Diversity on Tour






Tips for allies

What can people with an established touring career do?

Step 1: RECRUIT: create awareness of our jobs with young BIPOC, girls and genderqueer kids. Talk at schools, do an interview / guest appearance in magazines or on panels, webinars, podcasts, blogs etc.

Step 2: INFORM: share the resources in this page.

Step 3: ENCOURAGE: give confidence/validation to aspiring roadies to keep up the hustle. This is a tough industry to break into for anyone, but especially for women, genderqueer people and BIPOC!

Step 4: MENTOR: offer group- or 1 on 1 coaching via programs like 1520 Vision and Diversify the Stage.

Step 5: HIRE: look beyond your own network if you feel it’s hard to staff your tour diversely. Check resources on this page if needed, several include diverse crew databases. Request a diverse crew from your vendors and promoters. Take the DTS Inclusion Initiative Pledge.

Step 6: SAFEGUARD: create a safe environment on tour by informing all about the importance of a diverse crew, take complaints seriously and act on wrongdoing and microaggressions. Call others on non-inclusive or offensive language.



How can men be allies?

Step 1: ACKNOWLEDGE: recognize the challenges women and genderqueer people are facing in the industry on a daily basis and throughout their careers. Believe them when they tell you of traumatizing experiences.

Step 2: SPEAK UP: call others on inappropriate behavior and unacceptable language. Not because women and genderqueer people can’t speak for themselves, but because they shouldn’t always be required to educate. This also goes for moments when they aren’t in the room. Call your employer on it when they are not creating equal opportunity for all genders. When you receive praise or an award or get asked to speak at an event or panel, do a little research on the diversity of the organisation and the event, and make a stand if there is a lack of it. Share the spotlight and invite a minority colleague along.

Step 3: KEEP UP: take an interest in the subject, and keep up with new initiatives on this subject, such as Diversify the Stage and 3T Project.

Step 4: ACT: Implement a zero tolerance policy for any type of violence, inappropriate behavior and unacceptable language. Announce it, repeat it, enforce it. Yes, this should be standard, but somehow, it hasn’t been.

Step 5: FACILITATE: Request a diverse crew from vendors and local crew. Add a diversity & inclusion clause to your touring rider. When hiring crew for your tour, collect diverse resumes and offer equal opportunity for career progress. Offer shadowing opportunities, internships and mentorships. (see steps in “What can people with an established touring career do?”)

Step 6: NORMALIZE: Don’t only invite women to the table/on a panel/ in your podcast to discuss gender balance, but instead treat them as you would your male guests & speaker. Add your pronouns to your email signature (here’s why). If you have a contact or order form on your website that asks for gender (mr/mrs/ms), include other options (such as mx or ‘prefer not to specify’).


What can vendors (suppliers) do?

Step 1: TAKE INVENTORY: how diverse is my staff? Why?

Step 2: RESEARCH THE FLOOR: what is our culture?

Ask female, queer and non-white staffers: how do they feel about the culture? Do they feel respected? Do they feel they are seen as equals? Do they feel they get the same opportunities and compensation? Is language seen as inclusive?

Do complaints get taken seriously and are there repercussions for offenders?

Step 3: TAKE A LOOK AT YOUR RECRUITMENT: are we recruiting new staff in a way that is accessible and encouraging to all people equally?

Do we offer any traineeships, internships or career days to diversity our staff?

Step 4: MAKE A STATEMENT: announce to all staff that diversity and inclusivity is important to the company. Create an inclusivity charter or download one from TPG website. Email it to all staff and post it at a prominent location (or various locations).

Step 5: REACH OUT: to local schools and youth centers, ask about career day programs. Reach out to local inclusivity programs, join industry groups and post about internship opportunities.

Step 6: PUT INTO PRACTISE: enforce the inclusivity charter. Correct each other on offensive language and create a safe space for complaints. Do create equal opportunity for promotions and bonuses. Host a diversity and equality training for your staff. (See Resources). Take the DTS Inclusion Initiative Pledge.


Tips for newbies

Getting started in the live music industry


Do you find the live music industry interesting but have no idea what the options are or where to even start looking? Check out Gen Admission, a resource to do some basic orientation on music industry jobs. Another great orientation resource is Don't Shit on the Bus podcast.



Step 1: EDUCATE YOURSELF: follow webinars such as Jen Kellogg’s and Tourmgmt 101. Read books like Claire Murphy’s “How to break into the live industry from a female perspective”. Check out the resources I have shared in this website.

