My reflections on running live sound for Black Tiger Sex Machine.
Over the weekend, I got to help run sound at the Beachland Ballroom and Tavern in east Cleveland, Ohio. I am an intern and hope to also work there, in the future.
The show on Thursday, February 9th, 2017 was Black Panther Sex Machine with three opening DJs. Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect. I usually go to punk shows or rock concerts and there’s a certain…protocol that goes with it, I had no idea that I was going to be running sound for what ended up being a new age rave. The first two DJs drew a small crowd and people had already began to dance with light-up hula hoops. I kept to the sound board, unsure how I felt about the whole scene. But the energy changed and became rather ferocious when BTSM came on stage. The band performs in light up helmets that can be controlled to display different faces, and therefor different emotions. Behind them, a video wall that offered relevant symbols and images to their music. The crowd grew hungry, every single person in the room, began to dance or jump and clap their hands. It was very hard to not get involved in the crowd, even sitting on a platform that hosted the board.
I found myself also bobbing my head and clapping for the band as they created art through electronic noises and glitches. It was an experience, one that sucked me in and ate me alive. I loved it.
I also wanted to mention, that besides BTSM being very talented and expressive, their touring crew which included a handful of techs and roadies and one very kind lighting director, were some of the nicest people I have ever met. They were all gentlemen, friendly, helpful and necessary. One of their techs happened to spot me and a few other interns who were lurking at the sound board pre-show and offered to show us a backstage tour of the gear used to put on such an intense light show. He proudly showed off his wiring job and boasted about how the equipment is some of the best he’s ever worked with. He was very charming and intelligent and I appreciated the inside look, very much.
I spent the entire show on the sound platform and on the floor, a few inches beneath me was their lighting director, Evan Wooley. Mr. Wooley was so kind to let me stand next to him and ask questions, ponder why faders were doing what they did and was extremely helpful. He explained nearly everything to me, mid show. It’s people like that, that belong in this industry. Helpful, friendly, intelligent, charming people much like the entire crew behind Black Tiger Sex Machine.
I am so grateful I got to work with them and look forward to my next sound job.
If you’re interested in dance music, rave music and/or EDM, I would check out this band! They are highly professional, creative and talented. I cannot thank them enough for the experience.
