10 Things Every Musician Should Have in their Gig Bag
If you’re a touring musician, or even a regularly gigging musician, you’ve been in a spot where you show up to a show and you’re missing *something.* Whether it’s your picks for your guitar, extra strings, batteries, whatever! We here at Music on The Move Studios want you to fret no more, dear reader. We have compiled a list of our top 10 things that we keep in our gig bags so that before you go out and rock the stage, you have yourself a handy-dandy checklist!
Extra items you use need to play/use your instrument.
This could be something as simple as extra picks (they’re like the hair ties and bobby-pins of the musical world!) strings, sticks for all you drummers out there, or a microphone! Honestly, since the pandemic, I’ve solely used my own microphone for peace-of-mind. However sometimes, you get to a gig and theirs doesn’t work! Better safe than sorry!
Duct Tape.
Everything. Breaks. Caitie and I have been in our fair share of “experiences”, we’ll call them, where something, somewhere, broke, and there wasn’t anything anyone could do about it. From mic stands, to chairs, to *ahem* clothing. You never know when duct tape will come in handy! Also, if you’re outside, or under a fan, use duct tape to hold down your set list or even your mic stand! If it’s wobbling around, you don’t want it falling down mid-set!
Extension cord/Surge Protector
Just like with the situation with duct tape, you also never know if there are enough outlets on stage or, if your equipment will reach the ones that are there! Sometimes, when you have to bring your own sound equipment (PA, Amp, Pedal Board, Keyboard, etc!), you have to plug in somewhere and the outlet isn’t in the most convenient place or, there aren’t enough to accommodate your band. It’s always good to have an extension cord or surge protector handy!
TIP. JAR.
If the venue allows it, bring your own tip jar! Not all venues provide one and it’s important to have one so that you can make the most out of your gig! We’ve found that many people will tape a QR code with their venmo or link.tree linked so that their listeners can find them! Not everyone carries cash so, it’s good to have your bases covered.
Merch/Business Cards
Again, if the venue allows it, bring your merch! Whether it’s an album, stickers, t-shirts, whatever! You never know when you can make some extra cash at a show and a new fan! Besides, a t-shirt is free advertising for you once they buy it!
Supplemental Items
For singers: cough drops (Ricola dual action, Throat Coat, etc! Nothing medicated), Vocal Eze (or your favorite vocal spray), peppermints. All of these help your vocal warm up and recovery!
For guitarists: Finger Ease - it helps your fingers slide along the fret board more easily.
For Drummers: Lotion. Your hands are working HARD, treat them nicely!
For everyone: Tylenol & Bio-Freeze. After a long gig, especially if you’re on tour, the Tylenol/Advil & Bio-Freeze will help your body recover.
WATER BOTTLE.
This should go without saying however, you’d be surprised at how many venues don’t provide water. You need to stay hydrated to give your best performance.
Audio Gear
Aside from microphones, extra cables such as ¼” and XLRs are beyond helpful! You never know when one will die on you or when someone will need to borrow one of yours. (Be sure to get it back by the way, these things tend to walk off like picks do…)
Stands
Extra mic stands are always good to have in case the venue runs out or, if one won’t stay up (Erin’s had one fall down in the middle of a song!) so, best to have your trusty stand with you just in case! Also, smartphone and tablet holders! If you're doing a long gig and you want to be able to take requests of songs you may not necessarily remember, having the ability to pull it up might make you some extra tips!
Deodorant/Cosmetic Items
As independent artists we are loading in and out ourselves and tend to get a tad sweaty during the process. There’s no shame in adding more deodorant before and after a show! Especially if you like to hang around and chat with the audience!
The same goes for our makeup! Having a touch up kit in your bag is a life saver when those lashes won’t exactly stay, or you’ve sweat off all of your eyeliner.
We know not everyone needs all of these things all the time but, keeping most of it in your car/on your person when walking into a gig will give you peace-of-mind that you’re ready no matter what!