Join Janine Richards from Q101 on 'The Tour Life,’ for an all-access look behind the curtain to reveal the untold stories of the music industry's backbone. With each candid conversation, dive deep into the lives of entertainment's unsung heroes—the dedicated tech crews, designers, tour managers, sound engineers, and production staff who work with the biggest names in music. From touring with Prince and The Rolling Stones to Linkin Park, Kendrick Lamar, and Olivia Rodrigo, discover stories and lessons from life on and off the road. Each weekly episode brings you closer to the resilience, creativity, and teamwork that fuel the world's most memorable tours, offering invaluable insights into a happier, healthier, and more sustainable life and career. Subscribe, rate, and follow us to gain access to exclusive behind-the-scenes content. Engage with both seasoned professionals and those aspiring to enter the music industry, as well as fellow music enthusiasts, by joining our community at @j9richards, @thetourlifepodcast, and @q101chicago.
Join Janine Richards from Q101 on 'The Tour Life,’ for an all-access look behind the curtain to reveal the untold stories of the music industry's backbone. With each candid conversation, dive deep into the lives of entertainment's unsung heroes—the dedicated tech crews, designers, tour managers, sound engineers, and production staff who work with the biggest names in music. From touring with Prince and The Rolling Stones to Linkin Park, Kendrick Lamar, and Olivia Rodrigo, discover stories and lessons from life on and off the road. Each weekly episode brings you closer to the resilience, creativity, and teamwork that fuel the world's most memorable tours, offering invaluable insights into a happier, healthier, and more sustainable life and career. Subscribe, rate, and follow us to gain access to exclusive behind-the-scenes content. Engage with both seasoned professionals and those aspiring to enter the music industry, as well as fellow music enthusiasts, by joining our community at @j9richards, @thetourlifepodcast, and @q101chicago.
In this episode of The Tour Life, we sit down with Rene Villanueva, musician, writer, and member of the band Hacienda, to explore the crossroads of personal loss and professional success. Rene opens up about the sudden loss of his mother right before a major tour with Hacienda and the emotional toll it took on him and his brothers. Despite their growing success, including collaborations with Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys, Rene describes how suppressing their grief led to burnout, mental health struggles, and the eventual need to take a step back from their career.
We discuss the importance of prioritizing mental health, especially in high-pressure industries like music, where pushing through grief can cause long-term harm. Rene reflects on how he and his brothers learned to process their emotions, embrace self-reflection, and re-evaluate their purpose before returning to the music scene.
Key Takeaways:
Follow Rene Villanueva on Instagram:
Don't forget to subscribe to The Tour Life on your favorite podcast platform, leave a review on iTunes, and follow us on Instagram at @thetourlifepodcast.