Rider

What is a rider?

A rider is an attachment to the booking contract that lists what an artist needs to play and to be looked after. It usually comes in two parts. The technical rider covers the equipment: which players and mixer, how many monitors, the booth layout, sometimes lighting or a table for a live set. The hospitality rider covers everything else: drinks and food, transport, the hotel, and guest list spots for the artist's friends.

The rider arrives with the booking and is part of the deal. It is not a wish list to ignore, but it can be negotiated before signing. For an organizer, the rider is part of the real cost of an act, on top of the DJ fee.

What a typical DJ rider asks for

Riders differ from artist to artist, but a club DJ's rider often asks for roughly this:

• Tech: two to four current media players (the Pioneer CDJ-3000 is a common request), a club mixer such as a DJM-A9 or DJM-V10, two booth monitors at head height and a stable table at the right height.
• Booth: no drinks on the equipment, a limit on people in the booth, and a clear path in and out.
• Hospitality: water, soft drinks and a few drinks for the booth, sometimes a hot meal before the set.
• Travel and hotel: flights or train, pickup, and a room near the venue with late checkout.
• Guest list: often two to five spots for the artist.

Example: what a rider adds to the bill

Say a club books a touring headliner whose rider asks for three CDJ-3000s, a DJM-V10, two monitors, a bottle of gin with mixers, a hot meal, a hotel with late checkout and four guest list spots. The club already owns the players but rents the mixer for about €80, and hospitality and the hotel come to around €300.

In this example, the rider adds almost €400 to the cost of the booking. That belongs in the budget before the fee is agreed, not in a surprise the week before.

Tips for organizers

• Ask for the rider before you sign, and check it against the equipment the venue already has.
• Confirm in writing anything you cannot provide, and offer an alternative.
• Keep the booth clear of drinks and spare people. Most technical trouble starts there.
• Pass the guest list names from the rider to the door in good time.

Common questions

What is a tech rider?

The technical part of an artist's rider: the equipment, booth layout and sound requirements needed to perform.

What is a hospitality rider?

The part of the rider about the artist's comfort: drinks, food, transport, hotel and guest list spots.

Is a rider legally binding?

When it is attached to a signed contract, usually yes. That is why organizers read and negotiate it before signing.