Digital tools are fantastic, right up until they fail you at the most critical moment.
In my backpack, tucked between the laptop and cables, I always keep a crumpled piece of paper. It is the printed Contact Sheet for the show. It might seem like a contradiction in the age of the cloud, but when you are backstage and your phone overheats or the battery dies just as you need to coordinate an entry, that paper becomes the only tool that truly matters.
The goal is simple: I need to be able to reach anyone in 30 seconds:
- The Local Production Manager
- The Stage Manager
- The Promoter
- The Drivers
I have found myself under the stage needing to speak with security urgently, only to have my phone lock up from the heat. In those moments, every second wasted searching for a charger feels like an eternity. Having the numbers ready, written in pen, removes the anxiety and solves the problem.
It is incredible how professionalism is often defined by these small precautions. Technology is a formidable ally, but we must keep its fragility in mind. Relying exclusively on digital tools means taking an unnecessary risk. A piece of paper in your pocket allows you to stay operational, even when everything else shuts down.
#MusicTakeAway
—
I am Andrea Corelli, Music Industry Professional and Advisor.
From Monday to Friday, I share strategies, backstage insights, or the stories behind a song on LinkedIn. On the weekend, I enjoy the flow.
If you need help with your artist, label, project, or music startup, write to me.