Math rock band COMPREHENDING ventures outside of Sweden for the first time
Comprehending, the instrumental math rock band from Uppsala, Sweden, is gearing up for their first international tour this summer. The band will be hitting the road with For Example John, a math rock turned emo project from Poland, and Violet Ambulance for a series of shows in Poland and Sweden. The tour initially faced some unexpected challenges, forcing guitarist John Pettersson to rethink and adapt their plans.
Initially, the tour itinerary hit a snag when the ferry route didn’t align with the band’s tour dates, leading to a last-minute scramble to rearrange their travel plans. Despite the initial setbacks, Comprehending managed to finalize their tour schedule, which includes stops in Sopot, Warsaw, Uppsala, and Örebro. However, the road to international touring has been full of valuable lessons and eye-opening experiences for Pettersson and the band.
One of the key takeaways from the planning process was the realization of the differences between booking shows in Sweden and venturing out into unfamiliar territories. In Sweden, the band was accustomed to the ease of booking DIY shows in familiar venues with familiar bands. However, the international tour required a different approach, one that involved seeking help and collaboration with other bands.
For Pettersson, the collaboration with For Example John was a turning point in how he approached booking shows. Instead of the traditional mindset of securing venues first, he learned that successful touring partnerships involve a mutual effort in finding venues and coordinating logistics across cities. This collaborative approach not only streamlined the tour planning process but also fostered a sense of camaraderie among the bands involved.
The challenges faced during the tour planning, including venue cancellations and logistical hiccups, highlighted the importance of teamwork and flexibility in navigating the complexities of international touring. Pettersson emphasized the need for open communication and treating tour partners as friends rather than mere business connections, as it not only eases the burden of handling logistical challenges but also creates a supportive and enjoyable touring experience.
As Comprehending prepares to embark on their first international tour, they are focused on honing their live performance and building meaningful connections with fans and fellow musicians. The band’s ultimate goal is to play at Arctangent, the renowned UK math rock and post-rock festival, showcasing their unique blend of instrumental math rock to a wider audience. Despite the initial hurdles, Comprehending remains optimistic and determined to make their mark on the international music scene.