How to Tour: A Conversation with Local Bands
Photos of Sunday Mourners by Bowie De La Pena (@bowie_stop).
When I was 9 or 10 years old, I religiously watched concert DVDs, studying the musicians’ every move and quietly dreaming that one day I could be just like them. I decided it was the only thing I could do with my life.
As years flew by, I became disillusioned with the idea of being a career musician. I continued with my life, keeping music close to my soul and heart but never considering it a viable career path.
So when a band approached me to be their touring bassist for a few tour dates, I was thrilled to fulfill my dream. But I wondered how they managed to plan a tour.
Now this isn’t some famous well-to-do band with management and a record label backing them; I was in awe of how they organized a tour on their own time and dime. I came to realize that many local bands do the same. Crossing off that tour bucket list can be a reality if you and your band are committed.
Where to Start
For many artists, a first tour is a learning experience. From finding shows to a place to sleep at night, planning a tour requires a lot of preparation and foresight. Finding shows to play at is a great way to start the process.
“You don’t need a label to book shows in other places,” said Orange County band X-ACTO. “We’re able to book shows with the connections we’ve made over time.”
You may not think twice about a person you connected with briefly in another place, but that friendship can be crucial to booking a show or finding a place to crash. X-ACTO built up their connections with other artists before planning their tour.
Photos of X-ACTO by Bowie De La Pena (@bowie_stop).
Photo of X-ACTO provided by Natasha Olsen.
Especially in today’s internet-driven world, connecting with people you meet via social media can be an effective tool for artists. Even if it isn’t your thing, platforms like Instagram help you keep in touch with people and showcase your music to a new audience.
In the case of Orange County-based band Sunday Mourners, their ticket to touring was thanks to another band noticing them online.
“They saw a video of us and they liked us and reached out to us [to open for them],” said Sunday Mourners. “It was a Canadian band. So when we were playing in border towns, like Buffalo, those shows were huge, like 1200 people. But then when we got into Philly and New York, it was small. In Philly, we were playing to probably 30 people.”
Photo of Sunday Mourners provided by Natasha Olsen.
How to Get There
A band’s mode of travel can be their lifeline on tour, so having guaranteed transportation is crucial.
Don’t panic if you don’t have a fancy tour bus. Los Angeles-based band Big Fun, who were together for five years before their first tour, have driven across the country multiple times all on their own.
Big Fun’s advice for traveling is simple: rent a cheap two-seater cargo van and use lawn chairs as extra seats in the back.
Photo of Big Fun provided by Natasha Olsen.
If you’re visiting the East Coast without dates along the way, flying will more often than not be a cheaper option than driving. Sunday Mourners paid for their own flights and made all their money back through their own merchandise sales. Making your own merch to sell along the way can be the most profitable part of touring for any band without a label.
It wasn’t the easiest travel situation for Sunday Mourners; the guitar player had to check his amplifier in a suitcase and take it apart so it would be under the weight limit for the plane.
Photo of Sunday Mourners provided by Natasha Olsen.
“I could only pack a little bit of clothes because [the amp] was so heavy,” he said. “Most of the time I just ended up wearing our own merch.”
Turns out your own merch can double as your band’s wardrobe, too.
Conclusion
If your band desires to carry their musical dream to different stages, take the leap of faith and see what the road has in store.
Each of these bands experienced unique touring situations, but what unifies them is their drive for independence and their dedication to their art.
Photo of Big Fun provided by Natasha Olsen.
Top Advice from Touring Bands
Big Fun: “Become a road warrior. Protect your gear.”
Sunday Mourners: “When you're in the middle of nowhere, you don't want to be worrying about what song you're playing next. Make sure [the music] is the easiest part of your job.”
X-ACTO: “Talk to as many people as you can and meet people from different cities and states. More opportunities are within your reach than you think.”