For many DIY Musicians, embarking on a tour is an exhilarating journey, however let’s face it— it comes with its personal set of challenges.
The tight confines of tour vans, unpredictable schedules (or typically no set schedule in any respect), questionable meals decisions, the pangs of loneliness coupled with detachment from the acquainted heat of your neighborhood, the omnipresence of alcohol and different substances at each flip, and less-than-optimal sleeping circumstances kind a cocktail of stressors that may take a toll on each your bodily and psychological well-being.
But, worry not, fellow street warrior! Within the face of those challenges, we’ve compiled a rock-solid information on methods to not simply survive, however thrive on tour, making certain you hit each cease energized and in good spirits so you may placed on a wonderful present.
Get These Zzzs
Sustaining a daily(ish) sleep routine may appear difficult on the street, nevertheless it’s essential to your well-being. Nap within the van when that you must, and keep away from late-night post-show hangs when potential.
Put money into high quality sleeping gear like a neck pillow or a sleep masks. These could make a world of distinction, particularly in cramped vans or questionable resorts. Bonus tip: Carry your individual pillow or pillowcase for a contact of residence consolation and hygiene.
Keep away from the temptation of that post-gig espresso repair. Late-night caffeine can intervene together with your sleep schedule, and nobody likes a Grumpy Gus. Study from my expertise — skip the two a.m. Pink Bull vodkas!
Keep Hydrated
Carry a reusable water bottle in all places you go. Whereas your bandmates may grumble about frequent pit stops, staying hydrated is non-negotiable to your well being, vitality, and general efficiency.
Restrict sugary drinks and alcohol. Dehydration is a touring musician’s nemesis, so make water your beverage of option to hold your physique in prime kind.
Steadiness It Out
Touring doesn’t should imply sacrificing vitamin. Search out wholesome meals choices like recent fruits, greens, and lean proteins. Should you’re touring the U.S., quick meals can nonetheless be wholesome — assume Chipotle, Mongolian Grills, and salad bars at locations like Ruby Tuesday.
Inventory your van cooler with important snacks. A loaf of bread, nut butters, jams, hummus, carrots, bananas, apples, soda water, and path combine may be lifesavers once you’re on the go.
When you’ve got a rider, at all times embody wholesome snacks. Grabbing nutritious gadgets on the finish of the night time not solely satisfies your post-show starvation, but in addition saves your pockets from late-night quick meals runs.
Pump That Blood
Flip each pit cease right into a mini exercise session. A set of thirty leaping jacks and squats may sound minimal, however they’ll hold your blood flowing and your vitality up throughout these lengthy drives.
Make the most of lodge gyms or get artistic with body weight workout routines in your room.
Benefit from your environment. A run or brisk stroll across the venue or lodge not solely offers train, but in addition provides you an opportunity to get pleasure from some alone time, clear your thoughts, and uncover the realm.
Set Enjoyable Routines
Is there an album you’ve been which means to take heed to extra deliberately? Make it your tour anthem. Pop on some headphones each day, and let this be your alternative to get obsessive about one thing new.
While you set up a day by day routine, even when it’s a bit unconventional, it may possibly add a way of construction to your touring life. Perhaps it’s your midday meditation session, or listening to a favourite music together with your eyes closed. Uncover and prioritize methods to floor your self.
Tour crafts can assist break up the monotony! Take into account bringing your sketch pad, knitting needles, crossword puzzles, sudoku, or different enjoyable actions to maintain your self and your tourmates occupied.
It Takes a Village
Touring can get lonely, however staying linked with family and friends by means of calls or video chats can alleviate the isolation.
Join with fellow musicians or locals. Assembly your viewers after reveals and interesting with followers not solely fills you with feel-good vibes, but in addition builds your neighborhood.
Restrict Your Vices
Be conscious of your alcohol consumption. Drink tickets may be sneaky, and extreme consuming can disrupt your sleep and general well-being. Tempo your self not simply to your sake, however for the sake of your bandmates and your efficiency!
Followers may give you stimulants or jazz cabbage, however select properly. Not each reward is tour-friendly, and a few areas have strict legal guidelines. Do your analysis, and bear in mind: Security first.
Observe Stress Administration
Spend time outside in pure gentle to assist regulate your circadian rhythm. It could actually make adjusting to completely different time zones a bit simpler.
Touring with bandmates may be intense, and conflicts are inevitable. However simply because your bassist chews their lunch loudly each single day doesn’t imply that you must flip your lid. Select your battles properly; not each disagreement is definitely worth the vitality.
Strive a day by day check-in to reset the tour vibes. A “60 seconds to whine, 60 seconds to spotlight the positives” sport can assist everybody course of their emotions in a wholesome approach, and preserve a constructive ambiance.
Setting a funds helps alleviate monetary stress and permits you and your tourmates to deal with the music.
Put money into a journal. Vent all of it out on paper, not in your drummer!
Pack Necessities
Pack a small first help equipment with ache relievers, bandages, and any vital drugs.
Carry private comforts from residence, whether or not it’s a favourite stuffed animal, a accomplice’s sweater with their cologne, or mother’s brownies.
Don’t fear about having too many stage outfits. As an alternative, create a bit capsule wardrobe which you could alternate out every night time. Consider it or not, you may match a month-long tour in an overhead bin suitcase.
Embrace a transportable humidifier, face masks (essential in 2024), and hand sanitizer in your necessities. Tour life includes plenty of handshakes—hold it clear!
Keep Knowledgeable
Analysis emergency providers within the areas you’ll be visiting. If there’s a disaster, figuring out the place to show in will make the scenario a lot simpler to navigate.
Familiarize your self with well being services and native healthcare sources to be sure to and your tourmates have the knowledge they want if somebody will get sick.
Be Variety In every single place You Go!
Within the whirlwind of touring, don’t overlook primary etiquette. Saying thanks, cleansing up after your self, and shaking arms together with your followers go a protracted strategy to construct a constructive ambiance wherever you go. Keep in mind that touring isn’t simply touring — it’s part of constructing reputations, relationships, and future alternatives.
There are numerous the explanation why artists like us search a life on the street. There’s at all times one thing new to see in each city you go to, a fan to fulfill, and a brand new meals to strive, and it’s an unbelievable strategy to share your music.
While you arm your self with these well being hacks, you’re setting your self up for a profitable tour as a music skilled, and as an individual. So, whether or not you’re headed residence to the acquainted embrace of your neighborhood, or gearing up for the subsequent journey, carry the following tips like a backstage cross to a more healthy, happier touring life.
Curious to delve deeper? Tune into episode #354 of the DIY Musician Podcast that includes Cristina Cano and Rachel Bearinger.
