Why Sound is Important at Live Performances OR The Band Shouldn't Have to Set Levels DURING The Show

So moving to a new city means getting to explore a lot of things- here is means skating on the canal, exploring the river, finding awesome art-house and repertory cinemas, and going to new concert venues. One such place is Maverick's- it happens to host several bands I like- which is a plus- only problem is the sound. sucks.

Now I do a lot of backstage work, I've worked a fair number of concerts,  but I am no sound-guy (or gal). I am a pretty clever cookie, I pick up things quickly and remember things easily, but my retention-rate for sound-tech information is practically non-existent. So just to be clear- I could not operate a sound board to save my life. Okay, well maybe to save my life, but not for much less. So clear. Good.

However.

I do know what a show is supposed to sound like. what a band is supposed to sound like. What music is supposed to sound like. Music. its supposed to sound like music. This is not some rant about the state of present day popular tunes, no, I'm fine with most of the music being made today, I actually kind of adore a lot of it, but when I go to a show, thats what I would like to hear. Music. Not a rotating menu of too-much-drums, feedback, not enough vocals, too much bass, too little guitar, and maybe some more feedback thrown in for laughs.

I mean a sympathize, I do. Like I said, I 'aint no sound-gal, but come on! A band should not have to stop to re-set the sound in the middle of the set! Yukon Blonde is a fantastic band- they're great live and they've got a really classic rock sound- they are not supposed to sound like some kids who have been practicing in their parent's garage for three weeks...

THIS is what they're supposed to sound like... So if you were at the show the other day, please give this an ear, and don't judge the fellas too harshly, seriously they can play, I swear.