Hustle Like U Broke

Matt, Kyle, Chris, and Dallas are back! It's been a minute, and they've all been working, so we check in on the state of the industry, the things that are working and those that aren't, and check in on some of the big festivals and shows that our hosts have been at.

The world of wardrobe and backstage manager occupies a unique space in the touring industry. Few positions on a tour have as much intimate access and proximity to the artist, creating a role that is both fundamental and distinct in the touring industry. It takes a special type of person to fulfill those obligations, and Abby Franklin is one of them. A close friend of Christine, Abby has been working behind-the-scenes to dress and fulfill requests for artists like Prince, Drake, The Jonas Brothers, Phil Collins, Katy Perry, Michael Jackson, and many others. In our discussion with Abby we learn about the extremes that backstage personnel go to in order to create environments where artists Thrive, the self-confidence required to handle such a demanding position, and the importance of self-care on the road.

Fireplay's Chief Creative Officer and CEO Nick Whitehouse has honed his craft with nearly a quarter of a century in this business. Starting as a Lighting Designer and with the guidance of a mentor, Whitehouse expanded his role to production designer and creative producer with a bold style that has won the admiration of music's most prominent figures and a 15-year collaboration with Justin Timberlake. From Super Bowl performances and award shows to pivotal moments in popular culture, chances are you've seen Whitehouse's work without even knowing it. The UK native created Fireplay to bring a unique and collaborative touch to the industry and to provide services that go beyond artists' expectations to revolutionize production and design. In our discussion, we talk about ways the entertainment industry has been at the forefront of sustainability through technological innovations, the approach that makes Fireplay unique within the industry, and the opportunities that exist in AR/VR coming out of the pandemic.

Dr. Chayim Newman & Zack Borer are back to discuss mental health in the music industry. Between February and March of 2020 (prior to the work stoppage caused by the pandemic), over 1100 global music industry professionals responded to a survey, indicating exacerbated levels of stress, anxiety, and detrimental behaviors. Upon reviewing the responses and the infrastructure present in the industry, Chayim and Zack created an industry https://www.borernewman.com/whitepaper (white paper), outlining where we are now, identifying tools and resources that currently exist to address these chronic concerns, and contemplating a blueprint for the road ahead. In our discussion, we talk about the role a governing body could play in mandating industry health and wellness standards, the importance of actionable items being prioritized moving forward, and the different ways members of the music industry can support these efforts as we get back to work.

We started https://www.hustlelikeubroke.com/episodes (Hustle Like U Broke) to highlight the working-class heroes of the music industry, and it turned out to be a great way to stay connected with our road family during an unprecedented hiatus. Here we are a year later and we've had professionals from all walks of touring - audio, lighting, video, design, travel, compliance, security, fan engagement, non-profit support, insurance, and so much more. We knew the breadth of the talent in this industry was wide, but in the past year our appreciation for this incredible group of humans has grown. And that's why our special anniversary episode features a whole cast of characters - along with the Core 4 (Matthew, Kyle, Chris, and Dallas), we're joined by Tami Blevins (C3 Artist Relations), Malchijah Bailey (Independent Risk Management & Security), Ian Simon (Strangeloop Video), Meg Dieter (BWG Festivals & Live Event Logistic), and Dani Triebner (Ascot Travel). In this discussion, we talk about the state of our industry and where we all are, questions specific to each of our fields, and we revisit the most poignant question we ask on the show - tell us one thing you would like to see our industry doing better?

Veteran Risk Management and Security Specialist Malchijah Bailey has built a sterling reputation working with artists of all genres at the highest level. During his 25 years in business, Bailey has taken a wealth of experiences as a Road Manager, Tour Manager and One Man Tour de Force handling Personal and Venue Security on stadium tours, gaining intimate knowledge of the different audiences that come see his clients, resulting in a security mindset that prioritizes people and relationships. In our discussion with Bailey we talk about how backstage will need to evolve when we return to the road, the best way to create and preserve the right tour vibe, and learn tricks of the trade that have made him a source of knowledge and inspiration.

