Electric Empires' Tour Diary Part One

Tuesday 16 October

At a resting point, driving from Paris to Marseille for a gig that night. This is our tour van. We've nicknamed it 'Billy Blue' after our management company. The best thing about this van? There's a long double bed right at the back. Bit of a fight on who gets it on the long drives though.

Billy Blue, the van.

On the road.

Wednesday 17 October

Toulouse! One of the best shows so far. Before the gig, we went and played in a local bar to help promote the gig that night. Apparently, it's the normal thing to do for the new bands in town. This is us in front of the bar enjoying the hustle and bustle on the streets. Have to get back to this city. Great vibe down South…

The hustle and bustle of French town, Toulouse!

Thursday 18 October

Massive day today. Drove back from Toulouse to Paris. An eight hour drive straight to Radio NOVA for an interview and an acoustic performance. We pulled over on a random street to get changed and look a little more the part for the interview. Think we got the clothes right, maybe not the faces. Wrecked!

Friday 19 October

The boys and our tour manager talking about the show tonight at Nancy Jazz Festival. Playing a 1am set at the Magic Mirrors stage which is exactly like playing in The Spiegeltent. Ended up being a killer show and a big night out! We needed it.

Saturday 20 October

Our legendary French tour manager, Alex, reading out the menu at a local restaurant in his hometown, Nancy. About four hours North of Paris. The French really know how to eat. We all can't stop eating fresh bread, cheese, ham and grapes all accompanied with a glass of red. Earlier in the day, we were filming a live music video in an old converted church. You'll soon see why if you keep in touch with us online.

French menu full of tasty delicacies.

Filming the new video!

Sunday 21 October

Tonight we had a show in Blois at a venue called Chato'Do. Situated in a strange, rundown area right next to a massive water tank. Nevertheless, a great sounding room. The night was with another band from Barcelona called The Excitements. Nice bunch of guys.  

Monday 22 October

Back in the apartment in Paris, courtesy of Simon's cousin, Lionel. We have the night off. Simon's French relatives made African food for all of us and gave us a box of wine to go with it. Somewhere in there was this bottle of 15 year old Caribbean Rum. One sip was like downing a bottle of paint stripper. Potent. Next night out we went to a restaurant that we went to last time in an area called Menilmontant. Entrée? Glass of red with escargot (snails). Only a couple of shows left before we head back to Oz.

Oh, the treasures you find...