Inside the Backline Industry: Real Insights and Advice From a General Manager
When people ask me about my work in the music industry, they are often surprised to hear there are actual careers dealing with band gear. The backline industry has several facets. For any musical performance, there are many people working behind the scenes handling the musical instruments and audio equipment.
I have been in the backline industry for over 25 years, and I’ve held many roles during that time, from loading trucks to signing checks. My first job out of audio school was coiling cables — from ¼” cables to feeder cable and everything in between. It was a rough gig, but I earned some street cred being willing to do the most mundane work to get my foot in the door. I worked my way up the ladder mixing monitors, then into event and production management. Now, I run the show at Studio Instrument Rentals (SIR) in Chicago. Here are my thoughts for anyone considering a job in the backline industry.
What is backline?
Historically, band and audio equipment lined the back of the stage behind the band, giving birth to the name “backline.” Under the backline umbrella, there are many specialties: guitars, amplifiers, keyboards, pianos, percussion, drums, DJ equipment, audio and wireless, to name a few. Backline refers to the professionals who handle, set up and check all this gear before, during and after a live performance.
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What kind of people start a career in backline?
I think most of us find our way to this career because we are lovers of music. My first concert was literally a spiritual experience. I was five when I went to see Chubby Checker! I remember my father putting me on his shoulders so I could get a clear line of sight of the performance. From that moment on, I was hooked! The lights, the sound, the audience — I loved everything about it. I think this is a common feeling for people around the globe. People love music! I take a lot of pride being a part of something so magical.
Many of us in the industry are gearheads. We are players. We love all kinds of equipment! If you are obsessed with your instrument and take pride in crafting your sound, it’s an obvious connection that you would be a great backline tech. But you don’t have to be gear obsessed, or even a player, to have a backline career. Like any path, you just have to be willing to work hard and be eager to learn.
How does a backline company work?
A backline company provides the musical instruments and gear that an artist needs for a performance. It also provides the service of maintaining the gear and ensuring everything is in working order to successfully serve the live event.
Backline companies transport gear and instruments in road cases to all kinds of events. That includes venues, festivals, recording studios, TV shoots, weddings, private parties or live broadcasts. Whether a band wants to try a different amp for a recording session or KISS wants to fly in and play a private party — we are the ones you’ll call to make it happen.
Within backline teams, there are folks who specialize in different departments. Some are responsible for the guitars, basses and amplifiers, others focus on keyboards and organs. There’s likely a drum and percussion department and an audio and DJ department. These teams are responsible for all the care and maintenance of their designated equipment. My crew stays busy keeping our fleet up and running but they are also out in the field, working the shows.
What does a backline professional do on a normal day?
When people think of backline work, they think of roadies — being on tour. For the professional touring artist, there can be several backline technicians on the payroll. Often, each member of the band will have their own designated tech. These seasoned pros are the best of the best. The ones who know every nut and bolt on a piece of drum hardware. The ones that can rebuild a piece of equipment with parts from their tech box.
On other tours, there may be one tech who handles all the band gear. Regardless of the budget or scale, a backline technician is a key part of the deal. They will typically load into the venue before the band and get everything in place before the artist shows up for soundcheck. They often are on the side of the stage during the entire performance, ready to jump into action should anything go amiss. After the show is done, they are the ones packing all the equipment up, loading the truck, and heading to the next stop on the tour.
While there are a lot of opportunities to go on the road, not all backline techs need to tour. There are many local shows that need backline and audio support. Local venues are always sourcing backline for the artists scheduled to play their clubs. Hotels and conference centers also have opportunities for private performances. Often, corporations will hire bands to perform at their private events. There are also various team-building events — for example, hundreds of people playing percussion together to strengthen team connections. The point is, you’d be surprised how often backline needs come up.
My advice for anyone wanting to work backline
If you’re interested in seeing if a career in the backline industry would be a good fit for you, I suggest doing a little research to see who the local backline and audio vendors are in your town. Find out who is in charge and reach out! Send them an email with your resume with some information about yourself. If you are a total newbie, be open about it. Let them know you are looking for an entry-level position where you can learn. Just make sure you are clear about your willingness to show up and work hard every day.
I love it when someone tracks me down and sends me an email looking for work. It shows that they have initiative and hustle. That is the kind of person that stands out. People want to help out someone who is excited and interested in growing in a career. Don’t be afraid to show you’re hungry. That is what we want to see! Those are the people I want on my team. Now get after it!
About the Author
Joey Duchscher is general manager at Studio Instrument Rentals (SIR), a backline rental house with multiple locations in major entertainment markets across the United States. America’s original backline company, SIR has been the industry leader in all phases of the entertainment business since 1967. As the largest, best equipped and most respected backline, audio, rehearsal and production support service in America, SIR provides innovative solutions for artists and their music, serving events of all sizes. Joey is an advocate of the backline community and is a regular attendee at The NAMM Show, the annual gathering for the music products industry.