Tom HallWorking in promotions isn’t easy. So, to discover more about the challenges and obstacles promoters face, Skiddle recently conducted a survey that focused on the effect this role has on health, relationships and happiness.
The response to this survey was astronomical and its clear that the majority of promoters feel their mental health and wellbeing is dramatically affected by their work in the events industry.
It’s now time to discuss the results as a whole to see what we – and the industry – can do to improve things for this often misunderstood and underrated profession.
Skiddle conducted two panel sessions to further explore the issues, the first of which was at Queen of Hoxton in London, involving BAPAM, Help Musicians UK, promoters from Lock N Load and The Cause Tottenham, and Matt Cantor of the Freestylers.
The second was an evening in Manchester, with DJ Paulette, John Rostron from Association of Independent Promoters, Manchester Mind’s Chiara Knott and Professor Tarani Chandola all speaking.
Jamie Scahill, organiser of Highest Point Festival and co-promoter of Funkademia – Manchester longest running club night:
“Being a promoter isn’t easy. It’s stressful, can be isolating, and the added financial pressures do put a strain on family life and relationships.
It’s worth it because there is no better feeling than creating events that people enjoy, but from years of experience and from juggling many (many!) projects at once, I have been forced to take a step back and delegate responsibilities when I am feeling particularly overwhelmed.”
DJ and promoter at Soundwaves and Electric Wave Festival, Ed Mackie:
“ I think promoting has been both a gift and a curse over the years. Having spent over 15 years running events has been a roller-coaster, at first was just a bit of fun.
Then, once I started putting large amounts of money on the line I really felt the pressures of the whole will anyone come? And worried about other uncontrollable factors like the weather making an event fail.
Promoting is like calculated gambling, and with that comes the similar buzz we all chase when delivering a great event that everyone enjoys. Then, there are the lows when no one turns up.
When a gig has been hard to sell and a lot of work, I certainly ended up with restless nights, stress and poor eating habits, as I worked day and night to try and turn it around.”