Reyka:
I’m a music fanatic in Death Valley High. I sing, play guitar and synth, and I’m bent on all things laced with a dark side.

Reyka:
I’ve toured a lot in other bands but with Death Valley High, we didn’t start touring for a good number of years. The first tour that lasted longer than 3 days was for the magazine Alternative Revolt. We went through town after town playing to a decent crowd, or sometimes only playing to our touring mates SIMOOM. It was a good introduction to see if all the guys in the band could get along and acclimate to bad, or worse, nights.

Reyka:
Every tour is a learning experience. Sometimes it’s what not to bring; or what not to drink; or what not to force. Touring is strenuous and can really take a toll if not pacing your antics; onstage or off. Learning how to keep that stiff upper lip when you’ve had a bad night is pretty vital. .

Reyka:
Get your gear road-ready to set up and tear down quickly. Always get your live set popping like clockwork. That way, your performance exudes utter confidence, even when you’re underachieving by your own standards. Oh, plus clean underwear and a case of dry shampoo!

Reyka:
Seattle, WA was this amazing stop on the Mindless Self Indulgence tour where the crowd is just so selfless, it dives in with their heads first. From first note of our set to the end, until the end of the night, we had had the crowd completely rock our worlds. But having a shower on the road can be pretty epic!

Reyka:
Having a label supporting you is incredible. I can see how bands can network in other cities and do the DIY thing. That whole “path less traveled” thing can get frustrating when you’ve barely made enough gas money to get to the next town. Having a label that believes in your output as much as you do, and wants to help you win the mindset of listeners who open up and buy things, is truly a win win.

Reyka:
Hanging with your mates, traveling on the pirate ship bringing you to conquer new territories. Or at least “die” trying! Because you know… We’re *all* dying, in that Tibetan philosophy, Sylvia Plath sense!

Tour Dates for 2014:

10/4: Seattle, WA @ Kremwerk
10/5: Ashland, OR @ Club 66
10/6: Oakland, CA @ Leo’s Music Club
10/7: Sacramento, CA @ Blue Lamp
10/11: Munster – Sputnikhalle, Germany
10/12: Koln – Underground, Germany
10/14: Aschaffenburg – Colos-Saal, Germany
10/15: Nurnberg – Hirsch, Germany
10/16: Herisau – Pontem, Switzerland
10/17: Munchen – Backstage, Germany
10/18: Adelsheim – Live Factory, Germany
10/20: Wien – Viper Room, Austria
10/21: Prag – Nova Chmelnice, Czech Republic
10/22: Berlin – S036, Germany
10/23: Stuttgart – Universum, Germany
10/24: Bochum – Matrix, Germany
10/25: Kiel – Pumpe, Germany

NEXT ARTICLE: Everything about recording and choosing the right studio. Interview with Oliver Palomares.