Megan Duckett came to the US with dreams of becoming a rock 'n' roll lighting tech. Unfortunately, that dream was never fully realized, but with the true hustler spirit, Megan carved out her own unique space in soft goods, and has taken her business from an 800-square-foot operation in Torrance to a 50,000-square-foot operation in Compton, employing more than 30 people, making backdrops and custom soft goods for groups like KISS, The Foo Fighters, Guns 'N' Roses, and Kendrick Lamar. In our discussion, we talk about Megan's hustler spirit, the innovative ways she's incorporated technology into her business, her pivot to PPE during COVID, and the importance of finding purpose in the face of adversity. 

Brent Daughrity leads the Entertainment Practice Group at Anderson Benson Insurance and Risk Management. In this role, he works with clients across multiple genres, ranging from baby acts to superstars, providing strategic counsel and tailored coverage solutions to protect artists and their interests. During his tenure Daughrity & team developed a Music & Social influencer program and were named Lloyd's Coverholders. In today's episode with Brent we learn the nuts and bolts of the live event insurance market, where we are right now and where we need to get to, and the challenges facing the live event marketplace after COVID.

Noelle Scaggs is best known for her stage presence as the co-frontperson for multi-platinum group Fitz and the Tantrums, as well as an accomplished songwriter whose credits include co-writing her band's singles, “Out Of My League” and “The Walker.” But today we are talking to Noelle about her work behind the stage rather than on it. In the spring of 2020 Noelle felt the urge to transform the workforce of the live music industry into a better reflection of the diverse communities through a new movement she dubbed Diversify the Stage (DTS). DTS counts on the support of industry professionals and artists to collectively and actively build a culture of accountability that establishes more inclusive hiring practices and greater access to opportunities for BIPOC, LGBTQ, and female-identifying and gender non-conforming individuals. In less than a year, Diversify The Stage has set forth long-term change by partnering with the Music Forward Foundation to create educational and mentorship opportunities, in addition to working with NeverFamous.com to establish a central hub for accessing a wide pool of qualified crew members. In our show we talk about the creation of DTS, the industry response to the movement, and the need to get more artists on board with the message.

Few combine Tami Blevins' genuine warmth and no-nonsense attitude, two attributes which make her uniquely suited to handle Artist Relations for C3 Presents' portfolio of festivals, including Lollapalooza (worldwide), Austin City Limits, Voodoo Festival and more. In our discussion with Tami we talk about creating opportunities for PoC in the music industry, taking responsibility on the road, and the current return to work prospects. Then, in an enjoyable twist, Tami turns the tables asking questions of the hosts as well. Something tells us this won't be the last time people hear from Tami on HLUB. Don't forget to subscribe to the mailer to learn about new episodes and opportunities in the entertainment industry by going to hustlelikeubroke.com/join, and remember to leave us a review in Apple Podcasts.

In this special edition, Hustle Like U Broke is passing over the reins to the Country Music Association's Tiffany Kerns, to discuss their ongoing relief initiative: Music Industry COVID Support (MICS). MICS is a partnership between CMA and related nonprofit organizations to bolster resources and better support the music industry community. We're joined by Tatum Allsep (Music Health Alliance), Jerome Crooks (Touring Professionals Alliance), and Debbie Carroll (MusiCares) to cover the different ways those in need can find the resources they're looking for.

"Women working in professional audio make up just 5% of all audio engineers," says tour veteran and host of the SoundGirls podcast Beckie ("Bex") Campbell. That number is staggeringly low, and is something that SoundGirls endeavors to fix. Founded by Karrie Keyes and Michelle Sabolchick Pettinato, SoundGirls "supports women working in professional audio and music production by highlighting their success and providing a place for them to connect, network, and share advice." In this episode, we speak to Bex and Claire Murphy, guitar tech and author of Girl on the Road: How to Break into Touring from a Female Perspective, about SoundGirls approach to providing unique opportunities for aspiring young women, the challenges that need to be overcome, and the roadmap to equality in concert touring. Don't forget to subscribe to the mailer to learn about new episodes and opportunities in the entertainment industry by going to hustlelikeubroke.com/join!

