An artist rider is an addendum to your performance contract that outlines everything needed for a successful show. It specifies technical requirements like sound equipment and stage setup, plus hospitality needs like food, beverages, and dressing room provisions.
Creating a clear, professional rider prevents misunderstandings between artists, booking agents, and promoters. It ensures artists have what they need to perform well while giving venues clear expectations they can prepare for.
This guide covers how to create effective riders for any performance level, from emerging artists playing clubs to established acts touring festivals.
What is an artist rider?
A rider is a document attached to a performance contract that details the artist's requirements for a show. While the main contract covers fees, dates, and legal terms, the rider specifies the practical elements needed for the performance itself.
Most riders contain two main sections:
Technical rider: Equipment, sound, lighting, and stage requirements Hospitality rider: Food, beverages, dressing room, and comfort needs
Some artists also include additional sections covering security, travel logistics, or promotional requirements depending on their needs and career stage.
As tour manager Diederik Visser notes: "While riders are a crucial part of the booking process, they often spark discussions among the booker, promoter, and artist. It is essential to identify which requests your artist considers non-negotiable and to communicate these clearly and in advance. Striking a balance between being firm, reasonable, and flexible is key."
Technical rider: what to include
The technical rider ensures the venue provides the equipment and setup needed for a professional performance. A clear technical rider prevents the scramble of discovering missing equipment at soundcheck.
Stage plot
A stage plot is a visual diagram showing where each performer and piece of equipment should be positioned on stage. Include:
- Position of each band member or performer
- Location of amplifiers, monitors, and instruments
- Drum riser placement if needed
- Any special staging requirements
- Approximate measurements for spacing
Keep stage plots simple and readable. Complex diagrams with too much detail become harder for venue staff to follow quickly.
Input list
The input list (also called a channel list) tells the sound engineer exactly what needs to connect to the mixing board. For each input, specify:
- Input number
- Instrument or source (vocals, guitar, kick drum, etc.)
- Microphone or DI type if you have preferences
- Any special notes (phantom power needed, stereo pair, etc.)
Example input list excerpt:
1. Kick drum - Beta 52 or similar
2. Snare top - SM57
3. Snare bottom - SM57
4. Hi-hat - Small diaphragm condenser
5. Lead vocals - SM58 or Beta 58
6. Acoustic guitar - DI
Equipment requirements
Specify any equipment the venue must provide versus what you bring yourself. Be explicit about:
DJ setup example:
- 4x Pioneer CDJ-3000 or CDJ-2000NXS2
- 1x Pioneer DJM-900NXS2 or DJM-A9
- Booth monitors with volume control
- Minimum 4 power outlets near booth
- Table height and dimensions if critical
Band backline example:
- Guitar amplifiers (specify models or acceptable alternatives)
- Bass amplifier requirements
- Drum kit specifications (sizes, hardware)
- Keyboard stands and power requirements
Include acceptable alternatives where possible. Requiring exact models that venues may not have limits your booking options.
Monitor requirements
Detail what performers need to hear themselves on stage:
- Number of monitor wedges and positions
- In-ear monitor requirements if applicable
- Specific mix preferences (lead vocal heavy, click track in drummer's mix, etc.)
- Side fill requirements for larger stages
Sound system minimums
For artists playing varied venue sizes, specify minimum PA requirements:
- Minimum wattage or coverage for room size
- Subwoofer requirements for bass-heavy music
- System quality standards
Lighting preferences
If lighting matters to your performance:
- Color preferences or restrictions
- Strobe or haze requirements
- Specific cues for songs if feasible
- Any lighting elements to avoid
Soundcheck and load-in
Specify timing needs:
- Minimum soundcheck duration
- Load-in time requirements
- Whether production staff must be present
- Line check versus full soundcheck expectations
Hospitality rider: what to include
The hospitality rider covers everything related to artist comfort and practical needs beyond the technical performance requirements.
Dressing room requirements
Specify what the artist needs in their private space:
- Minimum room size for the touring party
- Privacy requirements (lockable door, separate from public areas)
- Climate control (heating or air conditioning)
- Mirror and adequate lighting
- Seating for the number of people in the party
Food and catering
Be specific about dietary needs and preferences:
Dietary requirements:
- Allergies (critical safety information)
- Vegetarian, vegan, or other dietary restrictions
- Religious dietary requirements
Meal specifications:
- Hot meal timing relative to performance
- Number of meals needed (crew versus artist count)
- Quality expectations
Buyout option: Many riders include a buyout amount (typically $15-30 per person) that venues can pay instead of providing food, letting artists choose their own meals.
Beverages
A standard beverage list might include:
- Bottled water (specify quantity)
- Soft drinks and mixers
- Coffee and tea with milk and sugar
- Alcoholic beverages if requested
Keep alcohol requests reasonable, especially for emerging artists. Excessive demands create reputation problems that affect future bookings.
