SkullDrummer
Active Member
You see those videos online all the time about drum techs. it looks really fun but how would i become one? do you just need to know a lot about drums and setups?
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Anyone Know about becoming a Drum tech?
- Thread starter SkullDrummer
- Start date
Al Strange
Platinum Member
Most techs handle all aspects of the kit except the performance. But a tech who's a good drummer has also been known to step-in when needed coughcoughJoeyKramercoughcough 
Being a crew member starts at around 9am, and ends at midnight or after, so it's a long day. On most tours, a tech handles more than one job, so you would likely be handling some load-in, set-up, possibly do a sound check with the other techs, tear-down and load-out. Then you sleep on a moving bus to start all over the next day. But you'll be pretty tired, so you'll sleep well.
It's hard work, and all the glamor goes to the band's drummer, not the tech. The good news is, whereas most bands have a limited touring schedule, a tech can work year-'round with different bands.
Being a crew member starts at around 9am, and ends at midnight or after, so it's a long day. On most tours, a tech handles more than one job, so you would likely be handling some load-in, set-up, possibly do a sound check with the other techs, tear-down and load-out. Then you sleep on a moving bus to start all over the next day. But you'll be pretty tired, so you'll sleep well.
It's hard work, and all the glamor goes to the band's drummer, not the tech. The good news is, whereas most bands have a limited touring schedule, a tech can work year-'round with different bands.
Son of Vistalite Black
Well-known Member
Son of Vistalite Black went to see In Flames last week (fifth time). The Swedish Melodic Death Metal band's drummer, Tanner Wayne, was previously a tech for several bands -- including one that toured with In Flames. When In Flames' former drummer had to retire from the road last year, Tanner auditioned and got the job.
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SkullDrummer
Active Member
Funnily enough, I watched his video yesterday
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DrumEatDrum
Platinum Member
I think just like anything, you have to start doing it and spread the word around.
Start off as a local tech for friends' bands. I've drumteched on and off since I was 18 for friend's bands. On rare occasions I tech for Livingdeaddrummer. But I've always done it on a local level for fun, not for money. I don't travel with bands. I'm sure if I applied myself, I could have, but it's not been something I've wanted to do.
But still, if that was my intended career path, I'd start the same way, teaching for friends' bands for a little experience, and then talk to other bands on the bills, let them know you're available. Have business cards ready. Go to shows, meet as many drummers as possible, and let them know you're available. Go to where musicians hang out, get to know people.
I'd also have social media pages set up letting people know I was available
Everything in business works by who you know you. Sooner or later someone's going to either need a tech or know someone who does. And like anything, the 1st few jobs will probably be low-budget. It will take some time to build up to better gigs. But once you get out there and get to know other techs, work hard, and prove you can get along with people, eventually the phone will ring.
Start off as a local tech for friends' bands. I've drumteched on and off since I was 18 for friend's bands. On rare occasions I tech for Livingdeaddrummer. But I've always done it on a local level for fun, not for money. I don't travel with bands. I'm sure if I applied myself, I could have, but it's not been something I've wanted to do.
But still, if that was my intended career path, I'd start the same way, teaching for friends' bands for a little experience, and then talk to other bands on the bills, let them know you're available. Have business cards ready. Go to shows, meet as many drummers as possible, and let them know you're available. Go to where musicians hang out, get to know people.
I'd also have social media pages set up letting people know I was available
Everything in business works by who you know you. Sooner or later someone's going to either need a tech or know someone who does. And like anything, the 1st few jobs will probably be low-budget. It will take some time to build up to better gigs. But once you get out there and get to know other techs, work hard, and prove you can get along with people, eventually the phone will ring.
BGDurham
Silver Member
You can probably start trying it by asking a local band if you can help them in various ways. If you can carry gear without dropping it or banging it against walls and things, learn to set things up and tear things down the way the band wants, and, most importantly, communicate well and be punctual, you'll be off to the races.
BGDurham
Silver Member
Look for cover bands in your area that consist of older musicians that would appreciate help and probably have day jobs that will enable them to pay you a little bit. Instead of helping a little old lady across the street you'll help older dudes move bass amps, subwoofers, and drum hardware bags.
BenOBrienSmith
Senior Member
It's important to remember that not all drum techs are touring techs. Both Cody and myself tech recording sessions here in New York on the regular. I wouldn't ever want to be a touring tech but I love doing sessions, plus the pay vs. time is far greater in my experience.
Speaking from experience teching recording sessions, problem solving skills are key. Being able to anticipate obstacles of all sorts will make you a valuable asset. You're part of a team and need to be able to translate (and often negotiate) the wants and needs of producers, engineers, and artists into actions.
In my experience, a lot of people will try to ask for the method rather than the desired outcome until they recognize that you can solve the problem for them if they just clearly communicate the results they're looking for. The skills with tuning and understanding of equipment are the bare minimum. You need to be able to work quickly and efficiently and be easy to work with. Let me stress this- your attitude is paramount. You may work with a lot of different personalities and need to be able to navigate that carefully. Trust and respect can make all the difference.
Regardless of the type of tech you wish to be, seek out opportunities to shadow professional at different levels- and not just techs. Getting an understanding for the demands of the job as it relates to other stakeholders like the front of house engineer for live performances and different engineers and producers for recording sessions can make a huge difference.
Speaking from experience teching recording sessions, problem solving skills are key. Being able to anticipate obstacles of all sorts will make you a valuable asset. You're part of a team and need to be able to translate (and often negotiate) the wants and needs of producers, engineers, and artists into actions.
In my experience, a lot of people will try to ask for the method rather than the desired outcome until they recognize that you can solve the problem for them if they just clearly communicate the results they're looking for. The skills with tuning and understanding of equipment are the bare minimum. You need to be able to work quickly and efficiently and be easy to work with. Let me stress this- your attitude is paramount. You may work with a lot of different personalities and need to be able to navigate that carefully. Trust and respect can make all the difference.
Regardless of the type of tech you wish to be, seek out opportunities to shadow professional at different levels- and not just techs. Getting an understanding for the demands of the job as it relates to other stakeholders like the front of house engineer for live performances and different engineers and producers for recording sessions can make a huge difference.
John DeChristopher
Drums Ambassador
This is great advice.
Plus, and correct me if I'm wrong, but having experience/understanding of electronics is important. Running a click track, triggering samples, etc.
Obviously being able to tune and maintain drums is a given - you need to be able to do that on Day 1. It's not something you can learn on the job in a pro situation.
More great advice. Come to the Boston area and I'll hire you!
But seriously, as @bermuda said being a road tech is hard work. It's about as unglamorous as it gets in the music biz.
Living Dead Drummer
Platinum Member
And a damn fine tech you are! I always enjoy having you out to hang at shows! No heavy lifting to do today btw, it's all backlined
I've been offered tech jobs in the past, and once or twice actually said yes. I love drums, I love playing with drums, tuning them, setting them up in different configurations, everything. BUT if I'm going to do all the back-breaking labor of loading and unloading, setting them up, breaking them down, well then I want to play them also. Not watch someone else step on stage and get the glory. F that!