Life on the road is inevitable for musicians. It’s an old stereotype for a reason, but it can also be one of the best parts of your touring adventure. Whether you’re traveling across the country in a beat-up old van, or you’ve got a fancy new tour bus, spending time on the road is just part of a musician’s life.
Not every stretch of highway is the most exciting thing in the world, though. After all, you went on tour to play music, not to be crammed in a vehicle, right?
You can make the most of the long stretches of driving by having more fun on the road. All it takes is a little creativity, a little ingenuity, and a willingness to try something new. By keeping some of these tips in mind, your time on the road and in-between shows can be just as memorable as playing to a packed house.
Living Off the Grid
The internet has become more than just a luxury feature — it’s an integrated part of life that can be housed in the palm of your hand. In fact, 2 billion people around the globe access the internet through their smartphones.
But not everyone has the internet at their fingertips. You might be surprised to know that 11% of the U.S. population doesn’t use the internet. Some reasons for this are that quality service isn’t available where they live, they can’t afford access, or they simply choose to stay off the grid.
Why is that relevant to your time on the road? Undoubtedly, there will be times when you don’t have a strong connection (or any connection at all). You can try to buy a different service plan to connect to WiFi while you’re on the highway, but that can get expensive quickly, and there are no guarantees about the strength of your connection. So, take advantage of the disconnect and think of ways to have fun without being online. Don’t be afraid to go old school and try things like:
- Playing some of your favorite CDs.
- Playing games in the vehicle.
- Stopping at interesting spots along the way for photos.
- Writing/journaling (or even writing songs in a notebook).
- Documenting your trip on video.
Living without the internet requires you to get creative, but it can be one of the best parts of a successful road trip.
Travel Like a Tourist
Not all of your time will be spent on the road. You might roll up to the town where your next gig is located early. Or, you might have a couple of extra travel days in-between shows. So, take advantage of those times by checking out some tourist attractions. Even if you’re not in a big city, don’t be afraid to check out some local hot spots. Every community has something they’re proud of. Make it your mission to find out what that is, and learn what you can do in every town you visit.
You should also make a point to check out different regional cuisines. The U.S. has so many different regional specialties, from a southern barbeque to New York Pizza. You can eat your way through the country as an added “bonus” to playing shows in different cities. Not everyone gets the opportunity to try different foods across the country, so take advantage of it when you can!
Another way to stretch your legs between shows and time on the road is to go to other shows or music festivals along the way. Spending time at festivals or other community events as a guest is very different from playing in one. If one of your favorite bands is playing at a nearby music festival, you should absolutely make a pit stop to see them. Doing things like this can give you a different perspective on things, and can even help to inspire and motivate you for your own upcoming gigs.
Bring a Buddy
All your bags are packed and you’re ready to go…right? You’ve got the right clothes, your personal items, some extra cash, and of course your instrument(s). So, what could possibly be missing?
How about a co-pilot?
Long stretches of road can get lonely very quickly. If you’re in a band with your buddies, of course, that can make the time fly by faster. But, even your bandmates may sometimes be busy doing their own things.
Bringing a dog with you on your travels can make the entire experience an even bigger adventure. Dogs are often a part of the family, so if you can’t fathom leaving your four-legged friend, bring them along! You’ll love exploring new places with them, and dogs can provide a lot of comfort when you’re homesick or tired. There are a few key points for traveling with a dog, including making sure they’re secure in the vehicle and giving them plenty of time to exercise each day. But, if you’re willing to put in just a little bit of extra effort, bringing your dog on your trip can definitely make each moment more fun.
Being on the road is just a part of life for most musicians. While it has its ups and downs, you can make the most of it by choosing to have more fun during those long stretches of driving. Get creative, and take advantage of the unique situation you’re in. When you do that, you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime.
Courtesy of Indiana Lee
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