The Tour Life
By Janine Richards
The Tour LifeNov 17, 2020
Being Back on the Road & Taking Care of Yourself After the COVID Shutdown with Live Audio Engineer Tomas Wolfe
Tomas Wolfe is an audio engineer who has toured with artists such as Rune The Jewels, Lettuce, and Baby Keem.
In this episode we discuss his path from unpaid intern to touring pro, the things he learned from facing the COVID industry shutdown, the importance of starting the conversation on mental health in your community, as well as some other great nuggets around resilience and taking risks.
You can find him on Instagram @tomaswolfe
Diversity & Inclusion, Mental Health, & Authentic Networking with Tour Manager Lotje Horvers
Lotje Horvers is a Tour Manager who has worked with artists such as Fever Ray, Robyn, Röyksopp, M83, and The Knife. She won the 2020 Women in Live Music "Tour Manager of the year" award, has been a frequent panelist throughout the pandemic, and sits on the committee of the Tour Production Group. In 2021, she launched the non-profit Backstage Pass, aimed at improving diversity and inclusion in the Dutch live music industry.
In this episode, she shares how putting on shows as a teenager led her to pursue a music management degree and into concert touring. We also discuss why it’s super important to look after your mental health when filling your calendar, the role that diversity and inclusion play in the touring world, and how keeping in touch with new friends can help you give and receive professional opportunities in the future.
You can find her on Instagram @lotjetm.
The Importance of Financial Responsibility & Self-Care with Tour Manager Joseph Farriella
Joseph Farriella is a Tour Manager, Production Manager, and Tour accountant who has worked with artists such as Snoop Dogg, Toni Braxton, Orianthi, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Chromeo, The Ataris, Simple Plan, and Matchbox Twenty, among others.
In this episode, we discuss the state of touring going into fall 2021, how touring has changed over the years, and the importance of being financially responsible in the touring industry.
You can find him on Instagram @ponyboy_productions.
Tour Book, Behind the Scenes of the Live Event Industry with Rachel Pfenning Hales
Rachel Pfenning Hales started her career touring around the world with the Black Eyed Peas, and then, with Lynyrd Skynyrd. She has spent the last several years working at one-of-a-kind Rock Lititz helping with various touring rehearsals and building up the live event culture on campus. She has also maintained a passion for writing about the live event industry and beyond.
In this episode, we discuss Tour Book, which explores a show day in the life of roadies in the live event industry, and how the book can help crew and their friends and family understand what really goes on in a roadie’s day-to-day life. We also discuss the importance of asking questions and listening to the answers in order to make sense of a non-traditional career path, especially if you want to work out on the road.
You can find her on Instagram @rapfenhales
About the book: "It's show night. You've bought tickets and are waiting with your friends. The lights drop. The darkness swells in anticipation. A collective cheer grows. A breath of silence. Then, that first chord screams from the speakers. Lights flash to flood the stage, radiating as the concert comes to life.
We are there, too, in the dark under the show, behind it, and above it. Each prop or cool trick, every costume or scene change requires the hidden help of someone behind the scenes. In a few hours, you will have gone home, but we will still be here, tearing it all down. We will pack up the gear, load up more than a dozen tractor-trailers, and head out to the next city."
Bringing Wellness on Tour to Avoid Burnout with Tour Manager & Naturopathic Nutritionist Suzi Green
Suzi Green is a Tour Manager and Naturopathic Nutritionist who has worked with artists such as Wolf Alice, Placebo, Katie Melua, PJ Harvey, Marina Diamandis, The Chemical Brothers, and James Blake. She is the creator of The Back Lounge, a support group where touring professionals have come together throughout the pandemic to share their experiences as well to prepare to get back on the road in a healthier and more sustainable way. She is also a member of the Tour Production Group which looks to make touring a friendlier and more inclusive place.
In this episode, we discuss the magic of going on your first tour, getting back to work after experiencing burnout, how the illusions of being on tour contrast with reality, how The Back Lounge came to be, as well as ways we can bring wellness on tour.
