In this first part of a two episode conversation, Madi and Lor are sitting down with their good friend and fellow concert photographer James Coffman for a conversation that feels equal parts origin story, industry deep dive, and blueprint for breaking into touring. James opens up about growing up as the resident emo kid in a small Texas town, how his brother shaped his early music taste, and why he originally thought he would become a musician before a chance encounter at a So What?! Music Fest documentary screening unexpectedly led to his first real photo pass. The three dive into the reality of building a career in live music, unpacking why “networking” feels disingenuous and what it actually looks like to build genuine community in an industry fueled by relationships. James shares how years in fraternities and corporate America unexpectedly prepared him for touring, why transparency and helping others matters more than gatekeeping, and how he approaches his work with intentional storytelling, creative growth, and a cinematic mindset, especially through his recent documentary style work with Counterparts. Whether you are dreaming of touring as a creative or simply curious about what happens behind the scenes, this episode is packed with honest insight, practical advice, and stories from someone who has truly earned his place in the industry.

----------------------

Follow All Things Backing The Barricade:

https://www.backingthebarricade.com/

https://www.instagram.com/backingthebarricade/

https://www.tiktok.com/@backingthebarricade

----------------------

Follow Madi:

https://www.instagram.com/earthtomadison/

Follow Lor:

https://www.instagram.com/lorealmichele/

----------------------

Follow James Coffman:

https://www.instagram.com/jamescoffmanmedia/ 

https://www.jamescoffmanmedia.com/