Ben Wright Smith invokes a more psychy edge to his alt/folk rock repetoir with new single Sand Grabber. It draws from Tame Impala and Unknown Mortal Orchestra but is still the signature pop sound of BWS. Clearly playing around with 80s synths and drum machines has paid off cause this track is spectacular, and pushes the boundaries of alt pop without re-treading over familiar ground.
He goes on the biggest tour of his career taking in no less than 37 dates! We figured if there was someone who had some tips for touring, it would be him.
See a list of Ben's shows on GigBill.
1. Socks
It’s important to make sure that you have an adequate amount of socks on any tour. Sometimes washing your clothes is an opportunity seen few and far between and after a few nights under those hot sweaty lights your band mates will thank you for not smelling like a pile or garbage day in day out, even if you may feel that way.
2. Music
I can't really do very much without music. One thing I'd suggest is making sure you're not just streaming but have some music on your phone. Too many times I've found myself on a long drive, out of rage listening to the same best of Rage Against The Machine compilation I made when I was 18. Don't get me wrong its 70 minutes of non stop Rage bangaz but at the end you're not exactly jumping at the repeat button.
3. Snacks
A variety of snacks will ensure you will have entertainment and nourishment throughout your trip. It’s a great talking point for anyone you're travelling with ei 'excuse me, can you please pass me the sour worms'. I'd suggest a healthy mix of chips, chocolate and some soft drink. This will also protect you from getting hungry and stopping over at a KFC or something which you will inevitably regret if sitting in car for a few hours.
4. Books
Once again, you never know when you will have no reception. Sometimes in these situations you might find that packing a good book that you haven't had the chance to finish reading may come in handy. This will also prevent you from falling into the trap of buying smutty magazines at the petrol station for a lack of reading material. Too often you will find the only choice on offer are 'Golf Weekly' or those 'send in a dirty selfie' mags where they always try to have those sexy interviews. It’s clearly some dude writing it all from some dark room somewhere and while entertaining for a moment it will leave you feeling hollow inside.
5. Toothbrush
I feel like I could write a paragraph about this one but it seems reasonably self-explanatory. You may be having your doubts 'I'll be having too much fun to brush my teeth while on tour'. While this is possibly true, you will thank yourself later for giving yourself the option.