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Potential to sub on a NorCal tour (long, as usual)

lildrgn

lildrgn

Jul 11, 2000
1,873
6,936
Seattle, WA
gwonchang.blogspot.com
#1
A musical acquaintance of mine reached out to me yesterday about the possibility of subbing for him on his band's upcoming 9 date Northern CA tour in July. Here are some of my thoughts, in no particular order.
  • Networking opportunity. This guy that called me is pretty connected in the Seattle scene. He's in several up-and-coming bands. The reason he can't do it is because one of the up-and-coming bands is touring Spain for the second time in a year. To be on his radar is a positive sign.
  • Never toured before. In all my years of playing, I have stayed local, except for three there-and-backs trip to Oregon (Portland and Eugene), and one time in Los Angeles. This would be my first "real" tour, though I only know dates and towns so far, nothing else (assuming it's by car/van, however).
  • I'm available. I'm in 2 bands now and neither has shows booked, but I will triple check to avoid any conflict drama. I am also unemployed, so there are no work obligations, but I would need a computer and internet access to continue to look for/apply for jobs.
  • The music is good, but not my typical thing. I love rock, pop/rock, yacht rock (duh), stuff like that. This band's music is described as "psychedelic rock," which I don't agree with. I hear a lot of indie country (lap steel, horns, twangy guitar), but I don't dislike it; it's not necessarily something I'd seek out to listen to. That said, I have it playing now and I don't hate it. Despite not immediately clicking with the music, it's hip and I can see the yoots loving it with their twirly moustaches, sleeve tattoos and stovepipe jeans.
  • I don't know any of the band members. Outside of my friend who contacted me (who I think is a sub for them himself), I don't know them. But, if he's vouching for them, I think they'd be cool. I'm pretty easy to get along with as well, but 10-12 days in a van would definitely affect things, I think.
  • Speaking of road trips, I love the idea of them, I'm not a huge fan of the reality of them. From the schedule I saw, it's starting in San Francisco on 7/1 and ending in Arcata, CA on 7/11, 9 shows in total.
  • Moneywise, I would love to make some, but I think I'd be happy to just break even as this is more about the experience and exposure than the money.
Anyway, I'm gonna reach out to the BL for more details, let's see what happens.
 
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#7
I expect it'll be a lot more fun and a lot less stressful just being along for the ride rather than it being a tour you are responsible for... I was going to recommend getting a copy of Martin Atkins' 'Tour:Smart' until I saw what it's going for in the secondary market... Make sure there is someone acting in the capacity of 'Tour Manager' with authority and resources to fix whatever happens along the way. Make sure you have access to enough liquid funds and a valid credit card with a substantial balance so you can get yourself back home from wherever you are in case the wheels come off the bus -- possibly literally... Watch your expenses. Eat responsibly, and party carefully. Make sure you have a plan for reasonably foreseeable issues, like equipment failures. Find out exactly who is responsible for stage management at your shows. Find out exactly how the money is supposed to work. Pay per show? Per Diem? Is that pre-funded or are you depending on each night's box office to get you to your next stop? Who's responsible for en route food? Gas? Whatever happens, be professional and keep it all about the show and the music.
 
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#9
Ok, contact made. Everything sounds positive so far and the music is growing on me. BL has done tours before, including SXSW a few years ago. A current mate of mine has played with them and vouches for them as well, so that's good.

BL has a Ford Econoline, will handle all gas and lodging costs. Has a Fender Bassman and Jazz if I don't want to bring anything. Total of 3 bandmates (2 guitar, drummer) plus whoever plays bass. I'd have to handle occasional meals, but he will do best to provide the meals overall. Pay is $60/gig or 20%, whichever is greater. Approx 8 songs per set, with a couple dates where the band would do 2 45 minute sets.

Everything appears to be lining up with the other bands. My drummer in the originals band is OOF for close to 3 weeks and we don't have any gigs during that timeframe. The cover band is also sans gig until mid-July, so no gig conflicts there either.

Rehearsals take place on the same days as my other 2 bands, but since we have no gigs upcoming until mid/late July, it should work out fine.

They are herb and alcohol friendly, which is fine with me despite me not partaking in either.

Gonna coordinate with the wife tonight and see what she thinks of me being gone for potentially 7-14 days. Stay tuned!
 
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#11
SiSoldier said:
Go for it! Not paying for gas and lodging is a huge plus, and you are getting paid to cover your meals and snacks. Most tours I've been in look nothing like this.
Click to expand...
yeah, i'm feeling pretty good about it. I prepped my wife and kids (college age) for this last year when I was traveling for work, but that was 3-5 days at a time. :D
 
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#14
Absolutely do it! I don't think you could ask for a better situation, especially since you're unemployed at the moment. Any other time this would be near impossible to pull off. The pay isn't that great, the opportunity for the experience almost makes up for it. Crush this and you find yourself in demand as sub in better situations. Pay attention to ArtechnikA advise of having an open credit card available, just in case. Spend thriftily and enjoy the ride!
 
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#18
Sounds super fun, and personally up my alley musically and image-wise. I'm originally from SF, and have been all around up there. I bet it will be a good time, the north coast is so awesome. Good beer and seafood;).
I certainly wouldn't do it just to end up breaking even though. As a sub, I'd need to come back with something in my pocket. Even a token amount.
As for touring, yeah, the idea is almost always more romantic than the reality of it. But it's a pretty short run, and in a nice region. Send 'em my way if you pass!:D
 
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#20
The earlier advice "watch the money" is spot on. It shouldn't cost you money to go on tour. The compensation sounds ok, from my own, inexperienced perspective.

How many shows over the 10 - 12 days? Is there a contract?
 
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