You can find her on Instagram @suzigr & @thebackloungetouring and also at healthy-touring.com
Read Suzi's Pollstar feature here.
Crisis Management & Returning to Life on the Road with The Black Keys Tour Manager Jim Runge
Jim Runge is an award-winning tour manager who has worked with artists such as The Black Keys, Lil Dicky, Major Lazer, Imagine Dragons, Lucinda Williams, the Replacements, Chase Rice, and a long list of others. His 30+ years of entertainment industry experience has brought him to nearly every major venue and festival in the US. His career has taken him from promoting punk bands in the early '80s to managing large-scale tours. He is also a co-host and co-producer of Tour Management 101.
In this episode, we discuss the importance of mentor/mentee relationships, how to stay connected to “the real world” while on the road, being a working parent, nurturing a culture of respect, how it feels to be so close to returning to the road, as well as crisis management while on the road and the toll it can take on our mental health.
Why Following Up is Key & Avoiding Burnout with Tour Photographer Justin Press
Justin Press is a tour photographer and podcaster who also provides tour security services through Silver Spear Security. He is the co-host of the Making Waves Podcast and the Scatterbrain Podcast. He is also a contributor to the radio industry magazine, Max Alt Rock.
In this episode, we discuss why following up is so important, how he got his first taste of the Security world with In This Moment, the role podcasting played for out-of-work touring folk in 2020, how he stays connected to the Shiprocked community of fans, and why physical fitness is incredibly important for the touring community.
You can find him on Instagram @justinpress_photo.
Becoming a Better Leader Through Self-Reflection & Mental Health First Aid Training with Linkin Park Tour Director Jim Digby
Jim Digby is a Production Manager and Tour Director who has worked with artists such as Linkin Park, Enrique Iglesias, and Backstreet Boys among many others. He is the Co-Founder and President of the global nonprofit Event Safety Alliance. He is also one of the founders of Show Makers, a platform that was developed to share industry content, facilitate conversations, provide thought leadership, and showcase organizations that are dedicated to the live events community.
In this episode, we discuss how self-reflection can help you understand who you are and what role can play in this world, the importance of prioritizing 'the human' behind the work above all else, the value of becoming an empathetic listener, how Chester Bennington's (Linkin Park) death by suicide opened his eyes to the underlying mental health difficulties that were closer than they appeared, how Mental Health First Aid training shifted his perspective on leadership, and how to invest in yourself in order to be equipped to care for the humans you work with.
You can find him on Instagram @digbyjim.
Reexamining the Relationship Between You & Your Career with Lighting Designer Graham Rolak
Graham Rolak is a lighting designer who has worked with artists such as AFI, Deftones, Primus, Papa Roach, Incubus, At The Drive-In, System of a Down, and The Neighbourhood.
In this episode, we discuss what it has been like living through the pandemic, reexamining the relationship between you and your career, the value of live performances for fans, artists, and crew, as well as the importance of prioritizing transparency and collaboration over competition.
You can find him on Instagram @grahamrolak.
Safe Live Music Tour Management During & Post COVID Pandemic with Sai Hanif of Ghost Tech
Sai Hanif is a tour director and production manager who has worked with artists such as The Wallflowers, Cage the Elephant, Arctic Monkeys, Walk the Moon, Gabriel “ fluffy” Iglesias, X ambassadors, and Capital Cities. He is also the creator and owner of Masters of Maple Drums and Ghost Tech, a tech company that aims to solve the health and safety challenges of touring during and post-COVID pandemic.
In this episode, we discuss how the world has changed and how important it is to stay on top of and ahead of the health and safety challenges that COVID has brought us, including how to keep your crew and artists’ personal information safe.
You can find him on Instagram @ladrumguy and at MyGhostTech.com.
