Touring from the female perspective:

Hi, I’m Amanda, the merch girl. Slash designated dancer slash unofficial band photographer slash freelance designer slash self-proclaimed wild card. I’ve been on the road with these guys for a good four weeks, so I feel I have a pretty good understanding of the touring thing.
Honestly, I had no real expectations for this trip. I knew it would be an adventure of sorts, I’d travel to new destinations, perhaps go a day or two without a shower, eat cheap food, sleep on many couches, basically journey the ways of the traveling musician pursuing recognition and success. I understand that to most women, my mom especially, this sounds like a miserable way to spend 2 months of a summer. But it has really been quite an experience. Every day we explore a new town or city in which we meet interesting people who share an interest in music or traveling or other interesting people. We do as the natives do. We hike their mountains, drink their beer, stay in their homes. And really, we’re not that dirty. Really.
Besides being able to dance like a maniac every night to awesome funky jams with the comfort of knowing that I don’t live here and you can’t judge me, I’ve fallen in love with many cities, new friends have taught me new perspectives and philosophies, and I’ve rock climbed and camped in multiple national parks. I’ve also had the time and opportunity to pick up some old hobbies: reading, graphic designing, writing, jewelry making, photography, Netflixing…
Also, these aren’t the most difficult guys to spend 24 hours a day with; they’re actually usually quite pleasant. And they treat me like one of the guys, no holds barred… most of the time… which I can appreciate… most of the time.
I’m sure I’ll find something girly to complain about in the next few weeks; it may be getting close to that time when I can no longer stand these guys, but maybe not. So I guess the female perspective is just a perspective, from a newcomer. Did I mention the sweet funky jams?

One Comment

• Keith Shaftel says:

  September 10, 2010 at 1:28 pm

  Who are you and what have you done with my daughter?
  Thanks for looking out for her, boys. She says two of you are really good guys.
  Knock ‘em dead……..ks