Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ally Chapman. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Ally, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
My purpose started at a really young age being raised in both a musical and religious environment.
My father, a musician, created many of my childhood memories in the studio. I witnessed him and his friends create a safe space for music, constantly encouraging their own creative lane and carefully constructing music that would relate to their fans. This upbringing ignited a passion within me to nurture and safeguard the world of music.
My mother established a nurturing, optimistic, and patient household. She has taught me how to love others unconditionally and to live by the golden rule. I remember from a very young age, I just wanted to make people happy and feel heard and seen in their true authenticity. I’ve always felt like this was my purpose but was unsure of how I could make that into a career.
During my upbringing, under my mother’s church guidance, I felt a calling to devote my life to expressing God’s love to the world. However, my exposure to diverse experiences through music and my father’s adventurous, open-minded lifestyle from a young age provided me with a unique perspective. This perspective didn’t necessarily align with conventional religious methods but aimed to help individuals embrace their authentic selves as intended by God.
My upbringing, marked by these two distinct influences, has led to my life’s purpose: supporting musicians to unlock their full creative potential. This, in turn, results in a therapeutic experience for their fans. Music, as an incredibly powerful force, has always held great importance for me. While I may not be the one creating the music myself, my goal has been to assist musicians so that they, in turn, can provide comfort and connection to others through their art. I aimed to play a modest yet meaningful role in helping people feel acknowledged, less isolated, and profoundly cherished.
Given my deep connection to the world of music, I made it my life’s mission to look after the well-being of musicians, both the artists and their devoted fans.
I hold the belief that discovering your purpose involves examining what brings you joy and then shaping your career around it, regardless of the field. However, it’s crucial to recognize that pursuing such a purpose is not as easy as it sounds. It often demands significant sacrifices, but it also necessitates a deep and unwavering desire to achieve it.
I express this viewpoint because I’ve observed that many people hesitate to pursue their dreams, often believing that their aspirations are too grand or not significant enough. Despite the numerous hardships and sacrifices involved, the depth of knowledge acquired, both about the world and one’s own self, is truly invaluable.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
My job is multifaceted as I’ve taken on a wide range of responsibilities in the music industry. I’ve served as a tour manager, VIP rep, merch rep, and artist manager.
The past few years, my main role has been tour management. When describing my role to others, I tell them I’m basically a travel agent and a parent to a touring family. As the primary responsible individual, I handle travel, dining, and accommodation arrangements. Tour managers serve as the logistical backbone of concert tours.
It’s also my job to establish contact with the venues months ahead of the performance to ensure that all necessary preparations are in place before our arrival. There is so much that goes on behind the scenes of a tour. The responsibility lies with the tour manager to ensure that all arrangements are confirmed and ready for execution. Having backup plans is essential because unexpected last-minute issues will arise, and being well-prepared is the key to managing them effectively.
Having shared my journey and the evolution of my purpose, it’s evident that I have a profound love for my profession. Being able to travel the world while working in the music industry is a dream come true. There’s nothing quite like connecting with someone’s story, understanding why they attend a concert, and then witnessing their enjoyment of the performance. It’s an indescribable feeling. Music has always been my most significant form of therapy, so being even a small part of someone’s healing process is the most rewarding experience imaginable.
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?
Working in this industry feels like embarking on a journey without a manual… all while holding an immense amount of responsibility for countless people (no pressure!).
Reflecting on my journey, several key attributes stand out, which have greatly contributed to my success in my role.
#1 – Believe in yourself. This sounds very obvious and simple but this is one of the most crucial qualities you must have working in a field like this. It’s about believing that you can navigate the challenges and uncertainties that come your way because being a tour manager involves constantly putting out fires and figuring things out on the fly. If you don’t have strong trust in yourself, it will be more obvious than you realize because the competition is thick out here.
In this industry, there are no guaranteed contracts, leaving your life in a web of unpredictability. Gigs can vanish at the last moment, or tour offers can disappear without a trace. Rejections are a normal part of the journey and can test your resilience. However, it’s your responsibility to invest in self-improvement and build the confidence to believe you deserve opportunities like these. Stay true to yourself, trust the process, and actively work on becoming a better person in all aspects of your life. This effort will undoubtedly benefit both your professional and personal endeavors.
I decided to quit drinking when my music career began, regardless of whether I’m working or not. People often ask why I avoid drinking during my free time. My response is that I focus on self-improvement to excel as a tour manager, even when I’m not working. Staying productive off the road is as crucial as being productive on it. I firmly believe that this commitment positively influences my mental well-being, self-confidence, and work ethic, reinforcing my belief in deserving the opportunities that come my way.
