Spiritbox frontwoman Courtney LaPlante revealed her pre-show rituals in an interview shared by Live Nation on Instagram. She responded to questions from Evanescence singer Amy Lee.
Amy Lee asked LaPlante: “Courtney, you’re about to go on stage, what’s like one or two essential things that have to happen in the hour before you go on stage?” LaPlante opened up about two specific habits she follows before every performance. Both are tied to the physical demands of screaming vocals.
“This isn’t good, but I have to have an energy drink,” LaPlante said. “I don’t want to get into great detail, but the carbonation and the screaming is not great together.”
She also explained why she sticks to the exact same meal before every show. Keeping things predictable helps her avoid any unwanted surprises on stage.
“I also have the same type of sandwich every night so that I don’t get a surprise like, you know, again, screaming,” she continued. “It’s turkey, cheese, mustard, and bread.”
The comments were made as part of a Live Nation interview in which Amy Lee posed questions to LaPlante about her backstage routine ahead of a performance.
LaPlante’s careful approach to pre-show preparation reflects the physical toll that Spiritbox’s demanding vocal style places on her. Her routines are not mere superstition — they are practical measures shaped by years of experience on the road.
Before fronting Spiritbox, LaPlante served as the vocalist of Iwrestledabearonce. That role gave her extensive experience with harsh, technically demanding vocal performances and the rigors of constant touring. That background helped forge the disciplined approach to vocal health and consistency she maintains today.
Spiritbox rose to widespread recognition with tracks like “Holy Roller” and their acclaimed 2021 debut album Eternal Blue. The record showcased LaPlante’s ability to seamlessly switch between clean singing and aggressive screaming. The vocal demands of that material make pre-show preparation especially critical, as any disruption to her routine could directly affect her performance.
LaPlante’s choices around food and drink before a show are also consistent with broader practices among metal and rock vocalists. Many singers in the genre deliberately avoid carbonated drinks, dairy, and unpredictable meals before performing. These can cause throat irritation or digestive discomfort that interferes with screaming technique. Her turkey, cheese, mustard, and bread sandwich represents exactly the kind of low-risk, familiar option that touring vocalists often gravitate toward.
The interview highlights an interesting dynamic between two of rock’s most prominent female voices. Amy Lee, who has led Evanescence for over two decades, brought her own experience as a touring vocalist to the conversation. The exchange offered a candid look at the behind-the-scenes realities that even established artists navigate before stepping on stage.
