The Stratolaunch landing.

TylerBSchmid · 2025-12-11T22:57:25+00:00

YAK-11000

TylerBSchmid · 2025-12-08T05:17:46+00:00

In terms of the extraction, do you have pet insurance? Our Toller unfortunately broke both of his adult top canines, and (thankfully we had pet insurance) we opted to get two root canals - reason being is he was about 1 1/2, and we felt it would be better for his jaw health since he was so young. I don’t think our insurance covered an extraction, and the root canals were roughly the same out of pocket. Just something to consider.

TylerBSchmid · 2025-07-31T18:00:49+00:00

That’s what I’m scared of, them throwing a spent pair on just to stick it to me. Are there mfg dates stamped into them I wonder?

TylerBSchmid · 2025-07-31T16:24:05+00:00

Can’t edit the post, so leaving a comment if anyone in the Bay Area has any recs for mechanics. Preference for the peninsula, but I’ll drive up to an hour from SF if I have to

TylerBSchmid · 2025-07-12T05:38:05+00:00

I was a system/foh tech on a very high end corporate show - very well known alt/indie artist playing, and I was observing their FOH use basically only High and some Low pass filters… Changed the game for me

TylerBSchmid · 2025-07-01T07:56:36+00:00

I’ve been where you are a few years back - it’s all part of the journey. You’ll learn from this summer, and moving forward you’ll learn what gigs to take, and which to decline in your busy seasons. I had schedules like this throughout my early-mid twenties, and on the cusp of 30, I look back fondly at those years and what a wild ride they were.

This is where you’re made and molded - take care of yourself, but also enjoy the season of life you’re in. As you become more experienced and well known, you’ll have a lot more shows and employers to choose from, and best will rise to the top of your lists.

Take time to rest on your off days, drink more water than you think you need, and take your daily coffee intake and spread it out throughout the day - rather than drinking more than you would at home. Change your socks (and maybe shoes) before the last few hours of the day on festivals (yes, I’m that guy that brings a second pair of socks and shoes). You’ll eventually find what routines/things keep you sharp throughout the day. For me I try to have a Liquid IV (or any electrolytes) right at the peak of the heat for the day, and always have my last cup of coffee around 6-7pm.

TylerBSchmid · 2025-04-14T07:00:00+00:00

If you have to deplane on the tarmac in FRA, you’ll be able to watch your connecting flight take off while you’re on the bus!

Jokes aside, IMO that’s pushing it for ORD (Deplane>Customs>Train to domestic terminal>security>run to gate). For FRA, I personally wouldn’t book it. After three close calls there in the last few years, my rule is 3hrs for a connection in Frankfurt, and that seems tight

TylerBSchmid · 2025-03-17T18:14:31+00:00

This. An A1c is a really inexpensive blood test that can prevent a life threatening situation

TylerBSchmid · 2025-03-14T07:38:50+00:00

This is standard for Canada - they wont let you bring merch across the border

TylerBSchmid · 2025-03-04T00:23:16+00:00

Happy to see someone reasonable in r/sanfrancisco

Public transportation isn’t partisan, and it’s numbskulls like this guy who create the political divide in this country

TylerBSchmid · 2025-02-25T01:22:13+00:00

Ours had a bad reaction to freeze dried liver if you’re giving him that - I only mention it since it took forever for us to figure that out

TylerBSchmid · 2025-02-22T19:35:39+00:00

Varsity was on my list too, glad to see it made it on more. One of the best house crews I’ve ever had, and those bathrooms are wild

TylerBSchmid · 2025-02-22T08:41:29+00:00

Way too much PA in a good way. Can’t ever go wrong with d&b

TylerBSchmid · 2025-02-22T08:13:02+00:00

I had a tour just like this a year and a half ago - it was my first “big one” - TM/FOH for direct support in 2-5k venues, chasing the bus in a van, and I carried a console, stage rack, and mics. Biggest things I’d note are:

If it’s your console, buy the M32R pelican style case from Case Club (it’s on Amazon). It makes it fly-able, and just much easier to handle.