Over the past decade, Kimberly Hurtarte has been working with artists, corporations, individuals, and nonprofit organizations to design and implement sustainable campaigns generating meaningful impact on a global scale. She currently serves as the Executive Director of Incubus' Make Yourself Foundation and as an advisor at Global Impact. She began touring with Linkin Park in 2015 as part of their foundation's fan engagement initiative, which gave way to an unexpected but exciting new career as tour manager soon after. Her passion for logistics, problem-solving, and relationship building has led to rewarding opportunities working for artists like Incubus, Meghan Trainor, and Lizzo. In our discussion with Kimberly we talk about her origins in the Peace Corp, her transition to touring, and helping artists activate their fans around worthy causes.

We're back with part two of our discussion with Adam Tobey & Dave Stevens from Concert Ideas. In this episode we talk about working with students on show days, the actual money that can be spent on campus concerts, and ways that crew can work with campus staff to create a better educational experience. Don't forget to subscribe to the mailer to learn about new episodes and opportunities in the entertainment industry by going to hustlelikeubroke.com/join!

Middle agents occupy a unique space in the entertainment industry, and Concert Ideas is one of the oldest and longest standing in the business. Part talent buyer, part production person, and part educator, they offer unique insight into the upcoming generation trying to enter the music industry. In part 1 of our discussion with Adam Tobey & Dave Stevens we talk about their paths to the industry, the role of a middle agent, and some of the misconceptions about the college market. Don't forget to subscribe to the mailer to learn about new episodes and opportunities in the entertainment industry by going to hustlelikeubroke.com/join!

As a faculty member within the Bandier Program at Syracuse University, Dr. Ulf Oesterle has been teaching music business for the last 16 years with courses touching on recorded music, live music, social media strategy and interpreting industry data. A former music manager, indie label owner and radio programmer, Dr. Oesterle sits on the board of the Music and Entertainment Educators Association (MEIEA), contributes to educational endeavors for Show Makers (alongside HLUB alums Jim Digby, Jen Kellogg, and our very own Matthew Walt), speaks at conferences regularly and consults about TikTok strategy while managing his own creator presence on the platform. In our discussion, we talk about the strengths of music business education and how touring professionals can help augment those efforts, the strategies and practices that define the curriculum, and the unique ways that music business programs try to replicate the touring industry. Want to keep up with all of our episodes? Subscribe now at hustlelikeubroke.com/join for the newest episodes, exclusive offers, and more.

The Weeknd. Motley Crue. Imagine Dragons. Kelsea Ballerini. Bon Jovi. The Lumineers. Muse. Pentatonix. Halsey. Game of Thrones? If you're asking what those all have in common, the answer is simple: Sooner Routhier, one of the top designers in the entertainment industry. Beginning her career working for New England based Rainbow Productions, Sooner would quickly take her lighting talents to groups like Chevelle and Audioslave. From there, the sky was the limit, as Sooner has piled up awards and recognitions (Parnelli, Top Dawg, Live Design, etc.). In our discussion, we talk about her path from small-town Vermonter to world renowned designer, the many people she credits for helping her along the way, and what it takes to bring an artist's creative vision to life. Want to keep up with all of our episodes? Subscribe now at hustlelikeubroke.com/join for the newest episodes, exclusive offers, and more.

Jerome Crooks is a hall-of-fame-worthy tour manager, working with artists like Nine Inch Nails, Tool, Linkin Park, Adele, and The Beastie Boys. As one of the top professionals in the industry, Jerome has carved out a unique path, yet few people in the business today are doing as much as he is to roll down the ladder for those that follow in his footsteps. A founder and/or partner in Never Famous, the Touring Professionals Alliance, and Diversify the Stage, Crooks has made bringing people along a critical part of his legacy. In our discussion with Jerome, we talk about the many organizations he's developing, handling loss, maintaining and strengthening family relationships, and why there's something special about working with people you respect.

