Touring: How to Fight Boredom During Downtime
There is nothing in this world quite like the energy and excitement swirling around the preparations for a summer music tour. Artists, singers, songwriters, musicians, and bands are packing their bags, tuning their instruments, and generally readying themselves for a season of concerts and music festivals. The disappointment of canceled shows during the height of the pandemic is hopefully a distant memory as the players in the music industry are set to do what they do best- perform music for their fans.
An artist booking platform does many amazing things to prepare their performers for a summer of shows played before adoring music lovers. And with the immense capabilities of music tour management software, most tasks are effectively completed, leaving them with only their targeted focus on singing and playing well for the upcoming concerts.
This efficiency has contributed to the amount of downtime performers and support staff have between gigs. Touring can be an exciting and exhilarating experience for musicians, but it can also be long, tiring, and repetitive, leading to boredom and stagnation. Let's look at some best practices for fighting boredom and keeping minds sharp and spirits energized.
Explore New Places.
Musicians and touring staff are moving from city to city almost daily. These one-day stops may be short but often provide a few hours for sightseeing and exploration. While prior research about a new location can be helpful, we are fortunate that technology is at our fingertips to find local attractions to visit. Check out online tourist websites for interesting landmarks to see. Include historic sites, museums, libraries, and specialized markets in your list of possibilities. For more unusual options, look for unique diversions that reflect the area you are visiting but are off the beaten path.
Listen to Audiobooks or Podcasts.
Reading a physical book is preferable for many of us, but transporting a personal library in a van or tour bus is not practical. Many of us have devices and services allowing the download of audiobooks or the streaming of podcasts. The choices are seemingly endless, from bestsellers to biographies. If listening to a podcast is more appealing, virtually every topic under the sun is available- self-help, sports, true crime, history- it is all there. Invest in a quality pair of headphones or earbuds and while away the hours by engaging your brain and expanding your knowledge.
Stay Connected.
Performers are where they want to be because they are doing what they love, but sometimes touring can be lonely and isolating. It is vital to stay in touch with family and friends. Again, maintaining connections is easier than ever with mobile phones and other devices that allow for video calls, emailing, and texting. These folks are your support system, so stay in touch to share your experiences and hear a familiar voice.
Stay Active and Exercise.
There. We said it. You have to keep moving! The monotony of touring can be numbing at times. It might seem easier to crawl into your tour bus bunk or lounge in your hotel room, but you won't be doing your body or spirit any favors. It is critical to do daily physical activities like stretching, yoga, running, or walking to improve flexibility, boost energy levels, and reduce stress. Take advantage of hotel gyms or fitness centers. If those are not an option, go outside, get some sun on your face, and take a long walk.
Collaborate with Other Musicians.
Your musician booking agency will love you for this effort because it can open up more opportunities for advancing your craft and inspiring other artists to do the same. Write new songs, hone your instrument skills, learn a new genre, and plan future gigs to nurture these outstanding artistic endeavors.
Learn a New Skill or Hobby.
“While on the road?” you ask incredulously. Yes! Many hobbies are easily "transportable," like knitting, crocheting, and other needlework, sketching or drawing with charcoal or colored pencils, or photography. During the exploration of new places while taking long walks, you can document your journey with a collection of photos. That's checking a lot of activity boxes!
Be Good to Yourself.
The suggestions mentioned above are all a part of caring for your body, mind, and spirit. It is vital to eat a healthy diet of proper nutrition and hydration, stay active physically and mentally, and rest when you need to recharge and refresh.
Undoubtedly, touring is demanding for artists, musicians, and bands, but there are ways to make the most out of the experience to prevent boredom from infiltrating your life. Your tour management has utilized its artist booking platform to its fullest capacity. Now it is up to you to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to perform at the highest level and give your fans the concerts they want and deserve.
