This was written by Ari Herstand and is an excerpt from his book, How To Make It in the New Music Business

Too many bands go on tour just to say they’re going on tour. Yes, it seems cool to your friends, but do you know what’s not so cool? Playing empty shows in every city, sleeping on beer-stained couches, getting your gear stolen from an unguarded green room and having your van break down 200 miles away from the nearest gas station. The road is an unforgiving beast.

Like moving in with a lover, hitting the…