Touring

While on tour I managed the instagram account of Portland rockers TRUCKSTOP DARLIN’. These are all iPhone of course, but I still have quite a few rolls of film to develop yet… I’ll get to it… One day.

Check out the photos on TRUCKSTOP DARLIN’ instagram.

In a digital age of media where anybody can play most of their favorite artists songs on youtube, bandcamp, spotify, and even filesharing, it’s hard to sell a lot of records online. Unless your band is fortunate enough to have the backing of a record label to help “push your presence” most of us musicians find the DIY method to be most effective. We screen print our own shirts, design our own posters, and save our pennies to tour the United States of ‘Merica ourselves. We do it cuz it’s punk rock, and that’s awesome… totally.

The reality: touring is a MONSTER. It’s hard, and if you want to try and “make it” (whatever that means to you), you HAVE to do it. Think about it: you got 5 guys cramped into a 1989 Ford Econoline. If you’re in the south in the summer, it’s hot as hell, and the A/C doesn’t work. The driver chooses the music, and he likes to be amped up so he doesn’t nod off, which means he listens to Kyuss, loud as anything, and you don’t like it so you put your headphones on to listen to some smooth jazz but it’s still drowning out your Kenny G. Yeah. Not to mention that it’s hard on your body, sitting all cramped up like that for hours on end. Eating Waffle House every night, drinking beer every night, and sleeping on hardwood floors EVERY NIGHT. If you’re an amateur touring musician, that is your life on the road. After a couple tours I learned to take care of my body, which is the key to longevity on the road.

But this is what can make tour photography GREAT. There is ample opportunity to capture EMOTIONS, ACTION, LANDSCAPES, etc… If you ever get a chance to go on tour with a band, DO IT. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. And remember: Don’t forget to be mindful of your gear at ALL TIMES.