L.A.B.our of love
Charlie Rodgers’ involvement with Aotearoa band L.A.B. goes back to the days before they became a household name. Charlie has toured with the band frequently over the past several years and 2022 was no different. L.A.B. played at multiple locations around Aotearoa, from Western Springs through to Auckland’s Christmas in the Park and a sold-out show in Tauranga at the end of the year. A highlight for Charlie was L.A.B.’s April tour over the ditch, where the band played to capacity crowds across Australia. The band had to move to bigger venues in some cities to keep up with ticket demand.
Charlie is the monitor engineer for the band. His role involves planning, implementing and reviewing L.A.B.’s stage sound.
“I collaborate with multiple stakeholders including management, band and production suppliers. My role is to ensure the band can show up for sound check and the evening show with zero technical issues. If technical issues do arise, they are generally talked about at our post-show debriefs and we create a plan to make sure they don’t happen again.”
In addition to working with L.A.B., Charlie has published a two-part series in New Zealand Musician Magazine which examines the band’s success. How did the band go from writing their goals on pizza boxes to writing radio hits? As well as members of the band itself, Charlie interviewed their band manager and tour manager and explored the development of their rise to national acclaim. Charlie says that the importance of having a capable band manager can’t be understated.
“A band manager needs to be an excellent organiser, hustler and negotiator and it's important to keep everything transparent, so that there won’t be any thoughts of mistrust in the group.”
Charlie also notes L.A.B.’s incredible work ethic, and the leadership of drummer Brad Kora. Growing up Brad and his brothers would play gigs at the local RSA at night, but still get up and head to school the next morning. Another element that Charlie feels is important in L.A.B.’s success is the lack of ego in the band.
“There is a clear sense of family in the way they treat each other, and everyone involved, crew, managers. Everyone is respected and acknowledged.”
In 2022, Charlie also took part in the Creative Showcase at the ITP Research Symposium at the end of November. Symposium attendees were able to try their hand at mixing L.A.B. live performances. Charlie’s audio engineering skills will continue to be extended as the band will travel further afield in the future.