BEHIND THE SCENES: WARPED TOUR EDITION (AMANDA RAE)

GLENDALE, AZ- NINTH DAY OF WARPED TOUR! Here’s another ‘Warped Tour Edition’ of my series ‘Behind the Scenes’ with a Warped Tour veteran to try to get an idea of what really happens, and what really goes into working this very long, very hot, tour. This will give you some tips on what to wear/ where to eat/ how to get involved with the festival/ the do’s and don’ts of Warped Tour and some bands you should check out while there.

Here's Amanda Rae, she's a Social Media Coordinator for Vans Girlsand a photographer.

Tell us a little about yourself(name, current job title, ect)

I'm Amanda Rae, social media coordinator at Vans. I'm 24 and I am a Texas transplant living in LA.

Position(s) held when on Warped Tour:

Social media and content creation for Vans. The projects vary by year but that is generally it. This year I am making a ten episode video series called Follow My Vans which you will be able to find on altpress.com and Vans.

How many summers on Warped?

Four, not always the full tour though. I tend to sneak in and out a lot.

How did you first get involved with the tour/ any previous experience?

I wasn't really into music or the touring scene growing up but in college I got into photography and art and tried to find a way to make that work as a career for myself. I also really wanted to travel and was super interested in fashion so working with Vans just made a ton of sense to my 20 year old brain. I don't know, I am just the type of person that when I get something set in my head I figure out how to make it happen.

Describe a typical day working the tour:

It's different for everyone depending on their job, for me it changes most days depending on who I am filming with or photographing. Basically I get up by 8:00 every morning, get dressed for the day and run over to catering to grab some breakfast and coffee. Then I head over to Production and get the set times and schedule for the day. After that I swing over to Press to check in and set up my personal schedule for the day, I decide who I am going to shoot live stuff of and then I start hitting up bands and TMs to schedule other stuff like interviews for the day. I take a lap around the venue with a second coffee and figure out where everything is since it changes daily, and then go back to my bus to get cameras and start shooting for the day. Somewhere in there I try to hit lunch or dinner catering, don't usually make it to both, and then I always try to wrap the day up by some fun non-working hangs at the BBQ and a shower. Get on my bus, start editing for a few hours until I can't stay awake anymore, then pass out, wake up the next morning and do it over again.

Survival tips for Warped Tour (for both crew and fans):

Sunscreen. There's a reason I don't look almost 25.

Do’s and don’ts of Warped Tour:

Umm do stay hydrated, do shower, do wear shoes, do take your vitamins, do work hard, and do be nice to people. Don't drink during the day, don't be a jerk to anyone, and don't carry around anything you can't live without because there's a strong chance it's going to get dirty, broken, or misplaced.

What to wear/not to wear:

Well I kind of covered shoes & sunscreen already... but for real those are important. There is a lot of gross stuff on the ground and your feet can get cut up easily and infections aren't cool. Sunglasses are always aces because it keeps the sun and dirt out of your eyes. I am a big fan of dresses because they're cool and comfortable but if you are going to the show and planning on getting in the mix of a pit that's not a good idea. Wear a shirt, it's hot I get it, but keep it classy.

Best live performance(s) you have seen at Warped:

This year? Well it's still pretty early but Taking Back Sunday of course, and I like to watch my friends in We Are The In Crowd & Pierce The Veil.

Best and worst part about working Warped?

Best, the people you get to hang out with every day become your second family. It really is like camp and getting to be together all summer rules. Worst is just when you do get sick or burnt out it's hard to recover with the schedule.

Was it/is it what you thought it would be like?

I didn't really have any preconceived ideas I don't think. As I mentioned before I didn't do this stuff growing up, so the first time I ever went to Warped Tour I was working. I guess I didn't have a clue what to expect.

Favorite city and/or best venue Warped Tour stops in:

Everyone complains about Florida because of the humidity and rain but I actually quite like those shows. There is always fun stuff going on those days and the rain makes everyone a little crazy in a good way. I really loved the new San Francisco venue we went to a few days ago, that was an awesome show. I mean every show is awesome, every day on tour is exactly what you make it you know?

Best place(s) to eat while being out on the tour:

Somehow we always end up at P.F. Changs on off days which is hilarious because I don't eat there any other time of year. You eat catering every day for all meals so the only time to go out is on the few off days and it's usually whatever is closest or inside your hotel. I am also known for ordering grilled cheese sandwiches from room service. Sometimes you just want a comfort food.

Favorite Warped Tour memory/ story/experience:

Cliff jumping in Scranton, PA a few years back always sticks out in my mind, and I love the upstate NY show because there is an amusement park attached and we ride a lot of rollercoasters and stuff at night. Also the BBQ's and junk in general... it's nice to unwind with everyone and just hang out while we don't have a million things to do.

Advice for first timers (for both crew and fans):

I think we covered it mostly in the do's and don'ts haha but also be sure to bring an empty bottle that you can refill at Kleen Kanteen everyday they have free drinking water at all shows you just have to have something to put it in. Oh, and eat. It doesn't really matter what you eat, just put something on your stomach. Most people get excited and forget about that.

If someone wanted to work on Warped Tour how would they go about it?

This is always a tough question because there is no definite answer, just work hard at whatever you want to do and take internships and volunteer opportunities. It makes a difference when you build experience and agood reputation. I don't really know anyone who just says one day 'Oh I want to go on tour' and suddenly does it the next day.

If you're going to be on tour this summer, what are you most looking forward to?

Friends friends friends and friends.