This is a quick “How To” for those who may have not hosted a band through BTTV before.
Don’t worry it’s pretty easy!
Do Your Homework
Most important! Look at the band’s MySpace, Facebook, Purevolume, Last.fm and/or Flickr page to get an idea of what they are about. Search for any blog post or articles about them. Use pipl.com to do a search on the band members’ names. You can also ask for their phone number and give them a ring for a quick chat.
All In A Days Work
Remember they have done this more than you so it’s very routine. Just play it cool and you’ll be ok. Don’t’ be afraid to let them know your schedule, especially if it’s a weekday. Example: If you have to get up at 7am for work the next day, it’s cool to let them know that.
House Rules
If you need to, let them know the “house rules”, most bands are completely cool with this. Depending on your disposition, pet situation and what you’re into some common house rules are:
- Smoke outside
- Keep it down after midnight inside or outside
- Don’t let my cat/dog outside
- Leave the party at the show/venue
Things Bands Like
Sleep, clean towels, home cooked food, a hot shower, laundry machines, couches, the internet, grocery stores, record shops, music equipment stores, pawn shops, T.V., video games, beer and a clean floor. Providing any and all of these for a band is pretty awesome.
Bring In The Gear
Most bands will want to bring in some, if not most of their gear. Things like guitars, amps and cymbals usually make it inside as they are most easily stolen. If you can, make some space for this stuff. They’ll love you for it.
What Is Around You?
Let the band what is driving distance or walking distance from where you live (see Things Bands Like). Bands spend a ton of time together on tour. Don’t be surprised if they break off separately and do their own things. Alone time and what not.
Bands Love People
Have a few people over for drinks, cribbage or coffee when the band arrives. It’s a good icebreaker but keep it low key. Unless you’ve told the band you’re throwing a raging party in their honor.
Cool Things That May Happen You
Sometimes bands will offer to cook you a meal for your kindness. Other times they’ll offer to get you into the show for free or leave you with t-shirts, stickers and maybe some CDs/records. Maybe they’ll even mow your lawn, who knows!?!?
