Q & A WITH BRADLEY LAKE
Bradley Lake was born in Dallas Texas but has lived in North Carolina his whole life. He got his start at a young age, and at just 28 years old has been in the business for 11 years now. His typical role is backline technician, primarily guitars and keyboards. He’s currently the technician for Tyler Joseph of Twenty One Pilots, a position that he’s held for the last four years.
Favorite concert or live show you’ve attended as a fan (not for work)?
Favorite concert I have attended was Coldplay at Soldier Field in Chicago a year or two ago with my boss. One of the most beautiful stadium performances I've ever seen.
Is there anything you try to do every off day?
Local coffee, every day. Show days too. I know, it gets expensive. But you do it too.
What are one to three work-related tool(s) you can’t do without? (Computer, gear, tool, phone app, etc.)?
I need tons of tools around. Here are A FEW must-haves:
Snips
A few sew screwdriver sets
Cloths
Graphite
Hand sanitizer **cant work on guitars with nasty hands**
Computer etc. etc.
Are there any standard industry practices that you’d like to change?
Off the top, no, nothing particularly.
Since you began working in this industry are there any concepts or practices you’ve implemented that have had a positive impact on your work (reduced stress, saved time, etc.)?
Over the years you learn a ton of things that work for you and a ton that don't. I have a handful of things that I do personally, guitar and electronics related. I am very OCD, so a clean and good smelling workplace is important to me. I know that's weird, but when my client comes into my space for any reason, or any of my peers come into my space for any reason, I want it to be a pleasant experience.
Also, it is never lost on me the people over the years that have poured into me when I was younger. That shit changed my life and helped build a solid work ethic. It's important to absorb, the younger you are and the more time you spend absorbing from your peers, the more knowledge you gain over the years. I am the first dude to call up one of my big brothers/sisters if I need help with something. I started touring as a teen, and I was blessed to have some dudes that brought me in under their wings, and really helped me learn hands-on.
Where do you see the industry going in the next 5-8 years?
Oh, I have no idea, ha-ha. I just stick to what I know, gear. I think that gear will continue to get more and more advanced, and that is always exciting. But as far as the industry, I have no idea.
How much sleep do you actually get? And how do you manage sleep deprivation?
Honestly, I get a ton of sleep. I am usually in bed by LATEST 2 AM. Most of the time, Midnight - 1 AM. And I get up around 9/9:30 - 10 AM.
What improves your day at a show?
Me personally; good coffee, good candles, music on the Bluetooth speaker while I build our world and work.
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?
You get paid for your trade. The better you are, the more money you make and the more opportunity you have to provide for yourself and your family. Honestly, I LOVE guitars/electronics/instruments / techy stuff, and I LOVE live production.
What advice would you give to someone just starting his or her career in the live production industry (perhaps something you wish someone would have told you when you were getting started)?
I honestly have no idea where to start. I got lucky. A lot of us GOT LUCKY. Your work ethic is important. Your ability to want to learn is important. Listening is important. Absorbing is important. Do what you love, period. If you love live production, go hang around your local club, theatre, whatever. Go meet people, tell them you want to be involved, tell them you want to learn. Use your resources, that's why they are there. If you have a question, ask. If you need help, ask. I just love gear, and guitars, and tools. And I love music. So I submerged myself into it for many years and somehow god placed me around a dude who was and still is a big brother to me, who took me on a tour, and it changed my life.
What's the most important thing in your suitcase?
I am guilty of traveling with way to much stuff. Honestly, this year I’m going to really dial in my essentials better and lighten the load.
My travel essentials are :
Le Labo (*scent - not telling)
Le Labo - Palo Santos candle
Toiletries - hygiene is important!
Blacked out pieces - show clothes!
Shoes - I love shoes
Hoodies - I love hooded sweatshirts
Nike Tech Pack pants - my favorite pants
Computer - I love graphic design and spend a lot of downtime working in illustrator.
iPad - Netflix downloads