Gig Gab - The Working Musicians' Podcast: Recent Episodes

View Details

Guest co-host Sean Mullaney joins Dave Hamilton to prove that the gig you want is usually hiding inside the gig you almost skipped. A video with eleven views got Sean hired, the same way a YouTube clip landed Alexandra Mullaney in The Book of Mormon, so the lesson is simple: put the work out there, then be ready to say yes when someone finds it. You’ll dig into managing your niche without getting trapped by it, and the bigger question every bandleader eventually faces: who do you want to be as a frontman? You can’t make a face unless you’ve seen it, so study the greats, then get authentic to who you actually are. Preaching from the stage is hard. Performing as yourself is harder, and better.

Then things get deliciously specific. You’ll hear what it’s like to chase Robert Plant with Mr. Jimmy, where nobody’s speaking English, everybody’s in full costume, and the details are so meticulous that imposter syndrome becomes something you manage rather than something that eats you. Sean said no. Then Sean said yes…and ended up on a sold-out stage at the Whisky a Go Go, a little petrified because the stakes were higher. That’s the point. You’ll get the upcoming Whole Lotta Heart show, why theater runs are a fun grind, what happens when you make that first mistake in front of everyone, how to honor your influences by studying the film instead of copying the notes, and how to manage your voice so you can keep doing this. Always Be Performing! Even when nobody’s watching yet, because view number eleven might be the one.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 546 – Monday, August 10th, 2026
  • August 10th: Duran Duran Appreciation Day
  • Guest co-host: Sean Mullaney
• 00:01:00 The Underground Series
• 00:02:33 Hired on the 11th view!
  • Once at Seacoast Repertory Theater
  • Sean singing Leave by Glen Hansard (now with more than 11 views!)
  • Alexandra Mullaney was booked into The Book of Mormon from a YouTube video
• 00:10:40 Managing your niche!
• 00:11:27 Be ready to say yes to opportunities
• 00:16:12 The Instant Classics in Phoenix
• 00:18:29 Who do you want to be as a frontman?
  • “You can’t make a face unless you’ve seen it”
• 00:22:42 Being authentic to who you are
  • Preaching is difficult!
• 00:26:36 SPONSOR: Warby Parker – Our listeners can buy one pair of glasses and get 20% off any additional pairs at https://WarbyParker.com/GIGGAB — and using our link helps support the show. #WarbyParker #ad
• 00:28:37 Do you want to be Robert Plant in Led Zeppelin?
  • No one’s speaking English, and everyone’s in full costume
  • The Mr. Jimmy Story on Gig Gab
  • Led Zepagain
  • With Mr. Jimmy, Sean plays a sold out show at The Whisky a Go Go
• 00:41:56 Managing Imposter Syndrome through the meticulous details
• 00:43:34 So…I said no.
  • And then I said yes.
• 00:48:58 Upcoming Whole Lottta Heart Show
• 00:51:11 Petrified a little because the stakes are higher.
• 00:55:03 The Underground is… alternative programming!
  • In Danger of Being Discovered
  • Brother Love’s Album of the Year
• 00:59:13
• 01:06:02 Theater shows…a fun grind!
• 01:10:37 Making that first mistake
• 01:11:23 Honoring your influences
  • Studying film!
• 01:14:00 Managing your voice!
• 01:19:37 Gig Gab 546 Outtro
  • Follow Sean Mullaney
    • IG: seansingsnstuff
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Hired From an 11-View Video: Sean Mullaney on Opportunity and Owning the Stage – Gig Gab 546 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

It’s just you and Dave this week for a full mailbag episode, with road stories up front: Matt Musty behind the kit with Train at Great Woods, three nights of Phish and Rush at MSG, and the Rush policy worth stealing: when a mistake is a one-off, don’t talk about it. Then into your questions. Should the front-of-house feed live in your in-ears? Here’s pre-fader versus post-fader, and why the answer’s usually no unless you’re a drummer. Maybe. Bass distorting in your IEMs? Start with gain structure, work down the chain one variable at a time, and suspect your earphones. Plus the cable fix for that hummy mono click, and the Zoom Q2n-4K for filming your gigs.

Nobody bought a ticket to watch load-in. That old adage – you’re not paid to play, you’re paid to haul gear – gets retired here, because the performance is the product, and that’s exactly why we Always Be Performing. From there: sitting ahead of, behind, or dead on the click and why none of it’s wrong, how to stop cringing at your own stage videos using the Alter Ego Effect, and why demand for small-act live music has softened: drinking age, drinking habits, and the couch you’re competing against.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 545 – Tuesday, August 4th, 2026
  • August 4th: National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day
• 00:01:20 Matt Musty with Train, then Phish/Rush/Phish at MSG
• 00:03:31 Rush’s rule: don’t talk about a one-off mistake
• 00:04:51 Frankie Valli tribute nights with The Underground
• 00:05:46 Drums mushy in the wall the sound
• 00:06:36 Issue Mackie DL32S
• 00:10:49 Jeremy-What about adding the FOH mix to my IEM mix?
  • Pre-Fader vs. Post-Fader
• 00:16:49 Glynn-Why is my bass distorting in my IEMs?
  • Behringer XAir XR 12
• 00:23:42 Steve-Solving the mono click hum problem?
• 00:27:42 Drew-Recording Your Gigs with a Zoom Q2n-4K
• 00:31:50 Adam-Playing for free vs. being paid to load gear
• 00:37:10 SPONSOR: Hims. With Wegovy® at Hims, lose up to 20% of your body weight when combined with diet and exercise. Visit https://hims.com/giggab to get a personalized, affordable plan that gets you.
• 00:39:00 Joe-Playing with the click vs. ahead or behind
  • Roland SPD ONE: Kick and Electro
• 00:44:54 Kim-How do I learn to control my body on stage?
  • Alter Ego Effect
• 00:52:34 Noah Kirkeide-Why is demand for live music down?
• 00:57:46 Drinking laws morphed during World Cup
• 00:59:28 Gig Gab 545 Outtro
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Nobody Bought a Ticket to Watch Load-In – Gig Gab 545 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Daniel East is back for a no-agenda episode that turns into Gig Gab therapy. You’ll hear about Brit Drozda’s fifth record in pre-production, unannounced pop-up gigs built from cajon, guitar, and keys, and the Rayvel grand opening on Florida’s Space Coast, where a rocket went up over the stage during Starman. Then Daniel gets into those moments of bliss you can’t fish for…the ones that arrive because you prepared enough to stop thinking. If you’re feeling it, they’re feeling it. And when a piece of the puzzle is missing, that’s your cue to admit a gig isn’t the right fit for you and be willing to walk.

Then Dave takes the couch: three gigs in a row where he became the accidental sound savior. A theater where nobody knew how Dante was routed. An outdoor stage hard-panned left with monitors EQ’d to the disco smile. A club that handed him the iPad at line check. Daniel’s prescription: an expectations agreement when you don’t have a contract, an audio tech who also speaks IT, and permission to say no. Always Be Performing is real, but you set a standard, you don’t meet one.

Plus: find your clock first, and Gear Gab on Earthworks drum mics, the Kompakt 421, and why a high-pass filter beats deep EQ cuts every time.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 544 – Monday, July 27th, 2026
  • July 27th: Barbie-in-a-Blender
  • Guest co-host: Daniel East
• 00:03:53 Brit Drozda’s new record
• 00:04:46 Pop-up gigs!
  • Cajon, Guitar, Keys
  • Stage Ninja Cables
• 00:06:58 Chad Ely Productions
  • Rayvel – Joe Ciaudelli’s involved
  • Rocket launching during a performance of Starman
  • Dan Lawson
  • Chowtoberfest VII
    • September 12th, 2026, Fence Road Farm Brewery in Warwick, NY.
    • Benefits To Write Love On Her Arms and Memorial Sloan Kettering.
    • Bo Bice on the lineup
• 00:12:46 Those moments of bliss on stage
• 00:16:21 If you’re feeling it, they’re feeling it
  • Find the groove
  • Preparation helps
  • Shoutout to Paul Kent!
• 00:22:16 Recognizing when a gig is not the right fit for YOU
• 00:24:46 Nobody’s Perfect
• 00:25:11 SPONSOR: Warby Parker – Our listeners can buy one pair of glasses and get 20% off any additional pairs at https://WarbyParker.com/GIGGAB — and using our link helps support the show. #WarbyParker #ad
• 00:27:21 Dave’s Had Three Gigs…and needs therapy
  • Allen Heath SQ7
• 00:40:12 Were there contracts?
• 00:41:59 Option A: Bring your own audio tech with you to every gig
  • And your audio tech also needs to be versed in IT
  • @groovepocket80 – Joe Cabrera
• 00:46:33 Finding the people who are skilled AND humble
  • Jason Banta, FOH engineer
  • Marty Garcia, new Future Sonics IEMs
• 00:51:12 Back to the solution
  • A contract or expectations agreement
  • Find help, have help, learn how to find help
  • Have the venue/gig hire someone professionally trained
• 00:53:04 Pave the path to enforce my Dave Bang Drum ethos
  • Don’t be afraid to walk away
  • You set a standard, you don’t meet a standard – be the example of what
• 00:59:33 Diagnosing Dante
  • FIND YOUR CLOCK FIRST
• 01:04:30 Solving Dante issues in the future
  • Move fast, break things
• 01:11:11 Gear Gab: Sennheiser MK4
  • SSL 2 MkII Interface
  • Earthworks Drum Mics
    • SR20 Gen2 overheads
    • DM17 Snare Drum & Tom Mic
    • DM20 G2 – great for toms!
  • Kompakt 421
• 01:20:16 Sound summarization!
  • Minimal EQ, but don’t forget about your high pass filters
  • De-Feedback on Gig Gab
  • And Time Alignment is important
• 01:24:23 Gig Gab 544 Outtro
  • Follow Daniel East
    • DanielEast.net
    • @eastd and @themixdoctor
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post When Your Worlds Collide…and the Drummer Becomes the Sound Guy – Gig Gab 544 with Dan East appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Episode 543 lands on National Fortune Cookie Day, and guest co-host Freddy Vinehill-Cliffe of NUGEN Audio opens by demystifying how your masters actually translate across streaming. You learn that MasterCheck lets you audition one master against every platform before release day blindsides you, because you should still submit a single master everywhere, not a separate file per service. From there you dig into possible reasons why Spotify felt so flat for so long, the crucial difference between data compression and dynamic compression as a way to tame your audio, and how compression ratios shape the result.

Then Freddy flips to the gigging life: guitar and vocals in Thank, bass in the gleefully unappealing Solderer, touring Europe and the UK on DIY tours he’s been booking since 2014. You’ll chew on his theory that drummers can fake their way through a set more easily than anyone else, the cover-band mentality (Tommy Igoe’s gospel: he’ll teach you to play other people’s music, not your originals), and playing for the nerds who clock every groove (like the white-knuckle eleven-beat break in Steely Dan’s Josie).

The throughline is reading the room, even when it’s the wrong room: sometimes the crowd’s on mushrooms, sometimes you just throw them a party regardless, and either way you Always Be Performing.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 543 – Monday, July 20th, 2026
  • July 20th: National Fortune Cookie Day
  • Guest co-host: Freddy Vinehill-Cliffe of NUGEN Audio
• 00:01:56 NUGEN’s MasterCheck plugin
  • Still submit one master to all platforms, but MasterCheck helps you ensure that your one master sounds good everywhere
• 00:05:04 Why did Spotify sound so flat for so long?
  • Spotify is normalized to -14 LUFS
• 00:07:24 Data compression vs. Dynamic compression
  • Dynamic compression is a way of taming the audio
  • Auphonic
  • Waves NS1
• 00:15:14 Compression Ratios
• 00:18:44 SPONSOR: Claude.ai – Ready to tackle bigger problems? Sign up for Claude today, which includes access to Claude Cowork, too, when you visit https://Claude.ai/giggab
• 00:20:17 Freddy, the gigging musicians
  • Guitarist and vocalist in a band called, Thank
  • Plays Bass in Solderer, deliberately unappealing
  • Touring regularly throughout Europe & UK
• 00:24:17 DIY Booking of Tours
  • Freddy has been booking DIY tours since 2014
• 00:27:45 Dave’s gigging schedule
• 00:31:15 Freddy’s theory about drummers
  • Drummers can fake it more easily!
• 00:36:30 Wedding bands … that aren’t wedding bands
• 00:37:31 Cover band mentality
  • Tommy Igoe: I’m not going to teach you how to play in your original band, I’m going to teach you how to play other people’s thing
  • Playing for nerds
  • The 11-beat break in Josie
• 00:47:35 Unexpected grooves and parts
• 00:50:52 Realizing the audience is the wrong audience
  • Mushrooms help the audience!
• 00:59:44 Special offer from NUGEN – 30% off of a bunch of plugins for the next few weeks!
  • Stereoizer
  • Stereoplacer
  • Monofilter
  • Paragon ST
• 01:06:43 Gig Gab 543 Outtro https://giggabpodcast.com/
  • Follow NUGEN
    • @nugenaudio
  • Follow Freddy Vinehill-Cliffe:
    • @loudnesswardraftdodger
    • @fsvc____
    • @thankleeds
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post The Wrong Audience Is Still an Audience: Freddy Vinehill-Cliffe on the Gigging Life – Gig Gab 543 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

This week Wil and Langdon Reid of Wilson Fairchild pull up a chair beside Dave to show you what a life in music actually looks like from the inside. These guys grew up on a tour bus in the ’70s and ’80s watching their dads, Don and Harold Reid, play eight years with Johnny Cash before becoming The Statler Brothers, a side-stage masterclass we all wish we had. You’ll hear the advice that shaped them: nobody can put you in the music business and nobody can take you out, so you’d better love the life and want it bad. You’ll get the manager horror stories (let’s just call him Peter), the reminder that every musician is an entrepreneur, and the hard, useful stuff most players dodge: build a P&L, diversify, manage cash flow first, and when it rains, fill up your buckets. Treat every gig like it matters, because you never know who’s in the room: never punish the people who showed up, and don’t play to the empty seats.

Then you’ll dig into the craft that made the family famous: blood harmonies. Learn every part, let the piano teach you how the notes relate, and practice early in the morning just to find your pitch. You’ll discover why four voices were an act nobody wanted to follow, why going from two parts to four is an exponential lift, and where the modulation earns its keep. Through all of it runs one thread: be believable. Whether it’s a vanity song that tells your audience exactly who you are or a closer like It’s Amazing What a Hug Can Do, you sell it because you mean it. That’s the whole game: Always Be Performing, every seat, every song, every night.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 542 – Monday, July 13th, 2026
  • July 13th: National Barbershop Music Appreciation Day
  • Guest co-hosts: Wil Reid and Langdon Reid of Wilson Fairchild
• 00:02:19 Post-gig snacks
  • Nachos
  • Chocolate Milk
  • Twinkies
  • Exempt from the food pyramid
• 00:05:17 Growing up on a tour bus in the 1970s and 1980s
  • A Masterclass in performance art
  • Their Dads, Don and Harold Ried played with Johnny Cash for 8 years before going out on their own as The Statler Brothers
  • Watching from side stage
• 00:07:25 At 16 and 14, Wil and Langdon started band practice and gigging
• 00:08:07 Advice from Their Dads
  • “Nobody can put you in the music business, and nobody can take you out”
  • You gotta love the life. You gotta want it really bad.
• 00:09:24 Learning what to do…and what not to do
• 00:09:37 Manager stories!
  • The manager who hangs on to you, waiting for something to happen, instead of doing work to make it happen for you.
  • A tuition moment: “Let’s just call him Peter”
• 00:13:20 Our dads were businessmen
  • Managing and building a retirement as a musician
  • Business Brain – Every musician is an entrepreneur
  • Coming from nothing, sharing a bedroom, make enough to live check-to-check
  • When it rains, fill up your buckets!
• 00:18:37 The dreamers are the ones generating the income
• 00:20:24 Build a P&L for your music business
• 00:23:10 Diversify yourself, produce yourself, protect yourself
  • CD Baby
  • Concert Pay
  • Manage cash flow first
• 00:24:36 Every gig has an opportunity for you
  • You never know exactly who is in the audience
  • “Never punish the people who showed up” – Parthenon Huxley
  • “Don’t play to the empty seats” – Charlie Daniels
• 00:28:35 Singing “blood harmonies” together
  • Tip 1: learn to sing every part
  • Tip 2: playing piano will teach you how the notes work and relate together
  • Statler Brothers were “Country lyrics with southern gospel harmonies”
  • Tip 3: practice singing early in the morning just to learn your notes
• 00:34:30 Learning to blend with other people
  • “Bach says no!”
• 00:36:00 Always think about the piano for harmonies
  • Their dads, The Statler Brothers, were the first group in country music. Four voices were an act to follow!
• 00:39:30 Their sons, Jack and Davis Reid…the next generation
  • Four part harmonies with their boys!
• 00:40:22 And now…harmony blend
  • Going from two parts to four parts is an exponential lift!
  • Dallas Corbin on Gig Gab – Rock is how high can you go? Country is how low can you go?
  • Where is Skid Row of 2026?
• 00:50:00 The value of the modulation
• 00:54:17 American Songbook: Country Classics and Gospel Favorites on Gaither Music
• 00:58:10 Always be believable
• 01:01:00 The value of vanity songs in your set
  • Show your audience who you are
• 01:04:00 It’s Amazing What a Hug Can Do
• 01:06:00 Gig Gab 542 Outtro
  • Follow Wilson Fairchild
    • @wilsonfairchild on IG
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Growing Up Statler: Wilson Fairchild on Harmony, Hustle, and the Working Musician’s Life – Gig Gab 542 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

This week front-of-house engineer Ryan Goldbacher calls in from the road with Tom Keifer, and you’ll quickly learn that landing the next gig comes down to two things: competence, and not being miserable to be around. Word of mouth is the real currency of touring life, so Always Be Performing applies long after you step off stage: when the tour bus is smaller than your bedroom and there are twelve people on it, how you treat the room matters. You’ll pick up honest strategies for protecting your sanity on the road, from taking a walk to renting a car and disappearing into the mountains, plus why testing your limits only works if you actually know where they are.

Then you and Ryan get deep into the craft. You’ll hear why the way FOH mixes your band one night can shape how it sounds for gigs to come, why you’ve got about thirty seconds to describe your band to a house engineer at load-in, and the EQ lessons Ryan learned the hard way dialing in loud rock guitars and high-passing the bass. Stop calling a kick a bass drum, leave some air in it, and don’t be afraid to turn the knobs until it sounds good. From the pressure-cooker of mixing monitors on Mr. Big’s final US tour to a frank take on AI mixing and building the next generation of engineers, this one’s loaded for anyone serious about live sound.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 541 – Monday, July 6th, 2026
  • July 6th: National Fried Chicken Day
  • Guest co-hosts: Ryan Goldbacher
• 00:01:17 Ryan on tour with Tom Keifer
• 00:02:29 Word of mouth is the key
  • Competence is key…that’s number one.
  • Close number two: you’re not miserable to be around!
• 00:05:09 The tour bus is smaller than your bedroom, and there’s 12 people in it
• 00:07:19 Creating your own personal space
  • Take a walk
  • Rent a car and drive into the mountains
• 00:08:45 Week off between gigs
  • Fly me to Spokane, then I’ll drive to Alaska
  • Skagway, Alaska
• 00:11:11 FOH for Tom Keifer for Summer, 2026
  • You can’t spread yourself too thin
  • If it won’t fit on your plate, get it off
  • Having a dedicated monitor engineer makes a huge difference
• 00:13:50 Test your limits, but don’t be afraid to know where they are.
• 00:16:52 Always be communicating
• 00:18:46 This tour Ryan brings a FOH console
  • House monitor engineer
  • Band is all on wedges
  • A&H Avantis
  • Tom Keifer goes over the entire set with the house lighting designer
• 00:21:12 Tom Keifer helps Ryan with producing the show for the night
  • The benefits of working with an artist who tells you how to make yourself more valuable to them
• 00:23:32 The FOH and Band relationship
  • The way FOH mixes the band for one gig could affect the band for the future. Respect this!
  • Communicate what your band sounds like to the engineer…early on as you’re loading in
• 00:29:42 Developing trust with your engineer first
• 00:31:03 Thirty seconds to describe your band
• 00:32:33 Making the next generation of engineers better
• 00:33:59 Engineers who are musicians / Musicians who are engineers
  • ProTools…great software, dumb name!
• 00:38:18 Learning from mistakes
• 00:40:16 Stacking EQs on Rock Guitars by mistake…and then intentionally!
  • Working with loud guitars on Stiff Little Fingers
  • Steve Smith introduced Ryan to Stiff Little Fingers
• 00:41:21 SPONSOR: OneSkin. Born from over a decade of longevity research, OneSkin’s OS-01 Peptide is proven to target the visible signs of aging, helping you unlock your healthiest skin now and as you age. Get 15% off OneSkin with the code GigGab athttps://oneskin.co/GigGab #oneskinpod #ad
• 00:43:30 Accidentally learning to drop guitar EQ between 2k-4k
  • Adding a high-pass filter on the bass guitar in a rock band
• 00:48:21 Don’t call a kick drum a “bass” drum, otherwise you’ll mix it the wrong way.
• You want some air in that kick!
• 00:49:07 Don’t be afraid to turn the knobs until it sounds good
• 00:51:27 The pressure of mixing monitors makes you a great engineer
• Mixing monitors for Mr. Big’s final US tour
• 00:55:09 RTAs are great, but be able to do it by ear
• 00:58:29 Speaking of Toys…Let’s Talk AI Mixing
  • Mentorship and apprentice programs
• 01:08:43 Show Logistics
• 01:10:03 Gig Gab 541 Outtro
  • Follow Ryan Goldbacher
    • @ryanthegoldbacher on IG
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Ryan Goldbacher on Touring with Tom Keifer, Mixing FOH (and Monitors), and AI – Gig Gab 541 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

This week singer-songwriter Patrice Peris joins Dave to flip the script on building a music career. That question musicians always get – what’s your backup plan? – is a terrible one, because Plan A was never required to land where you first mapped it. Through COVID, a cancer diagnosis, and a bone-marrow transplant she now calls a rebirth, Patrice kept asking what each detour was teaching her and never stopped writing, landing sync placements on Netflix, HBO Max, and The Voice along the way.

Want to break into sync licensing yourself? Get resourceful and bullheaded: take a class, build multiple streams of revenue, and gamify the grind: how many gigs can you find, how many music supervisors can you email? Every musician is an entrepreneur, and the numbers game rewards whoever keeps opening doors.

Then Patrice gets practical, because gigging musicians are athletes. You get her playbook for protecting your voice across three-set nights: a real warmup, scale work, stretching, smart placement that pulls the sound out of your throat and into the mask, and the vocal rest you keep skipping. From there comes the band conversation nobody wants to have: in-ear monitors and the whole mix exist to serve the lead vocalist, so drop the ego and decide together what you actually want your band to sound like. Build a backup bench while you’re at it, because life happens and roles need filling. Patrice stepped back from the stage but never stopped creating, and that’s the whole point: keep writing, keep adapting, and Always Be Performing.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 540 – Monday, June 29th, 2026
  • June 29th: National Waffle Iron Day
  • Guest co-hosts: Patrice Peris
• 00:02:36 Live has given me things in waves that weren’t what I wanted
  • Welcoming the unexpected
• 00:05:20 “What’s your Plan B?” Is a terrible question
  • And Plan A doesn’t have to go where you planned
• 00:07:55 COVID and Cancer…all a journey
• 00:09:10 Perspective… always be asking: what is this teaching me?
• 00:10:43 Always writing
• 00:11:40 How do you get started writing for sync?
  • A nod to bullheaded persistence
• 00:15:10 Starting a Sync Business
  • Always have multiple streams of revenue
  • Take a class (or two)
• 00:19:44 Being resourceful is the key to bullheaded persistence
  • Gamify it all!
  • How many gigs can I find?
  • How many people can I email?
• 00:22:57 Learn to be strategic and mindful
  • Anytime you’re climbing the ladder, failure is inevitable
  • Invest energy into the creative realm and also into the business realm
• 00:25:54 “No Plan” isn’t a plan
  • Listen to your inner 16 year old…sometimes!
• 00:29:47 Coaching people to let go of the hat
  • The 80% Rule
• 00:35:20 Growing your music business
• 00:35:38 Vocal blowout
  • Learn to Sing Like the Pro’s with Patrice Peris Voice Studios
  • Gigging musicians are athletes
  • Good warmup
  • Scale work
  • Physically stretching
  • Take some vocal rest
• 00:41:00 Listening for Placement
  • Where is the voice going?
• 00:42:31 In Ear Monitors can make a big difference
  • Bands need to understand the sound has to serve the lead vocalist
• 00:44:42 What do we want our band to sound like to people listening?
  • Bands need to come together as a group
  • Communicate and decide upon the goal for what the BAND is going to sound like
• 00:49:38 Get two of everything
• 00:50:56 Gig Gab 540 Outtro
  • Follow Patrice Peris
    • Patrice Peris Voice Studios
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Patrice Peris on Sync, Survival, and Why You Don’t Need a Backup Plan – Gig Gab 540 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

This week you start things off digging into the craft that separates good gigs from great ones. You’ll get the playbook for prepping and surviving sub gigs, learn (again!) why a splitter snake earns its place in your rig, and sort through the real options when you need a mic mute switch that actually works. Then you wrestle with a question every working band faces today: are fan-posted videos helping your brand or hurting it? It’s the kind of practical, in-the-trenches breakdown that reminds you to Always Be Performing, whether the camera’s rolling or not.

Then guest co-host Jesus Hernandez joins, and you trace his path from a Portastudio kid to the engineer bands trust with their sound, along with the philosophy he’s built along the way: you’re serving people’s ears, and the console is your instrument. You’ll hear why you should ask a band what they want to sound like before you touch a fader, why learning to mix yourself turns your engineer into a producer, and how routing a digital mixer keeps everything simple when the power flickers. He shares the gear that’s earned his trust, hard-won war stories from the road, his time subbing as a bass player in Nashville, and life on tour with a Phil Collins and Genesis tribute. By the end you’ll be listening to your own gigs with sharper ears and a hungrier inner critic.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 539 – Monday, June 22nd, 2026
  • June 22nd: National Chocolate Éclair Day
  • Guest co-host: Jesus Hernandez
• 00:01:32 Prepping for and playing Sub Gigs
  • Ultimate-Guitar’s Pro Charts…now with lyrics!
• 00:04:25 The benefits of splitter snake
• Listener Questions
  • 00:09:55 Mark-What’s the best MD Mic Switch?
    • D’Addario Mic Mute Infrared Mic Sensor
    • Optogate
    • Radial HotShot DM-1 or HotShot MD
    • LILYP4D Mic Mute
• 00:20:25 Mark-Are fan-posted videos good or bad?
• 00:24:36 SPONSOR: OneSkin. Get 15% off OneSkin with the code GIGGAB at https://www.oneskin.co/GIGGAB #oneskinpod
• 00:26:54 Guest Co-host: Jesus Hernandez
• 00:28:20 Lady and the Tramp Start taught him to record multi-track
  • Then the Portastudio
  • Tascam Multitrack Recorder
  • Jesus became the go-to guy for recording bands and fixing sounds
• 00:34:27 A2 at a local theater
  • Then the A1 went on vacation, and Jesus became the A1
• 00:35:38 Then a jazz club
  • Sound reinforcement at the most basic level
  • Ultimately what you’re trying to serve is people’s ears.
  • Use your eyes to serve that purpose.
• 00:37:38 Recording was rough at first, but you learn!
  • Making recordings with a live performance in mind
  • Let it Be…Naked
• 00:41:24 Ask the band: what do you guys want to sound like on the recording?
  • “Take a picture of the band, then paint on top of it!”
• 00:32:36 For live sound: how do you find out what the band sounds like?
  • Before arriving: listen to the band’s records (or the band they’re covering)
• 00:47:26 When doing sound, consider yourself a band member
  • “Playing the console” – The mixer is an instrument
  • I’m controlling the arrangement
• 00:48:50 Singing the praises of bands that can set levels on stage
• 00:49:20 A band whose levels are ALL over the place
  • So bad the band was sent home after the first set.
  • You have to be your hardest critic
• 00:53:25 Learn to mix yourself, then your engineer can go from problem-solver to producer!
• 00:55:26 “If the power goes out at the mixer, you’ll still sound good”
  • Fixing it at the source
  • The night the power-flickered and factory reset the mixer!
  • PreSonus StudioLive
• 01:00:19 Keeping it as simple as possible
  • Soft-patching, routing, matrixes, oh my!
  • Learn how to route a digital mixer
• 01:06:39 The downsides of strictly analog
  • But you learn how to ring out frequencies
  • Fix low-end feedback by popping in/out the polarity button
  • Rick Carmona (From “No Peace At All”), the engineer who mentored Jesus
  • Every business is in the customer service
  • Davis Thurston on Gig Gab
  • The engineer has multiple customers: the band, the audience, and the staff at the venue
• 01:13:38 Bands vs. Reunion Gigs
• 01:18:25 Bringing an analog mixer…and no snake!
• 01:24:50 Soca Music
• 01:26:00 Time for some war stories
• 01:31:46 Subbing in Nashville as a bass player
• 01:08:21 On the road with Face Value, Phil Collins & Genesis Tribute Band
• 01:37:24 Jesus Hernandez Home Studio
• 01:38:23 Gig Gab 539 Outtro
  • • Follow Jesus Hernandez
    • IG: @jesusandthecomplaintdepartment
    • Jesus is my Sound Guy
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Sub Gigs, Mic Mutes & the Art of Mixing Live with Jesus Hernandez – Gig Gab 539 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Three Rush fans — a father, a son, and Spartacus — walk into a podcast. There’s no punchline, just the tape rolling on a conversation that was going to happen anyway, and you get to be the fly on the wall. Two of them just flew home from LA, where they stood in the room and watched Rush kick off the tour nobody was sure would ever come. The third has been taking it all in from a distance, which is its own peculiar thing when you once mixed front of house for the band for years. You’ll get the origin stories — a kite-flying contest in early-seventies St. Louis, an R40 playlist that turned a kid into a lifer — plus enough on the drummer question (yes, Anika Nilles) and show-count stats to earn the Rush-nerd badge none of them will quite cop to.

Then it gets real. This is a band that fans and insiders alike once quietly accepted was finished, now back out there proving otherwise, and that turns the talk toward something bigger than setlists. You get to do this. Whether it’s thousands of people or a Tuesday night for a dozen, that gratitude is the whole game — the reason to Always Be Performing no matter how rough the bus ride was. Stick around for a ten-year-old’s perfectly timed gut check that still lands two decades later. Press play, and join Lucas Hamilton, Robert Scovill, and Dave Hamilton for a tour through the opening of Rush’s comeback — from inside the room, and from afar.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 538 – Monday, June 15th, 2026
  • June 15th: British Beer Day
  • Guest co-hosts: Lucas Hamilton and Robert Scovill
• 00:02:46 Rush Stats
  • All three co-hosts have seen Rush live with 2 drummers
  • Lucas and Anika are tied for Rush shows… as of this recording
• 00:04:39 Robert Scovill was living in St. Louis when he saw Rush with Rutsey
  • KC Kite Flying Contest
• 00:07:31 Lucas’s Rush origin story
• 00:08:31 About that whole live concert sound thing
  • Spoiler: Rush always sounded good
• 00:11:02 Favorite Rush heirlooms
• 00:13:55 I want a Red Barchetta for my midlife crisis
  • Rush 2026 Tour started with 12 dates
• 00:16:02 That opening song, that opening night
  • Rick Beato’s Breakdown of Xanadu
• 00:23:40 Anika Nilles’ dropped stick recovery
  • Getting the first mistake out of the way moments into the first song of Rush’s 2026 Reunion tour
• 00:27:21 Time Stand Still for those emotional moments
• 00:33:11 Lights and video for 2112 – in the cave!
• 00:34:00 Singing 2112: Presentation at the tops of our lungs
• 00:38:50 Moving Pictures to open night 3 set 2
• 00:40:13 Loren Gold’s keys and vocal harmonies
  • And Geddy Lee’s voice, too!
• 00:44:29 The composition of YYZ
  • Alex Lifeson is the most underrated guitarist in rock and roll
• 00:45:48 Anika Nilles is just a star
• 00:49:25 Anika grooving during A Passage to Bangkok
• 00:52:22 The physicality of playing Rush music
  • The wisdom of days off in between shows for the entire Rush Fifty Something tour
• 00:57:41 You know what we get to do today? We get to go play music in front of thousands of people!
  • This is the best job on earth
• 01:01:23 Who is Spartacus?
• 01:03:33 Gig Gab 538 Outtro
  • Follow Lucas Hamilton
    • On Instagram
  • Follow Robert Scovill
    • On Facebook
    • On Instagram
    • On LinkedIn
    • RobertScovill.com (where you’ll find The Back Lounge)
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Three Rush Fans and Rush’s 2026 Comeback Tour: From the Room and From Afar – Gig Gab 538 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

This week on Gig Gab, Dave Hamilton sits down with guest co-host Rand Lempert of the Broken Rings, a two-piece recording project built on 15 years of musical kinship between Rand and guitarist Gio da Silva. You’ll hear how these two have crafted an intentional, travel-fueled recording process across cities, cutting live instruments and vocals together, passing files between New Orleans, Tampa, and now Denver, and why that friction and urgency is exactly the point. Rand makes a compelling case for keeping things analog as long as possible: real amps, minimal pedals, old-school mic placements like a modified Glyn Johns setup, and the conviction that nothing replaces the feeling of having a human being in the room when the tape (or hard drive) is rolling.

The conversation ranges wide, from Rand’s vivid 9/11 tour story, stranded in St. John’s Newfoundland on one of the last planes to land before U.S. airspace shut down, to a deep dive into the art of the perfect pop song, with nominations for Tempted by Squeeze, Big Star’s Thirteen, Bryan Adams’ Cuts Like a Knife, and Fastball’s Out of My Head. Whether you’re a working drummer obsessing over beat placement, a songwriter who only writes when the muse actually shows up, or a road veteran who knows that idle days on tour are far worse than grueling ones, this episode has your number. Get out there, stay curious, and Always Be Performing.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 537 – Monday, June 8th, 2026
  • June 8th: Name Your Poison Day
  • Guest co-host: Rand Lempert
• 00:01:38 The Broken Rings are a 2-man band
  • Drums, guitar, vocals all handled by Rand Lempert and Gio da Silva, his bandmate
  • They consider themselves musical kin: They agree on 95% of all music
  • Met in Houston, played in bands, then moved to different corners of the USA
• 00:04:48 Songwriting duo starts with a long distance relationship
  • Lutefish Stream
• 00:07:03 Recording remotely doesn’t have the muse of travel
  • So many different avenues to approach recording
  • Finding a way to record with technology in a less sterile way
• 00:15:08 Preserving analog recording to digital “tape”
• 00:17:07 The process of recording drums
  • Don’t mess up the end of the track!
• 00:21:14 Country music
• 00:23:25 Drummer kinship: Tris Imboden saves the day!
  • Learning by visual
• 00:31:41 SPONSOR: Claude.ai – Ready to tackle bigger problems? Sign up for Claude today, which includes access to Claude Cowork, too, when you visit https://Claude.ai/giggab
• 00:33:37 Surviving the road
• 00:34:45 Road story: hanging out in St. John’s Newfoundland for 5 days
  • Sonny James and the Centers in Europe in 2001
  • “There’s nothing wrong with this airplane, but this plane is being diverted because of terrorist attacks in the United States.”
  • Canadian authorities: “What do we do with these people? Bring them to a hockey arena!”
  • Memorial University of Newfoundland
• 00:44:35 Opening up for Bo Diddley in 2004
  • In Beaumont, Texas
  • Touring is a lot of driving, and you’re doing the driving
  • It’s a lot of lugging equipment, and you’re doing the lugging
  • You get a hotel room…for the entire band!
• 00:48:55 When touring, days off are worse than the grueling days on
• 00:51:02 It’s important to travel
  • Touring is the way to do that for a lot of us musicians
• 00:51:25 Making touring maps as a kid is a good sign Rand needed to do this as a career
• 00:52:50 First concerts, sound nerding, and getting lost in the music for the first time
  • Rand got lost at four years old!
  • Nerd out about sound and recording
  • First concerts!
    • Weather Report for Dave
    • Air Supply for Rand
• 00:58:05 The Best pop songs
  • Gravitating towards the hook!
  • Cuts Like a Knife – Bryan Adams
  • Tempted – Squeeze
  • Thirteen – Big Star
  • Out of My Head – Fastball
  • One Headlight – Wallflowers
  • No Matter What – Badfinger
• 01:12:22 Gig Gab 537 Outtro
  • Follow Rand Lempert
    • The Broken Rings
    • Sick in the city – The Broken Rings
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Road Stories, Recording Secrets, and the Perfect Pop Song – Gig Gab 537 with Rand Lempert from The Broken Rings appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

This week Stu Dias joins Dave from a slightly different corner of Durham, New Hampshire, and after a quick detour through barefoot drumming, sweaty-hand fixes, and oversized triangle guitar picks, the conversation locks onto the question every working musician is wrestling with right now: what does AI mean for music? You’ll hear why Dave reframes it as Assistive Intelligence (and the best procrastination-killer and writer’s-block-buster going) even as you stare down the harder stuff: Suno-generated tracks, Jack Tempchin’s AI-assisted album, and the ouroboros of machines learning from the music we make. Should AI art be labeled? What happens when it conjures someone’s likeness? And does any of it move you the way a human in a room can?

That last question is the heartbeat of the episode. Dave and Stu weigh AI music against the cover-band hustle, remember what COVID lockdowns taught us about humans craving real humans together, and get honest about whose jobs are actually on the line and where AI mixing fits in your workflow. The kicker for every gigging musician: if the machines are going to use your voice and your playing, take a long-term cut of the sales. It’s a sharp, funny, occasionally unsettling look at the line between tool and threat…and a reminder that however the tech shakes out, you Always Be Performing. Hit play for the full conversation.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 536 – Monday, June 1st, 2026
  • May 25th: National Barefoot Day
  • Guest co-host: Stu Dias
• 00:00:56 Playing drums barefoot
• 00:02:34 Iontophoresis for sweaty feet and hands
• 00:05:05 We all have our own thing for ourselves
  • Large guitar picks for Stu. Equilateral triangles!
• 00:07:03 AI and Music
• 00:12:40 AI is the best procrastination eliminator
  • It helps with writer’s block
  • AI Based Plugins and Compressors are fantastic
  • For Dave, AI is Assistive Intelligence
• 00:13:59 AI Generated music like Suno
• 00:18:22 Should AI-generated art be labeled as such?
• 00:22:58 What about if AI generates the likeness of someone?
  • De-Feedback on Gig Gab
• 00:24:53 Ouroborotic
• 00:27:31 Using AI to create music
  • Business Brain theme music
  • Jack Tempchin’s AI-assisted album
  • Beck’s Song Reader
  • Creating walk-on music for your band
    • Bowling For Soup’s (non-AI-created) walk-on music for live shows
• 00:40:47 Comparing Human-Created Music vs. AI-Created music
• 00:45:11 AI Music vs. Cover Music
• 00:47:58 COVID Lockdowns taught us that we like to bring humans together
• 00:55:37 What’s AI going to make Dave say?
• 01:03:08 Jobs on the line
  • Elvis impersonators and sax players from rock songs in the 80’s
• 01:05:42 AI Mixing
  • Davis Thurston on Gig Gab
• 01:13:04 Do we have to
  • Take a long-term cut of the sales, folks!
• 01:18:06 Gig Gab 536 Outtro
  • Follow Stu Dias
    • Diaspora-Radio.com
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post AI and Music for Working Musicians: Tool, Threat, or Bandmate? – Gig Gab 536 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Ride shotgun with Dave as he records GigGab on the drive home from a Casual Gravity gig, finally living out the show’s original mission. You’ll hear why packing your own mixer saves the night when the venue only wants a single feed from the band, what it’s like when an in-ear band plays its first fully sober gig, and why counting songs in to a click track changes everything once adrenaline stops driving your tempo.

Then dig into relearning vocal harmonies for the Underground Band: using the Moises app to isolate vocals, pulling sheet music, and plunking out intervals on piano to lock stacks into your ear. Buddy Gibbons sparks a drumming debate on single strokes versus marching-style sticking through the Foreplay/Long Time triplets, and Dave gets honest about throat fatigue, Lyme disease aftermath, dust mite allergies, and the sublingual immunotherapy bringing his voice back. Listen to your body, learn the parts, and Always Be Performing.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 535 – Monday, May 25th, 2026
  • May 25th: National Tap Dance Day
• 00:00:10 Driving Home Experiment
• 00:01:42 Casino Gig Setup
• 00:06:38 Sober Show, Strong Set
• 00:08:19 Relearning Vocal Harmonies
• 00:18:15 Drumming Through Both Hands
• 00:21:47 Insurance And Smoke-Filled Gigs
• 00:26:42 Throat Troubles And Recovery
• Stuff Mentioned:
  • Mackie DL32S
  • Moises
  • I Love a Piano
  • MusicPro Equipment Insurance
• 00:31:24 Gig Gab 535 Outtro
• Contact Gig Gab!
  • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
  • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
  • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Loaded Out, Rolling Home, Rolling Tape – Gig Gab 535 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

OG co-host Paul Kent rejoins Dave Hamilton to talk about how The Houserockers have stayed booked into their 27th year, and what your band can steal from their playbook. You’ll dig into the social media reality of 2026 (Reels are currently king), why your mailing list is the asset you actually own, and how to grow to 10,000 followers without losing your soul. Paul makes the case that if you want gigs, your band has to be a business, which means alignment on mission, passion, and musical style with the partners or employees standing next to you on stage. There’s nothing wrong with playing for fun, but go in eyes wide open about what you’re chasing.