A hustler's hustler, Kristina Raines has held a wide variety of positions in the live events industry, and found her niche with HeadCount, a nonprofit using live music to promote voter registration by partnering with artists like Ariana Grande, Dead & Company, Dave Matthews Band, and Billie Eilish. As the Major Gifts Director, Kristina has a pivotal role in working with these artists to create unique fundraising opportunities. A nomad by nature, Kristina began her career working for an Athens, GA based jam band and has bounced around ever since, landing in places like Miami, Boulder, Eugene OR, the Hamptons and most recently Maui, all the while working gigs like Red Rocks, Art Basel, and the Super Bowl. In this episode, Kristina shares her unique journey, explains the importance of civic responsibility and democratic participation, and offers a fresh perspective for industry newcomers.

Some people are just born ready and go straight to the big leagues. Sure thing Hall of Famer Angie Warner is one. Since her first tour as a PA on NSYNC's "No Strings Attached" stadium run, Angie has worked in a variety of roles for an impressive collection of clients, including Madonna, Guns N' Roses, Van Halen, Dave Matthews Band, Jay-Z, Imagine Dragons, Puff Daddy, No Doubt, and more. These days, Angie is busy Tour Managing Post Malone, so the HLUB crew adjusted their schedules to catch up with her between gigs to discuss her personal touch and no nonsense attitude, how she stays balanced on the road and at home, and the ways that pioneering women in the industry helped shape her career.

Stu Berk is one of the good guys. From his early days playing guitar in a band for which Matt happened to be the agent, to more recent efforts as a Production Manager, Tour Manager, and even as substitute guitarist in Young the Giant, his efforts are informed by a belief that building respect is a critical component of the concert touring industry. In this episode we talk with Stu about the experiences that helped shape his perspective, his work on the LVL Up Benefit Concert, a new education focused project he champions called EVEN, plus we forecast our inevitable return to work based on recent developments.

In our first podcast of 2021, we are joined by Jen Kellogg, one of the founding members of Show Makers. Jen got her start in the music world at the University of Iowa's SCOPE programming board before joining JAM Productions, then crunching numbers as Tour Accountant for Vans Warped Tour. Along with her work at Show Makers, Jen currently teaches Producing and Touring Live Entertainment at Columbia College Chicago. In this episode we talk about Jen's journey, balancing her love of the road with her growing family, the nuts and bolts of money crunching for an endeavor the size of Warped, and her desire to educate others all along the way.

In this episode the Hustlers tackle the difficult subject of mental health with Dr. Chayim Newman and Zack Borer of backline. Our hosts start by asking questions about the work Dr. Newman and Zack are doing in the music community, before knowingly or otherwise finding themselves in the middle of their own group therapy session.

Kevin Antunes' work as a musical director and designer transcends the scope of instruments and musicians, building immersive sonic experiences for audiences. A 30+ year industry veteran having worked on Michael Jackson's Cirque du Soleil productions, as well as tours with Madonna, Justin Timberlake, and countless others, Kevin offers a unique perspective on live performances. In our episode we discuss methods for taking advantage of the strengths of your team, what it's like curating musical legacies, and pathways for students to take to prepare for joining the industry.

Edwin Hamilton is an industry jack-of-all trades. His company, TSP Inc., offers end-to-end scalable touring services for 100+ member touring parties for orchestras, single artist backpack tours, and all party sizes in between. In our discussion with Edwin we learn how his military upbringing established his focus on precision operations, the nature of touring orchestras, and the values that make a person successful in this industry.

In the wake of COVID, many of our colleagues found opportunities to engage in the political process in ways they might never have considered or been able to before. Today we're joined by Bobby Schnedier (PM), Jim Digby (TM/Founder of the Event Safety Alliance), Rayna Zemel (Playback Engineer), Mariah Kennemer (Live Nation Tour Rep), and Ray Amico (TM/PM) to discuss the different avenues they each pursued to get involved in the 2020 election, the recent vaccine and concert news, and the ways people can continue to be involved.