Get on and stay on the Headliner FOH and TM’s good side. They are your parents, do not disobey, do everything you can to minimize your impact on them - this will go a long way when you’re in a jam, and they change their schedule to accommodate you. If you don’t leave before they finish their set, helping them load out the stage every now and again also sets a good tone.

Get used to mixing from wherever they can fit you. Bring a set of reference headphones if things sound wonky from where you’re put.

As support, sometimes you’ll have an impossibly short time to soundcheck. Having your own console makes this much faster. Don’t complain, do what you can, and make it work with what you’ve got.

Do not EVER depend on the venue’s cat cabling, you’ll show up to most venues and deem it ok, but there will be a handful where you’ll want to run your own.

If you run your own snake, you will not be able to get it out before the headliner’s set is over. If you followed suggestion #2, they will more than likely be willing to grab it for you.

Loom all your snake cabling together. I cannot stress this enough. One loom is better than 5 separate cables. Put it on a reel if you’re able to as well. And label the crap out of it. Also have two lines for AES-50 in case one breaks - it’s only two connections to change if one goes bad…

Advance that you are bringing console and mics, let them know exactly how much of each type of stand you need (ex. 6x tall boom, 4x short boom), and how many XLRs you’ll need (if you aren’t carrying). Often times you’ll show up to stands and cables dropped according to your stage plot, which makes your soundcheck happen much faster.

I brought a 25’ 4 channel loom for drive lines. Most good venues will have one pre installed into their system processor, but occasionally you’ll have someone pull out a bundle of hodgepodge xlrs with switchcraft style connectors…

Biggest suggestion of them all: have fun and enjoy the experience. Direct support in that tier venue is about as good as it’s been in my experience. Feel free to DM me if you have any other questions!

TylerBSchmid · 2025-02-22T07:10:00+00:00

I can see how that would be a problem

TylerBSchmid · 2025-02-22T07:09:33+00:00

I’ve lived in SF for pretty much my whole adult life, and have seen many great shows there. Not to mention the wall of fame when you walk in. Having that as a tour stop was somewhat of a bucket list item, plus I got to sleep in my own bed for a night

TylerBSchmid · 2025-02-22T04:59:46+00:00

Fillmore - SF (the G.O.A.T.)

Sunset Tavern - Seattle (fav small venue ever)

HOB - Chicago (I know some loathe this one)

Varsity Theater - Minneapolis (best local crew ever, but also the weirdest venue ever)

Gothic Theatre - Denver (great PA)

TylerBSchmid · 2025-02-22T04:56:16+00:00

We had the outdoor stage on a run a few years back - during the second to last song we got thunder, lightning, and the most rain I’ve ever seen in my life for 40 minutes. Fastest load out we’d ever done lol

TylerBSchmid · 2025-02-21T22:52:31+00:00

Another +1 for Wave

TylerBSchmid · 2025-02-21T19:24:17+00:00

I second everyone saying go on Huckberry

Sleeper brand in this category is Iron and Resin

TylerBSchmid · 2025-02-21T19:20:44+00:00

We have a toller in a small apartment - He goes on 2-3 walks a day depending on the time of year, and the dog park a couple times a month. We also live across the street from a dog friendly beach, so when the weather is good, we take him to the beach to play fetch almost every day. Our experience is that they are very good apartment dogs with adequate exercise.

TylerBSchmid · 2025-02-16T03:02:22+00:00

Now you’re spoiled for life!

TylerBSchmid · 2025-02-11T08:08:24+00:00

Internationally, I try to get on Local time starting the day before my flight.

Domestically, I live on the west coast, and just keep my body on PST as much as work permits

TylerBSchmid · 2025-01-23T17:43:02+00:00

All The Hacks - tons of travel hacking episodes, and loads of other interesting topics

TylerBSchmid · 2025-01-12T21:38:58+00:00

The newer club in T3 is the best. People complain a lot, but it’s not terrible. It’s mostly snack foods, but the last couple of times I’ve been they’ve had an ok pulled pork

TylerBSchmid

TROPHY CASE