Ella Red - STAGE THREADS Ep. 2 [VIDEO]

On this episode of DTB’s “Stage Threads”, the alternative pop artist, Ella Red, shows you their stage outfits and discusses how their style connects to their music and the stories behind the clothing they wear during performances. Ella Red is currently supporting her newest single, Aphrodite. You can check watch the video below:

VIDEO INFO:
Film Date - August 12, 2025
Location - Subterranean in Chicago, IL

Keep up with Ella Red on Facebook and Instagram.

source https://www.digitaltourbus.com/features/ella-red-stage-threads-ep-2-video/

Calling All Captains - BUS INVADERS Ep. 2119 [VIDEO]

On this episode of DTB’s “Bus Invaders”, we take you inside the touring vehicle of the pop punk band, Calling All Captains, while on "The Forever Came Calling All Captains Tour" with Forever Came Calling. Calling All Captains is currently supporting their newest single, A New Type of Grey. You can check watch the video below:

VIDEO INFO:
Film Date - June 22, 2025
Location - Burlington Bar in Chicago, IL

Keep up with Calling All Captains on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

source https://www.digitaltourbus.com/features/calling-all-captains-bus-invaders-ep-2119-video/

Manic Wave - DREAM TOUR

In this Dream Tour segment, the alternative band, Manic Wave, reveals who they would want on their ultimate tour lineup. You can check out their picks below:

Every artist has that fantasy lineup in their head — the ultimate dream tour where they get to share the stage with the bands that shaped them. For Manic Wave, the answers aren’t just about music. They’re about nostalgia, influence, and the energy they’d want to bring into a room full of people. When we asked George, Kayla, and Gus who would make their “dream tour,” the answers came out as three completely different universes.

George Hamelin (singer/songwriter) didn’t waste time sugarcoating his list.

“If I had to pick a dream tour lineup, it would probably start with Manic Wave — just to get it over with,” he said. “Then Bright Eyes, because they’re still my personal favorite and the only part that actually matters. The Killers, because people seem to like that kind of big rock show. Hi, I’m ‘people.’ Tame Impala would be next, floating through their psychedelic sound, and Gorillaz would play after, with all their Saturday morning cartoon shit and dope guest features. I’m down to watch that every day, from now until forever. Coldplay would close it out, because they’re Coldplay. All this might change by tomorrow. (Except the Bright Eyes part. If it was just us and Bright Eyes, that’s a dream tour.)”

For George, it’s less about the spectacle and more about having his favorite band of all time on the same bill. Everything else is just noise — big, colorful, stadium-sized noise, but still noise. And if you’ve ever listened to a Manic Wave track, it’s obvious where that blend of melancholy and massive soundscapes comes from.

Kayla Urbina (bass/vox/keys) takes a different route, one drenched in glitter, nostalgia, and power.

“My dream show starts with us. I want female empowerment, nostalgia, glitter and good vibes. It’s difficult to choose just a few from all the amazing artists out there but I’d love to share a stage with Ashnikko, Blink 182, Chappell Roan and Miley Cyrus.

I grew up watching Miley singing on TV and raging at sweaty Warped Tours with Blink 182. Ashnikko and Chappell Roan are two of my favorite powerhouse women out right now. I’d want a show that makes you feel powerful but also kinda makes you feel like a kid again. This would be that for me.”

Her list is equal parts chaos and catharsis — a mix that nods to the past while making space for the future. That spirit of empowerment and nostalgia runs through her role in Manic Wave too, where the hooks shimmer but always hit with heart.

Gus Wilde (guitar/keys) brings the elder emo energy to the table.

“Elder Emo here, my lineup is going to bring all the feels. Something Corporate will warm up the emotions, then we would take the stage and crank up the energy. Chiodos will follow to make sure everyone in the crowd has a healthy dose of whiplash. Alkaline Trio and Senses Fail will bring the gritty angst (gotta let it out!) and then Taking Back Sunday will headline — because honestly, they’re the soundtrack to half my life.”

For him, it’s less about glitz and more about guts. The kind of lineup that throws you back into your teenage bedroom with posters on the wall, eyeliner smudged, and lyrics that feel like a diary entry. That same emotional rawness and urgency bleeds through in the heavier corners of Manic Wave’s catalog.

