So today as I was getting my day started I was thinking back to my previous tours with Radio la Chusma & Liquid Cheese. I recall the tough, no showers, eating Wal Mart subs in the parking lot splitting it with 6-7 guys, drinking stank ass cheap beer to cloud my memory of the mounting debt I had waiting for me back home in New Mexico.
Not all our tours were in the red, albeit a majority of my early to late 20's I was fortunate enough to have a day job and in college and had a pretty plush life that I pissed away on booze and stupid shit that now in hindsight I wish I would of invested wisely and saved up, but oh well! The last few years on the road have been a lot better, the dues on the road have paid off in having a steady fan base, making connections with promoters, venue owners and showing up and putting on a great show regardless of the turn out has also won over fans and club owners in having both bands able to come back and perform. I tour mainly with Radio la Chusma but the 7+ years I spent on the road with Liquid Cheese gave me a considerable network of musicians and venues to perform, which has helped me in booking Chusma.
SO how does it work? How is it possible to make a living as a musician? I'm still trying to figure it out and have a general idea on how to at least pay the bills and have somewhat of a happy living situation. A lot of musicians don't have organizational skills or if you went to a place of higher education like I did they probably didn't teach you about finance, accounting, making a business plan etc.. in your music courses. IF you're currently a music major I say SIGN UP FOR THOSE COURSES NOW!! I think knowing what you're getting into before you make the commitment to take a 4-8 week tour is crucial. Younger musicians/bands, you gotta know that your first foray on the road isn't going to be profitable, build your craft and do as many local gigs around town as possible. Build your band fund up, that may be having to settle for getting paid very little and saving up for a PA system, merchandise, time in the studio to get a solid 4-6 songs recorded and working on your live show and make it enjoyable to watch and listen to. I've rambled enough so I'll start listing things now ;)
PLANNING STAGES
How long of a tour are you shooting for? Weekend warrior stints? Cross country, coast to coast mega tour? Unless you are already established artist or have money to burn your first couple times on the road are going to suck financially. No one knows you, you'll be splitting the bill with local bands and not getting a large cut of money. Some local bands are cool and will give you a bigger slice of the pie but ALWAYS EXPECT THE WORST. Also plan your tour 3 months in advance MINIMUM!
Figure out how far you'll be traveling then add 300 miles that (cost of an extra fill up) Google Maps and Gas Buddy are great sites to calculate your travel time and cost of gas. Once you have your distance and time it will take to get to the cities your going to it's time to figure out the rest of the expenses Food, Lodging, Booze, Miscellaneous costs (band mate gets drunk on Bourbon St. and decides to jump over a hydrant with his sandals and splits his toe wide open, or flat tires, water pump, fuel pump, radiator, lost keys to the trailer lock, locked keys inside the van, bail money etc..)
After you've figured out how much money you'll have to spend on this tour it's time to start saving up! My friends in The Bastard Suns tour hard and go coast to coast several times a year and work their asses to the bone, I remember them saying they save up at least $3k in their band fund to accommodate the 5 of them on the road, that's a very good bank to have and I wished when I was touring back in the day we had that bank. They still have hardships traveling from Atlanta to California and places in between but they've been hitting the road constantly for 7+ years that I've known them and have a loyal following in Colorado & California. Now you don't need $3,000 if you're going to be doing a short run, if it's your first tour I suggest just doing a week run within a 200 mile radius. Start your circuit small then sprial out every few months, small towns are usually really good places to hit before you goto bigger cities. If you're already based in a big city then hit the local scene hard for 2 weeks till you exhaust it before you take off for 2/3 weeks. You'll get a good enough bank roll and an audience that will miss you by the time you come back! Do you have a van? No? Well getting a rental might run you up $1k-2k so add that into your schematics as well as a trailer for equipment (more on that later).
ROUNDING UP THE TROOPS
Being in a band is just like being in any kind of relationship without some of the finer perks. This factor is increased exponentially when you're cooped up in a van smelling everyones farts, stank ass feet, dealing with weak bladders etc... The longer on the road, the shorter the fuse. It's important that your upfront with your band mates, letting shit fester inside you like John C. Reilly's character in Talladega Nights is definitely the quickest way to get thrown out or quitting a band. Make sure your bandmates are cool, I know it's hard to gauge that, the case may be that everyone are comrades when you have a few shows a week but you'll start to see a different person on the road the longer you're on it. Your bass player might be a homie and super friendly the first week of tour but by week 2 you're at each other throats because he's a pre madonna and takes longer than your girlfriend getting ready in the shower and taking piss breaks. Of course this goes back to planning a small tour at first so you can get a feel for what everyones personality is like and if it will mesh well when you start your longer expeditions.
