Q & A with Chris Aman
Although he’s now based in Nashville, Chris Aman grew up playing drums in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada. At age eighteen he realized there was nowhere in the area to rent audio gear, so he came up with a business plan and convinced a business development agency to give him the $50,000 he needed to start an audio company. By nineteen he was the local sound provider, and a couple of years later he moved on to Edmonton where he became the head of another small company. Within a year of that move, he got his first touring gig, and the rest is history.
With a roster that includes Demi Lovato, Hanson (including their “String Theory Tour” with a 43 piece Orchestra!), Dispatch, OneRepublic and Pentatonix, he tours as a front of house audio engineer. But like so many of us these days, he often doubles up as a production manager as well.
Favorite concert or live show you’ve attended as a fan (not for work)?
In the last few years, probably Muse
Is there anything you try to do every off day?
Play Golf. If I am at home I spend a lot of time on my tractor or mower. I call it John Deere Therapy.
What are the one to three work-related tool(s) you can’t do without? (Computer, gear, tool, phone app, etc.)?
Hmmm. My Ears, some choice plug-ins.
Are there any standard industry practices that you’d like to change?
Only tuning a PA with a computer.
Since you began working in this industry are there any concepts or practices you’ve implemented that have had a positive impact on your work (reduced stress, saved time, etc.)?
Well, I have never stressed. I have a lot of German heritage so I am always thinking of ways to be more efficient.
I think proper prep before a tour is imperative. Be it building your file, color coding all your cables, and just making your rig, be it big or small, with the least amount of connections possible. And keep your cables neat and organized.
Where do you see the industry going in the next 5-8 years?
I see apt more touring. Artists are not getting as much on the royalties and need to support their music on the road. And the general public loves to be entertained.
What ruins your day at a show?
When a sound company shows up with drivers out of phase. And I have to fix their shit. It has happened way too many times.
What improves your day at a show?
Great work ethic and attitudes. We are all here for the same goal. Let’s just get along and work hard to achieve that goal.
Our industry isn’t as glamorous as often perceived, what continues to motivate you to work such long hours and be away from home for extended periods of time?
I love mixing. And it makes me extremely happy when we have a great sounding show and all the patrons leave excited.
How do you stay connected to home while away (or do you)?
My wife is very understanding. We talk most days but she knows that when I am busy and can’t chat on the phone I am busy. We talk most days but text messages are all it takes.
What's the most important thing in your suitcase?
My custom wine rack. Cut on a CNC machine and I can put 6 bottles in it to bring home to my wife. Happy wife, happy life!!!