineers, you could do far worse than contact them. My e-mail is in trust if you want thier details.
You'd be paying to do bitch work, it's not worth it.Thanks for the sound
As an engineer myself I'm extremely concious of my hearing and have moulded ear plugs custom made for my ears which I'll use at any events.
Getting work as an engineer can be pretty hard and it's not especially well paid. Hours are long and also generally unsociable. On the upside you get a free ticket in and get to meet a lot of cool people.
It's definitely more a case of who rather than what you know in the industry. Competition for jobs and places at such gigs and venues are incredibly high so having a foot in the door is always a real help.
Getting work as an engineer can be pretty hard and it's not especially well paid. Hours are long and also generally unsociable. On the upside you get a free ticket in and get to meet a lot of cool people.
It's definitely more a case of who rather than what you know in the industry. Competition for jobs and places at such gigs and venues are incredibly high so having a foot in the door is always a real help.
Soldato
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A lad called Andrew didnt used to work at Confetti did he?
The best thing to do is to go out and help with local community events, higher profile of the event the better.
My friend is now being signed up for a local festival down here and will be on the team each year.
Volunteer work is the best way to start.
My friend is now being signed up for a local festival down here and will be on the team each year.
Volunteer work is the best way to start.
How about seeing if any Mobile PA companies want a helping hand? My band hires in a PA for any gig that doesn't have an in house system - a guy turns up with a van full of gear, and usually a guy who helps out - helps with the lugging gear (a massive part of the job, incidentally!), plugging things in, and generally helping out.
That'd be a good way to learn the ropes of the way everything works - going on the job with someone more experienced. You can pick things up, learn as you go, perhaps one day start your own PA company?
That'd be a good way to learn the ropes of the way everything works - going on the job with someone more experienced. You can pick things up, learn as you go, perhaps one day start your own PA company?