Touring - Life on the Road Can Have its Ups and Downs
Life on the road can have its ups and downs! Beyond doing your best to deliver a great performance there are many things to consider. Money is always a primary consideration. If you are touring to promote a new release you may not make much money. Oftentimes just aiming to break even financially can be a very realistic goal for a tour. You are trying to get the word out about your music and expand your fan base. The cost of gas, hotel rooms, food and other expenses add up. Profit can depend on how good your ticket sales are, or if the venue is paying you a flat fee or a portion of the door. Each scenario has different benefits. You could even negotiate a minimum fee combined with ticket sales.
Ask questions of the people who run the venue. If a venue is small and not providing a contract it's a good idea to at least exchange emails with the key information written down. Things like how will you be paid, who will be your contact on the evening of the event, do they help with accommodation, the starting and finishing times of the show... Sometimes the venue requires that you do the door yourself. This brings up the question of who will collect the cash, be the runner, operate the PA and sell your merchandise. You may need a roadie to accompany the band to help with logistics. These days not as many people carry cash. Do you have a system to process debit and credit card transactions and are you set up for e-transfers?
Make sure your gear is in good shape. Check your equipment and PA before loading to go on tour. Another important consideration when touring is having a reliable vehicle. Will you be sharing the driving? Does someone in the band have an automobile club membership? This can come in handy for flat tires, dead batteries or possibly even needing a tow. Have a credit card or other means of covering unforeseen expenses. If you are travelling over the border get your paperwork together. You will need P-2 Visas or similar documents along with your passports and a copy of the contract or itinerary. Make sure everything is valid and up to date. For travel documents and information about requirements your local musicians union can be a great help.
The chemistry of the band is important. Spending time together in a vehicle packed with gear can be stressful. Also, you could have 4 or more people with different sleeping habits packed in a hotel room. Discuss this beforehand. Light sleepers, should make sure to bring earbuds and ear plugs. Some band mates may be wired after a gig and want to stay up to unwind while others just want to crash.
You often need to be your own publicist. Make sure your web site is current. Have your bio updated and polish up your EPK. Put out some feelers. Try to get some press to help build interest in advance of the gig. Local radio or cable stations might be interested in interviewing you. Stations also have event boards where you can post your show info for free.
This may all sound overwhelming but having a checklist can be very helpful. Get the details on paper or a note taking app. As my friends have often heard me say "get a name" and yes an email and phone number. Touring is a lot of work and being organized is essential. Having your music heard by live audiences and interacting with fans is the ultimate reward for a performing artist.
Kyle Pacey is a Grammy-Nominated, Hamilton Music Award Nominated, guitarist, singer-songwriter.