February 26, 2010 by Kathleen V.
Kathleen Vasco has taken the opportunity to interview tour manager Joshua Schlienz. Joshua gives us all the insider information about his life as a tour manager and the expieriences of life on the road. Give the interview with Joshua a read right here!
State who you are and who do you TM for?
Schlienz: Hi, My name is Joshua Paul Schlienz and I currently TM for Kill Paradise.
What got you started Into tour managing?
Schlienz: I got started into TM’ing from Breathe Carolina’s TM. They went on a tour with Millionaires, where I met Melissa. After that, I flew out on a separate tour which was Millionaires and Brokencyde. The BC13 guys and I hit it off [pretty well.] They called me up to TM for them on their next couple tours and it snow-balled from there.
What is entitled into the job title of tour managing?
Schlienz: Well, I map out the drive times before tour, set up interviews, deal with a lot of numbers and also keep in close contact with management. I also advance every show with the promoters, keep an accurate count of merch, book hotel rooms, drive and wake the band up cause they’re lazy (haha). Sometimes I have to be an asshole. I have to make sure we get paid our correct guarantee every night, make sure everyone is having fun, keep goombas away, and maybe a little more.
What tasks do you have to do that wouldn’t be expected as a part of a tour manager?
Schlienz: Driving is possibly something that wouldn’t be expected. You gotta be straight up a lot and not back down from certain people that try and pull a fast one over you as well. It’s different for each band. Once you TM for a couple days, you get a feel for what their gonna need and you just get it for them.
Who have you been a tour manager for?
Schlienz: To date; I have only TM’d Brokencyde and Kill Paradise. I’m open for other bands that may need a legit TM. if I’m not busy though!!
How were those expieriences of being a tour manager?
Schlienz: AMAZING!! There are so many memories I’ve had from each tour. I’ve also met a lot of awesome people and I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Favorite and least favorite part of the job?
Schlienz: My favorite part is touring with new/old bands that become homies to make memories with. My least favorite part is all the stress that comes with the job. It could be anything from having to cancel shows to weather to shitty people that brings us down.
How was tour managing for Kill Paradise on the EZ Bronz tour?
Schlienz: Phenomenal, Every tour with KP is a good time.
How was the EZ bronz tour itself?
Schlienz: The EZ Bronz tour was one of my favorite tours to be on for sure! Us and Breathe are all best homies from back home in Denver so we all knew it was gonna be a good time. When we met the Fight Fair guys the first day, we all hit it off. Those guys are all G’s! Stephen Jerzak and his crew were dope as hell too. So funny! Then CashCash, we had some good times as well, those are my Jersey Shore boys for the real. We may have had a wild night at a bar when it was “boys night.” hahaha.
Has there been any issues/ problems that have occured on the EZ Bronz tour or in general?
Schlienz: Uh..on one Brokencyde tour,a certain venue flipped out over some stupid problem and I thought I was banned from there forever. I went back and they ended up being chill. Then there was the brawl at Chain Reaction that I’m sure a lot of people heard about. That was some kindergarten shit but I think the venue handled it properly after everything went down.
For your salary, how is that? Is it personally something you can a living off of? Is it beneficial for the lifestyle you live?
Schlienz: Everyone is gonna say they want more. I’m ok with my salary right now. It definitely can not benefit my lifestyle. Not in a bad way, I’m just crazy with money and blow through it like strippers with cocaine. HAHA.
Tell us something that wouldn’t really expected or known about your lifestyle
Schlienz: A lot of people didn’t know that I ride bmx. I’ve been riding for 8 years about and have entered the Dew Tour before. I have some youtube videos which bands alway compliment me on and I thank them. I’m also a little wild, some have seen it but I’m always a good time.
Do you feel that you get to know a more personal side of who you TM and the other bands you tour with?
Schlienz: Oh of course. We all live together for a month to two months at a time. We bond really well and are always giving advice to eachother. It’s really good having conversations with them.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a tour manager?
Schlienz: Have a lot of patience! That and you can’t be soft. Make sure you know how to drive good and how to talk yourself out of any situation you may get into!
Is there anything else you would like to say that hasn’t been stated?
Schlienz: I would like to thank some of the hate I get. More would be appreciated! haha. Thanks to all the bands/TM’s I’ve worked with. Thanks to the management of the band when I work for them. Thanks to my mom and grandma for always supporting me and giving me advice. Thanks for all the fans of the bands for supporting me and being so nice! You are all amazing!! NO CEILINGS!
Kathleen and Chelsea would like to thank Joshua Schlienz for taking the time to do this interview with us! Want to have Joshua TM for your band, or just give him a quick hello? Send some kind words over to Joshua on twitter[@jpschlienz] or his formspring.