Step 2: GET EXPERIENCE: locate vendors who rent light/audio/video/laser equipment and ask to work / intern at the warehouse. Approach local venues and festivals and start working as a stagehand, runner or local merch vendor. Contact local bands and ask if you can help carry gear and set up. Volunteer for a charity that has music making at its heart as it will give you practical experience with gear/production, etc. Specifically, volunteer for a charity/nonprofit looking to address the gender imbalance in the music industry as these are often spaces which are supportive and will help you build the confidence you need to apply your experience to a job! Sign up at Shadow me Women.

Step 3: GET ORGANIZED: register as a freelancer. Research what is required in your country. Keep a tidy accounting of your personal and professional affairs. Make sure you have a financial buffer. Have a business card handy for when you make new connections. Create a signature for your email with your contact details so people don’t have to search hard to find you.

Step 4: REACH OUT: find professionals and peers, on industry FB groups, people you've seen on webinars or heard on a podcast, or search on Linked in. When sending Linked In requests, use a desktop and then add a note (this is not possible when using mobile). Introduce yourself and give some context why you are requesting the connection. If they accept, ask to meet them (be it in person or via videocall). Be to the point, prepare for the conversation by doing some research and ask them questions. Follow up to thank them for their time and ask if it’s ok to keep in touch (and then keep in touch regularly, maybe every 4-6 months). 

Be aware of who is going to hire you or put you forward for jobs: are you an aspiring tour manager? Connect with artist managers, agents and other tour managers. Are you looking for a position as an audio engineer, LD or backline technician? Contact tour- and production managers, vendors (rental companies), and others with the position you are looking to fill. Go to (online) industry conferences like Live Production Summit (more listed under Industry resources).

Step 5: BE VISIBLE: have a clear resume with contact info, experience and references. 1 page, PDF. Go to (online) networking events. List yourself on crew databases like EQL and WILM. Join all the industry groups on social media listed in this document and be an active member. Get on Clubhouse and be active: join industry clubs, follow industry leaders and join them in talks. Start a blog and promote it, maybe use it as a reason to interview people. Keep in touch with your contacts from time to time. Hustle, baby, hustle! No one is going to present opportunities on a silver platter, it is on YOU to get out there and find them and on YOU to make sure others know you exist and are looking for work!

Step 6: BE AVAILABLE: you never know when you get that call! Keep an eye on job sites such as Foot in the Door - Entry level music jobs and internships and Bobnet. More job sites under Industry resources.


General industry resources

Podcasts/webcasts


Beyond the Spotlight
| Spotify | Apple

Don’t Shit on the Bus | Spotify | Apple

Everything but the show | Spotify | Apple

Feed the Crew | Spotify | Apple

First Act Podcast  Spotify | Apple (A “How-To” guide on breaking into the music and entertainment industry)

Good for a Girl | Spotify | Apple

Hustle Like U Broke | Spotify | Apple

Loud Culture | Spotify | Apple

Meet Me Backstage | Spotify | Apple

More 4 Tours | Spotify

MPW Podcast  | Spotify | Apple (A podcast about different areas of music production and audio engineering for the everyday musician)

Music Industry Insights Worldwide | Spotify   (Equality & Diversity In the Music Industry Across U.K., Europe The USA & Canada)

Party Like a Rockstar Podcast | Spotify | Apple

Pooch & Rabold | Spotify | Apple

Promoter 101 | Spotify | Apple

Roadcase Pod | Spotify | Apple

Roadie Free Radio | Spotify | Apple

Signal to Noise | Spotify | Apple

Talking Touring | Spotify | Apple

The First Act | Spotify | Apple

The Tour Life | Spotify | Apple

The Music Biz 101 | Spotify | Apple

We Are the Road Crew | Spotify | Apple

We Need Crew | Spotify | Apple

Wrong end of the snake (not very diverse with their guests)


Websites & FB groups


ALEEP - Association of Live Event & Entertainment Professionals Facebook group

Backstage Learning Resource Facebook group

The Back Lounge Touring and Events group

Bobnet / Bobnet Facebook group

BOH (Back of House) weekly industry newsletter

Complete Music Update Jobs (job board)

C.R.E.W. Coalition Community Facebook group

Doors Open (job board)

Entourage Pro (crew database)

Event/Festival Work Opportunities

Foot in the Door - Entry level music jobs and internships

FUPP (crew database)

Gen Admission (music industry basics explained)

Haulix Daily (job board)

Hey Audio Student

IQ Magazine

Live Touring Crew Facebook group 

Merch Madness Facebook group

Merchandise Tour Crew Facebook group

Music Careers

Music/Entertainment Industry Women Working Together Jobs/Careers/Advice/Etc Facebook group

Music Industry Career Networking Facebook group

Music Business Worldwide Jobs

Music Industry Careers

Pollstar

ProSoundWeb

PSA (live production trade association)

