I’m always on the hunt for regional/weird/unusual/foreign language snacks when refueling. Canada always has great stuff that I don’t typically see in the US but perhaps my favorite chip I’ve ever had would be the “Rap Snacks” sweet chili lemon pepper on the southern east coast of the US.

I’d like to try some more uncommon stuff. What do you guys got?

Hi All,

I am the developer of stagedeck, an all in one app for musicans just launched on google play. The app manages lyrics, chords, backing tracks, gig bookings, gig promotions, clients, reporting and gear all in One.

I am looking for musicans willing to test it in exchange for a free pro license for lifetime.

Comment please if you are interested, Im a musican ,myself and developed it for my needs and then made it public.

Thank you

We have the tour bookended (10/15 and 10/20 are solid) but a lot of the middle has been pretty wishy washy. Got some tenuous stuff but could always use a hand. You can hear us at https://bedtimeboston.bandcamp.com -- reach out via DM or [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])

Hey everyone! My name is Andrew Ray Taylor(Drew), and I’m a 35-year-old musician, singer, songwriter, and psalmist who is looking for opportunities to join an artist or band on the road.
I bring versatility to the table—I play keyboards, can step in on drums when needed, write songs and lyrics on the spot, and provide strong background vocals. I’m also available as a fill-in vocalist for those nights when a lead singer needs to rest or simply wants an extra layer of support.
One of my greatest strengths is being adaptable. I’m easy to work with, have solid stage presence, and genuinely enjoy helping artists deliver their best performance every night.
I’m in a season of life where I can fully commit to touring. I’m single, have no family obligations, and am available for full-time travel and extended tours.
If you’re an artist, band, worship team, or know someone looking for a dependable, versatile musician who loves serving the music and the people behind it, I’d love to connect.
Feel free to send me a message or share this post with someone who may be looking. Thank you, and I hope to see you on the road soon! 🎤🎹🥁

Call me old school. Call me a boomer. Call me a grump. I don't care.

I'm not on board with this whole "roadie influencer" trend.

Lately I've been seeing people who haven't even been stagehands for a year posting "day in the life of a roadie" videos or "things they don't tell you about backstage." Whatever happened to keeping some things sacred? Whatever happened to preserving the magic? And beyond that... what about safety and professionalism?

I'm all for people sharing resources that help others get into the industry or survive life on the road. That's a good thing. But a lot of what I'm seeing isn't that. It's clout chasing. It's bragging rights. It's exposing backstage culture for likes.

The people who are truly at the top of this industry usually aren't busy filming themselves all day. They're too busy doing the job.

And if you're one of the people making this kind of content, understand that you're probably putting a ceiling on your career. Arena and stadium tours don't generally want crew members who are constantly documenting backstage life. Management notices. Artists notice. There's a reason NDAs exist.

If you want to document life on tour, become a tour photographer or videographer. That's literally part of the job. But I don't need to see someone who's been on a bus for eight months giving the public a backstage tour or showing off BOH just because they can.

Here's an even less popular opinion: if you really want to tour, then earn it. Figure it out. Want it badly enough that when you're three weeks into a rough run, you miss your family, catering sucks, you're exhausted, and you're questioning every life decision you've ever made, you remember what it took to get there. That's what keeps you going. That's what keeps you from throwing away a career for a few thousand views.

Maybe I'm just old school. But I think this industry is built on trust, professionalism, and a little bit of mystery. Not everything needs to become content.

— Signed,
A grumpy roadie

We're looking to sell some posters alongside our other merch. We did a super small run of 16"x20" posters a while back for a show and they sold really fast, but we just did it same-day at a Kinko's, and that shit's too expensive to be realistic for a run of 100-200.

Are there any good print shops that will do reasonably priced full-color posters around this size? Anything else I may be missing in this whole process?

