Who Is Touring Right Now? An In-Depth Look at the Artists, Festivals, and Venues

Introduction

Touring is defined as “a series of performances or engagements by a theatrical group, musical group, etc., at various places” (Oxford Dictionary). With the rise of technology, streaming services, and social media, touring has become even more important for artists to build their fan bases and promote their music. Every year, countless artists embark on tours all over the world, playing shows in clubs, arenas, and festivals.

In this article, we will take an in-depth look at who is touring right now. We will interview a touring artist, explore the logistics of putting together a tour, and profile some up-and-coming bands and local musicians. We will also discuss the challenges of life on the road and the best venues in the US and abroad.

Interview with a Touring Artist

We interviewed singer-songwriter Jenna Lee, who has been touring for the past five years. She began her career by playing small shows in coffee shops and bars, but has since graduated to larger venues and festivals. Here is what she had to say about her experiences while on tour:

“Touring is a lot of work, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. I’ve had the chance to meet so many amazing people and perform my music in front of audiences from all over the world. It’s also been great to see different parts of the country and experience different cultures. Despite the long hours and endless travel, I’m grateful for every opportunity I get to perform.”

When asked why she continues to tour despite the challenges, Jenna replied:

“I love performing and connecting with people through my music. That sense of connection and energy you get from a live performance is something that can’t be replicated in any other way. Plus, I’m never happier than when I’m on stage.”

Touring Festivals

Music festivals have become increasingly popular in recent years. According to a Nielson report, there were over 800 music festivals in the US in 2018, up from just 200 in 2010. These festivals attract millions of attendees and feature some of the biggest names in music.

Some of the most popular music festivals include Coachella, Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, and Austin City Limits. Each festival features a diverse lineup of artists from all genres, ranging from up-and-coming acts to established superstars. Many of these artists are currently touring in support of their latest albums or singles.

Touring Bands

There are countless bands currently touring, both up-and-coming acts and established acts. Some of the most popular up-and-coming bands currently on tour include The Lumineers, The Head and the Heart, and The National. All three bands have released critically acclaimed albums in the past few years and are currently selling out shows across the country.

Established acts such as Taylor Swift, Justin Timberlake, and U2 are also still out on the road. All three artists have extensive catalogs of hits, and their massive arena shows attract fans from all over the world.

Behind the Scenes

Putting together a tour is no easy feat. There are countless logistical considerations, from booking venues to organizing transportation and accommodations. Tour managers must organize everything behind the scenes, from sound checks to rehearsals, and make sure the tour runs smoothly and on budget.

Life on the road can also be challenging. Touring artists must cope with long hours, lack of sleep, and constant travel. Many artists also struggle with homesickness and burnout due to the intense nature of touring.

Venues

The best venues in the US and abroad offer great sound systems and top-notch production values. Some of the best venues in the US include Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado, Radio City Music Hall in New York, and The Ryman Auditorium in Tennessee. In Europe, some of the best venues include the O2 Arena in London, the Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona, and the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam.

Each venue features a variety of artists, from up-and-coming acts to established superstars. Many of these venues also host large-scale music festivals throughout the year, featuring some of the biggest names in music.

Local Musicians

Local musicians are also hitting the road in search of new audiences. We spoke to two local musicians, Matt and Tom, who are currently on tour. Both Matt and Tom have been playing music for years and recently decided to take their acts on the road.

Matt told us that his goal is to reach as many people as possible with his music. He said: “Playing live is the best way to connect with people and share my music. I’m excited to be able to bring my music to new cities and meet new fans.” Tom echoed similar sentiments, saying that he loves the challenge of performing in unfamiliar places.

Conclusion

This article explored who is touring right now. We interviewed a touring artist and discussed the logistics of putting together a tour, the challenges of life on the road, and the best venues in the US and abroad. We also profiled some up-and-coming bands and local musicians.

If you’re looking to catch a live show, there are countless options available. From large-scale music festivals to intimate club shows, there is something for everyone.