Complaints about the sound at Glade 2008

[Exulus]

Phew, back now

I didnt really have a problem with the sound apart from Friday Bangface with Remarc being sillyquiet.

And i have to admit, I also thought Liquids setup was the best of the festival. I remember someone from opus coming on here telling us about their own sound cancelling technology and i reckon they are right! You could hardly hear the tent until you got near it, but then inside in the middle it was proper chunky

[yohankiwi]

I have to agree that the levels on friday night were a bit of a joke. I first went to origin to hear pogo's closing set and was chatting to my friend without a raised voice right next to the speak. Bangface was even worse (gave up half way through so didnt hear saint acid), and the main stage was also rubbish and liquid and breaksday were a little better, but still far from acceptable IMO.

The rest of the weekend was fine though, jeff mills was again a little quiet but it was loud enough to have a good time.
Glade really needs to start sorting this issue out, they are going to lose a lot of regulars and damage their reputation if this becomes a staple of the festival.

[magneticgrooves]

Phew, back now

I didnt really have a problem with the sound apart from Friday Bangface with Remarc being sillyquiet.

And i have to admit, I also thought Liquids setup was the best of the festival. I remember someone from opus coming on here telling us about their own sound cancelling technology and i reckon they are right! You could hardly hear the tent until you got near it, but then inside in the middle it was proper chunky

Opus rigs in all the stages next year please. They were by far the best a the festival, I could actually hear the high sounds unlike the Glade stage!

[Sperge]

The rest of the weekend was fine though, jeff mills was again a little quiet but it was loud enough to have a good time.
Glade really needs to start sorting this issue out, they are going to lose a lot of regulars and damage their reputation if this becomes a staple of the festival.

But people have been saying that for five years. If the majority of Glade punters were as bothered about the levels as some people keep saying on forums like this, why are so many repeat customers coming back year after year? Are they all masochists?

As I've already said in this thread, I agree that sound levels were a bit quiet at times myself. It was particularly noticeable to me during Jeff Mills on Saturday, although others have said this was an issue with the front left speaker stack and that it was fine on the other side (wish I'd known ). Levels in Bang Face were fine during Doubtful Guest, but I'll agree that it got very quiet when I came back for Bong-Ra.

I've already given some of the reasons why those issues came up this year, I'll get more detailed responses in due course. I did speak to Ans backstage about the sound issues on Saturday and he does feel that although there had been a few problems, they were far less serious than last year. Watch this space for more details when I get them. But once again, if it was that big an issue for most punters, there wouldn't be so much repeat business.

[baldmosher]

Liquid was definitely louder but it wasn't THAT loud and after listening to the quality of the F1 rigs all weekend, the Liquid rig didn't sound that great IMHO. But after 5 mins dancing to it I didn't notice any more.

EDIT:

Sperge, agreed, it was as loud this year as it's ever been.

[Renagade]

The reason people come back is because the festival as a whole is really fun and enjoyable. But I cannot see any punters complaining if the sound was turned up.

It would definitely improve my festival experience, and im sure that of many others. Is there a reason for the sound (in general) being as quiet as it is, are there daytime sound-spill limits for example?

[Gand]

But people have been saying that for five years. If the majority of Glade punters were as bothered about the levels as people who keep saying on forums like this, why are so many repeat customers coming back year after year? But once again, if it was that big an issue for most punters, there wouldn't be so much repeat business.

so please explain why it wasnt a sell out this year.

~Gand

[baldmosher]

I cannot see any punters complaining if the sound was turned up.

That's irrelevant.

so please explain why it wasnt a sell out this year.

Did Glastonbury sell out?

[Sperge]

It would definitely improve my festival experience, and im sure that of many others. Is there a reason for the sound (in general) being as quiet as it is, are there daytime sound-spill limits for example?

West Berkshire Council has laid down some very strict limits on sound levels. And with the legal powers they now have in the UK, they can shut down the festival immediately on the basis of a single complaint.

This really, really sucks but I'm afraid that's what we're up against.

I think the question people really need to ask is why the Glade people are so keen on sticking with the Wasing Estate when the restrictions are so tight?

