Inspired by the Minutemen song, Evil Monito’s “Tour Spiel” highlights the musician’s life on the road. Each week, we’ll check in with some of our favorite artists touring stateside or abroad. We’ll provide an intimate look into what it’s like to be packed in a van or waiting for a flight with the same people for hours on end. It takes a certain state of mind to survive any lengthy tour. Yet it’s the memorable experiences that make life on the road ultimately rewarding, if not interesting. This week we interviewed Ben Jacobs of Max Tundra, who seems to have had a rough time on the road dodging fatigue and fast food-related ulcers.

EM: What is your favorite song to play live? And why?
Max Tundra – “The Entertainment”

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“The Entertainment.” I enjoy playing this track because the first half contains a fairly straightforward “euro-disco” section which is easy enough to dance to. Then it all gets confusing in the second section, and people in the audience pretty much stop what they’re doing. I however continue to “bug out” on stage, in the hope that people will follow my lead and realise that weird timings are not impossible to dance to.

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

New York City. My dad was there and I sang “Happy Birthday” to him from the stage. I didn’t tell the audience how old he was though, which slightly reduced his fury at me for putting him through this. He won’t read this, though, so let me tell you he’s 65.

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

Oxford, NC, where the fuel pump broke. Wyoming, where the van crashed in the snow.

EM: What kind of vehicle do you tour in?

One without any kind of breakdown insurance (despite my pre-tour suggestion).

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

Junior Boys! I miss those guys and their warmth, wit, cleanliness, patience and general avoidance of junk food chains.

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

Doug Fir Lounge. Everything about it is marvelous, from its Twin Peaks-y log cabin atmosphere to the eggs Benedict I’m about to enjoy.

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

There is no consensus on this tour. Whilst the others grab their fix of Subway, Taco Bell or Arby’s, I forage for restaurants which have less than 1,000 national locations. This can be challenging at times, but even the most remote locales have an unspoilt family-run diner or two, some with their own range of T-shirts.

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

Counting the sleeps ’til I return home.

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

Long nights in the hotel? I wish!

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

A T-shirt from Tilt’n Diner (exit 20 off I-93, Tilton, NH).

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

My iPod choices get talked over and turned down after three or four tracks, so I generally go with whatever shambolically recorded album the others want to listen to. Though that rarely lasts more than a couple of songs, so in answer to your question, it’s hard to say.

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

My sanity.

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

Preventing myself from getting an ulcer.

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

Ask me again next time I tour.

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

Netbook with Skype.

EM: How has the current state of the economy affected your touring?

I would say I’m actually playing more shows at the moment: I have been trying to tour as much as possible, in order to keep the financial wolf from the door. I’ve been doing more of that than writing, as sitting around recording my next album doesn’t actually pay the bills. However once I get the time and head-space to come up with LP#4 who knows? Or maybe The Sugababes will let me write their next record, and the current state of the economy will become less scary…

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http://maxtundra.com/

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