NBC Loud Alert

[Steve Ahola]

Randy Crump wrote:
> 
> The recent post about loud alerts is exactly what I wrote about in my column last month. I will share it with you.
> 
> 
> 
> I know that I have hearing problems caused by LOUD music. After 40 
> 
> years of working with bands, being a concert promoter, a radio announcer,
> 
> managing record shops, and running all the blues societies events, the damage is there.
> 
> Today, I wear ear plugs and encourage my 15 year old son Spencer to wear them also,
> 
> as I should have done decades ago.
> 
> 
> 
> I have been to shows where bad bands emptied the room by trying to 
> 
> cover up their lack of talent with increased volume. When talented 
> 
> musicians play too loud and do not adjust the volume to fit the room 
> 
> and the size of the crowd, it causes concern.
> 
> 
> 
> Live music is a two way street where the interaction of musician and 
> 
> audience can be one of most satisfying experiences imagined.
> 
> This interaction goes beyond pure technical ability and positive 
> 
> audience feedback.
> 
> 
> 
> With today's amplifers and PA systems it is not uncommon to have the 
> 
> "Hot Spot" for volume out in front of the band and in the middle of the 
> 
> club. The "hot" volume is going past the unaware musician on stage and 
> 
> into the room and crowd. The club musician without the benefit of a soundman
> 
> needs to be aware of how the audience is reacting and to watch the feedback, 
> 
> signs that the music is too loud. This will help guarantee a positive response, 
> 
> which in turn will to lead to more successful gigs in the future. 
> 
> As we all know, without the customers there will be no gigs.
> 
> ?
> 
> Randy Crump
> 
> President, Wichita Blues Society
> 

Randy:

Great post! FWIW out here on the Left Coast it is often the soundman who 
insists on mixing the music too loud with way too much bass.

Musicians need to play to the house, and if the audience as a whole 
thinks that they need to turn down, they ought to comply with their 
wishes. If the band has their own manager or roadie available to browse 
around the audience, they ought to do that, and have the sound levels 
adjusted accordingly.

Steve Ahola

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