Varies, like you said. We had dramatic experiences and we have had great experiences. Usually the more established artists are actually easier to work with as the have less to “prove”.
The venue/organizer/whoever foots the bill is the one that pays me for my gear. Should my gear be used for others, there will be a surcharge and if it needs operating, those hours get paid on top of my DJ hours. I started doing that a long time ago. If they don’t like it, go out to a rental company and have them deliver, setup and operate. That is not gonna be free by a long shot either.
Most important is that all that stuff is communicated in ADVANCE! I truly hate being ambushed. In advance many things can be discussed, decided and arranged. On the day itself I become pretty selfish. My stuff takes priority over helping out others. It’s that simple.
If I know there is a sing a song writer who needs to plug his guitar and mic into a mixer and I know in advance, I’ll gladly bring my small 6-channel Yamaha and even help the guy hook up (I’ll get there half an hour early so I can set up in my own time and then help him.
I am an easygoing (I think) and helpful guy, but don’t like (feeling) being taken advantage of.
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