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, Vulture Whale who divulge in their favorite restaurants and the homogenization of American culture.

EM: What is your favorite song to play live?
Vulture Whale – “Sum Yung Scientist”

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“Sum Yung Scientist” is my favorite to play live because it discusses the religion of “I don’t know”, One of the older religions where people would readily admit what they did not know.

EM: What city did you most enjoy while on tour? And why was it memorable?

It’s hard to truly enjoy any city when you are only there for about 18 hours.  But I found the people at Chicgo’s Schuba’s to be extremely friendly and accommodating. It makes all the difference when people aren’t too cool to be nice.

Vulture Whale at the Nick (Birmingham).  Photo Credit: Brandon Brown

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

The wild west is long gone. It’s all WalMart, Home Depot, Burger King, Cracker Barrel and such and people don’t have much of an accent that suggest they are from anywhere. Everybody talk like they do on TV. Homogenized fried vanilla everywhere you go. That in itself is strange.

EM: What kind of vehicle do you tour in?

Blue Ford E-150 Van.

EM: Who have been your favorite bands to play on tour with? And why?

We played with the Protomen recently at CMJ. They were great! Like the real Wyld Stallions. Looking forward to going out with Glossary in January.

EM: What is your favorite venue to play in? And why was it a great experience?

The Bottle Tree in our hometown of Birmingham, AL is one of the best club s in the country. It alone improved the music scene in Birmingham tenfold.

6. While on tour, what is the band’s consensus as the favorite spot to eat?  Where is it located?

The Texas Tavern in Roanoke, Virginia. Since 1930!  It’s a seriously old school burger joint. I got the tee shirt.  Order two Cheesy Westerns and a “Bowl with!”

Also, The Shed BBQ right outside Ocean Springs, MS. It’s one of those Bluesy BBQ joints you walk into and they’re playing Buddy Guy on some good speakers. It’s the Captain Anderson’s (PCB) of good BBQ.  Keelan ordered the sampler. It was too much.  I recommend the macaroni salad on the side.

EM: What’s the worst spot you’ve eaten at?

I have never eaten there, but who in the hell would eat at a place called Dirty Dick’s Crab Shack?  Who is doing the PR for this disgusting sounding penis pinching outhouse?

EM: On nights off in-between shows, how do you occupy your time?

Designing iphone speakers with hotel trashcans and lampshades.

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

Crazy From The Heat by David Lee Roth. What a cool dude.   At least, that’s what the book says.

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

We buy state refrigerator magnets that they sell at the Pilot truck stops to put on the side of our van to show all the U.S. states that we’ve played in.  Illinois was our last addition. That makes 12 or so.

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

We rarely listen to music in the van. There’s too much talking and carrying on. Lester, who often rides shotgun and mans the stereo has never listened to more than 17 seconds of any song in his life.

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

Many years ago Keelan’s grandfather gave him the bass he plays every night. It’s a Brown fender that looks like it was carved out of a grandfather clock.

EM: What comfort items are a “must” when embarking on a long tour?

My Adidas. Toothpaste.

EM: What’s one amazing location that you fantasize about playing live?

I hate it when people say Red Rocks.  I’d rather play at The White Water Tavern in Little Rock, Arkansas

White Water Tavern in the winter

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

Puking while crying.

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

Getting more magnets on the side of the van.

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January 2010 Vulture Whale Tour Dates
Jan 21 – Hi Tone – Memphis, TN
Jan 22 – White Water Tavern – Little Rock, AK
Jan 23 – Basement – Nashville, TN
Jan 28 – Caledonia – Athens, GA
Jan 29 – Hummingbird – Macon, GA
Jan 30 – Bottletree – Birmingham, AL

http://www.myspace.com/vulturewhale