Better Than The Van : Blog

This is a quick “How To” for bands that are new to touring or have never used BTTV before.

Fill Out Your Entire BTTV Profile
Provide as much info as you can in your BTTV profile. This is probably the best thing you can do. Hosts use your profile information and links to find out more about you. Remember, you are a stranger to them and they are letting you into their home. They are going to do their research on you and your band.

Respect Your Host
It’s a great idea to respect your host and their home. If you do, you’ll be invited back and they’ll tell their friends how cool you were. Guess what?  You’ve just made more fans in that city. If you choose the alternative, then the negative word spreads and you don’t looks so cool anymore.

Do Something Nice For Your Host
If you have the time during your stay offer to cook your host a meal before the show, or maybe do breakfast the next day and pick up the bill. If you want to get really fancy hook your host up with a 12 pack of their favorite beer or bottle of wine.

Clean Up After Yourself
Yes, this is something your mother/father would say but it’s true. If you make a mess, clean it up. If you use your host’s blankets or sleeping bags, fold and roll them up when you’re done. If you’ve cut through 2 cases of Pabst and smoked a pack of Parliaments pick up your cans and butts. If you make some food, wash your dishes. Simply, leave it like you found it. If your host is a slob, then disregard all of this.

Cast A Wide Net
Contact as many hosts as you can in the cities on your tour. That way you’ll have 1 or 2 back up hosts should your primary one fall through.

Be Reliable
Keep up the communication with your host. Try to be on time if you’re meeting up with your host before the show. If you’re running late, give them a ring. If your plans change, let them know. Don’t leave them hanging with no idea where you are or if you’re coming at all.