Kristin Schloesser: Tour Coordinator
Introduce yourself to us! What do you do in the industry? Where are you from?
Hi, my name is Kristin Schloesser, but folks in the industry call me “Gypsy”.. Currently I am the Tour Coordinator for Seattle Based boutique event company Five Senses Reeling (Five Senses Reeling is a Seattle-based event production company specializing in LGBTQ and allied artists.). Although I am a freelancer, I have been retained by 5SR for 2020. Let’s see…. I’m from.. so many places, haha But I grew up in Oklahoma, went to college at OSU (Go Pokes!) and moved to LA in the 90s.. I lived there many years until beginning to tour full time.. Currently residing off season in Pennsylvania, where my husband is from.
How did you get your start in the industry, and how long have you been in the industry?
Well, in my quest of being 100% authentic & transparent, the short version is by going to Rehab.. Yes, I know , that’s heavy to digest, but had I not been given the gift of recovery at exactly the time & place that I was given it, I would definitely not have this career. SO.. I probably can’t offer any “How to get started like I did” advise of substance.. no pun intended, haha. And it’s been the Clean Years, at just under 12. I don’t count the years prior.
When did you know being in the business is what you wanted to do? Was there a specific moment where you were like “oh god, this is what I want to do for the rest of my life”?
Honestly there were so many Snapshots of moments that contributed to my path.. but since mine was a long and circuitous path, I can’t really give one exact moment. Music has defined every chapter of my life though.. and there was always a nagging desire to “Rock n Roll” for a living.. but more fear & uncertainty about how to actually do it.
What does a typical day at work look like for you?
I’d say there is nothing typical about my days, haha But off the road, it’s a casual sort of sweatpants, coffee, and spreadsheets/Mastertour and phone calls vibe.. On the road? It’s controlled atmospheric chaos.. and this year, lots of Glitter since I will be doing all Drag Queen tours & LGBTQ Pride events.
Is there anything you struggled with (or even still do struggle with) being in the industry? 100% simply being a woman and being taken seriously. There were SO many tours I was over looked for based on gender (and yes , I have that in writing, ya’ll, but I will never publicly rock a boat.. if I can at all avoid it, haha)
What is the best part of your job? Why?
The amount of Sheer joy I get to help bring to fans. If only for a brief time, we are helping folks escape from the intense and erratic current state of affairs and simply be entertained. I get such satisfaction knowing the end result is happiness – we put in a lot of blood, sweat & yes, tears. So I guess the best part is watching the show go off every night… amongst many other “Best Parts”, haha
I am beyond fortunate to live this wild dream of a life.
Is there someone who you consider as your mentor in the industry?
I have had several teachers, but mentor who taught me the biggest lesson, Shannon OShea. (Manager of 8mm, Sean Beavan and Founding Manager of the band Garbage) amongst many other leading efforts and accolades) She’s the actual Queen and taught me that ‘There are No Rules”..
Tour must-have?
A killer crew, haha and obviously my Pelican and mobile office
What is something about touring no one warned you about?
Well, I wasn’t given ANY advice and knew literally nihil when I started… but I did not realize how mentally tough it is, and how you live in sort of suspension of reality when you’re on the road, haha Re-assimilating into day to day takes some practice.
What is the best/worst tour memory you have?
Oh so tough to answer…. Best? A couple nights on tour with Bone Thugs n Harmony.. it was just.. wild? And worst.. a Canadian border crossing with a Swedish black metal band, a Polish black metal band and some “issues”, to be polite..
What advice do you have for women who want to get their start in the music industry?
Find a Mentor. Stat. AS in, stop reading this and go find a badass woman who has what you want, and LEARN.
Have you ever been turned down or not taken seriously because you were a female in the industry?
See one of the above questions, but Yes..
What did you do when put into that position?
Well, the first several times, I got really bent about it and down.. after awhile, it just became a non factor & I learned to just keep doing the work. Always keep it moving..
What are some of your other hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
Still working on “Hobbies”, but I do study spiritual practices and shamanism. I recently completed a Firewalking Ceremony.. Yes, I walked on literal, actual Fire.. Is that a hobby? Haha Free time? I’m addicted to Poshmark and have a little online boutique. I am also going to start roller skating, again, weekly.
Who is your all-time favorite artist?
Bob Dylan. Nolo contendere.
What is something you can't live without?
Coffee? Haha
Go-to Karaoke song?
I have never and will most likely never do karaoke, haha unless Bob Dylan asks ;)
Tea or Coffee?
Coffee.. I call it Kafka.. you know or you don’t haha
First concert you went to?
Beach Boys, State Fair of Oklahome Legendary.
What’s something that you always have on you?
I suppose just my ID/Passport.. oh, and sunglasses and a bandana or hat. Haha
Who is your dream artist or band to tour/work with?
Radiohead. That’s the ultimate.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Honestly no clue.. My life has been so unpredictable.. but def in a cool position, with hubby & my career. I anticipate some really big moments coming up.
What do you hope to see done in the industry within the next few years?
Just stabilization, if I had to add anything to the culture..
Can you tell us anything about what you’re working on in 2020?
So my 1st tour of the year is called American Woman with Drag Queen Miz Cracker.. I have 3 others which are not announced.. I am also still helping iMatter Festival and possibly curating a panel for 320 Fest.. oh.. and Boise Pride Festival.. I think this is all, haha
What are you most proud of?
Staying Sober. <3
Lastly, what saying do you live by?
Audentes Fortune Iuvat. (Fortune favors the bold) or One Day at a Time.
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