Paul and Courtney Klimson join Hustle Like U Broke to discuss The Roadie Clinic, a touring personnel driven non-profit dedicated to rebuilding the lives of road crew, instituting best HR practices for tours, offering support for families of roadies, and improving long-term financial outcomes for crew. Matt, Kyle, Chris, and Dallas talk with Paul and Courtney about how the organization started, ongoing efforts to support roadies, and the space The Roadie Clinic intends to occupy in the industry going forward.

Michael Strickland is a fixture in the entertainment industry, as both the founder of Bandit Lites and now the leading advocate for the live events industry on Capitol Hill. As the gravity of the pandemic set in, Strickland began talking with local and national politicians to develop relief efforts, and has been a driving force behind the RESTART Act among other initiatives. In today's episode we discuss his lobbying efforts, his forecast on the business in the coming months, and the philosophy that drives him as both a business owner and the voice of live entertainment in politics.

In the latest episode of Hustle Like U Broke, the hosts talk with Shaun Clair, of Clair Global, and Sean Sturge of Eighth Day Sound, about the recent acquisition. Shaun Clair and Sean Sturge operate as VP of Sales and Global Sales Manager for their respective companies. During the discussion they talk about the fulfilling nature of audio careers, the way the merged company is positioning to not only get through the shutdown but emerge stronger, and the new globally-localized model that is going to power the future of the audio industry.

After a brief hiatus, we're glad to be back with rock star festival director, Emily May Ockenden. Emily handles dual roles as the Director of Production for BWG Live and the Director of Operations for WYH Live. Raised in Australia, Emily got her start with Future Music Group in Sydney as a receptionist. She found her break when 3-months in, the festival coordinator left the company just weeks before the Future Music Festival (a mammoth tour consisting of 13 festivals and 40 sideshows packed into 3 weeks). She returned from her stint as festival coordinator and moved into handling tour logistics for the likes of The Stone Rose, The Prodigy, and Drake. After six years of touring Australasia as the National Touring Coordinator & Head of Artist Relations for FMG, Emily moved to the US, transitioning from logistics and tour management to site development and production design. She recently held the role of Festival Director for Something in the Water Festival, and since the shutdown has stayed active working on virtual events and has expanded her already impressive repertoire of skills to include COVID compliance.

In our second edition of Catching Up with the Core 4, Matt, Kyle, Christine, and Chris wax on the state of the nation and the industry, discussing politics affecting the roadie community, the welcome distractions of professional sports, and updates on their experiences with virtual and televised events. The show closes out with some group questions from Tech Support, as we learn about the doctoral program of live mixing from Kyle Hamilton, the fight for equality from Christine Dallas, the psychology of being the man behind the monitors with Chris Lee, and the tightrope between crew and management that Matthew Walt walks while out on the road.

Chris Gratton is a roadies' roadie. A live event production mogul, Gratton has been a tour director, tour producer, designer, production manager, and every job in between. A student of the school of hard knocks, Gratton's passion for music and theater came at an early age, fueled by a similarly inclined family, and has built that passion into a career spanning more than three decades. He's worked with Justin Bieber, Kanye, Janet Jackson, Limp Bizkit, Linkin Park, Ariana Grande, and countless others. What sets Chris Gratton apart from many in the industry, are his efforts to build new institutions to support the concert techs he relies on. A member of the board of directors for https://www.theroadieclinic.com/ (The Roadie Clinic), an organizer behind #RedAlertRESTART, and a driving force behind upcoming fundraisers for the music industry, Gratton has made it clear that he wants the industry to do better and will put in the work to make sure it does. In our discussion with Chris we talk about how he has personally defined a healthy work-life balance, tour standards implemented on the newest Bieber dates that may permanently raise the bar for crew care, and the need to blow up the status quo in the resurgence of the music industry.

