Sam Benson: The life of a Tour Manager

In modern day dance music, perhaps one of the most pivotal roles in the smooth day-to-day running of any event or festival rests with the job of the tour manager. Whilst there are many components needed to ensure the success of any DJ’s set, from label staff to sound engineers, promoters and much more, the tour manager is the cement to bind all of these key roles together.

UK-based tour manager Sam Benson is rapidly making a name for himself through the industry, having already worked extensively for the likes of Corey James, the fast-rising producer dubbed by many as Steve Angello‘s protege – and #FutureJack pioneer D.O.D, the technically-skillez wizard making a name for himself under the wing of Axwell‘s iconic Axtone Records label. Now, with his talents signed on a permanent basis to the team of percussive and tribal house maestro Melé, Sam is fully ready to make his mark as his reputation continues to soar.

Boasting a skill set which includes financial and budget management, liaising with venues, promoters, artists and managers/agents, booking flights, hotels and transfers for artists and making sure that the sound and any audio-visual systems are appropriate for each venue, Sam has even launched his own website titled ‘SBTM‘, a home for his schedule and a platform to elevate himself to even loftier heights.

For Sam, who has overseen events at various iconic venues including Ministry of Sound, Elrow, Fabric, and the Warehouse Project, perhaps one of the most stressful sides of the job entails dealing with any problems that may arise before or during a tour, such as travel disruptions or artist illness. Whilst most tour managers may work a normal office day, Benson’s own work can often take him across a wide-range of irregular hours, spending much time away from home. But for this highly motivated and driven talent – a man who has proven himself as a true asset to some of dance music’s biggest stars – he wouldn’t have it any other way.