5 Resources on Live Music & Touring

Today we have a few resources on live music and touring to share – to highlight the range of subject matters to also think about in this context. From the rates you agree to, maintaining mental health, rebalancing gender roles behind-the-scenes, local visa contexts and more.

Women in Live Music (WILM)

Women in Live Music is a European platform and online community for women working in live music. This includes various ‘behind the scene’ roles: Sound Engineers, Tour Managers, Lighting Designers, Riggers, Backliners, Stage Managers, Stagehands and more. Alongside other resources, the crewlist is a tool for bands, booking agencies, and companies looking for female crew members.

Gigs and Live Performances (Musicians’ Union)

Whether you are playing at festivals, performing for weddings or busking in the streets, are just starting out playing live, or you have been doing it all your life – Musicians’ Union have advice for your career as a live musician. From negotiating, to getting the most out of festivals, health and safety, pay rate guides and more, there’s a wealth of indispensable advice for artists.

Touring Artists

Touring Artists offers information and advice for artists and culture professionals in an international context, to/from Germany. The touring artists’ information and helpdesk services are free of charge. inform and advise on administrative issues that are relevant for cross-border artistic or curatorial activities from visas and residence, taxes, mobility funding, social insurance, author’s rights and more.

Green Touring Guide (Green Touring Network)

The Green Touring Guide is a guide for musicians, agents, tour managers, promoters, venues, and booking agencies. The guide explores steps towards green touring, measures low cost implementation and high communicative and environmental impact across the live music ecosystem and infrastructure.

Touring and Mental Health (Music Industry Therapy Collective)

Written by health and performance professionals and out in March 2023, this timely and essential book provides robust clinical advice, cutting edge research, practical strategies, resources and detailed illustrations. Topics covered include mental health, peak performance and performance anxiety, addiction, group dynamics, relationship problems, dealing with the media, physical health, diversity and inclusion, crisis management and post-tour recovery.

ResourcesAysha Hussain