TOUR! Week One Mind Dump

Hey friends,

Im writing this week to share thoughts on being a solo touring artist as well as what it’s like to do the kid’s circuit.

For about 5 years now, I've been very blessed to do music as a full-time job (apart from the one random side job this past summer…thanks Shawn!)

I’ve also been able to play in bands and tour, but nothing super extensive. I’ve actually found the most success in the kids circuit, playing schools as a children’s performer. Now, allow me to say that I never imagined being a solo children’s performer…ever! I always had it in my head that I’d be making it “big” with a band and playing festivals, climbing that long ladder to the tippity-top.

It’s a unique scene, but a scene none-the-less and I think it might be nice to chat about how it’s going on my first week out of many weeks to come of tour.

I have 86 shows throughout 2019/2020 and I just completed week one, with 8 shows under my belt. Here are some things I’ve learned so far.

Thing One: (Playing for youngsters VS playing for a room full of adults in a pub/festival) There is a beautiful sense of innocence at these shows. These kids I’m playing for are elementary school ages and likely have yet to see a lot of live music. This means I get the amazing opportunity to really give them a great first impression so definitely no slacking off for me, nor would I want to! When playing for adults however, it seems like there’s a sense that you have to prove yourself to them and their pre-conceived expectations, and not that there’s anything wrong with that, but it seems to me that it’s so much more exciting to give these kids the gift of professional, high quality music and entertainment, and maybe for the first time! You also get SO much unbridled love back from them…it really is quite beautiful.

Thing Two: Shows happen in the day, meaning less of an interrupted schedule. I try to be as health-minded as I can. This means I like to eat well, sleep well and exercise(move) as often a I can. Playing shows in the day means that I’m done my job by 2:30 at the latest! I typically play two shows a day, one in the morning and one after lunch. It is a great feeling to be finished and have the entire afternoon ahead to chill, get work done and do whatever!

Thing Three: I can’t speak for anyone but myself, but I have to say that financially speaking, Playing these children’s shows pays 20x better than playing the adult circuit. For those musicians who know what I’m talking about, it is an expected grind playing the typical band circuit. Until you hit that next level, you are playing shows with the hope of at most breaking even - at least in my experience. School districts allot a very decent amount of money to bring in performers throughout the year and although I won’t disclose how much i make per gig, I’ll just say that it DOES put a big smile on my face :)

Thing Four: Last thought for this post. Because the money is decent, I'm able to hire some help. My very good friend Steve has been joining on this tour. I reckon touring alone would be quite lonely and to have a friend join who isn’t directly involved in the show but is there to make life way easier has been incredible. He is in charge of social media, photos, video and helps with set-up, tare-down and driving. This has been monumental because there’s already so much to think about when doing these shows and Steve has helped in taking the load off significantly and to boot, he is a fantastic friend and doing life with friends is where it’s at.

Alright, there’s the mind dump. See you next week!