What’s it been like touring? 

This is quite a loaded question honestly. We are on a Unity Tour in a time in our country's history when we are more divided and vocal than ever. The car itself is a daily reminder to both Jillian and I that we are being called to stand against the tide, and be loud and proud in our call to unity. One of the most moving aspects of being on the road is simply engaging all of the wonderful people that we meet night to night, state to state, and coast to coast. So many amazing ideas, opinions, and worldviews are encapsulated in this country of ours. Although it seems right now that all the wrong ideas float to the top - there are so many lovely people with incredible ideas that our culture has nourished. From authors and photographers traveling the country far and wide in search of insights into peace and unity - to the peace movements that are going on in the subculture right now.
 
We truly are more united than we are divided. The shows have been incredible out on this tour. From first time listeners to engaging long time fans, this record and tour has connected us more than ever before with our followers - literally.
 
One way I really enjoy the Unity Car is that it is physically impossible to have road rage in a car that is literally covered in messages about hope and unity. We will be sitting in traffic in eastern Tennessee and someone will roll down their window and simply engage us about unity and peace. How cool is it to know that we are driving a car that comes in contact with thousands of people everyday that encourage and stimulate conversations about peace and enacting social change? You can be driving and see someone pointing at the car and the wheels begin to turn, figuratively, in their heads. From there it is the universe that will take the lead - conversations will be had, new realizations will be made, and lives will be altered.  It seems to be the highest calling and perfectly complementary to our music.
 
On another front, we can really see how the music world is literally falling apart in front of our eyes. From closing historic venues, corrupt payment arrangements by websites (Spotify), to bands breaking up too soon over money disputes and the "solo" ambitions. There really seems to be not one sacred place left in this industry. It seems that the music industry has been completely hollowed out by the Internet and cannibalized itself. Our whole culture is migrating towards output and qualitative analysis - which focuses on the ephemeral rather than the profound and ethereal. So music, by definition, has begun to suffer in a disposable world.
 
The days are coming when a doctor is someone who looks over a kiosk at a health clinic. The human element is truly being removed from every industry. Even at shows anymore, it is just a hollow glow of cell phones and faces lit by text. It can be a bit disheartening, but it has definitely inspired me to write more. I am not the only one with these revelations, but I am the only one with my point of view - and there is something to be said for that. 
 
Tips for touring musicians?

It's not you. What is happening out in the world is happening to everyone. Musicians, doctors, waiters, bartenders, we all are facing the technological revolution and trying to find our safe place. Nothing is sacred anymore and songs are being tossed in the same boat as everything else. Everything you grew up with - you have come to know - means nothing now. The road is more brutal than ever before. At every show you are competing with the latest YouTube phenom, the best Instagram content creator, the cutest puppy… You are now a novelty that can be reduced to a number at the bottom right of your YouTube video. So take your jacket off, sit back, and get comfy; this sh*t ain't changing anytime soon.
 
The hope is that this has now transitioned from a music industry problem - to a human problem. You cannot run from it - I have Ivy League friends who can't find work these days - it's tough out there, but YOU ARE NOT ALONE. I find a great amount of solace in that. Remember that you are not in the arts to please anyone else but to fulfill your highest calling. Music still transcends boundaries, political views, prejudice and judgment. You still have the ability to speak on a higher level than simple text or writing. Music is a calling to speak on that higher level. You must first learn to respect this - then harness the power and use it. Learn, travel, speak, write - that is your job. Help educate people about issues that you have feelings for. People still do listen - just not in the same way as in the past. Relish in the challenge and arise to the occasion. 
 
Inspiration from the people that we have met?

A great quote that I heard today was "In Hawaii I feel like ME but in Minneapolis I just feel like a jerk". Immediately, I wanted to know more about this statement, as it is quite intriguing. "I mean in Minnesota, I just feel like I have to keep telling people 'No, I don't want to do what you think I should do' but in Hawaii people just respect my space and privacy". That to me really reveals the importance of the land that you live on. It's not just a proximity thing - but a real factor of your overall life and happiness. That was just 30 minutes ago and I must have at least 10-15 of these revelations on the road per day from learning about the music industry to just learning about life.
 
People are the most interesting aspect of our travels, for sure. One realization I had in NYC on a stop last week was that we currently live in a time where more means less. Everyone is trying to downsize currently because it seems that with more stuff comes less freedom. So, by downsizing we are able to get our lives back. This is a major movement that has yet to sink in with the mass media. The up and coming generation does not have an insatiable craving for millions and millions and tons of stuff - they crave freedom and mobility in the truest sense. It is going to drastically change the landscape of our country in 10-15 years. Just watch.