Going on tour and promoting your music is one of the staples of being a hard working musician. With multiple personalities in a band can sometimes cause band issues. Some members may be more introverts while others are extroverts. Being confined in tight spaces for days, weeks, or even months at a time, it can be difficult to coexist. Below are 5 Ways To Reduce Band Issues While On Tour.
Don’t skimp out on places to stay
When you’re on tour and trying to keep costs to a minimum, luxuries such as hotel rooms can often be put to the wayside. To reduce the bottom line, bands will often try to find a place to crash at or sleep in the van at a shady truck stop. All to save a few bucks.
When playing a show every night, your body goes through physical abuse and needs times to heal. Sleeping in uncomfortable places such as floors or in vans can affect both the body and psyche. When you become over-tired due to a bad night’s rest along with the abuse from playing, tempers can rise.
Getting an Airbnb is a great way to get an affordable place to stay that can house all members in a band. While on tour we rented a lake house that had a grill, shower, and full-size fridge for $215.00 a night. We ended up spending $430.00 for two nights but divide that by 5 people and the cost is $86.00 per person. Whereas with a hotel room you would be limited to just 2 beds and roughly spend $150.00 a night.
Have a day off in-between a few shows to recharge
Playing shows is fun and most bands won’t take a day off to get the most out of their tour. However, playing too many days in a row can lead to “burnout”. The body and mind will become tired which leads to a lack of patience and tolerance. As the infamous saying goes, “All work and no play, makes Jake a dull boy”.
Take a day off in-between a few shows, recharge, and take in the sights. Having fun together as a band outside of shows feels less like work and more like a vacation. You’ll do ridiculous things, have some good laughs, and maybe even have some good eats.
Go out for a band dinner or breakfast
Speaking of eats, food helps everything. Have you ever heard of the term “hangry?” When the body is malnourished, it can lead to:
- Weak muscles
- Feeling tired all the time
- Low mood / Depression
- An increase in illnesses or infections
- Headaches
All of those symptoms combined can lead to irritability and as we all know, negativity produces negative results. Going out for band dinners or breakfasts are a great way to talk about shows, have fun, and ensure you maintain energy. To save even more money, breakfast on average is typically less expensive than dinners.
Split up into pairs
Being in a larger group you’re constantly trying to gain attention, so your voice is heard. When splitting up into smaller pairs, you’re able to have more meaningful one-on-one discussions. These one-on-one discussions often can help with airing grievances, making inside jokes, and strengthening the bond between two members. This can often help with coming up with song ideas and working through personal problems outside of the band.
Exercising
Working out on tour may seem difficult but it’s easier than you think. Ensuring your body is in tip-top shape while on tour will help with bone and joint health, reduces stress and anxiety, and boost energy levels. Some minor exercises that can be done are jogging, push-ups, sit-ups, and even Yoga. As always, when working out be sure to stay hydrated to avoid further stress on the body.
Avoid Substance Abuse
Sex, Drugs, and Rock and Roll sounds fun and everyone glamorizes the lifestyle. Partying on tour comes with the territory. The problem with that lifestyle is that when drunk words can be said that sometimes can’t be taken back. The excuse of “I’m sorry, I was drunk” sounds like the go-to move but after so many times, people start to dismiss it.
Alcohol causes dehydration which can lead to the body being sore. When the body is sore along with no rest and a hangover, this can create extra tension. Keeping away from excessive amounts of alcohol or at least to a bare minimum will avoid too much dehydration.
In Conclusion
Being sure that you’re well rested, eating regularly, talking things out, exercising, and most of all have fun! This will lead to a more positive touring experience.
Got any other ideas on How To Reduce Internal Band Issues While On Tour? Comment below with your ideas!
