A presentation based on an interview with Carlos Nova, Tour Manager (among other things) for the Plain White T's. Created for Full Sail University's Business in the Entertainment and Media Industries course, February 2019.

1. An Informational Interview
with Carlos Novais
CAITLIN CUMMISKEY
(PLEASE NOTE: CARLOS DOES NOT WORK FOR ONE COMPANY, BUT RATHER WORKS FOR MULTIPLE BANDS AND RUNS THEIR TOURS -
PLEASE SEE “SPEAKER NOTES”)

2. The Bands
He does, however, work with multiple bands, which require varying levels of work.
The Plain White T’s, for instance, tour frequently. They are seasoned guys who’ve traveled the country in a tiny van and a full-sized
tour bus. The band can handle themselves for the most part, but Carlos keeps everyone on a schedule and also handles the per diem
for each member of the band and crew. He is fully in charge of making sure that the tour goes smoothly. Below him are the guitar
tech, drum tech, and any other miscellaneous crew members who vary depending on need.
He also tours with artists such as Candlebox and Vonda Shepard.

3. Background
Carlos didn’t have a chance to acquire a degree for music business. The program wasn’t as big when he started out as it is currently,
and so he is mostly self-educated! He says that he read “trade magazines and books, anything [he] could get [his] hands on” in order
to learn the ins and outs of the industry.
Just because that’s the way he learned, doesn’t mean that’s what he recommends for everyone! He recommends that anyone looking
to make it in the industry learn a lot of different programs used on tour. He specifically mentions Microsoft Office, Quickbooks, and
MasterTour.
He also says hands-on experience is the best way to know if you’re a good fit for the industry in general. Everything from answering
phones to working as a tech will help you see if you’re cut out for the music industry.

4. Q1: What social obligations go along with a job in your occupation?
A1: “Networking with people that do what you do, and even
people that are not necessarily in the same industry, but are
inspiring people.
“I like going to trade shows (not mandatory, but very
important), like NAMM, AES.”

5. Q2: How would you describe the working atmosphere and the people with whom
you work?
A2: “Think of the Golden Rule: ‘Treat others the way you want to be
treated.’ I only work with people that treat me in a respectful and
professional way. For the most part, the atmosphere and interactions are
very good. Obviously, we can get grumpy at times, after a few weeks on a
tour bus with 10 other people. Or when we have to wake up early to take
a flight or do a morning TV show at 5 AM!”

6. Q3: When evaluating an employee or team member’s performance, what factors
are most important to you?
A3: “50% talent, 50% hang factor. Being able to do the job
well, and still enjoy that person’s company after a 14-hour
work day!”

7. Q4: What are the most critical skills a manager needs to successfully lead their
team?
A4: “Like I’ve mentioned before: COMMUNICATION!”

8. Q5: What are the key experiences or skills you look for when hiring new
employees?
A5: “Good communication and organizational skills,
proficiency with computers and all Microsoft applications,
punctual, responsible, self-motivated, no alcohol or drug
abuse, positive attitude and sense of humor.”

9. Q6: What is one non-educational experience you’ve had that you feel has shaped
your management style?
A6: “Everything that I've learned and done up to today has shaped me
(and it still does) in a way or another. Making mistakes and learning from
them, trying to be a good person and respect others, whether it's the
artist or the venue's janitor. You don't need to go to school to learn that.
You just need to be mindful of what you know, and what you don't, and
try your best to make the right decisions.”

10. People Management Lessons
It’s important to treat people the way you want to be treated. If you’re going to be working closely with a
group of people, there’s going to be bad days, but you want the good ones to outweigh the bad.
Communication is key: being able to talk to the people you work with, for, and above is very important!

11. My Abilities
Strengths:
Communicative
Quick learner
Proficient in Microsoft Office
Good at learning new software
Weaknesses/Things to Work On:
Be more patient
Learn more about the industry by any
means available
Improve multi-tasking abilities
Learn more music and tour-related
software and programs

12. References
Carlos Novais is a self-employed tour manager/production manager/sound engineer. He can be found here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlos-novais/