Gino Scarim (The Amity Affliction’s Tour Manager/Front of House Engineer) – TRICKS OF THE TRADE

In all of our other features, we highlight bands/artists; now we want to take you into the world of the people who work for a band on tour, their crew. For this feature, we teamed up with tour manager and front of house engineer, Gino Scarim. You can can find out more about Gino and advice he has for people interested in hitting the road (his “Trick of the Trade”), after the break.

Name:
Gino Scarim

Touring Resume:
Plain White T’s, Tilly and the Wall, The Amity Affliction, Blessthefall, Chelsea Grin, Sohn

What positions have you held (i.e. Tour Manager, Front of House, etc.)?
Tour Manager, Front of House Engineer, Monitor Engineer

Your first touring gig?
May 09′ mixing monitors for the Plain White T’s

How did you get the gig?
I worked with the Plain White T’s tour manager, Craig Tiede, at The Metro in Chicago. They needed a monitor engineer in a pinch and I was available. I can still remember that phone call, haha.

What was (is your continued) motivation for wanting to start working for tour bands?
It’s great working for just one band and going all over the world with them. You become like family, its pretty special. It’s cool going to all these different places like Russia, Asia, South America and all over Europe. Getting paid to travel the world with your friends, it’s the best!

While growing up were you involved in your local music scene? If so, how did you get involved?
Yes I was! For about ten years I did everything I could in and with music. It all started when I played in a few bands back in the late 90’s. From there I got into doing live audio and recording to fill the needs of my bands. I bought and learned how to use all the gear, I asked anyone I could for tips or tricks on how to get the best sound. Buying used gear from other bands and friends, I was also on the hunt. I also started a small label and a production company. I would release my friends records and throw shows at any place that would let us. The best part was it was a real community, everyone helped each other, it was a great scene, something that I’m still very proud to say I was a part of.

If you could recommend one piece of advice (“trick of the trade”) to current or aspiring crew members, what would it be?
Get involved and do it yourself. A lot of people ask me, “how do you do everything you’re a part of ?” the truth is, I just do it. Don’t wait to start something when you have the money, or until after you finish school, just do it. You can find a way to do what you want to do and live the life that you dream of. Almost every cool thing that I’ve wanted to do, I at one time did for free to gain experience and learn what I like to do and what I don’t like. Don’t wait for life to happen to you, go live it!

Keep up with Gino on Facebook and Twitter!

(photo cred: Tim Harmon)