Shadow me Women

Showcase - the international music industry directory

Showmakers

Tour Production Group TPG | Instagram

Touring Professionals Alliance TPA | Facebook

TPI Magazine

UK Live Events Freelancers Forum Facebook group

UK Touring Crew Facebook group

UK Touring Crew - Vans/drivers Facebook group

Women+/Femme Stagehands Facebook group

Women and Diverse Genders in Audio


Industry Conferences:



September 20 - 23  - Reeperbahn Festival Conference 2021 (DE)

September - The Green Events & Innovations Conference Summer Edition Online

September - Ditto X: Meet the Music Industry 

September - Music Forward's All Access Fest (US)

September - MIL - LISBON INTERNATIONAL MUSIC NETWORK (PT)

October - PMC 2021

October - Amsterdam Dance Event (NL)

October - LeatCon Hamburg (DE)

October - The Showman's show (UK)

October 19 - 21 SoAlive (Bulgaria)

November- Event Production Forum East (dates 2023 TBC)

November 21 - 25 - Linecheck MIlan (IT)

January 18 - 20 2024 Live Production Summit (US)

January 15 - 17 2024 https://www.cue.nl/ (NL)

January 17 - 20 2024 - Eurosonic Noorderslag (NL)

January 2024 - NAMM - Believe in Music (US)

February 2024 - Pollstar Live (US)

March 1-2 2024 Event Production Show (UK)

March 8 - 9 2024 International Confex (UK)

March 2024 - IPM (ILMC Production Meeting) (UK)

March 2024 - ILMC (UK)

March 2024 - 15th Green Events & Innovations Conference (GEI 15) by A Greener Festival

March 2024 - SXSW (US)

April 2024 - Musikmesse (DE)

May 10 - 13 - Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) (ES)

May 11 - 14 - The Great Escape (UK)

May 16 - 19 - Indie101 (US)

June 3 - 5 - The NAMM show (US)

September 7 - 9 - Music Pro Summit (US)



Webinars & Online Courses:


ACT Lighting courses

Paid courses for operating GrandMA2 and GrandMA3 (101 course is USD 195)


AVIXA

Paid courses for anything AV


Audinate

Free Dante Certification Program


Backstage Learning Resources

A Facebook group dedicated to sharing educational music industry webinars on other platforms


Barco

Video / projection courses (some free, some paid)


Brittania Row

Online live sound training for beginners and intermediate level


Disguise

Video / media server courses (some free, some paid)


Event Crew Training

​​Our Event Crew Essentials course has been designed by industry professionals to get your new crew work ready from their first shift. (20 GBP)


Event Safety Alliance

Several online courses on event safety, most notably the 30 hour OSHA General Industry Training


IATSE Guide to Free Online Training

Dozens of links to free training courses in a variety of event production related fields


Intro to Ableton Live

A month-long comprehensive course to learn how to produce in Ableton Live. FREE for womxn of colour.


Jen Kellogg’s Concert Business Basics

A FREE virtual workshop series for concert industry professionals (donations welcome)


Need for Reed

Free written tour management guide


Roadie Wrap

2 minute tutorial how to properly roll a cable


Shure e-learning and online training

FREE online audio courses


Sonic Workshops

Paid courses on tour management, live audio, and other music management topics. (starts at GBP 100 per course)


Stage Automation Operation & Programming

A 1 hour workshop by Mimi Stal


The New Music Biz: Bands, Brands, Managers, & Tours

A paid course on music management by Kevin Lyman (USD 29 per course)


TheatreArtLife: Masterclass Show Calling for Events 

paid 90 min masterclass on event and theatre show calling


Tourmanagement 101

A webinar series for aspiring and experienced tour managers. Interesting for anyone interested in working on tour.


Tourmanager.info

Tour Manager Info is an online educational resource for aspiring and experienced touring professionals.




Schools: 


Herman Brood Academie (Utrecht, NL)


Backstage Academy (Liverpool, UK)


Blackbird Academy (Nashville, US)


Books: 


These all link to Amazon but I encourage you to order from a local independent bookseller.


Claire Murphy’s ‘Girl on the Road: How to Break into Touring from a Female Perspective’


All You Need To Know About The Music Business 


This Business of Concert Promotion and Touring: A Practical Guide to Creating, Selling, Organizing, and Staging Concerts


One for the Road: How to Be a Music Tour Manager 


Tour:Smart: And Break the Band


5 Steps To A Roadie Job: How to Get Working On-The-Road With Touring Bands


Sound Advice: The Ultimate Guide to a Healthy and Successful Career in Music


Loads more books in this Google doc by Victoria Hamersky!



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