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

[lildrgn]

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!

Yeah, I have a good CC that will reward points x3 for eating out. And looking to grow my "brand," as it were, so if I can do this and do it well, even if I just break even, it's a net positive.

*thumbs up*

If you aren't looking to be a permanent member, I can see not being gaga over the music as unimportant...though it sounds like you're indifferent to it, not hating it.

Nothing wrong with having another feather in your cap. Have a good time out there and get some pics for us too!!

The more I listen to the tunes, the more I like them, so that's a good thing.

I say go for it. It sounds to me like they have things lined up well. What other places are you playing at on this tour? Just curious, I used to live in the Bay area and have gigged many of the venues down there.

Don't know any of the venues but the cities include Portland, OR; San Francisco; Cayucos, CA; Oakland; Los Angeles; Sacramento; Eureka, CA; Arcata, CA. He mentioned the Cayucos gig is by the ocean or something, a 2 nighter.

What's the band? I play psych rock in san francisco

I'll DM you as nothing is confirmed yet.

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!

Based on what the BL said, even at the minimum per gig, I'd come back with $5-600 in hand for my time, minus a meal here or there.

you haven't spoken with the missus yet?

She's aware of it, but last night I didn't have many details. I'll give her the rundown tonight.

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?

Based on what I know, I won't be spending any $$ other than incidentals or my own dumb things. And number of shows looks to be between 9-12 over 14 days. Their regular bassist may do the first 2-3 at the beginning of the tour, but has to bail. Or, I would do them all, which would save me having to meet them a few days in.

 

[Bunk McNulty]

Regarding 10-12 days in a van: My stinky little bar band from Connecticut once got hired to play a gig in Colorado. Before we left, we all predicted we'd be at each other's throats within a few days. Instead, we really came to enjoy each other's company. Best of luck with this!

Redhead Goes West

 

[lildrgn]

Regarding 10-12 days in a van: My stinky little bar band from Connecticut once got hired to Invalid Link Removed. Before we left, we all predicted we'd be at each other's throats within a few days. Instead, we really came to enjoy each other's company.

ha, I was worried about that, and I have never met these dudes, but they say they are chill. I think I am older than them all by 15 years or so and have a good track record of getting along with that age group (at least from my work life).

I did tell the BL that if we all get along, great, and if we/I don't, well then a business transaction it is!

 

[RGerhart]

Lots of good advice here from everyone, definitely. As far as original band touring goes, I think this is about as good as you can get it in most cases.

I've also found that for food, the best way to save money is to just eat at grocery stores: grab a protein bar, a banana or orange, and you're good to go in most cases. If you are able to, bring supplements on the road to stay healthy, and maybe some electrolyte mix to add to your water before each show to keep you hydrated and feeling good.

And, most importantly, try to get some exercise in when you can. It works wonders for keeping you feeling somewhat normal while touring.

Enjoy!

 

[lildrgn]

Lots of good advice here from everyone, definitely. As far as original band touring goes, I think this is about as good as you can get it in most cases.

I've also found that for food, the best way to save money is to just eat at grocery stores: grab a protein bar, a banana or orange, and you're good to go in most cases. If you are able to, bring supplements on the road to stay healthy, and maybe some electrolyte mix to add to your water before each show to keep you hydrated and feeling good.

And, most importantly, try to get some exercise in when you can. It works wonders for keeping you feeling somewhat normal while touring.

Enjoy!

I try to run every other day, but if I'm playing shows almost daily, and traveling in-between, that may be an issue!

 

[dbsfgyd1]

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.

Sounds like you need some answers. It's been 45 years since I last toured (discounting a high school band trip I chaperoned out of the country for a couple of weeks), so I don't know anything about current tours.

My touring band experience was mostly week long trips. Life on the road for me enjoyable. I love the Highway. It's a never ending panorama.

I was fortunate most of us grew up together, played in the school band together. We knew each others parents, and the others were raise pretty my the same way cut from the same middle class. Our school music program was pretty intense, by the time we graduated, we were pros.

Yeah, it was fun, but after 3-4 years of band life, players coming and going, families starting, it became unworkable. It's a nice memory, but with the wrong type of band mate(s), you could very easily end up in a nightmare on elm street with Freddy Krueger running the band.

Just a couple of things I would suggest, anything in regard to this trip is in writing. Dates and time. Compensation, including when you will get paid and how much. How your travel and food costs are covered.

