Know the show is about more than your time onstage. Spending so much time around established acts, Crash says he's learned the importance of addressing every aspect of a show, which goes way beyond the music being played live that night.

"Have your act down," he points out. "You get one chance to make a first impression, everyone in the band should know their parts. Have a good, solid recording to promote and good merch, something that people will want."

Don't forget to network, either, Grizzly adds. It's all part of touring and is an important doorway to other shows and better opportunities. His band recently played a Saturday afternoon set at Rocklahoma, a three-day fest that featured acts like Deftones and Kid Rock. Even if the many 50,000 in attendance didn't catch their set, those who did are helping them book new gigs and fest opportunities.

One thing to not make the show about: money.

"Don't depend on venue guarantees," says Grizzly. "Save your money and plan far enough ahead to figure out all facets of a worst-case scenario."

Family first, band second. The night before The Grizzly Band played Rocklahoma, they rocked at home at Scout Bar. The show ended and they packed up for a 12-hour drive. Because they treat each other like family, what could have been stressful and uncomfortable -- remember, they did have to drive through Dallas to get there -- "started with smiles and ended with smiles," according to Grizzly.

Crash says he's been around some incredible musicians as a tour manager. Some were also great people, while others were assholes. The assholes were the ones who didn't consider the people making the trek alongside them.

"If someone calls a dinner night, where music business gets put on hold, you do it," he says. "You're a family. You've got to respect each other and be people first, then a band."

Jump in, the water's nice. Everything is set. You've planned and it's time to hit the road. Be excited and go get 'em.

"Honestly, I think once you have established yourself in your respective city, it's extremely important to tour in order to gain momentum," Grizzly says. "The Internet talks. Without listeners and without new audiences and markets, you are essentially spinning your wheels."

The Grizzly Band will hold a record release July 11 at Union Tavern for its first full-length record for Altercation Records. Dirty Kid Discount's A Life Amongst the Ruins is available on Bandcamp.

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