“5 Steps to a Roadie Job by Andy Reynolds is the ultimate guide for anyone looking to break into the live music industry as a roadie. With over two decades of experience working with top artists, Reynolds shares invaluable insights on how to land your first gig and succeed in this highly competitive field. The book outlines five essential steps that will guide you from identifying the right opportunities to building a solid reputation in the industry. Whether you’re passionate about live music or simply looking for a hands-on career, this guide provides clear, actionable advice to help you stand out and secure your dream job.

Packed with real-life stories and practical tips, 5 Steps to a Roadie Job is perfect for both newcomers and those looking to advance their career as a roadie. Reynolds covers everything from networking and honing the right skills to navigating the challenges of life on the road. This comprehensive guide also offers valuable advice on how to maintain a work-life balance and sustain a long-term career in this physically demanding industry. If you’re serious about joining the world of live music, this book is an essential read that will set you on the right path.”

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Introduction

In the Introduction of 5 Steps to a Roadie Job, I lay the groundwork for aspiring roadies who dream of working with international touring music artists. This section is designed to inspire and guide you, whether you’re a student in audio engineering or music management, or someone seeking a career change. The introduction clarifies who will benefit from this book and who might find its content redundant. I also address the term “roadie,” acknowledging its stereotypes while embracing it as a search-friendly term that captures the essence of concert technicians and road crew roles. Ultimately, this section sets the stage for the journey ahead, encouraging you with the French phrase “bon courage”—a wish for strength and courage.

Step One: Understanding Where Roadies Fit in the Music Business

In Step One, I explain the critical role roadies play within the broader music business, particularly focusing on the concert production industry (CPI) and live music business (LMB). This step emphasizes that traditional job ads for roadies don’t exist because these roles are freelance positions directly hired by artists. I delve into how the CPI provides essential infrastructure for concerts, while the LMB focuses on ticket sales and event marketing. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for positioning yourself strategically within the industry and recognizing that road crew work is more aligned with “steel and wood” aspects—dealing with physical infrastructure rather than promotional activities.

Step Two: Get To Know The Various Road Crew Jobs

Step Two introduces you to the different types of road crew jobs available. It covers three main groups: house crew and stagehands, artist’s touring crew, and suppliers’ touring crew. Each group plays a vital role in concert production. House crew work at venues, offering valuable experience despite lower pay, while stagehands provide essential support during concert setups. The artist’s touring crew, which includes roles like tour managers and backline techs, offers more intimate contact with artists and greater job stability. Lastly, suppliers’ touring crew are freelancers hired by equipment suppliers to assist with technical operations. This step emphasizes that these jobs require specific skills and are not typically advertised.

Step Three: Set Up Your Own Freelance Crew Business

In Step Three, I guide you through establishing your freelance crew business. This involves strategic planning to assess your current position, set goals, and determine how to achieve them. It’s crucial to gain relevant experience by working as a stagehand or merch seller while handling administrative tasks like taxes and business licenses. Financing your business is another key aspect covered here. This step prepares you for the reality of freelance work in the concert production industry, highlighting that setting up your own business is essential since traditional employment opportunities are rare in this field.

Step Four: Get Your First Road Crew Work

Step Four focuses on securing your initial road crew work. Building a network is crucial—start by connecting with local talent and using those connections to find opportunities. This step also covers how to present yourself professionally through a well-crafted CV and appropriate pricing for your services. Additionally, it offers strategies for getting hired by people outside your immediate network. By following these guidelines, you’ll be better equipped to land your first gigs in this competitive industry.

Step Five: Do A Good Job and Get More Road Crew Work

In Step Five, I provide tactics for excelling in your role to secure more work opportunities. This includes maintaining professionalism on the job, ensuring timely payments, and leveraging your growing network to find additional gigs. The focus here is on building a reputation for reliability and skill so that you become a sought-after freelancer in the concert production industry. By consistently delivering high-quality work, you’ll increase your chances of being recommended for future projects.

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