Ep. 18: Insider Tips For Improving Your Stage Sound with Joey Vesuvius
Channel: Secrets From The Scene
Date: 2024-01-31

Think back to the last show you were at that had absolutely great sound. It makes for such an amazing experience, right? Now think of the last show you attended or performed at where the sound was not so good, maybe even awful. It can completely ruin the moment. 

Unfortunately, dealing with bad sound is a sad reality all local musicians face at one point or another. Sometimes it simply can't be avoided - the room or venue you're playing in has terrible acoustics, the PA is half broken, or the sound engineer working that night is hungover and unwilling to help. 

But what if I told you that there are some simple tricks to help you improve the things you have control over? In the event that you find yourself in a bad-sounding space without a pro engineer like my guest, they just might be your saving grace.

On this week's episode, Joey Vesuvius joins us to talk about all things live sound. Joey is an accomplished audio engineer, having toured with the likes of Keshi, Mike., and JPEGMAFIA. Joey has also mixed front-of-house in stadiums and at festivals as large as Coachella. 

We discussed the basics of getting the most out of your soundcheck, from setup to communicating with your engineer, to mindset and attitude when things aren't ideal. Joey drops a ton of great insights throughout our conversation that will be particularly helpful if you've been struggling with having a successful soundcheck. 

We also talk about Joey's career path into the live sound industry, hear one CRAZY touring story involving a stolen 18-wheeler, and get great overall advice about the importance of reflection and constructive self-talk. Whether you're in need of some soundcheck help or curious about the world of a touring sound engineer, this episode has a little something for you.

Full Transcript and Show Notes: https://secretsfromthescene.com/18

Connect with the Guest
🔗 Joey Vesuvius Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joey.vesuvius/
🔗 Wasted Potential: https://www.wastedpotential.net/

00:32 Introduction and Guest Background
02:35 Working with Wasted Potential and Moving to LA
03:27 The Intricacies of a Live Show Production
08:37 Journey into the World of Live Sound Engineering
14:48 The Importance of Tenacity and Networking in the Industry
24:48 Tips for a Successful Soundcheck at Local Shows
30:30 The Struggles of Stage Volume
31:12 The Importance of Soundcheck Communication
31:49 The Process of Soundcheck
32:14 The Art of Adjusting Sound for Individual Band Members
32:40 The Importance of Playing a Full Song During Soundcheck
33:15 The Value of Communication Between Band and Sound Engineer
34:14 The Challenges of Sound Engineering in Different Spaces
35:47 The Recap of Soundcheck Best Practices
35:52 The Importance of Rehearsing at a Quieter Level
39:51 The Miscommunications Between Bands and Sound Engineers
42:35 The Reality of Touring and Live Audio
51:14 The Importance of Self-Talk and Reflection in the Music Industry

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🎙️ Brought to you by Helvig Productions (https://helvigproductions.com)
Production, videography, and coaching to help you sound your best, tell your story, and promote your music. Think of us like your extra bandmate, 100% focused on helping you create something special that you and your fans will enjoy for a lifetime.

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