Co-Founded by Lance “K.C.” Jackson and William “Bill” Reeves in 2009, https://www.roadiesofcolorunited.com/ (Roadies Of Color United) was started as a social network to represent, introduce, and unite those in concert touring and entertainment services that were not being represented in the major industry publications and associations. Like those before them, K.C. and Bill made it a priority to create new opportunities for PoC in the music industry, providing resources and education to develop technical skills and business acumen for the next generation of entrepreneurs. Since its founding, Roadies of Color United has grown to nearly 1100 members, and will soon release a database of verified professional touring staff and a list of black owned music production service providers. In our discussion with K.C. and Bill we talk about the impediments that still exist in the industry, the road that led to where we are now, and the pathway forward.

Michael "Huggy" Carter got his start in the music business as a custodian at Star Maker, a rehearsal studio in Oakland, CA. Within 6-months, Huggy had claimed the top spot as head engineer. His first taste of the road came with The Whispers, where he would become the FOH engineer after his predecessor missed a flight. Between mentor, Nicholas Caldwell, and business partner, Alan Thompson (the PM for Patti LaBelle), Huggy gained the experience and know-how to strike his own path in the music industry. Feeling a responsibility to pay forward the opportunities afforded to him, Huggy opened countless doorss for people of color to pursue careers that had for too long been closed to them - including our very own Kyle Hamilton. All the while finding ways to create opportunities for others, Huggy built his own company, MGC Productions, and has worked with artists like Prince, Mary J Blige, The Whispers, Anita Baker, Janet Jackson, and more. Today with Huggy we talk about the challenges facing the nation, the people who mentored and coached him along the way, his work to develop the next generation of touring professionals, and the pride he feels when that next generation finds success. Looking for something to relax too? Check out his debut album jazz album on https://music.apple.com/us/album/chillin-vol-1/1525817587?uo=4&app=apple+music (Apple Music) (https://music.apple.com/us/album/chillin-vol-1/1525817587?uo=4&app=apple+music) or https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_n3S100mPgJpfaRfrnsnHJ8hze58gcZOzM (YouTube Music) (https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_n3S100mPgJpfaRfrnsnHJ8hze58gcZOzM).

Teri Lynn started her career at Loud Records, overseeing day-to-day operations for the budding careers of the Wu-Tang Clan, Mobb Deep, and more. By 1999, the transition to digital music was well under way, and Teri Lynn was working for Quincy Jones Music Publishing. Realizing that the label life was not where she wanted to be, Teri Lynn pivoted and struck out on the road. Since then, she has worked with Usher, The B-52s, Solange Knowles, Big Sean, Nicole Scherzinger, and many more. In our discussion with Teri, we talk about the transition from label to road, the nuts and bolts about the work a TM does, and the importance of mentoring the next generation.

Rickey Minor is an Emmy Award winning Music Director, Composer, and Producer. Throughout his storied career, Rickey has worked with some of the biggest talent in the world, including Beyonce, Usher, Adele, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Khalid, Ed Sheeran, Elton John, and countless more. Complementing his profound musical resume, is an equally impressive list of television credits that includes The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, American Idol, The Kennedy Center Honors, The American Music Awards, The Super Bowl, The Grammys, The Emmys, and The Oscars. In our discussion with Rickey, we talk about the lessons he's learned about the business, the importance of building a strong team around you, ways to get out of your own way, and we include some of our first fan questions.

On this Special Edition "Public Service Announcement" we welcome back a good friend of the program Bobby Schneider to talk about the Word of Mouth Coalition, Register a Roadie, #RedAlert, #WeMakeEvents, and all the organizations and advocates that are trying to make the live event industry a priority for national relief. To learn more about the various organizations, check out the links below: https://wordofmouthcoalition.org https://www.saveourstages.com https://nitolive.org

Described by Live Nation Ones to Watch as “one of the most in-demand international drummers on earth”, Chris Johnson is regularly seen by audiences of millions through his work with acts like Lady Gaga, Camila Cabello, Rihanna, Stevie Wonder, Snoop Dogg, Madonna, Seal and J-Lo. Like many of our guests, Chris' musical start is owed to the church; it was there that he would pick up his first set of drum sticks. Since his inaugural tour with gospel singer, Donnie McClurkin, Chris' portfolio of work has expanded dramatically, and now includes global TV credits on shows like Late Nate with Seth Meyers and Fox's The Four. In our episode with Chris, we talk about the elements that have made him successful, the life of a touring musician, and the fundamentals of music as business.

