I am on a continuous search to find out how performers can connect better with technology. As monitor engineers, we view things from our perspective. We get excited about new software and equipment. However, at the end of the day, it is the performer who needs to be happy and confident onstage.
I regularly see local singers struggle with their in-ear monitors. I decided to speak to a few local singers who I feel are using in-ear monitors correctly. This time I talked to Gabby Byrd, originally from Houston, Texas, and now living in Denton. She has been singing her whole life; she got her start singing in her church in middle school. She went to performing arts high school where she began her career performing live. Her favorite styles being R&B, Soul, and Jazz. Early influences included Anna Wise, Flying Lotus, J Dilla, Erykah Badu. While talking to Gaby, I realized you could have music that inspires you, but as a singer, you also need people who have a stage presence that drives you as an entertainer. She named Lauren Hill, Jill Scott, Ledisi as those people for her.
She has been using in-ears for about two years. She uses SE425s which are dual-driver generic in-ear. Her biggest struggle with using in-ears is getting the earbuds in and getting the ears to seal properly. As always, “right is red” is a good motto to remember. As we were talking, it came up how to properly clean or take care of in-ears. I always suggest to anyone who wears in-ears to carry audio-wipes disinfectant towelettes. You can buy them online from several mainstream sources. We also discussed that most generic in-ear providers offer several different-sized tips, which you can purchase online. These are essential items for a successful and healthy in-ear monitor experience.
Gabby is someone I would say is extremely confident on the stage and with her in-ear monitors. “Generally, I like to hear the bass, piano, and the other singers.” An interesting point she brought up is that for her sometimes the hardest part with singing with other singers is blending the vowels. That, she said, is when it is most important to be able to clearly hear the other singers.
Her advice to monitor engineers, “Patience number one and being attentive.” Having someone who has an attention to detail is a big plus. When someone is actively making efforts to make the changes, she requests it makes her feel comfortable and confident in the situation. Her advice to singers new to in-ears is to try many different things and know what you are listening for. Her advice is that achieving a good seal and an amount of physical comfort with the in-ears can be all it takes to be successful. Her preference will always be in-ears over wedges. It’s every sound person’s dream, “I’d rather hear my voice right here in my ears, and at a lower volume.”
Gabby Byrd’s blog
Gabby Byrd regularly performs with the King David Band:
Aubrey Caudill: Aubrey lives in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and works as a freelance audio engineer. She currently works for several area wedding bands and runs monitors at The Potter’s House North Dallas. She is also a mother of two sons under ten.