Jennifer Tabor Brings Her Souldier to All Points West
The amount of preparation and production involved in executing a smooth music festival involves more schematics than the average mind can process. One thing is definitely true, music festivals are about so much more than music. When you add in the retail vendors, corporate sponsors, artists, food vendors, and sideshows, it creates a cultural - and economic - event beyond the music.
Rum Bum was fortunate to talk to Jennifer Tabor, a Chicago-based vendor and artist who runs a booth called Souldier, where she sells her handmade guitar straps and accessories. Talking with Jennifer gave us the opportunity to take a peek behind the scenes of All Points West to see the lives of people who make their living at music festivals.
Is there a process involved with vending at a music festival? An application? Taxes?
Participating in a music festival is more work than one may think. Occasionally you encounter rain storms or delayed fights. There are insurance, taxes, application fees, hotels, rental cars, but fests are always worthwhile cause they allow us to reach more people than we otherwise would.
What role do you feel like you play at a music festival?
There are tons of musicians who attend music festivals and there are lots of guitar players who are able to pick up a quality affordable handmade product that also makes a great souvenir.
Which festivals have been your favorites?
Some of our favorites have been Lollapalooza, ROTHBURY, Austin City Limits, and Bonnaroo.
Describe your craft and artistic process.
I hand make items using recycled materials and vintage fabrics. I have a love for fabric and vintage style, and I like to combine those elements with modern materials to create products that people can wear for a lifetime.
Are you having fun at APW?
Of course. It's a great atmosphere. The vendors are great. It's a wonderful opportunity to make connections and it's fun to travel to other parts of the country.
See any music?
I always try to catch a few shows but it's hard to separate from the booth at times because I never want to miss that opportunity to meet artists and up-and-coming bands.
Are there artists wearing your guitar straps?
Neko Case stopped by this weekend. We also have our straps on The Killers, Pearl Jam, Modest Mouse, My Morning Jacket, Wilco, not to mention a ton of undiscovered talent.
How's the crowd? Are they spending money?
The crowd is great, as usual. People spend when they can, but ultimately you have to be out here for the brand in order to take the risk.
Where else do you sell your wares?
Our merchandise is in over 250 stores across the country and overseas. We exclusively sell to independent retailers to give them an edge over chain stores.
What are your long term goals?
Continue to dream. Continue to make new products. Continue the tradition of making high quality items. We hope to help the public take interest again in what they are buying, where it comes from, and who's making it.
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