Inspired by the Minutemen song, Evil Monito’s “Tour Spiel” provides an intimate look into the musician’s tumultuous life on the road. Each week, we’ll check in with some of our favorite artists touring stateside or abroad and find out what it’s like to be packed in a van or waiting at the baggage claim for hours on end.  It’s ultimately the memorable experiences with friends that make life on the road rewarding, or at the very least interesting.  This week it’s the band, Screaming Females who brave fascist admins from a New Brunswick college campus and gastrointestinal distress to get their music across to the masses.

EM: What is your favorite song to play live? And why?
Screaming Females – “Sour Grapes”

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KingMike: “Sour Grapes,” because I can jump while playing it like I’m in NOFX or Blink-182.

EM: What city did you most enjoy while on tour? Why?

Jarrett: St. Louis, but we actually didn’t really see any of the city. It was fun because we played with our friends, and the always-amazing JEFF the brotherhood and Daniel Pujol. Also we stayed in a really nice apartment where our roadie fell madly in love with one of the girls that lived there.

EM: What are some of the strangest or most interesting cities or towns you’ve traveled through?

Jarrett: On the last tour we went to a bunch of small liberal arts colleges in small towns. These places are crazy. We come from a college town in NJ where the cops and school administrators reign like evil dictators. In places like Grinnell, IA, and Oberlin, OH, the school gives them money to have bands come and play and the kids are allowed to drink on campus and no one cares. They would bring out tear gas if something like that happened in New Brunswick, NJ.

The Screaming Females at Music Hall of Williamsburg.  Photo courtesy of Bill Shouldis

EM: What kind of vehicle do you tour in?

Jarrett: 2003 Dodge Ram Van. It’s called the Big Red Pig.

EM: Who has been your favorite band(s) to play on tour with?

Jarrett: There are so many! Here are a few: Songs for Moms, Stupid Party, JEFF the brotherhood, Prizzy Prizzy Please, Sass Dragons.

EM: What is your favorite venue to play in? Why?

KingMike: Music Hall of Williamsburg because the sound is good. I think… At least it is on stage. That’s what matters to me!

EM: While on tour, what is the band’s favorite spot to eat?

Jarrett: Hippie burrito places and hippie breakfast spots.  I’m talking organic micro greens and vegan scramble.  Unlimited coffee and fresh squeezed juices.

EM: On nights off while on tour, how do you occupy your time?

KingMike: We stare at each other.

Jarrett: Think about how much better the next day is going to be when we have something to do.

EM: If the band had to agree on one “must-read” book for long nights in the hotel, what would it be?

Jarrett: We only stay in hotels when we have been driving for like 3 hours after a show and we have no hope of reaching a friend’s house.  It’s 3 a.m. and we have to be out by 11 a.m.  The book I most want to pick up at this point is the Gideon’s Bible because it is in my bedstand.  Otherwise I would say Youth in Revolt.

EM: What is the most interesting thing you’ve found or bought while on tour?

KingMike: It is not necessarily interesting at all but it’s a bear sitting in a wooden car made from ceramic. I also really like claw games. I’ve gotten pretty good and won a bunch of times.

EM: What are some of the best records to listen to on the road?

Jarrett: Nerf Herder and stand-up comedy records.  Also, Jon Josef’s (lead singer of the Cro-Mags) autobiography audiobook.

EM: What’s the most unique piece of equipment on your tour?

KingMike: The cage in the back of our van. Even if people break into the van they can’t get to our equipment. And some of Marissa’s pedals.

EM: What is the hardest thing about being on the road?

KingMike: Having too much fun.

Jarrett: Eating food which I’m not sure if it has dairy in it or not. I’m lactose-intolerant. I get sick a lot from eating on tour.

EM: What is the best thing about being on the road?

KingMike: Having just enough fun.

Jarrett: Playing music.

EM: What are some comfort items that you take when embarking on a long tour?

Jarrett: Loose tea and a tea-infuser.  A jump rope.

KingMike: Tobacco.  Tabasco.  Game Boy Color.

EM: How has the current state of the economy affected your touring?

Jarrett: I hear we would be making more money if it was two years ago. Doesn’t bother us much though. We are doing better than we ever have. If you’re not in debt and you don’t have financial investments, then the economy doesn’t make a huge difference.

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The band kicks off their tour with the Arctic Monkeys this week!
12.05.09 – Columbus, OH @ The Summit
12.06.09 – Chicago, IL @ Riviera Theater*
12.07.09 – Milvale, PA @ Mr. Smalls Funhouse*
12.08.09 – Washington, D.C. @ 9:30 Club*
12.10.09 – New York, NY @ Terminal 5*
12.11.09 – New York, NY @ Terminal 5* (SOLD OUT)
12.13.09 – Boston, MA @ House of Blues*
12.29.09 – Asbury Park, NJ @ The Stone Pony (Home for the Holidays!)#

* = w/ Arctic Monkeys
# = w/ Bouncing Souls

2010 Screaming Females Tour w/Jeff the Brotherhood:
Sat Feb 6 – Bowery Ballroom – Don Giovanni Showcase – NYC
Sun Feb 7 – Washington, DC
Mon Feb 8 – Asheville, NC
Tue Feb 9 – Athens, GA
Wed Feb 10 – Gainesville, FL
Thu Feb 11 – Tallahassee, FL
Fri Feb 12 – New Orleans, LA
Sat Feb 13 – Houston, TX
Sun Feb 14 – Austin, TX
Mon Feb 15 – Dallas, TX
Tue Feb 16 – Memphis, TN
Wed Feb 17 – Nashville, TN
Thu Feb 18 – Birmingham, AL
Fri Feb 19 – Atlanta, GA
Sat Feb 20 – Durham, NC
Sun Feb 21 – Baltimore, MD
Mon Feb 22 – Philadelphia, PA

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http://www.screamingfemales.com/

http://www.myspace.com/screamingfemales