Hi everyone! It's my first time looking into Reddit for this kind of stuff. I'm currently booking a tour in Europe for my synthpunk/EBM/industrial solo project Tinder Youth. Right now the routing is looking like this:

• FRI - October 16th - Singen 
• SAT - October 17th - Offenburg 
• SUN - October 18th - Biel
• MON - October 19th - AVAILABLE - [CH/DE]
• TUE - October 20th - AVAILABLE - [DE/AT]
• WED - October 21st - AVAILABLE - [DE/AT]
• THU - October 22nd - AVAILABLE - [DE/AT/CH]
• FRI - October 23rd - AVAILABLE - [CH/DE/AT]
• SAT - October 24th - Bremgarten - [CH]
• SUN - October 25th - AVAILABLE - [CH/AT]

Does anyone have any insights on how to fill up some of these open dates?
All help is very much welcome and appreciated. I can hook you up with contacts for playing in Italy in exchange for your help :)

Here you can listen to my music:

Tinder Youth on Bandcamp

Thanks in advance,
G.
Tinder Youth

Hey folks! Sorry if this is only tangentially relevant, but figured you folks might know more than I would.

My band has been touring and we’ve started receiving a lot of requests to sell our vinyl online.

Yipee!

We’re long overdue to start doing some of our own fulfillment while we’re off the road for QA and cost saving reasons.

How are you folks packing/shipping vinyl if you’re doing your own fulfillment? Is there a specific packaging type or brand you swear by? or anything that I should avoid?

We’ve got the ordering figured out, shipping labels yada yada, but trying to find something that’s safe and relatively inexpensive.

Tried to Google this but got some unclear/sneakily sponsored results, so I figured I’d ask humans instead.

Thanks in advance!

Hi! I've been going through options and ideas for a 12 day western tour, yet am slightly overwhelmed by all of the factors to take into consideration. I figured I'd just ask here.

I'm curious if we can minimize the need of going through treacherous mountains in a large van full of gear, and maybe avoiding Dallas or whatever since I hear it's super dangerous to drive anywhere around there lol. If it's manageable, that's totally cool too, we're fine, non aggressive midwest drivers that just lack mountain experience and haven't driven far out west ourselves yet, is all (only been to east coast). I'm not sure how a van with equipment could climb that kinda terrain! Makes me also think on flying there with minimal gear, and using other band's backline drums/amps/venue PA if they kindly offer or rent, if we do a limited "vacation" week of shows in CA and NV, but that doesn't seem like the most ideal thing as of now.

There are all kinds of DIY/house venues we wanna try and my last visit to Las Vegas this year, I met some people that is interested in having us, yet still need to find places all throughout whichever route is best both ways.

Would a route going through, idk, i-40 or i-70 be manageable? Like, the drive can't be THAT dangerously deadly as some people have exaggerated to us lol... right? Any recommendations greatly appreciated!

Sorry if this is the wrong place to post this, but I've thought a lot about this over the years. In the late 90s I moved to Southern California from the PNW to try and 'make it' in a rock band. We probably player 100 shows over three years and never got any traction. We released a couple CDs and maybe sold 500 total at shows. I eventually got burned out on SoCal's vibe and scene. It didn't fit my personality, and I missed the seasons of home. The band wasn't gaining any traction, and I grew tired of whatever level of grind I felt we were doing with no progress, still playing Mondays and opening for other bands with few fans. Plus, the band I was in was starting to splinter with different visions of how to succeed. I decided to pack it in and head back north.

Although I was disappointed about my dream of being a huge ass rock star crumbling when I saw other acts way more talented, dedicated and with better songs struggling I knew it was a losing battle. When I got home, I finished college and have worked a series of normal day jobs ever since. I have a comfortable retirement account, a home I'm comfortable in and health insurance. I live in a town I adore and go on the usual few trips a year and am a dedicated weekend warrior to the outdoors. Pretty much an average normal lifestyle.

I have good friends from my SoCal days that 'made it,' touring 1000 seat venues once a year, releasing records every three or four years. There was a time when I was envious, but now I look back and I'm so grateful I never got any taste of success that would have encouraged me to hang in there for life. My friends that made it are basically broke, still renting, now being forced to tour for money to dwindling crowds and sales while suffering streaming services and various levels of tinnitus and hearing loss. One friend is selling "gear used by *****" to cover bills because his last tour wasn't as lucrative as he had hoped. Another lives in an apartment owned by his folks, and so on. Nothing wrong with any of this but being financially unstable is a great fear of mine.