Three people, three dream tours. One band that would play all of them. And if you listen closely to Manic Wave, you can hear every one of these influences stitched into the fabric of their songs — from the sweeping anthems, to the glitter-soaked hooks, to the emo scars that still haven’t quite healed.

Keep up with Manic Wave on Instagram.

source https://www.digitaltourbus.com/features/manic-wave-dream-tour/

The Word Alive, Blind Melon, Calling All Captains + More

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source https://www.digitaltourbus.com/the-word-alive-blind-melon-calling-all-captains-more/

lolitslea - BUS INVADERS Ep. 2118 [VIDEO]

On this episode of DTB’s “Bus Invaders”, we take you inside the touring vehicle of the neon pop punk band, lolitslea, while on tour with Diva Bleach and 5ever. lolitslea is currently supporting their newest album, Nothing Lasts Forever. You can check watch the video below:

VIDEO INFO:
Film Date - June 11, 2025
Location - Beat Kitchen in Chicago, IL

Keep up with Lolitslea on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

source https://www.digitaltourbus.com/features/lolitslea-bus-invaders-ep-2118-video/

Capture This - TOUR TIPS

In this Tour Tips segment, the pop-punk band, Capture This, shares their advice for surviving life on the road. You can check out their tips below:

The first tip for a successful tour is to expect Murphy’s Law to apply. Anything that can go wrong will go wrong, and it will be at the most inconvenient time. Show computers will decide to push software updates in the middle of your set, battery packs for wireless guitars and in-ear monitors will call it quits as your intro starts playing, and your van will get a flat tire hours before your biggest show. Our advice?

• Build redundancies for the most critical parts of your set, such as having a spare snare/kick pedal on stage or a backup show computer. These will save the show and make you look like a professional when things inevitably go wrong.
• Anticipate and learn how to manage situations before they happen. For example, if you don’t know how to change a tire, research and practice the skill before you’re in the middle of nowhere.
• For bands that use in-ear monitors or wireless guitars — change or charge your pack batteries before each show!

Another tip for a successful tour is to manage your expectations. Don’t have any expectations for each show other than you’re going to do your best. Performing for hundreds of people one night and only a handful the next can be disappointing. Don’t get discouraged! You are still gaining experience, honing your craft, and there is almost always an opportunity for a new connection to be made. Similarly, when the stakes feel high before an important show it can negatively affect your performance. Try to not let your nerves run the show! Just get out there and do your best.

The last (and arguably the most important) tip is don’t forget to have fun! A tour is the culmination of months of planning and hard work, but if you’re not having fun, what’s it all worth? It’s easy to get burnt out as a small band trying to gain a following. Embrace the unique experience touring provides and live a little! (:

Keep up with Capture This on their website, Instagram, and Facebook.

source https://www.digitaltourbus.com/features/capture-this-tour-tips/

Fishbone Makes a Porchetta Pesto Panini on the Tour Bus - COOKING AT 65MPH Ep. 55 [VIDEO]

On this episode of DTB’s “Cooking at 65mph”, Christopher Dowd, keyboardist/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist from the alternative band, Fishbone, prepares a porchetta pesto panini and avocado toast on the tour bus, while on Less Than Jake's "Summer Circus 2025" tour with The Suicide Machines, Bite Me Bambi, and Catbite. Fishbone is currently supporting their newest album, Stockholm Syndrome. You can check watch the video below:

VIDEO INFO:
Film Date - June 26, 2025
Location - Metro in Chicago, IL

Keep up with Fishbone on Facebook and Instagram.

source https://www.digitaltourbus.com/features/fishbone-makes-a-porchetta-pesto-panini-on-the-tour-bus-cooking-at-65mph-ep-55-video/

Simple Plan - BUS INVADERS Ep. 2117 [VIDEO]

On this episode of DTB’s “Bus Invaders”, we take you inside the touring vehicle of the pop punk band, Simple Plan, while on their "Bigger Than You Think! Tour" with Bowling For Soup, 3Oh!3, and LØLØ. Simple Plan is currently supporting their newest single, Nothing Changes, from the soundtrack of their documentary, The Kids in the Crowd. You can check watch the video below:

VIDEO INFO:
Film Date - August 24, 2025
Location - Huntington Bank Pavilion in Chicago, IL

Keep up with Simple Plan on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

source https://www.digitaltourbus.com/features/simple-plan-bus-invaders-ep-2117-video/

Mattie Rose - DREAM TOUR

In this Dream Tour segment, the country/Americana artist, Mattie Rose, reveals who she would want on her ultimate tour lineup. You can check out her picks below:

If I could put together my dream tour, I would choose Patsy Cline and Charley Crockett to share the stage with me. Patsy has always been one of my biggest inspirations. Her voice is so pure and full of emotion, and the way she told stories through her songs shaped how I wanted to approach my own music. She made country music feel deeply personal, and I would love the chance to watch her perform every night and learn from her presence.

