Last week I introduced you to a new series here on the Sosauce blog that aims to connect music and travel. I have been talking with independent artists all over the country about their extensive tour history, and how their travels have impacted not only their career, but their outlook on life.
Continuing the conversation this week are Whitesmith Entertainment artists, Sydney Wayser and Family of the Year. I interviewed their music manager, Emily White, in the previous post where she admitted she’s become a Travel Geek after years of touring. Let’s see if Sydney and FOTY agree.
Thanks to Sydney and Sebastian for the interview!
First, introduce yourselves and how long you have been touring.
SW: I have toured for about 2 years in the U.S but will be touring in Europe in the spring. I call Brooklyn, NY home.
Sydney Wayser
FOTY: Family Of The Year started as a project between (singers) Joe and Vanessa. There are six of us now. We’ve been on the road for almost two months now, all over the country, with a few more weeks ahead of us. Right now we’re touring between San Diego and Georgia, then up north through Ohio and back to LA for Thanksgiving.
Family of the Year
What are the most challenging aspects of being on tour?
SW: Your normal schedule is completely flipped around. We’ll be up at 5:00AM to drive to the next place taking turns sleeping in the back. Or we drive through the night and eat fast food/gas station snacks just to hold you over. And then there is the fact that there are four of us in a van for weeks, it can get a little cramped!
FOTY: About three months ago our love affair began with Rosie, our RV/home away from home. It’s so convenient to have a home on wheels. The only downside is that she is quite large (with a trailer for our gear too). Bouncing around Manhattan during CMJ was somewhat trying; also our gas mileage isn’t anything to lust after.
Since your downtime is limited while on tour, what do you do off stage?
SW: Our rest days are usually the days we explore. If we arrive at our next venue with a little time to spare, I’ll walk around the neighborhood the venue is in, grab food, go to a bar, etc.
FOTY: A couple weeks ago we had a 5 day rest between Boston and Chicago, so we jumped on the opportunity to go to Martha’s Vineyard and visit my (and Joe’s) mom and old friends. We had a big bonfire beach party. Everybody spent the next day in front of the fireplace, with sand in our hair and filling our pockets. We got to go fishing as well, which was a favorite as children.
Do you ever feel like a nomad when touring for so long? Are there any connections you see between touring as a musician and being an independent traveler?
SW: You are constantly moving, so it is exhilarating. I think a huge similarity between traveling and touring is that you start to feel really connected with the motion of it. When you arrive in a new city it is a little uneasy but the place that is comforting is the motion – it’s the act of getting there that feels comfortable.
FOTY: It certainly puts you in a different state of mind. You become quite envious of things that normally aren’t impressive. Like truck drivers. And drink tickets. Also, tollbooth workers vary state to state more than you’d imagine. We’ve talked about printing a calendar of tollbooth workers and giving them out to family members we dislike during the holidays!
Despite the many hardships, what are the best aspects of getting to tour as a musician?
SW: For all the things listed above about the hardships of traveling, they are also the best! Also, the focus is only on music. All you have are your instruments and a small bag of clothes. You are in a van with some of your closest friends hanging out, playing music, and exploring – what’s not to like?
FOTY: Living on your own terms. Being responsible at times and irresponsible at others. Each day really is a new day. We are the luckiest people in the world, and we never forget that.
Has travel inspired your songwriting? If so, how?
SW: I think travel in general is inspiring. If you are constantly having new experiences on the road it is inevitable that you will be writing (or at least it is that way for me). When I get back from a tour I need to take a break and then after a week or so, songs just come forth like they were waiting to be expressed.
How do you like keeping track of your travels?
SW: I have a moleskin that I keep all that info in. Plus, Facebook and MySpace are used to promote and blog about things that I come across.
FOTY: We like to use Twitter, Facebook and MySpace to stay in touch with fans and friends. They are the most effective tools available to traveling musicians.
Last, but not least, after spending so much time on the road, do you consider yourself a Travel Geek?
SW: After being in New York for a while I get really antsy and feel the need to leave again, just for a change of pace and scenery. I consider myself a geek in general.
FOTY: There are certain routines you fall into that leave you feeling a little dorky. However, we haven’t unpacked our fanny packs yet – perhaps next tour!
Seems like travel brings freedom, inspiration, and overall good times to musicians and Travel Geeks alike!
Be sure to pick up Family of the Year’s new album, Songbook, out now and listen to Sydney Wayser’s Daytrotter music session online. After listening to these indie folk sounds, you may have some new favorites for #musicmonday.
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