We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shannon Kuiper. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shannon below.
Shannon, thank you so much for making time for us. We’ve always admired your ability to take risks and so maybe we can kick things off with a discussion around how you developed your ability to take and bear risk?
The touring industry is full of risks. There are lots of details and planning in a high-stakes environment. Tours move many people and expensive equipment from city to city every day. Being a tour manager inherently means taking on different risks everyday, and it’s an important skill to have to be a good one.
I first learned how to take risks when I had no experience or skills to offer. I started in the event industry when I was a college student by cold-calling/emailing, going to as many shows as I could, and talking to as many people who would give me the time. They had something I wanted – a touring career – and I had nothing to lose. It was great to practice – checking out which shows were being played at my local club venues and always talking to the people who were working, whether they were on the venue side or working for the artist’s team. Eventually I was introduced to my first mentor, who I worked along side as her assistant for many years. It was that one email I sent her – that one foot in the door – that brought me onto my first van tour, my first bus tour, and the rest of my career.
Being able to practice being bold when I was young was extremely formative for me as a tour manager. As a student, I thought I had the potential to be a good tour manager, but what pushed me forward was being able to take risks by going after what I wanted. Some of my proudest moments have been when I have taken risks & made bold decisions. When I think “What could go wrong?”, many times the answer is simply “they will say no,” or “you will feel embarrassed for about 10 minutes”. Had I let those answers stop me, I would have never reached out to the people who took me under their wings and taught me how to be a tour manager.
Keeping this mindset was also important for advancement in my career. One of the reasons I’ve been able to progress so quickly is because I’ve said yes to roles that have stretched myself. I learned how to keep trying new things and taking bigger risks. However, I wasn’t perfect at it. A few years ago, the band I was an assistant for needed a new full time TM. I knew I wanted to TM and rise to the level they were on – but I was nervous. All of the answers to “What could go wrong?” felt too big to overcome. I said nothing to them about the TM position, and stayed in the assistant position that year. They hired someone else. I told myself and everyone else that I didn’t actually want the TM position, and I spent that year feeling underutilized and regretful. Finally – at the end of the year the TM position opened again. I thought about what I wanted, I thought about the risks, and I told them I wanted to be their TM. I took the risk and expressed what I wanted – and they said yes. The tour we did this past year was the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever done. I got to TM iconic venues such as Red Rocks and The Greek Theatre in LA alongside an amazing team and band. I learned so much about touring – and myself – even through the most difficult days (and there were plenty). I’m proud of myself for what I accomplished on that tour. My next risk? Going international and tour managing a European tour this February.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a tour manager based in Chicago, IL, USA. I currently tour manage full time for O.A.R. and Sammy Rae & The Friends. I value working with women and LGBTQ+ artists and crew members.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
First – flexibility. The music industry, especially in live events, requires you to roll with the punches of weather delays, laryngitis, broken down busses, and more. It’s essential to make detailed plans, but also to be able to adapt when things don’t go according to plan.
Second – observation. Being able to pick up details on who people were and what their jobs were, as well as what they liked or disliked, has helped me in my career. There’s a personal assistant aspect of working with musical artists that I really enjoy, and it’s almost like a game to be as detailed in possible while making the artists and crew as comfortable as possible while on the road.
Third – bringing all of yourself to the job. Even the experiences I didn’t think were applicable have come in handy. I was a coffee barista while in college. Although I don’t work in the coffee industry, learning how to make lattes vs cappuccinos and what ingredients go in which drinks has really come in handy. I took a sewing class in college. I don’t sew everyday, but I am so thankful I know how to when someone’s costume rips right before the show. Using your entire tool belt of skills and experiences can help you stand out and solve unique problems.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
First I take a deep breath. It doesn’t help to panic. Then I look at the day’s schedule. What comes next? What do I need to do first? One saying that was instilled on me early in my career was “Don’t cross a bridge too early.” Knowing what is the most pressing item in the moment is essential in a fast-paced environment. Many times, the problem that you’re worrying about is further down the road, and the problem may solve it self or you may encounter new information that will help you.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: shannon.kuiper
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-kuiper/
Image Credits
Dominique DC Photo
Mia Isabella Photography
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