Touring Well With the Phoenix Foundation

May 24th 2019
We talked to Chris O'Connor and Samuel Flynn Scott from The Phoenix Foundation for their Touring Well tips!

Chris O'Connor (Drums)

What do you always do before you go onstage?
I mentally check my gear is operational, running over the set up checklist for the performance. I like to take a moment to centre myself in the present, and drop the thoughts of the day. I like to touch base with the band - different groups have contrasting approaches, degrees of formality. I at least try and wish someone a "good gig" before going onstage.

How many days in a row can you perform?
I never found my limit for this. I have played seasons of shows that go for many months. In general I have always liked to play as much as possible. Touring is more psychologically gruelling for me than physically challenging.

What hacks do you have to make sure you get enough rest?
I try and get early nights when I'm not performing. I take the opportunities to sleep-in on tour. I practice Yoga Nidra, and meditate often.

If eating a balanced diet is important to you, how are you able to find healthy options while you are touring?
I like having a big bag of oranges in the tour van.

What do you enjoy most about touring?
Dropping the concerns of "worldly life" and throwing myself into the music 100%

Samuel Scott (Vocals/Guitar)

What do you always do before you go onstage?
I like to try and go for a wee maybe 15 minutes before I play and then not let my body tell me I need to go just before I go on. A bit of singing, moving your body a bit. Just feeling in control of your physical self is very helpful even in a very subtle way.

How many days in a row can you perform? - before your voice/body needs a break.
The longest I've done was 21 and I felt ready for a break at the end but mostly I would say I never get anywhere near the limit and after 4 or 5 days is when I really start enjoying performing.

What hacks do you have to make sure you get enough rest?
Don't drink any rider. If you want to drink then choose to drink something you actually pay for and want and will enjoy. This makes me drink a lot less and feel less like I'm in a cycle of the gigs controlling my behaviour. If I don't drink after a show then I will feel lot better. Also I find getting up early and walking is much better for your energy levels than trying to play catch up by sleeping until ten minutes before the van leaves and not having that morning exercise.

If eating a balanced diet is important to you, how are you able to find healthy options while you are touring?
I always look online to see if there are good middle eastern places in any new city and that helps me find affordable healthy choices that I will enjoy. I often skip breakfast and channel that savings into eating a nicer lunch or dinner. Junk food will ruin your energy levels as much as booze and drugs.

What do you enjoy most about touring?
Performing music 100%

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