Master Tour version: PROFESSIONAL
Catch our 5Qs interview with Tour Manager Ryan McCauley. Originally from Orlando, FL, when he’s not busy running the show, Ryan’s a football enthusiast, cat lover, and has a thing for good Japanese whiskey!
5 Qs
Do you have any pre-show rituals?
I’m boring and don’t really have any. Usually a sugar-free Red Bull to give me an extra jolt?
Can you share a standout moment that perfectly captures the essence of touring life?
My favorite moment every night is walking the artist to the stage. I still get excited like it’s the first show I’ve ever done. You work all day to get to that moment, and it’s the best high. Being able to see people disconnect from life for three hours and safely enjoy the show while playing a small part is fulfilling.
From cramped vans to unexpected detours, touring life can be full of surprises. How do you maintain a positive attitude and adapt to the ever-changing demands of life on tour?
I’ve always had the sense that touring is such a unique privilege. To be entrusted with an artist’s vision, schedule, comfort, and business is still so exciting to me. So naturally, I’ve always had a positive mindset that seems to make a difference with people. There’s a lot of cranky people in this industry, so being that person that’s always got a smile or is willing to put other people before themselves has become the best tool to mitigate the issues you’ll run into. Being adaptable to the day is a must.
What is the best touring tip you would give to a new TM?
Network yourself, don’t be a fly on the wall. There’s a lot of great people in the touring world, and you never know who’s watching you work.
What future trends in the music industry are you most excited about, and how do you think they’ll impact live events?
The fan activations are becoming much more engaging and impactful for shows. Creating an entire experience in venues for the fans based on the world/lore the artist has created and finding a way to implement that into the live shows is fascinating. It seems to have broken up the monotony of ticket, VIP, show, merch, repeat.
What are your top 3 favorite venues to work with, and what makes them stand out from the rest?
Royal Albert Hall (London, UK), Radio City Music Hall (New York, NY), and any show in Australia. Every venue’s policies are different, and fitting your show into what they do can be a challenge, but the staff at these places are always so accommodating, have the best people working there, and make for the best days I’ve had on tour.
What are your thoughts on how touring can be made more eco-friendly for everyone involved?
I wish I knew…
How do you cultivate a sense of community and camaraderie among your touring crew?
I think just checking up on the crew throughout the day and doing the small things like grabbing a coffee, boxing a lunch if they’re busy, or just making sure they take their breaks can make a big difference. No day is the same, so making sure the crew feels important and set up for success each day matters. Also, their voice matters. Listening to them and how you can make their days easier is important. They’re driving your show each night, so they are equally as important in many respects.
Quote:
“Why have enemies when you can have friends?”