From there you’ll dive into the value of scarcity, Kevin Kelly’s thousand true fans, and why mixing up your setlists is one way to keep audiences coming back. Paul breaks down the current Houserockers formula (civic concert series, experiential marketing, and ticketed off-season events) and why aging-up audiences mean you have to market harder and talk to fans like Springsteen does: a lifetime conversation, all with individuals. You’ll also get the real talk on finding bandmates (Craigslist included), the Gig Gab bookable-band checklist, and Paul’s (joking?) pitch for two new show segments. Whatever your lane, Always Be Performing, and start treating every touchpoint like the gig it is.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 534 – Monday, May 18th, 2026
  • May 18th: National Visit Your Relatives Day
• 00:01:27 Guest co-host: Paul Kent
  • The Houserockers in their 27th year!
• 00:04:21 Did someone call you an old man?!?
• 00:08:46 The Gig Gab social media approach
• 00:10:29 Your band can get 10,000 followers
  • Reels are it…today.
• 00:13:37 Gain a mailing list
• 00:16:41 It’s about the music business.
  • Is your band willing to be in business?
• 00:19:00 There’s nothing wrong with doing what you want to do.
  • Just go in eyes wide open.
• 00:20:49 Getting alignment within your band. You now have business partners or employees
  • Be aligned with mission, passion, style of music … the alchemy of it.
• 00:26:48 The value of scarcity
  • Does success equal quantity of gigs?
  • Some people want to play five times per month
• 00:30:43 Finding Your Thousand True Fans
• 00:32:05 Mixing up your setlists is another way to keep people coming back
• 00:36:00 Marketing 101 – you have to have something to say
  • Hopefully unique!
  • And then deliver.
• 00:37:13 The Houserockers formula for today
  • Civic Concert Series
  • Experiential Marketing
  • Ticketed Events in the off-season
• 00:39:13 Use your mailing list!
• 00:41:28 Ticketed events required more marketing this year
  • Audiences are aging up
• 00:43:04 How do you talk to your audience?
  • Springsteen: my career is a lifetime conversation with my audience
  • It’s about you, your personality, and each individual audience member
• 00:50:11 Finding band members is an imperfect science
  • Craigslist lets you find who is available THEN.
  • The Gig Gab Band checklist
• 00:56:41 Paul’s show ideas for Dave
  • Dave reads mean comments
  • Dave reads band ads from Craigslist, et al
• 00:59:47 Gig Gab 534 Outtro
  • Follow Paul Kent
    • SVHouserockers.com
    • Facebook Houserockers
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post What’s Your Band’s Definition of Success? — Gig Gab 534 with Paul Kent appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Guest co-host Mike Schulte joins Dave with 15 years of Pork Tornadoes social media wisdom, and the message is blunt: relentless consistency wins. You literally can’t post too much in 2026—nobody sees everything anymore, so repost that same flyer as a fresh post (not a share) and keep going. Give it 45 days before you judge results. Why invest? More fans mean more bodies at the gig, plus the social proof that signals to newcomers that other people already love you. And remember—you’re not competing with other bands, you’re competing with people’s couches.

From there, Dave and Mike dig into the live-show craft. Build a sound check formula so it stops being a nightmare, then cook up a Suno-generated theme song to walk on to—Always Be Performing means the show starts before the first chord lands. Treat your setlist like art: the opener’s a throwaway, but song three is the most important slot of the night. Then think about your saturation—the Pork Tornadoes cap themselves at two ticketed gigs per year inside a 30-mile radius, and the minute they got scarce, their pay jumped tenfold. Simple, not easy.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 533 – Monday, May 11th, 2026
  • May 11th: National Eat What You Want Day (also Hostess CupCake Day!)
  • Guest co-host: Mike Schulte
• 00:01:10 Did you ever watch Night Court
  • Dave reminds Mike of Harry
  • Confused Breakfast
  • Shows that were so far ahead of their time:
    • All In The Family
    • Roseanne
• 00:05:06 Managing your band’s social media
  • Relentless Consistency is the key (right now).
  • “You can never post too much” – Mike Schulte, May 11, 2026
  • Mike has been running social media for Pork Tornadoes for 15 years
  • Everyone doesn’t see every post (anymore)
  • It’s money-driven
  • Repost the same thing, the same flyer, the same idea (as a new post, not a “share”)
• 00:09:49 Getting “started” on social media in 2026
  • I tried to follow your model and nothing changed. In two weeks.
  • You’ve gotta spend a month or more (Dave says 45 days)
• 00:14:05 What’s the benefit of investing in social media
  • The more fans you have, there WILL be more people who come to your events
  • Also: social proof. Showing people that other people like you.
• 00:18:55 Social Proof + Bullheaded Persistence = Success.
• 00:22:00 People don’t go out like they used to
  • You’re not competing with other bands, you’re competing with people’s couches
• 00:24:39 A band retreat!
  • If 2020 hadn’t happened, Pork Tornadoes would’ve probably gone full time
• 00:26:04 SPONSOR: Claude.ai – Ready to tackle bigger problems? Sign up for Claude today, which includes access to Claude Cowork, too, when you visit https://Claude.ai/giggab
• 00:27:42 Recent Gig(s) Gab
  • Boston Cream Band at Seacoast Repertory Theater
  • Pork Tornadoes is a 2-hours straight-thru band
• 00:34:19 Orchestrate your sound check
  • Sound check used to be a nightmare, until we created a formula
• 00:38:27 Create a musical lead-in for your show
  • For the wranglers in the Gig Gab audience
  • Use Suno to create a theme song for your band
• 00:42:57 Writing a setlist is an art
  • Your first song is a throwaway
  • The third song is the FIRST most important song in the set (according to Dave)
  • Develop business-like rituals for your band
• 00:48:32 What’s Your Band’s Saturation?
  • Self-imposed proximity clauses
  • Pork Tornadoes Proximity Clause: No more than 2 ticketed events in a 30-mile radius per year
  • Plus one free-to-the-public festival gig to pull people in
  • To the venues who don’t have proximity clauses: why do you not?
  • The minute we started getting scarce, was the minute our pay increased 10-fold
• 01:00:12 The Pork Tornadoes formula: simple, not easy.
  • Gig Gab 532 Outtro
    • Follow Mike Schulte
    • Confused Breakfast
    • The Pork Tornadoes
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Relentless Consistency and the Scarcity Premium with Mike Schulte from The Pork Tornadoes – Gig Gab 533 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Ready to make the leap from wedges to in-ear monitors? Or finally get the stage mix you’ve always wanted? Dave Hamilton welcomes back monitor engineer Paul Klimson, the man who mixed 32 stereo IEM feeds for Justin Timberlake, for a working musician’s deep dive on monitor world. You’ll learn how to build a default mix from scratch (start yourself at 0dB, your instrument at -5, everything else at -15), why drummers have an easier transition to in-ears than most assume, and how a split snake lets you take care of yourself when the gig demands it. Paul digs into hi-hat pitfalls, drum overheads as stage wash, and why bands who mix themselves on stage make life better for their FOH engineer, too.

Then it gets practical. Paul walks you through IEM fittings (pain is always bad, the seal is everything, and yes, drop an AirTag in your case) plus the universal-versus-custom decision, vetting vendor customer service before you buy, and the repair costs nobody talks about until they need to. You’ll get honest talkback etiquette (keep the drama off-stage, give everyone a voice, remember that your monitor engineer is a short-order cook), the post-mortem habit every band should adopt, and a peek at SoulSeed.tv. Wherever you sit on stage, this is the episode that sharpens how you Always Be Performing.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 532 – Monday, May 4th, 2026
  • May 4th: Dave Brubeck Day
  • Guest co-host: Paul Klimson
• 00:03:24 Start with headphones in your practice space
  • Start with earplugs
• 00:05:09 Drums are a dynamic instrument, which may be why drummers have an easy transition to IEMs (usually)
• 00:08:33 What do you want in your wedge?
  • What’s your reference?
• 00:09:11 The artist/engineer relationship
• 00:11:03 Building a default mix
  • Start yourself at 0dB
  • Instrument at -5dB
  • Everything else at -15dB
• 00:12:58 Using a Split Snake
  • When possible, take care of yourself
• 00:14:47 Timing of a mix
  • Don’t forget about hi-hats
  • Work with your engineer to dial-in your own mix
• 00:19:18 Drum overheads for stage wash effect
• 00:22:21 In-ears help you listen better
  • Bands who mix themselves on stage makes your ears AND the FOH engineers job ears
• 00:23:54 Learn where you and your instrument fit into the mix of your band
  • And change it if you don’t fit. You’re not the most important thing!
• 00:26:40 What’s going to make you stand out when someone comes to see you at clubs of any size?
  • Do you hear the lyrics?
  • Do you hear the intent of the story of the song?
  • Watch your instagram videos and evaluate honestly
• 00:30:28 Knowing when the studio mix is done.
• 00:33:27 Fittings for IEMs
  • Things to look for:
    • Pain is bad
  • Is the seal functioning correctly?
    • Listen for sound leakage (including when you open your mouth and move around)
    • Are the ports aimed down the canal wrong
    • Do you hear high-end better when you rock the mold around?
• 00:37:36 Put an AirTag in your IEM case!
• 00:39:28 Figuring out which model to order
  • Try universal fits first to learn the musical qualities
• 00:41:16 Test the customer service of vendors before you choose
• 00:42:55 The origin of IEMs
• 00:44:44 Find out repair costs
  • Comply Foam Strips
• 00:48:20 Talkback Use
  • Keep the drama off-stage
  • Give everyone a voice
  • Monitor engineers are like short-order cooks… be kind!
• 00:58:23 Always post-mortem the problems from the gig
  • And also “what happens if?” conversations
• 01:03:22 Soulseed.TV
• 01:06:05 Gig Gab 532 Outtro
  • Follow Paul Klimson
    • SoulSeed.tv
    • @TheRoadieClinic
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post From Wedges to In-Ears: A Monitor Engineer’s Playbook with Paul Klimson – Gig Gab 532 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

You trace Dan Chantrey’s path from drummer dad influence to choosing music over football, and quickly see the real lesson: the game has flipped. You’re no longer playing gigs to sell music, you’re using music to sell gigs. From record deals fading to booking agents becoming the new gatekeepers, you learn why every band feels like it’s on the brink and how surviving means thinking beyond the stage. GIGNITE emerges as the modern answer, a virtual tour manager that helps you route tours, analyze audiences, and break into new markets with data instead of guesswork. If you want to grow, you stop hoping for “yes” and start building a system that makes it inevitable.

You rethink what it means to be a working musician: your brand matters as much as your chops, your off-stage work is where the money lives, and yes, it’s okay to get paid for your art. From finding sponsors in your local pizza joint to solving real-world problems like parking the van and booking rooms, you’re shown how to remove friction and scale your gig life intelligently. The stories drive it home: don’t punish the audience that showed up, audition gigs still sting, and your toughest hometown show might teach you the most. The throughline is clear: treat this like a business, leverage the tools, and Always Be Performing.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 531 – Monday, April 27th, 2026
  • April 27th: Morse Code Day
  • Guest co-host: Dan Chantrey from GIGNITE
• 00:03:36 Dan’s Dad was a drummer and a singer, started him off, then Dan started playing
• 00:03:58 Playing live vs. Playing in the studio
• 00:04:15 Choosing between (American) football and music
• 00:06:09 Getting signed to Frontier Records
  • Things worked for a while
  • “Every band is on the verge of breaking up at all times”
• 00:09:06 Things have turned: you used to do gigs to sell your music, now you do music to sell your gigs
  • GIGNITE is a one-stop shop for artists to be able to tour
  • Had an events business running pre-COVID
  • BREXIT happened, so how can we make things easier to get artists move about through Europe
• 00:12:38 Booking agent deals are the new record deal
• 00:14:49 Tried to book a festival, booking agents said “no” even though bands said “yes”
• 00:16:00 GIGNITE is your virtual tour manager
• 00:17:10 Aggregating Audience Analytics is part of the platform, too
• 00:18:56 Heading to NAMM to learn what potential customers want
  • NAMM is the meeting place of the music industry
• 00:20:33 Analytics aggregation for tribute acts and cover bands, too
  • Does Dave’s fictitious band sound like Rage Against The Machine? Why not!
  • Using analytics to decide which markets
• 00:22:55 GIGNITE is free for artists to join and use
  • Freemium model allows artists to add additional features like press releases and such
  • Primary monetization is from suppliers (aka venues)
  • Venue ratings system!
• 00:24:22 Gig Unite links artists with sponsors
  • Linking headline bands with opening acts (local and otherwise)
  • Find sponsors for your local bands, folks:
    • Pizza place
    • Construction companies
    • Cleaning services
    • Chiropractor
  • It might be easier to get sponsors for your band than gigs for it!
• 32:31 SPONSOR: Gusto. Get three months free when you run your first payroll when you start at https://gusto.com/giggab
• 00:33:57 GIGNITE takes the heavy lifting and headaches away
  • Gives your band the power to look at and consider tours
  • “How do you get a gig in a town that’s 200 miles away?”
  • You can do it yourself, you can get a booking agent, or you can use a service like GIGNITE
• 00:36:00 It’s called the music BUSINESS for a reason
  • The brand of your band is as important as your stagecraft
• 00:40:49 I don’t get paid to play shows, I get paid to do all the off-stage stuff
  • Dave says: “It’s OK to get paid for our art”
• 00:43:41 Where are you going to park your van while you play?
  • Where are you going to stay?
  • GIGNITE answers these questions
• 00:47:44 Now it’s Gig Gab time
  • Road stories, folks!
  • Parthenon Huxley: Don’t punish the people who showed up!
  • Audition Gigs… love ‘em and hate ‘em!
    • (mostly hate ‘em!)
• 00:54:36 The hardest gig I ever played
  • “We want to see you in your home town.”
• 00:58:00 Gig Gab 531 Outtro
  • Follow Dan Chantrey
    • GIGNITE.live
    • Facebook & Instagram
    • Dan_chantrey
    • Dan Chan Show on Rock Rage Radio
    • Dan Chan Show on YouTube
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Stop Guessing, Start Growing: Fix Your Band’s Biggest Pain Points – Gig Gab 531 with Dan Chantrey appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Step inside five decades of rock history with lighting legend Howard Ungerleider, the man who’s been designing and directing Rush’s light shows since 1974. Hear how a $75-a-week mailroom gig at American Talent International — where he pulled off a rogue booking of Fleetwood Mac before he was even an agent — turned into a lifetime behind the console. Get the story of Howard landing in Toronto to babysit “a club band called Rush,” sleeping on the floor at the manager’s house with a St. Bernard, freezing his hand to a car door at -40 in Cochrane, Ontario, and later jamming with Neil Peart at his house to Genesis and Supertramp records. Howard also talks designing Roll The Bones (the one Rush tour he couldn’t operate), embedding at See Factor to build custom gear nobody else could get, and how Blue Öyster Cult first put him in front of a laser: the same craft he now brings to Foo Fighters, Tool, and Janet Jackson.

Then the conversation turns to the upcoming Rush Fifty Something tour — a four-piece now with Anika Nilles on drums and Loren Gold on keys, freeing Geddy to focus on bass and vocals. Learn why Howard still “plays” the lighting console live with two boards and thousands of touch cues, how robotic spots are quietly changing the craft, and why he and Phish’s Chris Kuroda will be swapping rigs at Madison Square Garden. You’ll also hear the Paul McCartney moment in the Taylor Hawkins tribute dressing room that may have sparked the whole tour, and why Howard insists this is a rejuvenation, a celebration, and proof that no matter the rig, the room, or the era, you’ve gotta ALWAYS BE PERFORMING.

Because it’s what we do.

Press play and enjoy, folks.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 530 – Monday, April 20th, 2026
  • April 20th: Pizza Delivery Driver Appreciation Day
  • Guest co-host: Howard Ungerleider
• 00:02:18 Walked into a NYC office to get a recording contract for his band
  • “You need to learn about this industry before you come knocking on people’s doors.”
  • Introduced him to Action Talent (which became American Talent International)
• 00:06:21 For $75/week delivering coffee and working in the mailroom
  • After a year and a half he got booted from Monmouth University, then became the ATI gopher
• 00:08:17 Hey, do you want Fleetwood Mac to play here?
• 00:11:44 Booking agent
• 00:13:17 Can you fill in for a week as Blue Oyster Cult’s tour
• 00:14:51 Howard and Rush were surprised to have Howard working there
  • “I need ten grand” – “no, you can sleep on the floor instead”
• 00:18:11 Howard had to show Geddy that New York pizza was better than Toronto pizza
• 00:19:01 Howard learns about Canadian cold
  • Howard’s driving, Geddy’s riding shotgun, Neil’s reading, Alex is smoking a joint
• 00:20:42 Geddy says, “get out and take a breath of fresh air”
• 00:22:05 John Rutsey had opted out of touring, Howard moves to Toronto while they’re auditioning drummers
  • “Eventually Neil [Peart] walked in…and that was it.”
• 00:23:32 Howard and Neil used to jam at Neil’s house
  • Genesis and Supertramp
• 00:24:19 Road life’s not so bad
  • 200 gigs a year on the road
• 00:26:09 Rush took a break, Howard did Queensryche and Tesla
  • Howard designed Roll The Bones, but it’s the only tour he couldn’t operate
• 00:27:51 Howard tour-managed and lighting designed and operated every tour up through Presto, after which he dropped tour-managing
• 00:28:41 Dave realizes he met Howard on the Presto tour
• 00:31:43 Don’t put up with crap
• 00:32:03 Howard’s been doing Rush’s lights since 1974
• 00:33:05 Moving from clubs and theaters to arenas
  • Howard embedded himself into See Factor, the lighting company.
  • Lots of custom gear
• 00:34:54 SPONSOR: Warby Parker – Right now, buy one prescription pair and get 20% off any additional prescription pairs at https://WarbyParker.com/GIGGAB
• 00:36:40 SPONSOR: Claude.ai – Ready to tackle bigger problems? Sign up for Claude today, which includes access to Claude Cowork, too, when you visit https://Claude.ai/giggab
• 00:38:10 Howard first saw lasers with Blue Oyster Cult
  • Dr. David Infante, Blue Oyster Cult’s laser operator
  • Howard’s lasers on on the road with Foo Fighters, Tool, Janet Jackson and more
• 00:40:37 RUSH Fifty Something
  • Something completely different than Howard has ever done
  • Other dimensions
• 00:42:04 Mixing the Juno awards
  • Howard says Neil would approve of Anika.
• 00:44:51 Hey Howard, surprise! RUSH is going to tour again
• 00:47:03 Howard did lights for RUSH at Taylor Hawkins tribute
• 00:48:46 Howard prefers mixing live
  • He “plays” the lighting console live
  • Remote spot locations
• 00:52:07 RUSH Fifty Something… it’s band of FOUR.
  • Geddy is happy… playing less keyboards, more bass and vocal focus
• 00:54:42 Howard: “I create lighting choreography”
  • This tour is (currently) 2.5 hours (things can change, folks!)
  • “I try to enhance the show with lighting that can trigger your emotions. I approach it as an audience member.”
  • Loren Gold’s harmonies sound great
• 00:58:28 Phish and Rush alternating at Madison Square Garden
  • Chris Kuroda also mixes lights live
• 01:00:45 Howard’s going to 85 dates
  • We’re here to create positivity, have a good time…and Neil Peart is smiling down
• 01:05:25 Brian Worthen on FOH
• 01:08:30 Gig Gab 530 Outtro https://giggabpodcast.com/
  • Follow Howard Ungerleider
    • Facebook
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post 50 Years of Rush: Howard Ungerleider on Lighting the Lighted Stage – Gig Gab 530 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

You don’t need a traditional path to build a thriving music career! Just ask Cliff and Susan Prowse, who turned classical piano chops and play-by-ear instincts into a full-blown lifestyle business. Whether you learned to read music first or figured out theory after the fact, what matters is training your ear to hear intervals, stacking up reps, and putting in the practice until harmony feels like second nature. Use your DAW to sharpen your pitch, but don’t psych yourself or your bandmates out: true tone deafness is rare, and confidence is currency on stage. The bottom line: making a real living in music is absolutely possible when you treat your craft like a skill you never stop sharpening.

Once you hit the stage, remember that the crowd is the star and you’re the emcee who just happens to sing and play. Take your audience on a journey: open at mid-energy, build it up, let it breathe, then hit them again. Mix genres, swap instruments, toss in some comedy, and never leave dead air between songs; keep every second purposeful. Think of your set like a video game where you’re always leveling up the room. Manage your breaks with music that matches the vibe so the party never stalls. Playing covers isn’t just a gig — it’s a masterclass in entertainment, and entertainment is its own art form. Always Be Performing.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 529 – Monday, April 13th, 2026
  • April 13th: National Silly Earring Day
  • Guest co-hosts: Susan Erwin Prowse & Cliff Prowse
• 00:03:02 The Ultimate Lifestyle Business
• 00:03:33 Starting with a Pure Mathematics Degree to Piano Bars
  • Classical Piano at the base of it all
• 00:05:04 Bumble Boogie piqued Susan’s ears
  • Make sure your kids see that inspiration
• 00:07:16 Cliff started with music from the day he was born
  • Always treated instruments delicately, even as a toddler
  • Learned to play by ear, but never learned to read
• 00:09:44 Reading vs. hearing and Music Theory
  • School band director thought he was reading music, when Cliff was just playing by ear and remembering what the band director
  • Susan learned to hear intervals
  • Cliff decided to learn theory after-the-fact
• 00:14:28 Learning to play before you learn WHY the notes work
• 00:18:18 Breaking down vocal harmonies
  • Both Susan and Cliff picks out harmony by ear
  • Singing harmonies with the mixolydian scale with the flat 7
  • Really, just practice. Repetition is the key to it all!
• 00:27:20 Using your DAW to help improve your singing
  • Being actually tone deaf is rare
  • Beware of shaking your bandmates’ confidence…or your own
• 00:33:21 Making a living in the music business is possible!
• 00:34:26 The science of the show: Piano Bar strategies
  • Top 40, any genre, any decade
  • Learning the skills of doing the singalong concept
  • Susan and Cliff met on-stage at Willy D’s piano bar in Little Rock
  • From piano bars in Little Rock to Los Angeles to Las Vegas and beyond
• 00:38:31 Taking the crowd on a journey
  • When you’re there to entertain and throw the party
  • The crowd is the star, you AREN’T
  • You’re the emcee, the DJ, you just happen to know how to sing and play piano
  • Keep it interesting by changing the genre, the groove, the style
  • It’s like playing a video game!
  • Mid energy, at first, then bring it up, then let it ease, then maybe repeat
  • Add variety: different instruments, different singers, different styles
  • Add a little comedy to give them a break from the music
• 00:45:44 Manage your breaks
  • One school: NEVER stop playing
  • Have good break music, make sure the energy matches
• 00:49:48 Managing your dead air
  • Don’t allow breaks between songs. Always avoid dead air.
  • “Purposeful Talking”
• 00:52:44 Entertainers Academy
  • 5-Day Gig Amplifier Challenge
  • Susan and Cliff love to teach!
• 00:56:44 Being in a cover band is a masterclass of learning entertainment skills
  • Entertaining is an art in and of itself
• 01:00:17 Gig Gab 528 Outtro
  • Follow Cliff & Susan
    • Facebook & Instagram
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post The Crowd Is the Star: Piano Bar Secrets for Entertaining Any Room – Gig Gab Podcast 529 with Cliff & Susan Prowse appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

In this episode of Gig Gab, you get the full story of how Kevin “KG” Glendinning cold-emailed his way from a Chicago suburb into a 25-year career mixing monitors for Alicia Keys, Maroon 5, Justin Timberlake, Miley Cyrus, Lorde, and more. You hear how a kid sweeping floors at dB Sound ended up on a Metallica tour bus with one piece of advice ringing in his ears: ask questions, stay late, and get a second job because you’re gonna need it. Kevin walks you through migrating artists to in-ear monitors, managing talkback culture for everyone from Eddie Vedder wanting baseball scores to Lorde’s tight production team, and what it takes to help reluctant guitar players finally ditch the wedges. If you’ve ever wondered what separates a good monitor engineer from a great one, this conversation lays it out.

You also dive deep into the art and science of making IEMs sound right in every room, every night. Kevin shares his process of minimal reduction: fixing a bad mix by figuring out what to take away, not what to add, and explains why tuning for in-ears is just as critical as tuning a PA. You learn why he flies 4,700 miles for a single gig, why the best mixes sometimes come from a throw-and-go, and how setting up dummy channels lets you experiment without wrecking the artist’s mix. He and Dave talk hearing health, audiograms, the DPA capsule as the only open mic on the Lorde stage, and why knowing your own ears matters more than knowing your gear. Whether you’re mixing monitors at an arena or running sound at a club gig, this episode is packed with wisdom you can use tonight. Always Be Performing, folks!

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 528 – Monday, April 6th, 2026
  • April 6th: National Siamese Cat Day
  • Guest co-host: Kevin Glendinning
• 00:02:25 Hotmailing his way into a career
  • Watched the credits of a Metallica documentary, realized DB Sound was near the house, emailed Harry… “Hi, I’m Kevin, and I’m interested in audio…” and the rest is history!
• 00:07:58 Got put on the road as an audio team assistant
  • Trial by fire
  • Advice from the team:
    • Here’s what to do
    • Here’s what not to do
    • Ask questions, stay late, and get a second job because you’re gonna need it
• 00:11:22 Learning the personal touch parts of being on tour
• 00:12:52 Being the stage left PA tech, Kevin gravitated towards monitors
• 00:13:50 Talkback Culture
  • Eddie Vedder wanted baseball scores in his talkback
  • SOMBR for Coachella 2026 (Chris Rabold at FOH)
• 00:16:18 Managing multiple talkback channels
• 00:18:08 LORDE on Talkback
  • Phil Harvey on FOH
  • Sarah Parker is LD
• 00:19:00 Talkback stories
  • Jaret Reddick’s use of talkback mics in Bowling For Soup
• 00:20:51 Migrating to in-ears
  • IEMs can preserve your hearing, if done right
  • Future Sonics uses dynamic drivers
• 00:25:09 Helping guitar players to IEMs
  • Mike Dias on Gig Gab
  • Sensaphonics 3MAX IEMs on LORDE tour
• 00:32:08 SPONSOR: Gusto. Get three months free when you run your first payroll when you start at https://gusto.com/giggab
• 00:33:44 Back to helping guitar players with IEMs
  • Problem: when a vocal mic is downstage from a guitar amp
  • Ian Beveridge with Foo Fighters
  • Paul Simon prefers wedges
  • Always be learning
  • First: Learn the human being you’re going to be mixing for
• 00:41:27 The differences between mixing monitors for Miley Cyrus and Ella LORDE
• 00:42:48 Monitoring the Artists Monitors
  • TX1 Wireless Transmitters
  • REMI with Brad Madix on Gig Gab
• 00:47:50 Different rooms sound different on IEMs
  • AFAS Live (formerly Heineken Music Hall) in Amsterdam sounds great
  • Dave says Alamodome in San Antonio is one of the worst-sounding
  • To fix IEMs in a bad-sounding room: what can we reduce to make it sound better?
  • Last night it was a bongo mic that was making the drumset sound too washy in the IEM mix
  • “The process of minimal reduction”
  • Ella’s DPA capsule is the only open mic on-stage on the LORDE tour
  • Tune for the IEMs, too: listen to something you know, and EQ it
  • Tuning the podcast for JH Audio Laylas
• 01:04:06 Learn your own ears (not your IEMs, your human ears) first
  • Take a hearing test with your phone if you can
  • Kevin and Alicia Keys would go and get their hearing tested together, getting audiograms to compare
• 01:07:09 IEMs are the most personal audio interaction
  • You have to be psychic!
• 01:09:46 Flying 4,700 miles to save the day
  • Sometimes the throw-and-go results in the best mix because you’re not overthinking it
  • Tip from Kevin: set up dummy channels to experiment without messing with the actual mix for the IEMs
• 01:15:57 Gig Gab 528 Outtro
  • Follow Kevin Glendinning
    • IG: @kev_chitown
    • LinkedIn: Kevin ‘KG’ Glendinning
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Monitoring the Artists’ Monitors: IEM Wisdom from Kevin Glendinning – Gig Gab 528 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

You tighten your gig prep by treating every show like a pro mission: build rock-solid routines, line-check your gear and apps, and know your insurance, splitter snake, setlist, click, and IEM plan before you ever hit the stage. You walk into a wedding or club already covered with proper liability, routing, charts, and monitoring so you can stop worrying about logistics and start playing the room. Always Be Performing.

Onstage, you think like a storyteller, not just a musician: you record full shows to review your banter and flow, you decide when the click helps and when to ditch it, and you refine what makes your band distinctive so people remember your name and feel the FOMO.

Offstage, you act like a lab: you binge showcases at events like SXSW, steal the best ideas, use AI to critique rehearsals, and keep your gig bag dialed so every performance gets sharper, louder, and more undeniable.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 527 – Monday, March 30th, 2026
• March 30th: Take a Walk in the Park Day
• 00:01:29 What is your gig prep process?
• 00:06:55 Skylar-How does a band get a certificate of insurance for a wedding gig?
  • Insurance Canopy
  • Special Event Insurance
• 00:11:15 n-Brian from Durham-Do we need a splitter snake?
  • Mixing Station
  • Proreck Splitter Snake
• 00:16:57 Bill-What Setlist App do you use?
  • forScore
• 00:19:39 Dan-What click track do you use live?
  • PolyNome
• 00:21:51 Dan-What about IEMs with ambient filters?
  • Ultimate Ears Ambient Option
• 00:24:20 SPONSOR: Claude.ai – Ready to tackle bigger problems? Sign up for Claude today, which includes access to Claude Cowork, too, when you visit Claude.ai/giggab
• 00:27:05 I’m a band guy…how about you?
• 00:30:15 SXSW 2026 — bands seen and lessons learned:
  • 38 showcases in 2026
  • Family Battenberg
  • Thelma And James
  • Timmy Skelly
• 00:39:43 Record yourself live, not just for the music, but for the whole show, including your banter.
  • Lainey Wilson vs. John Popper and band
• 00:43:24 The stiffness of a click, vs not.
  • Soultone vs. Lainey
• 00:45:56 PODCAST: Rock Talk Studio Podcast
• 00:47:29 Tell people who you are, and make it distinctive.
  • Leverage FOMO
• 00:51:54 Olight OClip Pro in your Gig Bag
• 00:54:25 Moskowizard-Use AI to evaluate your rehearsals (critical listening)
• 00:57:00 Andy-CSF-Supertone Clear
• 00:58:16 Gig Gab 527 Outtro
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Stop Winging It: Dial In Your Show with Clicks, Setlists, Insurance, and Gig Prep – Gig Gab 527 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

You see how life on the road quietly rewires your brain, from grief and burnout to decision fatigue and STC (Sleepy, Tired, and Crabby), and how Courtney and Paul built The Roadie Clinic to give crews a place to tell their story and get real help. Through flights, heat‑canceled shows, and jumps from Fallon to Timberlake, John Legend, Drake, and beyond, you learn to Always Be Performing for your own mental health with boundaries, support systems, and even AI to protect your headspace.

You’re handed concrete ways to care for yourself and your people: snow policies and “last chance to say no” moments, non‑negotiable laundry time, color‑coded calendars that lower stress, and simple communication habits that keep relationships from snapping under pressure. By the end, you’re invited to treat your brain like your most critical piece of touring gear—and to build a crew culture where dignity, respect, and mental health are baked into every gig.​

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 526 – Monday, March 23rd, 2026
  • March 23rd: National Puppy Day
  • Guest co-hosts: Courtney Klimson and Paul Klimson
• 00:01:43 Choosing Niles, Michigan for The Roadie Clinic
  • 2019: From living in NYC to “the middle of nowhere” Michigan (but it’s right near an airport)
  • With lots of puppies!
• 00:04:05 The Roadie Clinic and the whole Human Experience
  • After some family tragedies, Courtney joined Paul on a European leg of the Timberlake tour to support him through the grief
• 00:07:56 Hottest Day in Central Park doing a show for John Legend
  • And Paul winds up with a sprained ankle but the show must go on…until it’s canceled for the heat!
  • Then off to Sicily the next day… and Courtney joins again!
• 00:13:24 On the flights, Courtney
• 00:15:40 “The Show Must Go On”
  • Institute a snow policy
• 00:17:40 And so exists The Roadie Clinic
  • Remote assistance: tell me your story, how can I help?
  • Works closely with MusiCares
  • RoadieDocRx
• Decision Fatigue can sometimes be solved by AI
• 00:26:30 SPONSOR: Squarespace. Check out https://www.squarespace.com/GIGGAB to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code GIGGAB.
• 00:28:03 Where are you going today, Paul?
  • John Legend to Timberlake to Drake
  • Multi-colored calendars to save the marriage…and the business
• 00:30:18 From being the monitor/foldback engineer at Fallon to meeting lots of bands
  • …and managers. “Protect the brand” worked to develop relationships
• 00:32:55 What Gets the Gig Done?
  • What can I do best that serves the team?
  • Scovill’s Back Lounge
• 00:37:02 The @ Rule of Texting
  • STC = Sleepy Tired and Crabby
• 00:39:38 Is this the last opportunity I have to say “no”?
• 00:43:55 Laundry time matters!
• 00:45:26 Studying Roadie Brains
  • A lot of Parkinsons, PTSD, Strokes
  • From Fallon to Timberlake
• 00:47:15 Tricks of being efficient with engineers
  • Step one: Communicate the Input List and Stage Plot
• 00:50:43 Paul Klimson’s Talkback System
• 00:54:00 We’re going to win because we’re efficient and we care about humans
  • Dignity and Respect
  • Superbowl Halftime Show – Minneapolis
  • Jimmy Fallon Show … and SNL
  • How are you using AI?
• 00:57:14 Gig Gab 526 Outtro
  • Follow Paul and Courtney Klimson
    • @TheRoadieClinic
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Touring Brains: Boundaries, Burnout, and Being OK, with Courtney and Paul Klimson – Gig Gab 526 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

You get a front-row seat to how Michael Grande turned hard-won tech chops and late-night studio hacks into real music-business wins. From escaping NAMM chaos and leveraging smart PR and management, to transforming a throwaway “stupid idea” into Card Chords—an Amazon-topping guitar tool born from a Cricut, Guitar Center testing, and sheer persistence—you see how necessity, experimentation, and saying yes the first time landed him in Jimi Hendrix’s old bedroom at Electric Lady Studios, shredding in the lineage of Vai and Satriani, and inventing Tone Picks on the fly. Along the way, you’re reminded that when you know you’re right, you embrace it, protect your IP, and keep swinging big—whether that’s launching music schools, eyeing Shark Tank with a bold offer, or pivoting your career from Wall Street CTO and Certified Ethical Hacker to full-on guitar innovator.

Then you’re pushed to rethink how you teach, lead, and build your own music brand. You learn why great schools and studios run on clear mission statements, strong unique selling propositions, and a coaching mindset that focuses on the student, not the curriculum—getting them hooked on the songs they actually want to play, then turning them toward what they need. You see how asking potential customers for their own answers, treating every audience like they matter, and showing up like a coach instead of a teacher all point to one core operating principle: you’re never off-duty, because you Always Be Performing—ALWAYS.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 525 – Monday, March 16th, 2026
  • March 16th: Freedom of Information Day
  • Guest co-host: Michael Grande from Card Chords and more
• 00:02:14 Getting out of NAMM
• 00:03:10 Have a good PR guy!
  • Christopher Buttner
• 00:04:15 Hey, NAMM: How high can I go?
• 00:06:09 Can you afford NOT to hire a manager? Or a PR person?
  • Our Mistakes are Our Tuition – Business Brain
• 00:08:04 COVID Vaccines lead to Card Chords
  • Mike was a (very successful) ​Certified Ethical Hacker & CTO on Wall Street
• 00:11:09 Dad – come up with an idea to teach people how to play guitar
  • “That’s a stupid idea” – Ignore, and move on.
  • Bought a Cricut machine, built the prototype and tested it on hundreds of guitars at Guitar Center
  • Came out on December 21st, and became Amazon’s #1 Musical Accessories item within 30 days
  • Also includes an eBook to teach out Beatles, Bon Jovi, Guns and Roses songs WITH Card Chords
• 00:16:35 Born of Necessity!
• 00:18:39 The birth of Tone Picks
  • Story time: I didn’t bring a 12-string to Electric Lady Studios at 3am
  • Taped two picks together to simulate a 12-string sound.
• 00:21:41 How did you get on the list of Electric Lady Studios session players?
  • Mike was a shredder after Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, etc
• 00:22:27 Recording in Jimi Hendrix’s old bedroom at Electric Lady Studios!
  • Say yes the first time!
• Sponsors
  • 00:25:39 SPONSOR: Factor, America’s #1 Ready-To-Eat Meal Kit, can help you fuel up fast with flavorful and nutritious ready-to-eat meals delivered straight to your door. Visit FactorMeals.com/giggab50off and use code giggab50off for 50% off!
  • 00:27:22 SPONSOR: Gusto. Get three months free when you run your first payroll when you start at https://gusto.com/giggab
  • 00:28:51 Mike uses Gusto for his Music Schools!
• 00:30:33 Running music schools
  • Mike’s Book: From Teacher to Coach: (And why you would NEVER want to be a Teacher)
  • Taught private lessons, then students wanted more, so…
  • Mike started The Staten Island School of Rock
• 00:33:37 Mike’s coaching methods are different
  • Learning hands-on
  • Getting students hooked on the songs you want to play
  • THEN turn them around
• 00:34:42 You gotta be juiced about playing the songs
  • Gig Gab 500 with Skylar and the drum coaching story
• 00:37:16 You need to have a mission statement
  • Mike’s: “We build the confidence and self-esteem through music lessons”
  • You need a Unique Selling Proposition!
• 00:39:30 Mike’s Unique Selling Proposition
  • Never answer the question… ask the potential customer for the answer!
• 00:41:48 A teacher focuses on the curriculum, a coach focuses on the student
• 00:42:44 Mary Fanaro’s Rwanda Rocks
  • Rwanda’s Minister of Education: The children of Rwanda don’t need teachers, they need coaches.
• 00:48:08 When you know you’re right, embrace it.
• 00:49:45 Always Be Performing…ALWAYS!
• 00:53:18 An audience wants to be treated
• 00:55:23 We’re always wearing
• 00:57:54 The Chinese stole Mike’s IP for Card Chords
  • Mike’s got a new product that is in the running for Shark Tank
  • Mike’s offer to Shark Tank will be: 20% of his company for $1
• 01:03:23 Gig Gab 525 Outtro
  • Follow Michael Grande
    • CardChords.com
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post From Wall Street Hacker to Music Mogul: Michael Grande’s Journey – Gig Gab 525 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

You’re invited into a legacy family audio business that refused to accept “good enough” on feedback control and instead chased the impossible: a truly zero‑latency, AI‑driven way to push your PA louder without squeals. You follow Devin Sheets from growing up on sound gigs to roaming European stages, then back home to build De‑Feedback plugin for working musicians, a live sound feedback plugin and on‑the‑fly impulse‑response generator that listens like a seasoned engineer: separating human voice, room reverb, background noise, and feedback in real time so you can grab at least 6 dB more gain before things start to howl. Along the way you see how NAMM sparked the idea, how inverse impulse responses and probability math beat old EQ and gate tricks, and how “homebrew AI” meant sneaking into every empty church at 3 a.m. just to teach the model what real rooms actually sound like.

