Epik High leader Tablo explains the necessity of artist rider demands

During a North American and Canadian tour, Epik High leader Tablo revealed that the group's rider focuses on protein and vegetables to avoid the waste and unhealthy habits often seen in the industry. To maintain their fitness, the 20-year touring veterans requested minimal alcohol and no sugary energy drinks.

Tablo, the leader of Epik High, has shared stories regarding the reality of touring life and the "backstage rider" requirements of artists while on his North American tour. Despite his intentions at the start of the tour, Tablo noted that artists in the field often find themselves exposed to stimulating foods rather than healthy options.

"Not a mere privilege, but a necessity"... The practical function of artist riders

Tablo emphasized that a "rider"—the list of items artists request for dressing rooms and venues—is not simply a privilege used to make extravagant demands. He clarified that riders exist not only for the individual artist but also for the staff and crew working alongside them.

According to Tablo, riders serve to reduce the hassle of having to check with new staff in every city by providing information on dietary restrictions, such as allergies, in advance. He explained that riders also aid efficient operations by specifying items to be used by the entire tour team. He distinguished between the "Tech Rider," which covers technical requirements like stage equipment, and the "backstage rider," which handles dressing room supplies, to explain the necessity of these documents.

Epik High chooses 'protein and vegetables'... The wisdom of a 20-year veteran

As Epik High enters its 20th year of touring, their rider is known to be surprisingly simple. Tablo revealed the team's changed eating habits by disclosing a message sent to his tour manager ahead of the North American and Canadian tour. He sought to prevent the waste that occurred during early tours, where excessive alcohol and stimulating foods would be provided and then left unused as the team moved to the next venue.

Tablo requested protein-rich foods and vegetables from his manager, stating, "We all exercise and eat healthily." He specifically noted that they do not need foods high in sugar, energy drinks like Red Bull, or excessive alcohol. For alcohol, he requested only a minimum of two cans each of Guinness, Heineken, and Big Waves, establishing a policy that if they want more, they will go to a bar together. He added that Epik High's method involves requesting only minimal items, such as yoga mats or humidifiers.

Extravagant demands of pop stars and the hidden side of touring

Tablo expanded on his story by contrasting Epik High's case with the unusual rider examples of famous overseas pop stars. He mentioned extravagant demands heard from Hollywood and explained the struggles of artists who, due to tour-related stress, eventually turn to donuts filled with sugar or carbonated drinks. He noted that while artists vow to eat vegetables at the start of a tour, they often end up eating donuts or foods like Raisin Cane, or drinking Red Bull—which they intended to avoid for sleep—due to stress.

He cited Taylor Swift as a representative example. It is reported that during her 2008 tour, Taylor Swift regularly requested one pint each of Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Chocolate Brownie frozen yogurt, and had specific dietary requirements including an addendum that items be prepared by 11:00 AM.

Source: TABLO (YouTube)