Touring and Parenting with Jen Kellogg
Jen Kellogg is a Tour Accountant who has worked on productions such as warped tour and began her career in the industry at Jam Productions in Chicago. She is an adjunct professor at Columbia College Chicago and the Executive Director of Show Makers which was developed to share industry content, facilitate conversations, provide thought leadership, and showcase organizations that are dedicated to the live events community.
In this episode, we discuss finding a career path in the music industry, how to show up for your kids as they find their way in life, being pregnant on tour, understanding your values and priorities in order to establish and enforce personal boundaries, the value of decluttering, as well as the effects of motherhood on Jen’s interpersonal communication style.
You can find her on Instagram @jkellogg11.
Finding Fulfillment, Diversity, and Healthcare in Touring with Rolling Stones Tour Manager Marty Hom
Marty Hom is Tour Manager and Tour Director who has worked with artists such as The Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac, Barbara Streisand, Lenny Kravitz, Chicago, Paula Abdul, Alicia Keys, Shakira, Beyoncé, Backstreet Boys, Stevie Nicks, Van Halen, Bette Midler, Ricky Martin, Boston, Janet Jackson, and Bill Withers among many others.
In this episode, we discuss what it’s like to take a leap of faith by leaving the family business to pursue a non-traditional path, how the industry can provide healthcare for touring professionals, the importance of educating people about the industry in order to create diversity in touring, the path to fulfillment in your career, and adapting to home life when you get home from the road.
You can find him on Instagram @thehomster.
Representation, Equity, and Community in a post-COVID World with Playback Engineer Rayna Zemel
Rayna Zemel is a music producer, playback engineer, live show designer, photographer, film producer, consultant, and activist who has worked with artists such as Pentatonix, Dua Lipa, Lana Del Rey, and The Lonely Island among many others.
In this episode, we discuss what live music executives and artists can do to care for their crews, the importance of learning emotional intelligence, how nurturing your community can help fight post-tour depression and other mental health issues, the importance of representation, what it’s like being the only black, queer female playback engineer, political activism, and how the tour industry can be more equitable post-COVID.
You can find her on Instagram @rayzemel.
Practicing Self-Awareness for a Sustainable Life & Career with Paul Dalen
Paul Dalen is a Tour Manager, Production Manager, and Audio Engineer who has worked with artists such as Animal Collective, Aimee Mann, Bonnie Raitt, Cowboy Junkies, Fiona Apple, Luna, Marc Cohn, Nas, Nick Lowe, Nick Swardson, My Morning Jacket, The Wallflowers, Indigo Girls, tUnE-yArDs, Joe Henry, Rosanne Cash, Bruce Hornsby, The Jayhawks, Al Jarreau, Luther Vandross, Joan Baez, Suzanne Vega, among many others.
In this episode, we discuss the importance of surrounding yourself with people who inspire and encourage you, as well as how practicing self-awareness, empathy, and acceptance can help you be lead a sustainable life and career.
You can find him on Instagram @realrealpauldalen.
Leaning Into the Discomfort with Talent Manager Philip Payne
Philip Payne is a Talent Manager who for nearly a decade as a partner of ScoreMore MGMT, has played an intimate role in the career of Tory Lanez with past responsibilities including tour manager, DJ, Music Director, security, A&R, and songwriter.
In this episode we discuss what it’s like to have to pivot from football into working in the music industry, leaning into uncomfortable feelings in order to reach your full potential, being self-aware in order to grow and hold yourself accountable, why failing is an essential part of the journey and the importance of trusting your gut.
You can find him on Instagram @philipapayne.
Life-Changing Small Habits with Kevin McGuire of The Gama Sennin
Kevin McGuire is a 20 year veteran of the live event industry, Musician, and LED Tech/Media Server operator who has worked with artists such as Duran Duran, John Legend, The Weeknd, Shakira, Hugh Jackman, and on the VMAs and Grammy Awards.
His new single is dropping on Feb 26th with a full-length release on April 2nd for his collective The Gama Sennin.