Charley Crockett is someone I admire for how he blends old-school country roots with a sound that feels fresh and real. He stays true to who he is, and that authenticity is something I value so much in music. His style has a grit and soul to it that draws people in, and I think his energy would be incredible to witness on stage night after night.

To me, that lineup feels like the perfect bridge between where country music has been and where it is headed. Patsy represents the heart and history of the genre, while Charley shows how that spirit can evolve and still stay true to its roots. Being part of a tour with both of them would not only be a dream come true, it would be the kind of show that gives people a deep connection to country music’s past, present, and future.

Keep up with Mattie Rose on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.

source https://www.digitaltourbus.com/features/mattie-rose-dream-tour/

The Head and The Heart’s Jonathan Russell - STAGE THREADS Ep. 1 [VIDEO]

On this episode of DTB’s “Stage Threads”, Jonathan Russell, vocalist/guitarist of the indie folk band, The Head and The Heart, shows you their stage outfits and discusses how their style connects to their music and the stories behind the clothing they wear during performances. The Head and the Heart is currently supporting their newest album, Aperture. You can check watch the video below:

VIDEO INFO:
Film Date - August 8, 2025
Location - The Salt Shed in Chicago, IL

Keep up with The Head and the Heart on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

source https://www.digitaltourbus.com/features/the-head-and-the-hearts-jonathan-russell-stage-threads-ep-1-video/

Hostile Array - PRESHOW RITUALS

In this Preshow Rituals segment, the metalcore/post-hardcore band, Hostile Array, shares how they prepare for their live shows. You can check out their rituals below:

Honestly, we don't have any super flashy or exciting pre-show rituals. We're a DIY band, like a lot of acts trying to make it, which means our show days are always a little chaotic and something unexpected usually pops up. We play all sorts of places, from small clubs and basements to actual garages turned into venues (shout out to The Garage in Boyds, MD!). Most of the time, our day starts with grabbing a U-Haul, cramming all our gear and merch into it, and heading straight to the venue for load-in.

After we get everything inside, we try to grab a bite to eat together before doors. If we're crunched for time, a couple of us will hang back to watch the merch table and check out the other bands while the rest of us make a food run. (This all has to wait until after our set if we're the opening band). Personally, I try not to eat anything heavy—or sometimes anything at all—before we play. Even the healthier stuff makes me feel pretty sluggish on stage.

About half an hour to an hour before our set, I'll sneak off somewhere quiet to do some vocal warmups. To this day, I still use a bunch of exercises our friend Andy Cizek taught me years ago, and they're a huge help. You can also usually spot our drummer, Fredy, warming up on the practice pad he brings to most shows.

After I'm done trying to make sure nobody hears me doing those ridiculous-sounding warmups, it's pretty much showtime. Since we do everything ourselves, it's a mad dash to swap gear and get our playback system running—though it's way easier when there's a shared backline. It's usually me and Hector (guitar) wrestling with our Ableton session to make sure everything's working right. Once we survive the stress of troubleshooting our gear on the fly, we can finally kick off the set.

So yeah, like I said, it's not glamorous, but hey—sometimes you have to get through the boring stuff to do what you really love.
-Brendan Frey (vocalist)

Keep up with Hostile Array on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

source https://www.digitaltourbus.com/features/hostile-array-preshow-rituals/

Tyler Ward - BUS INVADERS (Revisited) Ep. 284 [2012]

Deadlands - BUS INVADERS Ep. 2115

Beauty School Dropout - BUS INVADERS Ep. 2114

Tyler Ward - BUS INVADERS (Revisited) Ep. 284 [VIDEO]

Tyler Ward - BUS INVADERS (Revisited) Ep. 284 [VIDEO]