Ten Things I Learnt On Tour
Shoegazing New Yorkers Asobi Seksu are about to hit the road across The UK to promote Fluorescence, their "sublime slice of dream pop" of a fourth album. Next week also sees the release of the band's Perfectly Crystal EP, which features the original album track backed by remixes from Xiu Xiu and Beach Fossils. Before they head off to soundcheck, guitarist James Hanna has shared with us some lessons learned from the guts of a decade spent touring. No doubt this list gets pinned to the band's dressing room door every night!
Kicking off tonight at London's Electric Ballroom, Asobi Seksu will be playing a mixture of support and headline shows on these shores over the course of the next week – full details of which can be found here.
1
Just because you happen to be in a band doesn't excuse you from human decency or make you special...I know, it hurts.
2
Sometimes shows that are supposed to be great are not, and shows you think will suck turn out to be amazing.
3
Don't dissect how you think the show went right after you leave the stage.
4
Always do a dummy check: backstage, onstage...anywhere your stuff may have been.
5
No drugs across borders...ever...PERIOD!
6
Eat. When you feel like you hate your life and band...stop and eat a meal. Oh, and no fast food on the tour bus. Ever.
7
Do not smoke cigarettes...it's been over a year for me...they are awful.
8
Call your friends and family...this is not the only way to live.
9
When opening for a band, take your gear offstage with you when you're done, and then pack it away/break it down.
10
Of course, my own list pales in comparison to the best touring list ever!
In your words