In this episode we discuss experiencing loss, retreating, reflecting, choosing wellness one small habit at a time, and the wonders that come from taking care of plants.
You can find him on Instagram @dr_m_11 & @thegamasennin
Touring During & After the COVID-19 Pandemic with Security Director John Gaurnieri
John Gaurnieri is a former member of the United States Secret Service and the Chief Operating Officer of Silver Spear Security, LLC, a private security firm. He is the security Director for the band Shinedown and Smith & Myers.
In this episode, we discuss what it was like to have his tour shut down because of coronavirus in March 2020, what it’s like to be out touring during the pandemic, the vital role of COVID Compliance Officers & training, as well as how starting a podcast has helped him continue to learn & grow.
Follow John on Instagram @johnsilverspear and @speartalkpodcast.
Advocating for Better Working Conditions & Transparency in the Music Industry with Audio Engineer Danny Badorine
Danny Badorine is a mental health professional turned audio engineer who has worked with artists such as A Perfect Circle, Incubus, Slipknot, Meghan Trainor, The Raconteurs, Puscifer, Papa Roach, Skyler Stecker, Paul McCartney, Katie Perry, John Mayer, The Eagles, and many others.
In this episode, we discuss his journey from helping at-risk youth with their mental health to where he is today, the effect of intense and stressful working conditions on mental health, advocating for yourself, and the importance of transparency in the music industry—especially between peers.
The Roadie Clinic, COVID Feels, Personal & Professional Relationship Dynamics with Audio Engineer Paul Klimson
Paul Klimson is an audio engineer who has toured with artists such as Drake, John Legend, Justin Timberlake, The Roots and he was a monitor engineer for The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon.
In this episode, we discuss how his personal story and his personal and professional relationship dynamics led to the creation and mission of The Roadie Clinic to empower & heal roadies and their families by providing resources & services tailored to the struggles of the touring lifestyle. We also explore the feelings that the COVID pandemic has brought up.
You can find him on Instagram @theoryoneproductions & @theroadieclinic
Coloring Outside the Lines with Incubus Tour Manager & Philanthropy Pro Kimberly Hurtarte
Kimberly Hurtarte is a tour manager, the Executive Director of The Make Yourself Foundation, and a Community Organizer of 'Show Makers'--a platform developed to share music industry content, facilitate conversations, provide thought leadership, and showcase organizations that are dedicated to the live events community. She has worked with artists such as Linking Park, Incubus, Lizzo, and Megan Trainer. In this episode, we discuss being a responsible ambassador for a cause, maintaining awareness of others, the importance of collaboration, and falling through manhole covers. You can find her on Instagram @where_iz_walda.
Mental Illness Research in the Music Industry with Ace Piva of Over the Bridge
Creativity, Addiction, Self-sabotage, & Recovery with Dave Sherman, Certified Addictions Counselor
Learning To Trust Your Gut, Paying It Forward, Living With Dysthymia with Mary Jo Kaczka, Tour Manager & Accountant
The Importance of Hustling, Having Fun, & Slowing Down When You Need To with Sahir 'Sai' Hanif, Tour Director & Production Manager
You can find him on Instagram @ladrumguy.
In this episode, we discuss growing up with a recording studio in the house, hustling your own drums, even when you’re not supposed to, legos, morale on tour, and slowing down.
Touring In The EDM World & Tour Management 101 with Mark Clark, Tour Manager
He is one of the co-hosts of Tour Management 101. You can find him on Instagram @markclarktm
In this episode, we talk about trusting your instincts, what it’s like working in the EDM world, the importance of taking time off and documenting your adventures.
Getting Unstuck, Moving The Live Music Industry Forward with Adriane Biondo, Tour Manager
In this episode we discuss growing up in the theatre, hitting the reset button when you feel burn out coming, the value of nurturing relationships, mental health in the music industry, the touring ecosystem, the birth of Tour Management 101, and taking action during the pandemic in order to move the music industry forward.