You also learn how to think like a modern working musician: using social media to find the right AI programmers across the world, leaning on LLMs to translate, collaborate, and even rate contractor work so you can move faster without losing control. You come away knowing you can drop a dedicated De‑Feedback box or plugin into almost any rig, from churches to touring consoles to tiny clubs, take it with you even when someone else is behind the board, and quietly stack the deck in your favor. In the end, it’s a roadmap for how you run your own gigs and career: stay curious, embrace new tools, protect your sound, and Always Be Performing.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 524 – Monday, March 9th, 2026
  • March 9th: National Meatball Day
  • Guest co-host: Devin Sheets from Alpha Labs
• 00:02:12 Let’s Grow this Legacy Family Business
  • Grew up doing sound
  • Also a musician
  • Lived in Europe
  • Then came back and said, “let’s grow this family business!”
• 00:03:44 We haven’t “just solved” this feedback problem
  • Went to NAMM for the first time, and was inspired
  • There are automated EQ-based or gate-based systems
  • PSE plugin from Waves
  • 5045 for feedback
• 00:04:57 Why isn’t there a “balanced audio”-type solution for Feedback
  • Balanced Audio fixes hums and it just works.
• 00:08:24 NAMM is a great inspiration…and it inspired Devin and his team to seek a feedback plugin solution
  • People get entrenched
  • Inverse Impulse Response methodology
• 00:12:35 Training the AI to listen for three things: human voice, reverb, and feedback
  • Created a de-reverb algorithm and went beyond that
  • A probability calculation does the math
• 00:16:05 Truly zero latency for the plugin
  • Workflow latency remains
• 00:19:32 I don’t have any coding or AI background, but I have a gut feeling AI will fix this feedback problem
  • Others: It’s harder than you think
  • Devin: I knew that it needed to happen
• 00:20:58 Finding an AI programmer who was interested in doing
  • Experimented with some programmers, failed, learned some things!
• 00:21:09 Social Media to the rescue!
  • Late 2023: Devin found a group of AI programmers who would be interested
  • Sending large amounts of money to China…it’s a risk!
• 00:26:30 At 3am, a text message: I think I’ve done it.
  • Devin immediately started testing it himself
  • “It seemed to work.”
• 00:27:17 Installing De-Feedback in Churches
• Sponsors
  • 00:30:57 SPONSOR: Claude.ai – Ready to tackle bigger problems? Sign up for Claude today, which includes access to Claude Cowork, too, when you visit Claude.ai/giggab
  • 00:32:43 SPONSOR: Squarespace. Check out https://www.squarespace.com/GIGGAB to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code GIGGAB.
• 00:34:20 What is an impulse response?
  • Impulse Response: An audio picture of how the room sounds
  • Popping balloons in a room/environment and recording the sound is a common approach for creating impulse responses
• 00:38:33 De-Feedback is an on-the-fly IR generator
  • …and analyzer that’s trained on the human voice, room reverb, background noise…and feedback
• 00:41:55 Finding the right programmers was the key
  • …in addition to actually having the idea and the bullheaded persistence to make it happen.
• 00:44:46 Mind-melding was necessary
  • And LLMs helped with translation!
• 00:48:39 Using AI to make it possible to collaborate with other humans
• 00:50:03 Using an LLM to rate the work of your contractors and employees
• 00:51:54 How do we get De-Feedback into the hands of working musicians
  • US$499 for the De-Feedback plugin
  • VST3 or AU plugin
  • A higher-end Windows laptop can likely run it on its own
  • Apple’s Core Audio tech makes it difficult, but they’re working on it.
  • De-Feedback also sells a perfectly-tuned headless computer to do this
  • Alpha Labs tried tons of interfaces that the Focusrite Scarlett keeps glitches out of the mix
  • Waves SuperRack LiveBox
• 01:01:37 Where do we expand?
  • Allen & Heath mixers?
  • Midas/Behringer mixers?
  • Paul Falcone, mixing Mariah Carey, wanted to use it!
  • Robert Scovill talking Rock Hall on Gig Gab
• 01:05:18 Homebrew AI!
  • Training EVERY room he could find
  • “Can you let me into your empty church at 3am?” – To record IR to then train the data set for De-Feeback
• 01:07:25 Creating your own AI model
• 01:08:13 What’s the future look like?
  • Acquisition? Demands for security? – Planning for it all
• 01:09:26 You can get this and bring it with you to gigs where someone else is doing sound
  • De-Feedback Option 1
  • Allen & Heath Qu-5’s Feedback Eliminator
  • De-Feedback gets at least as 6dB more gain before feedback
• 01:17:46 Gig Gab 524 Outtro
  • Follow Devin Sheets
    • And Alpha Labs
    • Facebook and Instagram
    • YouTube for Alpha Labs
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post De-Feedback Plugin for Working Musicians: More Gain, Less Feedback – Gig Gab 524 with Devin Sheets appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

You get dropped into a two-show day where you’re juggling festival chaos, a paramedic emergency during set change, and a mysteriously mudded-out bass that turns out to be a rogue low‑pass filter at 90 Hz, all while keeping the gig on the rails because you Always Be Performing.

Then you pivot into first‑timer survival tactics for attending SXSW: locking in reservations weeks out, over‑planning so you can gleefully abandon those plans, and treating the whole thing as a marathon and a sprint while your calendar app becomes your best friend…and your worst enemy.

Throughout it all, you’re thinking like a pro: dialing in efficient monitor setups for festival stages, dealing with sketchy solder joints on a microphone (or is that a mic cable issue?), staying sane amid SXSW security, and never underestimating the power of great brisket, BBQ, and a solid spot to reset your brain. You’ll also get the practical stuff no one tells you: what to wear, why you always keep your badge on you, and how finding a seasoned SXSW Sherpa can save your week (and your feet) before you ever hit your first line.

​From Festival Gigs to SXSW: Essential Survival Tips for Musicians and Attendees* 00:00:00 Gig Gab 523 – Monday, March 2nd, 2026 + March 2nd: International Rescue Cat Day + Guest co-host: Lisa Hamilton * 00:01:41 Two Show Day for Dave + First gig, Bitter Pill – Festival - And there was a paramedic + Bitter Pill: It’s Rock and Roll… It’s Rockabilly… It’s Blues… I don’t know! * 00:10:43 Second gig – somehow the bass got a low-pass filter set at 90hZ! + Problem solved, gig a success! * 00:18:23 SPONSOR: Gusto. Get three months free when you run your first payroll when you start at https://gusto.com/giggab * 00:20:00 Attending SXSW for the first time * 00:25:45 Learning how to manage SXSW * 00:27:30 SXXpress passes become Reservations + And now they’re 3-weeks out instead of 2 days! * 00:33:21 Reserving things in advance * 00:37:25 It’s all about planning in advance + And then throwing away your plans and making a series of Sophie’s Choices * 00:39:24 It’s a marathon…and a sprint * 00:39:42 Managing the Calendar * 00:43:39 With the App * 00:48:43 Managing your monitor needs with efficiency at festival gigs * 00:52:51 Security at SXSW * 00:58:15 Luke Warm Solder Joint on the Microphone + Heil PR-40 * 00:58:57 Eat good food! + Brisket and BBQ + Eastside Cafe in Austin * 01:01:11 What should I wear? * 01:06:36 Find a SXSW Sherpa! * 01:07:58 Finding your badge? * 01:08:59 Always have your badge with you * 01:11:38 Gig Gab 523 Outtro + Contact Gig Gab! - @GigGabPodcast on Instagram - feedback@giggabpodcast.com - Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post From Festival Gigs to SXSW: Survival Tips for Musicians and Attendees — Gig Gab 523 with Lisa Hamilton appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

You’re riding along with Kaitlyn Raitz as she breaks down the real mechanics of touring at scale: staying human on a bus, finding tiny routines that keep you sane, and surviving the sleep math when you’re one of twelve buses on a massive run. Then it’s straight into the onstage reality of modern country arena production: 24 musicians, a full string quartet, choir, and horns, plus the challenge of making strings translate in a loud arena. You get the practical gear-and-tech layer too: DPA mics and pickups, dynamic EQ, managing cello loudness, and how tools like ToneDexter fit into keeping tone consistent when the room is working against you.

You also get the career side, unfiltered: how the Eric Church gig happened through the Nashville relationship web, why being excellent and easy to be around matters, and why “Nashville is a ten-year town” if you want longevity. Kaitlyn’s stories span arranging and learning charts mid-tour from iPads, to the whiplash of getting a Grammy call with barely any runway, to recording in LA and wondering how anyone actually functions there. The episode closes with the mindset and performance skills that keep pros durable: protecting your brain and nervous system, flipping a stage persona on and off, and the practical win of transitioning to IEMs for a cellist when monitors are run well. Bottom line: this is how you keep your craft sharp, your head steady, and your show consistent night after night. Always Be Performing.​

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 522 – Monday, February 23rd, 2026
  • February 23rd: Curling Is Cool Day
  • Guest co-host: Kaitlyn Raitz
• 00:01:55 Protein and Joy on the bus
• 00:02:14 Passing the time productively on the bus…and on the tour
  • Swimming
  • Swimply OR PlacesToSwim.com
  • Thrifting
• 00:05:53 Sleeping on the bus!
  • Twelve tour busses on this tour
• 00:07:26 24 Musicians on stage
  • String Quartet
  • 8-Person Choir
  • Horn/Woodwind Quartet
• 00:09:45 Micing a string quartet in an arena
  • DPA Mics AND pickups
  • Dynamic EQ
• 00:14:47 Cellos and Loudness
  • ToneDexter
• 00:18:50 Writing, arranging and learning charts mid-tour!
  • Reading from iPads
  • Eleanor Denning, String Lead and Arranger on the Eric Church Tour
  • Bitter Pill has a cellist, too!
• 00:21:33 Getting the Eric Church gig
  • Sub list for the Nashville Symphony
  • Everything in Nashville is relationship-based
  • Be good at what you do, and also be a pleasant person that people want to be around
  • Nashville is a ten-year town
• 00:25:07 SPONSOR: Squarespace. Check out https://www.squarespace.com/GIGGAB to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code GIGGAB.
• 00:26:55 You played on the Grammy’s?
  • Used to play with Brandy Clark, and occasionally gets a one-off gig call still.
  • AND, a week-and-a-half before the Grammy’s, the call came in
  • Do you want to play the Grammy’s with me?
  • Kaitlyn has questions for LA-denizens:
    • How do you live in LA?
    • Do you see people that you know?
    • Do you take public transportation?
  • Recorded at Sunset Sounds in LA
• 00:33:05 Protecting your brain and nervous system
  • Take on a persona
    • “You are Kaitlyn Motherfucking Raitz”
    • “We are bad bitches, we have earned this”
    • Gary Cherone is the master of turning the stage persona on AND OFF
  • Let the lights blind you
• 00:40:25 Transitioning to IEMs
  • It’s great for a cellist!
  • IEMs are better than having to use bone conduction
  • Kaitlyn’s IEM mix – she hears the band
  • It comes down to who’s running monitors
  • Ultimate Ears UE7 Pros IEMs
• 00:47:06 Kaitlyn Raitz’s Music
• 00:48:52 Gig Gab 522 Outtro
  • Follow Kaitlyn Raitz
    • On Instagram
    • On Facebook
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post From the Eric Church Tour to the Grammys: On the Bus with Cellist Kaitlyn Raitz – Gig Gab 522 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

You kick off this week with Dan Ray by reframing failure as a tool, not a verdict. Instead of obsessing over the “vanity listen” after a gig or rehearsal, you do the check-in listen and extract the lesson. You learn to fail fast the right way by making small bets that generate real data quickly, including testing demand before you invest rehearsal time. That mindset carries into band direction changes and the leadership realities that come with them: different people want different levels of ownership, and the job is to be a benevolent dictator who listens widely but decides cleanly. You also get practical about managing public perception and egos, taking cues from bands that protected the brand by being intentional about roles and visibility.

Then you dig into Dan’s origin stories and the nuts-and-bolts that keep working musicians moving: starting a band young, landing monthly gigs, and learning obvious-in-hindsight lessons like not running a vocal mic through a guitar amp. You hear how scrappy tools like a Tascam 4-track can solve real problems, why running a PA from the stage demands discipline, and why the room you rehearse in changes what you think you’re hearing. From there it gets wonderfully nerdy with quick hits that matter in real life, like using low-pass filters aggressively and remembering that time alignment starts with where sound sources physically live. You close in the feels with theater life and the emotional punch of closing night, a reminder that the tech and the business serve the same goal: show up ready, stay present, and Always Be Performing.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 521 – Monday, February 16th, 2026
  • February 16th: National Rationalization Day
• 00:02:08 Guest co-host: Dan Ray
  • Last visit: July 19, 2020 for GG 265 and CBC 100
• 00:03:23 Having a productive relationship with failure
  • Failure can a lesson you lean into
  • After gigs or rehearsals: the check-in listen vs. the vanity listen
  • Fail fast the right way: “make a bet” by setting up something that you can quickly get data from
• 00:08:47 Transitioning a band’s direction
  • Dan’s Big in the 80s band
• 00:10:10 Test your market before committing too much
  • Book the gig before you rehearse the songs. Make sure there’s demand and interest. If not… move on! (You failed fast!)
  • Cover Band Confidential
• 00:12:52 AI solves the blank page problem – use it often!
• 00:14:28 Leading bands (and people)
  • Be ready for people who want to engage with different levels of ownership
  • Learning how to be a benevolent dictator… but also learn to be the leader, and the decision-maker, the ultimate arbiter. Don’t do it in a vacuum, but I’ll be the last word.
  • The Pork Tornadoes are a democracy-ish. But decision-makers are pre-decided by a healthy division of labor.
  • Learning to manage the public perception of your band (and your egos) like R.E.M. and RUSH did.
• 00:22:37 Do you name your band after yourself?
• My Thanks to Our Sponsors
  • 00:25:09 SPONSOR: Claude.ai – Ready to tackle bigger problems? Sign up for Claude today and get 50% off Claude Pro, which includes access to Claude Cowork, too, when you visit Claude.ai/giggab
  • 00:26:50 SPONSOR: Factor, America’s #1 Ready-To-Eat Meal Kit, can help you fuel up fast with flavorful and nutritious ready-to-eat meals delivered straight to your door. Visit FactorMeals.com/giggab50off and use code giggab50off for 50% off!
• 00:28:38 First kid in high school to start a band
  • Grew out of the school-run rock band
  • Decided to play some originals and covers at home, and got a gig!
  • The school librarian booked them monthly!
  • Lesson: don’t put a vocal mic through the guitar amp
  • Tascam 4-Track cassette recorder to use as a mixer
• 00:33:27 Dan Manages the PA from the stage
  • We rehearse in a 15×20 indoor, climate-controlled storage unit
• 00:36:32 Quick Tip: Use Low Pass Filters on everything
• 00:37:35 Time Alignment: A reminder that sound source locations matter
  • Check out the 16-minute mark of this episode with Robert Scovill for more
• 00:40:36 Having theater kids
  • Stagelights in Greensboro, NC
• 00:43:05 The emotions during closing night in musical theater
• 00:50:12 Gig Gab 522 Outtro
  • Follow Dan Ray
    • @DanRayMusician
    • @CoverBandConfidential
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Cover Band Confidential’s Dan Ray: Test the Market, Then Rehearse – Gig Gab 521 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

You jump into this episode balancing the reality of working gigs with the mindset that keeps musicians moving forward. From Dave’s recent experiences playing atypical rooms with Bitter Pill to cramming new material for Casual Gravity, you’re reminded that momentum matters even when the crowd is small. Always Be Performing is not about scale, it’s about consistency. That theme carries straight into the conversation with Laura Whitmore, whose career has been shaped by connecting people, creating opportunities, and knowing when to pull back just enough to build a sustainable life alongside the work.

As Laura walks you through the birth and growth of the She Rocks Awards, you hear what it actually takes to build something lasting. It started small, grew through trust and partnerships, and evolved by treating the event like a show, with pacing, flow, and intention. You dig into what real visibility looks like, how to define success on your own terms, and why borrowed platforms are never enough to build a career. The takeaway is practical and clear: start with a big vision, set measurable goals, build community deliberately, and own your audience.

This episode is a reminder that longevity comes from intention, preparation, and showing up with purpose, gig after gig.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 520 – Monday, February 9th, 2026
  • February 9th: National Pizza Day
• 00:01:00 Dave’s Gig Updates
  • Playing atypical venues with Bitter Pill
  • Learning new songs with Casual Gravity
  • Always Be Performing…even for the small crowds!
• 00:17:10 SPONSOR: Squarespace. Check out https://www.squarespace.com/GIGGAB to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code GIGGAB.
• 00:18:34 Guest co-host: Laura Whitmore
• 00:22:20 The love of connecting people and making things happen
• 00:23:08 Pulling back a little…to have a life
  • Backstory in partnership with Guitar World and Parade
• 00:26:28 The green room at The She Rocks Awards is the ultimate networking event!
• 00:29:33 The Birth of the She Rocks Awards
  • Writing a women-in-music blog at Guitar World, realizing the women in music didn’t know each other… yet!
  • Started as a breakfast (with sponsors…the cheapest meal of the day!). Orianthi performed, serendipitously.
  • After two successful years, NAMM invited She Rocks into the event officially, and The Bangles performed.
  • “You don’t really know what you’re capable of until you’re challenged and take that leap of faith.” – Laura Whitmore
• 2026 was the 14th year of She Rocks Awards.
  • 170 She Rocks Awards have been presented in the last 14 years.
• 00:34:51 “Is this ever going to come together?” is scary
  • Reframe it with “how is this ever going to come together?”
  • It takes a village, folks!
• 00:38:12 Having good partners helps
• 00:38:59 Create the event for yourself as an audience member
  • That way you’ve got a stake in how it “feels” to attend, which means the audience is represented
• 00:41:16 Assembling the featured women
  • Nominations at TheWimn.com
  • Crafting the arc of the night by slotting the right people at the right spot. It’s a show!
• 00:43:49 Managing the flow of the night
  • She Rocks Awards YouTube Channel
• 00:46:58 People whose names became known after they were on She Rocks
  • Queen Herby (as Amy Heidemann)
  • Beaches
  • PRS Guitars brings in the opening act, with a fantastic Artist Relations team
• 00:49:40 Defining valuable visibility
  • What’s your end goal?
  • What are your metrics? What defines success?
  • For your band, those might be:
    • Did I get contact information?
    • Did I build on success that I had before?
    • Did this exposure opportunity help me grow to a new place/level?
    • Start with big vision, small goals
• 00:54:16 You don’t own social media platforms, so don’t leave your audience there.
  • Facebook used to let you message all your followers. Used to!
  • If your audience is a subset of Facebook’s audience, that’s not your audience. Give them a reason to give you their email address.
  • Gather those email addresses.
  • Keep those pieces of paper – scan them! Spam laws might require you to prove it!
• 01:00:18 Gear Gab!
  • Laura Whitmore is Sr. VP of Marketing at Positive Grid
  • Spark practice amps (with an app!)
  • Project BIAS X – Standalone or Plugin
• 01:07:36 Designing high-quality technology for a market with a budget
• 01:13:02 Gig Gab 520 Outtro
• Follow Laura Whitmore
  • Check out TheWIMN.com (sign up for the mailing list for free!
  • On Instagram
  • On LinkedIn
• Contact Gig Gab!
  • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
  • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
  • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Creating the Room You Want to Be In: Laura Whitmore and the She Rocks Story – Gig Gab 520 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

You walk into NAMM 2026 thinking you will just wander and see what grabs you. You leave reminded that wandering works best when paired with a plan and a willingness to torch a few sacred cows along the way. This episode is a fast-moving field report from the floor, where the real takeaway is not just gear but mindset. You hear why talking with people matters more than chasing booths, why listening beats pitching, and how staying flexible turns a chaotic show into a productive one. NAMM rewards curiosity, but only if you stay intentional and remember that Always Be Performing is not about being loud, it is about being present.

From there, you get a tight rundown of what actually stood out. You hear about clever mic and monitoring solutions, portable PA ideas that punch above their weight, smart tools for managing stage volume and feedback, and electronic drums and keyboards that feel less like compromises and more like real instruments. There is a clear throughline here: gear is getting smaller, smarter, and more musician-centric, solving real problems instead of adding features for the spec sheet. By the end, you are not just caught up on what Dave saw at NAMM 2026, you are thinking differently about how to approach shows, stages, and decisions long after the badges come off.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 519 – Monday, February 2nd, 2026
  • February 2nd: National Tater Tot Day
• NAMM Coverage Sponsors
  • Ultimate Ears Pro
  • Earthworks Audio
  • Rock-N-Roller Carts
• 00:02:23 NAMM Guidance
  • Wandering is fun. But have a plan also.
  • Be ready to abandon sacred cows
  • Talk with people… share and listen
• 00:05:11 DPA Microphones on the Yamaha Stage
• 00:13:12 JBL BANDBOX Solo ($250) and BANDBOX Trio ($600)
• 00:18:37 D’Addario IR Mic Mute
• 00:21:05 Card Chords
• 00:24:55 UE 350 from Ultimate Ears
• 00:27:57 Sensaphonics IEM dB Check Pro
• 00:35:27 Efnote Electronic Drums Efnote 3 (with optical hi-hats) – $2,499
• 00:36:52 KickPort KickTone Pro microphone
• 00:40:12 Alpha Labs De-Feedback in action
• 00:43:57 Nord Electro 7
• 00:46:27 Allen & Heath Qu-5
• 00:49:49 iCON P1-M (on Amazon)
• 00:52:31 QSC CB10
• 00:55:21 Gig Gab 519 Outtro
  • Thanks to Parthenon Huxley for today’s outro song. And thanks, Hux, for everything you gave us all while you were here on this earth!
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Gear, Gimmicks, and the Good Stuff at NAMM 2026 – Gig Gab 519 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Dave’s back from NAMM 2026 and has a little something to share about that. Actually three little somethings, so that’s where we start. But there’s more to say about that, and it’s not yet time, so we’ll extend the NAMM discussions into next week (and beyond?).

For today, well, you don’t become the Sauce Boss by chasing a gimmick. You hear how Bill Wharton built a real, working-musician career by leaning hard into what felt natural to him, starting with a Datil pepper, a pot of gumbo, and a simple idea: turn the gig into a gathering. From cooking onstage on New Year’s Eve 1989 to feeding hundreds of people at festivals and never charging a dime for the food, Bill shows how blending music and food transformed shows from transactions into shared experiences. By creating a kitchen onstage, he stopped entertaining people just long enough to take their money and run, and instead built something with a life of its own, something that keeps audiences leaning in and coming back.

As the conversation unfolds, you trace Bill’s path from top-40 bar gigs to one-man-band independence, full-band firepower, and stages as far-flung as Saudi Arabia. You hear why learning your strengths and ruthlessly discarding what doesn’t matter is not selfish, it’s survival. From dynamics, gear choices, and in-ear monitors to the lessons behind Blind Boy Billy, Bill makes the case that longevity comes from clarity, connection, and doing your thing without apology. The message for working musicians is direct and empowering: build the show you want to play, build the life that supports it, and keep showing up ready to give. Always Be Performing.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 518 – Monday, January 26th, 2026
  • January 26th: National Spouse Day
  • Guest co-host: Bill Wharton
• NAMM Coverage Sponsors
  • Ultimate Ears Professional
  • Earthworks Audio
  • Rock-n-Roller
• 00:14:31 SPONSOR: Squarespace. Check out https://www.squarespace.com/GIGGAB to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code GIGGAB.
• 00:16:21 Guest co-host: Bill Wharton
• 00:18:41 How to become a sauce boss magnate…while also being a musician
  • Bill found the Datil pepper. Spicy and flavorful.
  • People would eat all the sauce at his house
  • So he made Liquid Summer hot sauce
  • But he wanted to sell hot sauce at gigs.
  • December 31, 1989 – made a pot of gumbo on stage to demo the hot sauce
    • No one would ever have to pay for for my gumbo… 240,000 bowls later, here we are!
• 00:23:26 Blending music and food.
  • It’s better than entertaining people, taking the money, and run!
• 00:25:12 Food and music are good together
  • Every good party has everyone hanging out in the kitchen
  • Bill creates the kitchen on stage
• 00:26:33 That first Sauce Boss gig
• 00:28:16 It has a life of its own and takes care of itself
  • It took 3.5 hours to know that this was going to work long-term
• 00:30:38 Bill: “Always looking for something distinctively mine…something unique”
  • It’s hard to do your own thing.
• 00:33:15 The typical sauce boss gig means cooking for 100 (or more) people
  • 400 people at a festival (it took TWO pots of gumbo)
• 00:35:07 From Florida to Saudi Arabia
  • Sauce Boss plays/cooks at an Air Force base in Saudi Arabia
• 00:37:09 A soul-shouting picnic of Rock and Roll Brotherhood
  • One or two 75-minute sets
  • The show never ends
• 00:40:16 Learn, and then KNOW your strengths
  • Started playing top-40 gigs as a kid
  • …and then realized that’s a rat trap. Bill made a point of putting only the stuff that matters to him in his day…and his show.
  • Being “greedy” about putting my thing out there.
  • If I can do this, you can do this
  • Discard the things you don’t enjoy, embrace the things you do.
  • Story Time, it turns out!
• 00:43:23 Jimmy Buffett wrote a song about the Sauce Boss – “I Will Play For Gumbo”
  • Playing a gig at Jimmy Buffett’s club in New Orleans… and Jimmy was there!
  • “This is the best (bar) band I’ve seen in a long time.”
• 00:47:13 Where did “Sauce Boss” come from?
  • Tobacco Road, in Miami
• 00:49:47 Bread and Butter is the One Man Band
  • “But I have a music problem, and I like jammin’ with my buds!”
  • There’s something that happens when you have a little more firepower of a full band
• 00:53:13 Bill is his own funky one-man band with a kick drum, hi-hat, and a guitar
• 00:55:16 Dynamics are everything in terms of keeping a crowd
• 00:57:09 Bill’s thoughts on in-ear monitors
  • Future Sonics
• 01:02:17 Gear Gab: Create a portable screen/keyboard/mouse for your home studio
• 01:06:24 The Life and Times of Blind Boy Billy
  • A songbook, a recipe book, and Bill’s memoir.
• 01:09:29 Gig Gab 519 Outtro
  • Follow Bill Wharton, the Sauce Boss
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Gumbo, Gigs, and Grit: Bill Wharton’s Sauce Boss Path — Gig Gab 518 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

You’ve done gigs where nothing goes according to plan, but this episode reminds you that chaos is often the classroom. From sleeping on road cases at the Puerto Rican Day Parade to riding a flatbed packed with servo-driven subs that overwhelmed even earplugs and shooting cans, you hear how real-world pressure forges real skills. Mike deAlmeida walks you through learning to roll with it, figuring out systems on the fly before tools like Smaart were common, and walking into unknown gigs where the unknown singer/songwriter turns out to be Shawn Colvin. The lesson is clear: when you don’t know the band, communication is everything. Ask how they sound, listen closely, and remember that for that moment, you are part of the band. You’re playing the “mixing keyboard” today, so Always Be Performing.

As the night wears on, the room changes and so must you. Heat, humidity, and ear fatigue quietly shift the mix, especially in the highs and high-mids, and Mike explains why gradual adjustments beat drastic moves every time. You’re reminded to watch the show, not just the meters, and to listen first before using tools like Smaart to confirm what your ears already know. From sweating out microphones and treating them like EQ devices to protecting your hearing with custom molds, active earplugs, and smart exposure management, this episode ties craft, tech, and longevity together. Layer in legendary Celebrity Week stories, the Van Halen M&Ms lesson, and Beach Boys theatrics, and you’re left with one guiding principle: mix a good show, every time, because that’s how careers last.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 517 – Monday, January 19th, 2026
  • January 19th: Tin Can Day
  • Guest co-host: Mike deAlmeida, Program Director, Audio Engineering at University of Hartford
  • NAMM coming up!
    • GG Coverage Sponsor: Ultimate Ears Pro!
• 00:01:50 Puerto Rican Day Parade
  • Sleeping on road cases overnight
  • An insane number of speakers
  • Earplugs + Shooting cans STILL were too loud
  • Servo drives – highly efficient, but not fast. They have motors in them.
  • Security wouldn’t let us off the truck.
• 00:06:43 Gig learning vs. classroom learning
  • Learning to roll with it
• 00:08:52 When you don’t know the band
  • A little jazz band…as wallpaper
  • Sussed out the system manually (before the Smaart Live days!)
  • And a singer/songwriter… who turned out to be Shawn Colvin
• 00:12:52 Communicating with a band you’ve never seen
  • Very helpful tips:
  • “Here’s how our band sounds.”
  • Guitar players who manage their levels between rhythm and solos
  • As an engineer, you are a member of the band (for that moment)
  • “You play mixing keyboard today”
• 00:20:37 Teaching the foundation in class, students often seek practical experience on their own
  • Finding practical applications WHILE you’re in class is gold. You learn so much.
  • It all comes back to communication skills
  • For FOH engineers, watch the show! Pay attention to the band members
• 00:24:30 Sound changes throughout the night
  • Heat and humidity will cause ebbs and flows (especially outdoors, but even inside)
  • Watch the highs and high-mids
  • Sound travels faster through a thick medium
  • Gradual adjustments so it sounds better
  • Increasing the mains throughout the show to keep the perceived level due to ear fatigue
  • Smaart Live for tweaking live sound
  • Listen first, then use the gear to confirm what you’re hearing
• 00:31:35 When I mix, I want to hear a good show
  • So I tell the sound guy (me) to mix a good show
• 00:32:57 Using the tech to isolate live to find (and fix) problems
  • Beyerdynamic MM1 – a measurement mic AND a podcast mic
• 00:33:48 Learning the nuances of problems
• 00:35:24 Hot lights to add to the sun!
  • Sweating out microphones… heat shrink tubing plus medical tape solves it
  • Microphones are EQ devices – Matt from Roswell Audio
• 00:39:38 Mixing with earplugs?
  • Westone custom mold earplugs with 15dB Etymotic filters
  • Hearing protection vs. exposure time
  • US Navy study on hearing health with submarine crew
  • Huberman Lab episode on hearing health
• 00:44:39 AirPods Pro “active earplugs” (aka Hearing Protection)
  • Comply Foam tips for AirPods Pro
  • DefendEar from Westone
• 00:52:25 Stories from Celebrity Week at North Shore Music Theatre
  • Almost got into a rumble with Al Martino
  • Face the wall when Wynona Judd walks by
  • Gallagher (or his brother!)
  • The Beach Boys
  • Weird Al
• 00:56:04 The Van Halen M&Ms story
• 00:57:37 The Beach Boys surfing on the revolving stage
• 00:59:41 Gig Gab 519 Outtro
  • Follow Mike deAlmeida
    • Check the University of Hartford’s BS in Audio Engineering Technology
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post The Engineer Is in the Band: Instinct, Ears, and Live Sound with Mike deAlmeida — Gig Gab 517 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

You jump straight into the deep end with Richie Castellano as you explore what happens when preparation collides with opportunity. You follow his path from mixing weddings to standing behind massive analog rigs, wrangling six guitar channels, chasing down mysterious hums, and learning fast that the gremlins always show up when you least expect them. When the call comes to go from being Blue Oyster Cult’s sub sound engineer to bass player in four days with 21 songs to learn, the lesson is clear: play something you know, rehearse smart, and build a Just In Case bag that saves the gig. Success is not luck. It is preparation meeting the moment, and you are either ready or you are not. In order to Always Be Performing you need to Always Be Preparing!

As the conversation deepens, you learn how adaptability gets and keeps gigs, from joining the culture of a band to solving problems so painlessly you become indispensable. Richie breaks down the craft of learning, teaching, and arranging vocal harmonies, including Yes music at the highest level, where not nailing the vocals means the whole thing falls apart. You hear why simplifying is sometimes the smart move, how spreadsheets can ease rehearsals, and why blending matters more than showing off. The episode closes with practical wisdom on collaboration with front of house, constant communication inside the band, and surrounding yourself with people on the same mission. This is a masterclass in being prepared, predictable, drama-free, and trusted when it counts.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 516 – Monday, January 12th, 2026
  • January 12th: National Hot Tea Day
  • Guest co-host: Richie Castellano
  • NAMM coming up!
  • GG Coverage Sponsor: Ultimate Ears Pro!
• 00:01:40 From mixing weddings to arenas overnight
  • Called to sub as Blue Oyster Cult’s sound engineer
  • Steve “Woody” La Cerra
  • “Make them sound like a big bad rock band”
• 00:06:53 The differences doing sound in a big room?
  • Six channels of guitar for 3 guitar players!
  • Where’s the cowbell?!?
• 00:10:28 Arriving ten minutes before downbeat with the biggest system of my life
  • And it’s analog!
  • What’s that low hum
• 00:12:49 The Gremlins That Run Around On Stage When You’re Not Looking
  • Play something you know
• 00:17:46 SPONSOR: Squarespace. Check out https://www.squarespace.com/GIGGAB to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code GIGGAB.
• 00:19:10 From sound to…playing bass in four days!
  • Here’s 18 songs… I mean 21 songs. Be ready to play this by Friday
  • Success is when preparation meets opportunity. Here’s the opportunity. Now you have to prepare for it!
  • Buck Dharma on Gig Gab
  • First gig was canceled… But that led to a rehearsal
  • Time to talk about the JustInCase…aka the Idiot Bag!
  • Plugged into the TV to rehearse
• 00:22:39 “If you can do this five times in a row, this will be your gig.”
• 00:25:02 Do you just want me to join the band?
  • If you solve a problem for someone painlessly, you’re not likely to be replaced.
  • Be Prepared and Predictable
  • And No Drama
• 00:28:41 Joining the culture of a band
  • Matt Beck on guitar for the recent Jon Anderson tour fit perfectly
  • Being adaptable gets and keeps gigs
• 00:33:22 Learning and teaching harmonies
  • Learning how to soften and blend
  • 40th Anniversary of Agents of Fortune
  • A trick: learn how to do impressions. “Sing this like Peter Gabriel”, “Sing this like Michael McDonald”
• 00:39:51 Arranging Harmonies for Yes music
  • Don’t be afraid to simplify, folks
  • Use a spreadsheet!
  • Get it to “the best WE can do it”
  • Then ask “how can we make this blend better?”
• 00:45:13 If we don’t nail the vocals, we suck!
• 00:48:29 The collaboration between band and front of house
  • Ask front of house engineer: What do you need from me to sound good?
  • End sound check with an a capella vocal moment
• 00:52:24 Talk to your bandmates and continually tweak things
  • “Why does your snare drum sound different today?”
• 00:54:11 Surround yourself with bandmates who are on the same mission
• 00:59:58 When bands write vocal harmonies
• 01:04:18 Gig Gab 514 Outtro
  • Follow Richie Castellano
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Be Prepared and Predictable: How Richie Castellano Stays Gig-Ready — Gig Gab 516 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

You step into the pressure cooker of elite live sound, where Robert Scovill shows you why chaos is often the best teacher. From mixing Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions with zero margin for error to handling full-band changeovers on the fly, you learn that perfection is worth chasing but dangerous to demand. You hear why live mixing beats the studio for him. It is about capturing ensemble moments, not polishing parts. Even when the doubt creeps in before showtime, the lights come up, the band hits, and the moment reminds you why you do this. This is the mindset of Always Be Performing.

You also get practical, battle-tested tactics for surviving high-stakes gigs. Learn how to study a band fast, who sings, who solos, and when, using recordings and YouTube as prep tools. You hear what it takes to mix legendary harmony vocals, why artists like Def Leppard insist on singing live, and how those expectations shape your approach.

Then it gets nerdy in the best way, with the evolution of De-Feedback, real-world use at the Rock Hall, and how tools like reverse impulse responses can clean up wedges, vocals, and even IEMs. The takeaway is clear. Preparation, adaptability, and relentless curiosity are what keep you in the game.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 515 – Monday, January 5th, 2026
  • January 12th: National Day of Dialogue
  • Guest co-host: Robert Scovill
• 00:01:25 Mixing Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
  • 10+ Acts… with full changeovers
  • Trial by fire, with no time!
• 00:07:27 The enjoyment of the pressure of mixing live
  • Perfection is a great thing to strive for, a terrible thing to achieve
• 00:09:00 Giving up on the studio in favor of live
  • Way more interested in recording ensemble moments
• 00:10:10 Started in live sound in the 1970s
  • Started with Shooting Star
• 00:12:04 Full circle moments at Rock Hall
  • Mixing the Joe Cocker induction with Tedeschi Trucks
  • Mixing Peter Frampton…a throwback moment
• 00:17:34 That thought creeps in: “I don’t know if I can keep doing this”
  • And then the show happens…with all of its moments!
• 00:22:34 Learning a band quickly
  • Who’s singing? When?
  • Who plays the guitar solos (and when)?
  • Give them a recording in advance
  • Find them on YouTube
• 00:25:53 Dolly Parton and Rob Halford sing Jolene
• 00:28:23 Mixing Def Leppard harmony vocals
  • Def Leppard is a great example: they wanted to sing live
  • They worked hard to deliver what they expected (and what people expected)
• 00:34:50 Mixing Prince at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
• 00:38:20 Always Be Recording…and here’s why: Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks
  • And a new ProTools feature was born: VENUE Link
• 00:43:04 Alpha Labs De-Feedback
  • Started as an aside in Scovill’s Back Lounge
  • Neve 5045 Primary Source Expander
  • Waves PSE Plugin
  • De-Feedback does reverse impulse responses
• 00:48:42 De-Feedback started to “make churches sound better”
• 00:57:28 De-Feedback at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
  • Elton John (because of his loud monitor wedges)
  • Cyndi Lauper
• 01:02:02 Comparing De-Feedback to a Neve 5045
  • Waves NS1
• 01:10:19 A live De-Feedback demo and some nerdy details!
• 01:26:24 Fixing IEMs with De-Feedback
  • Think about eliminating drum bleed from vocal mics, for one.
• 01:28:47 Gig Gab 515 Outtro
  • Follow Robert Scovill
    • On Facebook
    • On Instagram
    • On LinkedIn
    • RobertScovill.com (where you’ll find The Back Lounge)
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Mixing Legends Live: Robert Scovill at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame — Gig Gab 515 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

You love the music, but being a working musician comes with friction, and this episode tackles it head-on. You dig into the real difference between tribute bands and celebration projects, how to prep when multiple gigs stack up fast, and why anxiety creeps in when preparation gets sloppy. You explore how much rehearsal is enough, when studio versions help versus live recordings, and why fun disappears when expectations are unclear. The big takeaway is simple: intention matters. When you walk into rehearsal with a plan, a personal worklist, and shared expectations, you protect your energy and stay focused on what matters most. That focus is how you keep growing while Always Be Performing.

From rehearsals to gig day, you learn how systems save your sanity. You hear why rehearsal recordings only work if someone is actually assigned to listen, how shared calendars prevent chaos, and why group texts quietly sabotage bands. You break down practical tools for managing gigs, promotion, and communication, from punchlist spreadsheets to task masters who own the details. You even get into tech expectations for bandmates and why alignment matters more than gear. The message is clear: externalize the details, reduce decision fatigue, and free your head to show up present, prepared, and confident on stage.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 514 – Monday, December 29th, 2025
  • December 29th: Tick Tock Day
  • Guest co-host: Richard Page
• 00:02:03 Richard’s got some tribute shows happening
  • The difference between a tribute band and a celebration project
  • Pure Petty, Hot Atlanta, Remedy at Ardmore Music Hall
  • Rocks This Way
• 00:06:07 Dave’s got three different shows to learn and play in 2 weeks
  • The anxiety of preparing for too many gigs at once
  • When prepping celebration shows, do you do all studio? Some live?
• 00:24:33 SPONSOR: Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at rula.com/giggab #rulapod
• 00:26:19 NAMM coming up!
  • GG Coverage Sponsor: Ultimate Ears Pro!
• 00:26:55 Being a working musician comes with a lot of friction to have fun
• 00:28:48 Setting rehearsal intention
  • Have a plan!
  • Be careful of repeating songs and consuming time
  • Set expectations. Ensure everyone arrives on the same page.
  • Keep a “personal worklist” note going on your phone during rehearsals
• 00:33:41 Maximizing rehearsal recordings
  • Rotate between band-members for listening to rehearsal recordings
  • You inspect what you expect!
• 00:38:49 Scheduling rehearsals
  • Use a Google Calendar
• 00:42:36 Inter-band communication
  • Group Messages…SUCK (especially now with RCS, that was supposed to fix it)
  • You’ve gotta have a task-master!
  • WheresTheGig.com
  • BandHelper
• 00:50:46 Creating a Spreadsheet punchlist for gigs
  • Keeps you from forgetting the Facebook event, the mailer, etc
  • Using BandsInTown for Artists
• 00:55:55 Tech requirements for new band members
  • Green Bubble Prejudice!
• 01:02:12 Three iPads
  • Stage Ninja Clamp for iPad
  • forScore
• 01:10:17 Gig Gab 514 Outtro
  • Follow Richard Page on Facebook
    • Remedy
    • Dead Band
    • Rocks This Way
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post The Hidden Work of Fun: Systems for Working Musicians — Gig Gab 514 with Richard Page appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

You follow Lindsay Manfredi’s wild, non-linear path from merch table to main stage, and she shows you exactly how saying yes, showing up, and outworking your fear can change your entire trajectory. You hear how she moved to Florida at twenty chasing a rock-star dream, became an instant Cold superfan, and eventually landed the bass gig through a Twitter message that felt too unreal to be real. She talks candidly about law-of-attraction moments, why every Cold song has to matter, and where the line sits between authentic human creativity and formulaic or AI-generated music. Through it all, she reminds you that most fears never materialize and it takes the same effort to believe in yourself as it does to doubt yourself. Always Be Performing.

