Tell us about your tour vehicle.
In the fall of 2019 we lost our beloved Shirley (GMC high-top Savana conversion van with a blue fade paint) in a hit and run on the freeway in Chicago. That really shook us up (and totaled Dan’s bass.) The rest of the year we rented mini-vans which was really cheap to do at the time.
After the Covid shutdown, the cost of renting and buying vans sky-rocketed. We decided to buy a van but we were on hold for several months while the van was awaiting a computer chip. In the meantime, we hit a buck on I-80 in Nebraska with a rental van.
Finally, we realized that the cost of renting was not sustainable, so we found a van to buy on our way down to South by Southwest in March of this year. It’s a green Chevy Express passenger van that we lovingly call “Booger.” Its original home was in Canada but we picked it up in Indiana. It’s great to be in a larger vehicle again, but the same van pre-covid would have cost 30-40% less! It’s super bare-bones, no cruise control, manual windows, etc., but we really love her and feel much safer than we did in mini-vans.
How do you eat cheaply and/or healthy while on tour?
Fortunately, a lot of venues provide dinner, and a lot of them have really great menus in which case all that’s necessary is making the right choice! We’re all pretty health-conscious and I continue a workout regimen on the road too.
How many strings do you break in a typical year? How much does it cost to replace them?
I used to break strings left and right but these days it’s a rarity. I tour with four guitars now and try to replace their strings about once every month each. Strings can range in price, especially if you buy in bulk, but a typical set can cost between $5-20. The upright bass is a whole ‘nother story!
Where do you rehearse?
We’ve had a few rehearsal spaces throughout the years. Our first one was an old hippie-store front in Oshkosh, WI. We had a weekly gig a couple of blocks away so we would carry the PA back and forth every week. More recently, we had a practice space in a huge warehouse here in Milwaukee – home to many small businesses, yoga spaces, and even a brewery and distillery. It was always fun riding the freight elevator when we load gear in and out. Currently, we use Dan’s house as a practice space and that has been really ideal.
What was the title and a sample lyric from the first song that you wrote?
I honestly have no idea what the first song I wrote was. I think I was trying to write songs as early as first or second grade. I had some funny notable ones in high school – one very dramatic and emo acoustic ballad called “Sheets of Rain.” I’m giggling now thinking about it! “The sky was pouring sheets of rain…”
Describe your first gig.
One of my first gigs was at the New Moon Cafe in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, with my band, Oceanvue. The band was myself and two of my best friends- an all-girl trio. We were unbelievably excited to play original and cover songs, and I remember it going well.
What was your last day job? What was your favorite day job?
My last day job was working at Aldi grocery store. I appreciated it because it was extremely physical and helped to get me in shape. My favorite day job was when I worked at a before and after school care program with kindergarteners. I learned and had so much fun at that time! I truly miss having regular and consistent time with kids.
How has your music-related income changed over the past 5-10 years? What do you expect it to look like 5-10 years from now?
We’ve had some success with streaming numbers on Spotify which has really helped our income. As we’ve become more visible nationally, our rate at festivals has gone up too. Dan and I have always been very mindful of expenses and we are truly believers of DIY! We’ve been able to tour a lot as a duo which helped a lot with cost as well. Currently, however, it’s hard to see how cash flow can keep up with raging inflation and one of our main and consistent costs: fuel. While we’re talking money, though, I want to mention how generous and supportive our fan base has been- especially throughout Covid.
What one thing do you know now that you had wished you knew when you started your career in music?
I wish I had known to never completely trust anyone to watch out for me or my interests. I wish from the start that I had stayed more informed of the inner-workings of the business and how they would affect me personally. This has been a big lesson to learn in the last couple of years, but I now feel so empowered by having a better understanding. You will always be your own best advocate.