Kenton - TOUR TIPS

In this Tour Tips segment, the pop artist, KENTON, shares his advice for surviving life on the road. You can check out his tips below:

I’ve backed up pop superstars (Katy Perry, Benson Boone), fronted internet bands (Scary Pockets, Postmodern Jukebox), and played my own music opening for indie artists (Ben Folds, Rozzi). These were tours of all different sizes—from driving a 12-passenger van through corn fields at midnight, to plane-hopping across Europe and Asia. One thing they had in common: no matter how glamorous or meticulously DIY the tour is, there will always be BS that I never expect. I’ve had very important luggage (instruments and wardrobe) lost; connecting flights missed/delayed/cancelled; sketchy motels where I was pretty sure I was going to die, and even a harrowing case of bed bugs (or was it spiders?). It’s important to keep a level head. Here are 3 things my years of touring has taught me.

1. You are your greatest advocate, on and off the road.
Management does not have your best interests at heart—and they shouldn’t. They are still a corporation, and good management does what it is hired to do: make as much money as humanly possible. If you are working for an artist, their manager’s job is to get you to work at the lowest price/standards as you are willing to. Set your limits; be willing to walk. Counting on them to do the right thing rarely works. Even if you are the artist, management works on commission—so the less they spend on you, the more money they make. From tech, hotels, to after-show food, it is incumbent on you to specify your requirements.

2. Tour fam is not your real fam.
It sounds a lot more cynical than it really is, and it’s true for anybody that travels or works on a TV or movie set. Make friends, good friends, and tour will be much more enjoyable. But know that when tour ends, and you’re not spending every waking moment traveling and performing together, the intimacy of proximity fades. Your band and crew mates are your coworkers (even if they are actually relatives). Treat them with the same respect. In the real world, this work/life balance is much more clear. Touring is intoxicating—and it can get toxic. I have watched far too many touring musicians ruin their home life because of this touring bubble. Build a strong foundation at home, and stay connected with loved ones who aren’t swept up in the moment.

3. Touring is a marathon—pace yourself.
Treat the road like it’s your job, because it is. This career is tough. You want to be on top of your mental and physical health. Try to do some workout every day; find yoga classes to join; eat your greens; sleep as much as humanly possible; meditate; and limit alcohol consumption, especially on “school nights.” That last one is vital: a late night out with the gang is necessary fun, but it will set back your energy for the rest of the week. Cabin fever is real—make sure to find time for yourself before the tension boils over.

Playing music and seeing the world is such a privilege, but boy, can it take a toll on you. Every time I get home, I feel a little depressed—even on tours that I did not enjoy. It’s no wonder so many musicians deal with substance abuse. Performing and traveling floods your body with adrenaline and cortisol, that’s why it’s vital to do whatever we can to regulate our bodies and stabilize our minds.

I’m reminded of what a bandmate said to me once while we were out late at a bar: “You’re so fun! How come you don’t come out more often?” To which I replied: “It’s because I don’t come out often, that I’m still any fun.”

Keep up with KENTON on website, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.