From there, you shift into the discipline behind her artistry: preparing for tours months in advance, running the set nearly every day, and over-preparing so the stage actually feels fun. She shares how making the road feel like home keeps her grounded, and how her book “The Girl Who Cried Love” came from losing her sense of self and rebuilding true self-worth, not just confidence. You explore dropping habits that don’t serve you, reconnecting with what you really value, and even why revisiting Mad Men taught her to only compete with herself. Finally, you wrap with a deep dive into in-ear monitor strategy, why a great mix beats great gear, and the small decisions that make performing sustainable for the long haul.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 513 – Monday, December 22nd, 2025
  • December 22nd: National Cookie Exchange Day
  • Guest co-host: Linsday Manfredi
  • NAMM coming up!
    • GG Coverage Sponsor: Ultimate Ears Pro!
• 00:01:30 Twenty years old, moved to Florida to become a rock star
  • Sprung Monkey needed a “merch girl”, Lindsay grabbed the gig
  • Saw Cold, loved the music, loved Scooter’s voice. Instant fan!
  • Unfuckwithable: A Guide to Inspired Badassery
• 00:04:45 Bringing the Law of attraction into the rock world
  • Lindsay’s Cold tattoo made it into the album insert
  • 00:06:00 Getting the Cold gig… on Twitter in 2014
  • Picture Yes was playing at The Vogue in Indianapolis on tour with Saving Abel
  • Check your Facebook messages: “Will you be in our band?”
• 00:07:32 Always say “yes!” — Build the plane while you’re flying it.
  • Bought a 5-String
• 00:09:09 Play music because you love to play music
  • No fluff songs in Cold
  • Every song matters
• 00:11:25 Fuck AI to create music
  • Is Formulaic Music from humans just as bad as AI-Created Music
  • When do we hit the point where it’s OK to use AI to create music
• 00:20:13 If you’re an artist, you’re going to create art.
  • 85% of what we’re afraid of won’t happen.
  • It takes just as much effort to have faith in something as it does to fear something
• 00:23:46 Transitioning from fan to band member
  • Scooter says: “bring your personality to it!”
  • Capture the original intent and emotion
  • Lindsay rewrote the run in “So Long June” and… it was welcomed!
• 00:27:30 Preparing enough to have fun on stage
  • Months of practice before a tour
  • In order to have fun on stage… I need to be an over-preparer!
  • Fender P-Bass at home to learn and prepare for tour
  • Heavier strings on the practice bass
  • Run the set every day (almost)
• 00:33:42 Start rehearsal in December for tour in April
  • It’s more fun to be prepared
• 00:36:10 Making the road feel like home
  • Making your bunk your own
  • Cold is a family
  • Touring is my favorite thing to do
• 00:39:52 The Girl Who Cried Love, a Pivot to Self Worth
  • Lindsay: I lost myself into what became a failed relationship
  • Trying to prove my worth to someone who didn’t see my worth
  • So many of us aren’t taught what our true worth is
  • Asking herself: “Lindsay, what do you really want in your life? What is your purpose? What are your values?”
  • The difference between confidence and self-worth.
• 00:45:33 It’s hard to drop the shit that’s not serving you
• 00:46:37 How can I make the world a little bit better?
  • Being in the audience first makes everything so much clearer
• 00:47:51 Identifying a bad habit before you can drop it
  • “My goal in life is to wake up laughing every day”
• 00:49:01 Revisiting Mad Men, of all things
  • Better to compete with yourself
• 00:51:19 In Ear Monitors
  • Having a great mix
  • Mix is more important than gear
  • Dissecting in-ears
  • Universal Fits Dave recommends:
    • Ultimate Ears Universal Fit
    • Soundbrenner Wave
  • Huberman Lab episode on hearing health
• 01:01:52 Gig Gab 513 Outtro
  • Follow Lindsay Manfredi
    • On IG @Lindsay Manfredi
    • ColdArmy.com
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Lindsay Manfredi’s Road to Cold: Music, Micro-Pivots, and Radical Self-Worth — Gig Gab 513 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

You follow Demetri Papanicolau’s winding path from Fidelity financial consultant to full-time booking agent and working musician, discovering how taking risks, saying yes to scary gigs, and learning from every stage moment shaped his career. You hear how singing AC/DC and Zeppelin in high school, drilling Beatles harmonies, and navigating the evolution from originals to covers built the chops he still relies on today. As you ride through stories of surprise band formations, COVID-era pivots, and the birth of Rotten Apple, you’re reminded that you must Always Be Performing, even when the gig you expected turns into something entirely different.

You also step inside Demetri’s world at Notso Costley Productions, where booking is equal parts diplomacy, coaching, and reading the room. He breaks down what venues actually want, what musicians consistently get wrong, and how reliability wins more than draw. You learn how he balances the needs of solos, duos, trios, and full bands; why non-verbal communication and a good hang matter; how to build an EPK that gets you on a roster; and what happens when rates rise across the scene. Through it all, Demetri shows how being both booker and performer lets him guide bands and venues toward smoother nights, stronger partnerships, and gigs that keep everyone coming back.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 512 – Monday, December 15th, 2025
  • December 15th: National Cupcake Day
  • Guest co-host: Demetri Papanicolau from Notso Costley Productions
• NAMM coming up!
  • GG Coverage Sponsor: Ultimate Ears Pro!
• 00:02:19 From Fidelity Financial Consultant to Acquiring and running a Booking Agency
  • Josh Logan, local to New Hampshire, did Rock Star Supernova and then The Voice
  • And then…Demetri wins the Black Brimmer’s Rock Star ManchVegas
  • Doors opened!
• 00:05:33 Singing AC/DC and Zeppelin in high school to vocal lessons
• 00:06:06 Learning harmonies by singing The Beatles
• 00:07:32 Playing in an original band that became a cover band
• 00:10:05 Learning while not playing…big ears!
  • Submitted to America’s Got Talent
• 00:13:39 Taking new gigs even when they scare the heck out of you
  • A Josh Logan cancelation leads to a band formation to sub!
• 00:16:02 It’s not about the gigs you take, it’s also about the gigs you don’t take
  • Be selective!
• 00:17:17 Alice and Chains becomes the thread to the story
• 00:18:51 COVID derails (and delays) some gigs…oh how we remember!
  • October and November, 2020
  • When an acoustic duo gig turns into a full band on stage
  • Rotten Apple forms! A tribute to Alice and Chains
• 00:22:28 Always performing with passion
  • …and perfection!
  • Developing that non-verbal communication
• 00:28:22 Bonding as harmony singers
  • When you find that magic formula with someone, stick with it!
• 00:33:41 Putting the time in for continuous growth
  • Maintaining beginner’s mind
• 00:34:07 Finding those right partners where it’s a good hang
  • When your FOH Jim Roese, FOH with Fuel, Melissa Etheridge, and also Rotten Apple
• 00:37:44 Running a booking agency
  • Working for both the venue and the performer
  • Having a roster of musicians: solos, duos, trios, full bands
  • Being in the performer’s shoes helps Demetri be a coach to bands AND venues to ensure smooth sailing
• 00:42:48 Reading the room goes a long
• 00:44:15 Demetri’s advice for making it work (or not work)
  • To get on the roster: Have a good EPK and promo kit
  • Once you’re on: responsiveness, being available, managing your schedule
• 00:46:24 Demetri’s biggest juggling act: adapting to last-minute changes
  • The time Casual Gravity cancelled last minute!
  • Reliability is huge
• 00:54:17 Venue feedback
  • Draw isn’t always the most important thing
  • Be a pro on the mic. Represent the venue.
  • Play the right songs.
  • Keeping the venues happy allows Demetri to book his roster of performers
• 00:57:43 Raising rates for the performer
  • New rates for 2025
  • $230-$250 for solo (from $170-$200 three years ago)
  • $450-$500 for duo
  • $660-$700 for trio
  • $700-$1,000 for bands (or more for A-List prices)
  • Balancing rates between performers and venues, ensuring everyone is profitable
• 01:05:03 Carrying on Paul Costley’s legacy and tradition with Nosto Costley Productions
  • Took a voluntary buyout package from Fidelity to make the time to acquire the agency
  • 12/31/2021 was the day Demetri took over…and stopped cutting his hair
• 01:09:20 Gig Gab 512 Outtro
  • Follow Demetri Papanicolau
    • Notso Costley Productions
    • On IG @DemetriPapanicolau
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Booking Smarter, Singing Harder: Demetri Papanicolau on Gig Life — Gig Gab 512 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Sean Monahan from Gale Bird joins Dave Hamilton to walk you through their path of being successful working musicians in an original band. You follow Gale Bird’s path from college songwriting to a 13-year hiatus and a full-tilt return that finally landed Gale Bird on a label. You hear how the band treats music as both passion and business, blending Sean’s production chops with Joshua’s marketing instincts to create songs that connect. You get reminded that “overnight success” takes decades, and that everyone who hires you is thinking in terms of return. Failure, lineup changes, stalled gigs… they’re not roadblocks, folks, they’re prep for the next shot. That’s where you lean into the mindset: Always Be Performing.

You also learn how the label helps identify the songs that will land, how playlist strategy works, and how Gale Bird built a digital identity alongside their live-show firepower. You dig into their content engine, daily-posting experiments, AI reels, and the push to film everything. Collaboration becomes a skill, not an accident, and you see how respecting different strengths keeps the whole machine running. Gear Gab rounds it out with a bit of a wishlist: Kempers, custom Teles, splitter snakes, and the stress test of soundcheck when tech goes sideways. Press play and enjoy!

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 511 – Monday, December 8th, 2025
  • December 8th: Pretend to be a Time Traveler day
  • Guest co-host: Sean Monahan from Gale Bird
• 00:01:50 Went to two different schools together
  • Met in college, started writing songs, doing some local touring
  • Then a 13-year break after college while they started families
  • And then, two years ago, you got the band back together!
• 00:03:19 Signed to a label
• 00:05:11 A Passion that’s also very much a business
  • Producing art that is digested by as many people as possible
  • Sean’s been a full-time musician since college
  • Learned all the right production techniques
  • Met all the right people
  • Hiring the right engineer and session musicians for the album
  • Joshua has been in sales and marketing as his career
  • And also understands aesthetics and marketing… and is Sean’s co-songwriter
• 00:07:57 The label saw people they could invest in, and also liked their sound
  • Holy City Music
  • Overnight success takes twenty years
• 00:10:07 This is the entertainment business!
  • Whomever hires you is thinking about dollar signs
  • They need to see the return, and as a musician you have to understand that
• 00:13:21 Failure prepares you for what’s next
  • Sometimes a gig ends
• 00:15:54 250,000 streams in one year!
• 00:16:56 The Label helps
  • Staying in touch with Playlisters and other avenues like radio, too
• 00:19:38 Getting on Playlists
  • Label says, “write 20 songs, we’ll pick one or two” when we analyze what will perform the best on the streamers
  • One side of the business: live shows full of rock and feels and merch and all that
  • The other side: the digital side. People need to have a representation of the band that’s unique to them.
  • The label is the expert for the digital side, knowing how to identify the songs that will land on the streamers
  • Turns out we land in the “country” genre, so we’ll add a banjo to a song (for example).
  • Roses by Gale Bird is a perfect example
• 00:24:25 SPONSOR: Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at rula.com/giggab #rulapod
• 00:26:12 Creating a social media system for your band
  • An experiment: post every day for 2 months and see what happens
  • Lesson learned: go heavy for a shorter period of time
  • Always be thinking about future content. Film, film, film
  • AI Reels
  • A/B testing
• 00:33:31 Creating side businesses to funnel and fuel Gale Bird
• 00:35:00 Learning to collaborate on your own songs
  • “The better a songwriter is at collaboration, the more successful they’ll be”
• 00:36:48 The Gale Bird formula
  • Can play as a duo or a full band or anything in between.
• 00:38:39 Respecting skillsets
  • Sean shines in the studio: plays all the instruments except drums
  • Joshua shines on stage: sings, plays acoustic guitar, and has excellent stage presence
• 00:44:05 …and managing pride
• 00:44:27 Gear Gab
• 00:44:56 Fender and Guitar Center collaborated on a custom telecaster
• 00:46:32 Sean went to a Kemper rig
  • Wishlist: Kemper Stage
  • Hipshot B-Bender
• 00:48:25 Behringer Wing Rack
  • Mackie DL32S
  • PRORECK Splitter Snakes
• 00:54:12 The stress of tech issues at soundcheck
• 00:57:10 Gig Gab 511 Outtro
  • Follow Gale Bird
    • On IG @GaleBirdMusic
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post From Hiatus to 250K Streams: The Gale Bird Story with Sean Monahan — Gig Gab 511 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look with Train’s drummer Matt Musty and host Dave Hamilton as they dive deep into gig wisdom, touring tips, and pro gear secrets. Learn why being on time, managing your role smartly, and balancing music, money, and the hang is essential for a successful music career. From handling days off and staying rested on the road to mastering in-ear monitors with creative mic setups, this episode is packed with actionable advice every touring musician needs. Always Be Performing with fresh insights that keep you inspired and ready for every show.

Discover how Matt approaches touring with diplomacy, band dynamics, and staying connected to home life while on the road. Explore favorite microphones for perfect in-ear sound, how to avoid a sterile IEM mix, and the importance of scheduled fun time to keep social media engaging. Whether you’re a musician, live sound enthusiast, or fan of the tour life, this episode offers a masterclass in professionalism and passion to elevate your musical journey and keep your performance sharp night after night.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 510 – Monday, December 1st, 2025
  • December 1st: National Peppermint Bark Day
  • Guest co-host: Matt Musty
• 00:02:22 Train continues to level up
  • Train at Royal Albert Hall
  • Train at Grand Ole Opry
• 00:03:40 Waking up the singer ten minutes before the gig!
• 00:06:10 Gig Advice from Musty: Be On Time
• 00:08:46 I’m not ever the guy who hangs around
  • My job’s done
• 00:10:09 Managing your opinion
• 00:11:16 The long game of diplomacy is the key to a successful career
  • The gig philosophy, 2 out of 3 aint bad:
    • Music
    • Money
    • Hang
• 00:15:51 Days off are tough on the band and crew
• 00:18:26 The risk of hanging out with your road-hosts after the gig
  • Prioritizing sleep on the road
• 00:23:42 The Zen of the connection between you and your gear
  • The no-soundcheck days
• 00:28:48 PODCAST: Album Archives. Count down The Top 300 Albums of All Time — one record at a time — with Album Archives | The Vault of Music History.
• 00:29:46 IEM Talk!
  • Sometimes a broken seal
  • Ideas for avoiding a sterile IEM mix
    • Matt put a “crotch mic in place: a Beyer M160 underneath the snare to grab the sound of the kit and put it through some reverb with compression AFTER the reverb
    • Audience Mics
    • Adding reverb to the drums and vocal mics
  • Play every song like it’s the first time. Be inspired!
• 00:41:39 Finding the right microphones to capture your instrument for your in-ears
  • Transparent mics like the Earthworks ETHOS on guitar amps or the Earthworks SR20-Gen2 on drum overheads
• 00:44:37 Favorite snare drum mics
  • Beyerdynamic M201
  • Telefunken M80
  • Earthworks DM17
• 00:49:31 The short version of the Earthworks story
• 00:51:15 Keeping a connection to home while on the road
• 00:52:30 Enjoying the spoils of a high-level tour
• 00:56:42 Being recognized for your job
• 00:59:10 A quick social media discussion
  • Scheduled Fun Time
  • Gaby from Crush Management
• 01:02:48 Gig Gab 510 Outtro
  • Find Matt Musty
    • On IG @MattMusty
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Gig Wisdom & Scheduled Fun Time with Matt Musty of Train — Gig Gab 510 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

You drop into this episode walking side-by-side with David Leaf as he revisits the moments that shaped his life around Brian Wilson’s genius. You hear how Brian needed unconditional connection to create, how Leaf found himself driving tour vans, sitting in private Sinatra rehearsals, and realizing he had to earn his place in those rooms. From LA trips with legends to the spark that made him pack up, move west, and chase Brian’s story head-on, you feel the lesson hit hard: keep moving forward and Always Be Performing.

You also get a front-row view into the musical engine behind Brian Wilson’s world. Leaf breaks down the jazz-rooted harmonies, the devotion of Brian’s touring band, and the emotional work that helped Brian reclaim his confidence. You learn how Pet Sounds floored Lennon and McCartney, why Paul might be the biggest Beatles fan alive, and why Leaf argues Brian deserves solo induction into the Rock Hall. Along the way, you’re guided through The Reel Beatles class, the making of Smile, and the books that document it all, leaving you with the sense that loving music isn’t passive… it’s a craft you show up for every day.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 509 – Monday, November 24th, 2025
  • November 24th: Celebrate Your Unique Talent Day
  • Guest co-host: David Leaf
• 00:02:16 Brian Wilson calls… I need “friends” in the room.
  • Brian Wilson needed to be loved unconditionally
  • David drove for the tour
  • The Beach Boys and The California Myth (re-released as God Only Knows)
• 00:07:20 First Trip to LA…with Nelson Riddle and Frank Sinatra
  • And there’s a Sinatra classic right in front of him
  • David Leaf and the Twigs
  • Getting a private concert from Frank Sinatra and had the thought: “this is where I want to be. What do I need to do to earn my spot in this room?”
  • The BeeGees
  • Jimmy Webb
  • Herb Alpert
  • The Reel Beatles
  • Docs that Rock class by David Leaf
• 00:11:04 In college he became obsessed with Brian Wilson
• 00:11:50 The band for Brian’s 1999-2000 tour, Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
  • The band was devoted to recreating the moments
• 00:12:24 If you’re obsessed with Brian Wilson, why dont you do something about it
  • Why don’t I move to California, meet Brian Wilson, and write a book about him and help him finish SMiLE
  • My parents told me I was special, and I believed them.
• 00:13:58 Walked up to Dennis Wilson and told him he was going to write a book about his brother
  • Lesson: Keep moving forward!
• 00:15:37 Brian and I were friends
• 00:16:33 Brian loved to do casual singing
  • Singing along to the oldies with Brian Wilson
  • Going to the Church of Brian Wilson
• 00:19:08 His musicians gave him the unconditional love he needed to play this music
  • …and eventually release Smile
  • Brian Wilson saw Wild Honey… “If I had this group back in the 1960s, I could have taken Smile on the road!”
• 00:22:47 The technical complexities of Brian Wilson’s harmonies
  • Brian came from jazz
• 00:25:42 Brian Wilson’s relationship with Sir Paul McCartney
  • When Pet Sounds came out, John and Paul told him how much they loved the album
  • Recording Artists were Song Monkeys in the old days
• 00:29:08 SPONSOR: Surfshark. Go to https://surfshark.com/giggab4 or use code giggab at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN!
• 00:31:29 SPONSOR: Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/giggab #rulapod
• 00:33:29 Brian Wilson singing Brian Wilson
• 00:38:45 Brian Wilson had initial confidence, and then it was beaten out of him
• 00:39:44 Managing The Pressure of First Fame
  • Finally, Brian: “I have emotional security”
  • Tips for Avoiding Internal Pressure
• 00:46:03 Meet The Reel Beatles, a 10-week class
  • Guests: Peter Asher, Michael Lyndsay-Hogg, Peter Jackson
• 00:51:39 Paul McCartney is the world’s biggest Beatles Fan
• 00:53:36 Brian Wilson
  • Brian Wilson And the Story of SMiLE
  • David Leaf posits that Brian Wilson should be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist
• 00:56:32 David’s Books
  • SMiLE: The Rise fall and Ressurection of Brian Wilson
  • The Beach Boys and the California Myth
• 00:57:58 The candor captured Brian Wilson, Live at The Roxy
• 01:00:59 Gig Gab 509 Outtro
  • Find David Leaf
    • At LeafProd.com
  • Contact Gig Gab!
  • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
  • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
  • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Inside Brian Wilson, The Beach Boys, and The Beatles with David Leaf — Gig Gab 509 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

You know that moment when a gig just clicks — when everyone on stage suddenly realizes it’s more than just a show? That’s where this episode starts. You’ll hear how saying “yes” to new gigs can lead to unexpected magic, how the right players bring out the best in each other, and why being open to unfamiliar styles can change everything.

Then the conversation gets gloriously geeky as Dave Hamilton and guest co-host Daniel East dive into using Waves plugins live, connecting your Mac to a console via Dante, and why automixing is almost—but not quite—ready for primetime. From heart to hardware, it’s all about finding balance between feel and finesse. Always Be Performing.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 508 – Monday, November 17th, 2025
  • November 17th: Odd Socks Day
  • Guest co-host: Daniel East
• 00:01:24 Playing with Brit Drozda
  • Had lunch with a guitar player friend, and the gig came together!
  • First gig, three songs in, and everyone knew it was more-than-just-a-gig
• 00:07:08 Lesson: take gigs even if it’s not your style
  • Don’t say no because you don’t think it’s your style
  • Don’t say no because you don’t (yet!) know the material
  • You could be the missing piece of the puzzle that brings it to a completely different level
• 00:11:15 The magic that can just happen when the right people come together
• 00:14:24 Nerding out about drumsticks. Of course!
  • Dan is now endorsing Headhunters Sticks
  • Vic Firth 5B Double Glaze
• 00:23:02 Pitch Slap Percussion Cajons
• 00:26:03 SPONSOR: GigSalad. Always Be Performing means “Always Be Booking”, too. Head to GigSalad.com to create your free profile today!
  • (and check out Gig Gab 482 with Mark Steiner from May, 2025, too!)
• 00:28:12 Waves plugins on any size gig…if you NEED it.
  • Using a console with Dante, you can link via Ethernet to your MacBook Pro and use plugins
  • Dan’s new favorite console: Yamaha DM3D ($2,000) console
  • Waves Plugins to use when mixing live audio
    • Waves SuperRack Performer ($99)
    • Waves TRACT System Calibration ($399)
    • Waves Feedback Hunter ($99.99)
    • Waves Silk LIVE ($29.99)
    • Waves F6 Dynamic EQ
    • Waves L4 Maximizer ($49.99)
    • Waves Primary Source Expander ($39.99)
    • Waves Tune Real-Time ($49.99)
    • Waves Clarix LB (what Dave SHOULD have tested in GG 508!)
• 01:10:06 Automixing is coming, folks!
• 01:11:16 Years ago, Robert Scovill taught Dan: pay attention.
• 01:12:35 Gig Gab 508 Outtro
  • Find Daniel East
    • DanielEast.net
    • @eastd and @themixdoctor
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Live Music, Live Mix: The Magic and the Math — Gig Gab 508 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

In this episode, you’ll join Dave and returning guest co-host Adam Moskowitz, Chief Groove Officer of VAM Band, as they dive headfirst into the world of nanny tracks, first-gig chaos, and future-proofing your sound. From building tracks in Reaper to rehearsing smarter—not longer—you’ll learn how technology can help you bring your band’s best show to the stage fast.

Then, it’s all about mindset: dealing with last-minute cancellations, navigating new players, and keeping your cool when the curveballs fly. Whether you’re warming up your voice with R.E.M. or re-negotiating pay on a sub gig, this episode reminds you that gigging is equal parts art, attitude, and adaptability. Keep your groove steady and—Always Be Performing.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 507 – Monday, November 10th, 2025
  • November 10th: International Accounting Day
  • Guest co-host: Adam Moskowitz, Chief Groove Officer of VAM Band
• 00:01:46 The Benefits of Nanny Tracks and Invisible Conductors
  • Arrangement and Lyrics are the two big hurdles
  • Nanny tracks can get you out of the rehearsal room FAST
  • We play new songs at every show! 25 new songs in 2025
• 00:06:03 Playing a new song for the first time in front of a crowd
• 00:10:41 Building the backing tracks
  • Download from Karaoke-Version and load into Reaper (Adam’s DAW of choice)
  • Snap the audio to the “grid” using the click provided by Karaoke Version.
  • Then set stretch markers at the beginning of each measure, so then I can stretch the tempo and everything stays in tune and in time
• 00:13:42 Filling in … with a blind drummer!
  • A sub from six months ago called and asked Adam to sub in HIS band
  • Negotiating the right pay to ensure you don’t lose money
  • “The band didn’t provide a setlist…so I built one!”
  • When subbing: check the band’s YouTube to see what keys they play in
• 00:20:40 SPONSOR: Surfshark. Go to https://surfshark.com/giggab4 or use code giggab4 at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN!
• 00:22:49 What’s your vocal warmup routine?
  • Dave sings:
    • R.E.M.’s Finest Worksong (twice)
    • Optional: Spin Doctors “A Pocket Full Of Kryptonite”
  • Adam does scales: “Men’s Vocal Warmup – 5 Minutes”
• 00:28:01 Create a pre-show ritual
  • Warm up your brain, your body, and set your intentions
  • Leave your baggage behind, focus on bringing joy and having fun
• 00:29:49 Avoiding Cancellations with a System
  • Cover bands that operate like original bands: rare, and coveted! Not all bands can do that.
• 00:34:02 What happens with 24-hour notice when your singer cancels…and you have a brand-new drummer?
  • Be like water…go with the flow!
  • Using tracks as a supporting layer.
• 00:41:30 What are you trying to do with your band?
  • Define your band’s intention.
  • For Adam and VAM Band: create something that’s future-proof
  • In VAM Band, you need to understand the value of playing the spaces
• 00:43:58 Learn what is best in an off-stage conversation (versus on-stage)
  • The singer who said, “I hate playing this song” on stage doesn’t get re-hired
  • Curating positive energy on stage
• 00:50:33 Setting the expectation with your bandmates up front gives you scalability
  • If you tell people that not everyone is on every gig, then it’s easy!
• 00:57:00 Future-proofing like a Broadway show
• 00:58:56 Are we in the golden age of music
  • Suno now allows you to upload audio and then create a cover version of the audio
• 01:08:14 Adam’s sound engineer gig tomorrow: six microphones, five hours, $900
  • Adam gets the sound gig by doing sound for his band
• 01:08:56 How to communicate your band’s sound to a FOH engineer
  • How can I help you know our band?
  • FOH engineers can drastically alter the way your band sounds
  • Put band/sound crib notes on the stage plot
• 01:18:05 Gig Gab 507 Outtro
  • Follow Adam Moskowitz
    • @adammoskowitzmusic
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Tangents, Tracks, and Tenacity — Gig Gab 507 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

In this solo hang, you dig into the real tools that keep your sound clean and your gigs tight. You’ll learn how to tame noisy tracks with the Accusonus ERA bundle, Waves Clarity Vx, and iZotope RX, plus a few quick tricks from SoundDesk to make your mixes shine. Then it’s time to talk ears—Huberman-style—with magnesium and NAC tips for keeping your hearing sharp long-term. Because if you can’t hear it, you can’t play it.

Listener questions hit everything from cleaning your old Ultimate Ears to handling last-minute gig cancellations, balancing bar shows with private gigs, and keeping your band’s calendar under control. You’ll even pick up some practical gig wisdom—like the right way to tie up cables and hoses. Finally, gear gets its due with reviews of the Alesis Turbo Max electronic kit and Dark Matter DMA6 custom IEMs, plus hot takes on the Roland DrumLink, D’Addario Backline backpack, Zoom Q2n-4K, and microphone troubleshooting. It’s all about sharpening your setup, your sound, and your mindset—because you know the rule: Always Be Performing.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 506 – Monday, November 3rd, 2025
  • November 3rd: National Sandwich Day
  • Guest co-host: You!
• 00:02:29 Cleaning Up Audio
  • Accusonus ERA Bundle V6.2 – https://matthiasott.com/notes/free-audio-plugins-accusonus-era-6-bundle
  • Waves Clarity Vx – https://waves.alzt.net/OePdWK
  • iZotope RX11 Voice De-noise – https://www.izotope.com/en/products/rx/features/voice-de-noise
  • Waves NS1 – https://waves.alzt.net/4G4nqL
  • SoundDesk
• 00:09:49 Hearing Health
  • Huberman Hearing Health episode = Magnesium Glycinate + NAC for Dave.
• Sponsors
  • 00:16:06 SPONSOR: Claude.ai – Ready to tackle bigger problems? Sign up for Claude today and get 50% off Claude Pro, which includes access to Claude Code, when you visit Claude.ai/giggab
• Listener Questions
  • 00:19:08 Paul-How do I get my older pair of Ultimate Ears cleaned up?
  • 00:21:28 Terry-A club canceled on me, where can I find a boilerplate booking contract to use?
  • 00:24:51 Brian-Managing Band Member Availability
  • 00:27:10 John-How do I balance bar gigs and private bookings?
  • 00:32:49 Bill-Can you fold-tie extension cords or garden hoses, too?
• Gear Gab
  • 00:36:09 Review: Alesis Turbo Max — All-In-One Beginner Electronic Drum Kit Launches Today
  • 00:40:00 Review: Dave’s new Dark Matter DMA6 BA 6 Custom IEMs
• Gear Gab (and tech help)
  • 00:48:41 Lane-CSF-D’Addario Backline Gig Backpacks – https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0821Q4BT3/giggab-20
  • 00:50:54 Roland DrumLink Wireless System – https://www.roland.com/global/promos/drumlink/
  • 00:52:13 Pat-CSF-Zoom Q2n-4K video recorder – https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B07K114TFB/giggab-20
  • 00:53:44 Andy-492-Telefunken M80 Troubleshooting for that low-volume singer
• 00:57:41 Gig Gab 506 Outtro
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Sound Better, Gig Smarter: Tools, Tips, and Gear That Work — Gig Gab 506 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

This week, you’re sitting down with funk legend James “Diamond” Williams from The Ohio Players! From his jazz roots and early gigs at age 14 to shaping the groove of “Love Rollercoaster” and “Fire,” Diamond shares how precision, persistence, and passion built one of the most iconic sounds in funk. You’ll hear stories of wild recording schedules, late-night gigs, and the unforgettable moment Stevie Wonder first heard “Fire.” Through it all, Diamond reminds you that love—and music—is truly a rollercoaster.

Diamond also talks about what it takes to keep a band together, why preparation is everything, and how to push your career forward when no one else will. His message? Stay seated, stay belted, and enjoy the ride. Always Be Performing.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 505 – Monday, October 27th, 2025
  • October 27th: National Black Cat Day
  • Guest co-host: James “Diamond” Williams
• 00:03:35 Syncopated grooves
  • Jazz labs with his Dad
  • Gigging with jazz standards at 14 years old
  • All-City orchestra
  • Miami University
  • Marching band
  • Drum and Bugle Corps
  • All those influences
• 00:05:38 How did the drum fill intro for “I Want to Be Free” come together
• 00:10:16 Love Rollercoaster was an intentional pop hit
  • BTO was the “hit” band with Mercury when Ohio Players signed
  • Ohio Players told Mercury: “We need nothing from you but your money.”
  • Came in with a gold 45 and left with a Platinum album
• 00:14:08 Crazy recording schedule
  • Playing at the Red Onion in Buffalo, NY at night while recording in Chicago during the day
  • They set a goal: “Let’s write three platinum albums in a row.”
• 00:16:01 Stevie Wonder hears “Fire” for the first time
• Sponsors
  • 00:19:37 SPONSOR: GigSalad. Always Be Performing means “Always Be Booking”, too. Head to GigSalad.com to create your free profile today!
    • (and check out Gig Gab 482 with Mark Steiner from May, 2025, too!)
  • 00:21:12 SPONSOR: Surfshark. Go to https://surfshark.com/giggab4 or use code giggab4 at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN!
• 00:22:42 “I Want To Be Free” – Midnight Special viral clip on Instagram
  • Bands covering
  • Red Hot Chili Peppers cover Love Rollercoaster
  • D’Angelo
  • Tupac
• 00:24:47 The Ohio Players and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
  • Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame induction
• 00:28:42 Keep pushing for your career… you are your best advocate
• 00:32:42 Balancing strong personalities within a band
  • Advice: Never stop!
    • Ohio Players were a band 24/7
    • Rehearsed five days a week
  • Hearing “Me & Mrs. Jones” everywhere when starting on tour
    • …and hearing “Skin Tight” the same way
• 00:37:43 It comes back to preparation!
  • Diamond’s Father’s Lessons
• 00:39:00 What transpired between Funky Worm (gold 45) and Skin Tight (Platinum album)?
  • The musicality Billy Beck and Diamond
  • Sugarfoot was always Sugarfoot: “he never came offstage”
• 00:43:28 Touring with technology decades ago
• 00:45:24 Diamonds life advice: love is actually a rollercoaster
  • Stay seated and belted, and enjoy the ride.
  • Stay diligent, faithful, and positive.
• 00:47:16 Gig Gab 505 Outtro
  • Follow Diamond at The Ohio Players
    • Ohio Players Instagram
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Laughs, Life, and Lessons with James “Diamond” Williams from The Ohio Players – Gig Gab 505 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Mike Schulte returns to Gig Gab for a deep dive into the conversations that make bands stronger. You’ll explore how band summits—those intentional moments to step away from gigs and just talk—can reset your focus, rebuild trust, and make your group operate like a real team. From redefining what success looks like to refining how you plan your shows, this episode challenges you to look beyond the stage and invest in the relationships that keep your music alive.

You’ll also dig into the systems that make the difference between chaos and consistency: smarter scheduling, simplified setups, and knowing when to say “no” so your band can keep saying “yes” to the right gigs. Whether you’re touring every weekend or just playing local spots, this is the blueprint for staying connected, staying efficient, and, above all, staying true to the Gig Gab mantra—Always Be Performing.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 504 – Monday, October 20th, 2025
  • October 20th: World Statistics Day
  • Guest co-host: Mike Schulte
  • A moment of self-congratulations
    • Skylar’s on TikTok!
• 00:05:19 Pork Tornadoes had a packed summer…again!
  • Averaged 8 gigs per month from May to September
  • 9 Shows in September, 11 in July
  • Started off as a bar band 18 years ago…now it’s a machine with employees
  • Each gig starts with $3,500 in fixed cost expenses and becomes a money machine
• 00:07:34 Making the internal decisions to set yourself up for future success
  • Learning your limits (three shows in a row for Pork Tornadoes)
  • Taking your contracted set time down (from 4 hours to 2 hours)
  • Rotating your setlist for every show…”you didn’t hear your favorite song tonight, come to the next show”
  • Training your crew so that you can arrive 30 minutes before soundcheck, and leave right after the encore
  • No more sharing hotel rooms. Each band member gets their own room. Keeps people healthier…and happier!
  • Simplifying our rig so that we can show up and play
  • Using Ethernet-based snakes like CAT-SASS
• 00:18:47 Building out your in-ears rack with intention
  • Gear Gab: Pork Tornadoes using the Midas DL251 Blue Box Rack
  • Mix with some drum overheads…you might find you like it!
• 00:23:14 Schedule a band summit
  • Discuss your goals
  • Just hang out, let the discussions happen
  • Be together, no gigs, no soundchecks, just a band retreat. This is how you level up with intention.
• 00:28:06 SPONSOR: Claude.ai – Ready to tackle bigger problems? Sign up for Claude today and get 50% off Claude Pro, which includes access to Claude Code, when you visit Claude.ai/giggab
• 00:29:49 SPONSOR: Square – See what Square has been up to in your neck of the woods, and then visit square.com/go/giggab
• 00:31:14 Gear Gab: Get the best kick drum sound you can with mics in the right place
  • May Turbo Kick
  • May Monorail
• 00:36:08 What happens when your band is pivotal to an event that is bigger than you?
  • Canceling the band means no one attends, no one gets to sell food, no merch, the fans who bought hotel rooms, etc
• 00:38:50 What are the options when a band member needs to cancel?
  • Have a deep roster of musicians (the Adam Moskowitz/VAM Band way)
  • Recording yourselves so you can bring in a missing member’s tracks
  • Canceling the entire gig (bad!)
• 00:53:32 What’s worse? Lip syncing, or canceling a gig?
• 00:54:32 What is the benefit of telling people about problems on stage?
  • When is it right to acknowledge it? When is it best to pretend everything is A-OK?
• 00:58:07 Gig Gab 504 Outtro
  • Follow Mike Schulte
    • Confused Breakfast
    • The Pork Tornadoes
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Beyond The Stage: How Band Summits Change Everything – Gig Gab 504 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

You’re diving into the power of persistence and adaptability in this episode of Gig Gab with guest co-host Steve Witschel. From building and moderating a 132,000-member Cover Band Central group to navigating Facebook’s monetization chaos with the nearly-1,000,000-member Facebook page, Steve shares how he transformed challenges into content gold. You’ll learn how he separates community-driven interaction in the group from content curation on the page—and how both have become invaluable tools. If you’re not treating your Facebook group like an encyclopedia, you’re missing out.

It’s not just about posts, it’s about presence. Steve walks you through using AI tools like Sora to streamline video creation and embraces the idea of turning everyday gig life into engaging fan-building content. Whether it’s filming someone lugging gear or crafting posts that stir emotions, your goal is to create superfans between shows.

And yes, Rush is back on tour with Anika Nilles on drums—Steve’s take? She’s approaching it like a seasoned cover band pro. Dave’s take? You gotta listen to hear it straight from the source!

Through it all, you’re reminded: embrace failure, evolve with tech, and above all… Always Be Performing.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 503 – Monday, October 13th, 2025
  • October 6th: International Day for Failure
  • Guest co-host: Steve Witschel
• 00:03:59 Growing Cover Band Central
  • Dave’s Business Brain podcast
  • Handling the group differently than the page
  • The group has the audience provide the comment.
  • The page is Steve provide the content
• 00:05:49 Moderating the Cover Band Central group of 132,000 members
  • Setting the group private and setting post approval
• 00:10:48 Searching the group is an encyclopedia of information
• 00:12:09 Publishing the Cover Band Central page
  • Meta invited the page to a bonus program – Steve decided it was time to publish original content
  • Drummer jokes!
• 00:14:26 Rehearsing Thriller…and Human Nature, especially
• 00:18:34 Locking in with other musicians
  • Steve, the bass player: “I am the drums”
  • Learning about being locked-in from watching Dio and Dokken in 1988
  • Monetizing the group or page?
• 00:23:53 SPONSOR: Mechanical Licensing Collective – Are you a songwriter, music publisher, or administrator? Every month, The MLC collects the streaming data and royalties from Spotify and Apple Music, matches the money to the creator who has earned it, and then pays out the royalties due. Visit TheMLC.com today to sign up!
• 00:25:58 Making money from the Facebook group
  • The Facebook BreakthroughBonus program
  • Getting dinged for Facebook’s community standards (with no information)
  • Facebook’s Content Monetization Program
• 00:29:33 Time to Make Videos
• 00:30:25 Getting clients to advertise on Facebook
  • Selling an ad, and then buying Facebook ads to serve that on his page
• 00:35:08 Using AI as a work Assistant
  • Technology advances, and you have to roll with it!
  • Embrace change, folks.
  • AI is a reliable assistant (with questionable accuracy!)
  • Using AI like Sora to Create Videos
• 00:40:05 Using AI to Generate Content
  • Spotify’s popular AI generated band: The Velvet Sundown
• 00:42:31 Steve Witschel’s book, Get ‘Em to the Show: How to Beat the Facebook Algorithm and Successfully Promote Your Gigs Online
  • Debunking some myths
  • Overposting is good!
    • Using Buffer to post on your page
    • Jack Mccarthy says “It’s not a movie, it’s a parade. Not everyone sees every post.”
  • Cater to people’s emotions
    • Could be sad, mad, happy, funny, but it has to be SOMETHING.
  • Celebrate your failures in public, for example.
    • Create your own holiday!
  • Create superfans by sharing content in between your gigs
  • The Internet is easier than Postcards and Flyers!
  • Film someone carrying gear into the gig
  • Film some minutiae back stage
• 00:53:45 Rush is touring in 2026. What are your thoughts?
  • Rush Fifty Something Tour
  • Neil Peart passed in 2020
  • Anika Nilles is joining Rush for their 2026 tour
  • Celebrating the music of Rush with the fans
  • Steve’s take: Anika is coming in and playing the parts like she’s in a cover band
  • Dave might go to most of the shows. For Dave’s midlife crisis: “I don’t want a Ferrari, I want a Red Barchetta.”
  • Steve might go to Madison Square Garden
• 01:12:55 Gig Gab 503 Outtro
  • Follow Steve Witschel
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post The Power of the Page: Inside Cover Band Central’s Massive Reach — Gig Gab 503 with Steve Witschel appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Justin Scheidling takes us inside a day in the life of a touring tech, supporting the bands of Stephen Kramer Glickman and Katelyn Tarver on the Big Time Rush tour, from load-in to bus call. From labeling every cable and packing “JustInCase” bags to handling the curveballs of show days, you get the raw look at how a pro keeps the gig rolling. You’ll hear how gear obsession became the gateway to teching, what it’s like to set up drums straight off the truck, and why even a $3,000 gig has the same headaches as a $300 one. And yes, rain still finds its way to the PA. Through it all, Justin proves that the secret to surviving the road is simple: Always Be Performing.

