Nick Klyne - TOUR TIPS

In this Tour Tips segment, the adult contemporary artist, Nick Klyne, recommends advice for being a musician on the road. You can check out the tips below:

As a singer and songwriter who has had some unforgettable worldwide experiences touring with my previous project "Klyne," I've picked up a few tips and tricks along the way that I'd love to share with you. Touring can be a crazy ride, but with the right mindset and preparation, it can be an unforgettable adventure that enriches both your personal and professional life.

Tip 1: PACKING
First off, let's talk about packing. The golden rule is to pack light, but make sure you have enough underwear and socks to last through another pandemic. You never know when laundry day will come around and trust me, nobody wants to be around you when you've run out of clean options. Also, don't forget the essentials for getting some sleep in while you can like quality earplugs, a comfy sleep mask and a proper neck pillow (which you should wear backwards, trust me on this one). You'll be amazed at how much better you’ll be able to relax with these three items alone. Remember, it's not about being the equivalent of Bear Grylls, it's about surviving the tour with as much of your dignity intact as possible.

Tip 2: NETWORKING
When it comes to networking on tour, always remember that the music industry is like one big, quirky family, and you're about to attend the most epic family reunion of your life. Approach every interaction with genuine interest and a dash of humor. Don't be the overly-eager cousin who brags about their achievements in every sentence – nobody likes that guy. Instead, be the cool, laid-back relative who listens, shares a few laughs, and knows how to subtly slip their band's sticker onto the venue's bathroom wall. Keep in mind that you'll be seeing many of these people repeatedly throughout your tour, so try to make a memorable first impression that leaves them wanting more.

Tip 3: EATING HEALTHY
Staying healthy on tour is like trying to eat salad at an all-you-can-eat pizza buffet – it's possible, but it requires some serious self-control. With late-night fast food options and post-show celebrations, it's all too easy to slip into a vortex of unhealthy choices. But fear not, for I have a secret weapon: the portable blender. Whip up smoothies in your hotel room, using whatever fruits and veggies you can find at the nearest convenience store. It's a delicious way to get some vitamins and nutrients, even if it means blending spinach in a gas station parking lot. Tip within a tip: If you combine 2 pieces of fruit with 1 veggie, the fruits will overtake the veggie taste!! And don't forget to hydrate like it's your job, because, well, it kind of is. Drink water like it's the elixir of life – because when you're living out of a van, sometimes it really feels like it is. And whilst the pandemic is kinda over, always keep a stash of hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and vitamins handy – they're your first line of defense!

Tip 4: EMBRACE IT ALL
It's important to embrace the chaos of life on the road. Things will go wrong, and that's okay. It's all part of the experience, and those mishaps often become the most memorable stories you'll share with fellow musicians and friends. Learn to go with the flow, adapt to unexpected situations, and remember that the journey itself is an essential part of the adventure. Treasure the connections you make, the experiences you have, and the lessons you learn along the way. After all, it's these moments that make touring as a musician so rewarding and unforgettable.

Tip 5: THE AFTER-TOUR DIP
Ah, just like after dinner, you could come face to face with the famous after-tour dip – that gloomy cloud that looms over you as you return to your normal life, unpack your suitcase, and realize you have to reacquaint yourself with the concept of "routine”. It's like coming home from summer camp and realizing you have to do your own laundry again. To combat this depressive feeling, I just ordered pizza’s and played videogames, but obviously that didn’t work. You should be better and make sure you have a solid self-care plan in place for your post-tour life. Set aside some time to reconnect with friends and family, indulge in your favorite hobbies, and give yourself permission to relax and unwind. Reminisce about the hilarious tour shenanigans over some beers or cups of tea, or perhaps create a scrapbook of your favorite moments on the road. Most importantly, remember that it's normal to feel a bit down after such a crazy experience, and that it's okay to give yourself the space and time to readjust. Just think of it as the universe's way of telling you to start planning your next epic tour adventure.

In conclusion, touring as a musician is a unique, thrilling, and often challenging experience that can leave a lasting impact on both your personal and professional life. By following my tips you might just survive on the road. As you embark on your next tour, keep these lessons in mind and remember that it's the unforgettable memories, the people you meet, and the growth you experience that make it all worthwhile. So buckle up, enjoy the ride, and get ready to create stories you'll be telling for years to come!

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