Music Career Talk # 9

Today we will talk about The Road, "that is going on it". This discussion will not be directed to artists who are flying from gig to gig or even riding in a beautiful tour bus, but traveling from place to place how and in what ever you can. In my early days of touring we were so happy just to have a gig we really didn't care how we got there!! A lot of bands don't take the time to figure out their bare bones cost of travel and end up selling gear along the way just to survive which sounds painfully familiar to me. Okay lets talk about travel cost. 1. Vehicle, car with u haul, van, small school bus, beat up motor home (I've done them all, some of you were with me).
First thing to take care of is vehicle maintenance, if you break down chances are you won't have enough money to fix it and you'll miss the gig, I'd rather starve to death then miss a gig so make sure what ever hunk of crap you have runs like a top!! Always best to rent if you can. If the van (or what ever you rent) breaks down they'll send you another. 2. Lodging, If your lucky enough to sleep in a bed every night while on the road you're doing well. Most motels will let 4 people in a room with two large beds. If there's more then 4 people someones sleeping on the floor. Best to make sure the singer and drummer have a good night sleep. So the cost of the vehicle, gas and lodging are the first things to start counting. 3. Food, a band is like an army which travels on their stomach's. If traveling is a little uncomfortable and sleeping is questionable then eating must be a priority. Lets talk about mileage, the distance from gig to gig should be measured in miles, time, and cost of fuel. When planning a tour of any size the logistics can be the difference between making money or losing money. I've made money and lost money, the latter sucks big time!!!
It's important to contact the venue before you arrive to let them know your ETA, check sound check status, and make sure the show is still on. Club owners are a different breed all together!! Last but certainly not least, your equipment. If possible I believe in traveling with two of everything, and at a minimum be able to make repairs on guitars, amps and drums. It's great to travel with a utility person who can help set up, drive the vehicle, sell merchandise, do security, moral support if needed, be the only one in the crowd to clap and cheer and volunteer to sleep on the floor. In review add up all the above mention expenses add 25 per cent more, and have a great trip. Nothing beats going on the road with your friends playing music, right?