Breaking Into the Industry: The Different Ways Roadies Get Their Start in Touring
Breaking into the touring industry can feel overwhelming, but there are plenty of ways to get started if you know where to look.
Whether you’re working in a warehouse prepping gear or jumping in as local crew at festivals, there are opportunities to prove yourself and make valuable connections.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through a few tried-and-true paths that can set you on your way to a career on the road. If you’re curious about how to go from a newcomer to a seasoned roadie, keep reading - you might find your perfect starting point.
1. From Warehouse to Tour: Starting in Equipment Prep
Starting out in the warehouse is one of the most common paths into touring. You’ll typically be working for a company that rents out equipment for shows and festivals. Your day-to-day might involve maintaining gear, prepping it for upcoming gigs, and making sure everything is in top shape before it heads out on the road. It’s a great way to learn the ropes and get hands-on experience with the equipment.
From there, your opportunities can really open up. Sometimes, the company you work for might have a tour that needs extra hands, and since you’re already familiar with the gear, you’re a natural choice. Other times, you’ll meet folks in the industry who might reach out for help on a tour or a run of shows. Before you know it, you’re building your network and getting offers for gigs beyond the warehouse.
It’s all about putting in the time, showing you’re reliable, and making those connections. Your career can progress quickly from there - whether it’s joining a tour as a full-time crew member or working freelance on various projects. This route might not be as direct as others, but it’s a solid way to get your foot in the door and build a strong foundation in the touring world. It can also give you an area to return too, when the offers for touring work stagnate.
2. Networking Your Way In: It’s Not What You Know, It’s Who You Know
Another way people get into touring is through connections - family, friends, or even friends of friends. While not every department operates this way, sometimes it’s about being in the right place at the right time. You don’t always need years of experience; in some cases, being reliable and eager to learn is enough. If you've got someone to show you the ropes, being dependable can be your greatest asset. Prove yourself early, adapt to the unique dynamics of life on tour, and you might start getting more opportunities. If it all goes well, one gig can lead to another, and your career can take off from there.
3. Breaking In as Local Crew: The Importance of Attitude and Networking
Starting as local crew is another great entry point into the touring world. It’s not just about putting in the hard work; it's also about fitting in and knowing how to navigate the social dynamics of the job. You’ll need to show that you can handle the physical demands and technical aspects, but just as crucially, you need to demonstrate good judgment - knowing when to speak up and when to step back.
A bad attitude or a failure to read the room can be a dealbreaker. No one wants to bring someone difficult or disruptive on a three-month tour. People want to work with crew members who are professional, easy to get along with, and reliable. So while hard work and skill are essential, knowing how to conduct yourself can make all the difference in whether you get the call for the next gig or not.
4. Getting Your Start as Festival Crew
Starting as local crew at festivals is a solid way to get your foot in the door of the touring world. You’ll find yourself surrounded by others who are also just getting started, which can be a great learning environment. It’s a hands-on introduction to the industry’s dynamics, and while it can be physically demanding, it’s a real glimpse into what touring life is all about.
You’ll get a sense of the hard work and long hours that go into making shows happen, without any sugar-coating. This might not be your direct ticket to a tour, but it’s definitely a valuable stepping stone that can help you build the experience and connections you need to move forward.
Thanks for reading! Breaking into this industry isn’t always straightforward, but I hope this blog has given you some clarity. Best of luck on your journey!
