Tallulah James Hansen: Tour/Production Coordinator
Introduce yourself to us! What do you do in the industry? Where are you from?
My name is Tallulah James Hansen, I am a 24-year-old lady who loves to travel, roller skate, and watch a live show! I grew up in Redondo Beach, CA, and moved to LA proper the first chance I got out of high school. My current title is usually Tour Coordinator or Production Coordinator. That translates to problem solver, lunch lady, therapist, mom amongst many other things. My main role is to support the Tour Manager or Production Manager in advancing a show. During an event or show, you can find me running around yelling into a radio, getting a band member dressed, and sorting out lunch for our crew while simultaneously slamming a coffee.
How did you get your start in the industry, and how long have you been in the industry?
My first job in production was the 2015 NFL Honors in Phoenix, Arizona as production assistant for Dick Clark Productions. After that show, I got into the award show circuit with DCP where I got to work on incredible award shows like the American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards, and many more. From there, I continued to network with people to work on larger shows like the Emmys, Oscars, and Super Bowl Halftime show where I eventually became an executive assistant to the Supervising Producer of these massive productions, Rob Paine. Although I loved my time in television events, I was always drawn to the incredible performances and artists we got to work with. I decided to pivot to the music industry by reaching out to every person I knew until I got an opportunity to work at eighteentwentysix. I was lucky enough to be placed on Harry Styles’ team for his promo tour and (rescheduled) ‘Fine Line’ world tour! Cumulatively, I have been in the live events industry for six years and the live music industry specifically for almost two years.
When did you know being in the business is what you wanted to do? Was there a specific moment where you were like “oh my god, this is what I want to do for the rest of my life”?
I definitely dipped my toes into what working in music was like by getting to work with legendary artists such as Chaka Khan, Queen and Lady Gaga. I honestly think I knew I needed to be involved in the music industry just recognizing how incredible it felt to be a fan at a concert. The build-up to the event, the electricity of the crowd and the incredible human connection music brings is unlike anything I had ever been apart of. I knew that I wanted to be a part of that experience daily.
Is there anything you struggled with (or even still struggle with) being in the industry?
Of course! When you are working with the absolute best people in every craft, whether it be the monitor engineers, stylists, guitarists, creative directors or audio techs- it’s hard not to feel some sense of imposter syndrome. Especially being so new to the industry itself and being thrown into brand new situations all the time. However, I know that I am here for a reason and that I am so willing to absorb and learn anything and everything. That is part of the fun!
What is the best part of your job and why?
The people I get to work with, hands down. I have made lifelong friends and get to interact with such talented, smart and caring people. I really am so lucky to say that. Seeing live music every night is a nice perk too ;)
Copacetic Collective is something you found in high school. How did that idea come about and how did you turn it into what it is now?
Copacetic Collective started as a vintage clothing company in high school which then spanned to trunk shows and themed events. Over the years, I have curated special parties and events in the television and music industry. I would love to grow this business into creating special events, showcases, and parties as a creative way to market an artist and their music.
How did you come up with the name Copacetic Collective?
I was inspired by “Bound for the Floor” by Local H. There is a lyric “Keep it Copacetic” that I was drawn to. It resonates with my brand by being an old-school term and always keeping in cool, calm and collected.
You’ve worked with top artists such as Billie Eilish, Harry Styles, and events like The Oscars, what is it like working on such major productions?
It is exhilarating! There is something exciting about knowing that we have a certain amount of time to accomplish a goal, whether it is a live stream XR shoot that we did for Billie Eilish, A Brits performance with HS, or One of TVs most-watched live events, the Oscars. There are so many key pieces to each of those events that are all equally important. The thrill of coordinating something with that much weight and excitement is something I will never get over.
What advise do you have for women who want to get into the music industry?
Talk to as many people in as many departments as possible and learn about what they do. Knowledge is power and your attitude should always be positive and excited to learn. I would also consider involving yourself in other important aspects of the music industry that you may not have thought of before. Guitar tech, audio, playback… so many tours are searching for women on their teams but they are few and far between. Having a tangible learned skill is an essential way to stay hired and work closely with a lot of cool people.
Have you ever been turned down or not taken seriously because you were a female in the music industry? What did you do when put into that position?
Not exactly, I think the world is catching on that women are absolutely fantastic at their jobs and are essential to a well-rounded team. I will say that I have been judged before based on the way I dress or present myself (I’m known for not wearing the most sensible choice in footwear!). I just have to work twice as hard as anyone else and do it all in heels and leather pants.
What are some of your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
I love to travel and see concerts! Getting paid to do it is such a trip for me. In quarantine, I learned how to roller skate which has been such a fun release. I have also run an online vintage clothing shop for the past few years, you can check out my Depop @copacetic.collective.
Who is your all-time favorite artist?
This is an impossible question!
What is something you can’t live without?
I am definitely not a minimalist, I am a bag lady ready to go with anything and everything.
Go-to Karaoke song?
Strong Enough by Cher choreography is mandatory.
Tea or Coffee?
Iced quad espresso
First concert you went to?
Green Day at The Forum with Franz Ferdinand as the opener. I waited 10 hours outside to get the front row pit. Easily one of my favorite concerts of all time still!
What does a typical day at work look like for you?
(on tour)- Get out of bed at the very last moment, coordinate transportation for our entire team to the gig. Ensure catering is available and ready. Get everyone to the gig on schedule, fulfill the dressing room rider, get the band to stage for rehearsal, get the band back to their dressing room, get the band into wardrobe and glam, get the band to stage, coordinate transportation for our team back to the hotel. (off tour) - SLEEP!
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Happy, healthy, and doing something that I love with the people I love.
What do you hope to see done in the industry within the next few years?
I hope that more POC and women are involved in every aspect of the touring industry and lifted up into those positions by other women.
What are you most proud of?
Getting mistaken for a Spice Girl by paparazzi in London was a definite highlight for me.
What saying do you live by?
Life is too short to always be sensible!
Socials:
Website: www.copaceticcollective.com
Email: copaceticcollective@gmail.com