Rider Essentials: Casey Barnes

Following the success of his ARIA #1 Australian Country Album, Town Of A Million Dreams that also earned him an ARIA nomination for 'Country Music Album of the Year,' Casey Barnes has released his energetic, foot-stomping country/pop crossover single, Come Turn Me On. The track, which hit #1 on the Countrytown Music Network Hot 50 country airplay chart last week, reminds us that there’s nothing better than coming home to the one you love.

Earlier this year, Casey earned four Golden Guitar nominations including ‘Album of the Year’, ‘Contemporary Country Album of the Year’, ‘Male Artist of the Year’ and ‘Vocal Collaboration of the Year.’ He was also a first time APRA Music Award nominee, receiving a nod for ‘Most Performed Country Work’ for his catchy single, A Little More.

We caught up with Casey to find out the things he always takes on the road with him for this week’s Rider Essentials.

1. Sherrin football

Right at the top of the list for us when we’re on tour is the Sherrin! We all love our footy and whenever we get any down time, we’ll normally try and find a spot for a bit of kick to kick ha. The old Sherrin is like another unofficial member of the band and has done some major kms with us over the last few years. She even made the trip across to Las Vegas a bit over 12 months ago and we tried to teach a few of the locals how to kick a drop punt. Next goal is some sort of Sherrin endorsement … we’re still waiting on that call haha! 

2. Dimple whiskey

This has only become a more recent addition to our essential travel rider but late last year, while doing a show up in Cairns, we discovered Dimple whiskey … and for one reason or another, it helped make that show one of THE best on the tour. Not sure if we played any better than normal or it was the whiskey tricking us into thinking we did ha … but we now travel with a bottle for good luck ;) 

3. Runners

Gotta pack the runners. One thing I always try to do, if I’m away for a few days doing shows, is to try and squeeze in some sort of exercise. Plus it's the best way to get out and about and discover the local surroundings of whatever town or city you’re in. I highly recommend it. 

4. Extra phone charger

An extra phone charger without doubt is the one thing you can count on leaving behind at a motel or airport so I always travel with a spare charger if I can. You forget how much you rely on your phone until you’re trying to navigate to the next town or venue through Google Maps and it's running on fumes.

5. Virgin Australia gold or platinum membership

At least one band member being Gold or Platinum with Virgin! We were only chatting about just how much of a benefit having priority check-in is, especially on mornings after a super late show when you’re feeling a little "dusty". Getting to use the lounge and avoiding paying $12 for a bloody airport coffee is always a bonus too! And having that extra baggage allowance where you’re travelling with instruments … You can’t beat it!

Keep up to date with Casey Barnes on his Facebook page here.

For more of our Rider Essentials series, go here.

Image: Supplied