Going on tour is an exciting opportunity. You get to connect with audiences in a more meaningful way than you can through your recordings. Not to mention that touring is likely to be the most lucrative part of your income as a musician.
Nevertheless, going on tour can be something of a logistical behemoth. Without effective planning in place, various aspects can easily fall apart. This leads not only to financial and practical disruption, but it also makes the process less enjoyable.
We’ve put together a pre-tour guide and checklist to cover the key aspects you should plan ahead.
Confirm Your Bookings
One of your first steps should be to confirm your gig bookings. This may seem unnecessary, but so much can change in a matter of days that it’s something to take seriously. Many venues closed as a result of COVID-19 and indie clubs are continuing to struggle financially in the aftermath. It can be the case that between initial booking and days before the tour that a show can be canceled due to problems or in favor of a more popular and lucrative artist.
Keep an open dialogue with promoters and venues in this regard. Check in with them occasionally. Don’t just make this a case of continually asking whether the gig is still on. Make a schedule to contact them at intervals to talk about the promotion of the event. Ask whether there is anything you can do as the artist to help them. This not only gives you confirmation of the event but also helps you make more meaningful connections with promoters.
Part of your booking confirmation should include the arrangements at the venue. Reiterate any rider elements or pre-agreed comfort aspects. Run through the logistics of parking at the venue and equipment unloading procedures.
Check Your Accommodations
Tour accommodation is an essential consideration for your checklist. Being on the road can often feel chaotic and stressful. Never underestimate how a decent shower and a relatively comfortable bed can keep you positive and healthy during a lengthy tour. Even the moment of privacy to video call your partner and maintain your relationship can be invaluable. As such, you need to either arrange or confirm your bookings in this regard.
If you’ve booked hotel or motel rooms, double-check the amenities here. Few touring musicians expect 5-star accommodations, but there are likely to be minimum standards you should expect to be met. This is particularly vital if you live with mobility challenges and require specific resources to be in place. Double-checking these prior to hitting the road gives you the opportunity to make arrangements.
Many musicians don’t have the budget for hotels for the entire tour. As such, you may have arranged to crash with friends and acquaintances at points during your travels. Remember that people’s lives change and can get more complicated. So, it’s worth just making a call to double check you’re still able to spend the night with your generous hosts. That said, it’s also worth arranging some contingency locations in case of unexpected cancellations.
Prepare Your Home
If you live alone, going on tour usually means you’ll be leaving your house empty for lengthy periods. Before you travel it’s important to take some time to prepare your home accordingly. This is because there can be a range of security and safety issues that can arise from vacant properties. Arrange to have your mail paused or forwarded and ask your neighbors to keep an eye on your place for you. Making sure all your lights are turned off saves energy while you’re away, too.
One specific aspect you should carefully consider is whether it is a good idea to turn your heating off while you’re away. It can certainly save energy and money, but at particularly cold times of the year, you may find this leads to damage. The last thing you want is to return from a tour to find your pipes have frozen. Look at the weather forecasts for your area during the time you’re away. If the temperatures are expected to go below freezing, it’s worth setting a thermostat to keep your home at around 55 degrees.
Your arrangements should also include identifying a friend or family member as a point of contact for emergencies. Provide them with keys and details of any insurance documents. This way, you’re not having to rush back from the tour in the event of a problem.
Consider Your Wellness Needs
Keeping healthy on your tour is important. It helps you to perform at your best in each show. Not to mention that it makes for a generally more pleasant touring experience. As such, your checklist needs to include making sure you have resources in place to take care of your wellness needs.
Stock up on relevant over-the-counter remedies for minor ailments. If you have prescription medications, make an appointment with your doctor to get extra supplies in the event of loss or other issues where possible. Load up on some healthy snacks and bottled water for your journey so you’re not relying on fast food with less nutritional value. It may also be worth identifying healthy restaurants and marking them out along your route.
You should also make a note of medical facilities in and around the vicinity of your venues. Whether you need to visit a hospital or an appointment with a general practitioner, this will save time in the event of an issue. Check whether these facilities are in-network with your health insurer, too. If you receive specialist care — such as with an otolaryngologist if you’re a vocalist — make arrangements for remote telehealth access if you need it on the road.
Conclusion
Your pre-tour planning is an essential component of making sure your travels are successful. Engage with promoters and accommodation providers to make sure your needs are taken care of. Prepare your home to keep it safe and secure during your time away. Take steps to bolster your health while you’re on the road. The better you plan before you hit the road, the more positive an impact your tour is likely to have on everyone involved.
By Indiana Lee
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