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May 2012 Staff Picks: Best Advice For Summer Gigging

Tips for basking in the heat of the moment.

Best Advice For Summer Gigging
The bus (or van, or station wagon) is packed, the porta-potties await, and hopefully the masses are ready to
rock. ’Tis the season for concerts, so we enlisted the help of Middle Class Rut guitarist Zack Lopez to help us
offer tips for basking in the heat of the moment.

Rebecca Dirks -- Web Content Editor
What am I listening to?
The Black Keys, El Camino. After watching the band tear it up live following a Rig Rundown shoot, I couldn’t resist employing the boisterous, fun rock tracks as my springtime “Yay, it’s getting warm!” soundtrack.
What song pumps you up before a gig?
Put asses in seats—use those dreaded social networks to get fans to your shows and make some money. But don’t forget to have fun!


Andy Ellis -- Senior Editor
What am I listening to?
Dustin Wong, Dreams Say, View, Create, Shadow Leads. Imagine the richly layered phase-pattern lines and rhythms of Philip Glass and Steve Reich translated to 6-string, toss in a little Discipline-era King Crimson, and you’ve got the kaleidoscopic, loop-driven sound of this inventive guitarist. Stunning.
What song pumps you up before a gig?
Stay hydrated, wear a brimmed hat if the stage is outdoors, and dig all those tank tops.


Shawn Hammond -- Editor in Chief
What am I listening to?
Adestria, Chapters. Adventurous metalcore with brutal breakdowns, aggro/melodic vocals, and intriguingly intricate mellow sections.
What song pumps you up before a gig?
Make sure your tuner is visible in direct sunlight, otherwise doom will follow. Oh, and bring a powerful fan, but make sure you plug it into a different circuit than your pedalboard and amp.


Tessa Jeffers -- Managing Editor
What am I listening to?
I thought I knew M. Ward’s sound, but the peek-a-boo, eclectic electric layers (subtle rockabilly!?) in A Wasteland Companion came out of nowhere and climbed on top of my current playlist.
What song pumps you up before a gig?
If you get stuck playing a stuffy afternoon slot, pretend the sun’s about ready to eclipse and it’s your job to light the place up. Or, pretend they’re all naked. Also, what Zack Lopez said.


Chris Kies -- Associate Editor
What am I listening to?
I’ve been jamming to dynamic live performances lately: David Bowie’s Live in Santa Monica ’72, Cash’s At Folsom Prison, Misfits’ Evilive, Pantera’s Official Live: 101 Proof, The Black Crowes’ Warpaint Live, Chris Cornell’s Songbook, and Queens of the Stone Age’s Rated R.
What song pumps you up before a gig?
Always say yes to any gigs and never take the purple acid, man.


Rich Osweiler -- Associate Editor
What am I listening to?
I’ve been spinning Cowboy Junkies’ The Wilderness, the latest and last installment to their four-record Nomad Series. The band’s melancholy alt-country is a pretty perfect backdrop to this week’s nonstop Bay Area rain.
What song pumps you up before a gig?
Friends don’t make friends ride in the trunk! When it’s hot out there and you’re driving some distance, keep your instruments up front when possible or you’re asking for trouble.


Zack Lopez, Middle Class Rut -- Guest Picker
What am I listening to?
Street Legal by Bob Dylan.
What song pumps you up before a gig?
Know yourself and what you’re getting into. Four bottles of water for every bottle of booze. One pack of condoms for every bottle you finish. $50k in the bank for every condom that breaks. Nine months of anxiety. Next summer you will not be touring.


Charles Saufley -- Gear Editor
What am I listening to?
Gunn-Truscinski Duo, Sand City. Acoustic improviser Steve Gunn and drummer John Truscinski are simultaneously heavy, airy, and meditative on this gorgeous LP of beautifully executed and organically meandering tunes and improvisations.
What song pumps you up before a gig?
Beer and lemonade. Bring a good Gabor Szabo mix tape.


Jason Shadrick -- Associate Editor
What am I listening to?
Organic Instrumentals, Michael Landau. Known as a sideman to the stars, Landau steps out on his own with this album made especially for guitar nerds. His fluid chops and pristine tone will likely catch the attention of more than those who hang at the Baked Potato.
What song pumps you up before a gig?
Bring a backup. Between the heat, rain, and the drunken dude who insists on sitting in, something always breaks down.