For Guy Page, drummer with the Isle of Wight-based indie rock outfit Coach Party, recent changes to his stage setup have had more impact than most people would notice. While fans see a tight, high-energy performance, what they don’t catch is the quiet shift behind the kit that’s helped him stay more in control of his sound each night.
Guy Page had long used standard in-ear monitors, something plenty of drummers rely on. But over time, and as the band’s live sound became more complex with backing tracks and click cues, the flaws in that setup became harder to ignore. Poor fit, sound leakage, and uneven mixes began creating real distractions on stage. At some shows, it got tricky just staying locked into the rhythm, especially with unpredictable venue acoustics.
Rather than continue battling the same problems, Page decided to make a change. He worked with ACS Custom, a company in the UK that creates ear monitors molded specifically to each person’s ears. The idea was simple: get a consistent, secure fit that would let him hear clearly, night after night.
The result was an immediate improvement. The custom monitors blocked out more of the unwanted stage noise, which meant Page could actually lower the volume in his ears instead of cranking it. That helped reduce fatigue and kept him better focused on what mattered, keeping the performance tight. It also allowed him to trust what he was hearing without second-guessing.
More than anything, the upgrade gave him one key thing: reliability. Whether the band’s playing a big stage or a small club, Page now hears the same mix every time. That kind of consistency is hard to come by when venues and setups are constantly changing. For a drummer responsible for triggering samples and syncing with digital elements, it’s not just helpful, it’s essential.
Coach Party’s live arrangements are a bit more involved than just guitars and drums. There are transitions and layered parts that depend on precise timing. And when that kind of pressure sits on the drummer, any improvement in monitoring makes a difference.
Page’s decision might not be flashy or headline-worthy, but it’s had a real effect on how he approaches every show. It’s the kind of small upgrade that doesn’t get much attention, yet ends up shaping the feel and flow of a live set in subtle but important ways.