Ep. 57 - Concert Tour Manager, Audio Engineer, Production Manager - Tom Rowles, Nashville, TN

Welcome back to the Joust About Careers podcast! This episode features a conversation with Tom Rowles, a 2016 Van Buren High School graduate who is a Concert Tour Manager, Audio Engineer, and Production Manager in Nashville, TN. Tom has worked with artists like Ashley Cooke, Clinton Kane, Bren Joy, Lathan Warlick and Walker County, and in the interview he shares about life as a freelancer in the music industry, the role his time at Belmont University has played in his career journey, the glamour and grind of his career, his advice for people entering the music industry, and much more. Anyone interested in pursuing a career in the music industry will find information related to starting down that path in this episode. Enjoy the show! 1:48 - No typical day for Tom since he is a freelancer 2:12 - Primarily a tour manager and front-of-house engineer 3:17 - As a high schooler, Tom didn’t foresee this career for himself despite being heavily involved in the music programs. 5:18 - Belmont University’s Showcase Series helped Tom start down his career path. 6:28 - Working in local venues (typically unpaid) also contributed to gaining experience. 7:05 - Connections/relationships have played a huge role in Tom’s career development. 8:56 - How music tours work and the role Tom plays in those tours 9:44 - Weekend Warriors vs. standard tours (month-long, etc.) in the industry 11:05 - The glamor of the music industry 11:56 - The grind of the music industry 13:54 - Belmont University and other schools offer opportunities to enter the music industry 15:25 - The education/experiences that could be used to get into the industry 16:30 - Tom’s program at Belmont helped him develop his path. 17:00 - “Fake it until you make it” - there’s truth to that phrase 18:16 - Most important skill for someone in Tom’s position to have - be a sponge. 18:45 - Being cool under pressure is also very important 19:45 - The most rewarding times in Tom’s career 21:00 - Coolest venues where Tom has worked 22:14 - Tom’s advice - Be a risk-taker. Questions? Connect with Brian on LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/in/brian-bratt/) or e-mail ([email protected]). Connect with Tom on LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/in/thomasjrowles/) or e-mail ([email protected]).