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 winsome troubadour, Andrew Belle who shares with us his stateside tour spiel and why he still considers his hometown of Chicago his favorite spot to play in.

EM: What is your favorite song to play live?
Andrew Belle – “Static Waves”

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Right now my favorite song to play live is a track from my new record called ‘Static Waves’ – it’s got a cool violin plucking part and a nice driving rhythm that really helps give the set a lift after a couple slower tracks. It also seems to be the song that we can play city to city and there will usually be some people singing along, which is always a great thing!

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

I really enjoyed my time in San Francisco last month. I played a couple shows, saw some sites, and ate some really great food. Most of my time off in different cities revolves around food haha – I’ll get on the Food Network and find the best restaurants or diners to hit while I’m in town. I’m fascinated by the differences in regional cuisine and the style of cooking around the country. In San Fran I hit fisherman’s wharf for some crab cakes and seafood chowder. Unbelieveable!

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

Boston is always interesting to visit. There is just a different subculture going on there that usually catches me off guard. I don’t think I’ve ever been sworn at by motorists more in my life haha!

EM: What kind of vehicle do you tour in?

Well for the past 2 tours I’ve been fortunate enough to travel in a 2010 Prevost 50 ft tour bus. It is by far the most luxurious and relaxing way to travel city to city. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up…”it is so choice” (random Ferris Bueller quote)

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

I’ve been fortunate enough to be a part the 10 out of Tenn tour this year where myself and 9 other amazing solo artists (Trent Dabbs, K.S Rhoads, Erin McCarley, Katie Herzig, Butterfly Boucher, Tyler James, Matthew Perryman Jones, Andy Davis, and Jeremy Lister) get in a tour bus and tour and perform together for 3 weeks at a time all over the country. It is the
most fun I’ve EVER had!

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

I’ve gotten to play a lot of different venues around the country this year but I have to say that I’ve yet to find a venue that I enjoy as much as Schuba’s Tavern in my hometown of Chicago, Illinois. They treat us really well over there and the sound is always superb. By far my favorite place to play – in fact, we’re hosting my CD release show there this coming January 23rd.

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

Whenever we’re in the Indiana area, we always try to stop at my favorite Thai restaurant ‘Thai Smile’ near Indianapolis or Muncie, IN. They have HUGE portions, amazing pad thai/dumplings and they serve a huge bowl of white rice with EVERYTHING! I discovered it in college and have yet to find a better Thai place anywhere.

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

Typically I like to spend my day off relaxing and getting my to-do list squared away. If I can, I’ll start my day with a glass of orange juice, a newspaper, and the hotel hot tub. Then I’ll do some laundry, catch up on emails and maybe some episodes of ‘top chef’. I’ll also try to find a good local restaurant or maybe catch a movie before video chatting with my girlfriend and getting lots of sleep. Pretty crazy!

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

One of my favorite books to get lost in is called The Historian – haha, it’s a Vampire thriller about the legend of modern day Dracula in eastern Europre. Call me weird but I like to pop on the Amelie soundtrack on my iPod and read for hours haha. I’ve also been reading a book called Death by Pad Thai lately – it’s a collection of short stories

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

When I was in Seattle last month, I stumbled into this really cool spice shop hidden in the industrial district. It had no name; just a door. I walked in and there were jars upon jars of crazy foreign herbs and spices. I bought a couple jars of Caribbean and Indian blends for my girlfriend and I.

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

Depends on the day or the mood, but you usually can’t go wrong with any of the three Killer’s records or maybe some of Morrissey’s older records. Lately, I’ve had Radiohead on heavy rotation.

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

On the tour I’m currently on we have a 3 piece brass section. We’ve got a Trumpet, Trombone, and a French horn. We’re quite spoiled!

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

Arrested Development or Curb your enthusiasm DVD’s – my grey stocking cap and favorite fleece blanket.

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

Definitely being away from loved ones and friends. Even with all the technology available, you can’t help but feel disconnected and a bit out of touch from reality. I’m usually on such an opposite schedule from everyone I care about; it can be really frustrating.

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

The element of traveling and playing music for a living is by far the biggest perk of touring. Not many people get to do what they love so I count myself very lucky. I really love experiencing new cities, cultures, and food as I make my way around the country.

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http://www.myspace.com/andrewbelle