THE DESIGN: “The main design was done by Rob Sinclair. I am the lighting director for this tour. There are actually several designers’ hands in on the making of this project. The programing was done by Van Bridges, Louisa Smurthwaite and myself. Rob’s design does a great job reflecting the psychedelic rock music. We have a lot going on in this show. On top of our light package, we have 18 lasers, as well as a server running Notch for trippy I-Mag effects. When everything comes together, the show is mind-blowing. The tour is finished now for the year, but continues in 2019.”
HOME BASE: Austin, Texas — “Born and raised.”
YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY: 15
CAREER SPARK: “My mom took me to see Trans-Siberian Orchestra when I was a teenager, and it blew my mind.”
FIRST INDUSTRY GIG: “When I was in high school, I worked at the Round Rock ISD Performing Arts Center outside of Austin, TX. I was taught the basics of lighting and sound design for theater and dance by a great boss/teacher, Dean Baker. His wife, Kris Baker, had been my theater teacher and got me the job. The PAC is where I fell in love with lighting.”
HEROES/MENTORS: “I love bouncing ideas off the LDs in Austin. There are a lot of great LDs here.”
OTHER DESIGNERS: “As a House LD at ACL Live at the Moody Theater, I see a lot of inspiring lighting designs. I’ve followed Meagan Metcalf’s work for some time; she is one of the best. I have also been following Rob Sinclair’s work this past year. I’ve learned a lot working with him.”
OTHER ARTISTS: “I toured with Brandi Carlile and First Aid Kit before joining Tame Impala’s tour.”
INDUSTRY PERKS: “I enjoy the fast pace of the concert lighting world. I like the challenge of having a few hours to load in and have a show the same day. It’s hard, rewarding work, and I love crushing it.”
WHAT ELSE I LIKE: “I love the combination of technology and art. I like that the technology is ever-changing; it’s an exciting time for our industry.”
