Every now and then I take an interest in a band, and sometimes, when I’m lucky enough, they take an interest in me. On these wonderful occasions, I get to do something more than simply buying an album or attending a show. When things really line-up right, I get to book a tour for the act, and sometimes I even hop in the van.

This Summer, the Hamilton Trading Company is one such band. Of course, I’ve crossed paths with this lovely collection of Toronto folk before, and my past roommates will probably never forget the sight of having eight to ten strangers descend upon their living room for a few nights to sleep, do laundry, eat and chat. Since that time, I’ve slept on at least a couple floors belonging to an HTC member or two while in Toronto, and with any luck this back and forth will continue.

Right now, I’m happy to say it’s my turn to host the band, and that means they’re making the trek to Newfoundland. With stops on the west coast and a three-day stint in St. John’s, there are plenty of chances to check them out before they head back, taking me with them.

That’s right, I’m leaving the province with the band, and I doubt I’ll be back in the near future. It’s been interesting to say the least to be home, but it’s time to see what else is out there, and leaving with a great band is one of the best ways I can think to do it. So, not only do you have a chance to see a great touring band and some awesome local acts, you can also send me off to the wild west. How can you beat that?

The Band: Hamilton Trading Company
The solo work of Keith Hamilton backed by an impressive gathering of friends…. Minimal instrumentation with haunting choir.

The Dates:

Tues, Aug. 2nd | Clancy’s Bar | Stephenville | Facebook Event
Wed, Aug. 3rd | CBTG’s | St. John’s | Facebook Event
Thurs, Aug. 4th | The Ship | St. John’s | Facebook Event
Fri, Aug. 5th | The Levee | St. John’s | Facebook Event
Sat, Aug. 6th | The Bar Room | Corner Brook | Facebook Event

I’ve toured and dealt with a few artists who were able to take credit card at the merch table, and to the best of my knowledge their sales have increased at any given show. However, the hassle at the end of the tour when the transaction fees and invoices from the service company are tabulated sometimes leads to the red instead of the black. Given how hard it is to make a tour profitable, this is yet another thing to consider before you hit the road.

So, with that in mind, I’m wondering if anyone has tried Square*? It seems like a simple and lovely little device, and the act of signing for the transaction by using a thumbprint has got to add a cool factor to your sales at any given city. Plus, there are way less things to deal with like receipts, credit card number records, etc… All of which could easily end up in the couch you slept on at Joe and Jane Smith’s bohemian apartment while you were in Calgary. Not good.

*Sadly, it seems their services are only available in the US at the moment, which would suggest to me that a Canadian company should really get in on this!

Even though I’ve been quiet for some time now, I have been trying to keep an eye on random musical things, and yesterday I came across a great site with plenty to say.

We All Make Music (weallmakemusic.com)

Some of the articles I read had some great tips and insight into touring, sound checking, playing and even the pros and cons of working with groups like ASCAP instead of choosing one of the newer options, such as the Creative Commons License.

So, if you’re not already reading their stuff, be sure to head over there and check it out. Chances are you’ll learn a thing or two that could help you in the long run!

As for new stuff, you can expect a post relatively soon in regards to how the pay-what-you-want system is working for my magazine, T.O.F.U. since I released it last month.