TESLA's Brian Wheat: Live shows are our lifeline

Brian Wheat, bassist and founding member of TESLA, has shared insights into the band's continued touring schedule. He emphasized that TESLA members are "not wealthy guys" and that their primary source of income comes from live performances. Wheat explained that traditional revenue streams like record sales have significantly diminished, with current platforms like Spotify offering very low royalty rates.

Wheat contrasted TESLA's financial reality with that of larger bands, positioning them as a "B band" compared to acts like Metallica or Guns N' Roses. This financial structure necessitates a focus on touring for their livelihood. The band, which has been on the road for 41 years, now plays shorter sets, approximately 100 minutes, a decrease from the two-and-a-half-hour shows performed during their peak in the early 1990s.

This adjustment in set length is partly due to vocal considerations, as Wheat mentioned the toll singing takes on a vocalist's voice. TESLA is also prioritizing new music, with plans to release new songs annually. Their upcoming album, "Homage," is slated for release on July 17, 2026, evolving from an EP concept and following their "Real To Reel" series. The band's strategy moving forward involves consistent touring and fewer studio interruptions.