Horror Dance Squad - TOUR TIPS

In this Tour Tips segment, the metalcore band, Horror Dance Squad, recommends advice for being a musician on the road. You can check out the tips below:

1. Plan ahead and know your budget:

This might sound like the most basic tip, but damn it is so important. Know where you’re going to sleep after the show so that you can get your tired, sweaty ass there with as little hassle as possible. Know when you need to leave and arrive. Details matter, especially when life can be so unpredictable (flat tires, being pulled over at borders, etc.). We are very grateful to our guitarist Indrek for taking care of the essential budgeting and booking.

2. Eat healthy:

Getting good healthy meals on the road is a challenge and most of the time it's tempting to go for the easy options from any junk food chain or gas station. However, it’s been scientifically proven by us, Horror Dance Squad, that you can get healthy food from the store for the same price, and which is not going to f*ck up your gut and give you brain fog for the whole day. Instead of going for that KFC or McDonald’s burger, grab something fresh from the grocery store, or find a healthier option from a local restaurant. It's worth it!

3. Band rituals (morale boosts):

Routine is important to boost morale and team spirit during long days on tour. Our rituals include having a shot of Jägermeister or Fireball before a show (not too much though), going out to eat together after soundcheck, and, perhaps the most important ritual, our group cheer just before our set. Whatever the ritual or routine, it’s important to find things to do together off stage to ensure that you kick ass on stage.

4. Sleep & Hygiene:

Driving for long hours takes a toll on you. Add a few shows on top of each other and you are an exhausted, dirty, moody mess.

If you are young, it's easier for sure, but if you are over 30 like us you want to get that 8-hour (if possible) sleep. Otherwise, you will probably get a hangover even without having a drink. Sleep is also the number one friend if you want to keep your voice or any other instrument playing in check, so it affects you the most directly when it comes to playing shows. Besides sleep, keep your hygiene in check – wash your hands and body as much as possible. Otherwise, you are going to be sick and a pain in the ass for everyone around you, and trust us, you do not want to play a show while being sick (or too smelly).

5. Stay positive:

Sometimes it’s going to be boring, people will be in bad moods, or things simply won’t go the way you planned. It’s important not to let these challenges take away from your main aim as a band touring—which is to have the experience of a lifetime with people you love doing something you love to do. Tough times make you stronger, and if you keep a positive attitude throughout, you’re going to be able to look back on your tour with amazing memories.

And one last note: don’t be an asshole. No one likes to deal with assholes and if you want to come back to the same venue the next time, be kind and professional.

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