We got a hold of Nick Norris, the east coast backline king, and asked if he had any pointers on writing a backline rider that works.
When writing a backline rider,
try and include organized auxiliary information so the backline company understands your needs as best as possible.
→Include a stage plot and an input list.
→Make yourself easy to find by putting your name, number and email address on the first (or every) page of your rider.
→Riders are often updated, so identify them with a version, like a date.
→When you update your rider send it to your management and booking agents
→you never know when they might be responsible to turn it in.
→When you contact a backline provider make sure he/she has the current version of your rider. (seems obvious but it is a common oversight)
If you are clear with your needs, the backline provider will be able to better help you.
Endorsement gear←
If one (or more) of your players is endorsed, put it in the rider.
→Do not expect a price break but expect the correct gear, especially for television.
→It is great to list your Artist rep with a phone number and email address, but do not expect the backline provider to call them.
→It is your player(s) and your responsibility to have the Artist rep get in contact with the backline provider if they will cover the rental cost or provide endorsee equipment.
Drums←
While listing sizes give some placement hints; this allows the backline provider the ability to set up and test the drums with the correct hardware to ensure proper function.
Example:
→10 & 12 mounted on kick; 14 & 16 floor toms with legs; 22 kick.
Or
→drummer is left handed; 13 tom on snare stand; 16 on legs; 24 kick.
→Make sure to include drumhead preferences and specify if you want to have brand new heads (you’ll pay extra for the new ones).
Keyboards←
Be clear on what you want. At this point, there are multiple versions of almost every keyboard- name the manufacturer, series and version.
→Korg is a manufacturer.
→Triton is a series of keyboards.
→Triton pro (76 keys) describes a particular keyboard in that series.
Be clear on the kind of keyboard stand(s) you want.
→Ultimate is a manufacturer
→Apex is a kind of stand that Ultimate makes.
Be clear on placement of the keyboards.
→lower and upper keyboard;
→left hand or right hand;
→facing off stage, down stage, on stage.
→These directions help the backline provider properly test and also place your gear before you arrive.
Guitar and Bass←
Request what you need to rent and mention what you are bringing.
Example:
→EBS head and two (2) 4×10 cabinets;
→P-bass (as backup).
→We are carrying a pedal board.
→If you are using boutique gear, either have the manufacturer send the backline provider one or list a substitute.
→It is always a good idea to include a secondary choice for your amplifier
→many backline companies will send both and only charge for the primary choice.
Percussion←
→Make a stage plot for the percussion gear and label the pieces.
→If you need something specific list it.
→do not just request a box of toys (hand held percussion).
remember
→Use a spell checker and properly identify your backline.
→Group your gear by the player and mention their location on stage.
→There are six quadrants on a stage
→Upstage stage
→left, center & right.
→Downstage stage
→left , center & right.