Conquering the Road with Cult Leader

Photo: Reid Haithcock

“Privacy is a precious thing when you spend months on the road with other people. It’s an inescapable fact that you will almost never be more than five feet away from someone else for days at a time. Being surrounded by people you actually enjoy being around helps, but sometimes you just need to be alone with your thoughts. The most simple solution is headphones and good music. But really, anything that helps you tune out the world around you for a while—like sneaking away on walks or taking long showers whenever you get the chance—are great ways to clear your head. [The] bottom line is, try to take care of your brain [and] give yourself and the others some space, and things will go a bit more smoothly.” –Anthony Lucero, vocals

“First things first: If you’re in a band with the people that you love, and you play music that you love, touring is a billion, billion times easier and worth it. Unless you’re Peaches and have eight costume changes and a 40-foot inflatable penis in your performance every night, pack smart and pack light. If no one in your band is mechanically inclined, bring someone who is. Things happen on the road, and sometimes they happen out in the middle of nowhere. Having people with you that can diagnose problems and then fix them is worth it.”  –Mike Mason, guitar

“Show clothes: one consistent outfit you wear specifically when you play. This makes it easier to pack light and maximizes your ’fresh’ laundry. You only have to be sweaty and smell gross for a brief portion of the evening instead of the whole tour because one outfit gets all the abuse. Depending on what you have to work with, a trailer is typically a good place to keep them. Some people clamp them in their van windows to dry. Extra points if you have a giant fan behind you while you play so the people watching know the truth.” –Sam Richards, bass

Other important tourhacks include carrying a backpack full of your most important gear at all times; remembering that Canada’s borders make insane expectations for and are unfriendly to touring bands; and never, ever leaving the money in the van.

Touring is a huge step in any band’s career and one that can make or break them, so it’s vital that bands hit the road with clear eyes and the best possible plans. Cult Leader hit the road again this spring in continued support of their debut full-length, Lightless Walk.