ML:BW

Guest post: getting ‘em out the door for tour and staying sane in the process

The following is a guest post from one Lauren Buchanan, who I was lucky enough to meet through Tumblr. It’s been super fun to follow along on her journey, and I hope you all enjoy this post as much as I did!

I’d like to start this off with lots for gratitude and honor for Laura. If you are just now reading her blog and are a band wife or girlfriend, I suggest you start from the beginning. She is brilliant and reading her posts have guided and inspired me through my life as a band girlfriend, also her recipes are wonderful.

When Laura first asked me to be a guest on this blog I found myself at a loss for words, for I was and still am very honored to be a guest on this blog.  Laura’s timing for all of this is perfect, for my boyfriend, Jonny Andrew of State Faults (Tiny Engines Records) left for his first full US tour on January 14.

My journey as a band girlfriend started in October of 2010 when a handsome man asked for my number after bonding over the band, American Football. Every moment since then, we have been inseparable. Going into this relationship I thought I knew what to expect – I had dated someone who had been on tour before. At the time I thought I knew it all and what to expect from a musician, but Jonny began to prove me wrong the second we started talking about our hopes, dreams, and goals.

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Despite being physically and emotionally exhausted, I had such a great time at the Middle East.

Highlights from my night:

  • Getting to see my sister, Dana, and meeting her best friend, Kyle. Love them and can’t wait to go wine tasting while we’re all in Santa Barbara next month.
  • Grabbing some alone time and a quick bite with Jay at Phoenix Landing. They have the greatest chicken tenders. I had them buffalo style, but I found myself wishing I skipped the buffalo because the breading was so light, cripsy, and delicious.
  • Meeting my Tumblr friend Ashley. I was bummed I didn’t get to see more of her! She’s just adorable and I love her and Sean together.
  • Seeing Alyssa and everyone in Defeater. I just love them all.
  • Having solid chats with Merch (Left, screaming with Defeater). Seeing Kev, talking a little bit about Topshelf and Greenvans, and him breaking out into “Oh What a Night.” It’s a side of him I had never before seen, and I loved it.
  • Seeing all of the Dreamtigers dudes. We don’t see them enough, but seeing them always makes me happy. 
  • Hearing Caspian and just spacing out while I listened. They make my insides feel something I can’t explain. Very cool.
  • Of course, watching my husband do one of the things he does best. I’m so proud of his art, of what he does with all of the guys. It was great seeing people compliment the set and watching them really enjoy it. 

I woke up this morning very calm, happy, and rested. I hope that all of you had a fun and safe Friday night. And I hope you have a very safe, fun, and happy New Year. I’m really looking forward to 2012.

Until then…

Laura ♥

ps. Sorry about the terrible iPhone photos.

1. As you know, Defeater is on tour in Europe right now with Every Time I Die, Trash Talk, and Spy Catcher. Naturally, Jay saw this shirt and thought of me. He said he would bring one home for me. The truth is, at least once a day I utter the phrase, “I hate people,” or “I hate everyone.” It’s not exactly true — I hate when people fail to use their brains.

2-5. Today Jay and I put an offer in on this house. The sellers accepted. We close December 29, hopefully. Talk about burying the lead, huh? Today was insane. We put our first offer in yesterday, and the sellers came back instantly. Between pitching news and introductory calls for clients, I was immersed in a bidding war. It was thrilling, scary, and generally left me drained. But I am so excited. Jay and I can finally get out of the Kobe House and I can get away from #mynewroommate.

Plus, do you SEE that kitchen? Do you know how many delicious meals I am going to make in that kitchen? I’m excited that I won’t have to keep my spices in my closet anymore.

It’s a split-level with 1.6 acres of land and a barn for Jay to put his studio in. It will need to be built out, but we will be creative and make it work. We’re going to get a roommate once we get settled — so if you’re looking for a nice couple to live with in the middle of the woods, you know where the ask box is!

2011 has been the best and craziest year. It’s going to be amazing to settle in to one place, with my husband, and really start building our life together.

So, ladies and gents, I live you with this video clip. Feel free to begin at :45:



Laura ♥