Backline: Drum Tech

Resource list for drum and percussion technicians.

  • D’Addario – Percussion
    Distributor for EVANS Drumheads, ProMark drumsticks, snare wire, and accessories. ProMark has partnered with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture to establish a reforestation project, Play. Plant. Preserve., with the “hope that by leading by example the rest of the drumstick industry can reach a net neutral standard of manufacturing by 2043.”
  • D’Addario – Resources – Guides and How-To’s
    Informational videos and articles on a variety of topics related to percussion.
  • Ludwig Drums
    Drum sets, snare drums, hardware, accessories, concert drums, marching drums, student percussion, mallet instruments, electronic instruments. Case studies and in-depth product reviews can be found on their blog page.
  • Pearl Drums
    Drum sets, electronics, snares, hardware, drum pedals, percussion, marching, Adams percussion, concert, specialty item, cases & bags, options & accessories. A selection of product manuals and how-to videos are on their website.
  • Yamaha Drums (USA site)
    Acoustic drums, snare drums, hardware, DTX electronic drums, modules, and hardware, EAD Electronic Acoustic Drum module, finger drum pads. News & events, product manuals, and more content can be found on their website.
  • Zildjian Cymbals and Drumsticks
    Cymbals, E-kit, headphones, sticks & mallets, accessories. Website features an Education Resource Library with a variety of videos, articles, tutorials, interviews, and more.

Radios and COM Systems

Radios and Communication (COM) Systems for tour crews and other folks working in entertainment production and live events.

  • Clear-Com
    Technology offerings including: Partyline communications, matrix solutions, wireless systems, IP communications, virtual intercom communications, security solutions, specialty solutions.
  • Telex
    Radio dispatch systems and radio dispatch accessories such as headsets and microphones. While their products are primarily used by the aviation industry, some products can also be used in the entertainment production industry. Notably, their aviation headsets are well-suited for folks working in loud environments such as music concerts, festivals, and other live events.

Health & Wellness

A list of resources to support the well-being of touring crews and other production industry professionals.

Disclaimer:
This is a list of resources which have been helpful for workers in the entertainment production industry. This website does not provide professional medical or psychiatric advice. Please seek professional help if you are having a medical or psychiatric emergency.

For Industry Professionals By Industry Professionals
  • Backline
    Mental health and wellness resources for the music industry.
  • Behind the Scenes
    Charity organization that provides grants to industry professionals to help with expenses related to “serious illness or injury, therapy or rehab, natural disaster relief” and provides a variety of mental health tools and resources.
  • Pure Life Therapy
    Holistic therapy designed to help “high-achievers, creatives, and touring professionals” most notably through Stress Management Mentoring program for music industry professionals.
  • Rock’n’Roll Yogi
    Helpful resources and advice from a yoga therapist, holistic wellbeing mentor and touring audio engineer.
Mindfulness and Meditation
Therapy
  • Find A Therapist from Psychology Today
    Locate a therapist in the USA. Search by city, zip code, or name.
  • Talkspace
    Virtual therapy sessions. Ideal for roadies and other entertainment production pros who are rarely staying in one geographic location for long.
Yoga
  • Yoga With Adriene
    Well-known and beloved YouTube channel with a wide selection of yoga routines available.

Roadie Community

List of resources for finding community, connecting with peers, and growing your network as a professional in the entertainment production industry.

  • On Tour Network
    A website with concert tour related news, featured articles, blog posts and more. Created by and for concert touring production professionals.
  • ROCU: Roadies of Color United
    Professional Association advocating for roadies of color in the event production industry. Founded in 2009 by two industry professionals, it has since grown to over 800+ members.
  • SoundGirls.org
    A website by and for women in audio and music production. Founded by veterans of the rock’n’roll touring industry, this site contains a wealth of resources for women (and everyone else) in the music industry.
  • This Tour Life
    A blog by and for touring production professionals featuring a large collection of articles, advice and tales from the road. This Tour Life contains a wealth of insights that can lift spirits during a rough week on the road. While tour life can be lonely at times, this website is a welcome reminder that we are not alone.
  • WILD: Women In Lighting Design
    Professional Association with over 20 chapters across the USA and Canada.

Industry Media

Media publications related to entertainment production and technologies. List of magazines and academic journals.

Academic Journals
Note: Full text of articles in some if not all of these journals can only be accessed through academic institutions, or libraries with subscriptions to certain academic databases. The list of journal titles below links to sites where you may find journal article titles, abstracts, and other reference information.

  • Theatre and Performance Design
    Theatre and Performance Design is an international peer-reviewed journal of scenography. Publishing innovative artistic practice alongside theoretical research, the journal critically evaluates the effect of scenography on the aesthetics and politics of performance and facilitates dialogue amongst practitioners, scholars, and audience.” – Taylor & Francis Online

Industry Conventions, Tradeshows, and Events

Check event websites for the current schedule, location, etc.

  • LDI Show: Live Design International
    USA Tradeshow featuring lighting, video, staging, and other entertainment technologies. Workshops and training sessions taught by industry experts.
  • NAMM Show: National Association of Music Merchants
    USA Tradeshow featuring vendors of music instruments, audio technology, sheet music, AV technology and more. Workshops and training sessions by industry experts. Must be able to provide industry credentials (e.g. proof of employment in the industry) in order to register for attendance.
  • PLASA Show
    European Tradeshow featuring lighting, video, staging, and other entertainment technologies.
  • USITT Conference: United States Institute for Theatre Technology
    USA National conference featuring professional development workshops and presentations by industry experts.