Q & A with Skylar Cuarisma
Los Angeles based Skylar Cuarisma has been working in the music industry for twenty years, touring since 2013. Like so many of us, she wears multiple hats on the road, filling the roles of personal assistant, road manager, VIP manager, and production coordinator, for a variety of artists including Passion Pit and Fifth Harmony. She is currently touring as the production coordinator for Nas.
You can find her on Instagram @skybaby21. AND get more info on her other career as a relator @SoCalSkylar.
Favorite concert or live show you’ve attended as a fan (not for work)?
I'm going to have to say Jimmy Eat World for this one. I've seen them countless times throughout the years and every time is an absolute blast. It's one of those shows where you just sing and dance your face off and it's the best!
Is there anything you try to do every off day?
My role doesn't always allow me proper off days. A lot of the times I can't go too far because I need to be accessible. Regardless, I always start the day off with breakfast in bed. I LOVE ROOM SERVICE. It's one of my favorite things about touring. There's nothing better than picking up the phone, placing an order and then hearing that beautiful knock on your door 20 minutes later.
When I do get the day to myself, I either try to see friends wherever I'm at or eat at a yummy restaurant that only exists in that particular city. I'm also a huge fan of foot massages so I'll find a place to get one of those whenever I have time.
What are one to three work-related tool(s) you can’t do without? (Computer, gear, tool, phone app, etc.)?
1. Computer - I'm pretty sure I would get fired if I didn't have this
2. WhatsApp - To stay connected with family/friends for when the wifi sucks
3. Neck Pillow - Because it keeps me comfy on travel days
Where do you see the industry going in the next 5-8 years?
The demand for live shows will go on but soon our jobs will cease to exist and we will all be replaced by robots. It's inevitable.
What ruins your day at a show?
Bad attitudes, bad catering, terrible weather, flight delays and when the radios don't work.
There's nothing worse than being surrounded by negativity on a rainy day and you'd rather starve to death than eat the catering. Top it off with not being able to communicate with your crew and you've got my worst nightmare!
What improves your day at a show?
Good attitudes, good catering, great runners, good weather and when the radios work.
Ahhhh...I love these days. The days when everyone is in a good mood and helpful, the food is outstanding and the outdoors is calling your name. I was recently at a venue just outside of Salt Lake City where we were surrounded by gorgeous, snow-capped mountains and piercing, blue skies. Every chance I got, I walked outside our dressing room to take a peek and drink in that fresh air.
Our industry isn’t as glamorous as often perceived, what continues to motivate you to work such long hours and be away from home for extended periods of time?
I never got into this for the glamour. I started working at a music venue when I was 18 because I simply love music and it worked really well with my college class schedule. That job eventually led to festivals, which ultimately led to touring. There's something so romantic about being a part of a tour. Each one is like a story with a beginning, middle, and end. My family is what motivates me, though. My husband and I have lot of goals and in order to achieve them, we need to be a dual-income family. I just happen to have a job that can take me away for weeks at a time.
How do you stay connected to home while away (or do you)?
When touring the U.S. I can easily stay connected through phone calls, texts, and FaceTime. It's also fun to have friends and family visit you when you've got 2 or 3 days off in a row somewhere. Staying connected while touring internationally can be tricky, though. Even with technology being as wonderful as it is. Earlier this year I was in South Africa, Australia, and NZ and I can count on one hand how many times I was able to talk to my friends and family. Between the back-to-back flights, busy show days and the different time zones I had no idea where I was or what day it was.
What's the most important thing in your suitcase
My dirty laundry bag, hands down. I cringe at the thought of my clean clothes touching my dirty clothes. I know I'm not alone.