You are therefore an Australian musician constantly on the road. Your reliable sidekick is your instrument, whether your gig is in a busy city pub, on a trek to a regional festival, or just a jam session with friends. What about all the other bits and pieces that make your musical journey more successful, comfortable, and seamless? Here we are not talking about drum kits, guitars, or didgeridoos. This conversation is about the unsung heroes of your mobile music life: the indispensable tool, not quite your instrument, but nonetheless absolutely essential.
Consider it. You’ve lugged your beloved item across town, set up your stage presence, and then you realise you’re missing a vital cable; your phone battery is flat; or you’re thirsty from the Aussie heat. These are the times when a wonderful gig could become an annoying experience. Not to worry, dear listeners! We have compiled a list of essential instruments that will ensure you remain confident and prepared for any situation.
Starting Your Performance with Power
From loop pedals and effects processors to tablets for sheet music and setlists, many musicians today depend on electronic devices. Power is therefore absolutely vital. An absolute lifesaver is a portable power bank. Imagine yourself backstage, ready to go, only to find your phone, your lifeline to setlists and correspondence, dead. A dependable power bank guarantees that your vital equipment stays charged and you stay connected. Search for one with many USB ports to charge several devices at once. Think about making a durable, high-capacity purchase that will resist the demands of travel. Particularly if your trips take you outside of state boundaries or even abroad, don’t forget to pack a universal adapter and charging cables.
The Crew’s Connectivity: Cables and Adapters
Ah, cords. Although cords are absolutely essential, they are also the curse of every musician’s life. It’s not just about having the correct instrument cables (though a spare or two never hurt!). Consider auxiliary cables for connecting your phone to a sound system or running backup tracks. For producers of electronic music and keyboardists, MIDI cables could be absolutely vital. Additionally, the humble yet potent extension cord holds significant importance. You never know what the power situation will be like at a venue; thus, having that additional reach can be a godsend. Arrange your cables with cable ties or a specialised cable bag. This will help to avoid tangles and enable a much faster and less stressful setup and pack-down process. Do not undervalue the need for a range of adapters in your toolkit either. From plug converters to headphone jack adapters, being ready for many connection types will help you avoid a last-minute frenzy.
Keeping Comfortable and Hydrated Under the Australian Sun
Being a musician can be physically taxing, particularly if you are always on the road. Travel, late-night events, and long rehearsals can all take a toll on you. This underscores the importance of prioritising your comfort. Especially when outdoors under the Australian sun, a reusable water bottle is absolutely essential. For instrumentalists as well as vocalists, maintaining hydration is vital. To extend the cooling of your water, think about an insulated bottle. A comfortable pair of noise-cancelling headphones can be a lifesaver on those long drives or train trips. They will enable you to focus, unwind, or even pick new songs free from distractions. Sunscreen and a hat are non-negotiable if you are performing outdoor events to guard against strong UV rays. If the air conditioning isn’t working as it should, even if the venue is indoors, a small personal fan might be a lifesaver.
A Smooth Gig Depends on Your Organisation
Managing cables, tools, and personal items can soon turn into anarchy. Making wise organisational investments will help simplify your life. To keep your non-instrument items separate and readily accessible, a strong rucksack or a rolling case with sections is perfect. For particular items, like cables, adapters, and little tools, think about using smaller pouches or organisers inside your main bag. This will prevent tangles and facilitate quick access to essential items. For sheet music or setlists, a sturdy folder or a digital tablet with a dependable stand can be quite revolutionary. There’s no more fumbling among crumpled papers in the middle of a song! Having a neat arrangement saves time and effort and presents a professional picture.
Guarding Your Valuable Cargo, Apart from the Instrument
Although your instrument probably has a separate case, don’t overlook safeguarding your other expensive equipment. If you have delicate devices like audio interfaces or pedals, think about getting padded cases or bags to guard against damage on route. A simple hard-shell case can significantly extend the lifespan of your headphones. Consider the places you will be passing through. Will dust or rain find your equipment? If yes, look at dustproof or water-resistant bags. By avoiding expensive repairs or replacements, careful protection of your accessories will save you money over time.
The Unsung Heroes: Usually Ignored Basics
Beyond the obvious need for connectivity and power, there are a few sometimes disregarded objects that can really make a difference. A small multi-tool can be quite useful for quick repairs or tightening loose screws on your gear. A roll of gaffer tape is a valuable tool for musicians as it can serve various purposes such as labelling equipment, securing cables, and resolving temporary stage mishaps. Particularly on long performance schedules, vocalists may find throat lozenges and a vocal steamer to be vital for preserving vocal health. Speaking of personal hygiene on the road, occasionally a quick refresh is required before performing. A quality dry hair shampoo can be a real confidence booster for those times when a full shower is not possible, allowing you to look and feel your best even after a long trip. Other unsung heroes might be spare batteries for wireless systems, earplugs to guard your hearing, and a little notebook and pen for noting ideas or setlist adjustments.
Tech Savvy Essentials for the Contemporary Musician
Technology is rather important in the music scene of today. If you use loop stations or backing tracks, you really need a dependable external hard drive to save your files. Make sure it’s tough and can survive travel’s shocks and jabs. Recording ideas on the go or even for live performance can be much aided by a portable audio interface. Accurate monitoring depends on a decent set of studio headphones if you work with other musicians virtually. Not least of all, consider your tablet or smartphone. Carrying music apps for practice, education, and even recording, these devices are excellent tools for the contemporary musician. Just be certain they remain charged!
Are You About Ready to Rock and Roll?
Travelling Australia while a musician is a wonderful journey. Equipping yourself with these basic pieces of gear—that which isn’t your instrument—will help you to be ready for any gig, concert, or musical adventure that presents itself. Remember, often the smallest details make the biggest difference. So spend some time assembling your basic gear kit, keeping it neat, and you will be free to concentrate on what really counts: producing outstanding music and interacting with your audience.
What are some of your must-have, non-instrument, travel-oriented playing accessories? Comments below include your secrets and techniques! We would be happy to know what, wherever your music transports you, keeps you sounding your best.