LA During Quarantine, Finding Motivation, How To Be A Good Traveler with The Strokes Road Manager Rylee Kellogg
In this episode we talk about the road from Production Coordinator to Road Manager, what it’s like living in LA during Quarantine, traveling to obscure places, finding the motivation to take care of yourself and to work out, and ways to be a good world traveler.
You can find her on Instagram @ryharlow.
Resilience, Social Media, Knowing When To Pivot with Adam Labov, Tour Manager & Audio Engineer
In this episode we discuss overcoming tough times, giving back, the pitfalls of social media, setting professional communication boundaries, and knowing when to pivot.
You can find him on his website firepitsessions.com and on Instagram @adam_labov.
Diversity in Touring, Managing & Overcoming Anger with Tyler, the Creator Production Manager David ‘5-1’ Norman
David '5-1' Norman is a Tour Director, Tour Manager, Production Manager, and Tour Accountant who has toured with artists such as Tyler the Creator, Earth, Wind & Fire, Prince, Avicii, John Legend, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, Fall Out Boy, Toni Braxton, John Fogerty, Charlie Wilson, Toto, Joss Stone, Panic! at the Disco, Green Day, and Goo Goo Dolls. He is a co-host of Tour Management 101 and has been a featured speaker on a variety of panels at the Tour Link Conference, IMFCON, The Hubb at CAA in Nashville, The Leadership Music Panel (Nashville), the University of Georgia Music Business Program, and the William Paterson University Music Business Program. In this episode, we talk about diversity in touring, managing and overcoming anger, and practical actions you can take to learn about and get into the music business. You can find him on Instagram @davidfiveone.
Security On Tour, Building Professional Relationships, Being A Parent While Touring with Lizzo Security Director David “Sarge” Villarreal
In this episode we chat about security on tour, taking care of yourself so you don’t burn out, building professional relationships, and what it's like to be a parent who's gone on tour all the time.
You can find him on Instagram @sarge_protects.
The Realities Women & Minorities Face In Touring, Speaking Up When It’s Not Easy, Learning To be Self-Aware with Kali Uchis Audio Engineer Loreen Bohannon
Loreen Bohannon is an audio engineer who has worked with artists such as Kali Uchis, Lizzo, Anita baker, Plain White Ts, Skip Marley, Dhani Harrison, Prettymuch, The Accidentals, and Michael Bolton. In this episode, we have a truly candid and much-needed conversation about the realities women face in American culture and specifically in touring. We explore how speaking out, owning your truth, and working on being self-aware can be the most empowering thing we can do. You can find her on Instagram @soundlady13.
How To Be Great At Your Job, Being Mindful, Making Room For Growth with Kenny Sharretts, Backline/Playback Tech & Stage Manager
In this episode, we discuss some of the great things he learned from working with Stevie Wonder about living life in a more fulfilling and meaning full way. As well as how to be the best that you can possibly be at your job.
You can catch on his YouTube channel and on Instagram @kennysharretts.
The Importance of Giving Back, How To Pivot & Adapt, Living In Canada with Doug Wilson, Tour Manager
Finding Balance By Slowing Down, Coronavirus Politics, How To Help The Live Music Industry with Run The Jewels & A$AP Rocky Tour Director Christian Coffey
Christian Coffey is a tour director who has worked with artists such as Childish Gambino, Run the Jewels, A$AP Rocky, Clairo, Zara Larsson, Mike Snow, Summer Walker, and 6lack. In this episode we talk about finding balance in life, learning to say no, how the coronavirus pandemic has hit the people of the touring industry, how it affects the entire world economy, and how you can help #saveourstages by going to saveourstages.com to contact your representatives in support of the Restart Act. You can find him on Instagram @christian_coffey.
Staying Connected To Fans, Fitness On The Road, Packing For Tour, Sneakers with Kyle Konkiel of Bad Wolves
In this episode we discuss staying connected to fans during the coronavirus quarantine, staying fit on the road, how and what to pack for tour, as well as a whole lot of sneaker talk.
