The Road Ahead
It was as if the beautiful crystal blue skies of Cassadaga, Florida had opened up before us. We all stood at the edge of the lake listening to the sound of distant mid-day thunder and cicadas hissing throughout the marsh. This was our final stop on a journey that had begun twelve days earlier in eastern Massachusetts. It was the first tour we had played as a band and we had managed to complete eight shows, explore ten different cities, and create friendships that would last a lifetime. Though not entirely glamorous, touring is a vital component of what indie music is today. In many cases it is what drives bands forward creatively and through necessary exposure.
But how do bands travel down the coast, across the country, around the world? Well in the words of Shia Labeouf, they “just do it.”
However, this feat is not always so simple. Travel costs money, time away from work and from the “real world.” Luckily, thanks to the help of the internet and social media, certain aspects of touring have become easier than ever. In previous years, bands had to promote through word of mouth or be signed to a major record label in order to gain the necessary exposure and funds to set off on the road. Facebook, is a somewhat obvious, yet powerful tool in the planning arsenal of a touring band.
Matthew Smith, the lead singer and guitarist of Hodera, has been on “more tours than [he] can count,” in his short 23 years.
“We usually start planning a tour 3–4 months in advance,” he explained when I asked about his personal process for planning a tour. “This allows enough time to contact who you need to, book shows or at least let promoters and other bands know you exist.”
It also allows for a good amount of time to follow up. It is easy to find venues, promoters and bands willing to book a show for an independent band, but at times these connections can be unreliable and it is important to leave time to find another show if one falls through.“On our first tour, we had planned about 11 shows and ended up with 8,” stated Nelson Espinal, frontman of the Brooklyn based band Stuyedeyed. “We just didn’t know the right people to talk to at the time, but it’s all a learning experience.”
“It is definitely easier to book shows at people’s houses,” Smith said, and many indie bands agree. Sometimes the best venues aren’t venues at all. Many of the best shows touring bands can be a part of are held in basements, living rooms and basements. The intimate setting is far more beneficial for both bands and show-goers alike. Bands are able to draw crowds and are not shackled to the commitment of selling tickets. People within DIY scenes, especially in smaller cities such as Richmond Virginia, New Brunswick New Jersey, and Athens Georgia, are more willing to listen and spread new music in many cases.
“Our first time in Richmond was one of the best experiences of my life. The energy in the room was phenomenal and everyone there just made you feel like family. ” said Stuyedeyed bassist, Humberto Genao. This DIY show setting also makes it easier to connect with other bands. “Yeah, we literally knew the guys in Thai Sun (band from Richmond, VA) for about three hours and they let us crash at their spot,” Nelson continued, reminiscing about their first tour.
Couch surfing is by far the most cost effective way to travel while on tour. Fortunately, many bands are willing to welcome touring musicians into their homes. Given the circumstances of many touring DIY acts, it’s usually not practical to try and stay in hotels. Bands need to be willing to sleep anywhere and any chance they get and can’t be too picky about showering situations. “You definitely get close to people when you’re living in a van with them for weeks,” Humberto laughed, “you smell some things you can’t unsmell.”
Touring is more than just getting in touch with your inner dirty hippie, however. The experiences people have on tour become memories that last a lifetime, whether good or bad.
“Once, I was arrested on the side of the street in the middle of nowhere Tennessee. They thought I committed an armed robbery down the street. They didn’t tell me They just threw me in the car,” Matthew Smith shared, “But, I was also in San Francisco on a tour when gay marriage was legalized and went to the biggest wildest street party of my life. You win some you lose some!”
But what it all boils down to is, touring is fun. Who wouldn’t want to spend weeks with their best friend doing what they love? There is so much world to see and touring is the best excuse to see it. It may not be the most pleasant experience all the time but it’s worth more than anything money can buy.
