In this episode of the Human Friend Digital Podcast, Jacob and Jeffrey welcome Caleb Hickman, a touring musician who's spent years on the road Houndmouth and other bands. Caleb shares a candid and often humorous look into the life of a musician on tour—beyond the spotlight.
The conversation explores the realities of being on the road: hours of waiting between shows, long drives in cramped vans, and the logistics of gear set-up. Caleb describes the highs and lows of tour life, from the thrill of playing iconic venues like Red Rocks to less glamorous moments, like the "no-pooping-on-the-bus" rule.
Caleb also talks about the close-knit bonds formed on tour, both with bandmates and the behind-the-scenes crew—sound engineers, tour managers, and lighting technicians—who are essential to every performance. His stories range from successfully parallel parking a van and trailer in front of a cheering crowd, to dancing half-naked on stage during a tour with Of Montreal.
Throughout the episode, Caleb's humility and humor shine through, offering a unique perspective on the often misunderstood life of a touring musician. It’s not all glamor, but it’s clear that the camaraderie and love for the music keep him coming back for more.
Follow Caleb: https://linktr.ee/caleb.hickman
Hound Mouth: https://www.houndmouth.com/
To ask questions, or submit topics you'd like us to cover in the future, visit us at humanfriend.digital/pod/