There are some gigs where I get a great monitor mix from the person running the sound. One question I ask as I’m setting up is: “how many different mixes are possible?” This helps me to understand what I can and cannot ask for from them. Sometimes, there aren’t monitors even though the gig clearly calls for them. Other times, monitors are provided but the mix is less than desirable.
In all of these cases, I strive to continue to focus on the music. I may not be hearing the other musicians the way that I’d like, but I do not concentrate on that. I make a conscious decision to try to connect with them regardless of the sound issues. I can ask for some tweaking of the mix during the gig or during a break, but I don’t let it bug me too much. I have the confidence that the front of house sound is fine and just play the best that I can.
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