Eddy Sato has known he needed to be part of the show since his mother took him to see KISS in 1979. Since learning the ropes as a member of the University of Southern California's Program Board, Eddy has worked in concert production from multiple angles to fully develop a "win-win" approach to production. He has served as a Touring Carpenter for Stevie Nicks and David Bowie and has worked as a touring Production Manager for M.I.A, Japanese mega-act B'z and the inaugural Oddball Comedy Festival tour. He has worked on the Venue side as the Crew Chief at the Wiltern Theater and as the Director of Production for the Los Angeles Forum. He has also worked as a Production Rep, Stage Manager and Site Supervisor for LiveNation at multiple events across Southern California, Las Vegas and Hawaii. His freelance history includes positions for Goldenvoice, HARD events & Holy Ship, SAS Productions, and NComppass International. Currently, he works as the Director of Production for Redrock Entertainment Services, a LiveNation Global Projects company. In our discussion with Eddy we talk about his five tenets of show business, the value of the perspective that come with working multiple roles, and the advice he took to heart along the road.

As promised, here's part two with Touring Travel Agent, Dani Triebner. In this episode we cover the differences between agents, the green movement in the travel business, the importance of caring for crew and principals, and end on the quick hits where Dani shares some of her favorite career moments.

Dani Triebner's passport book has stamps from all over the world thanks to her work as the travel agent for artists like Guns 'N Roses, Jay-Z, and Post Malone. As a travel agent, Dani is unique; along with the usual hotel and flight booking services that music clients rely on, she also tours with some of her clients, advancing accommodations from the road and working ahead of the traveling parties to ensure a seamless experience for principals and crew. In part one of our discussion with Dani, we talk about the ways the industry has changed, how travel agents are also computer code experts, and she answers some of our most pressing travel questions.

Mitchell Bornstein is the Vice President of Business Development at the soon to be finished Los Angeles Stadium and Entertainment District (LASED) at Hollywood Park. Mitch started his entertainment career with Altitude Sports in Denver, before moving over to the Experience and Marketing world for the Los Angeles Rams. In our episode with Mitchell we discuss the ways he works to program game day to "beat the couch," the future of entertainment in LA, and the importance of catering to the fans.

With 30 episodes under our belts, we thought it time to check in with Matthew, Kyle, Chris, and Dallas about how they're adjusting to life off the road. We hear about how old fallbacks are generating new business, how our hosts are staying positive for their own benefit and others, who the hosts are missing, and what they're looking forward to when business returns. In addition, we talk about highlights of past episodes and some of the many lessons we've learned from our guests.

Pyrotecnico's Bob Ross, Danielle Hicks, and Keith Hellebrand are special effects experts, adding spectacles that engage all five senses at events across the globe. As live music has embraced the notion that more is more, with ever escalating production elements, the role of pyrotechnics has seen corresponding growth, being incorporated not only as an embellishment, but as a critical piece of scenic design. The flash bangs and flames that define modern shows are meticulously handled – from design to procurement, permits to ignition – by Bob, Danielle, and Keith. In this episode's conversation we discuss the fundamentals of pyro safety, the inspiring number of women joining the special effects world, and the technological improvements that are pushing the industry forward.

Larry Lancro and Beth Krudys are quite the duo. Larry is the Senior Vice President/Fenway Concerts & Entertainment and Beth is the Director of Fenway Concerts & Entertainment. The two are responsible for making magic happen both on and off the field, through fan promotions and engagement and the Fenway concert series. Since 2003 Larry and Beth have filled seats at Fenway with people excited to see artists like Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, Jay-Z, Aerosmith, Zac Brown Band, Paul McCartney, Lady Gaga and Billy Joel. Straddling the worlds of live sports and concerts, Beth and Larry offer a valuable perspective on the similarities and differences of the two industries, and the ways that both can learn from one another. We explore that perspective in detail in our most recent episode, where we discuss how Larry and Beth got started with the Red Sox, how baseball is working on its COVID comeback, and what we can expect from Fenway Concerts moving forward.

