This week as Australian Idol wrapped up another season, the icon Marcia Hines again dominated my tv screen. She sang a collab with Casey Donovan to promote their upcoming show at the Sydney Opera House ‘Marcia Sings Summer’.It reminded me that back in November 2023, I wrote some reflections while touring with Marcia, wrapping 5 months of shows across regional Australia.It was a time to pause and look back on what had been the highlight of my 2023.At the time I didn’t know I was about to spend the next year working alongside one of my self-assigned mentors Peter Rix and step into the role of tour director and manager, opening act, backing singer, content creator and merch seller (all the things) on a Marcia Hines 44-show tour in 2024.I’ve kept this blog close to those original thoughts from 2023 — to keep it honest and reflective of where I was at the time. The lessons still hold. 1. Work Ethic &gt; EverythingThe first thing that hits you about Marcia is her non-stop commitment. She’s going nonstop. We toured every weekend across five months. In between, she was doing Idol, media, promo and other commitments.Oh — and she also released and promoted two albums. (She would immediately go into the stage production of Grease and balance that back into Australia Idol).She never missed a beat. She showed up every time — focused, energised and all in. 2. Preparation Is a Habit, Not a HackMarcia follows a clear pre-show routine: Rest. Soundcheck. Vocal warmup. Run-throughs. Every night. No exceptions.Backstage isn’t chaos — it’s calm, focused, and intentional. And that energy shifts the whole crew. She leads that energy. She also lives it off-stage: pescatarian, no alcohol, a lifetime of consistency. It’s the kind of discipline that shows up in every note, every performance, every moment she’s on stage. It’s not glamorous — but it’s powerful. 3. Lead with Kindness &amp; ConnectionMarcia doesn’t just sing — she connects.Mid-show, she’ll pause for a Q&amp;A with the audience. She’ll lock eyes with someone during a song and create a moment that’s so real that people often cry. And after the show? She stays. Takes every photo. Signs every CD and poster. Chats. Listens. Connects.No charge. The thought of charging for a meet and greet is almost offensive to Marcia.Even at airports, in cafes, walking through towns — she gives people time. And that’s what makes her unforgettable. 4. Choose the Right Team (And Stick With Them)Marcia’s had the same manager (the aforementioned) Peter Rix, for over 50 years. She calls him a brother. Their loyalty, trust and shared mission have played a huge part in her longevity. They know what matters, and they’ve built it together — brick by brick. It’s a blueprint for how to build something that lasts.Trust isn’t just important — it’s everything. 5. Love What You DoThis one ties everything together. You can feel it when Marcia’s on stage. She’s not performing because she has to — she’s doing it because she genuinely loves it. The audience feels it. The crew feels it. And I felt it every single night. Final ThoughtTouring with Marcia gave me a front-row view into what it takes to last in this industry. Yes, it’s about talent but it’s also about care, consistency, discipline — and loving what you do enough to keep showing up. My relationship with Marcia has now spanned over a decade. It started with me as a songwriter, working on her incredible album Amazing. That evolved into becoming a regular member of the touring party and support act and eventually stepping into the role of tour manager. That kind of trust and growth doesn’t happen without loyalty — a value Marcia lives by in every part of her career. She brings people in, lifts them up and backs them for the long haul. If you want to follow more thoughts - check out - <a target="_blank" href="https://substack.com/@ronharyanto">https://substack.com/@ronharyanto</a>

Some reflections while touring with Marcia, wrapping 5 months of shows across regional Australia.  Taking time to pause and look back on what had been the highlight of 2023.

5 Lessons I Learned from Touring with Marcia Hines

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5 Lessons I Learned from Touring with Marcia Hines

5 Lessons I Learned from Touring with Marcia Hines

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