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 L.A. indie-rock outfit, Cryptacize who caught up with us after a successful fall tour with Sufjan Stevens and The Fiery Furnaces.

EM: What is your favorite song to play live? And why?
Cryptacize: “Blue Tears”

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I’m sure we all have different favorites, but I really enjoy singing our song “Blue Tears” because it’s difficult. Every night I know it will either go well or horribly, and nothing in between. That’s exciting to me!

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

I enjoy New York the best because it’s my favorite city. I keep expecting my love for it to wear off but it never does. That’s why I could never live there.

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

I love places with severe landscapes – the desert depresses me for some reason, but I still enjoy the monotone feel of cities like Albuquerque and Tuscon. I also love swampy southern cities: Jackson, New Orleans, Orlando… And quaint seaside towns like Portsmouth, New Hampshire or Portland, Maine.

EM: What kind of vehicle do you tour in?

A Toyota Corolla, just to save money. But I think we have to upgrade.  Our last tour was so claustrophobic. And smelly!

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

We’ve been so lucky to tour with some incredible bands. I think the audiences were the most friendly with Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti and The Fiery Furnaces. That helps when you’re the opening band.

EM: What is your favorite venue to play in?

I like any place that is not the standard black room rock club. This place called The Healthy Times Fun Club in Seattle is cool. I also like The Hideout in Chicago.

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

Some of us value healthy food over cheapness, so we all eat at different spots.

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

We just look at our computers.

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

We tried to have a band book club but couldn’t agree on a book!

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

On our most recent tour with The Fiery Furnaces, I bought a purple 12 string electric guitar. It’s truly groovy.

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

I’ve learned that it’s impossible to hear quiet music in a car, so I have to leave a lot of records at home. Thankfully there are a million good records to drive to, like any Fleetwood Mac record. Or Neil Young. But I also need silence. I get crazy when I listen to music 24 hours a day.

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

We had an autoharp but ditched it after a few shows for reasons too boring to explain. I also used a whistle at the beginning of one song, but ditched that too. I guess novelty instruments don’t last long with
us!

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

I always bring slippers because they make me feel cozy even when I’m uncomfortable.

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

Choosing between a 7 layer burrito and a bean and cheese burrito.

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

Playing music.

***
Cryptacize’s Blog: http://cryptacize.blogspot.com

Crypticize’s Myspace Page: http://www.myspace.com/cryptacize

via Sylvia Adams, 7 December 2009 2:24pm | |