r/TouringMusicians

We're not a touring band right now, but I figured this would be a good place to ask for some ideas.

I'm starting to do the prep work for scaling up our merch designs, stock, and storage/displays, and would love to see some inspiration. We currently just have a couple of clear totes with rolled/painter's taped shirts, but want a more easily-navigable storage solution and a killer display setup that can be easily carried to shows.

I'm leaning toward grid wall panels for the display and probably stick with stackable totes but need a better way of organizing the shirts in said totes between our (currently 3) designs, shirt styles (tshirt, women's tee, tank in men's/women's, etc), and sizes. Would love to get some suggestions.

I’m a drummer getting back out on the road this fall after not touring for a little over 10 years. We’re doing a 3-week run as direct support, so you all know the deal…quick 15 minute changeovers, line check, minimal room for problems, etc.

Back in the day I ran tracks off a MacBook, sometimes an iPod touch, but I know a lot has changed since then. Curious how other drummers in mid-level touring bands are handling backing tracks these days.

Right now I’m thinking:
-MacBook as the primary playback rig
-Probably running tracks through Logic (unless there’s a better/simple option)
-Small interface
-Everything living in a Pelican case for fast setup

I also want a dead simple backup solution that’s always connected and ready to go instantly if the laptop crashes or something weird happens live. I’ve honestly been considering an old iPod Classic as the backup because it’s simple and reliable. Physical controls are appealing too since sweaty touchscreen situations on stage can be annoying.

Main priorities:
reliability
minimal setup
minimal points of failure
fast changeovers
compact rig

Would love to see pics of your rigs or hear how you guys are doing it these days. Mostly just trying to get caught back up after being out of the touring world for a while.

Does anyone know of a software I can upload our flights in advance, then once they’re airborne we can view them on a map at once?

We have multiple people travelling at once and want to see where their flights are on a map, realtime at once.

I’ve tried Flighty but can’t rely on everyone to upload info, we’d gather the flight numbers and upload somewhere ourselves.

I have been gigging for a while as a solo project, but I only play with a full band now so I can have more fun on stage and give a better show.

I have been doing the DIY stuff for over 10 years, and I'm just wondering how you get onto bigger tours. I noticed some bands that don't have THAT much going on getting onto decent runs for short legs, which I know I could do on the East Coast. So, what's the strategy? How would/do you get this done?

Hi everyone! So basically I'm going into my second year of college and up until now I've had about zero direction in life but this past year I've been to more concerts then I can count and have become enamored with the touring life. My big problem is I have no idea where to start and I'm looking for some guidance. I'm wondering if a college degree would be helpful. Maybe sound engineering or stage management? Additionally, I live in New York City around a bunch of venues and was thinking maybe it would be worth it to reach out to and ask if they needed any help. I know I'm leaving this pretty open ended but I'm DESPERATE for any advice anyone can give. Thank you!!!

I’ve been a touring musician full time for the past 7 years. I’m thinking it’s time to hang up the boots and find a steady career. I know id be great at marketing, A&R, creative in any way, talent buying, tour routing, anything tour related really, etc.

Besides the obvious apply to a million jobs on indeed, what’s the way to get a job at one of those companies? Even a low level assistant job.

I can sing and rap, but I don't know how to network that we'll, and I need promoters and the like. I love music. I NEED to be on stage. Don't care about fame, just want to do what I love and get paid for it. Help me out here.

Hello, I play for a small band planning a national tour next year, but since I have my equipment on one of the Spanish islands, I'll need to fly my amp to the mainland. There's no way to drive it.

I have a Koch Studiotono 20 Combo, so it's not big in size and it doesn't weight a lot, but I'm worried about valve and cone damage from the flight (pressure changes, rough handling, you name it). Has anyone flown with a combo before? Any flight cases or cages you'd recommend for something this size? Any general tips would be massively appreciated. Or any potential solution, like a pre-amp or amp simulator.

Thanks!

EDIT - we don't have a budget to rent an amp in every place and we're playing at places with no backline.

Hi Yall! I’ve been using an Enki for the past three years now, which I LOVE for my solid body guitars. It’s been in vans, trailers, cargo holds on airplanes, you name it. It’s been climbed on by people to access other items in trailers without any noticeable damage to my solid body guitars. I would love to try playing shows with a semi hollow body guitar in the future though, and I was curious if there were any considerations that I would need to take with semihollows that I don’t already take with my solid bodies or one piece bodies for that matter. Would a standard injection mold case still provide the same protections? Would I need to start paying closer attention to climate, humidity, etc?. Would I have to handle an Enki or similar with more care than usual? Would it be recommended that I forego even attempting to fly with the guitar in cargo? Would love to hear from folks who have experience with this. :)

I landed my first larger touring gig. They’re paying pretty handsomely and I’m curious about what rules/etiquette you guys like to follow on bus/band wagon tours. I just dont want to make a fool of myself and piss anyone off right off the bat haha.

Side note: sorry if this is not the right sub for this. Feel free to point me in the right direction. Thanks!

Sorry if this comes across as a silly question... I'm just curious as to how necessities like laundy / showering work on a tour, especially as a new band with zero budget. Do you just have to hope for easy access to things like a laundromat / gym whenever you get time between shows, wherever you are? Is that like the main burden of touring?

Long drives, late nights, small crowds, shitty bars with sketchy parking. Bad meals, no sleep, spending more money than you are making. Waiting in parking lots for hours on end.

Yet, all I can think about as soon as I get back is about how badly I want to go on the road again. Why do I love this so much?

What are some food choices that are good, nutritious, wont break the bank and wont go bad immediately?

Going on tour from early july to mid august. Its DIY. Trying to figure out better food options besides fast food. Open to hitting grocery stores

Was thinking of doing those tuna/chicken pouches with tortillas, protein bars, nuts, beef jerky and similar foods. Bringing my hydro flask for water and bunch of liquid ivs as itll be hot af. I dont drink soda and im switching from coffee to tea

I've apparently got a weird ear shape because earbuds just fall out. I've tried multiple kinds, with each supplied foam size, and unless I tape them in, they're falling out.

I'm looking for an entry / low mid level option.

I’d like to apologize for my bitter post earlier this week….

If still looking for some touring work if any opportunities could be had, passport is current

Pro gear, clean record etc etc

Pedal steel, bass, drums, guitar, keys, mandolin, banjo, dobro, some vocal harmonies too are some of the things I do (and instrument tech)

My band is looking at our transport options for several tours coming up this year. Renting has become a money pit, so we’re committing to a dedicated vehicle. We are 3 band members plus a driver/merch person (4 total). The band could grow to a 4 man in the future.

The Gear: Standard 3-piece backline (drums, cabs, heads) plus a decent amount of merch.

Option A: The 2012 Honda Odyssey (Owned)

Pros: We already own it, less than 75k miles

The Work: I’d need to install the hitch (Which I already have the part) and a transmission cooler.

The Setup: Pulling a 4x8 trailer or similar

Concerns: Total Length of the vehicle + trailer (parking), transmission power

Option B: Buy a used 15-Passenger (e.g., 2019 or newer Chevy Express 3500)

Pros: Everything is in one rigid frame (no trailer headaches/theft risk), tons of room for the 4 of us to spread out, built for heavy hauling.

I could rent it to other bands when not being used.

Cons: Higher upfront cost, worse MPG

I know similar questions have been asked in the past, sorry if this comes off as spam. Thank you!