I'm trying to write a rider for my function band. We currently use the Musicians Union standard contract but up to now we haven't bothered with a rider. We want to start using one next year to ensure that we get suitable accommodation + food/refreshments etc.
So I started writing the rider in a very formal way to match the language in the contract but the singer came along and said it was too serious and should be more friendly and changed it all.
I just wondered if anyone has a rider for their own band that they wouldn't mind sharing,so that I can compare the language/formality of it?
Thanks.
Comments
Seriously: If you value it, take/fetch it yourself
I partially agree with that, which is why we've not bothered with a rider up to now. However we have a big booking enquiry for next year which is 6 hours drive away so we require accommodation overnight. There is nothing on the contract about accommodation so we need a rider for this particular gig to ensure that we have the agreement in writing. This is to cover us in the event of a disagreement with the client and also just to ensure transparency between us and them about what is expected.
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In my experience you're a lot better off getting the venue to sort these things as most venues are in the middle of nowhere and rarely have shops nearby or if they do it's a struggle time wise to sort your own food. Trust me, travelling for 3 hours then playing all night without food or drink is no fun.
This is all specified in our contract via the agent.
Obviously remember to state any dietary requirements, though if you have anything more complex than vegetarian I’d strongly suggest taking your own food (coeliac speaking from experience!)
They haven't booked us yet. The contract isnt signed because I haven't sent them the contract because I haven't got a rider to attach to the contract!
The client has already said that they are happy to provide accommodation. I didn't have to ask for it.
Also, we don't usually ask for accommodation or anything else, which is why this gig requires a rider to ensure there are no hiccups when we get there.
Seriously: If you value it, take/fetch it yourself
So put in your desirables and negotiate, but don't compromise on essentials.
Standard format is usually...
Promoter agrees to provide/Band require:
1 dressing room, with lockable door, suitable in size for 5 persons, with power and seating. Key to be given to Tour Manager at Load In.
Beverages:
1 crate premium lager (stella, san miguel)
1 bottle Red Wine
12 bottles water
Plus quantity of ice and cups.
Catering:
We are a touring party of 6, and will require catering from load in to load out. This will usually consist of lunch and dinner. AT LEAST ONE MEAL MUST BE HOT.
Our party comprises one vegetarian and one person with a cheese allergy.
All meals should be served at catering, unless there is no facility, then all meals should be served in the dressing room. Catering schedule will be provided to Tour Manager at load in. Please provide soft drinks and hot drinks for meal times ADDITIONAL to the beverages listed above..
Or something like that..
A couple of comments on riders:
Writing something on a rider does not mean you will get it. Regardless of whether the venue have 'agreed' to your rider or not, there is an attitude of not worrying too much about the rider in some venues..!
If it's important (like accommodation) either put it in the contract, or put a clause in the contract about agreeing to provide your rider (and probably specifically mention catering and accommodation)
In general with riders - be reasonable, be clear. The more reasonable you are, the more likely you are to get it (this especially goes for technical riders!!! if you ask for 7 wedges and I had planned six, you might get it.. If you ask for every microphone to be Neumann/DPA etc - i'm going to laugh at you and give you a standard Shure package). Always be willing to take substitutions unless it is an absolutely show-breaker.
Be clear - ask for what you want, don't put "we'd like a couple of beers" as that is exactly what you'll get. Give a quantity, and give some options!
Hope that helps..!
@bob21
Super helpful, thank you!
Regarding the language used, do you should be formally worded (like a contract) or informal and friendly?
As I said in the OP, I tried to keep it formal and to the point but the singer changed it and made it a bit long winded.
The artists will require a comfortable area separate from guests/public where they can dress, prepare and wait for the scheduled performance time. The band consists of X members plus a Y crew. The room should have adequate seating, a table and be securly lockable so that personal things can be safe while the performance takes place. Use of toilet facilities will also need to be considerred.
That gives the customer a chance to make an offer. chances are they hadn't thought about it before. I had Used chicken sheds to hotel suits and the brides parents bedroom.
We don't have a technical rider as we provide all of our own equipment. I guess our only tech requirement is suitable power supply to the stage, which I added to this rider.
I've just put "4 x 13A mains sockets or suitable generator", although we've managed with less before.
Something like this.
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