So listen… I got burned last year on a tour. I took an investment gig with a ton of potential, then it all went to shit in the final days before the tour left. Looking back with 20/20 hindsight, everything is a little more clear. I feel wiser now than I did just a few short months ago. Here’s How To Spot The Red Flags For Touring.
Before we get to deep into the nitty-gritty, I should provide more of an elaborate backstory to explain the process and how it unfolded. (While respecting the surrounding factor’s privacy, of course)
In an attempt to stay humble, I’m also going to outline some mistakes that I made and outline some of these lessons that I had to relearn the hard way.
As a bit of a disclaimer, I’m a Tour Manager. My red flags are going to be different than other position’s red flags.
Back Story
Here we go. I got a call from a long-time manager friend saying that there was a new international artist who signed a giant touring deal with a large, respected promoter. He’s got the potential to be the next big thing coming to North America. With my extensive background in Kpop touring, I was excited by the opportunity to do something a little “off the beaten path”, if you will. So I did some online research and everything looked good… or good enough at least.
I talked to the artist and the mgmt team. We had decided to build a global touring team to set ourselves up for success over the next few years.
At first, everything was pretty exciting, but now, a wiser me looks back and replays every conversation in my mind, and the red flags become much more apparent now.
Let’s Get Down To It
Alright, enough backstory. Lets get back to the go-to formula for Backstage Culture.
- Where I Went Wrong
- What I Should Have Done
- What Did I Learn?
Where I Went Wrong
Look, don’t judge me. I told you I made some mistakes. And now that I’ve had some to time to obsess over it, then continue to over-analyze, and now get over it. Here’s Where I Went Wrong.
I Got Too Excited Over A Gig
Just like entering a new relationship, there’s a honeymoon phase with gigs. Where everything feels different, and exciting, and… hopeful. I thought this gig was going to take me all over the world to a bunch of places that I would NEVER go to on my own accord. I think I just got wrapped up and because of that, I purposefully ignored my gut feeling. Red Flag.
I Justified The Flaws To Myself
I tried to make peace with the parts that made me uncomfortable. I told myself that I need to be open to change. That I’m not gonna continue to grow if I don’t start taking some real risks. Looking back now, I was trying to justify and convince myself that the signs were me just being scared of putting myself out there. Red Flag again.
What I Should Have Done
Pay Attention To The Small Details
Maybe I need to go back to the book “Never Split The Difference” about FBI hostage negotiations to relearn how to see the forest through the trees. I should have asked hundreds of questions (like… I kinda did). But, I should have paid better attention to how each question was answered.
See how certain questions resonated. If there is any sort of unrest, ask tougher questions, then sit and wait for answers. People will unfold their intentions if you ask them the correct questions and wait. This is how to uncover a red flag.
I know that coming off too strong is something we all need to be aware of as it works against you more times than not. So remember to tread carefully.
Test The Waters
I should have set stronger milestones/markers as the benchmarks to test if issues were real or not. There are tons of other microdecisions that need to happen in order to get a tour across the finish line. I normally do this by prompting more difficult situations.
“Here’s the budget, does this number frighten you?” is normally one. “Are you prepared to go ahead with this?” is often a follow-up. If people give you certainty, that’s a good sign. However, In my situation, I got a design and a budget approved before I started moving forward on the gig and it didn’t seem to matter.
Put Their Money Where Their Mouth Is
Yet again, I did this one.
Much like the testers above, If you’re in a position where you have to spend the artist’s money, this is a great opportunity to test the waters and address the number one concern. “Do They Pay Their Bills?”. Outline the payment terms for buses, trucks, production… everything. Then wait to see if they pay their bills, and if they do, do they pay them on time and correctly? Any discrepancy, whether it’s small or large is a red flag. i.e. “I didnt make it to the bank today, I’ll go tomorrow” or being at the bank and having any sort of hiccup.
Get It In Writing
Whatever the excuse is that makes this difficult to obtain, overcome it. If someone doesn’t read and write fluent English or just plain prefers to talk on the phone instead, recap the phone calls by email.
If someone calls you to confirm something that you have sent to them by email, ask them to reply “confirmed” to that email.
Even a text will suffice, “Double checking we’re good to confirm this”. Then screenshot the confirmation.
Those take minimal effort to accomplish but will save your ass in a bind. When shit starts hitting the fan, you have the potential of seeing the bad side of people. Whether or not it’s originally noticeable in their character. If making commitments via email is continuously avoided… That’s a red flag.
Don’t Let Someone Else’s Mistakes Dictate Your Mental State
I blew it on this one. When things turned upside down, it rattled me to my core. I couldn’t eat, sleep, or hold a conversation with my family… nothing. That being said, it’s tough to be the face of a fucked up situation. It wasn’t my fault. But I internalized it and took it personally because I sold everyone on the idea that this was going to be something good. I should have done a better job of owning my reaction to this situation.
You need to protect your vibe at all costs. You have a job to do and a reputation to protect. Don’t let someone else fuck that up for you.
Even Still…
This all being said, sometimes you still get burnt. I did almost all of these steps and it didn’t seem to matter. Although touring can be great, and there are a lot of genuinely nice people out there, this is still a dirty business. You need to trust your instincts and follow your gut.
I don’t want this to spook you. This is a rare occasion that has only happened once in 16 years of touring. But it has changed every single decision I have made since. Be careful out there when picking up new gigs for next year. If you’ve got a situation that you need a 3rd party to look at, I’m here – [email protected]
See you out there.
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