Getting on the Road (Part 2)
Now that you've decided to go out on the road, it is now the time to plan your trip. Think of this experience as planning two trips - one to your destination and one back. To make your road trip pay off try to reach as many geographical areas as you can. This route planning can be adjusted if you plan to pass through or near a major metropolitan area. It might be a good idea to hit the area coming and going and simply focus on performing at two different clubs.
Timing is also crucial, you'll want to be playing the best venues you can get on the best days of the week. You know what playing a local gig is like on a Monday, think what it would be like to play in a town that has never heard of you on a Monday.
Another aspect related to timing and selecting a tour route is how much "down-time" does your band need and can afford. Part of this equation is determined by your bookings, the other part relies on how many friends and relatives you have along the route who will put you up for a night or how many of you can sleep in the van or like camping. Traveling "on the cheap" is the name of the game for bands on their first tour. If any of your band mates is allergic to Taco Bell or does not want to sleep on the floor then you need to know that up front and plan accordingly.
Now, a few rules on how to select where to concentrate your efforts for getting gigs. First, pick out more towns along both routes than you have the ability to play. Remember just because you're there does not mean that there will be a venue available. You may have to go to your second or third choice of a town for a venue. Also I try to make sure the travel time between each selected locale does not exceed six hours. Any longer on the road and you have not made allowances for not getting on the road when you should, having to bail the drummer (or guitarist or singer or saxophonist or anyone else) out of jail or the infamous van breakdown. Actually, there is also a positive reason for shorter travel time - it allows you to be more flexible with the time you spend in each town. Who knows maybe a local radio station wants you to stop by or you can schedule some time with a local music magazine for an interview.
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