But this isn’t just about tech work! It’s about career lessons you can ~~steal~~ borrow for your own gigs. You’ll learn why making yourself known by being helpful pays off, how meeting everyone opens doors, and how DJ percussion gigs and Blue Man Group tricks turned into a show-stopping side hustle. From backstage at Meadowbrook’s rock-star pool party to 3am bus calls, Justin makes it clear that every step of the grind adds to the craft. No matter the role—tech, player, or bandleader—you’re building skills that take you further on stage and off.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 502 – Monday, October 6th, 2025
  • October 6th: National Mad Hatter Day
  • Guest co-hosts: Justin Scheidling
• 00:02:50 First time nationwide drum tech!
  • Gear Acquisition Syndrome is real… and it helps set you up to become a drum tech!
  • Buddy Gibbons says.. “So… I need a tech!”
  • The job expands: Can you also work on guitars…and pianos?
• 00:05:40 Remembering the view of an outsider
  • Player first…but I run my own bands
• 00:07:53 What’s in your “JustInCase”
  • Labeling is important!
  • MakeItStay Bag
  • MakeItMove Bag
• 00:11:21 I want everyone on this tour to know who I am.
  • Do that by being helpful
• 00:13:00 Are my toolboxes going to make it on the plane?
• 00:14:33 Gig Anxiety
  • Fueled by experiences
  • Don’t plug the PA in with the refrigerator
  • A little bit extra…with Justin!
• 00:18:38 SPONSOR: GigSalad. Always Be Performing means “Always Be Booking”, too. Head to GigSalad.com to create your free profile today!
  • (and check out Gig Gab 482 with Mark Steiner from May, 2025, too!)
• 00:20:00 Show day as a drum tech
  • Walk the stage
  • Drums are still in “the attic”
  • The day could go one of two ways:
  • If room at the venue, we could set up the drums behind the stage and roll them out (and back)
  • Otherwise we’d have to build on stage
  • “We wanna help break down!”
• 00:27:50 “No matter what your gig is, every gig has bullshit.” — Syndee Winters
  • A $300 gig has its level of BS
  • A $3000 gig has its level of BS
  • The multi-million-dollar production of Hamilton ALSO has it’s multi-million dollar production of Bullshit.
  • A new Gig Gab adage: When there’s rain…the water always hits the PA.
  • Beware water and power…they don’t mix!
• 00:33:52 No matter what the gig is, learn everything you can learn
  • What can I apply to my show at home?
  • How can I further my career?
  • What redundancies can I learn to apply to my gigs?
• 00:34:44 Advice to Justin from Trevor Lawrence, Jr., Drummer with Herbie Hancock
  • “Talk to everyone!”
  • “Find your favorite musicians and talk to them.”
  • Justin immediately reached out to: Kenny Aronoff & Buddy Giggons
• 00:41:57 You never know who you’re gonna meet
  • And make sure you meet everyone.
• 00:43:03 Back to the day of touring…
  • Soundcheck happens and it’s tweaking and troubleshooting time
  • Then mealbreak
• 00:48:13 Meadowbrook in Gilford, NH, the Ultimate Venue
  • Gilford is the backstage party that people think it is.
  • Couches and TVs, heated pool, open bar, and video monitors to watch
  • Pedal bikes and merch!
  • “I would vacation there every day if I could!”
  • Recover kits with Advil and Liquid IV
  • LAUNDRY!
  • RJ & Bridget Harding really have created a wonderful thing
• 00:51:29 Ten minutes to showtime
  • Last-minute checks
• 00:54:32 Teardown
  • This needs to happen fast
  • “If I think I have some time, it’s never gonna make it.”
  • Changing drumheads post-show
• 00:57:50 Then bus call… at 3am
  • On the road by 4am
  • Bunks on the bus
• 00:59:59 Downtime is Unpredictable Deadtime
• 01:01:59 Justin’s Gigging Schedule
  • Go Rogue is Justin’s new band
  • The Current is Justin’s backing band that he created to backup other
  • Justin does DJ Percussion (formerly “Party Percussion”)
  • DJs are also musician
  • “Herbie Hancock invented hip hop with scratching” — Justin Scheidling
• 01:06:23 Learning to be a Party/DJ Percussionist
  • Adapted Blue Man Group stuff, stick twirls, standing drums, percussion…all making the show!
• 01:08:53 It’s always a show!
  • Every little thing comes from a lesson learned!
  • I have the best job ever!
• 01:11:30 Gig Gab 502 Outtro
  • Follow Justin Scheidling
    • JustinScheidling.com
    • @JustinScheidling on IG
• Follow and Contact Gig Gab!
  • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
  • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
  • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post From Load-In to Bus Call: A Tech’s Life on the Big Time Rush Tour with Stephen Kramer Glickman — Gig Gab 502 with Justin Scheidling appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Jack McCarthy joins you on Gig Gab to dig into the real business of music, how to grow attention, capture it, and convert it into lasting fan relationships. You’ll learn why the right material works, how to transform inspiration into your own content, and why audio quality matters less than energy when you’re trying to make fans say, “who is this band?” It’s about creating cultural moments, fueling FOMO, and turning one-time listeners into repeat buyers. This is where “Always Be Performing” extends beyond the stage into every piece of marketing you share.

From building email and SMS lists to flattening the revenue rollercoaster with calendars and consistent outreach, you’ll see how indie artists can move from surviving to thriving. Jack and Dave walk through practical strategies like dissecting viral hits, harnessing UGC, and even using AI to smash blank page syndrome. You’ll hear why you’re probably not being “salesy” enough, and how treating your marketing as another form of performance makes it feel authentic, not forced. If you’re ready to stand out in a noisy world, this episode shows you how.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 501 – Monday, September 29th, 2025
  • September 29th: National Silent Movie Day
• Guest co-host: Jack McCarthy from Indepreneur & their Creative Juice Podcast
• 00:02:35 Let’s talk Business of music
• 00:03:04 Indepreneur – Music Marketing Education
  • Monetizing a fanbase
  • Coaching artists
  • IndieX – an agency working 1-on-1 with artists
• 00:04:42 Start gathering attention
  • You need to start growing a critical mass
• 00:05:51 Once you have attention you need to capture that in a number of different ways
• 00:06:40 Converting attention into a next step
  • Audience into an email or SMS list
  • Or getting someone to buy from you the first time (tickets, merch)
  • Buying from you again (Patreon)
• 00:08:09 To gain attention: pay attention to the types of videos that capture your attention
  • Clickbait is effective for a reason!
  • Apply the same ideas to the stuff that you make
  • Emulate and morph it into something
• 00:10:15 Learn other peoples stuff… then learn FROM other people’s stuff
  • Eventually you have something that is yours
• 00:12:25 Coaching people through creating their first posts
  • So much of it involves working to “get the suck out of it”
  • Learn what makes you… you!
  • “I would love to make a video like that”
  • Story of when Dave almost got crushed by a monitor tower
• 00:15:44 Should we always be filming?
  • Capture as much as you can while you’re working (performing, songwriting)
• 00:17:33 Audio quality is better than video quality
  • But there is the definition of “good enough”
  • Energy matters most. Make people ask, “who is this band?”
  • Create FOMO for people to come to your SHOW
• 00:20:06 Creating cultural moments
  • Make people ask, “what is that?” “who is that?” “how can I be there next time?”
• 00:22:52 Creating User Generated Content-style channels for your own band
• 00:25:29 Dissecting Oasis’s creation of cultural moments
• 00:27:33 SPONSOR: Square – See what Square has been up to in your neck of the woods, and then visit square.com/go/giggab
• 00:28:51 SPONSOR: Claude.ai – Ready to tackle bigger problems? Sign up for Claude today and get 50% off Claude Pro, which includes access to Claude Code, when you visit Claude.ai/giggab
• 00:30:46 Jack McCarthy, the musician
  • Creatives struggle the idea of marketing themselves. Am I being too salesy or cheesy? What am I sacrificing?
  • Answer: you’re not being salesy enough!
  • Always be performing means you can perform with your marketing, too
• 00:36:19 Digging into the Billboard Hot 100’s Email Marketing
  • You probably aren’t sending enough email to your list.
  • Creative Juice Podcast about the Email Marketing of the Billboard Hot 100
• 00:41:04 You are not competing against your competitors, you’re competing with everything else in the lives of your fans (family, job, etc)
  • People get distracted by life
• 00:42:20 Posting one time is not enough – no one sees and digests everything you post
  • Gig Gab with Jan Hammer goes viral every time
• 00:44:45 Get the content right first, THEN plug it into the advertising machine
  • Small Town Titans cover of “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” went viral… every time.
  • Then advertise your viral content!
  • Be content first, then you have an asset that you can use on different platforms and different places
• 00:48:32 Start selling to your fans
  • Give them something for free in exchange for their contact information
• 00:49:30 Flatten the Revenue Rollercoaster
  • Build a content calendar
  • Build a sales promotion calendar
• 00:51:46 Using AI to come up with ideas…and more?
  • Building internal workflows with agentic AI with tools like N8N
  • Copywriting
  • Brainstorming partner
  • Using it as a sounding board
  • AI greatly diminishes blank page syndrome
• 00:55:09 Using Suno to write songs
  • Creative Juice episode on the legal concerns with Suno and
  • Coding with AI is a game-changers
• 00:59:20 Look to the videos that inspire you, take cues from them, and then use that to pull your potential fans in
  • If you’ve already got an audience and wants to create sticky fans, come up with something to offer them (something you can sell, a record, early access, anything that lets them go a little bit deeper into your world)
• 01:01:09 Gig Gab 501 Outtro
  • Follow Jack McCarthy
    • Indepreneur.io and IndeX
    • Follow Creative Juice Podcast
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Indie Music Mastery: Marketing, Email, and AI with Jack McCarthy — Gig Gab 501 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Celebrating 500 episodes, you’re right in the middle of a musician’s playground with Dave, Mike Schulte, and Skylar Hamilton. You’ll hear how Skylar picked up the sticks to ace a school audition, why guitar lessons with Dad flopped, and what it takes to manage intensity behind the kit, especially as the decades wear on. From Clem Burke’s calorie-burning groove to the strange question of why drums wear covers, you’re reminded that rhythm is equal parts sweat, curiosity, and craft. Always Be Performing, whether it’s a practice room breakthrough or chasing the perfect sound on stage.

The crew also dives into their favorite past episodes—Jan Hammer, Kenny Aronoff, and the time Dave encountered the perfect microphone in the middle of the woods. They break down the stats of 500 shows, debate cable-wrapping controversies, and swap dream guest lists ranging from Geddy Lee to Joe Jonas. It’s a candid look at what keeps Gig Gab thriving: learning from everyone, laughing at quirks, and spotlighting the passion that fuels musicians (and drummers!) alike.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 500 – Monday, September 22nd, 2025
  • September 22nd: National Family Day
  • Guest co-hosts: Mike Schulte, and Skylar Hamilton
• 00:05:00 How did Skylar come to play drums?
  • Dad, I need you to teach me how to play the drums so I can pass an audition for the school band
  • “I knew my dad was cool.”
  • Daddy/daughter guitar lessons were a spectacular failure, but we approached drums differently…and succeeded!
• 00:14:30 Daddy, why is there a cover on your drums?
• 00:15:41 Re-learning our intensity levels as drummers
  • Keeping
  • Clem Burke burned 800 calories per hour drumming
• 00:19:02 What are your favorite episodes?
  • Jan Hammer on Gig Gab
  • Kenny Aronoff on Gig Gab
  • Propofol Airlines on Gig Gab
• 25:00 Four Chords and The Truth Tom Petty Tribute on Gig Gab
  • Pork Tornadoes Viral Video with Tennesee Whiskey
• 00:31:55 SPONSOR: Square – See what Square has been up to in your neck of the woods, and then visit square.com/go/giggab
• 00:33:24 PODCAST: Takin’ a Walk with Buzz Knight explores the insights from guests about musicians, bands, and the music they create.
• 00:34:47 500 Episodes…The STATS!
  • 420 hours, 2 minutes, 27 seconds (through ep499)
    • Longest confirmed: Gig Gab 498 from September 8, 2025– “Always Be Recording…with Brad Madix” at 1:33:05
    • Shortest confirmed: Gig Gab 312 from July 12, 2021 – “The Ever Elusive “Great Sound”” at 24:42
• 00:36:37 …and Dave Friesema listened to all of it!
  • Earthworks SV33…and then the Earthworks ETHOS
• 00:42:36 Gig Gab Controversy: WRAP YOUR CABLES LIKE FOLDING SHEETS
  • Lowell Cross OG Recording Studio Engineers
• 00:49:32 Interviewing people is about the interviewER, too.
• 00:53:03 What are Skylar’s favorite episodes
  • Chinner Winstead on Gig Gab
  • Bakithi Kumalo on Gig Gab
• 00:55:59 Dream Guest Co-Hosts
  • Geddy Lee
  • Alex Lifeson
  • Noel Gallagher
  • Liam Gallagher
  • Joe Jonas
• 01:04:08 Trying not to fangirl
• 01:05:55 Gig Gab 500 Outtro
  • Follow Mike Schulte
    • Confused Breakfast
    • The Pork Tornadoes
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Calories, Controversies, and Connections — 500 Episodes Later — Gig Gab 500 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

This week on Gig Gab, you’ll dive into the wild, creative energy of Stu Dias, creator of Diaspora Radio, co-founder of Soggy Po Boys, and more, sitting in with Dave Hamilton. You’ll hear how albums, once carefully crafted statements, inspired Stu’s pandemic-born project to breathe new life into full-length records on stage. From Taylor Swift’s track order to Pink Floyd’s legendary flow, the talk turns to interpretation: should songs always evolve, or do they need their “rockin’ version” first, like Layla? Add in some debate over encores, the Sea Turtle attitude toward music scenes, and whether musicians actually want to see more bands on their night off, and you’ve got a ride that feels as lively as a late-night set.

The conversation moves into the grit of band dynamics…knowing when you’re the engine and when you’re the fuel, handling GB gigs without losing your soul, and making sure new people feel welcome in the scene. Stu and Dave dig into rhythm, habit, and the beauty of live art that’s gone the second it happens; ephemeral, like sea turtles drifting by. You’ll explore the 80% Rule, the risks of saying no too often, and what it really means to keep people calling. Along the way: George Clinton, Funkadelic, and the reminder that what you play matters far less than how you make people feel. Always Be Performing.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 499 – Monday, September 15th, 2025
  • September 8th: National Linguine Day
  • Guest co-host: Stu Dias from Diaspora Radio, Soggy Po Boys, and More
• 00:03:35 Diaspora Radio came from Pandemic Thoughts
  • Sitting in the car with a buddy listening to albums… why not play them live?
  • People used to put a lot of time and care and passion into construction an album
  • Does that still happen? Does Taylor Swift care about running order?
  • Pink Floyd did. And so did other artists. And such… Diaspora Radio was born
• 00:09:19 No encores…
  • Except Lovelight with American Beauty
• 00:10:54 Band negotiations over songs
  • Should you do a different interpretation?
  • Layla’s second life as an acoustic version…but would it have happened without the original, rockin’ version first?
• 00:15:36 When you gig and have a night off… do you want to go see another band in another club?
• 00:16:08 Having a Sea Turtle attitude to approaching music
  • Every scene is different
• 00:21:45 Forming different bands for different projects
  • Each group of people have different strengths
• 00:23:54 Comparing New Hampshire seacoast to the New Orleans traditional jazz scene
  • The word “band” means a different thing
• Sponsors
  • 00:25:40 SPONSOR: Gig Performer is a plugin host, an audio mixer, a backing tracks player, and more that gives you real-time control…live. Visit GigPerformer.com/GigGab for 10% off.
  • 00:27:40 SPONSOR: GigSalad. Always Be Performing means “Always Be Booking”, too. Head to GigSalad.com to create your free profile today!
• 00:29:02 The shame of playing cover music in the wrong scene
  • Playing GB (aka General Business) gigs
  • Don’t break up the band!
• 00:41:48 Taking a good scenario for granted
• 00:44:46 Understanding when you’re the engine and when you’re the fuel
  • Dave Bang Drum
  • Learning to be the fuel to serve the engines of your band
• 00:50:19 Bringing new people into the scene
  • And supporting those new people!
• 00:53:30 The 80% Rule from Business Brain
• 00:58:11 What happens when you say “no” too many times in a row?
  • People stop calling.
  • And then you get in your head. Did I upset them?
• 01:02:23 On Stu leaving the Soggy Po’ Boys
  • Being a creature of habit in rhythm
• 01:05:01 Don’t Think, Just Concentrate
• 01:06:34 The ephemeral beauty of live art
  • “What are you gonna do? Go Back In time and change it? You’re in the future, man.”
  • Ephemeral Sea Turtles
• 01:10:43 What drummer influenced Dave the most?
• 01:13:57 What musician would Dave want to see if he could go back in time?
• 01:17:45 Check out George Clinton’s work today
  • Stu: favorite band is Funkadelic
• 01:18:16 What made Stu wanna play guitar?
  • What you play doesn’t matter. The only thing that matters is what you make people feel.
• 01:23:43 What artist would Stu wanna see?
• 01:26:06 Gig Gab 499 Outtro
  • Follow Stu Dias
    • DiasporaRadio.com
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Stu Dias and The Ephemeral Sea Turtles — Gig Gab 499 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

You’re revolutionizing live audio in ways that seemed impossible just a few years ago. Brad Madix joins Dave Hamilton to break down how you can now mix a 186-channel concert in ATMOS from thousands of miles away with only 125ms latency, using nothing more than the public internet and cloud services. Whether you’re handling a seven-minute festival changeover with 256 live channels or capturing audience ambiance with DPA 5100 surround mics, the technology exists to stream professional-quality audio anywhere. The game-changer? REMI (Remote Integration Model) eliminates the need for massive OB trucks by letting you send a simple box that plugs into the internet and streams everything to your remote mixing suite.

Your mixing philosophy matters as much as your technical setup, thought, so remember to Always Be Performing by keeping your eyes up and watching the actual show instead of staying glued to your console. When someone complains “it’s too loud,” they usually mean the vocals aren’t cutting through the mix—a psychoacoustic principle that separates amateur from professional engineers. Document everything your band does, mix the first song in your mind before showtime, and understand that live music’s ephemeral nature means some magical moments will never be captured again. As AI tools like Suno emerge for songwriting, they’ll likely serve as assistants rather than replacements, but the human touch remains essential for reading the room and adapting to those unexpected MIDI malfunctions that can threaten to derail even legendary acts like Rush.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 498 – Monday, September 8th, 2025
  • September 8th: National Ampersand Day
  • Guest co-host: Brad Madix
• 00:02:10 Mixing FOH this for Florence and The Machine
  • Festival NAPA Valley
• 00:03:18 Recorded the Ozzy / Sabbath concert in Birmingham
  • First, rehearsals in Redditch – Fly By Nite
  • MADI from Bands
  • Elgato Stream Deck
• 00:07:23 Doing a Seven Minute Changeover
  • Total of 256 live channels of inputs
  • 3 sets of 64 channels of analog inputs
  • 32 audience mics, plus presenters mics, plus a DJ, etc
  • And then the band on stage
• 00:10:44 What is MADI?
  • Most live consoles allow a MADI output (some via add-on connector)
  • The Rival Suns at Ozzy / Sabbath in Birmingham sent pre-mixed drums, etc
  • Using DPA 5100 Mobile Surround 5.1 microphones for audience capture
  • Brad and team were submixing the live audience mics
• 00:22:29 Live Music is Ephemeral
  • Some things don’t get recorded
  • Robert Scovill’s Back Lounge
• 00:26:38 Document everything your band does
• 00:28:44 Rush felt like it was important to have something “in the can”
• 00:30:56 SPONSOR: Claude.ai – Ready to tackle bigger problems? Sign up for Claude today and get 50% off Claude Pro, which includes access to Claude Code, when you visit Claude.ai/giggab
• 00:32:53 SPONSOR: Mechanical Licensing Collective – Are you a songwriter, music publisher, or administrator? Every month, The MLC collects the streaming data and royalties from Spotify and Apple Music, matches the money to the creator who has earned it, and then pays out the royalties due. Visit TheMLC.com today to sign up!
• 00:34:20 Time for REMI – Remote Integration Model for Live Broadcast
  • Normal/big money broadcast would roll an OB Truck – 53 foot long trailer with a video switching system, producer calling the shots, audio mixing suite, everything.
  • REMI uses the internet to stream signal to a remote suite
  • IMAG for video.
• 00:41:42 New model: Send a box, plug it into the internet, done.
  • Why can’t you stream a live concert the same way you stream live sports?
  • Swatch Internet Time
• 00:45:18 Time for some testing
  • A new year’s eve show as a proof of concept
  • 186 channels of 48kHz remotely from Atlanta to Philadelphia and mixed the show in ATMOS
  • Only 125ms of latency.
  • 4K Video
• 00:48:22 Avoiding sync-based digital distortion/clicking
  • RX 11 Voice De-Noise
• 00:52:53 Delay by Distance… an explanation
• 00:54:31 Mixing Remotely
  • Hamilton (in New York) was mixed from Australia
  • Clair Global Audio
  • Done on the public internet using Amazon Web Services
• 01:01:06 Mixing live remotely?
• 01:02:52 Could AI mix a show?
  • Suno AI for writing songs
• 01:09:32 AI as an assistant engineer, not a replacement?
• 01:11:48 As a live engineer, make sure you watch the show. Get your eyes up.
  • Step away from the desk. It sounds different.
• 01:15:04 Before the show, mix the first song in your mind
• 01:18:56 Rush Story: Subdivisions… first song of the show. MIDI malfunctions, keyboard stops.
• 01:24:20 Dissecting Psychoacoustics
  • “It’s Too Loud” often means “vocals aren’t loud enough”
• 01:25:29 Story time with (Brad and Dave)
  • You’ll have to listen to hear these!
• 01:30:35 Gig Gab 498 Outtro
  • Follow Brad Madix
    • Diablo Digital
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Always Be Recording…with Brad Madix — Gig Gab 498 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Keith Murray from We Are Scientists joins you this week for a sharp, hilarious, and revealing ride. From joking about being background extras in cult films to the story of meeting Chris Cain at a Dawson’s Creek viewing party, you’re reminded that sometimes saying yes to everything really can lead to magic. Keith reflects on 20 years of With Love and Squalor, the way nostalgia feels different than expected, and how the band has thrived through bullheaded persistence and genuine friendship. Along the way, you’ll hear about balancing rock with comedy, learning when to bail, and embracing the butterfly-of-chaos moments that turn near-disaster into beauty.

You’ll also get insights into the We Are Scientists ethos and how building fan connection went far beyond music, from early multimedia websites to zines and weird videos that built a “true fans” culture before it was cool. Touring is still about competing with people’s couches, but the band’s vibe keeps fans engaged like they’re part of the hang. The big takeaway? Whether you’re on stage, creating content, or just navigating the chaos, the key is to Always Be Performing.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 497 – Monday, September 1st, 2025
  • Guest co-host: Keith Murray from We Are Scientists
• 00:01:18 It’s It’s Qualifying Miles…not Qualifying Minds
• 00:02:20 September 1st: National No Rhyme Nor Reason Day
• 00:03:36 Wanting to be a background player in a Final Destination film, or the Anaconda series
  • Butterfly of Chaos
• 00:06:51 Seeing Oasis in Toronto…Separately!
  • Deciding Not To Find Things Objectionable
• 00:13:18 We Are Scientists at Emo’s with Bill Murray in 2010
• 00:20:18 Qualifying Miles, the new album
  • It’s more about wondering why I’m not more nostalgic?
  • It’s been 20 years since With Love and Squalor came out
  • Revisiting those moments from the past…but noticing that they matter less than we anticipated
• 00:25:00 Chris Cain and Keith met at a 1997 Dawson’s Creek viewing party
  • Pomona College in California
  • Say yes to everything
• 00:29:14 On being part rock band, part comedy act
• 00:35:56 Is the crowd rooting for you, or scrutinizing you?
• 00:39:46 At the Precipice of Disaster but Delivering Beauty like a Butterfly of Chaos
• 00:42:45 Knowing when to bail
• 00:44:04 Why is We Are Scientists successful after 20 years (and counting)?
  • One reason…Bullheaded persistence: we still want to be doing this!
  • We are still best friends. We still would be hanging out regardless of the band.
  • Another… the vibe of WAS is pretty good. Our fans feel like they’re doing things with friends.
• 00:48:05 How do you engage with your fans between shows?
  • Even in 2002, the website was not all about music. It had fiction writing, weird videos
  • The website was a media concern built to be serving their “true fans”
• 00:52:34 The Twin Town Gazette: Chris and Keith
  • Dave Eggers – MacSweeney’s
  • We Are Scientists have always been a multimedia concern…even before the band was formed
• 00:57:52 Getting meta: discussing interview styles
• 01:02:12 We Are Scientists on Tour in US, Canada, and UK this fall
  • Competing with the couch!
• 01:05:41 Gig Gab 497 Outtro
  • Follow We Are Scientists
    • IG: @wearescientists
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Keith Murray on The Chaos, Comedy, and Heart Behind We Are Scientists — Gig Gab 497 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

This week, you’ll hear how Paul Kent is clocking an impressive 160 gigs this year while navigating the realities of new bands, new towns, and the politics of live music scenes. From the sting of finding out your band might replace you, to turning that around with a “sub for a sub” mindset, Paul shares what it’s like to balance loyalty, opportunity, and staying sharp on stage. You’ll get a peek into the 27-year run of The Houserockers, tackling shows without a co-lead singer, and the ever-present “it’s my calendar” problem every working musician knows too well.

Dave and Paul dig into why a full band creates better music, the importance of subs in keeping the show alive, and even prepping for difficult productions. This sparks a deep dive into the question every musician should answer: what is your brand? Whether you’re juggling hundreds of gigs or building your scene from scratch, the takeaway is clear: Always Be Performing.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 496 – Monday, August 25th, 2025
  • August 25th: International Banana Split Day (also Gene Simmons and Billy Ray Cyrus’s Birthdays!)
  • Guest co-host: Paul Kent
• 00:02:40 160 Gigs this year for Paul!
• 00:05:06 Wait…who is Paul Kent?
• 00:09:00 Starting anew with a new band in a new place is… tough!
  • Scenes are a thing…and there’s regionality to it!
  • What happens when your band wants to replace you…some of the time?
  • It’s never fun to find out that your band is plotting without you.
  • Effectively: “If you’re going to sub me out, I have to sub you out, too.”
• 00:19:32 Paul’s band, The Houserockers, are in their 27th year!
• 00:20:19 Doing gigs without your co-leadsinger
  • Stinkfoot Orchestra, Nick’s Zappa tribute
• 00:25:55 The “it’s my calendar” problem
• 00:29:00 SPONSOR: GigSalad. Always Be Performing means “Always Be Booking”, too. Head to GigSalad.com to create your free profile today!
• 00:30:25 SPONSOR: Gig Performer is a plugin host, an audio mixer, a backing tracks player, and more that gives you real-time control…live. Visit GigPerformer.com/GigGab for 10% off.
• 00:32:16 A Band Makes For Better Music
  • Adam Moskowitz on Gig Gab
• 00:43:53 Prepping for Taylor Swift
• 00:46:15 Subs are important to making the show happen
• 00:47:14 Dave Friesema listened to … every episode of Gig Gab ever… and had some thoughts!
• 00:49:06 What is your brand?
• 00:50:40 Gig Gab 494 Outtro
  • Follow Paul Kent
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post When Your Band Replaces You… and How to Replace Them Back — Gig Gab 496 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

You’re in the room with The Coffis Brothers this week as Jamie and Kellen sit down with Dave to unpack the art of keeping a band tight—musically, emotionally, and logistically. From maintaining long-term chemistry with the same players to writing songs that leave space for bandmates to shape the vibe, you’ll hear how collaboration fuels creativity. Drummers, take note: the groove is the feel, and every quirky idea deserves a spin. The secret? Try everything, trust each other, and Always Be Performing.

Whether you’re wrangling song credits or managing egos, this episode dives into what makes a band work. You’ll get insights on touring tech tips (hello, splitter snake), surviving soundchecks with new FOH engineers, and the power of being kind to everyone—from the club staff to the crowd. The three guys share thoughts on navigating click tracks, choosing covers as an originals band, and how AI might fit into it all (or…not?). It’s a masterclass in band dynamics—fun, honest, and full of stories that’ll stick with you, just like those hooks The Coffis Brothers write!

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 495 – Monday, August 18th, 2025
  • August 18th: National Ice Cream Pie Day
  • Guest co-hosts: Jamie & Kellen Coffis, The Coffis Brothers!
    • Originally on Gig Gab 46!
• 00:03:23 Maintaining the same band for as long as you can
  • The comfort level of having the same people in the band
• 00:05:52 Writing songs and bringing them into the band
  • You write a song and bring the skeleton to the band
  • You’re writing for a band
  • The band very much informs my sensibilities in how I write, even when they’re not in the room
• 00:10:14 Navigating the drum parts as a songwriter
  • The drums are the thing that can define the feel of the song
• 00:13:08 As a drummer, do you experiment with simplicity … or complexity?
  • The drummer winds up trying everyone else’s crazy ideas…and sometimes they work
• 00:18:40 In the songwriting process, you’ve gotta try every idea and do it with conviction!
  • Getting confirmation bias out of it
  • “Everyone needs to be empowered to get to the place where they’re playing with that shared joy”
• 00:21:12 A band is a team
  • You gotta make a few passes before you take that big shot
  • Wait for the opportunity, don’t force it
• 00:23:47 Balancing credit so the public doesn’t pull you apart
  • Bands who famously publicly-shared credit to avoid battles: Beatles, REM, Rush, more?
  • It needs to be fun for everyone!
  • Let everyone have their voice.
• 00:25:48 Someone needs to be in charge, but… a benevolent dictator is best.
  • But you want your record to sound like five guys in a room having fun
• 00:27:24 When it’s fun… vs. when it’s not fun
  • If you’re not having fun, ask yourself what you can change (hint: you can always change yourself)
• 00:31:56 Sometimes letting go is best
• 00:33:16 Managing your expectations
  • When it comes to sound, travel with a splitter snake
• 00:40:00 Considering the move to In Ear Monitors
• 00:42:11 Traveling with the same FOH engineer for every gig
  • Playing with John Craigie (and his FOH engineer)
  • Negotiating a new relationship with Every. Single. Engineer.
• 00:47:28 Even if just for a few hours, we’re all on the same team
• 00:49:41 Developing camaraderie with everyone, even the waitstaff
  • Curate a fun environment
  • “Say please and thank you, a lot. And take responsibility for mistakes, even if they aren’t yours.”
• 00:53:44 Playing with nanny tracks, a click, and a guide
  • “Kimmy” became our guide through a Taylor Swift Tribute
  • Those songs are particular!
• 01:00:34 That first “Stumble Through” rehearsal
  • Are we learning the song note-for-note, or are we taking liberties?
  • And where’s the line to blend those two?
• 01:04:25 Playing an Abbey Road tribute
  • Joined by Holly Bowling
• 01:06:16 Picking covers…in an original band
  • No matter what you choose, it’s about the people performing AND the people listening
• 01:09:15 What do you think about AI?
• 01:10:22 Gig Gab 495 Outtro
  • Follow The Coffis Brothers
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Band Chemistry and Collaboration: Lessons with The Coffis Brothers — Gig Gab 495 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

On this week’s Gig Gab, you’re getting a masterclass in modern musicianship with Keith Harris, the drummer, producer, and musical director for the Black Eyed Peas. From behind the kit to behind the console, Keith walks you through the art of turning groove into leadership, showing how drummers often evolve into musical directors. He shares the hard-earned truth that your reputation is your currency, and sometimes, being a pro means not re-hiring someone—cordially. Keith reveals how he blends acoustic drums with pristine samples using tools like Splice and the Roland SPD-SX, and how Izotope Nectar helped shape Estelle’s vocals on “Stay Alta.” Always Be Performing, even in the studio.

But the performance doesn’t stop when the tracking ends. Keith pulls back the curtain on directing the Backstreet Boys’ residency at Sphere, where every note is locked in ahead of time, tracked by a killer band featuring André Bowman, Lance Tolbert, and Curt Chambers, all engineered by John D. Norten. There are no live musicians on stage, but that doesn’t mean it’s not live, because the show lives in the details. Keith emphasizes that your FOH and playback engineers aren’t just techs; they’re part of the band. Teaching them your show is just as critical as rehearsing the music. From ADAT to AI, the tools may change, but the hustle stays the same.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 494 – Monday, August 11th, 2025
  • August 11th: International Hip Hop Celebration Day
  • Guest co-host: Keith Harris
• 00:01:50 Drummers become producers
• 00:04:42 Transitioning from drummer to musical director
• 00:08:12 There’s no I in Team!
  • Keep it cordial, but you don’t have to re-hire them.
• 00:10:17 Managing your reputation
• 00:12:37 The human feel of blending acoustic drums and high quality samples
  • Using Splice all the time
  • Roland SPD-SX
  • Using Izotope Nectar on vocals with Estelle’s “Stay Alta”
• 00:16:25 The evolution of recording and the yin and yang of music and technology
• 00:20:00 The growing pains of the industry are always there, they just have different names:
  • ADAT
  • ProTools
  • AI
• 00:21:23 Choosing the right sounds for the gig
• 00:24:01 SPONSOR: Mechanical Licensing Collective – Are you a songwriter, music publisher, or administrator? Every month, The MLC collects the streaming data and royalties from Spotify and Apple Music, matches the money to the creator who has earned it, and then pays out the royalties due. Visit TheMLC.com today to sign up!
• 00:25:30 Music Directing Backstreet Boys at Sphere
  • Everything’s Tracked, and there are no live musicians on stage except the singers.
  • Ahead of time, Keith and the band worked out the setlist, then arrangements, then went into the studio and tracked the whole band.
    • André Bowman on Bass
    • Lance Tolbert Keys
    • Curt Chambers on guitar
    • John D. Norten Engineer
• 00:38:46 Teaching your FOH engineer your show
  • FOH and Playback engineers are also band members
  • James McCullagh, FOH for Backstreet Boys
• 00:44:05 Gig Gab 494 Outtro
  • Follow Keith Harris
    • @keithharrisexperience on IG
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Backstreet Boys and Black Eyed Peas: How Keith Harris Balances Drumming, Directing, and Performing – Gig Gab 494 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

This week you’ll hear how making the leap to in-ear monitors isn’t just swapping gear—it’s like learning a whole new instrument. You’ll pick up real-world tactics for keeping the band rolling when a member’s sick or injured, including the art of pulling in a last-minute sub. You’ll face the hard truth about whether the show really must go on and learn what to do when the FOH vanishes mid-gig. From hiring (and managing) your own sound engineer to turning your SuperFans into your band’s secret weapon, you’ll see how those relationships can shape your entire live experience. Always Be Performing means every choice you make—gear, people, or setlist—affects the show you deliver.

You’ll also dive into transforming every gig into a true show, thinking beyond the notes to the pacing, energy, and flow of the night. You’ll hear strategies for avoiding audience burnout, why proximity clauses matter, and how to survive the madness of back-to-back gigs with no breather in between. Plus, the essentials of dealing with unpredictable backlines, smart gear tips (like why a humble Lasko fan might be your MVP), and avoiding stereo/TRS mix-ups. It’s all about showing up prepared, performing with intention, and making sure every gig leaves its mark.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 493 – Monday, August 4th, 2025
  • August 4th: National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day
  • Guest co-host: Scott Smith
• 00:01:41 Using Alclair IEMs
• 00:04:27 Transitioning to IEMs is like learning an instrument
• 00:08:10 Adapting as a band with an injured/sick bandmate
• 00:11:29 The Show Must Go On…Must it?
• 00:12:44 Calling in a last-minute sub when in a pinch
• 00:15:13 When the FOH disappears
• 00:18:45 Adding a sound engineer to your band’s staff…the blessing and the curse
• 00:22:59 Recognizing, Thanking, AND Leveraging your SuperFans
  • Hiring a social media intern for your band
  • Having a SuperFan manage the entire VIP experience for paying fans
  • SuperFans are a huge asset for your band, nurture those relationships before you lose them
• 00:31:23 SPONSOR: Gig Performer is a plugin host, an audio mixer, a backing tracks player, and more that gives you real-time control…live. Visit GigPerformer.com/GigGab for 10% off.
• 00:33:03 SPONSOR: Rock-N-Roller. Replace 8 different carts with one: dolly, hand truck, short bed, long bed, flat bed, you got it! Code GIGGAB20 saves you 20% on all carts.
• 00:35:07 Making each gig a “show”
  • Don’t just play the gig, think about the setlist, think about the flow of the evening
  • “If you want attention in this band, you have to take it!”
• 00:42:02 Managing oversaturation
  • Proximity clauses
• 00:47:46 Playing two gigs in one day where the second one starts at the time the first one ends
• 00:54:47 Backlines for gigs
• 00:56:28 North County Band @ Press Room on August 15th
• 00:58:55 Gear Gab
  • Lasko 12” utility fan with outlets
• 01:01:34 Confusing stereo 1/4″ with TRS
  • Headphone jack to 1/4″ mono inputs
• 01:06:05 Gig Gab 493 Outtro
  • Follow Scott Smith
    • North County Band
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Live Show Mastery: IEMs, Gig Survival, and SuperFan Power – Gig Gab 493 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Want to trigger backing tracks live from your iPad or iPhone? This episode of Gig Gab is your playbook. Dave walks you through listener-recommended apps like Stage Traxx 3, Go Button, and forScore for managing clicks and cues with precision. Whether you’re solo or in a band, these tools can keep your show tight. Plus, Gear Gab digs into smart stage solutions—from Polsen mics that punch above their price, to the Behringer BA 19A (internally mounted, no less!) and the low-profile magic of Kelly SHU and KickPort.

In Gear Gab and the Mailbag, you’ll learn why some mics sound hotter out of the gate, how to record and stream with the Zoom AMS 44, and why starting on the wrong beat could cost you a fan (or two!). You’ll also get the real-world workflow for legally releasing a cover and navigating YouTube’s copyright traps. It’s all part of the gig—so dial it in, take care with your craft, and as is customary: Always Be Performing.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 492 – Monday, July 28th, 2025
  • July 28th: National Waterpark Day
• Triggering Tracks from Your iPad (ref. GG 487 with Corey Manske)
  • 00:02:07 Alan-Stage Traxx 3
  • 00:05:13 Andy-Use Go Button for Playing Tracks from an iPhone or iPad
  • 00:07:35 forScore click
• Gear Gab
  • 00:09:43 Andy-Polsen Mics are also great for the money
  • 00:12:08 More praise for the internally-mounted Behringer BA 19A mic (and Kelly SHU PLUGZ)
    • KickPort
  • 00:17:14 Drew-Check Reverb for CBT Splitter Snakes
  • 00:19:51 Proreck Club 6000
• Sponsors
  • 00:26:11 SPONSOR: Bzigo – Don’t wait until the next bite—protect your home with Bzigo. Go to bzigo.com/discount/BUZZ10 to save 10% off.
  • 00:27:53 SPONSOR: Mechanical Licensing Collective – Are you a songwriter, music publisher, or administrator? Every month, The MLC collects the streaming data and royalties from Spotify and Apple Music, matches the money to the creator who has earned it, and then pays out the royalties due. Visit TheMLC.com today to sign up!
• Mailbag
  • 00:29:19 Brian-Do some microphones have more internal gain?
    • Heil PR-37
    • Earthworks SR117
  • 00:38:02 Christine-Recording and live streaming with the Zoom AMS 44
  • 00:39:55 Listener X-I left when the band started the show on the wrong beat
    • “I want people to know that care has been taken.”
  • 00:44:17 Gregory-What’s the process for releasing a recorded cover song?
    • Harry Fox Agency
  • 00:46:50 Thomas-What do I do about YouTube blocking my videos of songs I cover?
  • 00:50:11 Using AirPods Pro gen 2 as active earplugs
• 00:53:29 Gig Gab 492 Outtro
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post That’s Not Gain, It’s Just a Hot Mic – Gig Gab 492 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

You think you understand music royalties? Think again. Dae Bogan from The MLC breaks it all down with Dave Hamilton on this week’s Gig Gab. From the ancient days of piano rolls to the tangled web of modern streaming, you’ll learn how mechanical royalties differ from performance rights and why most artists are leaving money on the table. The MLC—born from the Music Modernization Act of 2018—isn’t just another acronym; it’s the missing piece of the puzzle, and Dae’s been there since before the beginning, shaping the system from the inside out.

But this episode goes beyond the mechanics. Dae shares his raw, unfiltered story, from homelessness at 18 to building multiple startups and becoming a sought-after voice in music licensing. He didn’t just climb the ladder: he built it, all while staying true to his mission. You’ll hear how empathy, grit, and yes, aggressive ambition became his tools for success. Tune in, learn how not to make the mistake nearly every artist makes, and remember: Always Be Performing.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 491 – Monday, July 21st, 2025
  • July 21st: National Junk Food Day
  • Guest co-host: Dae Bogan from The MLC
• 00:02:13 What are mechanical royalties, and why do they matter?
  • ASCAP, BMI, SESAC are Performing Rights Organizations
  • “Mechanical” comes from the days of piano rolls
  • Mechanical royalties are for the music, the melody, the lyrics.
  • Copyright law for mechanical royalties began in 1906
  • This was fine in the non-digital age, because everything was controlled
• 00:10:24 Enter the digital era… where gaps widened because there was no mechanical licensing organization looking at everything wholistically
  • The MLC fills that gap, born out of the passing of the Music Modernization Act in 2018
• 00:14:23 Building the infrastructure, to launch in 2021
  • The MLC was named in the MMA (in lowercase!), but it did not define WHO would be this organization
  • In 2019 (about a year after the MMA was passed) The MLC was designated/chosen as the organization that would be the mechanical licensing collective
  • 00:22:16 Dae’s multiple hats (including being a singer) led him to The MLC
  • In his 20s, Dae pivoted to representing artists
  • Side Hustle in college as Renaissance Artist Management (RAM)
  • Moonlit as manager of Loft 24 Records (and Loft 24 Publishing).
• 00:27:35 December 4, 2003. Dae was 18, Broke, Homeless, a duffel bag full of clothes, and a mission.
  • “Aggressively ambitious” leaves no opportunity to give up.
  • Perseverance and aggressive ambition allowed Dae to build the ladder AND climb
• 00:30:44 Another startup: Maven Promo, cloud-based, in store music network that played music videos in retail stores, targeted at teenagers
  • The combination of Maven & Loft 24 allowed Dae to see the gap in mechanical licensing
• 00:34:06 Where is the gap? Time to research by getting a third degree: MBA
  • Music Initiative Administration MBA degree at CSUN
  • Learning about “The Black Box” of unpaid royalties
  • First built RoyaltyClaim… then the US government came to Dae!
  • In the interim built TuneRegistry
• 00:38:58 Overnight success takes 20-25 years
  • No matter how sketchy things are, never burn a bridge
• 00:43:29 Building a business with true ability to have empathy for your customers is a great path to success
• 00:46:48 On being a copyright purist and a technologist
• 00:49:39 What being “Head of Third Party Partnerships” at The MLC
• 00:55:23 The one mistake that (almost) every artist makes
  • Take control of your publishing now (for many reasons, including getting paid NOW)
• 01:01:32 Gig Gab 491 Outtro
• Follow Dae Bogan and The MLC
• Contact Gig Gab!
  • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
  • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
  • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Aggressive Ambition: Dae Bogan’s Journey to The MLC — Gig Gab 491 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

When the skies open and the gig’s a wash, how do you keep the energy alive? Mike Schulte joins Dave Hamilton to break down how The Pork Tornadoes handled a rainout, what happens when the audience doesn’t get the memo, and why your contract better say who’s in charge. From chaotic “throw and go” setups to must-do line checks, this episode reminds you that you’re not just playing music—you’re leading a production. Always Be Performing means preparing like a pro, even when the show gets messy.