A standard liability waiver that you are not responsible for any damages to the band. Just in case they claim a gig was cancelled because of you as a reason not to pay you.

Finally, and a guarantee that at the conclusion of your tour, your transportation home is provided.

One last tip, ride in the equipment truck. Odds are you'll get a window seat.

Best wishes!

 

[Oddly]

Gonna coordinate with the wife tonight and see what she thinks of me being gone for potentially 7-14 days. Stay tuned!

I've gotta say I just love the idea that you'd ask on TB before asking the wife...

 

[Carl Hillman]

Sounds like you've already decided to go for it, but since you're asking opinions...

It may be great for you, but I wouldn't do it just because I don't want to spend 11 days/16 hours a day with a bunch of total strangers unless the money or the music is really good.

 

[ThudThudThud]

Careful now. You're a bass player, and you're about to meet a whole bunch of fun new people, have a good time, get paid for it, make invaluable connections outside your usual circle, and not have to commit to anything more than just over a week of gigs playing to ready-made audiences.
You might enjoy yourself. Are you willing to take that risk?
Drink lots of water. Take plenty of changes of socks and underwear.
And.....

(if you know, you know)

 

[pbass2]

And don't forget these two words: Wet Wipes

 

[Bunk McNulty]

Lots of good advice here from everyone, definitely. As far as original band touring goes, I think this is about as good as you can get it in most cases.

I've also found that for food, the best way to save money is to just eat at grocery stores: grab a protein bar, a banana or orange, and you're good to go in most cases. If you are able to, bring supplements on the road to stay healthy, and maybe some electrolyte mix to add to your water before each show to keep you hydrated and feeling good.

And, most importantly, try to get some exercise in when you can. It works wonders for keeping you feeling somewhat normal while touring.

Enjoy!

Yeah, hydration is crucial. Just drinking water is best, but if you want a cheap electrolyte boost, there's always GatorAde. If you must go for fast food, Subway is probably least harmful.

 

[pbass2]

Yeah, hydration is crucial. Just drinking water is best, but if you want a cheap electrolyte boost, there's always GatorAde. If you must go for fast food, Subway is probably least harmful.

Chipotle is solid too. The meat is antibiotic-free. You can eat pretty clean there actually, meat or veggie.
And an apple a day always works too when you do all that sitting, if you know what I mean....

 

[Smooth_bass88]

Keep in mind you're pretty much spending 24/7 with these people and their music. I always go by the "2 out of 3" rule...you must have 2 out of 3 of the following:

1. the music
2. the hang
3. the money

Additionally, you might want to ask them about food and rooms. Hopefully it's not sleeping in a stinky van or crashing in fans' apartments. Nothing worse than trying to remember all those new songs without a lot of sleep

 

[pbass2]

And don't leave anything valuable in a van out of view unless it's truly parked in a safe place. I've seen vans broken into on quick bathroom stops.

 

[darkwasthenight]

14 days in a seated van is make or break time for strangers and lovers alike. You'll know which way it's swinging within the first couple days.

By day 14 you'll be ready to kill at least one person regardless. This is normal - try not to let it be your roommate.

You will maybe have a little space for running in the mornings but unless you're incredibly fortunate with routing there will be no time built into schedules for anything later in the day.

You will likely see hours of highway, gas stations, and the immediate area round the venue (possibly in the dark) but not much else. Don't expect a tourist holiday.

Never pass up on the three S's: Shower, Sleep, or Sandwiches. You don't know when a chance for the next one is coming down the line.

Whenever the van stops get out and walk a lap even if you don't feel like it. Your legs will be much happier when you reach the venue.

Try to cultivate inner peace, because there will be none to be found outside.

 

[Ostie]

Somebody already said this, but you could end up wanting to kill each other, or friends for life. To me, it's worth the gamble. The money isn't great, but until something better comes along…..Road trip!

 

[Not yet]

Bring your Noise Cancelling Headphones and download lots of favorites on Spotify....and your Kindle

 

[jimmydean]

I don't see any negatives , go out and enjoy yourself and don't do anything stupid......and still enjoy yourself .

 

[pbass2]

Dude two days in Cayucos will be killer. It's beautiful around there, you'll have a day to chill on the beach.

 

[buldog5151bass]

You aren't employed, so you are free to go. This may be the only time in your life to do this.

As to the music, I've always said I'd rather Olay good gigs with good musicians than Olay music I like