What's a Gig? And, Other Terms of the Trade Explained.

Acoustic - Not amplified in any way

Agent - Seeks and contracts employment opportunities for artist - artist pays commission

Amplifiers only - No microphones or public address speakers

Attire - How performers are to be dressed - business attire, formal attire, etc.

Backline - Drums, Keyboards, Bass and Guitar amps

Backstage Amenities - Food/Beverage/Hospitality provided in artists break area

Break Area - Location for performers to take breaks

Breaks - Required time between sets when performers are not on stage

Buyer/Purchaser - Person paying for services of artist and signing the contract

Commission - Percentage paid to agent or manager by artist for representation

Compensation - Amount paid for artist's services

Concert - Performance presented to a seated audience

Contact person - To whom the leader reports

Continuous Play - Continuous live music from the stage at all times

Contract - Legal document with all the terms of agreement between Artist and Buyer/Purchaser

Corporate - Gig for a corporate audience

Crew Meals - Meal requested for early set-up personnel

Direct Bill - Compensation that is paid through catering or hotel bill

Electric - Instrument requiring electricity

End User - For whom the services are provided

Exposure - Something that you can die from

Gig - Performance

Instrumental - Without vocals

Instrumentation - What musical instruments will be used for performance

Leader - Person in charge of performers - point person for client

Load-in time - When equipment arrives

Manager - Provides career direction - artist pays commission

Mark-up - Amount added to actual contract price

Overtime - Charge for additional music or services before or after contracted hours

Pay or Play - If you don't pay, they won't play - if they won't play, you don't pay

Performance Area - Designated area for performance

Planner/ Producer - Coordinates event elements and logistics on behalf of the client

Power - Electricity necessary for performance

Repertoire - Artist's song list

Report time - When performers are expected on-site

Rider - Additional terms or conditions specific to artist

Self-contained - Entertainer carries necessary production elements

Set - Length of uninterrupted segment of any non-continuous gig

Set-up time - Time when equipment is to be set-up

Side-man - Works as performer for leader

Social - Gig for a wedding, charity gala, or other social event

Stage - Raised performance area

Start time - Contracted time of performance

Strolling - Not stationary

A "Taste" - A non-defined amount of money that more often than not creates misunderstandings and hard feelings

Technical Requirements - Production elements such as sound, lights, and power necessary for production

Theme appropriate - Music or attire that compliments theme of event

Track Act - Performance to recorded music

Union - Professional musicians guild

Unplugged - Minimal amplification (instrument amps only)

Variety performers - Entertainment that incorporates non-musical elements e.g. magicians-, clowns, palmists, caricaturists, etc.

Wireless Sound - Radio frequency, battery operated sound system