Interview by Jia Sharma (she/her)
PARK RD is no stranger to being on the road. Fresh off their New Zealand and Australia tours, they’ve learnt secrets of the trade along the way. The band has given us a peek into what life on tour is like, as well as advice for any bands looking to hit the road as well.
1. Preparation: What Goes Into a Tour?
Music Rehearsals The core of any tour is the music itself. While it is important to practise your set list thoroughly, leaving some flexibility to adjust the song order or length depending on the audience and venue can enhance the set. This way the performances will remain exciting—for the band, and the audience.
Outfit Planning Stage presence is more than just the music. While it’s not essential, planning outfits ahead of time can help reduce stress—and it’s fun!
Promotion A key part of preparing for a tour is making sure people know about it. Many bands find it helpful to create a lot of content in advance—announcing dates, sharing behind-the-scenes footage, and utilising social media as a whole.
Logistics Behind every smooth tour is a strong logistics team. This includes booking accommodation, arranging travel, and making sure everything runs on schedule. Having a reliable team can relieve the pressure on the band so you can focus on performing.
2. On the Road: The Touring Experience
Touring feels like an adventure. PARK RD described feeling like pirates navigating their way through Australia. It’s early mornings after late nights, but everyone knows what needs to be done. The bond created through these shared experiences is incomparable to anything else.
One of the best parts of touring is meeting new people. The musicians, fans, and locals you encounter along the way often provide a sense of home, even when you're far from your own.
3. Travel and Accommodation: What to Expect
Sometimes, touring means finding creative ways to save costs. Staying with friends or family can offer financial relief and make your tour more viable.
In terms of accommodation, it can range from traditional hotels to pod hostels (think two metres long, one metre wide, and one metre high), which the band said “felt like school camp with everyone being so close together”.
If you’re touring in Australia like PARK RD, being a member of organisations like APRA offers perks like free bags on regional flights, which can really ease some logistical headaches.
4. Memorable Tour Destinations
PARK RD spent a lot of time dreaming about playing their own shows in Australia, and found that certain places will stand out more than others. For example, Brisbane offers great opportunities like Big Sound, where artists can play headline shows and surprise gigs.
Some cities may surprise you—places like Adelaide, which isn’t often considered a top tour stop, can offer some of the most intimate and rewarding gigs. Every tour location is special and memorable, in its own way.
5. The Best Part of Touring
Touring is about getting outside of your comfort zone and growing as an artist. Each new city, venue, and crowd offers a chance to learn more about yourself and your music. The experiences, whether they are spontaneous adventures or writing sessions in legendary studios, shape you creatively. But at the heart of it all, playing shows is what makes the hard work, early mornings, and tiredness worth it.
6. PARK RD’s Top Tips for Touring Bands
1. Look after each other.
2. Everyone has a pair of headphones. When they are on, that means they are having me time. (Stole this from The Beths!)
3. Enjoy the shows, they’re the main event, they’re what make all the tiredness and not so fun moments worth it.
4. Remember to breathe.
5. Don’t be a dick (which also works for life in general).
6. Remind yourself why you’re doing it (whatever your own reason is)
Whether it’s an international tour or playing a single show in a different city, these tips are sure to smoothen the experience. While challenging, it helps you grow as an artist and brings you closer to your bandmates. At the end of the day, it’s about the music. Every gig, no matter how big or small, is an opportunity to connect with your audience and share your art. So embrace the challenges, enjoy the ride, and make the most of every moment on the road.