Photograph: Nicholas Strini

NYC singer Joan As Police Woman released her powerful new album, To Survive, in June and promptly hit the road—overseas. Although she noted that, “NYC is widely thought of as a European surrogate or annex,” she sent us this list from Monforte D’Alba, Italy, during a monthlong tour.

1 Europeans know that delicious, fresh food will help you play a better show, and ultimately make them more money and bring them prestige. This includes England.

2 They understand that if you are a touring band from the U.S., you have spent your life tirelessly working your sweet American ass off to get where you are, and they respect it.

3 Venues are made for music-making. Inside the venues live helpful staff who respect you for what you’re doing. The equipment at the venue is of a better quality.

4 Audiences in Europe actually listen. In the U.S. people seem to think it’s cool to talk through your quietest and most intimate songs.

5 Varying cultures and traditions. Yes, there is certainly cultural variety in the U.S., but for some reason, it’s just more romantic here. Sorry; exoticism is eroticism.

6 Hearing languages other than English is a damn pleasure. I will never get tired of hearing Glaswegian, Barcelonian, Helsinkian, Manchurian, Grecian.

7 You get to perform in venues like castles and fortresses, surrounded by olive-tree groves with wild capers growing on the 600-year-old, winding stone walls.

8 Espresso is extraordinaire and as free-flowing as the Rhône.

9 Anonymity in your own country gives you the distinct pleasure of being able to shop without people taking photos while you pick out tomatoes, or text your lover.

10 Knowing that people across a massive body of water would be aware of my music and interested in supporting it never ceases to floor me. Thank you, Europe!

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