What’s in My Gig Bag?

(ROMBO / Pexels)

You might have seen musicians on their way to their gig carrying a huge bag, or even a luggage. Do you ever wonder what they carry inside those bags? Well, as a musician who’s been playing in gigs, I can share with you some of the essentials that musicians usually bring to gigs.

Instruments and the Accessories

Of course, guitarists need guitars to perform. But do you know that there are so many other trinkets that guitar players might need for a show? Sometimes they bring a pedalboard full of effects like distortion and delays, and that might take up a huge space in their bags. On top of that, they might also need to pack extra strings, picks, cables and some 9-volt batteries, so you can imagine how big their bags can be. Each musician has different needs based on their instruments. Violinists need to bring extra rosin, saxophone players might need extra reeds, and even though the event organizer might provide a drum, drummers should always bring extra sticks, dampers, and a drum key. Some vocalists even bring their own mics to fit their voice specifically for the performance.

Outfit and Beautifying Kit

Most times musicians don’t come to their gigs wearing the outfit that they will wear on stage. You don’t want your outfit to get dirty or wrinkled before you even play your first note. So you might notice musicians carrying a clothes bag to the venue, along with the accessories. In addition to that, they often bring stuff to glam themselves up for the show. When I go to gigs, makeup and hairspray are my essentials. I even brought hair straightener to gigs back when I had long hair, because that’s how important it is to be presentable in front of the audience. Thank goodness I have short hair now, so I can get ready for gigs quicker.

Snacks and Water

During a concert, event organizers are obligated to provide you with food and water. However, sometimes your soundcheck runs too long, or there are some song changes that you need to discuss with your bandmates, and you end up missing your meal. That’s when bringing your own snacks can be a life saver. You can just munch on a granola bar one minute before you get on stage, and there you go. No more grumbling stomach. Plus, if you have dietary restrictions, it might be good to bring something just in case they can’t accommodate your needs. 

(Ksenia Chernaya / Pexels)

Stationery and Duct Tape

Yes, we are living in a digital world where song lyrics can be displayed on an iPad. But sometimes you still need classic pen and paper. I once performed on a dark stage, and I can’t have lights from the screen illuminating my face throughout the concert. So I ended up writing all of my notes on paper. I won’t be able to do that without my trustee stationery. Also, what if someone asked for your autograph after the show? You wouldn’t want to be caught without a marker, right? On top of that, I also have to give a shoutout to my best friend, duct tape. I can’t tell you how many times I tripped on loose cables, or my music sheet flew away. Duct tape helps secure things down and prevent panic moments from happening. 

Marketing Stuff

This is the one thing that a lot of musicians often forget. Having business cards with you when you perform is always a good idea, just in case someone needs your contact for a future gig. It’s easier to give someone a card than asking them to type in your phone number on their phones. Also if you have stickers or pins with your band’s name, bring them with you. Your audience might remember you better if you give them free things during the concert.

(Van Tay Media / Unsplash)

There are more things that musicians might need during a gig, but these are the essentials. So the next time you see a musician carrying a lot of stuff for a gig, maybe give them a hand. You now know how much they have to carry. 

This article was published on Evolution website, November 10, 2023