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 alluring songstress, Via Tania who admits that although she’s traveling the globe, she’s secretly a homebody with a penchant for knitting and long introspective moments.

EM: What is your favorite song to play live? And why?
Via Tania “Become Forest” (Grafton Primary Radio Edit)

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It changes all the time! Right now I like Light Years cause it changed recently, it’s like, better than the recorded version; we got into it on a deeper level. I love it when Charles plays that floor tom!

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

Lately we’ve played in NY a bit which is fun.  There is so much to do in between sound check and shows, and you can jump on the train and get to places really quick.  But I have a soft spot for Portland, Oregon.  I just like the climate, people and friendly vibe.

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

It’s Queensland in Australia, not Brisbane per se. But some towns around there. It’s soooo mellow and informal.  The sea is there, some fish and chips in butcher’s paper, everyone’s hanging around leisurely drinking beer and then someone says you gotta play now, and you think, ‘ really? I thought it was Sunday after a big meal and we were gonna lay here and watch football for a while’

EM: What kind of vehicle do you tour in?

A van. Sometimes we fly, but that is a bit of a drag.

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

I like playing with my friends the most. I like The Eternals and playing with El May too.

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

The Hideout Chicago, its like a Wisconsin log cabin.

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

Middle Eastern is always a winner cause it a cheap, healthy and simple food; but at the same time, people can pick different items to eat and have everyone be satisfied.

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

Chilling out! Eating and drinking. I like to be alone a lot, everyone uses their leisure time differently…. I appreciate the nights off.

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

Murakami’s short stories.

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

I like buying weird makeup/accessories and millinery supplies cause I like to make things for the set sometimes or things to wear, I like to keep creatively busy and using my hands for detailed and ridiculous ideas

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

The Books’ Lost and Safe, any album by Neil Young and, The Ethiopiques series.

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

It’s probably about to change, but right now it’s the the Casio SK1.

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

I get car sick if I read or do too much in the van it SUCKS, coz otherwise I would be knitting everyone sweaters.  So , I like to zone out with pod casts.

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

I’m a home body , so it takes a while to adjust, but home is  a state of mind so when it clicks it’s all fine. I also like a lot of space around me .

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

Feeling like you are doing your job with music and you’re working really hard at it….

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http://www.viatania.com/