Erica Glyn – TOUR TIPS

This new set of Tour Tips was written by Erica Glyn. You can check out her tips on how to tour after the break.

1. Time change:  When traveling abroad ignore the time difference. It is essential that you forget about how many hours difference it is between where you were and where you are. You need to just force yourself into the current time that you are in. DO NOT calculate what time it “really” is for you because it REALLY is the time that you are in. And whatever you do, do not go to bed before 11pm.
2. Communicating with home for cheap:  When traveling abroad, it is pretty easy to find free wi-fi (in Europe pronounced wee-fee) and so it’s easy to get in touch with your peeps back home and your fans across the world while traveling by getting on the internet and using What’sapp and Skype on your smartphone. WhatsApp is a great app that allows you to IM for free and Skype will allow you to IM, video chat or call a phone line. It really helps when you are feeling the distance.
3. Be VERY nice to the sound guy/girl in any language:  Always be nice to the sound person. They have the power to make you sound awesome, hear yourself on stage and have a great gig – or not. Attempt the local language, smile a lot if you can’t understand and if desperate, buy him/her a beer.
4. Currency:  Bring a change purse. A lot of other countries use coins more than we do. For example here is a coin for 1 Euro as well as a coin for 2 Euros. Same is true for the UK and pounds. Your pockets can get weighted and jangley.
5. Play unplanned shows, like parties and local bars: One of my favorite things to do on tour is to find local parties, bars, open mic nights etc. Getting invited to play a party after you’ve played a show is a great honor and often leaves you with memorable stories and experiences!

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