Inspo In The Industry: Jeri Gennaro
By Lindsey Dadourian
At PLEASER, we find it important to highlight diversity and inclusivity in the music industry. With our team consisting of various creatives from all gender and sexual identities, we are ecstatic to introduce “Inspo in the Industry,” a special feature that recognizes the talented women and non-binary individuals working in the industry. For our very first “Inspo in the Industry” spotlight, we are pleased to introduce Jeri Gennaro, the tour manager for The Regrettes and Sleigh Bells. Read more about Jeri’s role, how she got to where she is today, and more!
How are you? Being a tour manager is so badass to me, I couldn't imagine handling everything you do! What is your favorite thing about it?
Jeri: Being a TM comes with its rewards, and its challenges. My absolute favorite thing about tour management is seeing the interaction between the crowd and the band every night. I love watching people when they're watching their favorite band. I've been in the fan's position before, and the overcoming emotion you feel when you see your favorite song live is the #1 reason why I started doing this. I wanted to help people feel that amazing emotion every single night!
Was this something you’ve wanted to do your whole life? If not, what made you interested?
J: I guess that last question answered this one! Ha. I knew for a very long time that I wanted to be in the music business, but I wasn't sure in what capacity. My dad is a professional drummer, so I've been around live music since the moment I was born. I originally started my career as an artist aanagement intern and then moved on to an artist management assistant. While I was working in artist management I would help the TM's for bands that were on the management roster, and I started learning more about the world of tour management. I decided that tour managing was the path I wanted to take, and in early 2018 my old boss hit me up with a few TM gigs. The rest is history!
If you could give a piece of advice to others hoping to do this job, what would it be?
J: My #1 advice is be nice to everyone you encounter. The days on the road are long and grueling - but also keep in mind that the folks at the venues you will be playing are also working long hours to make sure your show goes on smoothly. You might not be met with the same attitude that you give out, but everyone will remember the attitude you bring to the show. Building relationships are extremely important in the music business, especially in tour management. You will most likely encounter the same people multiple times in your career, so being kind will go a long way.
What is the coolest experience you’ve had so far in this industry?
J: The coolest experience I've had so far would most likely be tour managing the band who I interned for in 2012. One of my first jobs in the industry was working for Sleigh Bells' manager in NYC. While I was working for them I really wanted to tour with them, but I had no experience. Fast forward 10 years down the line and I got the call to be their tour manager. I haven't gone out with them yet, but getting that call was very rewarding.
What does tour prep look like for you?
Tour prep differs depending on the kind of tour I'm doing. Van vs bus is very different, and you have to pack differently too. On the work side of things, I'm very grateful to work for First Point Co, and they do a lot of the advancing / data entry for me so that saves me a lot of time. When I was a freelancer, a lot of my time at home before I left for tour would be sending out emails to venues, booking hotels, and typing up the hospitality rider. Like I said before, it really just depends on the type of tour you're going on and the type of support you have outside of the direct touring party!
Favorite city you’ve traveled to?
J: NYC and New Orleans are my two favorite cities in the country, but I'm going to leave those out haha. Honestly, I really love anywhere in the Pacific Northwest. I recently visited Bellingham, Washington and Eugene, Oregon and both of those cities were beautiful and everyone was extremely nice. Portland, Oregon is also up there! I've spent a lot of time in Portland, and I always have fun when I'm there.
What would you say your favorite and least favorite things are in this industry?
J: My favorite thing about this post-covid industry is that honestly, Covid forced a lot of the "old-school" folks out of the industry. Pre-covid I faced a lot of push back when I would get to venues because I was young, a woman, and had pink hair and tattoos. Of course that happens sometimes now, but I've noticed a switch from old-school to younger, nicer, and more respectful folks who work at venues. My least favorite thing what I mentioned above - those old-school people who are rude and judgmental. This is a changing industry, there's no reason to judge a band or their crew based on their age, race, identity or presentation.
Lastly, if you could pick any artist/band to manage past or present, who would it be?
J: I'll give ya two answers, past would definitely be the Ramones. Present, Lizzo for SURE!
