​Progressing, Taking to the Next Level

If you look back and read some of our previous posts, we mention how it’s so important to determine your goal. While this is the first step, sometimes it’s difficult to figure out what the next step is, the one after that, and so on.

The path varies immensely from artist to artist, but it should always be one that is growing and expanding, rather than staying stagnant or falling behind.

IMG_0026.JPG

After you’ve been writing, playing shows, releasing your music, touring a bit, building online and building a fanbase, it is also super important to stop at times to asses which goals you’ve met and the progress that’s been made. This will help you figure out the next step. Just because you made one main goal, doesn’t mean you can’t consistently make new ones! And doing so will only help you achieve more of them.

One of the most challenging things for artists or bands is to stop and see things from an outside perspective. To be able to observe yourself and your product constructively is a very valuable skill. This needs to be done in order to make changes and to asses what’s working and what’s not. It’s also important to asses that everyone (if in a band) is on the same page with goals - that way the band can move forward as a unit.

IMG_9754.JPG

If you begin to realize certain songs aren’t going over with your crowds, you’re not seeing any growth online or you feel a lack in enthusiasm from your band mates, maybe it’s time to look at what needs to change for everyone to feel re-inspired again. Some bands change their look with each album cycle, some change genres even, and some just change their haircuts - either way it’s about establishing something new and fresh that keeps yourself and others interested.

Sometimes putting yourself in front of different crowds can re-inspire you or take your music to the next level. Try playing a venue that is out of your comfort zone, put together a new type of live show or relating more to your audience between songs. Utilize technology and go “live” on a social platform and get feedback on new songs. Take a look at social media numbers & seeing who and what fans are actually coming to shows, returning and engaging with you. Also, maybe asses whether or not you’re taking enough risks - send out some music to some industry folks (Management, booking agents, labels etc.) if that’s a direction you want to go in. Whatever it is - in order to keep growing and achieving your goals, you are going to need to push your comfort zone and challenge yourself!

FullSizeRender.jpg

Tips:

⁃Try writing a song about something entirely new, or on an instrument you’re not familiar with to get new sounds.

-Try writing one song a week if you really want to up your writing skills.

⁃Don’t stray away from taking a moment to look at things and assess where you’re at - it may be hard in the moment, but in the long run you’ll be glad you did.

⁃If you feel a lull or a feeling of boredom, it may be because it’s time for the next challenge and it’s time to change things up a bit. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new sounds or collaborate with other people. It could actually help push you along further than you’d imagine.

⁃Take polls - ask your audience their thoughts on their favorite songs or shows of yours, see what resonates and why they connect with what they do - then focus more on those aspects of your music and brand.

⁃Writing down your visions helps make them a reality.

⁃Reach out to some dream venues of yours or a favorite touring act that’s coming to town that you want to open for - pitch to the booker why you should open and see what happens.

⁃Make sure your online content is strong and engaging, and that you demonstrate a positive outlook and vibe with your posts, it will bring more positivity.

IMG_9752.JPG

Budgeting For A Tour

Budgeting is absolutely one of the most important things an artist or band can do to make a tour successful and profitable. By doing some simple planning and a little bit of math, you can figure out an estimated cost per day for you or your band on the road.

IMG_9730.PNG

Figuring these numbers out will help guide you on your route and will inform you about how much you should be spending and saving while on the road.

There are tools online and apps that can help you figure out what your expenses will be. Of course, each tour will call for different expenses and will earn a varying amount depending on shows, cities, and timing.

For example, here are some variables that will affect your math:

•How many travelers there are with you

•How big of a car you’re driving and whether you’re pulling a trailer or not

•If you have to rent equipment

•If you’ll be staying with friends or at hotels

A lot of venues with kitchens/bars will feed bands who are playing.

Sometimes they will specify in the booking process, but sometimes you have to ask. Ask beforehand to be sure! This can save you a lot of money if you can find venues that will feed you, even if it’s something small.

A lot of hotels and motels will offer a free breakfast, take advantage of this where you can! A lot of times they have a lot of options and you can take stuff to go as well, like fruit or cereal that will last the whole day or longer.

When you begin to budget your upcoming tour expenses, figure out how many meals you’ll need per day. Then subtract the amount of dinners that venues will be feeding you and breakfasts you’ll get from the hotels you’ll stay at. Set an amount you are able to pay for the rest of your meals, and stick to it. For example, each meal that has to be bought, you could limit yourself to $10. Then you can multiply this number by however many meals you’ll have to buy, and you’ll arrive at your full expense for food for your tour. (Per-diems per day are different for every individual, but suggest $10 - $20 a day). This price/meal isn’t unreasonable at most places you’ll find.

IMG_9735.PNG

You can also consider stocking up on healthy non-perishable items from the grocery store for snacks (also see our blog entry on eating healthy on the road). Even if you’re on a long drive, consider stopping at a grocery store in the morning before leaving town and purchasing some healthy food at a low cost that will last you until your show.

Another thing to account for in your budgeting is car tune-ups and oil changes ($15-35). If you’re on the road for a while you will need to service your car after every 3,000 miles or so.

Tip: Jiffy Lube often gives discount coupons through their website!

