Q & A WITH KRISTIN TOFT
Kristin Toft balances her time as tour manager for Des Moines based band The Nadas with a full-time corporate gig. Before taking on tour manager duties, Kristin spent 15+ years touring the world through a variety of roles in the hospitality industry including an event manager, hotel reviewer, tour director (guiding group tours via motorcoach) and working onboard cruise ships. In between hospitality gigs, Kristin toured with old friends, The Nadas, assisting with merch and occasionally giving advice on traveling via tour bus. After visiting 70 or 80 countries and all 50 states, she settled down in her hometown of Des Moines and rejoined The Nadas in a dual role as TM + merch girl. The Nadas like to say they are “perpetually on tour” with shows most weekends and occasional weekdays. This schedule allows Kristin, and even some of the band’s members, to maintain a full-time corporate career during the week while embracing the rock ‘n roll touring lifestyle on weekends.
Favorite concert or live show you’ve attended as a fan (not for work)?
The Head & the Heart was my first Red Rocks concert—definitely a bucket list experience! Another amazing concert (that was work-related) was watching Sturgill Simpson from the side stage at Hinterland. The Nadas opened up the festival that morning and Sturgill Simpson closed out the night. The performance was phenomenal from any angle but was “extra” from the side stage.
Is there anything you try to do every off day?
When I have the luxury of a full day-off at home I usually get in a morning workout, do some adulting, then relax by binge-watching my latest guilty pleasure.
What are one to three work-related tool(s) you can’t do without? (Computer, gear, tool, phone app, etc.)?
Master Tour We use the mobile version of the app to manage the schedule, logistics and guest list. I use the laptop version for the more complex functions (i.e. accounting).
Square I use the little square that plugs into your phone to run credit cards for merch. I love that it’s tiny—which makes it super convenient. Dating myself here, but I remember the days we used to process credit cards for merch with the old school carbon copy imprint machines.
GroupMe Theoretically we use the group messaging app to keep the band updated on various details that don’t get logged in Master Tour. But in reality, 95% of the conversations in GroupMe are pure shenanigans that keep the band’s camaraderie at play in between gigs.
Are there any standard industry practices that you’d like to change?
There aren’t any specific practices I’d like to change, but I’d like to see a trend of more women working in the industry.
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.)?
I’m a huge fan of anything that can be done to create efficiencies. Getting “Efficient Hustled” with Luke’s consulting services expedited our load-in/out, and improved our day-to-day processes.
Where do you see the industry going in the next 5-8 years?
I don’t have any predictions, but I’ll be curious to see what happens to CD sales. We still sell more CDs than vinyl. Although CD players are starting to become as rare as turntables.
How much sleep do you actually get? And how do you manage sleep deprivation?
While on the road I get about five hours of sleep per night. The great thing about touring in a vehicle with bunks is that you can always catch a nap if you’re feeling sleep deprived.
What improves your day at a show?
For the most part, if the band is happy, I'm happy. That can be the result of friendly and hospitable staff at the venue, or an engaged crowd at the show.
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?
We have an amazing camaraderie with the band and crew. Every out of town gig is like a road trip with good friends. We also have some traditional annual shows which are more like a vacation than actual work, and always give us something to look forward to. Every July we have a weekend of shows in Evergreen, Colorado (known to the fans as Summer Camp) that inspired the song Best Weekend Ever. The Nadas have also hosted several cruises with Fan Club Cruises. And ultimately, I love the music. And never get tired of seeing a show.
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)?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
What's the most important thing in your suitcase?
Snacks! I try to stay healthy on the road—which involves a lot of BYO food + drink.