The popularity of music festivals has grown over the past decade. More than 32 million people attend at least one music festival per year in the United States. After a two-year Covid-imposed hiatus, Coachella is set to make its triumphant return to the deserts of California. As one of the biggest music festivals in the world, Coachella attracts about 125,000 concert-goers every year. This year’s lineup features the biggest artists in music, such as Megan Thee Stallion, The Weekend, Phoebe Bridgers, Billie Eilish, Doja Cat, Harry Styles, and Swedish House Mafia.
With ticket prices steadily increasing (a 3-day general admission ticket for Coachella is $449, before taxes and fees), audiences expect a spectacle. It’s no longer enough for an artist to show up with a hype man and a backing track; fans demand a show-stopping production. For Coachella to deliver, technical staff will be vital to the festival’s success. These are a few jobs responsible for bringing this music festival to life.
Audio Technician
We’ve all had that experience at a live event: microphone feedback cuts through the audience like nails on a chalkboard. Audio Technicians are responsible for making sure that doesn’t happen. In addition, they are responsible for controlling the sound during a live performance. Audio Technicians use live sound mixers and other audio equipment to balance and adjust sound levels so that the music is clear for performers and the audience.
Needed Skills: It helps to be tech-savvy. You have to utilize different tools between sound mixers and music software to maintain the sound.
Average Salary: Audio Technicians average an annual salary of $47,720 nationally.
Backline Technician
The backline refers to performance instruments such as guitars, bass guitars, keyboards, drums, etc. It also refers to audio amplification equipment behind the stage, such as amplifiers and synthesizers. Backline Technicians are responsible for setting up and maintaining all backline instruments. For example, they make sure guitars are in tune, drums are assembled correctly, and amps are properly plugged in and ready to go.
Needed Skills: A command of different instruments. If you play multiple devices, you should consider a career as a Backline Technician.
Average Salary: Backline Technicians average an annual salary of $43,964 nationally.
Lighting Technician
Lighting is important to the atmosphere of the show. Additionally, the color of lights can enhance emotional connection and sync on lights to the rhythm of the music; it creates an immersive experience. Lighting Technicians set up, rig, load, and unload lighting equipment for events. During performances, they program and monitor on-stage visuals using the lighting board. Lighting Technicians also perform maintenance and repairs on lighting equipment as needed.
Needed Skills: The design of the stage can be drastically altered by how lights are rigged, so you have to know angles and movement.
Average Salary: Lighting Technicians average an annual salary of $40,362 nationally.
Digital Imaging Technician
Digital Imaging Technicians — or DITs — have typically worked in the film industry as Hollywood has shifted from film cameras to digital cameras. As festivals have grown, DITs are hired to capture footage for social media, streaming platforms, and other broadcast mediums. In addition, DIT is one of the positions Coachella has looked for to join its in-house content team and has opened up applications to the public.
Needed Skills: DITs are often hired in collaborative roles, so working comfortably with others will make the job easier.
Average Salary: Digital Imaging Technicians average an annual salary of $51,861 nationally.
Production Assistant
Production Assistants handle various tasks connected to the talent and production of the show. They oversee all aspects of production from load-in to load-out. In addition, they coordinate local ground transportation for talent, backstage catering, assist with pass and guest list distribution, and liaise with the hospitality staff to anticipate artist needs. Production Assistants are sometimes also responsible for supervising runners. Like the DIT position, Coachella has publicly looked for Production Assistants for the in-house content team.
Needed Skills: Production Assistants need to possess a “no job is too big or too small” attitude. Job duties can shift quickly, so adaptability is an ideal trait.
Average Salary: Production Assistants average an annual salary of $39,454 nationally.
Production Designer
Production Designers are responsible for the elaborate stage displays that have become common in festival culture. Coachella has to accommodate dozens of performers and their stage design requests. Production Designers bring it all together and make it functional. They also coordinate lighting, audio, and creativity to put on a cohesive show that’s just as entertaining for a person sitting in the back as it is for someone in the front row.
Needed Skills: Production Designers should be good communicators. They are creative in their own right, but they also have to consider the performer’s ideas and the artist’s overarching brand image.
Average Salary: Production Designers average an annual salary of $66,397 nationally.
Stage Manager
Stage Managers are the logistical counterparts of production designers. Whereas production designers ideate and design all stage show elements, Stage Managers are responsible for physically bringing the concept to fruition. They oversee lighting and audio staff and ensure that all equipment can handle the production demands.
Needed Skills: Stage Managers are production leaders, so it’s up to them to make sure that everything runs smoothly and staff feels supported in their roles.
Average Salary: Stage Managers average an annual salary of $44,877 nationally.
Videographer / Video Editor
Videographers shoot, direct, and edit festival-related content. This can include trailers, full-length concerts, backstage footage, artist interviews, production planning, etc. Videographers may also work with the community management team to provide snippets for social media. For example, Beyonce used footage from her headlining performance for her 2019 Netflix documentary, Homecoming.
Needed Skills: Videographers should have the ability to tell a story through film and understand narrative and messaging.
Average Salary: Videographers average an annual salary of $37,586 nationally.
For more information on live music and show production careers, sign up for Yellowbrick’s Ultimate Music Career Guide.
