Joe Dolman – TOUR TIPS

In this Tour Tips segment, the singer-songwriter, Joe Dolman, recommends advice for being a musician on the road. You can check out the tips, after the break.

In no particular order, my top 5 tips for touring would be:

– Don’t take anything or anyone for granted! It’s so easy to get wrapped up in what you’re doing on tour and get complacent about the amazing opportunity you’ve got to be doing what you’re doing – don’t ever forget to appreciate where you’re at and who you’re with. Enjoy it!

– Look after your body: There’s no doubt that touring and playing shows can be the highlight of any artist’s year, but it is often hard work and can leave you feeling exhausted if you don’t take care of yourself when you can. Make time to get rest, try to eat/drink healthy when possible, and singers: get in the habit of using a steamer every day!

– Look after your mind: It can be pretty intense to be playing shows every night, traveling, trying to keep up with social media, managing whatever work needs doing between gigs, and everything else that comes with being on tour – remember to take time out for yourself where you can. Try to make time for things you enjoy in the day times/travel days as well as playing the gigs!

– Spares: There’s no such thing as being too prepared as far as I’m concerned – whether it’s strings/batteries/in-ear monitors/guitars/clothes/whatever you need to make your show happen, try and bring backups where possible, you never know what could happen and what you might need!

– Pre-show Ritual: I always try to have some sort of routine before shows. Vocal warm-ups are essential, but so is getting yourself energized to perform every night. If dancing around the dressing room and air-guitaring to your favourite tunes in a pre-show playlist is what you need to get you in the mood to perform before you step on stage, do it. It makes ALL the difference to your energy when you step in front of a crowd.

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