Lost Trailers go 'lean, clean and local' for tour

BNA Records’ The Lost Trailers are taking a sensible approach to touring in their new initiative called the “Lean, Clean and Local Tour.” With a no-frills attitude that reflects the current financial situation in the communities that they perform, The Lost Trailers have decided that with a little sacrifice and creativity, they can give back to the cities that welcome them. The boys from Atlanta are the first band from any genre to create a tour that will not only benefit the environment, but will also help local businesses in a tough economic climate.

Last December, The Lost Trailers outsourced a local crew to work their production during a show. Afterwards, a stagehand approached the band and thanked them for using his services, as he hadn’t received a paycheck in over 3 weeks. From there, The Lost Trailers realized that by hiring local crews at each of their shows, they would be putting much needed funds back into the local communities at their tour stops. Now, instead of bringing their usual tour crew on the road, they require that that their contracts with promoters, show buyers, and venues reflect the hiring of local stage hands, lighting directors, loaders, production personnel, merchandise sellers, and audio technicians. In addition to hiring local crew, the band also rents instruments and equipment from local suppliers. The new tour will generate extra business for local companies in each market they perform.

There are also environmental benefits from their new approach to touring. By foregoing their luxury tour buses and flying commercially, The Lost Trailers will cut their fuel consumption significantly, lowering pollution output and carbon emissions. Since September, they have already cut out 132 tons of CO2 emissions simply by eliminating tour buses. The Lost Trailers have also partnered with Keep America Beautiful, a national nonprofit dedicated to litter prevention, waste reduction, recycling, and community greening. “There tend to be quite a few empty bottles and cans at our shows,” laughs singer Ryder Lee. “The local affiliates of Keep America Beautiful attend our concerts to help keep the venues clean by recycling and raising awareness for a litter-free America.”

“America’s music industry, the bands, and the fans that follow them all have a role to play in preserving and protecting the environment,” said Rob Wallace, Vice President of communications at Keep America Beautiful, Inc. “The ‘Lean, Clean & Local’ tour represents a growing movement of bands creating fan experiences that are both fun and socially responsible. The Lost Trailers are great ambassadors for our cause, and we’re looking forward to the work they’re doing to raise awareness for Keep America Beautiful and for our affiliates across the nation.”

While streamlining their tour is an adjustment and sacrifice, The Lost Trailers hope that by taking a leadership role in the new way of touring, others will follow their example. “It's very important for us to do whatever we can to help the cities and towns that we play in, because ultimately these communities are the backbone of America,” says singer/songwriter Stokes Nielson. “We've been blessed by their support of our music and this is how we're giving back.”

The tour kicked off Easter weekend with a concert in two of the members’ hometown of Albany, GA. For more information on the tour, check out www.leancleanandlocal.com.

For artist info and updates on the updates, be sure to visit www.thelosttrailers.com

About Keep America Beautiful, Inc.
Keep America Beautiful, Inc., established in 1953, is the nation's largest volunteer-based community action and education organization. With a network of nearly 1,000 affiliate and participating organizations, Keep America Beautiful forms public-private partnerships and programs that engage individuals to take greater responsibility for improving their community environments. To learn more about Keep America Beautiful, go to www.kab.org.