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 Rich Jones, a Chicago-based MC known for his collaborations with Taylor Bennett, the Allies, and more. Rich shares stories from his music career, including how he was voted the second-best rapper in Chicago by the Chicago Reader in 2016, right behind Chance the Rapper. We dive into his creative process, life on the road, and the organic way he’s built strong relationships within the music industry.
We talk about the ups and downs of touring, including solo touring for the first time, navigating unexpected challenges, and the emotional rollercoaster of live performances. Rich opens up about learning to cultivate friendships and networks, and how they’ve helped him both personally and professionally, from saving on lodging to filling venues. He also reflects on the growth he’s experienced as both an artist and individual, emphasizing the importance of self-encouragement alongside constructive self-criticism.
Whether you’re in the music business or simply a fan, Rich’s optimistic yet grounded outlook will inspire you to embrace the unexpected twists of the creative journey.
Key Takeaways:
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