The Rep Shift

As we say goodbye to Jacko and this season of the rep shift we’re incredibly excited to be joined by the singer of The Xcerts - Murray who has just celebrated 10 years of their brilliant record There Is Only You. Murray talks to us about starting a band in Aberdeen and their story all the way to main stages at Festivals which culminates in a very stressful / hilarious set of circumstances at their biggest crowd 2000 Trees Festival. 

Chris and Jacko in the penultimate episode of the series welcome Lara Bothe to The Rep Shift. A current London resident Lara has made her way from watching bands in the local pub called “Die Rose” in Elchesheim-Illingen, Germany to working some pretty major UK festivals along the way. As a Tour Manager, Promoter Rep and Festival Artist Liaison Lara has sadly had to put up with a lot of unwanted and toxic behaviour which given the conversations we’ve had with our other guests and working ourselves in live music for over 10 years is sadly no surprise. We must all do better to make sure the live industry is a safe and inclusive space for everyone to feel welcome and a part of.  Here are some amazing groups to be part of and follow: Women In Live MusicTurn Up Her MicShe Is The MusicSafe Gigs for Women

Jamie Ford set up the promotions company Honeymooner in Southampton and has bought some of the most exciting bands to the south coast. Learning his trade with Ricky at The Joiners he talks to Chris and Jacko about the life of a new promoter learning his craft, gaining the respect from agents / managers and continuing to grow the brand. Jamie has also played a huge part of the success So Young Magazine and now So Young live , setting up the The Parallel Music Conference and drumming in Better Joy. For anyone interested in promoting / live events speaking to Jamie about his journey would be a great place to start. Oh and throw in a very unhappy TM, this episode really is a great indication of what life is like in live music.

Saving lives by day, putting on rock shows at night. Joe Booley is holding it down and talks us through setting up a record label Bethshalom records, putting on shows in Aldershot and the importance of making a local scene to build profile to then turning his attention to becoming a booking agent for Michael Cera Palin, Itoldyouiwouldeatyou, Lakes, indoor pets and many more at Atonal Agency.

Chris and Jacko are joined by Jasmine and her dog Bear who take us on an emotional journey through the logistics and organising of an independent outdoor festival. With so many Festivals no longer operational what Slam Dunk has achieved since its club formation is testament to the incredible ambition and drive of its team. “Is it ok that I’m on the stage? It’s your stage Jasmine you can go wherever you want” Is probably one of my favourite moments I’ve heard on the podcast since we’ve been doing this. Oh and of course throw in Box Office meltdowns, sewage flooded venues and a bizarre rider run. This episode has it all.

Graeme Nash has been a full time rep since 2004 - He’s been to most venues in the country, worked with an incredible roster of bands but sometimes on a rep shift there is nothing you can do other than call time and make your way back to the premier inn. Graeme takes us through his brilliant backstage career in live music.   

It’s a big moment for the Podcast, as Chris and Jacko are going across the pond to speak with Riley Difford of Boulevard Carroll. Riley started off in publishing then as a freelance backline tech and driver for various bands across the states for acts like Ghost, King Krule, Mura Masa, and many more…The last 5 years Riley Stepped up into managing DBM Pro Audio / Jim Flynn Rentals. Riley then returned to live production roles and took on Tour Managing Various Indie bands across the USA and successfully tour / production managing Sammy Rae & The Friends for the past 2 years. Organising all logistics and booking while advancing over 500 shows / festivals internationally delivering sold out shows across the globe for 5000 cap rooms but nothing can prepare him for what happens one night in LA at The Fonda

On this weeks episode we welcome Caitlin Ford to The Rep Shift, having shifted plans of becoming a doctor to running events at the legendary night club World HQ in Newcastle, to being part of some of the biggest festival event crews across the world. What Caitlin has achieved in such a short period is remarkable even if she gets it wrong from time to time.