Ten Things I Learnt On Tour

Ten Things I Learned On Tour, by Javelin

When Javelin were in the UK a couple of months ago we asked them if they fancied writing one our 'My Life In Records' features or a 'Ten Things I Learned On Tour'. Top blokes that they are, George and Tom said they'd do both! We might put them on news duty next week but before that, musicians take note: Here are ten things the pair learned on tour 

1

It's okay to steal books on tape*

(*if the truck-stop rental system is down) 
We tried to pay for a copy of Rip Torn reading Kurt Vonnegut at a truck stop in the midwest-- the man behind the counter broke our hearts when he said the system was down. "That's okay," I said, pretending to return the six CD set to the rack. The rest is probably encapsulated on some jittery surveillance cam.
 

2

Only drive cars with tinted windows

On our west coast tour in April we were pushing a 2002 Crown Victoria, a resold cop car that still had the siren sound when you pressed the horn. "Bwoop bwoop" (see our My Life In Records for further description of what happens when Raekwon is cross pollinated with this tinted situation

3

CD's still exist, and are very cheap at thrift stores

We found CD's to be the great disposable medium on tour. Among the ones we copped in Eugene, OR-- Shabba Ranks "X-Tra Naked", En Vogue, Fine Young Cannibals.

4

WIFI is pronounced differently all over the world

Some Europeans say "Wee Fee," in the states we say "Why Fie"... of late, I like to say "Wifey"

5

Accept tour schwag

While it may be debilitating or demoralizing to the spirit, especially if they ask you to wear it on stage or at a show, I am told you can often make a killing on eBay. Embrace your inner schwag whore.
 

6

Lay off the cheap beer

It's full of preservatives and will turn your blood into paste.

7

Be nice

Touring can be a drain, but don't forget to tip your sound man and butter up the maitre d' at every occasion. It will pay in monitor love and extra pillow mints.

8

Belgium has no government from time to time

We were shocked to learn that the Belgian government only sometimes has its shit together. Some mornings it wakes up and says... "Nah"
 

9

There is enough space in the US for wind + solar farms

Re: Texas, Alabama, Nebraska, Nevada, etc.... THERE IS SO MUCH FUCKING SPACE + WIND + SUN... Let's use it!

10

People are basically good

Given the right information and at least one decent choice, people tend to make the right decision as long as they don't get lazy or fearful. God bless the America.

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