Edinburgh and London based alternative outfit Daytime TV have kicked off their UK tour yesterday after a huge EU headline tour in September. We sat down with the band to chat all things touring, new tracks and mental health.
How do you get ready for tour?
Will: Being ready for tour is the impossible dream! Somehow I always run out of clothes after the first show. It’s basically just organised chaos but somehow it all works out in the end. We’re super lucky to have an epic team that help to take some of the stresses of touring away so we can focus on the show and making every night unforgettable for the crowd. That’s what we’re all there for. If you get that part right, the rest just kind of falls into place.
What are your top 5 must-haves for touring?
Clarky:
1 – More socks than you think you will need.
No one actually owns enough socks, if they say they do, they are clearly lying to your face.
2 – Vitamins and supplements. Touring can mean eating either amazing healthy food or utter service stop garbage. Your body needs to stay as healthy as possible to avoid getting run down/sick on tour.
3 – Whatever you need to make noise on stage make a plan to do the show if that kit breaks. For example, I bring a spare bass, leads, strings, tools, banter.
4 – Febreeze, unfortunately most venues (unless massive) don’t have washing facilities. So if you need to febreeze your clothes to avoid a new level of scent to your live show, do it.
5 – Bring something that you can do in your own time. A lot of touring is actually not playing music but being stuck in a van with the same people. So make sure you make the most of using your own time. This has huge benefits for well-being and the collective dynamic. For example in Daytime, some people like to go explore and find a nice coffee, go for a run or exercise, vintage clothes shopping etc.
Do you have any pre-show rituals?
Gaz: I like to get on stage feeling really alert and energised, so just before we perform Will gives me a nice firm slap in the face. He’s really got his technique down, works a charm.
Touring can be tough on mental health, how do you deal with the impacts?
John: Agreed! I think the most important thing for us is being in a super supportive epic squad of legends. Touring is tough when you’ve been on the road for weeks, living on top of each-other in such close proximity all the time. Also, playing an incredible show then getting straight into a grotty van for hours on end is a pretty up-and-down emotional experience! But it’s all just about looking out for each-other, We all have off days and our own personal ups and downs but we know that we’ve got each-others backs through thick and thin!
What are some things you’ve learned from touring with the likes of Kaiser Chiefs?
Will: Playing those massive stages has been so good for our live show. We feel like we can mix it with anyone out there now. We’ve supported some huge artists in the last year and it just adds fuel to the fire for us. Getting a taste of those arenas or massive festival stages makes us more hungry to reach those heights on our own. It’s also a nice pat on the back to be chosen by these bands that we’ve looked up to growing up. It’s cool that they’re into what we’re doing.
Let’s talk about Block Out The Noise – what’s the reception been like so far?
Clarky: It’s been incredible so far! It’s a different type of tune than people may expect from the band, but it’s connected in a really special way. The fan base seem to really enjoy the song live too which is always class. We are also really lucky to have had some really great responses to the track, it’s been played a bunch on radio 1 and the music video has been playlisted on MTV too. Both of these things are great and a sign of things to come!
What has it been like performing it live across Europe last month?
John: Performing BOTN live for the first time across Europe has been such a rewarding experience. The song was written with the idea of having a big rowdy sing-a-long where everyone can get stuck in, and it definitely worked! The energy from the crowds was huge, even people hearing BOTN for the first time we’re singing along and it really gave the gigs that big party atmosphere.
What’s next for Daytime TV?
Gaz: We feel like we’re on a roll with our music at the moment. So much to release in 2024 ready for world domination. We’re also loving going to new places so much more of that please!
Catch Daytime TV on the remaining dates of their UK tour:
DAYTIME TV LIVE
15 Oct – O2 Academy3, Birmingham (UK)
16 Oct – O2 Academy2, Oxford (UK)
18 Oct – Cavern, Exeter (UK)
19 Oct – DUST, Brighton (UK)
High Fives & Stage Dives 