This might also be an appropriate time to address band members with girlfriends or boyfriends that will have to leave said partner at home and have them believe all the stories they hear and watch about "The Rockstar" life. WELL most of that shit ain't true. For starters there is rarely any free time when you get to a venue, if they don't have a PA your time is spent setting it up, running cords, monitors, setting up mics and getting a decent line check/sound check. If the venue does have a system then your time might be spent walking around town or grabbing some beers at the bar and unwinding from the 3+ hour drive. Come showtime you might attract a few eyes your way but depending if you're the opener that gaze will eventually wander over to the next band or the headliners, if you're the middle act you might just get to spend some time with that person before the headliners take that attention away and if you're the headliner you're usually playing till closing time and by the time you are done with your set that person you had your eye on has been kicked out of the bar. Now there is the unwritten rule of what happens on the road stays on the road and that rule has lead to many fights and firings, there's only so much drama you can deal with with certain members of your band before you evaluate the overall value of having that member in your band vs. finding a replacement (EVERYONE IS REPLACEABLE).
Punctuality should also be addressed. Most musicians aren't a punctual bunch that is of course if you come from a disciplined band program OR you're just a very punctual person by nature. If you're the punctual person know that the rest of your band mates are not. This will drive you crazy and make you have some resentments towards your bandmates that can't get their shit together. I'm the type of person that likes to be on time so my trick is that whatever time that you need to be on the road to get to the next city add an hour to that time and keep it to yourself! (It's been my experience every time we leave on time we're 30 minutes late) You'll always run into the guy/guys that partied too much after the show (it might be YOU) that are slacking it or the person that takes 45 minute showers. If you're doing anything on THIS LIST it's time to re-evaluate your lifestyle.
Also let's talk briefly about traveling in a confined space for prolonged periods of time. It's VERY important to pack smart for your tour, if you're going out for a 3 day run don't pack for a 3 week tour! If you are doing a 3 week tour then make sure you have tons of socks and chonies (underwear for you gringos) but if you are doing a short run then it's not necessary to bring a huge suit case or tons of crap in the van, you can go a day or two without a shower (depending if you're touring in swamp ass country). Another thing to consider is your equipment. Not every gig you'll be playing is going to be festival quality, top notch, state of the art sound system, production quality etc... So bass players don't bring your massive festival rig to a dive bar, guitarists you don't need that Marshall Mega Mamma Jamma Stack with your pedal board with 50 pedals that you only use 5 of them tops, drummers with your Neal Pert set up with who knows what kind of bells, blocks, glocks, spocks and other shit to make the maximum amount of noise, you don't need it! Remember if you can't tear down your equipment within 15 minutes it's time to downsize, in addition you need to make room in your van or trailer for that equipment plus a PA system AND luggage! Maximize your space and consider smaller gear, modern technology has made it possible to get big sounds out of smaller gear (TC Electronics and Mark Bass have amazing amps and QSC's have equally amazing PA speakers that will save you space and back pains on the road!). Having your band as cohesive as possible will make being on the road much more enjoyable!
Also let's talk briefly about traveling in a confined space for prolonged periods of time. It's VERY important to pack smart for your tour, if you're going out for a 3 day run don't pack for a 3 week tour! If you are doing a 3 week tour then make sure you have tons of socks and chonies (underwear for you gringos) but if you are doing a short run then it's not necessary to bring a huge suit case or tons of crap in the van, you can go a day or two without a shower (depending if you're touring in swamp ass country). Another thing to consider is your equipment. Not every gig you'll be playing is going to be festival quality, top notch, state of the art sound system, production quality etc... So bass players don't bring your massive festival rig to a dive bar, guitarists you don't need that Marshall Mega Mamma Jamma Stack with your pedal board with 50 pedals that you only use 5 of them tops, drummers with your Neal Pert set up with who knows what kind of bells, blocks, glocks, spocks and other shit to make the maximum amount of noise, you don't need it! Remember if you can't tear down your equipment within 15 minutes it's time to downsize, in addition you need to make room in your van or trailer for that equipment plus a PA system AND luggage! Maximize your space and consider smaller gear, modern technology has made it possible to get big sounds out of smaller gear (TC Electronics and Mark Bass have amazing amps and QSC's have equally amazing PA speakers that will save you space and back pains on the road!). Having your band as cohesive as possible will make being on the road much more enjoyable!
Live Life Cheap & To Its Fullest
The Dollar Menu is your friend! McDisappointment, Wendy's, Burger King, and if you're REALLY drunk/stoned or super broke there is always Taco Hell (Your guts will hate you the next day BEWARE). Living within a set budget is important, have a separate envelope with food money, if you're going to be putting food on the band fund make sure it's on the cheap or if everyone is going to pay for it out of pocket do yourself and them a favor and hit up the dollar menus, make every penny stretch! The ideal situation is hitting up a Wal-Mart/Safeway/Ralphs or whatever super market in the city your in and getting the rewards cards and saving them. Getting oatmeal, trail mix, teas, canned food like family size cans of Dinty Moore will save you a lot of money in the long run. You can spend $5 for a footlong at Subway but you can use that money on some bread lunch meats and cheese and feed 5 people. Eat as healthy as possible because after a few weeks on the road bar food begins to weigh you down and the road musicians diet consists of a lot of pizza, fried foods, beer and other shit that makes your farts WMD's.
