Behind the Scenes of My Life in the Music Industry

The music industry often looks glamorous from the outside. Bright lights, packed venues, and chart-topping hits paint a picture of success and excitement. The general public is not aware of what happens behind the scenes. This includes a mix of hard work, sleepless nights working a 32 hour work day, challenges, sadness and stress of being away from home, variable personalities, and the constant learning. This post shares my insider’s view of life in the music world. Revealing the realities that shape every professional involved.

Early Days and First Steps

Starting out in the music industry is rarely straightforward. I was raised in it with my father being a tour manager and attending many concerts with band and crew visiting our house after shows. It began with a passion for traveling, music, creativity, and a desire to create something unique with my caring heart. I officially started small in 1998 at a young age. The first challenge was finding the right opportunities to grow. That meant:

• Relentlessly putting myself out there: Many open and closed doors were presented. Many challenges were overcome due to circumstances out of my control. I showed tremendous hard work ethic and won over old dogs set in their ways, and some I did not regardless of what I did.

• Networking: With other industry professionals, artists, and musicians offered job positions by word of mouth.

• Taking smaller gigs or volunteering: To gain experience I took any gig possible whether paid or not, whether in my town or if it required traveling.

  
  

In my early years I spent countless hours working as a production assistant for music videos, as a wardrobe and prop assistant for photo shoots, and I dabbled in working with music festivals. I worked fashion shows as a wardrobe assistant around the world. I learned how to connect with managment agencies and understand all of the details of production as well as every detail of an event or concert from doors until house lights. It took countless years of networking with good friends in the industry whom took the leap and hired me. They gave me the opportunity to gain the word of mouth credibility, working relentlessly with every ounce of effort and energy I had. These experiences laid the foundation for everything that followed.

The Role of Collaboration

Production coordination is rarely a solo effort. Collaboration plays a crucial role in shaping tours, photo shoots, and events. Working with other artists, producers, and memorable crew members brought fresh ideas and new energy. It also taught me valuable lessons about communication and compromise when your the only women living on a tour bus with ten men. Yes, I went there humourously as that is an important note as you have to be adaptable to every and any situation.

Navigating the Business Side

Behind every event and concert is a complex business structure. Contracts, royalties, marketing, and distribution all require accute attention to detail. Many artists and production coordinators find this side overwhelming, but understanding it is key to long-term success.

Some practical tips include:

• Educate yourself on contracts: Before signing anything! If the event or tour is canceled or if you are no longer needed for the event or tour will you be compensated? Learned that lesson recently and was at a loss of thousands of dollars only ten days prior to the fly out date and already turned down other gigs.

• Keep track of royalties and payments: To ensure fair compensation. Touring programs and ledgers assist in keeping track of per diems, event and bus stock, and merch revenue.

• Build relationships with trustworthy managers, agents, and artists: It is important that others know your character and hard work ethic to refer you. Always try to leave in a good manner. Build relationships with event staff, fellow crew members, and managers. Tread lightly with the last one and always be aware, enough said.

  
  

In my experience, having a clear grasp of the business side helps avoid common pitfalls and keeps the focus on creativity.

The Impact of Technology

Technology has transformed the music industry in many ways. Digital recording tools, touring planning platforms, and social media have changed how it is all put together, shared, and consumed. This shift offers both opportunities and challenges.

Adapting to new tools and trends is a constant part. For example, learning how to use digital audio workstations or booking premier travel.

Handling Pressure and Setbacks

The music industry is competitive and unpredictable. Success does not come overnight and setbacks are common. Rejections, canceled tours, canceled or delayed flights, head strong individuals, or creative blocks can take a toll on motivation.

Building resilience is crucial. This means:

• Maintaining a strong support network: Keep in constant contact with friends, family, and colleagues. Plan relaxing and fun activities to do with other crew or event members on days off.

• Setting realistic goals: You can only do what you can do in a 24 hour day and celebrating small wins is crucial.

• Taking breaks when needed: To avoid burnout on days off make time for fun and most importantly rest!! Treat yourself as I did with tour friends to pedicures, massages, or movies.

  
  

In my journey, facing challenges head-on and learning from failures helped me grow both personally and professionally.

The Joy of Connecting Through Music

Despite the difficulties, the most rewarding part of working in the music industry is the connection it creates. Whether it’s with the artist or bands I worked for, the crew, or the fans. These moments made the effort worthwhile.

Music has the power to bring people together, express emotions, and tell stories. Being part of that process is a privilege that kept me going through tough times.

Final Thoughts on Life in the Music Industry

Life in the music industry is a blend of creativity, business, and perseverance. It requires passion, patience, and a willingness to learn every day. While the spotlight shines on the final performance, the real work happens behind the scenes. That is where I was and am as a "Tour Mom". I take on every job while ensuring all details and everyone is and was set with all needs. Now may be time to pivot and extend with something new in the music industry. Let's see what I can learn next!