“We’ve been together for quite a while now. You get to know each other – you know each other’s space [and] respect each other’s space.”
It’s a straightforward introductory assertion from Blessthefall frontman Beau Bokan, but within the musical philosophy is perhaps a fundamental insight into what is needed to survive as a touring band circa 2014.
The widespread assumption that suggests musicians are simply “rock stars” who live an according lifestyle is a seductive proposition.
It feeds the interest of every teenager that ever picked up a tennis racket and mimicked a guitar solo in front of their bedroom mirror or banged utensils on pots and pans in an effort to replicate a John Bonham drum fill.
However, while the idea of playing music in front of fans and crowds night after night holds true as an attractive role, the realities of being in a band are more complex and interesting than the 30 to 40 minutes on stage would often reflect.
Flight after flight or hour after hour spent in a tour van going from show-to-show, being in a band is a serious albeit rewarding experience. It’s an unconventional occupation. There’s no 9 to 5, but rather a 24/7. In many ways, the life of a touring musician can be viewed as a profession, a job, a passion…a way of life.
Killyourstereo.com spent an evening with the boys in Blessthefall when in Melbourne, observing sound check, enjoying a meal with the band and crew, and getting an adequate insight and snapshot into what it’s like for an international outfit to come to a foreign place.
The repetition of touring life can be highly structured and extremely inclusive. There’s a duality – part demanding and part equally fulfilling. Guitarist Eric Lambert observes that humour and a positive mentality is important.
“We have a very loose personality and like to joke around a lot, and have a good time. We’re definitely a band that knows how to laugh at ourselves,” Lambert notes.
“We do a lot of things together. We don’t just part ways and not talk to each other. We definitely like going to movies together, bowling, doing as many things together as possible. A lot of bands have their little cliques and will go their separate ways.
“We try and involve bands on tour with us to come hang out. Especially in the States because you’re on the road a lot longer than the two weeks down here [in Australia],” he adds.
Hard life out in Australia. http://t.co/I570JgGOxv
— Eric Lambert (@ericthefall) January 16, 2014For us fans that listen to the music, attend the gigs or simply aspire to achieve a similar feat, it’s not a question of being deliberately naïve, but more unintentionally unaware of the logistics of being on the road. The life of a touring band is as involved and fascinating as it comes.
“Brisbane we had two shows in one day. The first show was an early afternoon show for all ages and [then we] went back to the hotel, slept and came back to play another show,” Bokan laughs reflecting on the concept of playing two-shows in one day – something of a rarity in places other than Australia.
The Blessthefall members are split between the main room post-sound check at Melbourne’s Corner Hotel and the front bar when we talk about the current return trip to Australia.
It’s 44 degrees (111F) outside, yet a cursory glance sees fans braving the oppressive heat waiting on the front steps for doors to open well before show time.
“It always special when someone wants to get to the venue that early and it means that much to them to sit out in the heat or whatever, and wait for you just to get close, it’s awesome,” Bokan states.
In bed, hair is still sweaty, legs are sore, ears are ringing.That's how you know it was a good show. #BTFparty :)
— Beau Bokan (@beauknows) January 16, 2014Prevailing at the top of the list of things musicians miss about the comforts of home is: family. Lambert is precise in summary, “I think it’s a fair sacrifice for the privilege we’ve been given [though].”
However, it’s still a point and consideration relevant to Bokan’s current situation. The singer, late last year, shared the news that his wife – fellow Canadian singer Lights – was expecting the couple’s first child.
“That’s the only thing that is hard about being on tour. You get to play shows for a living, there are people there that love your band so you’re constantly getting that adoration from fans. [However] literally, the hardest part is being away from the people you love,” Bokan says.
Moreover, a common remark amongst touring bands is the cost of living in Australia as opposed to different countries. Although, it’s easily managed according to Lambert.
“As long as you’re smart about it and don’t go out and buy a $50 meal,” he says.
However, there are still perks.
“[After the all ages Melbourne show] the bartender knew our band and loved our band so he gave us free shots all night,” Lambert offers.
Over dinner, the band is relaxed. While the music (rightly so) is always at the forefront, in downtime it’s easy to see that this is just a case of young friends doing something they love and enjoying each other’s company. It’s this social component that makes the touring life of a musician appear very relatable.
As Lambert aptly concludes, the touring construct of Blessthefall sees everyone come together at shows.
“There’s little girls, there’s tough guys, [and] there’s everyday college kids. We cover a lot of ground with our music; it’s like a mix tape.”
'Hollow Bodies' is out now via Shock / Fearless Records.