IMG_9731.PNG

Once you figure out how much you’ll be spending on food, gas, tolls, lodgings, car servicing, etc., you can see if your guarantees will help cut away at these costs. It is a good idea to try to make more than you will be spending! Some of these numbers might be hard to find if you’re just starting out (you may just get door deals or bar %)... if you are - we suggest you have some money saved up before venturing out. Also, if you are leaving your regular job for a couple weeks to tour, consider saving up some extra money before you venture out for when you return home.

Having merchandise to sell and having earning goals for yourself will help a lot. Merch will save you! If it’s a slow night and no locals brought people out, but you sell three T-Shirts and two CDs to anyone who is at the venue, it could pay for a hotel and gas to get there!

IMG_9732.PNG

Tips:

•Figure out how far it is from city to city by using Google Maps (http://maps.google.com) and this gas calculator https://www.fueleconomy.gov/trip/ to guesstimate how much you’ll be spending on gas with the specific car you will be driving.

•Don’t forget about tolls, some online calculators will also factor in toll roads and estimate a cost for you.

•Don’t be afraid to hustle and ask people to buy your merch - you will be relying on this money.

•When you choose food, don’t just go to 7-11s and buy as many cheap things you can find under $10 for a meal. Quality over quantity still applies here!

•It is better to know before venturing out if the tour will be a financial win or loss - although there will be variables that can always change and surprise you, having an idea of what to expect will make being on the road all that easier

IMG_9733.PNG
IMG_9736.PNG

Eating Healthy on the Road

Sometimes it can be a challenge staying healthy on the road with late nights, small budgets (when you’re building as a artist or band), long days in the car, not a lot of time to stop between lengthy drives or unknown cities, small towns and at times, limited choices for food. Plus with fast food places everywhere and little amounts of time to kill between shows and drives, it can be tempting to stop and grab something quick and easy.

These things can be hard navigating but it doesn’t have to be. With a little planning, a positive mind, eyes on your musical goal and care for your health  - your well being can remain in top shape while on the road!

 (Photo from https://rebelrd.com/)

 (Photo from https://rebelrd.com/)

Below are some recommendations and suggestions:

- Look at your tour, shows & route. Where and which dates will you be getting fed by a venue? See where you’ll be needing to buy food.

-Ask yourself how many meals you’ll have to buy, with the amount you’re making from shows (you might have to guesstimate depending on guarantee vs door deal & have a merch goal to hit or budget for)

*we recommend a $12-15 budget per day for food for beginning bands & artists

- grocery stores *highly recommended!They often have delis as well as fresh food (vegetables, fruits, healthy packaged food - sandwiches, whole grain bread, peanut butter, rice cakes, energy bars, yogurt, apple sauce, raw nuts as well as pre cut meats & oatmeal to add water to).

*recommended as a great option for all dietary needs & very affordable. You can get lunch, dinner, and even stock up on non perishables.

IMG_8470.JPG

- Some hotels will provide breakfast or have hot water & coffee. Check to see if hotels will offer this before booking.

- Get a cooler pack that you can use for the day for any perishable items.

Here’s a list of healthy grocery stores and fast food options around the U.S for people on restricted diets that offer something for everyone:

- Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Ralph’s, Safeway, HEB, Kroger

- Startbucks  (vegan, gluten free, palo options) They have healthy snacks, sandwiches, salads, yogurt & Oatmeal available. Price range $3-8 a meal

- Chipotle (vegan, gluten free, palo) *Plus they even will sometimes feed bands for free if you call ahead and speak with the manager & tell them you’re on tour. Price range $5-8 a meal

- Pita Pit (vegan, gluten free, great wraps , salads & sides). Price range $5-8 a meal

 - Subway (vegan, gluten free, salads, sandwiches). Price range $5-8 a meal

- Taco Bell (vegan, gluten free, any veggie options & sides, cheap!). Price range $2-6 a meal

- El Pollo Loco (vegan, gluten free, veggie options & sides). Price range $2-6 a meal

- Gas Stations: Sheetz, Cumberland Farms, Wawa, Loves, Kum&Go, Quicktrip - these all carry good grocery products and have a wide selection of healthier foods.

- Dinners & Resturants: Cracker Barrel, Black Bear Diner, Jason's Del, Denny’s, iHop, plus there’s loads of mom & pop diners & cafes around the U.S with affordable selections and healthy options & sides.

Photo: Jenny Bergman

Photo: Jenny Bergman

*we recommend choosing food from the coolers such as pre-made sandwiches (tuna, egg salad, turkey) sometimes they have hard boiled eggs, pickles, fruit, yogurt. Also when buying snacks try to reach for the raw nuts, trail mix, veggie chips, and fruit, instead of Doritos, Cheetos, or candy. You will feel great while driving and have good energy for when it’s time to play the show.

It’s not a bad thing every once in a while to treat yourself to a slightly less nutritious meal or snack while on the road, but be mindful that you may not find time to go to a gym, get much walking in, or work off those calories. In order to feel great while on the road, one must eat great, healthy food. The options vary from city to city, and from town to town, but it’s always possible to find cheap and nutritious meals and snacks wherever you go - you’d be surprised at all the options once you start looking for them!

*Tip: Any chance you get: run, walk, lift some weights (even if it's for 15mins at a hotel gym) and stretch. You'll feel better, even if your tired it will get you re-energized! With healthy eating, life style improvement / changes in combination with exercise you will maximize your musical performance!

FullSizeRender.jpg