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 affable band, Miniature Tigers who thoroughly enjoy their stateside tours and make lasting friendships wherever they play.

EM: What is your favorite song to play live?
Miniature Tigers – “Tell it to the Volcano”

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I would say Tell It To The Volcano would be our favorite song from the album to play but our favorite song to play live might actually be this new song called “Coyote Enchantment.”

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

It’s hard to pick just one city because each have their own special and memorable qualities. For some reason I always have very special experiences in San Francisco and New York.

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

We played a show in Mac Allen, Texas. It was very desolate and I was nervous that nobody would be at our show but there was a great turn out and everybody really had a great time. Ended up being one of our best shows ever. Sometimes unassuming cities can be very unpredictable.

EM: What kind of vehicle do you tour in?

We tour in a big white van, creepy.

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

We toured with Kevin Devine and had the best touring experience of our lives. We instantly became friends and had such a bonding experience with them. We also played a few shows with The Ruby Suns and that was incredible as well.

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

We recently got the chance to play at the Norva in Norfolk, Virginia. The sound was amazing and they had a jacuzzi, pool tables, ping pong, arcade games, ect backstage. I never wanted to leave!

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

Every time we go to Houston we eat at this place called Mai’s. Get the A-1 extra crispy!

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

After a show in Pittsburgh, we went to this sandwich place and it was the worst sandwich I’ve ever eaten. Maybe even the worst food I’ve ever eaten. Although we ate every bite because we were so hungry, it was terrible, bland food.

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

Well when we’re not checking our facebook 10,000th time or staring at a wall, we’ll sometimes venture out and go see a movie. Sometimes if we have the energy, we’ll do laundry.

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

The only time we all read the same book is usually in the form of audiobook. We all listened Steve Martin’s Born Standing Up, which was amazing. We also listened to Get In The Van, which is basically the Black Flag tour diary. It’s all about the band getting spit on every night and all the horrible things that happened to them. It puts our touring lifestyle into serious perspective.

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

There’s always something bizarre to be found at truck stops. When I was in Florida, I bought an alligator foot necklace. I let some girl at a show try it on, but when I looked the other way she was gone.  Girls!

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

It kind of depends on what phase we’re in. This last tour we listened to a lot of Van Dyke Parks. We got super into Grizzly Bear and Animal Collective’s records they put out this year and listened to them on repeat.

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

That would have to be the rainstick.

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

We all have blankets and pillows from home that we use in the van. Lap tops, ipods, ect. I wish I had more of a “My grandmother knitted me this scarf when I was just a baby…” item.

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

I’ve always wanted to tour Japan or Europe.

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

Although I’m out there with my four best friends it can also get severely lonely. It’s hard to take care of your body, eat healthy and whatnot. It’s also hard keeping in touch with people back home too. You’re never in one place for longer than a day or two tops.

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

I get to travel around the country and experience new people and a new city every night. I’ve made friendships with people all over the country.   So that now when I’m going to be in Michigan, I know I already have friends there. The thing I love most in life is playing music and I get to do that every night.

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http://www.myspace.com/miniaturetigers