You can find him on Instagram @kylekonkiel.
patreon.com/badwolves
kylekonkiel.bigcartel.com
Live Sound, Taking Care of Your Mental & Emotional Health with Vampire Weekend Audio Engineer Matthew Andrade
In this episode, we discuss what it's like to be a monitor engineer, how to take care of your mental and emotional health on and off tour.
You can find him on Instagram @matthewmatics.
Mike Robinson, Musician - Food On Tour Podcast, Learning From Friends, Chain Stitch Embroidery & Tour Tattoos
In this episode, we discuss starting a tour food podcast, learning from friends in order to grow your career, chain stitch embroidery, and tour tattoos.
You can find him on Instagram @mikerobinson and @food.ontour.
Jair Crews, Audio Engineer - The Value of Capturing & Sharing Your Experiences, Maintaining Good Mental Health, Achieving Your Dreams
In this episode, he tells us how his experience working on a WWE production was the foundation of his how he sets up his workflow today. We also talk about mental health, chasing dreams, and even tasting an orange for the very first time.
You can find him on Instagram @jlifemusic.
Jonathon Lee Burlew, Backline Tech - Touring Abroad, Following Your Passion, Overcoming Criticism
Henry Bordeaux, Tour & Talent Manager - Mentoring, Leadership, & Leading A Non-conventional Life
In this episode, we discuss the importance of mentoring in touring, the dynamics of leadership, and how to successfully lead a non-conventional life.
You can find him on Instagram @henrybordeaux.
Mary Broadbent, Tour Manager & Guitar Tech - Navigating Life During Coronavirus Quarantine, Setting Healthy Boundaries, & Finding Connection
Sam Saideman, Artist Manager - Taking Care of yourself First, Overcoming Negative Financial Experiences, Developing Your Business & Goals
In this episode, we discuss learning to take care of yourself first, overcoming financial loss, and developing your business and goals.
You can find him on Instagram @samthemanager_.
Erin Bridges, Health Coach, Dancer & Choreographer - Cabaret, Touring With Metal Band ‘In This Moment,’ Health Coaching
In this episode, we discuss touring in the metal world and deciding to be a health coach in order to help the music industry grow and thrive.
You can find her on Instagram @erinelizabeth_money_itm.
3 Actions You Can Take To Relieve COVID-19 Money Stress
Bardo, Musician - Growing Up Abroad, Expanding Your Scene, Embracing Failure
In this episode, we chat about growing up abroad, expanding your world-view through language-learning, building genuine relationships, and how important it is to fail.
You can find him on Instagram @whereisbardo.
Aaron Sweatt, Musician & Tour Manager - Spotting Opportunities, Growing Your Skillset, Getting Back In The Gym
In this episode, we catch up on how he went from booking shows at The Abby to touring with artists like Chance the Rapper, spotting opportunities, growing your skillset, and how to get back in the gym.
You can find him on Instagram @aaronsweatt.
Rachel Villaneuva, Yoga Instructor & Reiki Master - Overcoming Fear, Slowing Down, Finding Joy In Movement & Nature
In this episode, we talk about overcoming fear, slowing down in a time of crisis, and finding joy in movement and in nature.
You can find her on Instagram @yogahouseboerne.
Six Ways To Cope With Unexpected Losses During The Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic
The Coronavirus Pandemic has really put our coping skills to the. This episode shares 6 Psychologist-Approved Ways To Cope With Unexpected Losses Right Now by Psychologist Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D. who is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Nevada, Reno and has served as president of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy and the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science. Originally published by Mind Body Green.
Ben Dacoba, Musician - Playing Gigs, Relationships, Pros & Cons of The Tour Life
VibeQueen, Musician - Seeking Balance, Finding Your 'Why', Deciding to Keep Going
In this episode, we discuss her experience with attempted suicide, deciding to keep going by finding your 'WHY' in life and seeking balance through it all.
You can find her on Instagram @vibequeenmusic.