DrumDoug
Senior Member
This question might seem to have an obvious answer, which made me not want to ask it. I know I’m going to get some snarky answers. But I think we could all benefit from a real discussion. I’ve been going out and watching more live music lately. One thing I’ve noticed is that a lot of drummers seem to have a hard time knowing how hard to play live. If you’re in a small venue, you just play as loud as the rest of the band. You all play louder or softer together. Really big venues, you play however you want because you have mics and you’re onstage volume doesn’t matter. The issue is the medium sized gigs. The kit might have minimal micking, but you’re stage volume still plays a part. Either the drummer is playing too hard and overplaying the room, or they are playing so softly that you can barely hear anything. I haven’t seen a local drummer that I think has the right balance. This has me second guessing how I play. How do you know if you’re playing hard enough to cut through the PA and guitar amps, but not overplaying the room when your stage volume is only partially responsible for the sound? Maybe your drums are a little loud on stage, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t being overpowered by the mix out front. I’ll save some of you from having to reply. PLAY THE ROOM! Other more thoughtful advise would be appreciated.