Working in the music industry, you must acquire thick skin. It’s a world where opinions and rejections are constant companions. Whether you’re an artist, producer, manager, or any other role, you’ll face the scrutiny of both professionals and the public. It’s a realm where not everyone will like your work, where setbacks are common, and where competition can be cutthroat. To thrive, you must learn to embrace constructive criticism, maintain self-confidence, and persevere through disappointments. Having a tough skin means staying resilient in the face of adversity and staying committed to your passion for music, no matter the challenges that come your way.
#2 – Work ethic. A remarkable work ethic stands out as the second most influential quality in my journey. On regular show days, it’s not unusual to put in an almost 24-hour effort, only to repeat it the following day. I’m thankful that my parents instilled a robust work ethic in me early on, emphasizing the importance of completing tasks and consistently assisting colleagues. Teamwork holds great significance for me, and I constantly strive to influence a positive work environment.
My driving force is purpose, and because my purpose centers around helping people, this position motivates me to give my utmost effort. The transformation and impact I experience from a job like this are indescribable, propelling me to push my boundaries further than the last. I’m the type of individual who commits wholeheartedly, and when I invest everything into a task, there are no barriers to what I can achieve.
Majority of my job opportunities have organically came through word of mouth, all from individuals who have observed my work ethic and recommended me to their respected colleagues. This job is demanding, both mentally and physically. As repeatedly emphasized, the competition is fierce. If you’re not willing to go the extra mile, there’s always someone else ready to step up and take your place.
Work ethic also means sacrifice. Even when you are not working, you are organizing the next show and catching up on endless emails. I’ve had to leave events to address a work crisis and missed numerous social gatherings. This is just two short examples on a very long list. This job demands constant availability, flexibility, and the people who don’t adapt to that will not last long in this industry.
#3 – Being a good person. I chose to place this as my last one because I consider it to be the most crucial. There are numerous ways to describe the concept of being a good person for the music industry, but from my perspective, it primarily revolves around the depth of your passion for your work combined with your sincere desire to make a positive impact on the world.
Within this industry, you’ll find a broad spectrum of people. Some are unquestionably dedicated to making meaningful contributions to the music scene, while others are primarily motivated by the pursuit for fame and followers. This doesn’t mean they are a bad person, but I believe they are not the most suitable individual for a role as influential as music. Those in positions of power should approach and manage it with care. This isn’t one big party, it possesses too many life-changing capabilities to be handled as such.
Being a good person for this job also means being empathetic, approachable and grounded. Since you are working ridiculous hours while living on a bus with your coworkers, tensions can get high. We often joke that the tour manager is the mom, but it’s true. In more aspects that just one.
While not everyone may share this perspective, I believe it’s vital to prioritize the well-being of your team, both in terms of their physical and emotional needs. This is particularly crucial if you hold the position of the tour manager, as you influence the overall atmosphere of the tour. When your team feels comfortable, valued, and cared for, they are likely to be more appreciative, contributing to a smoother flow of the tour.
My journey in the music industry has been guided by three essential attributes: self-belief to navigate challenges, a robust work ethic encompassing dedication and sacrifice, and a commitment to being a good person by fostering a positive impact and prioritizing the well-being of my team. Embracing these principles has allowed me to navigate the demanding challenges of the music industry and continue making a meaningful contribution while growing both professionally and personally.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
Feeling overwhelmed is a typical experience in a position like this.
When I encounter moments of overwhelm, I remind myself that losing my composure or becoming anxious increases the likelihood of making mistakes. Practicing patience with both the process and myself is essential. I handle tasks to the best of my ability and only involve others if necessary. I’ve observed that many people tend to overreact when they perceive something going wrong, causing unnecessary stress and negatively affecting the team dynamics. I’ve learned that most of the time, everything works out and if it doesn’t… you gained knowledge on how to better execute that situation next time.
Also, I make a conscious effort to assess the situation realistically. If it’s within my power to resolve, I take action. However, if it’s beyond my control, I’ve had to learn the challenging art of letting go. This has been a significant personal growth area for me, especially because I have a strong want to help. Adapting to discerning what I can and cannot influence is a crucial lesson.
I express this sentiment because, as a tour manager, you’re responsible for overseeing the schedules, livelihoods, and welfare of many individuals. You often have to make decisions that won’t necessarily please everyone, but recognizing that you can’t please everyone is essential. Your primary role is to ensure safety, cost-effectiveness, and a seamless process for the team, even when they may not fully understand the reasons behind your decisions. It’s similiar to being a parent who occasionally faces complaints from their child, yet you know that you have their best interests at heart.
The key is to remain calm and approachable because you hold the tone of the tour. If you are stressed, that will reflect onto your team and could cause disharmony within your touring family. A helpful reminder is to trust that everything will unfold as it should, and all that’s required is faith in yourself and patience with the process.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.allychapman.com
- Instagram: @allychaps
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allison.chapman.370
Image Credits
Jaquelyn Cruz Jason Tang Jasser Antig
