I am trying to figure out the thought process that goes into putting bands on extensive tours when they also have a contractual obligation to churn out albums. There seems to be a massive lack of understanding of how to nurture the creative process on the label and management side. While the bands' touring schedule does net the most income for the group and push albums, it seems like tapering off/ being more selective about the touring would help to build a band's catalogue and fanbase for the longer term. How do we on the management side make an accurate assessment of how a band should tour in such a fickle market?

Here are a few links that got my brain churning today.

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs' Nick Zinner discusses excessive touring, the new album , and why it took so long to put it out (Drowned in Sound).

But you’re about to start that all over again. Did you learn any lessons from your past touring experiences? Are there things you’re going to do differently?
We’re going to have more breaks and be more selective. We’re going to try to not open for other bands, and try to not tour for more than three weeks at a time. The details like that – when you have days off, and where. We need to concentrate on the little details to make things run smoother.

The Dresden Dolls to tour with Panic! At The Disco: Not excited about it

"...i am going to make an ass out of you and me and guess that most of you probably don't know or don't like this band..."
"...that being said, the tour scared the shit out of me and i didn't like the idea of doing a support tour - ANY support tour, but esp one with unobtainable tickets - right after the record came out..."