You’ll dive deep into the power of in-ears (spoiler: “best decision we ever made”), the delicate art of song arrangements, and why understanding the assignment matters more than raw talent. Plus, practical tips for turning fans into superfans—one drumstick, comment reply, and authentic connection at a time. If you want your audience to show up for you, you’ve got to show up for them first.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 490 – Monday, July 14th, 2025
  • July 14th: Bastille Day
• 00:01:32 Guest co-host: Mike Schulte from Pork Tornadoes
• 00:05:28 Mike and The Pork Tornadoes had to deal with a rainout!
  • This is a team effort…but someone needs to tell that to the crowd (and the organizers).
  • You can’t negotiate with alcohol
• 00:16:06 When you know better, exercise the authority in your contract (and make sure you put that authority in your contract!)
• 00:18:06 Sometimes that means you do a non-soundchecked “throw and go” gig
  • But…NEVER skip line checks!
• 00:23:22 It’s time to sing the benefits of in-ears vs. monitor wedges
  • “It was the best decision we ever made”
• 00:29:13 SPONSOR: Gig Performer is a plugin host, an audio mixer, a backing tracks player, and more that gives you real-time control…live. Visit GigPerformer.com/GigGab for 10% off.
• 00:31:02 PODCAST: The Excellent 80s Rewind. Each episode revisits a specific week from the greatest decade in pop music, revisiting the songs AND throwing in fact and stories to dig deep. wave80hits.com
• 00:32:11 Navigating song choices and arrangements in your band
  • Being in a band is an intricate relationship
  • “I need you to understand the assignment more than I need you to be really good at your instrument.”
• 00:51:30 Review: Soundbrenner Wave – $99 universal fit IEMs
• 00:58:02 Tips/systems for engaging with EVERY fan (and building your base of superfans)
  • First, once you get a superfan, ALWAYS acknowledge them at every gig
  • At the end of every gig, find someone who was engaged all night, and give them a guitar pick or a drumstick
  • Respond to every Facebook comment
  • Reverse the situation: Put yourself in the mindset of being a superfan (of another group)
  • Create the ability for those superfans to feel more special than everyone else
  • He’s the Rhombus King!
• 01:11:45 Gig Gab 490 Outtro
  • Follow Mike Schulte
    • Confused Breakfast
    • The Pork Tornadoes
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post He’s The Rhombus King! — Gig Gab 490 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Ever wonder what it’s like to roll through the golden age of rock with the crew behind the legends? On this week’s Gig Gab, Chinner Winstead takes you backstage—from autograph sessions with Tom Petty to chaos-control on tour with Nantucket. You’ll trace the path from bar band to global tours with Lenny Kravitz, Phil Collins, Georgia Satellites, and Tracy Chapman. Spoiler: it all starts with showing up, doing the work, and connecting with the right people at the right time.

But it’s not just rockstar name-drops—this episode’s packed with hard-earned wisdom. Chinner and Dave talk gear (like wireless systems that actually sound right), cable tricks, and why genetics might be stacked for (or against) your hearing. The big takeaway? Your skills matter, but your vibe matters more. In this business, the best gig often goes to the one who’s ready to laugh, work hard, and Always Be Performing.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 489 – Monday, July 7th, 2025
  • July th: National Day of Rock and Roll
  • Guest co-host: Steve “Chinner” Winstead
• 00:04:55 Chinner’s having eye problems
  • Dave’s having fever and headache problems
• 00:06:03 The Show Must Go On
  • Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers playing in St. Louis. Mike Campbell fell on the drum riser mid-show.
• 00:08:07 Tom Petty Never Said No To An Autograph
• 00:09:53 But first…Nantucket (the band)
  • Opening for AC/DC on the Back In Black Tour (because AC/DC heard their cover of “Long Way To the Top” and liked it)
  • Kevin Jennings
• 00:12:59 Then…Kevin Jennings introduced him to the Georgia Satellites!
  • Rick Richards (guitarist)
  • Alan “Bugs” Weidel (Tom Petty’s guitar tech)
  • “How are you with Rickenbacker 12 Strings?”
• 00:15:10 The Heartbreakers crew was the best of the best
• 00:16:05 Some love for Rush
• 00:17:03 Craig Ross got Chinner in with Lenny Kravitz
• 00:18:01 And then Phil Collins…and then Tracy Chapman
• 00:19:00 In the end it comes down to the hang
  • Pick the guy you’d wanna be in a foxhole with!
• 00:21:33 Ron Blair said, of Chinner, “Chinner says what most people just think.”
• 00:22:23 Circling Back… The actual start with Nantucket
  • “You wanna go with us to Virginia Beach?”
  • Quaaludes and Disco
• 00:25:47 Everything Happens for a Reason
• 00:28:12 How to keep guitar cables from getting caught under monitors
  • Gaffer Tape
  • Fishing Line
• 00:30:52 Picking the right wireless unit
  • Line-6 created a wireless that mimicked a 50-foot cable (The G10 is the evolution of what Chinner mentioned)
  • Beyer-Dynamic wireless that also mimics a 50-foot cable
  • Alex Alvarez is Lenny Kravitz’s guitar tech
• 00:37:11 Hearing loss might be genetically predisposed
• 00:38:06 Hot Sauce…on Chinner’s next visit to Gig Gab!
• 00:39:39 In Tokyo with Lenny Kravitz…and Diana Ross
• 00:43:19 On the subject of Nicknames…Chinner?
  • Geoff “Bison” Banks
• 00:46:41 Gig Gab 489 Outtro
  • Follow Chinner
    • ChinnerSW56 on Bluesky
  • Angel of Mercy by Dirty Knobs
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Tuning Up the Rockstars: Chinner’s Roadie Chronicles (Vol. 1) – Gig Gab 489 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Ever wonder how a skater punk becomes a music industry powerhouse? This week, Billy Cuthrell joins Dave Hamilton to share how his drumming journey kicked off with a Ludwig kit and a dose of Zeppelin, then scaled into creating a chain of four music schools and a million lessons taught annually. From being Music Inc. Magazine’s “Retail Doctor” to pioneering a subscription-style lessons model that gives away instruments with lesson contracts, Billy proves that the business of music can be just as creative as the craft itself. It’s all about knowing when to grind and when to zoom out.

But Billy doesn’t stop at teaching—he’s still gigging regularly, including a recent gig with Cosmic Superheroes in front of thousands of fans, buying DrumSellers.com, and dropping wisdom learned from legends like Jim Chapin and Freddie Gruber. If you’ve ever asked what it takes to turn passion into impact, this episode lays it out: persistence, play, and paying your dues. Remember, whether you’re behind the kit or building a business, you’ve got one job: Always Be Performing.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 488 – Monday, June 30th, 2025
  • June 30th: International Asteroid Day
  • Guest co-host: Billy Cuthrell
• 00:02:06 How did you become Music Inc. Magazine’s “Retail Doctor”?
  • College Radio Hit machine!
  • Go Figure (Dave’s college band)
  • Fountain of Youth (Billy’s college band)
• 00:05:58 Starting at 19 ran music lessons
  • Like the musical ice cream man at first, then 4 locations
  • Then added sales on because students need instruments!
• 00:07:41 School of Rock…in 1996!
  • Same time Skip’s Stairway to Stardom started up
  • Lawyers, yadda yadda, changed the name to “Rock Academy”
  • Early Drumkits
    • Ludwig 1960’s Blue Sparkle (for Billy)
    • Ludwig Rocker II (for Dave)
• 00:12:41 Introduced to Zeppelin’s “The Song Remains The Same”
  • Converted Billy from Skater Punk to Drummer
  • “I know I can play.”
  • As soon as Billy got a drumset, he would race home from school and play until his parents got home.
  • Now it’s Noble & Cooley CD Maple drums
  • “The Only thing I love more than playing music is talking about music.” – Paraphrasing Mike Campbell
  • Instruments are meant to be used!
  • Ludwig Supraphonic 40th Edition Snare
  • Kirk Hamilton from Strong Songs comparing Gibson SG vs. Japanese
• 00:26:27 Music Inc. Magazine Puts Billy on the cover!
  • And…a stolen idea from cell phone contracts
  • Lightbulb moment: Give away the instrument to sell a 2-year lesson contract!
  • Changed 4 stores, 120 employees, doing over a million music lessons each year.
  • Now three tiers: Learn, Play, Perform
    • The Perform tier is locked in for 12-to-24 months by contracting them with “free” instruments
  • Balancing your business: Execution vs. Perspective
  • And THAT is how Billy became “Retail Doctor”
• 00:36:32 SPONSOR: Mechanical Licensing Collective – Are you a songwriter, music publisher, or administrator? Every month, The MLC collects the streaming data and royalties from Spotify and Apple Music, matches the money to the creator who has earned it, and then pays out the royalties due. Visit TheMLC.com today to sign up!
• 00:38:05 SPONSOR: Rock-N-Roller. Replace 8 different carts with one: dolly, hand truck, short bed, long bed, flat bed, you got it! Code GIGGAB20 saves you 20% on all carts.
• 00:41:42 Who are you playing with today for 5,000 people?
  • Cosmic Superheroes
• 00:43:18 Billy just bought DrumSellers.com
  • George Lawrence
  • Jim Chapin
  • Harry Chapin’s “Cats in the Cradle” was a poem written by Harry’s wife, Sandra
• 00:45:04 Drove 17 Hours to meet Jim Chapin to learn from him…unannounced!
  • Started a publication to get a media badge to get into NAMM
• 00:53:47 We work on the National Stage to make the Local Stage better
• 00:56:11 Asking Freddie Gruber why HE was the right teacher for Neil Peart…
  • …and then 20 PDP & Drum Workshop drumkits showed up at Billy’s house!
• 01:05:53 DrumSellers.com is next for Billy!
  • Bullheaded persistence…too dumb to quit!
  • You pay the price up front. You put the work in up front.
• 01:10:41 Overnight success takes about 20 years
  • Play to serve the song
  • Steve Smith’s deceptively-difficult drum parts
• 01:19:18 Gig Gab 487 Outtro
  • Follow Billy Cuthrell
    • DrumSellers.com
    • Billy Cuthrell on LinkedIn
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Crash Cymbals and Contracts: Billy Cuthrell’s Lesson in Music Business Success — Gig Gab 488 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

You’re not alone if you’re running a click track on stage—more and more musicians are embracing it, and for good reason. This week on Gig Gab, Corey Manske joins Dave Hamilton to unpack how using a click can reduce stress, keep your band tight, and help you Always Be Performing. From essential stage gear like chapstick and a tape measure (you’ll get it), to the magic of “coopetition” among musicians, you’ll walk away with practical tools and mindset shifts. Corey shares how watching other players—and sometimes borrowing a rubber mallet—can lead to big breakthroughs.

But that’s just the beginning. You’ll hear how launching a Third Eye Blind tribute band taught Corey the power of planning, from finding the perfect frontman to handling contracts, stage plots, and backing tracks like a pro. Learn why tribute bands are dominating the venue scene and what it really means to “wear a disguise” on stage. You’ll also get into the nitty-gritty of tech setups—which apps might replace SoundCue, how to prep your tracks for any venue, and why slipping your sound engineer a $20 bill is a move worth making.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 487 – Monday, June 23rd, 2025
  • June 9th: National Detroit-Style Pizza Day
  • Guest co-host: Corey Manske
• 00:01:39 Everyone’s using a click (some of the time)
• 00:08:02 Taking the stress off by using a click live
  • Kill Switch
• 00:14:51 Always be performing means always putting on a show!
• 00:17:00 Important gear to have on stage
  • Tape measure (drummer thing)
  • Chapstick
• 00:19:53 The value of Coopetition
• 00:22:15 Learning parts from other people
  • Mike Cosgrove at a NAMM party
  • SS Recognize
  • Rubber Mallet
• 00:26:31 Playing the parts your way…and comfortably
• 00:29:32 “Just don’t confuse the strippers, man”
  • Music is a shared art form…band, performers, audience
• 00:31:05 SPONSOR: Bzigo Iris, your smart home mosquito detector. Stop losing sleep over mosquitoes. Take back your nights with Bzigo. Go to bzigo.com/discount/BUZZ10 and save 10% off.
• 00:32:27 The experience of starting a Third Eye Blind Tribute Band
  • Started a year ago
  • The demographic is 50/50 M/F
  • Find the right singer, and the right band
  • Cover band is playing dress-up, being in a tribute band is wearing a disguise
  • Previously subbed in a Smashing Pumpkins tribute for 4.5 years, which gave some information and contacts
  • Venues figured out that Tribute bands are where the money is
  • Developing the backing tracks
  • Corey became the manager
• 00:38:02 Becoming comfortable with doing the paperwork
  • Contracts
  • Hospitality Riders
  • Stage Plots
  • Details matter!
• 00:40:16 Using an iPad to trigger tracks, clicks, and more
  • SoundCue for iPad (non-existent)
  • Replacement option: ShowOne for iPad
  • Other replacement options
  • We just need an audio player in a cart format!
• 00:52:09 The pre-production work so you can have the tracks live
  • Frst, decide what needs to be there
  • Decide the tempo
  • Center the (mono) mix on where the backing vocal is. That way FOH can set the backing vocals and, boom, the tracks work in every venue
  • Make a track for soundcheck, too!
  • Also, give the sound engineer a $20 bill before sound check
• 00:59:34 Embrace technology
  • Also, we really need an iPad app that not only triggers the sounds, but also the videos.
• 01:05:12 Gig Gab 487 Outtro
  • Follow Corey Manske
    • On Facebook
    • On Instagram
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Click Tracks, Tribute Acts, and $20 Hacks: Gig Smarts with Corey Manske – Gig Gab 487 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

This week on Gig Gab, you’re diving deep with the (almost!) full crew from P-Funk North as they share what keeps their reggae funk machine moving. From twice-a-week rehearsals to the relentless grind of networking and playing out regularly, they prove that consistency and camaraderie build longevity. You’ll hear how rejection turns into rocket fuel and why letting the music speak for itself only works when you Always Be Performing. It’s a masterclass in showing up, shutting up, and playing hard.

But it’s not all stage hustle—they break down the behind-the-scenes engine, too. Whether it’s splitting up band duties, learning what not to do, or harnessing studio energy by recording live, these guys get it. They talk gear, from Les Paul swaps to spring-loaded wah pedals to the unexpected inspiration of a George Foreman grill and SCUBA gear.

If you’re in a band, or just dream of being in one, this episode’s packed with the kind of stories and strategies that’ll keep your crowd hyped and your gigs tight.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 486 – Monday, June 16th, 2025
  • June 16th: National Fudge Day
  • Guest co-hosts: Dave, Kevin, Jack, James…and Kingsley? from P-Funk North
• 00:07:05 The Music Business
  • Consistency
    • Rehearse 2x/week
    • Make camaraderie important
    • Play out as much as you can. Maintain a general presence.
  • Make rejection your best friend
  • Let the music speak for itself
• 00:15:11 Managing saturation
  • The gigs are “not about us”
  • Mixing originals and covers
  • Years of networking
  • Bullheaded persistence
• 00:17:24 Making the audience most important
• 00:20:24 Embracing your fans…and bringing them into the fold
  • Having a Hype-Man
• 00:23:46 SPONSOR: Rock-N-Roller. Replace 8 different carts with one: dolly, hand truck, short bed, long bed, flat bed, you got it! Code GIGGAB20 saves you 20% on all carts.
• 00:25:21 SPONSOR: Cash App. Download Cash App Today: https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/0oq3t78w. Add GIGGAB to your profile, send someone $5 within 14 days, and get $10 back! #CashAppPod *Referral Reward Disclaimer: As a Cash App partner, I may earn a commission when you sign up for a Cash App account.
• 00:28:42 Dividing up the jobs in your band
  • Learning what not to do
• 00:33:19 Bringing the stage energy to the studio
  • Recording live vs. isolated
• 00:37:24 And Consistency!
  • Strategic Breaks in the Studio
  • Having an Honest Producer
• 00:40:40 Playing live to a click
• 00:43:48 In Ear Monitors?
  • Not yet…
• 00:46:38 Gear Gab
  • George Foreman Grill
  • Restaurant Grade Toaster
  • SCUBA Gear
  • Moved from Strat to Les Paul
  • Morley Bad Horsey Wah Pedal (Spring Loaded)
• 00:51:28 Drum Gear Gab
• 00:53:25 Gig Gab 487 Outtro
  • Follow P-Funk North
    • On Facebook
    • On Instagram
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Consistency is Key: P-Funk North’s Road to Success – Gig Gab 486 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Step inside Sphere with Robert Scovill as he rejoins Dave on Gig Gab to dissect the art—and science—of immersive live sound. From his early days quad-mixing Rush to commanding 32 channels through Avid’s S6L with Meyer’s Spacemap Go, Scovill walks you through prepping for Sphere with simulators, Holoplot mapping, and object-based mixing. You’ll hear how rethinking coverage in a globe-shaped venue flips everything you knew about arrival times and sound dispersion.

Scovill dives into the no-amp, all-IEM setup with drums in a fishbowl and shares how moving instruments around the room becomes part of the performance. He emphasizes the mission: the audience must feel the music, not just hear it. With insights learned from watching Bon Iver and perspectives on Phish, Chesney, and Dead & Co., this episode is a masterclass in next-gen sound. No matter the tech, remember: Always Be Performing.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 485 – Monday, June 9th, 2025
  • June 9th: National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day
  • Guest co-host: Robert Scovill
• 00:02:05 Doing quad-sound for Rush prepared for … Sphere!
  • Meyer Galaxy
  • Spacemap Go
  • 32-channel output panner
  • Avid 32-channel S6L
• 00:10:51 Rehearsing for Sphere
  • Sphere simulator
  • Holoplot
• 00:15:12 Re-thinking about sound coverage in a globe
• 00:21:49 Arrival time matters a WHOLE lot more in Sphere
• 00:31:25 Adapting consoles for object-oriented mixing
• 00:36:09 SPONSOR: Cash App. Download Cash App Today: https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/0oq3t78w. Add GIGGAB to your profile, send someone $5 within 14 days, and get $10 back! #CashAppPod *Referral Reward Disclaimer: As a Cash App partner, I may earn a commission when you sign up for a Cash App account. (I don’t—I’m paid a flat-rate for this sponsorship—but I might, and I’m supposed to say that).
• 00:37:33 SPONSOR: Mechanical Licensing Collective – Are you a songwriter, music publisher, or administrator? Every month, The MLC collects the streaming data and royalties from Spotify and Apple Music, matches the money to the creator who has earned it, and then pays out the royalties due. Visit TheMLC.com today to sign up!
• 00:38:53 Stage setup
  • All IEMs
  • No Amps on Stage
  • Drums in a Fishbowl
• 00:42:08 The A.S.S. with Rush
  • “Can you put some delay on that?”
• 00:47:27 Moving instruments around the room
• 00:54:35 The audience has to have a musical experience
  • Listen like a fan, mix like a pro.
• 00:55:51 Mixing two drummers live
  • Mixing immersive audio for Bon Iver
  • Derek mixing Dead & Co. at Sphere
• 01:00:27 Sphere changing bands
  • Chesney and his video content
  • Phish starts songs with a click track now
  • Sphere is 18K Video
• 01:05:46 Recording shows…for review…and release!
  • Paul Freeman at Sphere
• 01:08:56 Keep your eyes on EAW
  • EAW ADAPTive, and the differences
  • We’re all line arrays…some are just more line array than others
• 01:12:45 Gig Gab 485 Outtro
  • Follow Robert Scovill
    • On Facebook
    • On Instagram
    • On LinkedIn
    • RobertScovill.com (where you’ll find The Back Lounge)
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Sphere Sound Unpacked: Robert Scovill’s Deep Dive into Immersive Mixing – Gig Gab 485 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Buddy Gibbons returns to Gig Gab to share how he’s gearing up for a nostalgia-fueled tour with Stephen Glickman and the Big Time Rush fanbase. From rollerblading around Wembley to off-road RC cars for downtime, Buddy’s prepping body and mind for the grind. He and Dave dig into how playing without a click can feel naked, why RokTempo and Russian Dragon are essential tools, and how the right gear—like the Porter & Davies BC2 throne—can make your kick and toms feel right. It’s all about showing up tight, calm, and pro-ready.

If you’re into tech and tone, this episode’s your playground. Buddy walks through his road rig: Roland SPD-SX Pro, Ableton Live, internal drum mounts, and the timeless Slingerland Radio King snare. He also weighs in on using AR glasses like XREAL AIR on the road, and shares what it’s like losing a loop mid-set on In The Air Tonight. It all comes down to trust—between you, your bandmates, and your gear. So pack your comforts, tune your kit, and Always Be Performing.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 484 – Monday, June 2nd, 2025
  • June 2nd: National Rotisserie Chicken Day (and also Charlie Watts’ birthday)
  • Guest co-host: Buddy Gibbons
    • Buddy Gibbons on Gig Gab 173
• 00:01:59 Han Shot First
• 00:03:20 Last tour was with Shiloh, Kenny Rogers, Jr.’s band
  • Porter & Davies BC2 Drum Throne with Kick and Toms coming through
• 00:10:00 The click isn’t a crutch
  • The awkwardness of doing a click-less show
  • RokTempo 2
• 00:12:56 Broadway play for Mel Brooks Grandson about the life of Charles Bronson
• 00:14:56 Russian Dragon for drummers
• 00:16:04 Prepping your body for tour
• 00:20:33 Doing a Nostalgia Tour
  • Big Time Rush
  • Stephen Glickman
  • Katelyn Tarver
• 00:27:39 SPONSOR: Factor, America’s #1 Ready-To-Eat Meal Kit, can help you fuel up fast with flavorful and nutritious ready-to-eat meals delivered straight to your door. Visit FactorMeals.com/giggab50off and use code giggab50off for 50% off!
• 00:29:14 Gear for triggering on the road
  • Roland SPD-SX Pro
  • Ableton Live
• 00:34:34 The value of being trusted by one’s bandmates
• 00:41:05 Losing the loop on…In The Air Tonight!
• 00:42:17 Back to the gear
• 00:44:04 Soundchecking and Setup
• 00:46:18 Costuming and make-up
• 00:52:51 Bringing creature comforts on the road!
  • Buddy will be rollerblading around Wembley Arena…and Athens Greece Olympic Stadium
  • An Offroad RC Car
• 00:52:50 Apple Vision Pro on the road?
  • XREAL AIR AR glasses
• 00:58:41 A perspective on sharing drumkits
  • Radio King Snare 2025 from Slingerland
• 01:06:13 Drum nerd time
  • Kelly SHU Internal Drum Mounts
  • MD 421 Kompakt Mics
• 01:09:59 Paiste Cymbals
  • Nicko McBrain Signature Ride
  • Shane @ Drum Center of Portsmouth
• 01:14:02 Gig Gab 484 Outtro
  • Find Buddy @ BuddyGibbons.com
    • @BudDrums
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Tour Prep, Gear Gab, and Stage Smarts with Buddy Gibbons – Gig Gab 484 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

This week on Gig Gab, you’re diving deep with Mike Schulte of The Pork Tornadoes as he joins Dave Hamilton to share real-world insights on making your gigs—and your band—better. You’ll get actionable tips on using splitter snakes without frying your gear, plus a no-nonsense breakdown of how standing (or not) while singing can shape your stage presence. Mike and Dave even toss in their take on Chino Moreno and Jon Anderson’s contrasting styles. Spoiler alert: stress-free gigs start with smart planning and solid gear choices.

But the real gold? The grind. You’ll learn how Mike’s band leveled up by building superfans one at a time, saying no to the wrong bandmates, and turning every show into an unmissable event. It’s not about overnight success—it’s about showing up relentlessly, setting reachable goals, and knowing when to pull back in saturated markets. Whether you’re running the engine or riding shotgun, remember: Always Be Performing.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 483 – Monday, March 26th, 2025
  • May 26th: World Dracula Day (and Memorial Day)
  • Guest co-host: Mike Schulte from Pork Tornadoes
• 00:02:00 Hung Up On A Dream: The Zombies Documentary
• 00:07:24 Singing vs. Standing when playing
  • Chino Moreno of Deftones
  • Aaron Lewis of Staind
  • Jon Anderson
  • Gary Cherone
• 00:11:13 Using a splitter snake
  • Mackie DL32S
  • PRORECH Splitter Snakes
• 00:23:13 Tips for using split snakes
  • Mike Hart from Seismic-Using Phantom Power with a Splitter Snake
  • Reverse from FOH for a talkback channel
  • CBI EarSplitter Split Snake
• 00:27:26 Making gig life (and life, in general!) low-stress!
• 00:29:05 SPONSOR: Rock-N-Roller. Replace 8 different carts with one: dolly, hand truck, short bed, long bed, flat bed, you got it! Code GIGGAB20 saves you 20% on all carts.
• 00:30:48 SPONSOR: Cash App. Download Cash App Today: https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/0oq3t78w. Add GIGGAB to your profile, send someone $5 within 14 days, and get $10 back! #CashAppPod *Referral Reward Disclaimer: As a Cash App partner, I may earn a commission when you sign up for a Cash App account.
• 00:32:12 How do I level-up my band? Ok, how did Mike and Pork Tornadoes level up?
  • PLEASE DON’T LOOK at Urban Dictionary’s definition of a pork tornado
  • “Small moves, Ellie. Small moves.”
  • The show we’re playing is the only show that matters.
  • Befriend people before/after the show.
  • Build YOUR 2,000 superfans…one at a time.
  • It’s a grind!
  • Bullheaded Persistence
  • The number one reason: we got the right four people in place.
  • Kick out the people who are wrong.
• 00:46:58 Knowing your place
  • Have an engine! (that’s a person)
  • Set easily-obtainable goals, always have more in the can, and be consistently relentless.
  • Maintain that Next Level mindset
  • Be careful of saturation in your home market. Give up that comfort level to gamble on yourself.
  • Scarcity wins!
  • Create a special event out of EVERY show.
• 00:59:15 Feedback about Dave’s squeaky Camco (by Tama) pedal. Gig Gab t-shirts to:
  • Rob Henshaw of The Salty Strings
  • Drew McGarity
  • Steve Graves
  • Using CAMVATE Microphone Clamp on my boom arm for my Earthworks SR20gen2
• 01:02:30 Gig Gab 483 Outtro
  • Follow Mike Schulte
    • Confused Breakfast
    • The Pork Tornadoes
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post The Pork Tornadoes Playbook: Mike Schulte on Building a Successful Band — Gig Gab 483 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

GigSalad’s Mark Steiner joins this week’s Gig Gab to trace his wild ride from stage actor to CEO, revealing how a children’s theater gig and a teddy bear business ultimately led to launching the go-to platform for booking live talent. You’ll hear how a “happy accident” turned into a company that helps 110,000+ performers get paid. From the Glenn Miller Orchestra to building Steiner Talent to launching GigSalad in a kitchen in 2004, Mark shares the gritty path of growth—connecting the dots in reverse, just like Steve Jobs said.

You’ll walk away with real-world tips to boost your band’s visibility: polish your promo kit, prioritize quality over quantity, and treat GigSalad like your own personal booking agent—with built-in SEO and coaching tools. Whether you’re gigging every weekend or dreaming bigger, there’s room for you. Because at the end of the day, the mission is simple: help you do what you love. And remember—Always Be Performing.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 482 – Monday, May 19th, 2025
  • May 19th: National Devil’s Food Cake Day
  • Guest co-host: Mark Steiner, cofounder and CEO of GigSalad
• 00:01:59 Starting with the children’s rendition of Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson haha
• 00:03:51 From Actor to Craftee
• 00:07:10 Connecting the dots going backwards
• 00:09:08 The immediate and long-term benefits of practice
• 00:10:47 Happy Accident leads to GigSalad
  • First business: Rainbow Friends Teddy Bear
  • Then spent 7 years as a talent agent, mostly booking the Glenn Miller Orchestra
  • Which led to SteinerTalent.com, and was immediately contacted by local/regional bookings
• 00:16:29 Let’s start a directory to match up talent with gigs
  • 2007 was GigSalad’s official launch, with beta starting in 2004
• 00:19:59 Steve and Mark decide in 2007 to make GigSalad into a fulltime concern
  • Moving out of the kitchen!
• 00:21:36 GigSalad needs mariachi bands
• 00:23:08 SPONSOR: Cash App. Download Cash App Today: https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/0oq3t78w #CashAppPod *Referral Reward Disclaimer: As a Cash App partner, I may earn a commission when you sign up for a Cash App account.
• 00:24:38 What can bands do to better their marketability on GigSalad?
  • Have a promo kit. Photos, videos, bios.
  • It’s not about quantity as much as it is quality.
  • As a DIY marketplace, GigSalad’s rating system is the key
  • GigSalad offers coaching for those who want it.
• 00:27:36 Freemium Model … Similar to LinkedIn
  • But also VERY much willing to coach!
• 00:30:49 GigSalad Pricing and Protections
• 00:33:39 What’s next for GigSalad?
• 00:34:40 Is GigSalad right for your band?
  • Look around on the platform to see what’s happening in your area
  • It’s non-exclusive
  • We provide this platform to do something that they love. From pros to weekend warriors.
  • GigSalad does your SEO and Word of Mouth for you, in a sense
• 00:39:50 Who lists their talent on GigSalad?
  • Agents? Yes. ECE on Gig Gab
  • But mostly individual artists and bands representing themselves.
  • This platform was built to eliminate Mark’s job…he was an agent!
  • One of GigSalad’s initial goals: You don’t need an agent to have a career.
• 00:47:07 Gig Gab 482 Outtro
  • Contact GigSalad
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post The DIY Booking Revolution: GigSalad’s Impact on Musicians – Gig Gab 482 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

You’re about to get the roadmap from Luke and Will Mallett of The Mallett Brothers on what it really takes to make music a career. From playing 120 shows a year to building a loyal tribe of 2,000 superfans, the brothers break down how live gigs aren’t just part of the job—they are the job. You’ll hear how they’ve learned to follow the seasons, balance home life with relentless touring, and why collaborating with venues (and yes, printing real posters) still matters. The promo game keeps shifting—from glossy photos to viral reels—and these guys are always adapting to stay in the mix.

But don’t let the laid-back Maine vibe fool you—this is a music business. From slinging hats and 8-tracks to tracking ad spend and working their booking agent to tighten tour routes, the Malletts share the systems that keep them thriving. Growing up helping their folk-singer dad send out his mailing list taught them early that endurance matters more than luck. Whether you’re booking your own gigs or building a fan group online, your success hinges on one thing: Always Be Performing.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 481 – Monday, May 12th, 2025
  • May 12th: National Limerick Day
  • Guest co-host: Luke and Will Mallett from The Mallett Brothers
• 00:02:11 Twelve Years to Grocery Money
  • 2,000 Superfans
• The Live Show is The Key
• 00:04:17 Playing 120 Shows Per Year
  • Learned to move with the seasons
  • Sleep well, eat well
• 00:08:04 Balancing Home vs. Gigs
• 00:08:54 Creating a tour schedule on your own
• 00:12:09 Working with a booking agent to structure and route your gigs and tours
  • Lara Supan on Gig Gab
• 00:14:01 Collaborating with the venue on your promotion
• 00:15:58 The ever-changing promotion formula
  • The changes from photos to videos to reels
• 00:18:00 Tracking the success of your ads
• 00:21:37 Don’t Forget About Physical Posters
  • Venues love receiving actual posters
• 00:23:26 Then sell your posters at the gig!
• 00:27:27 Diversify…just like any other business!
  • What else can we sell?
  • Posters
  • Hats
  • CDs
  • Keychains
  • 8-Tracks
• 00:29:33 This is the business of music
• 00:33:53 Watching Dad’s DIY Approach to Music Succeed
  • David Mallett, folk artist
  • Helping dad with the mailing list for his music business
• 00:37:00 Meeting Chuck Leavell, famous tree farmer (oh, and a keyboard player)
  • America’s Forrests with Chuck Leavell
  • Orono Brewing Company
  • Dogs and Horses… maybe Chuck?
• 00:43:49 Just…endure!
  • And then you become a staple in a category of success stories
• 00:46:52 Engaging with those 2,000 superfans
  • 1,000 True Fans
  • Find out where on social media your fans are, then start a group
  • Build community
  • Failure is not an option
• 00:55:12 Gig Gab 481 Outtro
  • Follow The Mallett Brothers
  • Higher Up In The Hills from The Mallett Brothers
• Contact Gig Gab!
  • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
  • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
  • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post The Mallett Brothers’ DIY Formula: 2,000 Superfans and 120 Shows a Year – Gig Gab 481 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

If your band’s live setup feels more like organized chaos than controlled power, this episode’s for you. We’re diving into real-world band hacks that actually make a difference—from tightening up your IEM mixes with split snakes, to using a click track to start songs like a pro. You’ll also hear why phantom power isn’t the villain it’s made out to be, and how to get serious clarity from your kick drum without blowing the budget. Whether you’re rocking a basement bar or a big stage, this gear and workflow talk will level you up.

But it’s not just about sound—it’s about syncing your whole band’s flow. We cover practical tools like Google Calendar and BandHelper that take the headache out of scheduling rehearsals and gigs. Plus, you’ll get lessons learned from the madness of SXSW soundchecks, hydration tips for high-output sets, and a smart discussion about finding sponsors that actually fit your audience. As always, it’s about one thing: helping you Always Be Performing.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 480 – Monday, May 5th, 2025
  • May 5th: National Concert Day
• 00:01:48 John-Spotify audio levels are out of balance
  • DLH-Why we stopped putting Video on Spotify
• 00:04:05 Brian-Boundary Mics and Kick Drums
  • Behringer BA 19A
• 00:06:29 May Monorail and May Turbo Kick
• 00:10:42 feedback@giggabpodcast.com
• 00:17:54 Brad-Who is your band’s audience, and which sponsors would want to reach them?
  • The Rolling Stones went from Budweiser in 1989 to AARP in 2024…who’s right for YOUR band?
• 00:22:45 SPONSOR: Factor, America’s #1 Ready-To-Eat Meal Kit, can help you fuel up fast with flavorful and nutritious ready-to-eat meals delivered straight to your door. Visit FactorMeals.com/giggab50off and use code giggab50off for 50% off!
• 00:24:36 Scott-Hi Lyte cyclists hydration helps for strenuous gigs, too
• 00:27:19 Paul-Bring Back Bruce!
• 00:30:55 Drew-Phantom Power and Split Snakes Isn’t an Issue according to Dave Rat
  • Seismic Audio Split Snake
• 00:33:49 Using a Split Snake to Facilitate your IEM mix
• 00:36:38 Using a click to start songs
  • forScore
• Gear Gab
  • 00:41:55 What do you use as your gig bag?
  • 00:42:38 Gear Gab-Optogate
  • 00:44:34 LILY P4D
  • 00:46:35 Mackie EM-89D – Handheld, Dynamic Vocal Mic for $49.99 with pouch, clip, & XLR Cable
• SXSW
  • 00:48:33 Lessons from SX. Watching so many bands soundcheck quick was immediately obvious at my next gig.
  • 00:50:31 SXSW Official Comments on Changes to SXSW 2026 Schedule
• 00:52:18 Waves Free Plugin Pack with 9 awesome plugins
• 00:53:32 What do you use to coordinate your bandmates’ schedules?
  • Band and BandHelper
• 00:56:20 Gig Gab 480 Outtro
  • Contact Gig Gab!
  • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
  • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
  • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Real-World Band Hacks: IEM Mixes, Click Track Starts, and Calendar Control – Gig Gab 480 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

What’s it like going from drum tech to mixing stadium shows for legends? In this week’s Gig Gab, you join Scottie Baldwin and Dave Hamilton as they dive into the artistry behind live sound. From getting the call from Prince’s drummer to Sheila E nudging him toward sound, Scottie shares tricks like frequency gating and translating wild artist requests—think Gaga’s “lavender knife”—into killer mixes. You’ll get insight into how musicality trumps technicality, why mixing is more like managing real estate, and how to blend audience energy with screen-streaming perfection. Always Be Performing isn’t just a catchphrase—it’s a mindset Scottie lives onstage and behind the board.

You’ll walk away with tactical takeaways: define your audience avatar, teach your engineer with clarity, and keep a Dropbox of reference tracks. Whether you’re prepping a show for JJ Lin in Asia or working FOH like Scottie did for Prince, this episode is packed with practical wisdom. Learn why adding song titles to count-offs matters, why great gear relationships matter even more, and how timecode and iPads are redefining tour precision. There’s even a sharp take on Phish’s mixes and the culture gap in musicianship. Get in, geek out, and level up your live game.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 479 – Monday, April 28th, 2025
  • April 28th: National Blueberry Pie Day
  • Guest co-host: Scottie Baldwin
• 00:01:39 Eddie Van Halen’s Jump guitar solo started it all…
• 00:02:38 Michael Bland, Prince’s drummer brings on a non-drummer as his drum tech
• 00:03:29 Sheila E says Scottie should do sound!
• 00:06:54 Scottie’s Trick for Drums: Frequency Gating
  • Always Be Musical
• 00:08:37 Gaga said make me sound like a lavender knife
  • Being a live sound producer
  • The value of the musicality
  • Understanding the purpose
• 00:12:07 Dissecting mix collision
  • Mixing is a real-estate game
• 00:16:18 Engineers mixing for a screen vs being an audience member
• 00:18:05 Working as a team with an artist
• 00:19:58 Prince wanted to make sure fans’ kids heard the lyrics
• 00:21:36 Not reading music was…a feature!
• 00:24:09 Learning the culture of the music you’re creating
  • Mixing the show for JJ Lin
• 00:27:05 Find an avatar that represents your audience
• 00:30:11 “Today, it’s my building”
• 00:32:49 Speaking Mandarin
• 00:35:10 Learning how to teach an engineer what you’re doing/wanting
  • Make three, easily-digestible bullet points
  • Name artists that you want to sound “like”
  • Use a Dropbox to share songs
• 00:41:25 Adding the name of the song to your count-offs
  • The Fray
  • Or just add the song
• 00:47:19 Have good relationships with your gear, the artist, and the material
  • Yamaha Rivage
• 00:48:36 Engaging with the crowd
  • Dave Hampton, Scottie’s Mentor
• 00:54:03 Being a Live Sound Engineer AND a Recording Engineer at the Same Time
  • Dave’s concerns about Phish being mixed for the stream and not for the room
  • One Night Alone…Live! – Scottie’s FOH mix
• 00:58:58 Cutting a record every night
• 01:03:43 Mixing Monitors
• 01:10:01 Prince’s monitors and his producer-brain
• 01:16:51 Everyone on JJ Lin’s tour is on timecode and iPads
  • Level of musicianship in Asia is higher than here in the US — Scottie Baldwin
  • Jolin Tsai
• 01:20:36 Gig Gab 479 Outtro
  • Follow Scottie Baldwin
  • Contact Gig Gab!
  • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
  • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
  • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post From Prince to Gaga to JJ Lin: Scottie Baldwin’s Audio Adventures — Gig Gab 479 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

This week on Gig Gab, you’re in for a deep dive into the gigging grind with guest co-host Derek Patten from ECE, EastCoast Entertainment. You’ll learn exactly what makes a band bookable—from tight chops to killer promo, a sharp social presence, and professional polish. If you’re not posting on Instagram, you’re not even in the conversation. Whether your band’s been around for five years or five weeks, it’s all about how well you play, how tight you are, and how you present yourself. And yes, clients hear with their eyes first—so get those videos dialed in and wardrobes on point.

Derek pulls back the curtain on managing 7,000 gigs a year, choosing the right acts for the right events, and what separates the pros from the posers. Spoiler: the best bands stick together, manage their own schedules, and bring something real to the stage. Authenticity and consistency win. Want more gigs? Know your brand, know your strengths, and build from there. Whether it’s Eighties Night or bluegrass bliss, if you’re creating unforgettable moments, you’re doing it right. Always Be Performing.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 478 – Monday, April 21st, 2025
• 00:01:17 April 21st: National Tea Day
  • Slave to the Starbucks Machine – Venti Iced Coffee, Cream and Three Splenda for Derek
  • Throat Coat Tea
• 00:03:18 Guest co-host: Derek Patten from EastCoast Entertainment
  • 6,500 to 7,000 dates per year
• 00:05:46 Providing Artist Development
  • A&R for a Cover Band
• 00:08:00 Working with Working Musicians
• 00:09:11 Office Jams!
• 00:10:21 What makes a band bookable for an agency like ECE?
  • Can you play?
  • What promo materials do you have already?
  • Clients hear with their eyes first!
  • Social media presence is HUGE
  • Advice: do something on instagram!
  • Did “my” wedding make your insta?
• 00:17:01 Does length of band’s existence matter?
  • How tight is your band?
  • How professional are you?
• 00:21:12 Fly under the radar and do your job
• 00:24:33 One band, two names!
• 00:29:26 Always Entertaining? You’re a candidate!
• 00:31:08 Guess what? Surprise! It’s Eighties Night!
• 00:32:06 Rock, Bluegrass, and Stairway to Heaven!
• 00:35:14 Creating Lifelong Memories
  • We are the soundtrack for the biggest party most people will ever throw for themselves
• 00:38:31 Selecting the right band for a client
  • Booking high-quality bands
• 00:42:52 Authenticity Matters
• 00:44:03 Managing Subs
  • Out most successful bands are bands where the same people play together all the time
• 00:48:43 The Revenue-Share Model
  • We work directly for the artists
• 00:55:07 Developing artists
  • Social Media Presence
  • Wardrobe
  • Promo Videos
  • Focus: what is the brand of your band, and how do we communicate that?
  • What is it that you do the best?
  • What is it that you want to do more of?
• 01:03:24 Managing schedules
  • …and more!
  • Band Manager (in the band) works with the Responsible Agent (at ECE) as their band champion!
• 01:08:39 Gig Gab 478 Outtro
  • Follow Derek Patten from EastCoast Entertainment
  • Submit your band to ECE!
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Is Your Band Bookable? ECE’s Checklist for Success — Gig Gab 478 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Monique Powell of Save Ferris joins you for a no-holds-barred dive into the grind, grit, and glory behind making a band thrive. From opera training to ska dreams, Monique shares how preparation and passion powered her transformation from “Mo Sing Song” to full-on band manager (and back again…and forth again). You’ll hear how she navigated shifting to external management, dealt with label fallout, and used setbacks as fuel—because when the machine breaks, you fix it or build your own. Her fight to save her voice wasn’t just personal—it became a mission driven by fans who refused to let go.