It breaks my heart to see artists who have contributed so much joy to our world not get deeply compensated for what I believe is invaluable work. Even musicians in huge bands, relative to my success, crowd source medical bills. It's inhumane in m y opinion. There are political points to be made here as well but this is the world we currently live in.

Funny enough, after I 'retired' from trying to be a serious musician I found a bit of success in casual projects with friends. One band I played guitar and sang in released a one-off CD that sold around a thousand copies and played several sold-out shows in our town. Another band I played drums in got lucky enough to befriend a "real" band and we opened several gigs for them including an outdoor amphitheater wit 8000 seat capacity which was the scariest and most fun thing I may have ever done. My mic stand had a piece of tape on it that said 'Zooey' because She and Him had played the venue the day before. These were unserious bands not trying to conquer the world, but just out to have fun. When they dissolved, I wasn't even disappointed. TBH at that point I had grown tired of lugging my gear around for any show.

I'm fully retired from music now except for home recording which I am sill passionate about. Even with my brief career my ears ring as I type this, but not too bad. I almost never notice it unlike one friend I have who recently cancelled a tour because his tinnitus has gotten so bad. In the end I think there was no way I could have made enough money, unless I was in the top 1% of earners, being happy as a touring musician. The idea of touring sounds miserable to me and when my touring friends crash on my couch, middle aged, tired, thankful for a home cooked meal and counting down the days when they can be with their families again it reinforces how much I wouldn't have enjoyed it. I guess I'm just not passionate enough about it. I'm standing here at my desk between low-stress work projects writing this, excited for biking to the river this afternoon to swim in the cool water. It may not be very exciting but I'm content.

I just wanted to share these thoughts I've had bubbling up for a long time. I guess what it really means is it wasn't for me. I'm sure some people absolutely love it, and I don't mean to disparage that. But the idea of being 'stuck' doing it because of not knowing any other way to make a living is scary to me. I'm still passionate about live music and have tickets for a dozen upcoming shows, but I'm glad I'm watching from the audience.

www.venuereportcard.com is live! and taking suggestions, always

Hi! Seeking an acoustic emo/folk/folk-punk band to join a bill 8/14 in Omaha, NE. My band, PoisonLibrary, is doing a solo show and would love to connect with those with a similar who can draw at least 10-15 people. Please feel free to DM me. Looking forward to meeting and thanks for considering. Here's a link to my music:

https://open.spotify.com/album/6mZWPcpBHN5hrq6Vrh4A6N?si=sL_K0VVlT8-CM6_X_bZgoA

As I’m moving from less bar gigs and more festivals and theater/listening rooms… my groups don’t know when we should take a bow.

There are some gigs where it just feels… unfinished? I guess? without something more than a “thank you, good night!” and wave as you walk off.

What’s y’all’s thoughts on when to bow, or your favorite ways of closing a show/festival set?

I’m leaving my current apartment in LA and considering moving out of LA altogether. Would love any advice from current touring musicians on which of these would be best to move to based on your experience. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

My main criteria is finding a home base for myself and my two small dogs, in proximity to a big music city, with it being affordable enough that constantly worrying about rent doesn’t swallow up all my time and energy. I’d also like to be close enough to friends and/or family so I’m not isolated. My parents are 80, and my immediate family are all where I grew up in NY, about an hour outside of the city.

Edit: I should probably add that the kind of music I make is like portishead meets qotsa meets nine inch nails. If style would affect the best location.

I took a break from touring and playing shows to score a film, and have to re-build momentum playing live. I’m about to release music and will need to find a couple of new people to play in my band even if I stay in LA.

These are options I’m considering -

Another place in or near LA - I’ve been here for 8 years and have made some friends/connections. However, for example I just scored a film and neither the director nor producers were based in LA. Feels like I don’t need to physically be here to work in that realm.
Also I still don’t have the strongest social circle here.
My friends here are either married with kids or in relationships, when something comes up that I want to go to spontaneously I have few to no people to go with. LA is also really expensive for the type of place I want to live in, a one or two bedroom with enough space to record music at home when I need to.

