Dumb Question About All The Singers On The Grammy Awards Tonight.....

[global1]

I noticed all of them have ear pieces on. Can some one tell me why? Do they hear the music better? Do they hear words so they don't forget the lyrics. Does it deaden the sound of the audience so the singer is not distracted? All of the above. Some of the above. None of the above.

Then tell me - how did singers cope before ear pieces came into common use?

We didn't see this in the past. I know it's probably not a real new thing - but I don't think the Beatles used earpieces. I don't think Elvis used them. How did they do it then without earpieces and why do all the singers use them now. What changed?

I guess I'm showing my age - but I want to learn something here.

[Ken Burch]

1. Might be to help them hear the band or the backing track.

Or...they could be getting instructions from their alien overlords.

[olddots]

2. in ear monitors are relatively new tech

Good quality ones are expensive and require a great mixer tou personally trust to give tou what you want in your personal mix and then they even mix in your voice so you hear the complete performance .Some very scary tricks can be added like auto tune etc...but that would take pages to explain .

I think David Bowie was one of the pioneers of there use in the 90s before that people relied on floor monitor speakers and before that people used sheer practice ,dynamics and talent .

We can't go back when it comes to tech but I believe the magic of music gets harmed by some of the convenience gizmos like real drumers and paid muscians .

[House of Roberts]

3. Ever see a singer cup their ear during a performance?

It's quite common during recording sessions, so the singer can hear their own voice to stay on key.
Monitor speakers, which face the performers aren't always enough.