To tour or not to tour... Is there a question?

[SixAndChange]

I was going to send a PM to Steve, but then I realized this is a board full of brilliance. So here is my little letter.

[RedEar]

I have met all of and am personaly aquanted with one of the members of The Films. PM with "personal" questions.
Also I have been on tour in a simialar role.
As far as doing it. You learn a lot fast in this sort of situation and there is no learning like you learn when you have to. I am a practical, hands on sort of learner and so I would say do it. But, if you learn better with books that would out weigh it. However. If you are willing, and you are young, go for it. Worth more than 6 weeks of school to me.

[bishopthomas]

School is overrated. If you know you want to be in the sound industry then this will serve you better than any formal schooling. I'm a college drop out and I don't regret it one bit. The amount of knowledge that I have gained post-college has been so much more vast and practical than if I had continued toward my degree. There are some physics and acoustical theories that are classroom-based that I would love to learn, but I have no need at this point in working toward a degree.

I say if the gig looks good and you can afford to take off from school (won't lose scholarships, etc.) then definitely go for it. You'll have fun, make some good money, and most importantly gain valuable experience for the career you are trying to start.

On second thought, pass the gig to me and stay in school. Seriously, if you need an extra member on crew I'd love to go. I've been itching for a tour recently.

[big country]

hit the road my man!

[Jim vanBergen]

IMO, School is worth doing, (I have three degrees...so I disagree with the notion that dropping out is fine and you won't have regrets... ) but the real world is the best teacher that allows you to put knowledge to use.

Do the tour. I don't think you stand to lose anything. Six weeks is short and sweet...though the rate is low as far as I am concerned, I'm a LOT older than you, and maybe I don't get these offers because my rates are too high.

BUT, Before you agree: get an itinerary... find out about housing & travel, who pays for it. How many shows a week? Are you doing more than FOH? What are all your responsibilities? (Don't be the truck driver.) Are you carrying ALL your gear, a console & IEMs, or just your own backline, and using everything at the gigs? Playing clubs, bars, halls, theatres? Research the stops so you have an idea how screwed you will be. Then go do the job anyway, because it's great experience.

Know what you are signing up for. You'll be glad you found out!

[valleysound]

Jim vanBergen cover a lot of stuff except one, is the number one sacrifice!!

[SixAndChange]

Originally Posted by Jim vanBergen

IMO, School is worth doing, (I have three degrees...so I disagree with the notion that dropping out is fine and you won't have regrets... ) but the real world is the best teacher that allows you to put knowledge to use.

Do the tour. I don't think you stand to lose anything. Six weeks is short and sweet...though the rate is low as far as I am concerned, I'm a LOT older than you, and maybe I don't get these offers because my rates are too high.

BUT, Before you agree: get an itinerary... find out about housing & travel, who pays for it. How many shows a week? Are you doing more than FOH? What are all your responsibilities? (Don't be the truck driver.) Are you carrying ALL your gear, a console & IEMs, or just your own backline, and using everything at the gigs? Playing clubs, bars, halls, theatres? Research the stops so you have an idea how screwed you will be. Then go do the job anyway, because it's great experience.

Know what you are signing up for. You'll be glad you found out!

Great advice there. I'm not dropping out of school, no way. I've been hard at work towards a physics degree for the last 5 years of my life. I'm just taking a leave and starting next quarter.

I'm thinking the reason the rates are low is due to the fact that I told him to make me an offer because I recognize I'm still a student and he has everything to lose. Maybe next time I'll be stating the fees. But for now I'm more than excited and welcoming something to do in place of cursing insomnia.

[analogtodd]

Is this the same "The Films" that used to be known as "Tinkers Punishment"?

[max cooper]

I say do it. It's always better to regret things you have done than things you haven't done.

Take pictures.

Also, it's fun to get to know middle America from the highway.

"Just how many go**amn Cracker Barrels are there?"

[bishopthomas]

I'm not advocating dropping out of school, just telling you my experience. There certainly are benefits from having a degree, but I, myself, do not regret not having one. As far as sleep goes, just make sure you're not the one driving. I have spent many hours with my head on the console or curled up between road cases. A foamy lid from a shockmount case makes for a comfy nap.

[RedEar]

Originally Posted by monkeyt

Is this the same "The Films" that used to be known as "Tinkers Punishment"?

There is only one The Films, and that is them.

[FossilTooth]

I would do it.

If you're SURE this is the path you want to pursue in life, then you should go for it.

If you have any questions about it, hit the books.

Then again, if you're not sure, then perhaps this experience will help you make up your mind.

[SixAndChange]

Well thanks fellas. I just got off the phone with the band manager, and it looks like I'm all locked and loaded. I also managed to work some magic at school, and they are allowing me to start right back up where I left off.

They have a show planned before the tour kicks off in Ann Arbor, I'm pretty sure its the college there, but I'll just be a "trial" run and I'll meet all the guys and we can make sure everything will be smooth.

Thanks for the advice, I was planning on going ahead full throttle anyhow, but I ffigured I could lean on the experience you guys have. I always pay dues.

[bishopthomas]

That's awesome news! Are you traveling in a bus? There are some great tips on here and other forums about what to bring with you on the road and some general pointers.

[leddy]

In the future, you may want to not mention specific information about the gig, at least until the deal is done. I'll bet they got a bunch of calls/emails from guys (lurkers, not the good people here) who read your post and offered to do the gig instead of you, probably for less money too.

The internet is amazing, but it can bite you if you're not careful.

[xmostynx]

Originally Posted by SixAndChange

They have a show planned before the tour kicks off in Ann Arbor, I'm pretty sure its the college there, but I'll just be a "trial" run and I'll meet all the guys and we can make sure everything will be smooth.

hey man i'm 22 would love to go on tour! i'm also almost done with school, i would say go on tour tho !!!! dude its a chance to do something not alot of people can do, or ever get the opportunity.

i'm a house engineer so i don't even get to move stuff!

go on tour- then go finish school, and when your 22 and done with school you'll be maybe getting something like 2-3 grand a week to go on tour

good luck dude- also from the quote above..make sure you don't walk in cold on the gear your going to be using- or if someone is there to run you through how the system is routed- etc...maybe YOU will be doing all that- maybe its already set up...just know for sure!

i'm jealous- so make sure you go!

[Jim vanBergen]

Hey man, that's great news. Congrats!

Now find out what you're carrying, how you're travelling, and what your responsbilities are. if you're not carrying full production, see if you have room for a pelican with your "Must have" mics, maybe a "money channel", buss comp, etc.

If you are concerned about people trying to snag your gig, feel free to PM this old NYC road dog anytime off the record if I can offer you advice or help you out in any way.

Good luck, bro!

[analogtodd]

I will say this, I've seen TP probably 8 or 9 times, and they deliver live!!

First time I saw them, they finished and a bunch of hot young girlies came out and packed away the gear.

I've never seen roadies that hot before!!! lol


and yes there have been a couple bands called "the films" which is why I asked.