What's in my gig bag as a singer?
In this 3-min video I take you through everything in my gig bag item by item. I've added the full transcript below in case you prefer to read.
Intro
Hello singers it’s Jules here and today we are talking about what’s in my gig bag. It’s a heavy one so let’s get right to it.
This is my gig bag full of everything I take to a gig. I am going to talk you through it item by item.
Microphone stand
First we have the base of my microphone stand which I always carry separately because it’s heavy and this stops it falling off on my foot!
Microphones
Then we have my microphones. Plural. I use a Sennheiser E945 and a Shure SM58 as back up.
Extension leads
We have at least one extension lead. Such a simple piece of kit but a nightmare if you don’t have enough.
Little box of tricks
This is my little box of tricks. Let me show you what’s inside.
Jack / mini jack adapters
I have a jack to mini jack adaptor and vice versa.
Mic clip to stand connector
This little fella connects the microphone clip to the mic stand and without it both become useless so I always carry a spare.
Jack lead extensions
Jack lead extenders allow you to connect two shorter jack leads to make one longer one.
XLR to Jack adaptors
This adaptor allows me to connect the female end of an XLR into a jack lead socket which is really handy so I have two of these.
Lighning to mini jack adapters
I like to connect my phone to the PA so I have adaptors that allow me to do that.
And that’s my little box of tricks.
iPad holder
I love my iPad holder. This is a Hercules and it connects my iPad to my mic stand.
XLR cables
No point having microphones without XLR cables so I always pack at least a couple of those.
Jack leads
Jack leads are an absolute staple so I always have some for me and for anyone else who might need them.
RCA cable
We have an RCA cable to connect my phone into the PA.
Kettle leads
I always carry multiple kettle leads after a guitarist and I turned up to a gig with one between us. So now I take two.
Mic clips
Mic clips are important if you’re borrowing equipment so you can make sure the microphone connects with the stand.
iPad
My trusty iPad always has whatever lyrics, chord charts or set lists I need. Plus obviously a charger.
Paper and pen
I don’t know about you but I rarely find set lists are finalised in advance so I always carry paper and a Sharpie so that we can write or amends them when we’re there.
Long-life snacks
Always pack emergency rations.
Ear plugs
And lastly - these are my moulded ear plugs and I take them to every gig. If you don’t have any I thoroughly recommend. They’re not cheap but worth every penny. I have two pairs!
The bag itself
So there you have it. Everything that fits neatly in my gig bag. The bag itself is just a mini suitcase. Super compact, strong and durable. You can chuck it in a van and stack it and nothing gets damaged and then drag it along behind you to save too much heavy lifting.
Finale
So there you. That’s everything I take to a gig as a singer; that’s everything that lives in my gig bag. I hope it’s been really helpful.
If you have questions drop them in the comments and also let me know, what do you take? What can’t you live without? What have I missed? And let’s have a chat. I hope you have a fantastic gig and let’s get singing!
P.S. I'm sorry for my sweaty hair - it was 30 degrees when I recorded this!