Image via tamarackband.com
Don’t let this list of the highest paid musicians deceive you. Many may assume that playing tunes for a living is serious money but, for many of us diligently grinding along in a small band, we know that’s far from the case. Yes, there are the select few who are lucky enough to make millions with their “talents,” but for the rest of us, every day is a grind.
Music should never revolve around money, but in this reality, a little bit is essential to survive life on the road. The romanticized image of touring in band across the country with your best friends as you wine and dine your way to stardom is far from how it actually goes. Touring often brings about sleep deprivation, obnoxiously long car rides, bad gigs, and that smell in the van (you know the one). No one will question that it’s a hard life, but having a little money throughout the journey can certainly ease some of the frustration.
Every cent counts while traveling, so here are a few tips that can help stretch your dollar and help make touring the fun, exciting adventure that it should be.
1. Do some pre-tour planning
Perhaps your idea of a tour is piling in a van, driving aimlessly around the country and busking for spare change. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but if you’re serious about making a career out of music, it doesn’t hurt to do some planning ahead of time.
[How to Book a DIY Tour Like a Pro]
You should have most of your gigs lined up before setting out on the road. Some of these will have payments that are based on the draw you bring that night, but others go by the way of the guaranteed payment. Either way, it helps to compile a list of your venues and how much each one will pay out. This way, you can have a visual representation of when and where your income will be available. If you see that you might not be getting a sizable paycheck for a few days, then perhaps it’s best to opt out of those $10 cocktails on your night off.
2. Join a wholesale club
For just a small amount of money, becoming a member of a wholesale club can be tremendously helpful for a band. Stores like BJ’s, Costco, and Sam's Club are located all over the country and have massive quantities of food and other goods for cheap.
Eating out every day is a surefire way to drain your funds fast, so stock up on bulk nonperishables, toiletries, and anything else you may need. As an added bonus, they have enormous parking lots to make maneuvering that van and trailer that much easier. Sometimes it’s the little things like that on tour that make the day better.
3. Take advantage of rewards programs
You need to spend money to make money, right? There are tons of gas stations that offer rewards programs for the frequent spender or traveler. Since you’ll be doing both of those things, you might as well get something back from the process. Signing up is free, and it’s also another good way to monitor your spending.
4. Work on your grill skills
Public parks everywhere usually have grill areas to use for no cost. Go buy some bulk meat and veggies from that wholesale club you joined and cook up an affordable, fulfilling meal. This is not only a fun way to relax and spend some time out of the van, but it’s a good way to eat healthy.
Eating healthy is key while touring. You will definitely start to feel the wear and tear of fast food after a few days, and it will come out in your playing one way or another. Keeping the mind clear and focused should be top priority – and, of course, money will be saved as well.
[3 Surefire Ways to Stay Healthy on Tour]
5. Organize a budget
Whether you allot one member of the band to handle finances or trust yourself enough to ration your money is up to you, but some form of a budget system can work wonders.
Let’s say you just had a great Saturday night gig and raked it in, but you have the next few days off. Wouldn’t you rather make that money last than blow it all on Bloody Marys at Sunday brunch? Not to say you shouldn’t have a little fun with your money, but controlling your daily spending limit will have you return home with a fatter wallet.
[How to Create a Budget for Your First Tour (Sample Budget Included!)]
Successful tours all consist of organization, creativity, and self-control. If you can practice these three things, your band will only benefit.
Anthony Cerullo is an avid keyboard player, writer, and world traveler. He has spent the past few years touring the US in bands, and now finds himself exploring the musical spectrum that various countries of the world offer.
