Sahara Herald | Break the Bias

Tell us your story. How did you get to your current role at Frontier?

I’d already been at Frontier a number of years working as the Tour Co-ordinator alongside Michael Harrison when Harry got the chance to join AEG Global in the US. Michael Gudinski and Dion Brant pulled me aside to offer me the Tour Director position, but apparently Michael was concerned I wouldn’t want to travel overseas. Fortunately I had my passport in my pocket when he asked the question ;)

Prior to joining Frontier I worked on the Big Day Out for many years across various aspects of the business and developed a really broad skills set that has served me well.

What does your day-to-day entail?

Well, I always joke I do the early shift! I’m a very early riser, and I like to attend to what’s come in overnight from the UK and US while they’re still online in case there’s missing information or something needs clarity – means I’m then armed with the right information for the day ahead and to disperse to the rest of the team. Days are long when you work across multiple countries and time zones, dealing with agents, artists and managers. And of course promoting and delivering the tours on ground here in AU & NZ. I try to ensure I have breaks here and there and have good boundaries around turning my phone off too.

Any tips on how to thrive in a male dominated industry?

Interestingly qualities that historically seen as femme are now being recognised more as core strengths in any business. Empathy, collaboration, patience, tolerance. Doesn’t mean you’re a push over by any stretch but you don’t have to be a b-buster either. Having really good boundaries and the ability to say no are two things I learnt a little late in life but help me stay within my own integrity. Give credit where it’s due, but take it too.

What initiatives can the music industry implement to help 'Break the Bias'

The last few years have shone a long overdue light on unhealthy work practices within certain aspects of the industry. We have a chance post pandemic to really look at work place culture in general but particularly how some of our work ethos can be reviewed and adapted to be more functional and accessible to women in general, but especially women that may not have the same access to opportunities that some of us take for granted

What would you like to see the Frontier team achieve in the next 5 years?

Would love to see more women working in production and tour management, to nurture those skills and ensure it’s a safe and welcoming environment.

Who are your top 3 female 'artists to watch'?

1. The Buoys
2. Hope D
3. Mia Ray