This is Tour Diary, where artists give us a behind-the-scenes look at life on the road. This spring, Sam Austins hit the road with Magdalena Bay for their Imaginal Mystery tour across North America. Replete with costume changes, whimsy, and a full-length mirror that projected the band’s visuals, it was an unforgettable run of shows — and a total match made in heaven, as Austins’ electric mix of dance, pop, alt-rock, and beyond prepped the crowd for a joyous evening. He barely stayed still onstage, teeming with infectious energy as he played songs from his forthcoming EP, The Woods, out on June 20 (and always ended the set with his viral anthem “Seasons”). In the wake of the tour, he took us through the day leading up to his performance at Manhattan’s Terminal 5. Dive in below.
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I found some time to kick it in LES. / Keegan James Hurley
Hanging out with my best friend, John, at Sunday to Sunday. / Keegan James Hurley
The weather was the sickest it’s been all year. Everyone’s outside, and I love it. / Keegan James Hurley
I’m just going to take out my OP-XY and see what I can do in 10 minutes. / Keegan James Hurley
At Russ & Daughters, LOX-galore. / Keegan James Hurley
Went back to the hotel to change my shoes, wash my face. / Keegan James Hurley
Enjoying a hibiscus tea. / Keegan James Hurley
Taking the J uptown. / Keegan James Hurley
Bopping off at soundcheck before we play the show. / Keegan James Hurley
An empty Terminal 5. / Keegan James Hurley
Thirty minutes before showtime with the bandmates Kaleb Waterman and Clay King. / Keegan James Hurley
Ten minutes before showtime. / Keegan James Hurley
Levitate. / Keegan James Hurley
Job well done. Thank you, NYC. / Keegan James Hurley