As a freelance artist representative in the music industry, I have witnessed the struggles independent artists face over the years as they tour the open road. To me, there is an obvious connection between being a touring musician and an independent traveler. So I decided to explore this subject further by conducting a series of interviews with up-and-coming (meaning non-major label) bands, artist managers, and solo artists that have an extensive touring history. In these interviews you and I both will learn about their unique travel experiences, read anecdotes, get a glimpse into their life on tour, and discover their understandings behind the meaning of travel. My aim is to connect travel and music in a new way. I hope you enjoy.
To kick start this blog series, I spoke with Emily White of Whitesmith Entertainment, a talent and comedy management company based in New York and Los Angeles. Emily is an admired lady in the music biz, having been a tour manager from 2003-2006 for notable acts such as the cabaret-like duo Dresden Dolls as well as Imogen Heap, Devotchka, and Regina Spektor. She now runs a management company with business partner, Keri Smith, managing indie artists such as Family of the Year and Sydney Wayser, who will also be featured in this series later this month. Currently, Emily is on the road with Family of the Year for their fall tour with Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros. Here is what Emily had to say about her travels as a tour manager:
As a tour manager, where have you traveled to and where do you call home?
I tour managed for three years, circling the globe with The Dresden Dolls, Imogen Heap, Regina Spektor and others. There were tours where we’d hit 4 continents in a month. I think we went to Europe about 15 times with The Dolls and also hit Australia and Japan a few times, as well as Mexico and Canada in North America.
What challenges do you face when touring?
Staying healthy can be tough when you’re surrounded by alcohol, pizza, caffeine and late nights. But it can also be a fun challenge (i.e.) yoga in parking lots, and figuring out ways to stay healthy as a group. That being said, living on a tour bus with 11 other adults isn’t natural for anyone, which can lead to internal issues.
Emily with Brian Viglione (Dresden Dolls) on the black beaches of New Zealand
How do you maximize your downtime for exploring destinations while on tour?
There were certainly times that I had to stay in to catch up on work to ensure that the tour moved forward smoothly, but because I was the tour manager, I would also arrange for off days in beach cities like in Spain or make sure we arrived at festivals the day before – like when Radiohead was headlining an event in Belgium.
Do you think accompanying a touring band makes you feel somewhat like a nomad?
I think touring with a band is not only legitimate travel, but sometimes enhances travel. Promoters (and sometimes label folk) generally want to show off their homeland and it’s a blast to participate in. How often does one have their own translator in Japan or promoters willing to take you to the black beaches in New Zealand? I’ve also had ridiculous meals in places like Italy overlooking a valley before the band played. The best part is? I’m getting paid to be there!
Aside from the free food and hospitable people, what is the best part of traveling with musicians?
I’d like to think it’s that the artist is bringing their music to people all over the globe. I mean seriously, what’s better than that?
Emily in Tokyo with a label rep
How do you like to keep track of your travels?
I was actually anti-social networking until I started tour managing. Myspace and Facebook eventually became a way to stay in touch with all of the people I was meeting throughout the world.
So now that you have toured for so long, do you consider yourself a Travel Geek?
DEFINITELY. I love airlines and airports, don’t even get me started. . .
Emily and the Dresden Dolls crew (w/ Brian Viglione of the band) on an off day in San Sebastian, Spain
Emily and Imogen Heap and Zoe Keating in Park City, Utah @ The Sundance Film Festival
After chatting with Emily, it looks like tour managers can be bitten by the travel bug, too!
For more info on Emily and the Whitesmith Entertainment family, check out their home at WhitesmithEntertainment.com
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I loved this Post. Am kinda Anti Social-Networking Guy too, I thought I was odd, but reading your Post i felt at relief. Am Gonna start with my first Tour as a Tour Manager this Year. Fingers Crossed, Actually Nervous, Hope all goes smooth…..
[...] Sydney Wayser and Family of the Year. I interviewed their music manager, Emily White, in the previous post where she admitted she’s become a Travel Geek after years of touring. Let’s see if [...]