If you are fortunate enough to run into someone cool enough or have family that can put you and your band mates up for a night or two take that shit up!! Some fans will take you to their pad for an after party which is great for the food and booze but if you gotta get up in 5 hours it's better to rest up and get to the next gig on time and with no one dying of a hangover. If you have to get a room at a seedy motel make sure to take all your expensive belongings into the room (should go without saying). Now enjoying the nightlife and scenery is hard not to do and there will be days on the road where you go a little too crazy and end up renting a stretch hummer on the Vegas Strip and running through a few bottles of tequila and a couple 30 packs of beer so enjoy it! On the subject of beer get the cheap shit, PBR, High Life, Keystone and cheap liquor Canadian Mist, Evan Williams, Black Velvet etc... Usually you get a few drinks at the venue so get some quality stuff with what your drink tickets or complimentary drinks get you then sip on some cheap stuff to keep your buzz going if you must!
Now being a traveling band means you've got to hustle it every day/night to make that dinero! Make sure you have a Square Card or PayPal Card something along that nature. Also a tip jar is definitely a must, even if you have to ask the bartender for an empty pitcher or you make a fancy looking tip jar out of a tin can or whatever you absolutely need a tip jar!! Don't be too proud to ask for tips you'd be surprised how much money you can make at the end of the night when everyone's drunk off their asses enjoying your music (that could just afford you a cheap motel stay!). Lastly always give props to your waitstaff/bartender/sound person that's also working hard for their money, even if they're a shitty bartender, sound person if you get through the gig alive it's good to leave a positive impression even if deep down inside you want to burn that mother fucker to the ground! Being a gracious band builds up karma and gets you more gigs down the road because you'll be looked at with a lot more admiration rather than looking like divas.
So this is just a brief rant/ramble/rantble? There are loads more to learn on the road but that only comes with taking the first step and getting out there and giving it your all. I've been touring the country for 8+ years with various bands and I love every minute of it, through the highs and lows, if it's coming back with a few grand in pocket or owing a few grand it's a roller coaster ride that I like riding. If there are any road dogs that would like to share their stories comment below with your tips and band site I'd like to read your thoughts and listen to your music! You can listen to both bands I tour with at
www.radiolachusma.net and www.reverbnation.com/liquidcheese!
Peace y Chorizo Grease!
If you are fortunate enough to run into someone cool enough or have family that can put you and your band mates up for a night or two take that shit up!! Some fans will take you to their pad for an after party which is great for the food and booze but if you gotta get up in 5 hours it's better to rest up and get to the next gig on time and with no one dying of a hangover. If you have to get a room at a seedy motel make sure to take all your expensive belongings into the room (should go without saying). Now enjoying the nightlife and scenery is hard not to do and there will be days on the road where you go a little too crazy and end up renting a stretch hummer on the Vegas Strip and running through a few bottles of tequila and a couple 30 packs of beer so enjoy it! On the subject of beer get the cheap shit, PBR, High Life, Keystone and cheap liquor Canadian Mist, Evan Williams, Black Velvet etc... Usually you get a few drinks at the venue so get some quality stuff with what your drink tickets or complimentary drinks get you then sip on some cheap stuff to keep your buzz going if you must!
Now being a traveling band means you've got to hustle it every day/night to make that dinero! Make sure you have a Square Card or PayPal Card something along that nature. Also a tip jar is definitely a must, even if you have to ask the bartender for an empty pitcher or you make a fancy looking tip jar out of a tin can or whatever you absolutely need a tip jar!! Don't be too proud to ask for tips you'd be surprised how much money you can make at the end of the night when everyone's drunk off their asses enjoying your music (that could just afford you a cheap motel stay!). Lastly always give props to your waitstaff/bartender/sound person that's also working hard for their money, even if they're a shitty bartender, sound person if you get through the gig alive it's good to leave a positive impression even if deep down inside you want to burn that mother fucker to the ground! Being a gracious band builds up karma and gets you more gigs down the road because you'll be looked at with a lot more admiration rather than looking like divas.
So this is just a brief rant/ramble/rantble? There are loads more to learn on the road but that only comes with taking the first step and getting out there and giving it your all. I've been touring the country for 8+ years with various bands and I love every minute of it, through the highs and lows, if it's coming back with a few grand in pocket or owing a few grand it's a roller coaster ride that I like riding. If there are any road dogs that would like to share their stories comment below with your tips and band site I'd like to read your thoughts and listen to your music! You can listen to both bands I tour with at
www.radiolachusma.net and www.reverbnation.com/liquidcheese!
Peace y Chorizo Grease!
