What is a rider?

Band Riders 101: What They Are and Why Every Artist Needs One

A band rider is a short document that tells the venue your technical and hospitality requirements so they can prepare properly for your performance.

If you think band riders are only for arena tours and superstar demands, you’re not alone. Many new artists assume riders are a luxury reserved for big-name acts. But the truth is simple:

Every band needs a rider, especially grassroots and new emerging artists.

A clear rider, levels up your gig logistics, makes your gigs smoother, keeps communication tight, helps venues prepare properly, and makes your whole team look more professional before you even step on stage. I’ve worked on both sides of the live music world, and the difference between artists who use riders and those who don’t is night and day.

Too many times did we have bands appear who hadn’t communicated requirements that were critical to their show, meaning that sound check was spent up unnecessarily having to source or move equipment, where it could have been spent dialing in the sound.  

This guide breaks down what a band rider is, why it matters, and everything you should include.

What Is a Band Rider?

A band rider is a simple document sent to venues, promoters, and sound engineers that outlines:

 

• your technical setup
• your stage layout
• your sound requirements
• your hospitality needs
• other important show-day information

A rider tells the venue exactly what you need to perform your best and helps the crew prepare long before you arrive.
There are two types of riders:

1. Technical Rider

This covers everything related to your performance, including:

• Input list (DI boxes, microphones, channels)
• Monitoring setup
• Backline requests or what you’re bringing
• Stage layout (via a stage plot)
• Lighting preferences
• Power needs
• Soundcheck timing

 

2. Hospitality Rider

This covers everything backstage, such as:

• Drinks and snacks
• Dietary needs
• Backstage setup
• Parking instructions
• Accommodation (if applicable)

 

Even beginner bands benefit from having both. It shows professionalism and removes guesswork for everyone involved. After years of running events, through venues and festivals I can say that we always appreciated having a clear rider ahead of time as it dramatically reduced last minute stress on the day of the gig. 

Why Every Band Needs a Rider (Even If You’re New)

Bands often ask: “Do I really need a rider if I’m just starting out?”

Yes,  and here’s why.

• 1. Your Soundcheck Will Run More Smoothly
• A rider tells the venue and sound engineer exactly what you need. Without one? Expect delays, missing equipment, and a stressful start.
• 2. You Look More Professional to Venues and Promoters
• A clean rider signals that you're serious, reliable, and prepared. Those are the artists who get invited back.
• 3. You Avoid Constant Back-and-Forth Messages
• Most gig-day stress comes from unclear communication. A good rider fixes that before it starts.
• 4. Your Band Stays Happy and Performance-Ready
• Even small hospitality requests, water, fruit, coffee, keep energy levels up. It’s not diva behaviour; it’s preparation.
• 5. It Helps Venues Prep Properly and Avoid Surprises
• Venues love clear riders. It allows them to staff correctly, lay out the stage, and solve problems early.

 

What to Include in a Band Rider

Here are the band rider essentials that you should include when creating yours. 

Technical Rider Essentials

1. Stage Plot
A visual layout showing where each member stands and what equipment they use.
 Include:

• instruments
• amps
• drum kit layout
• cables
• vocal positions

Tip: Keep it simple. Boxes and labels are better than complex illustrations.

 

2. Input List
A list of every microphone, DI box, and channel you require. This is vital for sound engineers.

 

3. Monitoring Setup
Tell the crew:

• how many monitor mixes you need
• who needs what in their mix

4. Backline Information
Clearly state:

• what you are bringing
• what you need the venue to provide

5. Lighting Notes
Not a full lighting design,  just preferences or cues during the set. 

 

6. Power Requirements
Avoid last-minute panic by specifying:

• plug types
• adapter needs
• power distribution

7. Soundcheck Timing
Give a realistic estimate of how long you need. It is always good to slightly over estimate, you do not want to be the band holding up sound check by running over. 

 

Hospitality Rider Essentials

 

1. Drinks and Snacks

Stick to simple, affordable items:

• water
• soft drinks
• tea/coffee
• fruit
• crisps or light snacks

 

2. Meals (If Provided)

If the venue offers food, include dietary notes. If not, it’s a good idea ask the venue for local recommendations.

 

3. Backstage Area Requirements

This can include:

• seating
• mirrors
• WiFi
• a quiet space before the show

 

4. Parking and Accommodation

Useful when you're travelling as a group. Include vehicle size, parking access, and load-in guidance.

How to Write a Rider Without Sounding Demanding

Keep it simple and clear

One or two pages is enough.

Be polite

Use phrases like:

• “If possible”
• “We would appreciate”

Be realistic

Grassroots venues have limited budgets.

Send it early

Ideally one to two weeks before the show. Venues can’t prepare properly if your rider arrives the night before.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do small or new bands really need a rider?
Yes. It reduces confusion, helps venues prepare, and makes you look professional.

What’s the difference between a tech rider and a hospitality rider?
A tech rider covers performance needs.  A hospitality rider covers backstage needs.

When should I send my rider to the venue?
Around 1–2 weeks before the gig, or as soon as the show is confirmed.

Should my rider be a PDF, image, or link?
A clean PDF or a Stage Portal link works best for consistency.

Is it okay to update my rider later?
Yes, but communicate changes early so the venue can adjust. If you use Stage Portal, the update is automatically communicated. 

Build Your Rider the Easy Way

Creating riders shouldn’t take hours.
 Stage Portal lets you:

• build your rider in minutes
• store your stage plot, input list, and hospitality info
• update everything instantly
• send one clean link to every venue

It’s how modern artists stay organised without drowning in admin.

📌 Start your free 30-day trial today, no card required.
📌 Try the free rider & stage plot templates inside Stage Portal.