This episode’s packed with real talk on defining success, the chaos of tour-routing post-COVID, and the rollercoaster of fan engagement. Monique lays it all out: if you want to be in a successful band, be ready to sweat every detail—gear, gigs, and gut decisions. Whether it’s dodging in-ear disasters or facing your fears head-on, Monique reminds you that showing up matters most. So, lace up, lean in, and remember: Always Be Performing.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 477 – Monday, April 14th, 2025
  • April 14th: National Pecan Day
  • Guest co-host: Monique Powell from Save Ferris
• 00:02:37 Preparation matters!
  • Studying to be a opera singer
  • Why aren’t you in a band?
• 00:06:50 I really wanted to be in a ska band
  • The Shanties
• 00:08:30 From “Mo Sing Song” to “Mo Manage Band”
  • Save Ferris was a great band, I knew we were a great band
  • We’re a family, and I’m going to work as hard as I can to push us forward
• 00:13:49 Transitioning to external management
  • “I don’t know how to take us to the next level at this point.”
• 00:16:03 You’re outnumbered. Shut up and sing.
• 00:18:27 Getting the machine working!
• 00:20:52 Opportunity when your label drops you
• 00:22:11 Define success for yourself
• 00:24:21 No bank was going to give us Two Million Dollars
• 00:25:30 Fighting to Save her Singing Voice
• 00:27:36 I Let the Fans Dicate How Hard I was Going To Fight
• 00:29:20 Your greatest fear can be fuel
  • Business Brain, Dave’s other podcast
• 00:33:33 Now I fight for our fans
• 00:34:30 Life is like rollerskating
• 00:37:23 Get Dancing from Save Ferris on April 25th!
  • Learn the Choreography!
• 00:39:08 FAN ENGAGEMENT…It’s part of Always Being Performing!
• 00:42:31 Letting the fans be my compass
• 00:43:21 In-ears became a liability
• 00:46:26 LITFA
• 00:48:39 Touring with a monitor engineer
• 00:50:58 Tour-routing post-COVID
  • Headlining a tour is like throwing a birthday party and wondering how many people are going to show up
• 00:56:04 Gig Gab 477 Outtro
  • Follow Monique Powell and Save Ferris
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Monique Powell of Save Ferris: Ska, Struggles, and Sweet Comebacks — Gig Gab 477 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

This week, you’ll dive headfirst into the wild ride of Joe Travers’ drumming journey—from pounding out St. Patrick’s Day gigs to landing his dream job playing Zappa’s music. Joe shares how knowing exactly what you want—and fearlessly putting yourself out there—can open doors you never imagined. You’ll hear what it’s like grooving through complex Zappa parts, blending genres, and finding your own voice behind the kit because, after all, your playing is your voice.

Joe keeps you in the pocket with tales of meeting heroes, becoming Zappa’s Vaultmeister, and holding it down with Duran Duran in massive arenas. You’ll get pro-level tips on clicks, IEM mixes, and why singing drummers need to dial it in just right. Plus, a rare glimpse at what it means to play for the music—and why sometimes, staying off social media is the smartest gig move. Stick around, because there’s only one way to approach this business: Always Be Performing.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 476 – Monday, April 7th, 2025
  • April 7th: National Beer Day
  • Guest co-host: Drummer and Vaultmeister Joe Travers
• 00:01:29 St. Patrick’s Day Gigs
• 00:05:30 Becoming a professional drummer
  • Loves playing different styles
  • Studied at Berklee College of Music in Boston (and built a network!)
• 00:08:00 Land in LA…and land the ultimate gig of my dreams
  • Gig with the Zappa brothers
• 00:09:30 Putting yourself out there with a clear idea of your desires
  • Be a good hang!
  • Have talent!
  • Put yourself in the right position and meet the right people
• 00:12:18 Your playing is your voice
  • Again…be a good hang!
• 00:13:24 Playing Zappa’s Music – Grooving complex parts
  • Learn the funk stuff
  • Sing a Simple Song (Sly)
  • Learn to love whatever you’re playing
  • It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing!
• 00:17:31 Getting to know Zappa’s Music
  • Rykodisk in the 80s with Zappa releases
• 00:18:41 And then starting to play Zappa’s music in 2006
  • Immersion therapy!
• 00:22:23 All the styles blended into Frank’s music
• 00:24:27 Bozzio makes sense to Joe
• 00:26:42 SPONSOR: Factor, America’s #1 Ready-To-Eat Meal Kit, can help you fuel up fast with flavorful and nutritious ready-to-eat meals delivered straight to your door. Visit FactorMeals.com/giggab50off and use code giggab50off for 50% off!
• 00:28:19 Becoming the Vaultmeister
  • Turns out it’s good to be a nerd (a trusted nerd!)
• 00:32:56 Meeting a hero
  • Playing a gig with Z at Club Lingerie – First show, and Frank is in the audience!
• 00:36:17 “Frank wants to meet you”
• 00:37:56 Playing with Duran Duran in 1997
  • “Joe…it’s time.”
• 00:41:15 Play what the music is calling for
• 00:41:39 Playing arenas vs. smaller places
  • Duran Duran at Chicago House of Blues 1997
  • Soft ticket sales vs. hard ticket events
• 00:43:59 Playing to a click
  • …and playing with Frank on a video screen
• 00:47:21 What’s your perfect IEM mix have in it?
  • Audience Mics
  • Overhead Wash
• 00:51:11 IEMs for singing drummers
• 00:53:59 Joe Travers with RagDolls at NAMM 2025
• 01:00:08 No Social Media!
• 01:07:13 Gig Gab 476 Outtro
  • Follow Joe Travers on YouTube
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post The Vaultmeister’s Voice: Joe Travers on Zappa, Duran Duran, and the Power of Performance — Gig Gab 476 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Thinking about SXSW? Erin Walter and Keri Cinquina from Parker Woodland break it all down for you—from applying to playing like a pro. You’ll learn how to reach out to anyone and everyone to book your showcases, why hitting up radio stations and non-profits matters, and how to stack your SXSW week like a mini tour. Don’t skip the conference sessions—Sonic Guild Grants and mentor sessions can change your game (pro tip: show up for no-shows). And yes, tacos are essential tour fuel.

On stage or off, it’s all about connection. Whether you’re delivering like you’re playing to ten thousand or sharing roles within your band, Always Be Performing means engaging the crowd and your bandmates. Erin and Keri talk vocal coaching, singing drummers, and the gear that keeps it tight—including using a click track! They even dig into arranging songs for a power trio and making standout music videos. Because anything can happen at a gig… and you’ll be ready.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 475 – Monday, March 31st, 2025
  • March 31st: National Crayon Day
  • Guest co-hosts: Erin Walter and Keri Cinquina from Parker Woodland
• 00:01:50 Applying / Planning / Playing SXSW
• 00:02:53 The art of self-promotion
• 00:08:34 Deliver like you’re playing for ten thousand
  • Bringing people in and then keeping the people there
  • Always be Performing…and always be connecting with the crowd and your bandmates
• 00:12:32 Successfully booking SXSW
  • Contact ANYone who is involved with booking shows
    • Bands
    • Radio Stations
    • Non-profits
  • Making sure musicians get paid
• 00:15:57 Applying to Showcase at SXSW
  • Booking multiple shows at SXSW
  • It’s like planning a tour
• 00:17:45 Attending the conference as an artist
  • Don’t skip the sessions!
  • Sonic Guild Grants
• 00:20:51 Pro-tip: Go stand in line at Mentor Sessions and you can grab a no-show appointment!
• 00:22:21 SPONSOR: Mechanical Licensing Collective – Are you a songwriter, music publisher, or administrator? Every month, The MLC collects the streaming data and royalties from Spotify and Apple Music, matches the money to the creator who has earned it, and then pays out the royalties due. Visit TheMLC.com today to sign up!
• 00:23:34 Tacos are the fuel to a successful band
• 00:26:06 Long-standing musical collaborations
• 00:27:42 Divvying up roles in the band
  • Vocal coach
• 00:31:28 Singing drummers!
  • Heil PR-31BW
  • Gooseneck with a boom stand
• 00:35:19 Arranging Songs for a Power Trio
  • Parker Woodland covering Sir Duke
  • Bands covering Rebel Girl
• 00:41:56 There’s no Such Thing as Time — Parker Woodland
• 00:44:21 Create music videos!
• 00:45:18 Gear Gab & Playing to a Click
  • Tama SLR Bubinga Snare
  • Tama Rhythm Watch
• 00:50:32 Anything can happen at a gig!
• 00:52:52 Gig Gab 475 Outtro
  • Follow Erin Walter and Parker Woodland
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Booking SXSW Like a Pro with Parker Woodland — Gig Gab 475 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Get ready to conquer SXSW with insider tips from this special crossover episode of Gig Gab and the Roadcase Podcast. You’ll learn how to plan your badge, map your venue hits—from Antone’s to Mohawk—and navigate scooter passes like a pro. Plus, we’re sharing can’t-miss bands, food finds, and surprise performances that’ll level up your festival game. Listen in and Always Be Performing while making the most of SXSW!

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 474 & Roadcase 265 Crossover Episode – Monday, March 24th, 2025
  • March 24th: National Cheesesteak Day
  • Guest co-host: Josh Rosenberg from Roadcase Podcast
• 00:06:48 We met because we’re tall!
• 00:10:31 Planning for SXSW
  • Scooter Passes
  • Picking by Venues
    • Antone’s
    • Stubb’s
    • ACL Live @ Moody Theater
    • Mohawk
    • Radio Day Stage (wherever that is)
    • Hotel Vegas
• 00:24:28 Schedule changes for SXSW 2026
• 00:31:00 Which badge do you get?
  • Platinum vs. others
  • Buy the badge!
• 00:46:05 Sessions Seen
  • Taylor Tomlinson @ SXSW
  • John Fogerty & Tom Morello @ SXSW
• 00:54:22 PODCAST: That Aged Well. Longtime Xennial best friends Paul and Erika take a look back at the pop culture of their youths with a new perspective, all while inviting listeners to laugh, groan, and sometimes even cry.
• 00:56:42 Food Suggestions
  • The Original Taste of The Caribbean
  • Cooper’s BBQ
• 00:58:18 Bands seen
  • Preservation Hall Jazz Band @ Mohawk SXSW with Charlie Gabriel (pics on Insta!)
  • LP Giobbi @ SXSW 2025 (and LP Giobbi on Roadcase Podcast)
  • Honeyglaze @ SXSW 2025
  • The Dumes @ SXSW 2025
  • The Rumble Ft. Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr. @ SXSW 2025
  • Ali @ SXSW 2025
  • Dutch Interior @ SXSW 2025
  • Brutus VIII @ SXSW 2025
  • Frankie & The Witch Fingers @ SXSW 2025
  • The Wellerman @ SXSW 2025
  • Parker Woodland @ SXSW 2025
• 01:20:20 Gig Gab 474 Outtro
  • Follow Roadcase Podcast!
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post How to Attend SXSW: Tips from Gig Gab and Roadcase Podcast — Gig Gab 474 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Running a band is more than just playing music—it’s a business, and this week, you’re getting a front-row seat to the real numbers behind a self-promoted, four-walled show. Dave and guest co-host Mike Schulte from Pork Tornadoes break down the hard costs, from union labor to venue staff, and what it takes to make those ticket prices work. Is the venue actually promoting your gig, or are you on your own? Or is it better when you work together? And when it comes to pricing tiers, always prioritize the fan experience—because that’s what keeps them coming back. Whether it’s VIP tickets or GA floor, every decision affects your bottom line. Always Be Performing means knowing the game as well as you know your instrument.

Beyond the business, you’ve got to deliver on stage. Dave and Mike dig into the power of stage banter, the hidden advantage of playing in original bands when learning covers, and why oversaturation is a real risk. Are exclusive endorsements worth it, or are they just another trap? And let’s not ignore the elephant in the room: lip-syncing. Is there ever a place for it in live music? This episode is packed with insights that’ll sharpen your gigging strategy and keep your performance—and your career—on point.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 473 – Monday, March 17th, 2025
  • March 17th: Act Happy Day
  • Guest co-host: Mike Schulte from Pork Tornadoes
  • Dark Matter Promo Code GIGGAB15
• 00:01:01 Having Paul Kent back on Gig Gab!
• 00:02:04 Did the venue do the promo?
  • Cover Band Central on Facebook
• 00:06:22 You’re running a business
• 00:14:41 Cost Breakdown of Four-walling a show for 1,600 people
  • Building rental: $2,000
  • Union Stage Hands Labor: $6,100
  • Venue Staff (ticket-takers, ushers): $1,200
  • Cleaning Fee: $500
  • Box Office Fees (staff, credit cards): $1,000
  • Opening Act (45min set): $1,200
  • External Production Company (lights and sound): $5,000
  • Advertising: $1,750
  • Crew: $925
  • Catering/Hospitality/Hotels: $1,050
  • That’s $20,750 (aka $12.95 per person with 1,600 attendees)
  • $50 VIP Pit tickets, $25 GA Floor
  • 00:23:46 On the subject of stage banter
• 00:28:25 Oversaturation awareness
  • Dave’s rant about exclusive endorsements
• 00:33:46 Moral: take risks!
• 00:34:45 Dave’s Rehearsal/Sound-Check
• 00:43:48 Using Pricing Tiers
  • Prioritize the fan experience
• 00:46:45 The value of having played in original bands when learning cover songs
  • Mike’s Dope Walker
• 00:57:58 Lip Syncing?
• 01:01:42 Gig Gab 473 Outtro
  • Follow Mike Schulte
    • Confused Breakfast
    • The Pork Tornadoes
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post $20K to Rock? The True Cost of Putting on a Show — Gig Gab 473 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

You never know where a layoff might lead—sometimes, it’s straight into launching your own in-ear monitor (IEM) company. That’s exactly what Dark Matter Audio’s Tal Kocen and Dave Friesma did, carving out a niche in a legacy industry by embracing natural sound and combining it with all the nerdy elements that go into making these things the right way.

Dave and Tal break down why ears naturally boost that frequency by 15dB, how the Harman Curve plays into tuning, and why you should watch those 150-250Hz corner frequencies. From the $699 DM2H Hybrid 2 to the $899 DMA3, they dive into what makes Dark Matter’s approach unique, balancing high-end engineering with real-world musician needs.

Transitioning to IEMs isn’t just about better sound—it’s about control. You’ve got to start with the right mindset, knowing where you’re coming from and where you’re going. Pro tip? Don’t fall into the one-IEM trap—just ask Rosanne Cash. Learn why putting drums in a submix can change your life, how to manage shared IEM mixes, and why a little education goes a long way. Whether you’re tweaking your mix or embracing the occlusion effect, one thing’s for sure: Always Be Performing.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 472 – Monday, March 10th, 2025
  • March 10th: National Day of Awesomeness
  • Use FACTORPODCAST at FactorMeals.com for a special deal this month!
• Guest co-host: Tal Kocen and Dave Friesema from Dark Matter Audio Labs
  • Save 15% at Dark Matter with Promo Code GIGGAB15
• 00:03:13 Layoffs lead to the dream: let’s start our own IEM company!
  • ZMF Headphones
  • Dekoni Audio
• 00:09:48 IEMs as a Legacy Industry
• 00:12:35 What’s Dark Matter’s niche?
  • Natural Sound
  • Canal resonance at 2.7kHz
• 00:17:50 Corner Frequencies
  • Watch 150-250Hz
  • JH Audio Laylas
• 00:22:47 Ears add 15dB gain at 2.7kHz
  • Diffuse field curve
  • Sean Olive’s Harman Curve
• 00:31:00 Dark Matter DM2H Hybrid 2 Custom IEM – $699 MSRP
• 00:37:38 6ms in Dave’s Studio Took 20 years of experience out of the musicians!
• 00:39:51 DMA3 – 3 balanced armatures – $899 MSRP
• 00:43:05 Choosing your IEM
• 00:50:23 Understanding where you’re beginning and where you’re going
• 00:51:51 Pro-Advice for Transitioning to In-Ear Monitors
  • With a Rosanne Cash story
• 00:56:22 IEM Tips and Tricks
  • Put the drums in a sub group
• 00:59:29 Sharing IEM Mixes
  • Seismic Audio Split Snakes
• 01:06:35 Rosanne Cash … uses ONE Dark Matter!
  • One IEM … is a trap!
  • Occlusion Effect
• 01:13:26 The value of education
• 01:16:07 More isn’t necessarily better!
• 01:19:20 Making the industry more personal
• 01:23:22 Gig Gab Outtro
  • Contact Tal Kocen and Dave Friesema from Dark Matter Audio Labs
  • Dark Matter Audio Labs Instagram
• Contact Gig Gab!
  • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
  • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
  • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Breaking Sound Barriers with Dark Matter IEMs — Gig Gab 472 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Paul Kent returns to Gig Gab, diving headfirst into the wild ride of full-time gigging with 120 shows lined up this year—and still packing the house! From near-disaster moments like a bass player taking a tumble (not this time, thankfully) to the art of bonding with your audience before you even hit that first note, it’s all about controlling the chaos. Whether it’s using a Seismic Audio Split Snake to take charge of your sound or knowing when to discuss weather risks before booking, smart musicianship is key. Cancelation policies? Rare, but worth considering—just ask Notso Costley Productions.

Marketing your band isn’t about magic bullets, but there are definitely solid shots to take. Success in music is always shared, and shoutouts fly to pros like Tony Smith and Mike Schulte for their insights. Meanwhile, Dave has a revelation: he’s starting to get Bob Dylan. Whether it’s tribute nights, booking strategies, or navigating the business of performing, one thing’s clear—Always Be Performing, and always be learning.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 471 – Monday, March 3rd, 2025
  • March 3rd: World Hearing Day
• 00:03:10 Catching up on Paul’s Gigs…and life!
  • BACK to being a full-time musician
• 00:04:32 Booking 120 Gigs for the year…and still draw a crowd
• 00:05:14 Shared Crisis on a Sold-Out Night
  • One time…the Bass player fell over on stage (but not this time!)
  • From Perfection to Survival
• 00:13:27 Bonding with your crowd BEFORE you start
• 00:15:56 Time to control your (sound) destiny
  • Seismic Audio Split Snake
• 00:18:39 SPONSOR: Factor, America’s #1 Ready-To-Eat Meal Kit, can help you fuel up fast with flavorful and nutritious ready-to-eat meals delivered straight to your door. Visit FactorMeals.com/FactorPodcast and use code FACTORPODCAST for 50% off!
• 00:20:10 Canceling Gigs
  • Discussing the weather during booking
• 00:30:30 Contracted Cancelation Policies…how rare are they?
  • Notso Costley Productions
  • Paul Costley and now Demetri Papanicolau!
• 00:34:59 Success is shared
  • Tony Smith from Black Box Prompter on Gig Gab
  • Mike Schulte on Gig Gab
• 00:37:11 In Marketing, there are no magic bullets
  • But there are pretty good shots you can take
• 00:42:07 Dave is starting to understand Bob Dylan
• 00:48:18 Tribute nights
• 00:49:52 Gig Gab 471 Outtro
  • Contact Paul Kent
  • Contact Gig Gab!
  • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
  • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
  • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Changing Goals From Perfection…to Survival — Gig Gab 471 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Ever wondered how to capture those magical live performance moments? Gig Gab’s latest episode dives into the world of recording your gigs, offering insights for musicians at every level.

Host Dave Hamilton welcomes back guest Daniel East, a seasoned drummer, sound engineer, and recording enthusiast. With decades of experience, Daniel shares his journey from using cassette decks to modern digital setups, emphasizing the importance of always capturing your performances.

The episode explores practical tips for recording gigs, from using smartphone cameras to more advanced multi-track setups. Daniel and Dave discuss the evolution of recording technology and how it’s become more accessible to gigging musicians. They stress that perfection isn’t necessary – starting with whatever tools you have is key.

The conversation also delves into gear talk, covering topics like internal drum mic mounts, EQ tricks for live sound, and the concept of “Audio Tetris” for mixing. Throughout, the hosts remind listeners to “Always Be Performing,” whether there’s a camera rolling or not.

Ready to start preserving your live music memories? Tune in to this episode of Gig Gab for a wealth of knowledge on recording your gigs and taking your performances to the next level.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 470 – Monday, February 24, 2025
  • February 24th: World Bartender Day
  • Guest co-host: Daniel East
• 00:00:55 Happy 10th Anniversary to Gig Gab!
  • KickBlock
• 00:04:47 Why do we record every gig?
  • Learning tool
  • Give yourself time
• 00:09:26 I need to capture these moments!
  • Dave McGuinness FOH Engineer
• 00:11:56 I CAN capture these moments!
• 00:14:49 Just Get the Reference Recording
  • Future Sonics at Grateful Dead Shows
• 00:17:03 Using Four-Track Recorders
  • Ron Dziubla
• 00:22:00 Dan’s “Basic” Setup
  • Waves Mobile SoundGrid Server
• 00:25:20 Starting from scratch
  • Use your iPhone
  • Disable Spatial Audio
  • Stage Ninja iPhone Mount
  • RØDE i-XY on a Stage Ninja Microphone Mount
  • Stereo Recording
• 00:31:06 Skeletal Bleed!
  • No in-nose monitors
• 00:34:11 Always get as much as you can, then sift through it later
• 00:35:00 Gear to use
  • Stage Ninja SSA Kit
  • Albert Castiglia Guitarist
  • Teddy Campbell’s IEM Mixes
• 00:38:43 Having the camera ups your game!
• 00:42:16 Quick Gear Gab for drummers
  • Put Clorox Wipes in your gig bag!
  • Elgato Stream Deck
• 00:44:17 Dan loves Stream Deck
• 00:45:30 Gear Gab from NAMM 2025: Kelly SHU Tommyz
  • Just about 31-degrees!
  • Earthworks DM6
  • Kompakt MD 421 Microphone
  • Yamaha Subkick
• 00:56:05 What’s Old is New Again
  • Pultec Trick
  • Waves PuigTec EQ (does the Pultec Trick)
  • EQ Swap Trick
• 01:00:30 Audio TETRIS (yes, it’s nerd time!)
  • 63Hz is the tap in the chest from the kick drum
  • Waves F6 Floating Band Dynamic EQ
• 01:03:24 Using Waves Live?
  • Make sure your drums are in a latency group!
• 01:04:32 Gig Gab Outtro
  • Contact Daniel East
  • DanielEast.net
  • Dan East on LinkedIn
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Recording Your Gigs, Skeletal Bleed, and 31 Degrees – Gig Gab 470 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Are you struggling to make your mark in the music industry while juggling your creative passions? Gig Gab’s latest episode features Keanan Duffty, a multi-talented musician, fashion designer, and educator who has shaped both the sound and look of music culture.

Keanan Duffty, frontman of Slinky Vagabond and author of “The Fashion Entrepreneur,” shares his journey of blending rock and style. From working with icons like David Bowie and the Sex Pistols to launching his own fashion line, Duffty offers invaluable insights into building a unique brand in the creative industries.

The episode delves into the importance of style over fashion for musicians, with Duffty emphasizing the power of authenticity and consistency in developing a stage persona. He also discusses his latest album, “The Eternal Return,” and the collaborative process behind its creation.

Listeners will gain practical advice on networking, collaborating, and building a cult following. Duffty’s experiences working with music legends and navigating the fashion world provide a wealth of knowledge for aspiring creatives.

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation that reminds us to “Always Be Performing” in every aspect of our creative careers. Tune in to Gig Gab now and unlock the secrets to blending artistry with entrepreneurship!

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 469 – Monday, February 17, 2025
  • February 17th: National Random Acts of Kindness Day
  • Guest co-host: Keanan Duffty
• 00:02:15 Growing up with Bubblegum Glam Rock, Soul Music, and then Fashion because he loved the way they looked
  • Style more than fashion
• 00:04:06 Crafting your on-stage style
  • The Talking Heads: Wearing Ordinary Clothes On Stage
• 00:08:42 Project what YOU want to project, not what you think the audience wants
• 00:13:37 David Bowie vs. David Jones
• 00:15:34 Iggy Pop in the Grocery Store
• 00:17:28 Pitching David Bowie to Target
  • Always Make Your Name As Big As You Can
• 00:23:39 SPONSOR: HelloBand, a fan engagement app that connects you with your fans while you’re on stage making it simple and effective to bring your live shows to the next level. GIGGAB20 gets you 20% off!
• 00:25:23 Rebel Rebel: Anti-Style
• 00:26:26 Projecting your image when you’re not on stage
  • Connecting constantly and having a dialog is crucial
  • Sound Collage
• 00:30:00 Most bands are cult artists
  • Commercial Success doesn’t give you the chance to build that cult audience
• 00:34:24 The Fashion Entrepreneur: A Definitive Guide to Building Your Brand
• 00:36:39 Learn to Network and Collaborate
• 00:37:08 Collaborations are Important
  • It’s not who you know, it’s you who get to know
• 00:39:45 Slinky Vagabond’s New Album, The Eternal Return: Harmony-laden, Avant Garde, Power-Pop
  • King Boy Vandals
• 00:45:00 Nerding out about Red Vinyl
  • Bitter Pill on Red Vinyl
• 00:47:24 Draping Your Clothes around the hotel room… to make it look like yours
  • Scarves, too!
  • David Bowie World Fan Convention
• 00:51:25 Any gigs coming up?
  • The Ritualists
• 00:53:40 Gig Gab Outtro
  • Find Keanan Duffty
    • Slinky Vagabond
    • KeananDuffty.com
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Glam, Gigs, and Grit: Keanan Duffty’s Path Through Rock and Fashion — Gig Gab 469 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Are you a musician struggling to stay inspired on the road? Discover how to keep your passion alive, even when far from home. In this episode of Gig Gab, host Dave Hamilton sits down with Pat Guadagno, a celebrated singer and musical storyteller from the Jersey Shore music scene.

Pat shares his journey from cover artist to respected interpreter of classic songs, including his unexpected collaboration with Blue Öyster Cult’s Buck Dharma. He discusses the evolution of his career, from playing local bars to performing shows celebrating iconic songwriters like Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen.

The conversation delves into Pat’s approach to gear, his preference for Takamine guitars, and why he still records with a Shure SM58 microphone. Pat also offers insights on the importance of always giving your best performance, no matter the size of the audience.

From the challenges of being a non-songwriter in a songwriter’s world to the thrill of unexpected fan encounters, Pat’s stories remind us to “Always Be Performing.” Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this episode is packed with valuable lessons for any working musician.

Ready to be inspired? Tune in to this episode of Gig Gab and learn how to keep your musical flame burning bright, no matter where the road takes you.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 468 – Monday, February 10, 2025
  • February 10th: National Cream Cheese Brownie Day
• 00:01:43 Guest co-host: Pat Guadagno
• 00:02:24 Meeting Buck Dharma…without knowing!
  • Buck Dharma on Gig Gab
• 00:05:58 The Jersey Shore Music Scene
  • Saw Bruce Springsteen at a YMCA Dance
• 00:08:10 A gig on Bob Dylan’s Birthday becomes an impromptu tribute show
  • BobFest with Pat Guadagno
• 00:12:11 And then tributes to: Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen, Hank Williams, Warren Zevon, Van Morrison
• 00:12:43 Tribute bands vs. celebration shows
• 00:17:48 Bob Dylan covers and collaborations
  • Wagon Wheel
  • Well, Well, Well
• 00:20:05 Tribute shows teach us musicians more about the artist and the songs than just being in a cover band
• 00:22:20 SPONSOR: Factor, America’s #1 Ready-To-Eat Meal Kit, can help you fuel up fast with flavorful and nutritious ready-to-eat meals delivered straight to your door. Visit FactorMeals.com/giggab50off and use code giggab50off for 50% off!
• 00:23:46 Pat’s Warren Zevon cover appears in … Californication!
  • Terry McGovern with Bruce Springsteen
  • SiriusXM’s Coffehouse Covers
• 00:28:15 Playing covers vs. originals
  • Painting Houses is working in bars
  • Painting Pictures is working on stage
• 00:29:50 Music Directing METV’s Big Variety Show
  • Glen Burtnik
• 00:36:00 Leverage Your Free Time to Book Gigs!
  • The Shannon Door Pub in New Hampshire
• 00:39:26 Never take a night off
• 00:41:55 Gear Gab
  • Dunlop Custom Made Picks!
  • Takamine Guitars
  • LR Baggs Pedals
• 00:45:00 Shure SM58 for recording vocals in the studio
• 00:48:31 Traveling as light as I can
  • Bose S2
• 00:50:20 Upcoming Pat Guadagno Shows
• 00:53:11 Gig Gab Outtro
• Contact Gig Gab!
  • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
  • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
  • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Cover Celebrations, Hard Work, & the Road: Pat Guadagno’s Musical Journey — Gig Gab 468 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Are you a musician curious about the latest gear and industry trends? Dive into Gig Gab episode 467, where host Dave Hamilton shares his first-hand experience at NAMM, the music industry’s premier trade show.

Dave takes you on a journey through the bustling halls of NAMM, offering insights into the latest innovations and must-see products. From the QSC K Column KC12 loudspeakers to the revolutionary Black Box Prompter, he covers a range of gear that could transform your live performances.

The episode highlights the unique atmosphere of NAMM, where industry professionals and music enthusiasts come together to celebrate their shared passion. Dave discusses encounters with notable figures like Stevie Wonder and Omar Hakim, giving listeners a taste of the star-studded event.

Beyond gear, Dave touches on the importance of hearing protection, the revival of Slingerland drums, and the exciting developments in electronic drum technology. His enthusiasm for the music community shines through as he reflects on the connections made and lessons learned.

Ready to stay ahead of the curve and always be performing? Tune in to this episode of Gig Gab for an insider’s look at the future of music technology and industry trends.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 467 – Monday, February 3, 2025
  • February 3rd: The Day The Music Died
• 00:01:00 The NAMM Vibe
• Bands seen
  • 00:10:42 Rag Dolls
  • 00:11:54 MAEJOY (clear music stand, folks!)
• Gear Gab
  • 00:14:28 Triad-Orbit iOrbit Pro Tablet/Smartohone Holder – $210
  • 00:16:11 QSC KC12 3-way Tower Speakers – $2,000ea
  • 00:20:45 Eargasm High Fidelity Ear plugs – $46
  • 00:22:39 Apple AirPods Pro Gen 2 as active earplugs
  • 00:24:58 BLACK BOX Prompter
  • 00:26:54 Dark Matter In-Ear Monitors (team from Westone)
  • 00:29:31 Slingerland Radio Kind Snare Drum
  • 00:31:51 Efnote Electronic Drums solved the hi-hat issue (Efnote MIni is $2,199)
• 00:36:56 Notable people seen
  • Stevie Wonder
  • Omar Hakim
  • Adam Johnson from Cover Band Confidential
  • Phil X from Bon Jovi
  • Dave Weckl
  • Narada Michael Walden
• 00:40:00 Gig Gab Outtro
  • Contact Gig Gab!
  • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
  • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
  • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Feels Like The First Time…At NAMM — Gig Gab 467 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Are you tired of staring at your iPad during gigs, struggling to read lyrics and chord charts? Discover how to elevate your stage presence and connect with your audience like never before!

In this episode of Gig Gab, host Dave Hamilton welcomes Tory Smith, a guitarist, band leader, and entrepreneur. Tory is the creator of the BLACK BOX Prompter, a revolutionary teleprompter designed specifically for musicians.

Tory shares his journey from leading cover bands to developing a game-changing tool for performers. He discusses the BLACK BOX Prompter’s features, including auto-transposition, wireless syncing, and integration with popular lyric apps.

The conversation also delves into effective marketing strategies for bands, including leveraging Facebook ads and engaging with audiences. We know what you’re thinking: Facebook can work? Tory says YES!

Dave and Tory explore the importance of investing in quality video content, the transition from bar gigs to corporate events, and the impact musicians can have on their listeners’ lives. They share touching stories of memorable performances and unexpected generosity from fans.

Don’t miss this inspiring episode that reminds us why we play music and how to “Always Be Performing.” Tune in to learn how to take your stage presence to the next level and create unforgettable experiences for your audience!

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 466 – Monday, January 27, 2025
  • January 27th: National Chocolate Cake Day
• 00:01:17 Guest co-host: Tory Smith from BLACK BOX Prompter
• 00:02:07 80s Gadgets — North Texas’s funnest 80s cover band
  • Started, was rocking…and then Covid hit.
  • Came out of Covid rocking!
• 00:04:10 90 PROOF Country
  • I’m not a country music guy, but I’m a marketing guy!
• 00:06:15 From Soundcheck to … a new band?
• 00:07:39 Transitioning from Clubs and Bars to Private Parties & Corporate Gigs
  • Thinking of your band as a side hustle
  • Always be following-up!
• 00:12:16 Hire a videographer crew with real, 4K cameras plus your individual stems from the soundboard.
  • 80s Gadgets media
  • 90 PROOF Country media
  • Invest in YouTube
  • Learn SEO 101
  • Social is a must (Facebook and Instragram)
• 00:16:02 Facebook is a marketer’s dream
• 00:20:23 What do you put in your Facebook ads?
  • Build your Facebook Event a month out. Flesh out all the details, plus a photo, an emoji-filled description that describes your band (include artists or songs that you cover).
  • Use ChatGPT: “I’m in [x] cover band that covers [genres], please make me a Facebook event description that will captivate people who have never heard of my band before and attract them to the event.”
  • Then, Facebook Boost the event and target your audience (20mile radius of bar, fans of bands you cover, age-ranges, any other interests).
  • One month in advance: spend $30-$50 for the 30 days worth of boosting.
• 00:24:03 Engage with your audience on set break!
  • Use QR codes with something like HelloBand
• 00:25:48 Your competitors are likely not yet doing this…
• 00:26:43 BLACK BOX Prompter
  • It’s intelligent…with a Raspberry Pi inside
  • Custom software
  • Now has internet access for pulling in songs from Ultimate Guitar or YouTube
  • Bringing in audience interaction functionality to show who requested a song or tipped you.
  • QR-code functionality to show the lyrics to audience members on their phones
• 00:39:08 NAMM this year (booth 1229…with the rest of the innovators!)
  • Partnering with OnSong!
  • BLACK BOX Prompter powered by OnSong
  • Promo code for 10% Off: GIGGAB (applies to most promos)
• 00:42:22 3 Sins: Swiping, Squinting, and Scrolling
• 00:46:11 Auto-transpose saves the day!
• 00:46:51 The night with the $1,000 tip!
• 00:52:08 Gig Gab Outtro
  • Follow Tory Smith on Facebook (or LinkedIn)
    • BLACK BOX Prompter
    • 80s Gadgets — North Texas’s funnest 80s cover band
    • 90 PROOF Country
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Music, Marketing, and Mischief with Tory Smith – Gig Gab 466 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Are you a musician struggling to find your niche in the ever-evolving music scene? Gig Gab’s latest episode dives deep into the world of musical diversity and the power of embracing multiple genres.

Host Dave Hamilton welcomes guest Jon McCormack, a versatile guitarist and songwriter known for his work with bands like Wizzardess, Museum of Science, Fly Spinach Fly, and Bitter Pill. Jon shares his journey from being a cover band snob to embracing the joy of playing diverse music styles.

The episode explores the concept of the “hyphen era” in music, where genres blend and musicians find success in unexpected places. Jon and Dave discuss the importance of challenging oneself creatively, from concept albums to theatrical productions, and how these experiences shape a musician’s career.

Listeners will gain insights into balancing original music with cover bands, the value of visual elements in live performances, and the evolving definition of success in the music industry. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this episode reminds us to “Always Be Performing” and embrace the diverse opportunities in music.

Ready to expand your musical horizons? Press play on this inspiring episode of Gig Gab and discover how embracing diversity can elevate your musical journey.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 465 – Monday, January 20, 2025
  • January 20th: National Cheese Lover’s Day
• 00:02:08 Guest co-host: Jon McCormack from Wizzardess, Museum of Science, Fly Spinach Fly, Paintbox, Wheel of Awesome, Camarojuana, Order of Thieves, and Bitter Pill (among others!)
• 00:02:53 You don’t just listen to one thing!
  • Growing up with Disco to The Beatles to The Beach Boys and Paul Simon and Cat Stevens and World Music
  • Growing up with original bands being the norm
• 00:05:32 The 90s were the hyphen era
  • Ska-Funk
  • Funk-Jazz
• 00:09:09 Creating cover bands when you’re a cover band snob
  • Turns out being in a cover band is fun
  • The fun-to-work ratio is … more fun in a cover band!
  • A one-off gig pretending to be an eighties hair-metal band: Camarojuana
  • Spyder Von Manhadyn
• 00:14:48 The Power of a Persona
  • MC Food Court
• 00:15:47 Wearing a costume is permission
• 00:17:50 SPONSOR: HelloBand, a fan engagement app that connects you with your fans while you’re on stage making it simple and effective to bring your live shows to the next level. GIGGAB20 gets you 20% off!
• 00:19:40 What covers were you learning as a kid?
  • Rush, Yes, King Crimson… then Living Colour and other funk stuff
  • And then came Van Halen and other eighties metal stuff
• 00:20:21 Taking lessons from the right people
  • Randy Armstrong
  • John Cutrone
• 00:25:07 In Danger of Being Discovered
  • Thanks to Gravity
  • Fly Spinach Fly
  • Say Zuzu
• 00:27:17 Wheel Of Awesome at a local, small bar… is still great!
  • A hang. A community.
  • It’s all about being engaged
• 00:31:48 Dave played Whole Lotta Love
• 00:38:11 Back to hyphens: Paintbox, a concept album about paint colors
  • And then it became a musical!
• 00:44:17 Gig Gab Outtro
  • Follow Jon McCormack on Instagram
  • Contact Gig Gab!
  • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
  • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
  • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Colors, Concepts, and Creativity with Jon McCormack – Gig Gab 465 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Get ready for an exciting journey into the world of tribute bands with Gig Gab! Join host Dave Hamilton as he chats with Richard Page, a seasoned musician with a wealth of experience in cover and tribute bands.

Dive into Richard’s musical evolution: from his early days with the cover band Rewind to leading the Black Crows tribute band, Remedy, and finally, his adventures with a Grateful Dead tribute, Dead Band. Discover the challenges and triumphs of replicating iconic sounds and the importance of visual elements in live performances.

Explore the art of booking gigs and building strong venue relationships. Richard shares his strategies for navigating proximity clauses and maintaining professional ties while pushing for better promotion. Learn how to leverage tools like Dropbox and archive.org to enhance your band’s reach and efficiency.

The episode also delves into the world of in-ear monitors…because of course it does! Richard recounts his journey in adopting this technology, highlighting the improvements in sound quality and performance. With tips on hearing protection and audience interaction, you’ll gain valuable knowledge to elevate your live shows.

Join Dave and Richard for a lively discussion filled with humor, expertise, and actionable advice. Whether you’re a musician or a music enthusiast, this episode of Gig Gab is packed with insights to inspire and inform!

