I’ve spent the last 15 years as a touring DJ and wanted to share some things I’ve learned along the way. Touring can be really hard so here are some pointers from ur Digital Dad (a thread)
1) Sign up for every airline and hotel rewards program. Most hotel chains will at the very least give you free wifi and expedited check-in if you’re a member to their loyalty program.
2) Pick one airline and fly exclusively with them and their partners. Comfort is everything and the perks of status as well the ability to fly friends and fam around free with your miles is worth it.
3) Sign up for Global Entry. When you get off that 14 hour flight home from Sydney the last thing you’re going to want to do is sit in a customs line for an hour. With GE you’ll be thru customs in 5 mins, and I believe it comes with free TSA Precheck for domestic flights.
4) Don’t eat a super heavy dinner before your set. Listen, I know you’re in Austin and Salt Lick BBQ is fucking amazing, but you’re energy and stamina on stage will be a lot better without a belly full of brisket. Eat Sushi, Pho, high protein salads, etc...
5) Greet and be courteous to everyone that works for the venue. From the head talent buyer, to the bar backs, a little bit of basic courtesy can go a long way. If people like you they’ll be more likely to book you again.
6) Whether its 50,000 people or 5, if you’re being paid to be on stage DO YOUR JOB! Give them your all every time. I would trade 50k fair weather fans for 50 die hards any day of the week and you make die hard fans by leaving EVERYTHING on stage EVERY NIGHT.
7) Booking agents are essential. No matter if you’re a bottle service DJ or U2, there are going to be ups and downs in your career. Being a musician is a feast or famine kinda career and a good agent can help keep food on the table during those leaner times.
8) Moderate your drug and alcohol intake. Coming from experience, addiction is a slippery slope especially when you work in an industry where liquor is offered to you at every turn.
9) It goes without saying that substance abuse will limit your time in the industry. Addiction leads to depression, and as we’ve seen time and time again, depression can lead to suicide. Also that shit will kill your creativity and that is EVERYTHING.
10) If you end up struggling with addiction or depression dont beat yourself up and dont hesitate to talk to someone. You are not burdening them. Real friends/family/partners will be there to help you. Liz has helped me through so much crazy shit over the years.
11) This leads me to mental health in general. Performing for a crowd night in and night out can take a toll. The ups of an amazing show can crash down the next night with a show you deem subpar. Finding a balance between these highs and lows is a tricky dance.
12) At the end of the day you are just a human being playing mp3s for people. Have fun and don’t take it too seriously! Even MJ had off nights. Shake that shit off, keep your head up and move onto the next show.
13) Meditation is a great way to bring your adrenaline and heart rate down after a show. You finish playing at 2AM, get to the hotel @ 230 by the time you shower and get to bed its 3. Meditate for 5-10 mins and I guarantee you will have a much better chance of falling asleep.
14) Force yourself to keep a routine. Even tho your schedule will be all over the place try your best to meditate daily, hit the hotel gym even for 20 mins, and do other things that make you feel balanced and regular.
15) At the end of your set come around the booth and spend as much time as it takes to take pics with fans and sign autographs. You’re nothing without your fanbase and something that may take 15 mins of your time will make a lifelong memory for them.
