FEATURE:
Ill Communications
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Making Gigs More Accessible for Those with Speech and Vocal Issues
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THIS may seem very niche…
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but concerns come not only from my personal experiences, but that of many others too. There have been developments in live music for those who need special accommodations or have disabilities. Venues are becoming more accessible to those with mobility issues, and many festivals and venues offer space for women who feel they are being harassed and need somewhere away from the vulnerability and chaos of a packed gig. There are also rooms and areas where those who struggle with extreme noise or stress can go. It is important that as many venues as possible ensure that patrons are catered for. Of course, you cannot make dispensations and allowances for every issue or requirement that may arrives. It is impossible to adapt and make sure that nobody struggles or suffers. It is a shame, but there is not the sort of money available to make venues bespoke and right for all. I do love live music because, as much as anything, you get to experience that direct connection with the artist and audience. It is an interactive and sociable event where you get this thrill and unique musical experience. I am someone who loves live music, but I do face issues myself. Apart from social anxiety – which is actually not too bad when you are sat and watching the music; it can get bad coming in and out of a venue -, one of the main problems is volume.
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Obviously, when you go to go to gigs, there is going to be a certain degree of noise. What I have found is a problem with communicating with others. I am not sure how widespread it is, but I don’t have the strongest speaking voice, and you will often get people at a gig trying to talk or ask something. If I have a certain limit to how I can project and the volume that comes out, it can often result in an awkward situation. I suppose there is no easy way around but, when you literally can’t explain to people that you cannot shout or talk any louder, you often have to rely on vague hand signals and hopes that they can read lips. It is a bit of a stigma for people who want to communicate and interact with others, but there is that embarrassment and sense of guilt when you have to let someone down or they cannot hear what you are saying. Apps are coming along all the time, but I don’t think there is anything designed for this specific complaint. Of course, when you have that stress of being incapable of projecting too much, that can strain the voice and also lead to anxiety and a weirdly low mood. As I said, I am comfortable with the noise at venues. It is great to let the music take you away. It is only when there is music playing and not a silence between numbers that can be troublesome.
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I do not know whether there is a way around this. Almost hanging a sign around your neck saying you cannot speak too loudly would be a rather stigmatising and unnecessary step. I do hope there comes about an app that works like a translator. Something that can use words on a screen where one does not have to rely on the human voice. It is not always such a massive issue if someone cannot hear you but, as many people cannot talk very loudly and make themselves audible, you do see a lot of people pressed up to people’s mouths and barely being able to understand them. Throw alcohol into the mix, and the passage of communication is often fraught with misunderstandings, repetition and, invariably, submission and a lot of wasted time! I think that communication is sometimes vital at gigs. If someone is being harassed or needs help, if you cannot hear one another, the only option is to sort of drag each other to an exit or quiet area. Apologies if an app or solution does exist, but I sort of feel like there are scenarios where effective and clear communication can avert something horrendous or even life-threatening. Alerting security or another patron to a potentially dangerous situation could be hampered if there was a delay in relating that threat. So much is being done to make gigs accessible and welcoming to all. There are those with social anxiety and autism that might be very nervous and feel insecure around people. I know that there are areas in some venues where they can go if they feel overwhelmed.
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I do wonder whether noise and communication is considered. I am very jealous of people who have quite a good lung capacity and strong voices. I have a deep voice, but it is limited in terms of its volume and durability. It can even be sore and damaged at a gig from the force of the music, let alone any talking! But, again, I am happy to be there and it is one of those unavoidable things. Whether it is directing someone to the bar, answer a question whether someone was sitting next to you or not, or something severe like they are in danger, not being heard and able to give them that solution and direction is especially distressing and horrible. I don’t know whether anything in-venue can be done to solve that, but an app or something that could not only communicate but also deal with any issues that arise would be beneficial to all. I am not going to stop going to gigs, but I go less knowing that there is going to be that moment someone asks me something mid-song or when it is loud and they will not hear what I am saying. For those who in that position, I think something should be done to avoid the situation and provide accessibility and peace of mind. We go to a gig to see the artist/band, but it is nice having that connection and interaction with those around you. Ensuring that there is that easy and un-delayed line of communication…
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IS so important to so many of us.