Fictionist – TOUR TIPS

This new set of Tour Tips was written by the rock band, Fictionist. You can check out their tips for being on the road, after the break.

1) Stay Organized – Tour schedule can be stressful and chaotic. Make it go smoother by designating the most organized band/crew member to be responsible for details and schedule. If possible, hire a tour manager. Create day sheets with schedule and details/contacts for each day of tour – even days off. Have alternative plans if something falls through or gets rescheduled. Plan to be at the venue an hour early or several hours early if it’s a long drive. Make sure everyone is aware of the day schedule and go over the schedule again before or during load in at the venue. Have an ‘on-deck’ time scheduled with enough time before your band’s call time to go over any last minute details and to warm-up – this will also help with flighty lead singers. Create a packing sheet for loading gear in and out of the van/bus or trailer. Diagram or snap a cell phone photo of the order and how things fit together so it can be re-produced night after night. Consider numbering gear or cases and creating a check list to make sure everything gets properly loaded out.

2) Stay Flexible – remember that no matter how organized you are, plans change.

3) Stay Healthy – The better you feel, the better you’ll perform. Stay hydrated! Bring a re-usable water bottle and refill it whenever possible. For extra karma points, use your water bottle on stage instead of using venue bulk water bottles – the polar bears will thank you. Regularly take Vitamin C, Zinc, or whatever other witch-doctor-like supplement you believe in to avoid getting sick. Avoid truck stop snacks/fast food like the plague – you may actually catch the plague from some of them. Instead, bring bulk items that are easy to make on the road or with a microwave/hot water at rest stops. Use the money you’ve saved and treat yourself and enjoy a nice meal out when the schedule permits. Get an exercise routine. Pushups, squats, jumping jacks (star jumps for you Brits), or even just stretching can all be done in 5-10 minutes while stopped at a rest stop or a gas station. Go for a walk and explore a new city before or after sound check.

4) Stay Classy – Always be professional and considerate. After loading in, introduce yourself to the production manager and sound engineer(s). Be flexible and accommodating whenever possible. Be mindful of the production schedule. Sound check is not time for rehearsal or showing off your chops. Be sure to tip the bar tender, even if using drink tickets. Chances are he/she will return the favor and take care of you. Afterwards, follow up with any promoters or agents that you worked with to get the gig. A simple thank you email or text message goes a long way.

5) Stay Social – Let your fans be involved in what you’re doing on tour. keep them up to date. Use the opportunity to network with other bands. Make new friends! You might be tempted to just play shows, but touring is about so much more than playing, drinking, crashing, repeat.

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Did you find these tips useful? Let us know in the comments below!