Erica Quitzow is the indie pop queen of Young Love Records. Her catchy moog-filled dance melodies have traveled throughout the U.S. and beyond, drawing international crowds time and time again. From television shows, music festivals, regional showcases, and side projects, Quitzow‘s music has been featured just about everywhere.
Quitzow
But aside from ruling the music scene, Erica is a traveling foodie. Last winter, Quitzow hit the road with label mate, Setting Sun on a month-long European tour for Young Love Records. Quitzow and Setting Sun performed sold out shows all over Italy, Germany, and France, with their big white van to follow. I got to chat with Erica about what it’s like exploring new international cities and how she sees travel through the eyes of a touring musician:
What has your tour history been like? And where is home?
I’ve been touring in various formats for about 10 years. I’ve toured the US, a bit of Canada, and Europe and live in the Hudson Valley of NY.
What is it like being on the road? Any challenges you often face while touring?
To sum it up: sleeping on dirty floors, the room cloudy with cigarette smoke, listening to loud music and conversation from the next room or maybe even right next to you when you’re exhausted trying to sleep, brushing your teeth in a moldy sink and peeing on a toilet seat broken and duck taped together. I’d still like to thank everyone who puts us up.
How do you kill time before a gig when you’re abroad?
Hmmm… depends on the length of the drive. Definitely eat, preferably Mexican food, which is usually delicious and cheap. We may go to a coffee shop in search of internet access which can be rare on the road.
We do a lot of exploring in Europe because we’re motivated to make the time. I also make time to explore the crazy interesting places like El Paso, TX. Often I just want to find a park to stretch out and walk in, maybe a deserted part of town to wander around in alone. I like to find a spot to do some yoga and chill out alone. There’s a ton of socializing involved in playing shows, staying with people, and being in the van with the band, so solitary activities are cherished.
Driving along the Adriatic Sea – Pescara, Italy photo by Gary Levitt
How does traveling as a tourist, and touring as a musician differ?
They are entirely different experiences. Being a touring musician puts you behind the scenes of a new place immediately, something that’s difficult to achieve as a traveler. You get taken to people’s homes to sleep and eat. You are on the inside of that culture looking out, whereas a traveler is usually staying in hotels, eating in restaurants, and having a very different experience than the natives.
What is the best part of traveling as a musician?
Well, I suppose none of it would have any appeal at all if it weren’t for the grounding, cathartic experience of playing a show every night. As long as I have that, I’m fine with the lack of familiarity, the less than ideal accommodations. As long as I’m playing every night the entire experience is framed as an adventure. I’ve toured briefly with other bands as a merch person, and that isn’t for me. The entire process is hinged on the pinnacle of being on stage and making music.
Has your recent travel experiences influenced your songwriting?
I write a lot when I’m traveling, I write the most in airplanes. I always write in airplanes.
Do you use any tools or sites to keep track of your tours?
I suppose I’m not so on it at this point, but maybe I’ll start a blog for our upcoming tours!
After touring for so long, do you consider yourself a travel geek?
I wish I was more of a travel geek. I just finished a record and consider myself a studio geek at this point! We’re going to Europe this spring and doing a U.S. tour either before or after, so I’m hoping to feel like a hopeless travel geek soon.
Be sure to pick up Quitzow’s upcoming album, Juice Water, out on Young Love Records this spring!
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