House System / Amplification Issue — 04/05/2025

​[15:28, 04/05/2025] RD: Hey BH,
Just a quick one — I’ve arrived at the venue and they mentioned they’d prefer me to go through the house system. That wasn’t communicated to me, and as per our messages👆, I brought my amp specifically for today and have been lugging it around for the last couple of days. 😅
I explained this is my 4th time playing here — the 1st time back in August, the house system wasn’t compatible with my setup, so I used my amp. The 3rd time I did go through the house system, but it ended up way too quiet and I struggled to hear the backing tracks properly. So bringing the amp today was a conscious choice.
That said, all good from my end — the girl here seemed chilled and didn’t say I couldn’t use my own (wireless) gear. Just wanted to keep you in the loop i…
[15:31, 04/05/2025] RD: The convo: I (80% sure!) convinced her that it’s fully projecting and I can move around depending on where the guests are. She said something a bit vague about checking, but didn’t seem too fussed. I didn’t show her our messages — just said you’d asked me to bring it.

Title
House System / Amplification Issue — 04/05/2025

Description
On 04/05/2025, at 22C(Bristol), RD was booked to perform a solo saxophone set with backing tracks via his own battery-powered amplifier, as had been agreed upon in correspondence with the booking agent (BH, HP). Upon arrival at 3:00pm, a venue staff member (barmaid, identity TBC) queried whether he would use the in-house sound system instead.
This request was not pre-communicated by the agent or client (E), and contradicted prior messages confirming the artist would bring his own amplification. The artist shared that he had deliberately brought his own amp based on prior performance experience at the venue, where the house system was either incompatible or underpowered.
Following a brief discussion with the barmaid, RD proceeded with his own equipment, which was deemed acceptable on the day.

Action Taken
RD clarified his technical setup and previous experience with the venue's system.
He explained that he had brought and intended to use his own wireless, portable amplifier.
The waitress indicated she would “check,” but did not object, and later confirmed she was happy with the setup part-way through the event.
RD proceeded with the performance using his own gear.
He maintained communication with agent BH throughout, updating him in real-time regarding the situation.

Resolutions
The performance was delivered smoothly with no technical issues. RD received positive feedback from all three barmaids, including the one who initially raised the question, as well as from the door staff, who were familiar with his previous performances at the venue. No complaints were raised by the client or venue. Agent BH acknowledged receipt of messages but did not directly respond to the update regarding the amp issue.

Notes Comments
The performance was delivered smoothly with no technical issues. RD received positive feedback from all three barmaids, including the one who initially raised the question, as well as from the door staff, who were familiar with his previous performances at the venue. No complaints were raised by the client or venue. Agent BH acknowledged receipt of messages but did not directly respond to the update regarding the amp issue.

Reported
Reported Date: 06/05/2025
Reported By (Individual): RD
Reported By (Organisation): R

INDIVIDUALS

Involved, Passive, BH, Agent
Agent organising the booking, requested RD to bring amp. Acknowledged RD's promise to bring amp.

Observer, Passive, E, Client
Apparently requested all artists to go through the house system and briefed bar staff accordingly, but this request was not passed on or communicated.

Impacted, Active, RD, Artist
Brought amp but told on arrival he had to go via the house system.

Involved, Responsive, T, Venue
Instructed RD on the day to perform via the house system, but this was an unexpected request.

ORGANISATIONS

C2B
Venue booking live music.

HP
Agent organising the booking.