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 generally no set schedule in any respect), questionable meals selections, the pangs of loneliness coupled with detachment from the acquainted heat of your group, the omnipresence of alcohol and different substances at each flip, and less-than-optimal sleeping situations kind a cocktail of stressors that may take a toll on each your bodily and psychological well-being.
But, worry not, fellow highway warrior! Within the face of those challenges, we’ve compiled a rock-solid information on not simply survive, however thrive on tour, guaranteeing you hit each cease energized and in good spirits so you possibly can placed on a wonderful present.
Get These Zzzs
Sustaining an everyday(ish) sleep routine might sound difficult on the highway, but it surely’s essential in your well-being. Nap within the van when it’s essential, and keep away from late-night post-show hangs when doable.
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 motels. Bonus tip: Carry your individual pillow or pillowcase for a contact of dwelling 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. Crimson 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 in 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 high kind.
Steadiness It Out
Touring doesn’t need to imply sacrificing vitamin. Search out wholesome meals choices like contemporary 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 will 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 additionally 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 resort gyms or get artistic with body weight workouts in your room.
Benefit from your environment. A run or brisk stroll across the venue or resort not solely offers train, but additionally offers you an opportunity to take pleasure in some alone time, clear your thoughts, and uncover the realm.
Set Enjoyable Routines
Is there an album you’ve been that means to take heed to extra deliberately? Make it your tour anthem. Pop on some headphones every single day, and let this be your alternative to get obsessive about one thing new.
Once you set up a day by day routine, even when it’s a bit unconventional, it could 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 may help break up the monotony! Contemplate 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 via calls or video chats can alleviate the isolation.
Join with fellow musicians or locals. Assembly your viewers after exhibits and interesting with followers not solely fills you with feel-good vibes, but additionally builds your group.
Restrict Your Vices
Be conscious of your alcohol consumption. Drink tickets will be sneaky, and extreme consuming can disrupt your sleep and general well-being. Tempo your self not simply in 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 keep in mind: Security first.
Observe Stress Administration
Spend time open air in pure mild to assist regulate your circadian rhythm. It will probably make adjusting to completely different time zones a little bit simpler.
Touring with bandmates will be intense, and conflicts are inevitable. However simply because your bassist chews their lunch loudly each single day doesn’t imply it’s essential flip your lid. Select your battles properly; not each disagreement is well worth the vitality.
Strive a day by day check-in to reset the tour vibes. A “60 seconds to whine, 60 seconds to focus on the positives” sport may help everybody course of their emotions in a wholesome approach, and keep a optimistic ambiance.
Setting a funds helps alleviate monetary stress and permits you and your tourmates to give attention to the music.
Put money into a journal. Vent all of it out on paper, not in your drummer!
Pack Necessities
Pack a small first assist package with ache relievers, bandages, and any crucial drugs.
Carry private comforts from dwelling, 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 a substitute, create a little bit capsule wardrobe that you would be able to alternate out every night time. Consider it or not, you possibly can match a month-long tour in an overhead bin suitcase.
Embody a transportable humidifier, face masks (vital in 2024), and hand sanitizer in your necessities. Tour life entails plenty of handshakes—hold it clear!
Keep Knowledgeable
Analysis emergency companies within the areas you’ll be visiting. If there’s a disaster, understanding 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 data they want if somebody will get sick.
Be Variety All over the place You Go!
Within the whirlwind of touring, don’t overlook primary etiquette. Saying thanks, cleansing up after your self, and shaking fingers together with your followers go an extended method to construct a optimistic 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 lots of the reason why artists like us search a life on the highway. 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 method to share your music.
Once 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 dwelling to the acquainted embrace of your group, 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.