BEST OF THE TOUR - Podcast

Comic book cover artist and gig poster creator Nimit Malavia joins the podcast to discuss his work for DC Comics, Marvel, The Cure, 311, and other major clients while exploring the creative crossover between comics and concert posters. Nimit shares how he balances creative freedom with the responsibility of illustrating iconic characters and beloved bands, discusses the philosophy behind memorable...

Mike Tallman is the artist and printmaker behind Add Noise Studios, a Pasadena-based studio known for screen-printed work for Dave Matthews Band, Trey Anastasio, Mount Joy, The Avett Brothers, and more. He joins the show to discuss DesignerCon, Flatstock, collecting poster art, and the evolution of his studio from designer to hands-on printer. Mike shares stories from building a DIY print shop, pr...

Digital artist and gig poster illustrator Jared Yamahata joins the podcast to discuss his evolving work in the modern poster scene, including projects for 311, Disco Biscuits, Widespread Panic, and more. Jared breaks down his creative process, balancing commercial design work with poster art, and building concepts around venues, music, and hidden visual references. Check out Jared Yamahata’s work:...

Lil Tuffy is a San Francisco-based gig poster artist, founding member and current president of the Poster Institute, known for his long-running work with Goldenvoice and decades of involvement in Flatstock. This episode explores the evolution of the Poster Institute, the expansion beyond traditional gig posters, and Tuffy’s approach to adapting style across genres from hardcore to EDM. He breaks d...

Daryll Peirce is a San Francisco–based gig poster artist, painter, and illustrator known for detailed, hand-drawn work for bands like Melvins and Primus, as well as his presence at events like Colour Haiku and TRPS. This episode explores his balance between fine art and gig posters, his pen-and-ink workflow, and his push to keep each piece evolving. We discuss standout works like the viral Melvins...

Artist Matt Leunig returns to discuss the Atlanta Rock Poster Show, the annual TRPS-affiliated event he founded, bringing together top poster artists, collectors, and emerging voices from across the U.S. The conversation covers the show’s evolution into a free, all-ages event, the surge in attendance, and the role of community in driving poster culture forward. Matt breaks down artist experiences,...

Lara Bujanda is the artist behind Subterranean Prints, known for her gritty screen-printed posters and merch rooted in punk, metal, and DIY culture. In this episode, Lara shares how growing up in the Basque Country punk scene led her into screen printing and gig poster work. She discusses designing for bands like Full of Hell, her nature-inspired imagery with darker symbolic twists, and her philos...

Dave Kloc is a Los Angeles–based illustrator known for his meticulous pen-and-ink style and work with bands including Dave Matthews Band, Billy Strings, Sleep, Primus, and The Black Keys. In this episode, Dave shares design stories, an emotional response to one of his chimp illustrations, and what it feels like when an AP drop explodes in minutes. He talks analog process, puzzle adaptations, and c...

Helen Kennedy, known as ZazzCorp, is a Connecticut-based illustrator and gig poster artist recognized for her work with Pearl Jam, Billy Strings, Dead & Company, and other major touring acts rooted in modern psychedelic and hand-drawn aesthetics. This episode explores her path from teaching art and parking-lot merch to full-time poster work, the role of failure in developing a personal visual...

Florida-based illustrator and gig poster artist Nathaniel Deas, known as Bourbon Sunday, is a recognized for highly detailed, narrative-driven posters for bands including Goose, Dead & Company, 311, Billy Strings, and Umphrey’s McGee. In this episode, Nathaniel breaks down how deep band research, venue context, and hidden references shape his work, from the Goose KettleHouse dragon poster to D...

Toronto illustrator Tiffany Chin joins the show to discuss her psychedelic, 60s and 70s-inspired poster work for artists including Goose, Fish, Ween, Mount Joy and more. Known for bold color, surreal detail and a distinct visual fingerprint. Check out Tiffany’s work: twkchin.com | IG: @twkchin ⸻ Hosted by Erica and Mike | IG: @postersineverydirection Best of the Tour Podcast is presented by Invisi...