Towels and comfort items
Simple items that improve artist comfort:
- Clean towels (quantity based on party size)
- Shower access if the dressing room lacks one
- Iron and ironing board for stage clothes
- Phone charging capabilities
Ground transportation
For artists not handling their own transport:
- Airport pickup requirements
- Vehicle type and capacity needs
- Driver contact information timing
- Parking for artist vehicles if driving
Accommodation
If the promoter provides lodging:
- Minimum hotel star rating
- Number of rooms needed
- Room type preferences (non-smoking, quiet floor)
- Check-in and check-out timing
- Proximity to venue
Additional rider sections
Depending on career stage and specific needs, artists may include additional sections.
Guest list
Specify guest list expectations:
- Number of complimentary tickets
- Plus-one allowances
- VIP or backstage access passes
- Process for submitting names
Merchandise
If selling merchandise at shows:
- Table space requirements and location
- Seller access (artist's own person or venue staff)
- Commission structure if venue takes a percentage
- Lighting and power for merch area
Security
Larger artists may require:
- Security personnel count
- Barrier requirements
- Backstage access control
- Crowd management specifications
Promotional requirements
Some riders specify:
- Logo usage and approval requirements
- Photography permissions or restrictions
- Social media posting guidelines
- Press and interview coordination
Common rider mistakes to avoid
Being unreasonable for your level
Emerging artists requesting luxury items or excessive quantities damage their reputation. Venues talk to each other. Word spreads about difficult artists with unrealistic demands.
Match your rider to your career stage. As you build your reputation and draw larger crowds, your leverage to request more increases naturally.
Being too vague
"Good sound system" means nothing. "Minimum 5000W PA suitable for 500-capacity room" gives venues actionable information. Vague requirements lead to disappointment when venues interpret them differently than you expected.
Forgetting to update
Riders with old dates, outdated equipment models, or previous tour information look unprofessional. Add an expiration date to your rider (e.g., "This rider expires December 31, 2025") and update it regularly.
Missing contact information
Include clear contact details for technical questions. When a venue cannot source a specific item, they need to reach someone quickly to discuss alternatives.
Listing only exact models
Requiring only specific equipment models without alternatives limits your bookings. Most professional-level gear has acceptable substitutes. List your preference first, then add "or equivalent" or name specific alternatives.
Ignoring the venue's reality
A 200-capacity club cannot provide what a major festival offers. Consider creating tiered riders for different venue sizes, or clearly mark which items are essential versus preferred.
Creating your rider document
Format and presentation
- Use clear headings and sections
- Keep formatting simple and printable
- Include your artist name and logo
- Add version date and expiration
- Provide contact information prominently
Length guidelines
Technical riders: 1-3 pages depending on complexity Hospitality riders: 1-2 pages Combined: Rarely exceed 5 pages total
Longer is not better. Venues appreciate concise, scannable documents over lengthy manifestos.
Distribution
Send riders when confirming bookings, not after contracts are signed. This allows discussion and negotiation before commitments are made. Surprises after signing create conflicts.
Working with your team
If you work with a booking agent, they typically send riders to promoters as part of the booking process. Ensure your agent has the current version and understands which items are truly non-negotiable.
For artists managing their own bookings, riders become your responsibility to send and discuss with each venue.
Using artist management software helps keep rider documents organized and ensures you send current versions consistently.
Rider negotiation tips
Riders are starting points for discussion, not absolute demands. Approach negotiations professionally:
- Know your priorities: Identify the 3-5 items you genuinely cannot perform without
- Be flexible on the rest: Show willingness to work with venue limitations
- Communicate early: Raise concerns before the show day
- Document agreements: Confirm any changes in writing
- Stay professional: How you handle negotiations affects future bookings
As your career grows, your leverage increases. Established artists with proven draw can insist on more requirements. Emerging artists benefit from being easy to work with while still protecting genuine needs.
Frequently asked questions
What is included in an artist rider?
An artist rider typically includes two main sections: a technical rider covering equipment, sound, lighting, and stage requirements, and a hospitality rider covering food, beverages, dressing room needs, and accommodations. Some riders also include sections for guest lists, merchandise, security, and promotional requirements.
How long should an artist rider be?
Most professional artist riders are 2-5 pages total. Technical riders typically run 1-3 pages depending on setup complexity, while hospitality riders are usually 1-2 pages. Concise, well-organized riders are more effective than lengthy documents that venues struggle to process.
Do small artists need riders?
Yes, even emerging artists benefit from basic riders. A simple one-page document covering essential technical needs and basic hospitality prevents miscommunication. Keep requests reasonable for your career stage and focus on items genuinely needed for a good performance rather than luxury preferences.
Can venues refuse rider requests?
Yes, venues can negotiate or decline specific rider requests. Riders are part of contract negotiation, not absolute demands. Professional artists identify their true non-negotiables and show flexibility on other items. Unreasonable demands that venues cannot meet may result in cancelled bookings or damaged relationships.
How often should I update my rider?
Update your rider at least annually or whenever your technical setup changes significantly. Include an expiration date on the document (e.g., "Valid through December 2025") to signal that you maintain current information. Remove outdated equipment models, update contact information, and adjust requests to match your current career stage.