[Sperge]

But people have been saying that for five years. If the majority of Glade punters were as bothered about the levels as people who keep saying on forums like this, why are so many repeat customers coming back year after year? But once again, if it was that big an issue for most punters, there wouldn't be so much repeat business.

so please explain why it wasnt a sell out this year.

What, again? How about you using Search? See are-you-suffering-festival-fatigue-t5586.html for example.

We are at the start of an economic downturn, people are spending less, this is affecting UK festivals as a whole, especially at the niche end of the market more than the 'cattle market' ones like Leeds/Reading and TitP. Last year's weather was also a factor affecting many festivals, including Glastonbury, and the fact that the UK festival market has been saturated for some time is another.

If you're still so sure the only thing affecting Glade's ticket sales was the sound issues then fine, you're welcome to your opinion. Why not vote with your feet and go some place else next year? Chopper has already made that decision and respect to him for that.

[Renagade]

I think the question people really need to ask is why the Glade people are so keen on sticking with the Wasing Estate when the restrictions are so tight?

Definitely...but I guess for them its easier to stick to what they know - especially as its still quite a young festival. Im don't think a change of location to an area with more reasonable sound restrictions would do them any harm at all, but I guess they have their reasons for not doing so - would be interested to know if there is anything specific.

[Gand]

Why not vote with your feet and go some place else next year?

Naaaa im definitely going again next year its just an issue i think needs to be sorted out for everyone to enjoy the festival more.

Did Glastonbury sell out?

no, because of Jay-Z

[yohankiwi]

I think the question people really need to ask is why the Glade people are so keen on sticking with the Wasing Estate when the restrictions are so tight?

Yes definately. A change of location should certainly be on the cards for next year. I'm sure they can find one that looks just as good and yet is more isolated from surrounding neighbours

[Sperge]

Why not vote with your feet and go some place else next year?

Naaaa im definitely going again next year its just an issue i think needs to be sorted out for everyone to enjoy the festival more.

I don't think it's an issue that will ever be sorted out to some people's liking, this is the whole problem. The number of hoops organisers have to jump through now to put on a legal festival are just plain ridiculous - and they keep piling more and more on. I think that's another reason for the growing popularity of overseas festivals.

If things continue this way, I can see a point being reached when people give up trying to put on legal festivals and they either put ones on abroad - or they start getting into the free parties scene.

Edit: re Jay-Z, yes, he was a factor behind some people not going, certainly. But most of the people I know who didn't go put it down to the recent bad run of shit weather, the ever-spiralling cost and Mr Eavis's daft quotes about wanting a younger crowd (he was misquoted, by the way, but he should know by now how easily his words can be twisted).

[fletcher]

Why not vote with your feet and go some place else next year?

Naaaa im definitely going again next year its just an issue i think needs to be sorted out for everyone to enjoy the festival more.

Did Glastonbury sell out?

no, because of Jay-Z

thats like blaming pendulum for glade not selling out.

oh hang on, maybe ive hit on something there...

[Sperge]

LOL re Pendulum. I heard they packed the main tent out, though, so obviously some people did want to see them. I was in Overkill though.

[fletcher]

LOL re Pendulum. I heard they packed the main tent out, though, so obviously some people did want to see them. I was in Overkill though.

they did pack the main tent out, i stuck my head in for ten minutes. I had to go see them, in order to validate my rather harsh opinions.

And thankfully, IMO, i was completely justified in slating them.

[ibrahim]

based on the feedback i am seriously considering heading abroad for next year. is there any reccomendations for someone looking for overkill-esque festival antics in europe?

-edit-

found dour, sounds alright.

[leah]

There were problems with the wind blowing sound towards residential areas on Friday night that led to some complaints being made by the public, which is what led to the sound being turned down at times... one particular issue was performers with MCs shouting into their microphones apparently, this triggered a couple of decibel meters. Ironically, so did the chants of "turn it up"...

nice, nice

[Gand]

they did pack the main tent out, i stuck my head in for ten minutes. I had to go see them, in order to validate my rather harsh opinions.

And thankfully, IMO, i was completely justified in slating them.

^^^^^ couldn't agree more, I did exactly the same.

~Gand

[fletcher]

found dour, sounds alright.

im considering a move into european territory for next year.

more on that later.

Dour does look ace.

