On August 22, SOURCE members gathered for a compelling lunch panel titled “Hit the Road Jack – If You Can Afford It.” The event was moderated by SOURCE Program Co-Chair Mallory Pascal and featured two industry heavyweights: Betsy Lee, a Business Manager at FBMM with over two decades of experience, and Mark Oglesby, a seasoned Tour Manager who has worked with top-tier artists like Post Malone, OneRepublic, and Lady A.
The discussion offered an in-depth look at the current challenges facing the touring industry, from rising costs to the delicate art of managing large-scale tours.
Scaling and Costs: The Toughest Challenges
Mark Oglesby kicked off the conversation by addressing one of the most significant hurdles in touring: scaling. “The devil’s in the details … Scaling is the biggest hurdle,” Mark shared. He humorously compared life on the road to the movie Home Alone, stating, "Touring is not the real world. We’re Kevin McAllister out there living with our parents’ credit card," a nod to the surreal and often chaotic nature of touring life.
The Truth About Ticket Prices
Betsy Lee then shifted the focus to a topic that’s on everyone’s mind—ticket prices. She dispelled the myth that artists are making huge profits from ticket sales, explaining that while prices have surged due to a flooded market and the need to cover rising costs, artist guarantees haven’t seen the same increase. “You have to keep them high to cover everything, but if you get too high, nobody buys tickets,” Betsy noted, highlighting the delicate balance promoters must strike.
The Soaring Costs of Transportation
As ticket prices climb, so do the costs of getting artists and crews from one city to the next. Mark reflected on the steep rise in transportation costs, recalling when buses were priced at just $200-$250 a day, compared to the staggering $1,800 per day they command now.
Finding Balance Through Open Communication
So, how do tours offset these skyrocketing expenses? According to Mark, the key lies in having "rational conversations" with artists about their budgets and spending. “It’s math,” he explained, sharing an anecdote about a conversation with an artist who wanted to spend $150,000 on fireworks. “If we keep this up, that house you want on an island might not be in your future,” Mark quipped, driving home the importance of financial awareness and realistic planning.
SOURCE: Empowering Women in the Music Industry
This insightful panel and luncheon are just one example of how SOURCE continues to enrich the lives of women in the music business. By providing opportunities for learning, networking, and mutual support, SOURCE fosters connections that empower women to navigate the complexities of the industry together. Events like these not only offer practical knowledge but also strengthen the community of women who are making significant contributions to the music world.
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