Caleb Calhoun of Florida Coach, and Doug Shay of Shay Coach, are two of the leading providers in the coach leasing industry, with more than 70 combined years experience between them. Caleb Calhoun was born into the industry, watching his father, Jack Calhoun, retrofit buses in the 80s to meet the road needs of artists like Willie Nelson. Caleb has since taken over the family business and currently employs over a 100 engineers, artisans, and drivers at Florida Coach HQ in Kissimmee. From the broker side, Doug Shay has been connecting clients with top notch tour buses, sourcing coaches from a nationwide network of vendors, to ensure that today's talent is never left stranded. In today's episode, the HLUB team examines the past, present and future of moving concert tours, from the early days of Eagle coaches with forward facing bench seats to the latest & greatest technological advancements for crossing the continent in luxury and style.

At 6'10" tall, Mason Haynes was seemingly built for his role as a venue and personal security professional. He started his career at the Ministry of Defence, before returning to university. Recognizing that better fiscal prospects awaited him in the security world, Mason pivoted from his educational path, pursuing full-time work with Scorpion Security, the primary provider for Café De Paris in London. With this new role came new opportunities to provide services for both venues and individuals. In the years since, Mason has worked with celebrities including Kendrick Lamar, the Kardashians, Kanye West, Kevin Hart, Charlie Puth, and Lewis Hamilton; and has provided venue security for some of the most prestigious arenas, theaters, and stadiums in the world. In our discussion with Mason we talk about how early experiences being bullied started him down this road, the philosophy that informs his approach to the work, and some of his recent international excursions.

We're back with part two with Production Designer, Patrick Dierson. In this episode we talk about the many projects Patrick has in the works, some of his favorite tour moments, and why it's critical for everyone to speak up for the struggling members of the music world.

Patrick Dierson always had a backstage view of what it took to produce a successful theatrical spectacle. Originally from Long Island, N.Y., Patrick grew up within a family that featured two Broadway actors. He spent two years studying Performance Theatre in college, jumping right into the live event industry with an automated lighting equipment company. Shortly after, he would find his niche as a successful console programmer and lighting designer. Dierson's expertise has been called upon for numerous high-level productions, including the world tour of Shakira, the MTV Video Music Awards, numerous world tours for hip-hop entrepreneurs Jay Z, Meek Mill & Drake, numerous events for the the NFL, NBA, NHL, Volkswagen, Samsung and Walmart, multiple festivals such as Ultra Music Festival, Made In America, and Tidal X, and speaking tours for former First Lady, Michelle Obama. Patrick's base of operations is now in the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas, where he currently resides as the Principle Designer at production design firm The Activity. In our first of two episodes with Patrick we discuss the politics around COVID response in the music industry; the idea behind design haven, the Activity; and the importance of operating like a business from the beginning.

We're back with the second episode featuring Production Manager Bobby Schneider. In this episode we talk about the ways in which coronacation has forced us to observe events we might have otherwise ignored, new protocols and guidelines that are needed to make sure that crews thrive, and the importance of compassion on the road.

With 45-years in the business, Bobby Schneider has earned his reputation as a no-bullshit behind-the-scenes force to be reckoned with. Touring with everyone from David Bowie to J Geils, Kendrick Lamar to Jay Z, Metallica to Judas Priest, plus blink-182, Rihanna, New Kids on the Block, Jennifer Lopez, Pentatonix and countless others, Bobby has left an indelible mark on the concert industry. As a man who has shared buses and backstage with all of our hosts, we hit a number of topics including the politics of the national COVID response, the many ways that staff steps up on tour, and the financial realities of returning to work.