Max Loeffler is a German illustrator whose surreal, sci-fi-driven work has appeared on posters for Goose, Dave Matthews Band, Metallica, Queens of the Stone Age, Foo Fighters, Billy Strings, and Mumford and Sons. He breaks down his sketch-to-final process, researching U.S. cities from overseas, and collaborating with management to shape direction. The episode digs into the Goose fall tour artwork...

From glowing Everglades to cosmic angels, Episode ten features illustrator Miles Tsang, whose kinetic detail and symbolic world building have shaped standouts for Dave Matthews Band, Goose, Metallica, Pearl Jam, 311, Queens of the Stone Age and the Grateful Dead. We get into the Stingray Tampa piece, the DMB drive-in era, the floaty Space Angels, and his evolving Muse series. Miles shares the insp...

From rural Wales to the walls of collectors worldwide. Episode nine features pen and ink illustrator Richey Beckett, whose meticulous line work has defined artwork for Metallica, Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters, The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, Labyrinth, and HBO’s Game of Thrones. We dive into the iconic movie posters of the ’80s, influences, and how VHS-era artwork shaped an entire generation. Richey breaks dow...

Across the Atlantic and deep into the surreal. Episode eight features Dutch illustrator Maarten Donders, currently based in Paris, France, whose dreamlike, story-rich posters for Billy Strings, Dave Matthews Band, Goose, My Morning Jacket, and The Who have made him one of the most imaginative voices in the gig poster world. From his recent Billy Strings Fall Europe Tour poster to the underwater wo...

This one’s special. Episode seven marks the debut of our new “Dear Best of the Tour” format, a nostalgic pen-pal–style exchange between hosts Mike and Erica and one of the most detailed artists in the gig poster world: Ben Kwok, better known as Bioworks. From his mechanical-meets-natural aesthetic to legendary posters for Dave Matthews Band and Goose, Ben shares honest insight into his process, pe...

Six months, four prints, and endless inspiration. Luke Martin’s Seasons of Jerry is his ultimate tribute to Garcia and the Dead. In this episode, Luke shares the grind behind his most ambitious project yet, the magic of Grateful Dead 60, and why collectors can’t stop chasing his work. From Goose encores to Jerry Easter eggs, this one’s packed with stories fans will want to hear. Check out Lukes wo...

From Judge Dredd comics to Metallica stadium posters, UK artist Luke Preece has leveled up across video games, skate decks, and some of the heaviest gig prints in the scene. He drops stories about his first Danzig poster, going from band kid to one of Metallica’s go-to artists. This one’s pure fuel for collectors and creators alike. Check out Lukes work at: www.lukepreece.com and IG: @lukepreecear...

Comics, Mondo, and the wild path that led to his own shop, Nakatomi. From Metallica and Alabama Shakes to Simpsons-inspired Springfield prints and DragonCon stories, this one’s packed with poster history and collector gold. Check out Tim’s work at: @timothypdoyle nakatomiinc.com and timdoyle.com ⸻ Find more episodes and updates at bestofthetour.com. Sponsor Links: trps.org Shout out to: posterinst...

This week, Mike & Erica sit down with legendary gig poster artist Justin Hampton. From Nirvana flyers in 1990 to Soundgarden shirts, Pearl Jam, Radiohead & Nine Inch Nails posters, Justin has lived through, and helped shape the golden era of Seattle’s grunge explosion and beyond. Join hosts Mike and Erica as they bring you engaging content around gig poster artists, merch and art prints. G...

More Sopapillas Please!! You've gotta listen to find out what this is all about. Today's episode launches our Artist interview series with none other than the incredible artist, Matt Leunig | IG: @mattleunig Join hosts Mike and Erica as they bring you engaging content around gig poster artists, merch and art prints. The views expressed by the hosts and guests are completely their own, and that’s h...

Welcome to the Best of The Tour Podcast! A laid-back, artist-first show for gig poster fans, art print collectors, and creative obsessives. Celebrating the drops, the stories, and the people who turn music and art into something you can hold. Join Mike and Erica as they bring you engaging content around artist drops, events and unique artist conversations! Thanks to our sponsors on today's episode...