Dalton Sim began his career in 1995 by managing Guster out of the band’s apartment in Somerville, Mass. Since that humble start, he’s helped shape the careers of Ben Kweller, Alexi Murdoch, Dispatch, State Radio and, most recently, fun., through his joint venture with Nettwerk Music Group. Along with his clientele, Sim’s time on the road has skyrocketed: He’s now away from home an average of three months a year. “That’s the thing about being a manager, agent or anyone in this business: You’re either on tour, meeting up at shows, setting up records internationally,” Sim says. “You’re all over the place.” His latest jaunt? Overseeing fun.’s 5,000-seat gig at the Hammersmith Apollo in London on April 18. “I still enjoy going to different parts of the U.S. and the world,” he says. “It’s everything from great people to great restaurants–weaving that into your business trips makes them a lot more tolerable.”
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Travel bag I swear by
Adidas Gym Bag. For me, it’s “pack light”–never having to check a bag. And I don’t bring anything crushable, just clothes and toiletries, so I can still either shove it under the seat or a bin easily. I pretty much hate checking bags. It’s just the pain in the ass of waiting for it.
Travel playlist
BBC 6 Music Playlist. They seem to always be pretty early on stuff, and it’s interesting to hear what an international radio station is gravitating to.
Favorite kicks to travel in
Natives. Easy to take on and off at security, comfortable on the plane.
Most recent LP listened to on Spotify
Violent Femmes’ “The Blind Leading the Naked.” That was a big record for me in high school. I was thumbing through Spotify and said, “I haven’t listened to that in forever.” That’s the beautiful thing about Spotify.
Key app
I mostly fly American Airlines, so I use their app all the time. It’s great: You can check your flights, change your seats. Airline apps are the one thing about travel that has changed for the better over the years.
Favorite duty-free indulgence
Jameson. It’s always been my go-to drink. I don’t have Irish roots; it must be the Irish influence in Boston.
Sleep strategy
My Bose noise-canceling headphones help block everything out. They’re great. I turn them on and tune everything else out.