Road Report: Phantogram Begin Their Tour With the Antlers

After a successful string of shows at Austin's SXSW festival, Phantogram are hitting the road with the Antlers in support of their debut album, 'Eyelid Movies.' The duo, comprised of Josh Carter and Sarah Barthel, will be touring with the Brooklyn trio through May 5 before heading out with the National on their U.S. run.

The Saratoga Springs, N.Y. group will be checking in along the way with their own photos and anecdotes from the road, beginning with this first entry from Barthel, which reads like pages from her personal diary.


Dear Diary,

4-15-10: Day 1

We are running late. not the best way to start off a month and a half long tour but what are you gonna do? We are so excited for this tour not only because we are touring with one of the best bands in the U.S., but also because we are going to be driving in a 2010 Cadillac Escalade. Don't believe me? Fine, but don't be alarmed if you see us driving down Hollywood Boulevard blasting Lil' Wayne. You won't be hallucinating. It will be us.

Tonight: Big Orbits Sound Lab.


4-16-10: Day 2

We are now heading to our first night playing with The Antlers in Columbus, Ohio. Last night was a great show and we had a lot of fun hanging out with an old friend from Saratoga. She lived in a shit hole of a neighborhood but the Escalade was safe because I think people thought we were drug dealers. Josh and I need to work on our intimidating look so people think we are carrying guns. That's our game plan for rolling into more dangerous neighborhoods. Not the best plan we've ever had, but what's our other option?


4-17-10: Day 3

Columbus, Ohio fans are awesome. There was a show going on in the next room at the venue which brought some awesome people into the area. A little advice for you all - don't drive in a town when a Godz concert just got out. I witnessed a lot of belligerent drunks getting into their cars to home. So far, the Escalade is having a hard time fitting into it's surroundings; our prediction was right. Driving to Monticello, Illinois to play in a record store to support RECORD STORE DAY. Support your local record store today, please. Thank you.


4-18-10: Day 4

I think last night's motel was one of the dirtiest I have ever stayed in. The owners were really nice though. In the office, they had a snow globe with a picture of the map in the center where their hotel was located. I can't wait to watch The Antlers again tonight. They are incredible live.

Driving to Madison, WI in an Escalade and listening to Oh No's - Dr. No's Ethiiopium.


4-21-10: Day 7

We had a fantastic time in Minneapolis last night at the Varsity Theater. The venue was awesome and the people are lovin' their Phantogram! It was wonderful to meet some fans and we spent a lot of time signing records and selling shirts. I hate my signature. I feel like Josh has the coolest looking autograph, while mine looks like a page in a toddler's coloring book. I should just start using crayons instead of Sharpies.