[gleek]

I thought this years Glade was let down a lot by the noise restrictions. Obviously it's not all about the volume of the music, but when you're in the zone and you want to have a good rave, it's fucking infuriating.

I was chatting to a couple of the sound engineers, and I know someone who works on site on the stages / sound booths (and has at every Glade) and all confirmed that the sound levels are reduced at 7pm, 10pm and again at midnight. Something like 110db in the day, down to 90db at 7pm then finally to 65db by midnight. If these are breached then the monitors the sound "inspectors" have will go off (there's one of every stage) resulting in them automatically demanding the sound return to the restricted level at the time. (Unless they can be bribed which is apparently pretty hard, but happens). I'm generally not in the know about sound levels etc but this was what I was told over the weekend.

My question in this: why spend so much money on the best sound systems and sound engineers when the volume is so restricted? Surely if the organisers went about dealing with the complaints / council (after past Glade festivals) differently they could be in a better situation. I.e. instead of spending more money each year on sound, spending more on compensation (either cash / holidays) for the residents within the necessary areas around the site, (like at Glastonbury). Then everyone can actually enjoy certain genres at the sound levels they should be.

I thought the music range / quality was awesome this year, much better than the last couple of years I’ve been to, but it was heavily let down by the frankly embarrassing volumes at night. Remarc and The Bug were particularly awful. I was looking forward to Remarc so much and I actually felt sorry for the guy. I felt sorry for James and the Bangface night generally as the Overkill stage was clearly let down again.

The most depressing thing of all was walking into a tent and to see it only half full, with the majority of people not even dancing. The vibe definitely wasn't as good in some of the tents as it has been previously.

I'm struggling to believe the organisers can improve this situation in the future, seeing as it's definitely at Wasing for the next few years (and don’t the organisers own the land?) so it's probably going to be there for however many more years it lasts. It also seems highly unlikely the restrictions will get any better, particularly if there were more complaints this year.

If they could improve on the sound restrictions I would definitely be happy to pay a higher ticket price, and I’m sure many other people would too. If there's no improvement next year and they put the price up again, I think it's totally unjustified especially considering the lower demand for tickets this year.

Regardless of the negative points I'll probably be back as the vibe generally (especially outside of the stages) and at the ID Spiral in particular can't be beaten. But I do worry that less people will be bothered with Glade in the future as the sound was consistently disappointing as it got later. The future for Glade will certainly be interesting.

[Hi-speed Dubbing]

Glade 2009 possibly?

[magneticgrooves]

Well it would help with the sound issues!

But then again you have to feel dance music in your body!

[soundclash]

But people have been saying that for five years. If the majority of Glade punters were as bothered about the levels as some people keep saying on forums like this, why are so many repeat customers coming back year after year? Are they all masochists?

I did speak to Ans backstage about the sound issues on Saturday and he does feel that although there had been a few problems, they were far less serious than last year. Watch this space for more details when I get them. But once again, if it was that big an issue for most punters, there wouldn't be so much repeat business.

I think this year it was a bigger issue than he possibly realises.Loads of ''Turn it up!'' throughout the site. Never heard it at that scale. The reason for the repeat business is simply the standard of the artists they book and vibe of the Festi that draws people like myself back, it truely is a great festival BUT i think what with the sound issues and piss poor programing on Sunday they are at a tipping point for alot of us (people i go with). Its not festi fatigue with me, i go to many festivals and club nights, its a large part of my life. I can see why Pendulum were booked, to draw a from a new pool of people even at the risk of alienating others possibly. That goes with the territory but even some of my friends who came because Pendulum where there said they felt a little let down on the build up i gave it. I found myself excusing the sound levels to them and explaining the issues with the council and they simply replied ''Why dont they move?'' i had no answer apart from the great looking location and nice people. Also now with the likes of Bangface doing their own thing and alot of festivals putting on similar acts they just cant afford to fail to deliver quality if they want to stay at this scale or even grow. They have some thinking to do for sure. The numbers decline is partly due to economics but also a little to do with these issues. Like you pointed out its been a problem since the begining, perhaps some people have just given up hope that they will sort it. I am wavering to be honest, no big loss some might say but im sure im not the only one. I REALLY hope they solve it as ive had some of my best experiences there in twenty four years of festis, raves and clubbing. Heres Hoping