Over the past couple of years we’ve gotten to know former HOLYCHILD vocalist Liz Nistico all over again through her solo moniker Revenge Wife, which has been an outlet for the songwriter to explore new sonic territory within the realm of Italo disco and other forms of sultry synthpop. Having released dozens of songs over the past four years as standalone singles or packaged in EPs, the journey toward a debut album has been a tough one for Nistico, who notes that she’s currently “trying to figure out what my life path is always—am I meant to perform? Am I meant to release music?”
Over the past month, she’s been engaged in the former activity, hitting the road for a few select dates opening for Kate Nash alongside Joh Chase and joined by Shamir and Pink Skies on the tour’s bookending NYC dates. Stopping over in Grand Rapids, Indianapolis, Chicago, Omaha, Boulder, Boise, and Seattle in between, the three weeks of shows went by so quickly Nistico barely had time to document it. “Wow, it was so fast,” she sighs. “I brought my diary meaning to write it all down, but instead I took photos and have only the below musings.”
As we anticipate the songwriter’s next move—be it more tour dates or a proper record—check out her tour diary below.
OCTOBER 18: GRAND RAPIDS
We made it! I went to a reflexologist yesterday and she said I was in fight or flight stress. It’s true, I was really on edge. I’m not a logistics person, but I try. It made me wonder if I’m meant to do this. There are so many musicians, why me? Also, the internet hate is spilling into my subconscious thought, those jerks. I feel fragile. I’m drinking Liquid IV, taking deep breaths, but maybe I’ve forgotten how to breathe. I think I’m upside down.
We went to amazing Middle Eastern food somewhere outside of Chicago, and I loved the Turkish hanging light fixtures. I love to travel. I’m nervous for the show tomorrow. What am I doing? Am I fulfilled on stage?
OCTOBER 27: SEATTLE
I’m in the green room at the Crocodile now, it all went so fast. It’s bittersweetly over. I loved spending time with Chris, Colum, and Kory. I’m sad it’s done.
Kate is still soundchecking, Kory just walked in. I need to go to Guitar Center for a return. The boys are all in here now. I wish I could be on the road all year. The shows have been so great, playing all over. Chicago was so special for me.
OCTOBER 28: SEATTLE TO NEWARK
Tour is over. I’m on the flight. Chris is watching videos from shows. Someone keeps farting. Ew.
NOVEMBER 5
I love being on tour. I wish we had more shows. I guess I should get an agent— how? How do I keep doing this at a higher level? I feel so defeated about it.
Now I’m flying back to the East Coast. In seven days or less I’ll be going to Bogota to film for Cristina (C Boom). Yay about that! And then I’m back, but going to LA in December. I like this life! I just need 10 times more money and 10 times more listeners and more shows and a team aaand… It feels doable, but it’s not yet there, but is it close? I’m pushing, I’m trying! All I can think about or talk about is how to level up my life and my project, and that’s really all I want to do. I want to keep going, keep stretching, keep growing, keep trying.
