sosaveme – TOUR TIPS

This new set of Tour Tips was written by the Michigan indie-rock band, sosaveme. You can check them out after the break.

1. Make a tour itinerary and have several copies in the van and available to all band members. Collectively designate someone to keep everyone on track. If all agree on who this is beforehand, it cuts down on people thinking that one person is becoming a boss (or dad), because everyone decided on that person. Our itinerary usually includes all the dates, venues, addresses, load in times, show start times, contact person, lodging info, driving distances between venues, and departure times as well (don’t forget time-zone changes). This helps create an atmosphere where everyone can have an idea of scheduling, timing, and can work together to make sure the tour flows smoothly.

2. Have a no driving and texting rule. It sounds lame, but it could save everyone’s life. I know it gets boring driving for long hours and not being able to communicate with your hunny or the outside world. Suggestions; have a co-pilot partner who can text for you, change CD’s, and keep you engaged while driving.

3. Always drive in pairs. Do your best to make sure one person isn’t driving alone. A co-pilot helps make sure the driver doesn’t get too tired on long drives at night, helps change music, and can also prepare snacks for the driver. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

4. Make sure to communicate touring responsibilities before hand. To avoid individuals feeling like they are doing all the work or others aren’t pulling their share, go over what it takes to make an entire tour happen. Break it down to show by show. By doing this it allows everyone to see the full amount of work involved and how to best divide it up. It helps minimize confusion on who’s doing what. For example, Justin is the equipment manager of sosaveme. He handles and oversees all of the loading, unloading, and packing of gear. He is always aware of what has been loaded and what is packed up. This frees up Nicholas (who is the merch manager) to concentrate on merch set-up, sales, and tear down. Divide responsibilities.

5. Set guidelines and rules before tour. Not every band or individuals operate under the same code of values and morals, but its important as a group to decide which set all of you will agree upon while traveling and representing your collective name (your band). It’s one thing to operate how you feel while by yourself, but another issue entirely when you represent your other band members when traveling as a band. Its important to note that how you act and how people perceive you on tour is reflected back on your entire band. Discuss what you all agree is acceptable and unacceptable behavior. This help keep band members from harboring ill thoughts and poor attitudes towards one another. Communication is key to survival and longevity. Discuss how you feel, and do what you can as preventative measures instead of waiting until people’s tempers blow up before a show and then you are forced to deal with the issue.

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