Adlib supplies Janelle Monáe European dates
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Adlib account handler Phil Kielty commented, “Janelle is one of the most energised and innovative artists of the moment and it was our pleasure to work with her and her crew again.”
In keeping with the spirit of inclusion, the FOH creative team was all female with sound engineer Amanda Davies, video director Erica Hayes and lighting designer Lauren Sega leading the way.
The equipment package was effectively a dry hire, however Adlib sent engineers to ensure that everything was set up and ran smoothly at the first show in Paris and supplied additional tech support for the high-profile UK shows at the Roundhouse and Manchester Academy.
The audio system comprised DiGiCo SD12 consoles at FOH and monitors, L-Acoustics side-fills and a custom microphone and stage package that made cable management and setup as quick and easy as possible.
For the stage mix, Adlib supplied 10-ways of Sennheiser 2000 series IEMs - inclusive of band and technical mixes, together with eight channels of Shure UHF-R for instrument RF (guitars & horns), while Janelle’s RF system comprised a Sennheiser SKM52000 handheld fitted with a 5235 capsule.
Hassane Es Siahi, one of Adlib’s most experienced engineers, was deployed on the first show in Paris to assist Amanda and Anthony in getting the control package up and running.
Adlib supplied a complete LED wall system with technicians for the Manchester Academy and London shows. This was complemented by a dry-hired camera package looked after directly by video director Erica Hayes.
The system for the two UK shows was supplied based on the largest version of Monáe’s 3-screen video design, using 50 square metres of Adlib’s new Unilumin UpadIII H5 5mm indoor / outdoor product running with the new 4K NovaStar LED processing racks.
On the lighting front, Tom Webber travelled to the first show in Paris for Adlib to ensure everything was in order, after which LD Lauren tech’d everything herself.
They toured risers and a set which included a spectacular raised three tier pyramid in the centre, that broke up the uniformity of the stage and brought depth and dimension to the space.
It was a big back and side lighting rig consisting of six Claypaky Mythos, three GLP impression X4 Bar 20s, 16 x Martin Mac Aura XB LED washes together with two ZR 44 smoke machines and two hazers, all controlled via a grandMA2 light console, complete with all the necessary cables, data and power distribution.
Two follow spots were added for the London shows, taking advantage of an extras truck already destined for the gig from the Adlib warehouse in Liverpool.
Adlib account handler Phil Kielty commented, “The show was classy with a very stylish presentation, but it had serious attitude as well. It looked incredible and sounded fantastic. We look forward to working with their lovely production team again very soon.”
Jeff Cochran, production manager stated, “Adlib provided excellent service, quality gear, expert technicians and a friendly, interpersonal touch to the experience of hiring audio, lighting and video systems.”
(Jim Evans)