Jersey City/Cliffside Park/North Bergen Somewhere similar -

I’d be here solely for proximity to NYC and family. I have some friends in NY but would be a little bit starting over since I haven’t lived there in 8 years. Looking for a one bedroom I could make loud music in, would be taking the path to rehearse for shows somewhere in NYC.

Philly -

I know about 3 people there, but the rent compared to both LA and NY seems very appealing. Would be traveling to NY a lot with my dogs.

My one concern here is, would it be a mistake to try it out if I was mainly here as a way to be close to NY?

Hey guys,

is there an „go-to“ Tool or App you use for planning your gigs before/during/after? Contracts, communications etc.?
Also Tour related stuff.. Tasks, Threads..

Excited for your answers!
Cheers

Hello everyone

We are forming a rock band in Zurich with a friend and are currently looking for new members.

We are 18–19 years old and both play electric guitar. One of us has a musical education and experience with live performances. The other musician does not have a formal music education, but also has live performance experience and practices guitar regularly.

We are dedicated musicians who want to improve, write our own music, play covers, and eventually perform live.

Our music styles:
Hard Rock
Blues Rock
Heavy Metal
Classic Rock
Classic Metal

Our musical influences:
Ozzy Osbourne
Deep Purple
Rainbow
Gary Moore
Guns N' Roses
Extreme
Mr. Big
Scorpions
Megadeth

Currently looking for:
Vocalist
Drummer
Bass player

We are looking for people who are willing to rehearse regularly, perform live, and grow together as a band. We also enjoy jamming, experimenting, and creating new material together.

During rehearsals and performances, we follow a sober approach. Alcohol and drugs are not acceptable during band activities.

We are also currently looking for a rehearsal space in Zurich or nearby areas.

Languages we speak:
English
German
Ukrainian
Russian

We are open to new ideas, constructive criticism, and the opinions of every band member. Everyone should have the opportunity to contribute creatively.

Age range:
16–40 years old.
The most important things for us are the motivation to play music, the willingness to improve, and a responsible attitude towards the band.

If you are interested in joining us or have any questions, feel free to contact us:

Email:
Yevhenii: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
Denys: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])

Hello everyone! My band (from Canada) is doing our first international tour, and I'm looking for an ENKI AMG 2-XL to protect my guitars for flights. I specifically need the XL or a suitable replacement as I play a hollow body guitar similar to a 335.

Any leads would be amazing! ENKI has discontinued their product.

Does anyone else struggle to find bandmates or session musicians?

I've noticed lots of post here about looking for their next band mates.

Just want to know:

How do you usually find bandmates or session players?

What's the most frustrating part of the process?

I want to hear your thoughts

On a DIY run of the Midwest and not sure how to conduct payout. I booked 100% of the shows, finding each band for each bill and have been handling all the door money.

Is giving door cuts to touring bands standard anymore? We started post-COVID, not sure how etiquette was before but things are so spotty with people either graciously offering their door cut or being weird and insisting on a Venmo the next morning. There was this dude last night talking all night about how “we’re gonna get you some money for the road and gas” and then I woke up to a DM asking for his cut. A lot of the bands were playing with haven’t toured before, so there’s no way for them to get how important their $70 dollars of the cut is so we can eat.

I have all the money from all the shows and will finish book keeping when we’re done the run. Should I try to teach a lesson and say that standard etiquette is to give touring bands door cut? Is that even standard? Should I lay down the law and keep the money? Should I quit the band and go back to college?

What do you think? Cheers.

I’m going on tour in the US from the UK - I’ve figured out power for guitar pedals (T Rex power supplies with variable voltage), but will need to buy a step-up converter for bigger items (two keyboards and a bass amp head) - is it safe to run a UK power strip from the converter? The units I can see have one or two plug sockets, so to power a third item on a different part of the stage, will I need to buy a second converter? Anything to be wary of? Just don’t want to immediately blow up our gear.

Hey y’all! My band is going on a month long tour of the eu/uk and will be flying with 100 copies of our new record to sell on the road. Any have experience or advice for how to do this in a way that keeps the records safe to be checked? Mostly wondering what to put them in, we were thinking a large suitcase but even the largest ones don’t quite fit 100 records in a secure way.

Thanks so much!