After years of putting together The Big Time Out, Kevin Haughton announced this week he has decided to fully embrace his career as a professional touring musician.
Haughton said that long nights and months of reflecting have brought him to this decision wherein his musical journey and family are his focus.
With his position as the drummer behind the band WiL (Wil Mimnaugh) and the momentum that they are carrying, he will be busy enough touring internationally, he explained.
“With our new album in the works, a new video and a full tour schedule planned, I simply will not be able to pay the BTO the respect it deserves and must choose my wife, daughters and music,” Haughton added.
As a professional touring musician himself, Haughton said he is no stranger to the stage, as he has performed in front of thousands night after night in some of the most venerable venues such as iconic Massey Hall in Toronto to large arenas and all the way down to intimate house concerts.
Joining the fold as technical director of the Big Time Out in 2008, Haughton said he brought his organizational savvy and experience to the table and implemented a model that has since been replicated in the festival circuit by other events.
"Artists worldwide have come to know the treatment and support given at The Big Time Out as industry-leading — simply put, headlining and emerging artists have come to know the BTO as the place to play and boast of its ‘leave nothing to chance’ attitude."
With a team of "stellar humans," as Haughton calls them, they "have nurtured and cultivated a very well-organized model that attracts the most amazing folks that commit so very much to build the shows each year," he stated.
“I have been blessed to have stood beside so many exciting people that have devoted themselves to making it happen — they are the real stars of the shows — I will most certainly miss the crew, as they and the event have been a large part of my life for many years.”
Last year saw him spread thin, as he was literally producing last year's TBTO from a computer/cell phone on a plane, tour bus and at times on the stage while sound-checking for his own shows on tour!
“It takes half a year of full days to produce a two-day event like this and after this many years, my family and health started to feel the pressure and this is my turning point, I suppose,” Haughton summarized.
"I have had a great run and hold the BTO deep inside my chest.”
Haughton said he wishes the event the very best.
For more about the festival, visit http://thebigtimeout.com.