Everyone’s path into the live production industry is different, but most people seem to make it happen after dreaming of working with musicians and being on tour. Lolo’s story is a break from that norm. 
In the summer of 2015, she had the opportunity to sell merch for RaeLynn. Having just finished grad school in nutrition, she wanted to see how the touring lifestyle impacted overall health. On tour, she found time in between selling t-shirts to use her degree by helping others find healthy meal options and workout spaces.
Although it was supposed to be a temporary gig, her energy and desire to stay busy led her to take on more tasks, and she quickly landed a more permanent position as Rae’s Personal Assistant/ TM Assistant, which lasted until the end of 2015.
The following year she was offered an amazing opportunity to tour as Production Coordinator for the Rock and Worship Roadshow. It was her first large tour, and with a crew of over 150, it was quite a big step. But she felt extremely lucky for the opportunity, working with people who were willing to teach her during that time. And she was able to serve as a catering liaison in some capacity, so her passion for serving others from a nutrition standpoint was still being fulfilled as well.
Fast forward to the end of 2016 when she started working for country music artist Chris Young, which has been her main gig for the last four years. Her title is production coordinator, but she wears many hats on the tour; advancing all the hospitality (naturally), tickets and guest comps, hotels, and runners, and sets up the meet & greet and edits the photos. She does between 70-80 shows a year with Chris, and also works with Kane Brown and Cassadee Pope when time allows.

 You can find her on Instagram and Twitter @lolokinser, look her up, and be friends!

 Favorite concert or live show you’ve attended as a fan (not for work)?
Ooh, that is difficult. I am listing two only because I can't pick, and they fall into two different categories. The first would be a small club show watching Mutemath touring their first album Mutemath. Their raw energy was like nothing I have ever seen and the music was new and refreshing.
Next would be in the arena category. Nothing tops Justin Timberlake during Suit and Tie days. His show brought me to church. So many grooves and the production was off the charts. I saw both shows before I was in the business. Looking back, I have a new respect for artists that can effectively make small clubs feel huge, and large arenas feel intimate. It truly is an art.

Is there anything you try to do every off day?
Get outside and explore. I always like to find the best local coffee shop and hunt for hidden treasure bottles of bourbon. If a hiking trail is close, I will grab a few people and my camera, and go get some fresh air and Vitamin D. 

What are one to three work-related tool(s) you can’t do without? (Computer, gear, tool, phone app, etc.)?
1. Computer/phone: Which one I use depends on if we have the internet. 
2. Master Tour: Not essential but preferred. 
3. Post-it Notes: I should have my own budget line item for these. All the details, please.  

Are there any standard industry practices that you’d like to change?
I have my master’s degree in Nutrition and Exercise, so naturally, I lean towards wanting to see that as a priority. As roadies know, trying to stay healthy on the road can be very difficult. Now throw in special diets and food allergies, which sometimes seems impossible. I find these challenges fun, and I strive to get creative to take care of my road family. In my current job, I plan our tour menus, bus stock, and select after-show food with the best intentions in mind. I always strive to find a healthy balance between colorful, sweet, and delicious. I am lucky that our camp sees it as a priority to spend more money to keep our people healthy. Unfortunately, not every artist deems it as high of a priority. I believe if this was more of a standard overall, the likelihood of artists having to cancel shows due to sickness could potentially decrease significantly. Investing in better catering, making time for fitness or holistic type wellness activities, adequate rest, and hydration can go a long way in helping the longevity of an artist’s career. I hope one day everyone will see the monetary value of placing those few key things at a higher priority. 

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.)?
Boundaries. I am still a work in progress, but a mentor friend of mine told me when I first started in this crazy world to create a checklist schedule of tasks, and include in that 30-45 minutes of “me” time away from the desk. Be consistent, and tell others on tour unless the sky is falling, this is not negotiable. For me, this small break, or the idea of taking all my smoke breaks at once (I don’t smoke), is reinvigorating to my soul, and even on the worst of days gives me added focus and drive to finish the day strong. One of the first things I do at the beginning of every new tour is find that “me” time window, and of course make sure the boss approves. 

Where do you see the industry going in the next 5-8 years?
Tough question especially in these times. It will be interesting to see the other side of this pandemic. Will people feel safe, will they have the money to afford extra entertainment, and how will all of that impact venues and capacity? If anything is true, this time has shown that music is the ultimate therapy for needing to exhale, and unlike sports, live shows provide connection both ways.
With regards to touring, I would love to see the industry continuing to offer equal opportunities for female faces on the road. In the last 4 years, I’ve been able to witness first hand our tour going from 1 to 5. We have our own dressing room, what!?  It is exciting to be a part of a team that values and accepts women for the skills we possess. I hope these small victories permeate to other parts of this beautiful industry we call our profession.

How much sleep do you actually get? And how do you manage sleep deprivation?
I’m typically the first one off the bus and last one on. Generally, a social butterfly who, if a hang is happening has a hard time going to bed. With that, however, I know my limits. I strive for 4 hours at all costs but know sometimes that is not going to happen. Did I mention I like coffee? I always try to make time for an afternoon workout. It really is just a break from the office and helps me refocus for the rest of the day, into the late hours of the night. Eating healthy helps me sleep better in those few key hours. I am a big believer in a balanced system. If I can eat and stay healthy, it will tip the scale to favor the lack of sleep in hopes I fight off sickness. If any of that gets off and my sleep schedule goes south, I better prepare myself for the worst. I am lucky to be in the Country business that our touring schedule is typically on weekends. We call ourselves “weekend warriors”, three shows in a row, and then go home and sleep. Depending on your lifestyle, there are pros and cons to each. Overall it is important to remember, no matter the hectic schedule, balance is key to fight off sleep deprivation.

What improves your day at a show?
I know this is easy to say, not always easy to do, but start every day with a good attitude. And let that spread to others by your actions. Putting off good vibes sets the tone for the day, and for your crew. I would rather make memories than make war. Smile. Laugh. And even when the sky is falling it won’t seem as bad. 

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 am very fortunate to be a part of a great road family. I work for an incredible boss who trusts me to take whatever is delegated to me and run with it. Not to mention everything he hates I love, so it works out perfectly. I am motivated because I love it. Even on the worst days, it doesn't feel like a job. I know that has a lot to do with the culture, and I commend Chris and Bill for creating that. 
It also helps that my husband is in the business as well. While we aren’t on the same gigs, we both are following through with our passion and then come home to share about it. The good, the bad, the fairs. haha.

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)?
Find a way onto the bus. Take whatever job you can, learn quickly and in your spare time, and make yourself useful for other people. At the end of the day and each tour, remember your name is all you have. Be protective over that, and be the name people want at the top of their list to call. 

What's the most important thing in your suitcase?
My beanie/hat depending on the season. This girl needs a quick solution for covering up this mop of hair during the festival season.