On Tour.

They’re magical words. Just about anything can happen while On Tour, or so we’ve learned from the decades of rock mythology we still happily preach as we chase our own dreams. It’s when bands are made, bands are noticed, and bands catch on. Unfortunately, it’s also where most bands break down.

If your first tour is approaching, it’s vital that someone have their act together and keep their eye on the bigger picture. If you don’t have someone who’ll act in a Manager-like fashion, consider bucking stereotype as a drummer!

Be the driving force in your brand who’s got their act together and is ready not just to hit the road, but too conquer it!

Drummers Lead Their Bands to Greatness On Tour

After all, what’s your purpose, drummers? It’s to keep your band together and on-time, right? Well, if it’s your first time On Tour, you don’t have to act like it. Here’s our can’t-miss guide to making the most of your first tour!

I. Always watch band touring costs.

It’s a dirty job, but someone’s gotta do it. If your band is to succeed, put a brake on spending while on the road. It’s all too easy to eat (and drink) all your profits away before you even get home again. Now, while plenty of bands have successfully used this approach and still gotten noticed… your odds are probably better if you try to use at least a little fiscal planning in the meantime.

II. Bring plenty of spare sticks.

Seriously, same for you -drummers- as for everyone else. Bring spares for anything replaceable on the road. This means bringing plenty of spare sticks, and having a way to quickly access them mid-show. Remember the golden rule: the show must go on. Sometimes a drumstick or two breaks and, when that happens, the drummers who succeed are those who can quickly pull out more and keep on rocking.

III. Pare your equipment down.

When going on the road, one rule of thumb truly is: bring only what you need to survive. Every piece of equipment drives up band touring costs, and that’s especially true in the case of drummers. How minimalist can you get with your equipment and still keep your sound? Believe it or not, trying to restrict yourself to a small kit will often drive you to improvise and create!

IV. Pack light.

Remember what we said about bringing only what you need to survive? The same goes for you. You shouldn’t ever need more than a few days’ worth of stuff. A single duffel bag (or similarly-sized bag) should suffice. Even if it’s an extended tour – and if so, you rock! – as you move around, you’ll undoubtedly have opportunities to do laundry and buy toothpaste and such.

V. Learn from others.

There’s more to touring than hotel bars and grubby gigs. For the band or drummer that wants to succeed, it’s crucial to get out there and talk to people! Talk to other bands on the road, and share tips for keeping band touring costs down. Then, talk to the locals. Talk to your fans, as well as anyone else you get a chance to chat up. Learn everything you can about your potential audience and how to get them into your shows!

If you’re a budding drummer looking to make it in the industry, use your first time On Tour as your opportunity to shine. Keep the band in time, and on-budget, to show potential recruiters or managers that you know the business side of the industry too.