Rorik (Cloud Rat)
SPB: What characteristics make a good host when you crash on a stranger’s floor?
Rorik: Hmmmmmm.... Well, that depends on my mood and how many gigs I've played in the past 24 hours and how much driving has been done.
1. SWIMMING POOL.
Kidding.
Host: Respectful. Good-natured. Kind. Nice to talk to. Not a complete maniac (unless I'm looking to party, in that case, the loonier the better). Pleasant, but not overbearing/super chatty. Someone who asks if people are tired or up for hanging out.
The best host has work off and has vegan food for everyone and is funny and cool and has neat friends and an awesome movie/record/book/comic/game collection and let's everyone get comfy in their house wherever/however. HAHA. All of that is great, but the bitter reality is that people gotta work. People got lives and bills and shit going on and can't house a bunch of whiney band babies forever.
In a tired/sleepy mood: I'm pretty generally easy to please when on the road. Floor is fine. Couch is fine. Bed is LUXURY. Clean drinking water. Shower (clean towels is a super plus. It's interesting how many people don't seem to keep clean towels around...). Food is always very much appreciated but I don't expect it. I don't expect anything, in fact, other than respect, kindness and courtesy.
I like clean, quiet houses. But not too quiet, maybe a fan blowing or something like that. And for the love of Lucifer, if the only space to sleep is in the living room/kitchen, and people are actually trying to sleep, don't stay up in the kitchen/living room blasting grindcore, smoking cigarettes, whatever. SO NOT COOL. God, I've totally been guilty of this before though. Shame on me! Sorry folks.
Party mood: First, make sure there is a space where people who don't want to party can sleep quietly/comfortably. If so, fuck it. Let's have all the fun.
I've hosted many bands (some real fuckin’ pricks, most lovely good folks), and stayed at many people's homes. The best thing I can say for real though: the number one rule is the golden rule. Treat others how you would want to be treated. That's it. Just be fuckin' cool, right?
