6 Key Qualifications for Becoming an Artist Road Manager

“You should have a deep understanding of the music industry.”

A road manager is a professional responsible for managing a touring artist’s logistics and day-to-day operations. This can include tasks such as coordinating travel and transportation, booking accommodations, handling production and sound requirements, overseeing merchandise sales, and managing the artist’s schedule.

The road manager serves as the liaison between the artist and various tour personnel, such as agents, venue staff, and tour managers, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and according to plan.

The road manager must have a deep understanding of the music industry and be able to handle the many challenges and unexpected events that arise during a tour.

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The ultimate goal of a road manager is to create a positive and efficient touring experience for the artist and their team while promoting the artist’s brand and image.

In addition to possessing a love for music and travel, prospective road managers should consider the following key qualifications:

Industry knowledge

You should have a deep understanding of the music industry and the touring process, including contract negotiations, booking travel and accommodations, and budgeting.

Communication skills

As a road manager, you’ll need to be able to communicate effectively with artists, agents, and other industry professionals. You should have strong interpersonal skills and be able to articulate complex ideas clearly and concisely.

Organization and planning

You’ll need to be highly organized and have the ability to plan and execute complex tours and schedules. You should have strong project management skills and manage multiple tasks and responsibilities effectively.

Problem-solving skills

Touring can be unpredictable, so you’ll need to be able to think on your feet and solve problems quickly. You should have strong critical thinking skills and be able to come up with creative solutions to unexpected issues.

Attention to detail

You’ll need to be detail-oriented and catch mistakes before they become major problems. You should have strong analytical skills and be able to review contracts, invoices, and other important documents thoroughly.

Adaptability

The music industry is constantly changing, so you’ll need to be able to adapt to new technologies and processes. You should be able to quickly learn new software and tools and be open to new ideas and approaches.