Everyone is so busy controlling others and ensuring they think the right things. Sheesh - let’s run amuck occasionally!
It’s gotta be this, it’s gotta be that - fuck that!
If the ‘artist’ turns up with a xylophone with 200 watt horn speakers and an amplified tambourine, I’ll stick a mic or two on it. And do my best to make the band sound good - if he asks my advice on things, that’s another matter.
In short - everyone wants to have fun - if the drum overheads are picking up too much xylophone, turn them down and turn up the spot mics. In many cases, these poor bastards are paying to play (bringing 5k worth of gear to a $150 each , 3 hour gig, that must be sound checked before the punters arrive. It doesn’t need to sound as clean as the album -
Those of you with day jobs will know what it’s like being micro managed - it indicates people don’t trust your work. not many people prefer that, and the last thing band members want is to be told the sound they brought with them, planned, and thought about for all this time is wrong. Sure you get some assholes that are over the top, but over the top can also be interesting.
Let them control things - it’s their gig. Just my humble opinion.
Thanks
Pauly