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 464 – Monday, January 13, 2025
  • January 13th: Stephen Foster Memorial Day
• 00:01:44 Guest co-host: Richard Page from Rewind, then Remedy, Dead Band (Tribute)
  • Started a cover band… then joined Remedy, a Black Crowes Tribute band
• 00:04:57 When your cover band is really a vanity band
  • Set guardrails for your cover band!
• 00:09:53 Run as a democracy, with a shared vision
  • And also guardrails!
• 00:11:44 Image matters
  • Live music is a visual art (h/t Paul Kent!)
• 00:13:45 Everyone we play with Musical Family
• 00:14:43 Moving from Cover Band to Tribute Band
• 00:18:53 How long should your sets be?
  • Play your own shows? Or partner with other tribute bands?
• 00:26:21 If you have a good gig…quickly rebook for the next year!
• 00:27:46 SPONSOR: Factor, America’s #1 Ready-To-Eat Meal Kit, can help you fuel up fast with flavorful and nutritious ready-to-eat meals delivered straight to your door. Visit FactorMeals.com/giggab50off and use code giggab50off for 50% off!
• 00:29:35 What does Dave think about jam bands?
• 00:35:08 And then came a Dead tribute band
  • 130 Song catalog…and adding more every time
• 00:40:00 Booking a Dead tribute
• 00:43:00 Selecting songs for Dead tributes
  • Learn the studio version, then… live (probably Europe ‘72)
• 00:44:32 Making a club an offer they shouldn’t(?) refuse
• 00:50:07 Proximity Clauses for either Tribute Band?
• 00:54:17 The motivation to keep booking your band
• 00:58:00 Applying the Freemium Model to your cover band
  • Make an RFC Sheet (Reasons for contact)
• 01:03:28 Richard’s Bands’ In-Ears Journey
  • Behringer X32 with a split-snake to run
  • Music Audiologist, Frank Wartinger on Gig Gab 411
  • AirPods Pro hearing test
• 01:13:36 Using an ambient mic with in-ears
• 01:18:22 Gig Gab 461 Outtro
• Follow Richard Page on Facebook
  • Remedy
  • Dead Band
• Contact Gig Gab!
  • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
  • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
  • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Rocking the Stage: Richard Page’s Tribute Tales – Gig Gab 464 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Get ready for an exciting episode of Gig Gab! Join Dave Hamilton and Mike Schulte as they explore the dynamic world of working musicians. This episode is packed with insights and stories that will resonate with musicians at every level.

Dive into the art of band pricing and mindset. Discover how Mike and Dave emphasize the importance of valuing your work and setting the right rates. Learn how the Pork Tornadoes set themselves apart by increasing their pricing and delivering unmatched value.

Explore the necessity of evolving as a band. Mike shares tips on incorporating new technologies like backing tracks and automated lights to stay relevant. Discover why listening to new music is crucial for appealing to younger audiences.

Ever faced unexpected challenges at gigs? Dave recounts a recent experience at a casino venue, highlighting the importance of adaptability and professionalism. Plus, hear about the benefits of charity work as Mike discusses Pork Tornadoes’ successful charity livestream event.

Throughout the episode, Dave and Mike stress the importance of customer service in the music business. Treating venues and patrons as customers can secure future opportunities and build lasting relationships.

Join the conversation and learn how to navigate the music industry with confidence and flair!

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 463 – Monday, January 6, 2025
  • January 6th: National Cuddle Day
• 00:01:000 Guest Co-host: Mike Schulte from Pork Tornadoes
• 00:04:57 How did you level up?
  • “You’ve got to see this band play Summer of ‘69!”
  • We are the entertainment…only.
• 00:11:00 Break the mold you have in your head!
  • “The minute people realized we were something different…”
  • Pork Tornadoes’ Tennessee Whiskey
• 00:15:46 Make a spreadsheet of your hourly rate
• 00:19:21 Doing your own sound…by surprise!
• 00:24:24 Want to talk to the chief about it?
• 00:28:32 Mike’s Prediction for Casual Gravity
• 00:31:21 The “Stuck In Your Ways” Musicians and Bands
  • Tip: Listen to the top 25 songs…regularly
• 00:34:56 Playing a young wedding…time for some modern material!
• 00:35:39 Video Wall…Coming down!
• 00:40:42 Being a band with good customer service skills
• 00:42:32 Here’s the thing about charity gigs
  • Pork Tornadoes Live Stream Concert for SIDS
  • Fling @ Angels Walk for Wishes
  • Pick one free gig per year
• 00:56:09 You don’t always have to discount in order to help
• 00:58:58 Gig Gab 463 Outtro
  • Follow Mike Schulte
  • Confused Breakfast
  • The Pork Tornadoes
• Contact Gig Gab!
  • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
  • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
  • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post From Charity to Casinos: Gigs, Growth, and Giving Back — Gig Gab 463 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

As 2024 comes to a close, this special episode of Gig Gab takes you on a month-by-month journey through some of the best tips and advice shared by musicians and industry pros this year. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just starting your musical journey, there’s something for everyone in this episode. From mastering your sound to connecting with fans, these practical insights will help you fine-tune your craft and grow your career in 2025.

You’ll hear advice from names like Bakithi Kumalo on consistency and listening to your fellow musicians, Buck Dharma on appreciating the moment, and Parthenon Huxley on being the kind of person others want to work with. Learn how to negotiate fees effectively, delay mains for better sound alignment, and use tools like splitter snakes and Spotify playlists to enhance your performances. Each month brings new gems of wisdom, making this episode a one-stop guide for working musicians.

To top it all off, the episode reflects on the contributions of countless guests who have shared their stories and expertise throughout the year. It’s a celebration of collaboration, growth, and the shared passion for live music that defines the Gig Gab community. Tune in and get inspired to make 2025 your best year yet. Always Be Performing!

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 462 – Monday, December 30, 2024
  • December 30th: Patti Smith and Davy Jones Birthday!
• Tips by Month:
• 00:03:02 January
  • Frank Wartinger (audiologist) on…being in a band: Think of your band as being made up of entrées and side dishes — You’re usually the side dish!
  • Dan East on food: Ask the bar staff where THEY eat.
  • Billy Butler on lighting: light number one goes in front of the performer at a 45-degree angle
• 00:06:04 February
  • Brad Madix on mixing with style: When turning off effects for between-song chatter, mute the sends, not the returns
• 00:07:59 March
  • Mike Schulte on the value of a Splitter Snake
• 00:12:51 April
  • Adam Moskowitz on negotiating your fee:
    • “Here’s our asking price. If for some reason that doesn’t work for you, let’s chat.”
    • “I want to make sure I pay everyone well.”
    • “We were paid [x] recently…Does That Work For You?”
• 00:14:48 May
  • Bob Vose on delivering quality: Rehearse because it’s responsible.
  • Robert Scovill on sound: delay the mains to match the distance from the snare
• 00:23:32 June
  • Adam Johnson, talking about the BAND system: “Don’t let the fear of failure keep you from STARTING”
  • Crisco, on managing your band: Take contract screenshots of your deals so you can access them when you don’t have service.
• 00:26:01 SPONSOR: HelloBand, a fan engagement app that connects you with your fans while you’re on stage making it simple and effective to bring your live shows to the next level. GIGGAB20 gets you 20% off!
• 00:28:50 PODCAST: One Hit Thunder dives into music’s most unforgettable one-hit wonders, exploring whether these iconic songs brought the thunder or were just a one-hit blunder.
• 00:30:08 July
  • Digital Mixers 101…a primer!
  • Tris Imboden on keeping a band together: You Keep a Band Together by Having Personnel Changes
  • Lara Supan on selling tickets to your events: Spotify Playlists can help… within reason
• 00:33:15 August
  • Dan Levitin, channeling Parthenon Huxley talking about under-attended gigs: “Don’t Punish The People Who Showed Up”
  • Brian Ray on creating your career: Always say Yes!
• 00:35:39 September
  • Bakithi Kumalo on Keeping Your Career Going:
    • “Be consistent, show up. That’s how you get the gig.”
    • “Sing what you play.”
    • “Listen to what everyone else is doing.”
  • Daniel East on teaching: Teach your students how to maintain and tune their instruments in addition to playing them.
• 00:38:44 October
  • Matt McGlynn on selecting the right mic: Microphones are EQ devices
  • Gary Burr: OMG just go read Reunion!
  • Froggy on mixing live shows: “You’re not producing a record out there, you’re making them louder.”
• 00:41:46 November
  • Buck Dharma on Blue Öyster Cult’s career: The time to see BoC is now!
  • Pooch on feedback elimination: Use the Waves PSE Plugin
• 00:45:42 December
  • Parthenon Huxley on tips to keep working:
    • Show Up On Time
    • Be The Most Fun Guy In The Room
    • Don’t Be a Dick
    • Oh…and be Super Talented
  • Bruce Bennett on growing your band’s business: Don’t wait for someone to invite you to level-up
  • Scott Smith on attracting fans: Think like a non-profit and embody and communicate a mission
• 00:50:51 Tom Jarvis from Casual Gravity
• 00:52:49 Thanks to everyone who was a part of Gig Gab this year, in no particular order: Billy Butler, Daniel East, Mike Schulte, Brad Madix, Dallas Corbin, Daniel Levitin, Kirk Hamilton, Brian Ray, Tris Imboden, Lara Supan, Frank Wartinger, Adam Johnson, Crisco, Heather Smith, Paul Giovine, Robert Scovill, Chris Breen, Bob Vose, Matt Musty, Best Not Broken, Adam Moskowitz (Moskowizard!), Dave Cook, Lewis Fawcett, Matt Gibson, Dallas Taylor, Scott Smith, Tom Jarvis, Parthenon Huxley, Pooch, Susie Major, Buck Dharma, Matt McGlynn, Bryan “Froggy” Cross, Bob Levitus, Dusty Wright, Bakithi Kumalo, and Paul Kent.
• 00:54:16 Gig Gab 462 Outtro
• Contact Gig Gab!
  • Review Gig Gab
  • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
  • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
  • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Backstage Secrets: 12 Months of Band Life Tips — Gig Gab 462 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Get ready for an exciting episode of Gig Gab! Join host Dave Hamilton as he chats with Tom Jarvis, the dynamic singer and founding member of Casual Gravity, the band Dave recently joined. This episode promises a deep dive into Tom’s musical journey, from his early influences like Elvis and Iron Maiden to his role in shaping the band’s unique sound and style.

Discover how Casual Gravity has evolved since its inception in 2014, with Tom sharing insights on their innovative promotional strategy, “Casual Chronicles.” These comedic video episodes have become a fan favorite, adding a creative twist to their live performances and giving people something to watch between shows. You’ll also learn about the band’s transition to in-ear monitors, a game-changer for vocalists like Tom, who benefit from reduced strain and enhanced clarity.

Explore the technical side of live music as Tom discusses his use of the TC Helicon VoiceTone D1 pedal. This tool helps him achieve the perfect vocal effects, especially when covering songs like Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone.” The episode also delves into band dynamics and leadership, with Tom reflecting on his role as a “taskmaster” and how it contributes to the group’s success.

Tune in for a blend of humor, expertise, and practical advice that will leave you informed and inspired. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or a curious listener, this episode of Gig Gab is packed with valuable insights and entertaining stories!

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 461 – Monday, December 23rd, 2024
  • December 23rd: National Christmas Movie Marathon Day (and Festivus)
  • Guest co-host: Tom Jarvis from Casual Gravity
• 00:04:39 From Elvis Presley to Iron Maiden…time to be a singer!
  • Elvis Presley
  • Iron Maiden
  • 12 Wasted Years
  • Bowzer from Sha Na Na
  • And then a Fingerhut Guitar
• 00:10:12 Time to leave the warehouse
• 00:11:37 First band: Offset
• 00:17:52 Casual Chronicles
  • Short episodic comedy videos
• 00:26:45 On being a taskmaster
• 00:29:07 Bandzoogle makes it easy to build a stunning website and online store for your music in minutes. Try it free for 30 days, then use promo code “giggabpod” to get 15% off your first year.
• 00:30:38 The switch to in-ear monitors
• 00:41:13 Gear Gab
  • Shure PSM300
  • Alclair
• 00:47:45 TC-Helicon VoiceTone D1 (Green!)
• 00:53:16 Blending Harmonies
• 00:57:52 Hold yourself to as high a standard as you can stand
• 01:01:16 Gig Gab 461 Outtro
  • Follow Tom Jarvis and Casual Gravity
  • Contact Gig Gab!
  • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
  • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
  • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Fueling Fan Excitement and Band Energy with Tom Jarvis – Gig Gab 461 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Get ready for an exciting episode of Gig Gab! Join host Dave Hamilton as he chats with Bruce Bennett, a seasoned musician and entrepreneur, about the ins and outs of the music industry.

Dive into Bruce’s journey from playing in bands to launching successful music-related businesses. Discover how he turned his passion into a thriving career, creating opportunities like SuperDups and New England CD. Bruce shares his wisdom on treating music as a business, emphasizing the importance of understanding and growing your fan base.

Explore the world of tribute bands with Bruce’s experience in Shot of Poison, a Poison tribute band that gained fame on Jimmy Fallon’s Clash of the Cover Bands. Learn about their marketing strategies and how they leveraged media exposure to their advantage.

But that’s not all! Bruce introduces HelloBand, an innovative app designed to help musicians connect directly with their fans. Say goodbye to social media algorithms and hello to seamless fan communication, tipping, and event management.

Throughout the episode, you’ll hear anecdotes and technical discussions that provide a deeper understanding of the music business. Whether you’re a musician looking to expand your reach or a fan eager to learn more, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice. Tune in and discover how to make your mark in the music world!

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 460 – Monday, December 16th, 2024
  • December 16th: National Stupid Toy Day
  • Special Guest: Bruce Bennett from Helloband, Shot of Poison, More
• 00:01:58 From loving music to creating it…and being a business owner
• 00:03:44 Music Business
• 00:04:41 99% of the money in this industry is made by 1% of the participants
• 00:05:26 Always saying “yes” and accruing the tools
  • Parthenon Huxley on Gig Gab
• 00:08:50 Musician Psychology
• 00:09:40 Bruce “Mr. Tact” Bennett…can’t shut up!
• 00:12:38 Becoming the producer
  • Red Light Syndrome
• 00:13:46 Be aware of your opportunities
  • The birth of SuperDups, which is New England Compact Disc, Next Day Disc (and all of its other names)
  • Picks and Shovels of the Music Business
• 00:17:44 The Power of Networking
• 00:18:54 How can I help?
  • Bruce did all the music for the original Playstation NASCAR Racing
• 00:23:02 Shot of Poison, a Poison tribute
  • Seated Theater Shows
  • Fortune’s Show: “Watch how perfect we play these songs”
• 00:29:11 Ultimate Tribute Bands
  • Get the Led Out
  • Gary Mullen and The Works: One Night of Queen
  • Lotus Land Rush Tribute
• 00:30:05 Don’t wait for someone to invite you to level-up
  • Get asses in the seats
  • Four-wall the event: buy the theater for the night
• 00:34:21 The drug of the eighties was alcohol
  • The power of eighties music
• 00:35:49 Believe the Power of Your Network…Build it!
  • “I’m gonna be that guy.”
• $10,000 startup capital and an LLC
  • The $2,500 litmus test
  • Dirty Deeds, AC/DC Tribute
• 00:41:17 Shot of Poison on Clash of the Cover Bands
• 00:44:17 Being able to market and sell
  • Fans are customers
  • Strategic Inflections
  • Your network will grow you and push you. Let it!
  • Be kind, don’t worry about being nice
• 00:47:59 Here’s how to make a million dollars
  • Give your fans the product that they want
  • Think about $20 increments
• 00:49:39 Sell free tapes
  • And build a database of fans!
• 00:51:10 Postcards in the mail
  • Susie Majors with RagDolls on Gig Gab
• 00:54:05 Promoting Shows in 2024 (and beyond)
  • HelloBand (GIGGAB20 gets you 20% off!)
• Messages from the crowd to the stage
  • One QR Code does it all
• 01:02:49 You’re in a business
• 01:04:16 Talk Nerdy To Me
  • Nothin’ But a Good Time
  • Come Together
• 01:09:07 Sugar Packets on Sweet Emotion
• 01:09:42 Work with an agent?
  • Shot of Poison is not exclusive with any agents
  • Agents are very valuable…when used properly
• 01:12:04 Gig Gab 460 Outtro
  • Follow Bruce Bennett and HelloBand (GIGGAB20 gets you 20% off!)
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Music, Marketing, and Mischief with Bruce Bennett — Gig Gab 460 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Unlock the secret to transforming your band from cover to original without even realizing it! If you’re a musician looking to make that leap, this episode is your guide.

Join host Dave Hamilton as he chats with Scott Smith, co-founder of the North County Band. Scott shares his journey from strumming around campfires to leading a band that captivates audiences with original music. With no formal musical training, Scott’s story is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance.

In this episode, discover how the North County Band transitioned from a cover band to an original powerhouse. Scott reveals the unexpected joys of songwriting and the unique challenges of finding and engaging fans. Learn how they balance cover gigs with original performances and the strategies they use to market their music boldly.

Additional topics include the importance of community support, the role of nonprofit principles in band management, and the art of fan engagement. Scott also shares insights on crowdfunding and recording, offering valuable tips for musicians at any stage.

Ready to be inspired? Tune in and remember, in the world of music, it’s crucial to “Always Be Performing.” Click to listen and elevate your musical journey!

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 459 – Monday, December 9th, 2024
  • December 9th: National Llama Day
• 00:01:58 Guest Co-host: Scott Smith
  • North County Band
  • From country music to
• 00:03:36 Dad rock… the bad and the good!
• 00:06:02 From covers to originals…successfully!
  • Soggy Po Boys
• 00:07:43 Beginning the songwriting process during middle-age
• 00:11:36 Am I an artist?
  • One of these days – North County Band
  • Defining success
• 00:16:16 Attracting Fans
  • Thinking like a non-profit…with a mission
  • Market Boldly without Worrying About What other bands are doing
  • Take Chances. Be free to fail a little bit.
  • Support your musical community
  • Tie in actual non-profits with your shows…sometimes.
• 00:20:30 Finding Fans
  • Bandzoogle
  • Bands In Town
  • Facebook Events
  • Mailing list – gather email addresses
  • Facebook Superhost
  • Find the platforms that work and then be consistent with them
• 00:22:44 SPONSOR: HelloBand, a fan engagement app that connects you with your fans while you’re on stage making it simple and effective to bring your live shows to the next level. GIGGAB20 gets you 20% off!
• 00:24:39 How do people say they found you initially?
  • Word of Mouth
  • Talk to fans at gigs
• 00:27:41 She Only Wants Me When She’s Drunk – North County Band
• 00:29:15 Success with originals vs. covers
  • North County Band at The Press Room
• 00:36:08 A fan is a person who changes their vacation plans to come to see you
• 00:38:01 Content vs. Happy
• 00:46:12 Raising $15,000 as a Kickstarter to record the latest album
  • North County Band on Kickstarter
• 00:54:43 Gig Gab 459 Outtro
  • Follow Scott and North County Band
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post From Covers to Originals with North County Band — Gig Gab 459 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Struggling to find your place in the music world? Tune in to this episode of Gig Gab, where we explore the multifaceted journey of a seasoned musician.

Join host Dave Hamilton as he welcomes Parthenon Huxley, a prolific songwriter and performer with nine studio albums and collaborations with legends like Mick Jones and Robert Lamb. Known for his work with ELO Part 2, now The Orchestra, Huxley shares insights from his diverse career.

In this episode, Huxley discusses the evolution of his musical roles, from leading his own bands to being a key part of The Orchestra. He delves into the art of harmony singing, the importance of saying “yes” to opportunities, and the balance between personal projects and collaborative efforts.

Listeners will also hear about Huxley’s teaching experiences, his approach to in-ear monitors, and the significance of maintaining multiple income streams in the music industry.

Don’t miss this engaging conversation filled with practical advice and personal anecdotes. Press play to listen and remember, in the world of music, it’s crucial to “Always Be Performing.”

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 458 – Monday, December 2nd, 2024
  • December 2nd: Bartender Appreciation Day
• 00:02:11 Guest Co-Host: Parthenon Huxley
• 00:02:26 Ringo’s Time on My Hands
  • Gary Burr on Gig Gab
• 00:03:21 What’s in a name?
  • Parthenon Huxley
  • Aldus Huxley’s “Island”
• 00:06:45 Me in middle with a great band around me.
  • Democracy Bands vs. Benign Dictatorship
  • Hux’s Zigzag Life
• 00:14:18 Saying “Yes” is one of the key things you’ll ever do in your life
  • Show Up On Time
  • Be The Most Fun Guy In The Room
  • Don’t Be a Dick
  • Oh…and be Super Talented
• 00:16:47 “I Didn’t Know You Could Do That”
• 00:17:22 Songwriting …alone and with others
  • Parthenon Huxley’s “Sunny Nights”
  • A Man Called E
  • “Good Press” will never pay your rent
  • The freedom of not being a “hit-maker”
• 00:24:48 Being a Replacement Part in a Classic Rock Band
  • ELO pt2 “No Rewind”
• 00:25:36 Learn 38 Songs and I’ll See You in Uruguay
  • Deliver with Authority
  • Brian Ray on Gig Gab
  • Rusty Anderson
  • Glen Burtnick
• 00:31:43 There’s Nothing Better Than Great Harmony Singing
  • Assigning Harmony Parts
• 00:41:46 Dissecting Beatles Harmonies
• 00:44:53 Dissecting Mustang Sally
• 00:45:52 Got Tinnitus From having IEMs too loud
  • Getting the right in-ear mix
  • Don’t expect a great sound
  • Froggy on Gig Gab
• 00:54:12 Don’t Quit!
  • Dissecting Whole Lotta Love
• 01:01:04 Dissecting Day Tripper
• 01:03:51 Any Paying Gig is a Good Gig…Take ‘Em
• 01:05:46 ParthenonHuxley.com
• 01:06:31 Hux’s new memoir
  • Daniel Levitin on Gig Gab
• 01:08:02 Gig Gab 458 Outtro
  • Follow Parthenon Huxley
  • Follow Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List
  • Review Gig Gab

The post Parthenon Huxley’s Harmonious Adventures — Gig Gab 458 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Struggling to make your mark in the music industry? This episode of Gig Gab is your backstage pass to the world of live sound engineering with the legendary Pooch, a seasoned pro who’s mixed for icons like Iron Maiden and Whitney Houston.

Join host Dave Hamilton as he chats with Pooch, a recording engineer turned live sound maestro. With a career spanning decades, Pooch shares his journey from the studio to the stage, offering insights into the evolution of sound technology and the art of mixing live performances.

In this episode, Pooch delves into the challenges and triumphs of live sound, from the adrenaline rush of mixing for thousands to the technical intricacies of ensuring vocal clarity. He also discusses the importance of people skills in the industry and how saying “yes” to unexpected opportunities can change your career trajectory.

Whether you’re a budding sound engineer or a musician looking to understand the tech side of performances, this episode is packed with valuable lessons. Tune in to discover why the mantra “Always Be Performing” is key to success in the music world. Don’t miss out—click to listen now!

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 457 – Monday, November 25th, 2024
  • November 25th: National Parfait Day
  • Guest Co-Host: Pooch
• 00:01:33 Started at Berkeley, then went into recording engineering
  • Nominated for a few Grammys
• 00:03:29 Warrant asked Pooch to do FOH
• 00:06:38 Live sound has a short memory
• 00:09:03 Live sound today: record quality with impact
• 00:10:40 Feedback Elimination
  • Waves PSE Plugin
  • Neve 5045
• 00:15:43 Let’s Talk Latency
  • For IEMs Max Latency is 4ms
  • Dave’s Presonus Quantum 2626 vs. HD 8
  • Pooch’s Six Mac Mini’s from 2012
• 00:19:48 Pooch’s Live Setup
• 00:21:18 Show starts and … silence!
• 00:23:01 Press the wrong button during a show and … silence!
• 00:25:53 Back to Pooch’s Live Setup
  • More creative with digital than analog now… in the last five years
  • Mackie DL1608 was (essentially?) the first
  • DiGiCo Quantum 7
  • SuperRack by Waves
• 00:30:00 Up to 20% harmonic distortion is pleasing to a human ear
  • Sonic Farm’s Creamliner
• 00:33:08 It’s time to nerd out about digital vs. analog
• 00:36:28 It pays to have average ears!
• 00:37:49 Interpreting Rock Star Speak
  • Study Psychology 101
• 00:40:50 How did you know to do that?
• 00:48:18 Don’t ever say no!
  • Stage patcher to monitor engineer for Whitney Houston
  • The entrepreneurs’ curse
• 00:51:47 Everybody Gets One
• 00:57:02 Be careful when arming tracks!
• 00:57:52 Gig Gab 457 Outtro https://giggabpodcast.com/
  • Follow Pooch
    • Pooch and Rabold’s YouTube
    • Pooch’s Master Classes
    • Pooch’s Berkeley Online Course: Live Microphone Techniques
    • Pooch on Instagram
  • Follow Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List
    • Review Gig Gab

The post Pooch’s Path: From Recording Rooms to Rocking Arenas — Gig Gab 457 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Struggling with sound issues at gigs? You’re not alone. Dive into this episode where Dave Hamilton and Mike Schulte tackle the challenges of playing live music in less-than-ideal conditions.

This episode centers on the art of compromise in live performances. Dave and Mike discuss the importance of adapting to different venues and audiences, sharing personal stories about the trials and triumphs of using electronic drum kits and managing sound levels. They emphasize the need for musicians to be flexible and professional, even when the gig isn’t perfect.

The duo explores the dynamics of sharing gear with other bands, the benefits of using a tempo monitor, and the value of having a supportive band. They also touch on the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and the role of technology in enhancing live performances.

Ready to learn how to “Always Be Performing” no matter the circumstances? Click play and join the conversation!

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 456 – Monday, November 18th, 2024
  • November 18th: Odd Socks Day
• 00:01:07 Guest Co-host: Mike Schulte
• 00:01:42 We’re all hoping to hear from Paul Kent again
• 00:03:10 Time to talk about compromise
• 00:04:38 You need to play electronic drums for this gig, man
  • You’re wallpaper
  • Roland VAD 504
• 00:10:00 How good are electronic drums for a drummer used to a real kit?
  • Midas M32 mixer
• VH10 hi-hat changed to VH14 hi-hat using TD50 brain
• 00:14:35 Two in a row…one with actual Exposure Bucks!
  • (and also lots of real buck$)
  • When there’s a party…it’s not about you.
• 00:19:30 The side benefits of eDrums
• 00:22:33 SPONSOR: HelloBand, a fan engagement app that connects you with your fans while you’re on stage making it simple and effective to bring your live shows to the next level. GIGGAB20 gets you 20% off!
• 00:25:27 The other drummer is fine using your kit
• 00:33:49 ChatGPT can be your friend
• 00:36:08 Sharing Stages and Gear
• Gear Gab
  • 00:39:39 Think abou getting a trailer
  • 00:40:35 Gibraltar Stealth Rack
  • 00:53:17 RokTempo 2 – $139
• 00:46:28 The benefits of working as a team with your band
• 00:49:31 Having roadies…and not letting yourself help them too much
  • Bruce Flohr from RCA
• 00:56:04 What do you do to play the right tempo?
  • Stevie Wonder Superstition Sesame Street
• 01:02:24 Gig Gab 456 Outtro
  • Follow Mike Schulte
    • Confused Breakfast
    • The Pork Tornadoes
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Bandmates Unite: Navigating Gig Challenges Together — Gig Gab 456 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Ever wondered how an all-female Aerosmith tribute band came to be? Meet Susie Major, the voice behind Ragdolls, who defied expectations and carved a unique path in the tribute scene.

Susie shares her journey from singing male-dominated rock to leading a band that pays homage to Aerosmith while maintaining its own identity. Discover how she navigated the challenges of forming a tribute band and the unexpected twists along the way.

Press play to hear about the creative process, the importance of authenticity, and why Ragdolls stands out in a crowded field. Don’t miss this insightful conversation that redefines what it means to be a tribute band.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 455 – Monday, November 11th, 2024
  • November 11th: National Metal Day (because this one goes to eleven!)
• 00:01:43 Susie Major from RagDolls
• 00:02:42 Singing for Roctober Blood… Sharknado
• 00:04:17 Susie’s always been singing “male” songs
  • Evergreen (Barbara Streisand)
  • Pay Your Dues: “You didn’t flyer grocery store parking lots!”
• 00:10:13 Detouring into postcards that you send to your fans
• 00:11:22 Trying to be herself, while singing song to men
  • Chicago was the bridge from Show Tunes to Aerosmith
• 00:16:15 Bandzoogle makes it easy to build a stunning website and online store for your music in minutes. Try it free for 30 days, then use promo code “giggabpod” to get 15% off your first year.
• 00:17:45 From cover bands to original bands
  • Third World club in Las Vegas
• 00:21:01 From Original Music to…Tribute Bands?
  • Robbie Rist: “You gotta start a tribute band!”
• 00:26:05 Tributes vs. Covers
• 00:28:15 Playing NAMM with an all-female tribute band
• 00:29:34 Building relationships before endorsements
  • Microphones – Shure USA
  • Blue Yeti microphone
• 00:32:14 Cousin Oliver said “You Gotta Start a Tribute Band”
• 00:33:11 Starting a Tribute Band During Covid
• 00:39:00 Soft Tickets vs. Hard Tickets…when you’re an all-female band
  • Becoming your own agent (or manager?)
• 00:47:44 In-Ear Monitors
  • Alclair
• 01:03:07 Gig Gab 455 Outtro
  • Follow RagDolls
  • Follow Susie Major
  • Follow Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List
  • Review Gig Gab

The post RagDolls Rise: Susie Major’s Tribute Band Story — Gig Gab 455 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Dive into the fascinating world of Buck Dharma, the legendary guitarist from Blue Öyster Cult. Buck shares his incredible musical journey, starting from his high school surf band days to becoming a founding member of Blue Öyster Cult—a gig he’s held for over five decades!

Discover how Blue Öyster Cult evolved from playing bars to achieving major success, and learn about the band’s current lineup, which has been rocking together for over 20 years. Buck also reveals his appreciation for technology in live music: in-ear monitors and guitar modeling technology have transformed their performances.

Explore the band’s unique approach to songwriting and harmonies. Buck explains how their music, often mislabeled as heavy metal, actually incorporates complex arrangements and pop sensibilities. Plus, hear about their extensive touring history and the importance of maintaining good relationships within the band for long-term success.

This episode is packed with insights and stories that will resonate with musicians and fans alike. Whether you’re a casual listener or a tech enthusiast, you’ll find something to enjoy. Tune in to Gig Gab and join the conversation!

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 454 – Monday, November 4th, 2024
  • November 4th: National Candy Day
• 00:01:11 Guest Co-Host: Buck Dharma from Blue Öyster Cult
• 00:01:56 Genesis of Buck Dharma
• 00:03:11 Backed into songwriting
  • Sandy Perlman — rock critic, lyricist, manager
• 00:05:44 The End of Every Song – New material…and fantastic material.
• 00:07:12 BöC Started as a Recording Act, not a bar band
  • Then played bars as the Stalk Forest Group
• 00:10:00 Post-arena time since 1985
• 00:10:40 Resisting IEMs…until we didn’t!
  • Full stereo mix plus voice-and-guitar +2dB
• 00:14:34 Modelers vs. Amps
  • Strymon Iridium
  • 2Notes C.A.B. Em
  • Marshall JCM 900 to keep the stage from being silent
• 00:16:32 BoC as a Harmony Band
  • “Mostly a Pop Guy”
• 00:19:06 “Burnin’ For You” was intended for the solo record
• 00:21:33 Discussing the album vs. single
• 00:23:50 Where is the technological replacement for liner notes?
  • Bitter Pill
  • Little Steven’s Underground Garage
  • Pat Guadagno
  • AllMusic
• 00:29:44 Crazy Stories
  • Black Sabbath with Ronnie Dio… Riot in Milwaukee
• 00:32:00 Finding the zone
• 00:34:00 Rehearsing in today’s world?
  • Blue Öyster Cult does Three Nights at Sony Hall
• 00:35:40 Deadest audience: record company executives
• 00:38:09 What’s Next?
  • European Tour 2025
  • 25 Million Records and 4,600 dates
• 00:40:00 Touring Tips
  • Mostly Fly Dates
• 00:43:43 The time to see BoC is now!
• 00:44:42 Gig Gab 453 Outtro
  • Follow Buck Dharma
  • Follow Gig Gab!
  • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
  • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
  • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List
  • Review Gig Gab

The post Buck Dharma: Guitars, Tech, and Touring Tales — Gig Gab 454 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Join Dave Hamilton as he explores the fascinating world of microphones with Matt McGlynn, the mastermind behind Roswell Pro Audio. Dive into the origins of Roswell Pro Audio, born from Matt’s passion for sound and his ventures with Recording Hacks and Microphone Parts. Discover the art of choosing the right microphone as Matt breaks down the differences between dynamic and condenser mics, offering tips on selecting the perfect match for your voice.

Ever wondered how to achieve studio-quality sound at home? This episode covers the importance of acoustic treatment, with practical DIY solutions and professional product recommendations to enhance your home studio setup. Plus, learn the insider’s secret: testing multiple microphones side-by-side to find your ideal sound.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a budding enthusiast, this episode promises to equip you with the knowledge and tools to elevate your audio game. Tune in and join the conversation—your voice deserves the best!

https://youtube.com/live/JhCf2AelA9k

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 453 – Monday, October 28th, 2024
  • October 28th: National Chocolate Day
  • Guest Co-Host: Matt McGlynn from Roswell Pro Audio
• 00:01:52 The progression from drummer to microphone manufacturer
  • Does it sound like you want it to sound?
  • Beware anti-social proof
  • If you pick the wrong microphone, you get bad results
  • RecordingHacks.com
• 00:09:00 Why is one microphone better than the other?
  • Getting nerdy about transduction
• 00:12:00 Microphones can be modified with great results!
  • Enter MicrophoneParts.com
  • “Can you build it for me?”
  • Yes: Roswell Pro Audio
• 00:21:49 Advice for your home studio
  • USB Mic
  • Interfaces from: Mackie, PreSonus, Focusrite, UAD, SSL
  • Dynamic vs. Condenser microphones
    • Dynamic: generally good for human voice
    • Condensers: generally wide bandwidth and good for your home studio
    • (remember, we said “generally”)
  • Inverse-square Law
• 00:35:30 Acoustic Treatments for your home and home studio
  • Auralex Foam
  • Acoustic Panels from GIK Acoustics and ATS Acoustic Panels
  • RealTraps Acoustics
  • Matt’s PVB Review
• 00:42:31 Split your money between microphones and acoustic treatment
  • Neumann TLM-103
• 00:46:49 The Lenny B service
  • iZotope RX 11 Voice De-noise
• 00:52:38 Microphones are EQ devices
  • ELA M 251
  • Telefunken U47
• 00:59:28 Rosell Pro Audio’s Microphones
• 01:01:33 Gig Gab 453 Outtro
  • Follow Roswell Pro Audio
  • Follow Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List
    • Review Gig Gab

The post Sound Science: From DIY to Pro Mics with Matt McGlynn — Gig Gab 453 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Get ready for an exciting episode of Gig Gab! Join host Dave Hamilton as he dives into the fascinating world of songwriting with the legendary Gary Burr. Discover how Gary’s career took off, writing hits for artists like Juice Newton, and hear about his incredible collaborations with Ringo Starr over the past two decades.

Gary shares his unique approach to songwriting: preferring to write quickly rather than getting bogged down in endless revisions. You’ll learn about his creative process and how he navigates the ups and downs of being a working musician. Plus, Gary gives us a peek into his imaginative book, “Reunion,” a rock and roll fairy tale that envisions a world where John Lennon lived and The Beatles reunited 20 years later.

This episode is packed with insights and stories that will resonate with musicians and music lovers alike. Whether you’re curious about the songwriting process or the lifestyle of a working musician, this episode has something for you. Press play to hear Gary’s tales and tips, and feel inspired by his journey in the music industry!

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 452 – Monday, October 21st, 2024 https://giggabpodcast.com/
  • October 21st: Everyone Writes Day
  • Guest Co-host: Gary Burr, a songwriter with 14 number-one hits, a teacher, a touring musician, and now an author.
• 00:02:06 It all began at Woodstock.
  • A Woodstock Epiphany: The guys on stage were going to get more girls than an electrician.
  • You’re the guy who is supposed to write the songs.
• 00:05:23 One song got introduced to Nashville… and boom. That was it!
  • “Love’s Been a Little Bit Hard On Me” – Juice Newton
  • Applying the customer service attitude to songwriting
• 00:08:56 First writing partner: Vince Gill
  • Writing camps opened doors
  • Miles Copeland’s castle in Paris
• 00:10:55 Going on tour with Carole King
• 00:11:27 Always Be a Good Hang
  • Pick up the occasional tab!
• 00:14:00 Be willing to learn
  • And be willing to teach
• 00:17:29 Writing with Kenny Loggins was not like Nashville!
  • Blue Sky Riders with Kenny and Georgia Middleman
  • Perfect is the enemy of Publish
• 00:20:56 Feel the process
  • Harlan Howard: “Son, you and I are gonna write a great song together. Probably won’t be this one.”
• 00:23:09 SPONSOR: HelloBand, a fan engagement app that connects you with your fans while you’re on stage making it simple and effective to bring your live shows to the next level. GIGGAB20 gets you 20% off!
• 00:25:35 Writing with Ringo
  • Vertical Man was the start
  • Ringo and The Roundheads
• 00:27:24 Playing with Ringo for The First Time
  • Simon Kirk. Joe Walsh, Mark Hudson, Jack Blades, and Gary. Oh, and Ringo.
  • “I’ve known him five minutes and I’m ‘Ring’.”
• 00:30:28 Reunion, A Rock and Roll Fairy Tale
  • What if…The Beatles Got Back Together?
• 00:36:00 Is Oasis on the hook for their tour’s success
• 00:38:27 What if the Beatles wrote a song together
• 00:39:35 Gary writes every day
  • Songs, Books
  • Beatlefests
  • Writers in the round at The Bluebird
  • “Wherever You Are Tonight” – on Kenny Chesney’s album
  • Gary’s life has a Zelig quality to it
  • How Faith Hill Got her Break
• 00:46:38 Gig Gab 451 Outtro
  • Follow Gary Burr
    • Get Reunion: a Rock and Roll Fairy Tale
  • Follow Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List
    • Review Gig Gab

The post Gary Burr: The Art of Songwriting and Saying Yes — Gig Gab 452 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Get ready for an exciting episode of Gig Gab! Dive into a microphone showdown where Dave compares the Roswell Pro Audio Mini K87 with his trusty Earthworks Ethos. Discover how these mics stack up in sound and setup, offering insights for podcasters and musicians alike.

Ever struggled with cleaning your in-ear monitors? Dave shares a clever tip: use your smartphone’s magnifier app to tackle earwax with ease. It’s a simple yet effective solution that every musician should know!

The episode also delves into the OnSong app update. Learn about the differences between OnSong 2020 and the new OnSong 2024, including enhanced markup features that make managing your music sheets a breeze.

And for REM fans, meet “Begin the Begin,” an REM tribute band dedicated to recreating the iconic sound of the legendary group. Hear about their approach and what makes their performances stand out.

Finally, Dave discusses his experience with the Kelly SHU kick drum microphone mounting system. Discover how this innovative setup enhances bass drum sound and simplifies the mounting process.

Tune in for a mix of tech tips, music insights, and engaging stories that keep you informed and entertained!

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 451 – Monday, October 14th, 2024
  • October 14th: National Dessert Day
  • Please Review Gig Gab
• 00:02:13 Bitter Pill farm gig to close out our year
• 00:04:54 Froggy’s importance of the right mic for IEMs
• 00:07:48 Roswell Mini K87
  • RX 11 Voice De-Noise
• 00:11:50 DLH-Use your iPhone’s Magnifier to see when cleaning out your IEMs
• 00:14:07 Keith-I am a long-time OnSong user. Do I need OnSong 2024?
• 00:17:06 Jeff-330-REM Tribute Bands DO Exist: Begin the Begin in Kansas City
• 00:19:34 Next week: Gary Burr, who has written number-one hits for Shania Twain, Tim McGraw, Reba McEntire, Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney, Kelly Clarkson, and Ringo Starr.
• 00:20:10 Lawyer Jeff-Band Match to find local musicians
• 00:21:15 Sennheiser Spectera WMAS bidirectional wireless
• 00:24:25 Michael-Check out Higher Ground, the 6-part show on Stevie Wonder
• 00:25:33 Andy-John Fogerty’s Guitar playing is on full display in the CCR show from the Royal Albert Hall
• 00:26:31 Bandzoogle makes it easy to build a stunning website and online store for your music in minutes. Try it free for 30 days, then use promo code “giggabpod” to get 15% off your first year.
• 00:28:03 Kelly SHU Kick Drum Microphone Mounting System
  • Kick Port
• 00:34:15 Gig Gab 451 Outtro
  • Follow Gig Gab!
  • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
  • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
  • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List
  • Review Gig Gab

The post Listener Feedback, Tips, and Gear Gab Galore — Gig Gab 451 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

In this episode, you dive deep into the world of sound with Bryan “Froggy” Cross, where being a bass player was just the start. Froggy shares how his journey starting with Maynard Ferguson and later, Tower of Power, led him from backline work to becoming a tour manager by 21. The key takeaway? Diversify your skills, learn from others, and keep faking it until you make it! With a foundation in audio production, Froggy emphasizes that you’re not producing records when you’re mixing a band live—you’re making them louder. Remember, Always Be Performing, because when you grow, the gigs will find you.

From microphone mastery to In Ear Monitors (IEMs), Froggy breaks down how to craft the best sound on stage. Whether it’s using the Earthworks ETHOS on drum overheads or creating the perfect IEM mix with UE Live, it’s all about finding what works for you. Guitar players, you’re not left out—get the right mic on your cab, start with the guitar, and build your IEM sound from there. Be aware of the physics of sound, dig into frequencies, and never forget the power of a good phase check.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 450 – Monday, October 7th, 2024
  • October 7th: National LED Light Day
• 00:01:04 Guest Co-host: Bryan “froggy” Cross
  • Being a bass player leads to getting into sound and production in college
• 00:02:11 Started with Maynard Ferguson
• 00:03:36 From mixing an artist to everything that it evolves into.
  • Diversify Yourself
  • Learn from other people
• 00:05:08 Fake it until you make it!
  • Time to learn about compression!
• 00:07:27 Then to Tower of Power
  • Back line to audio to production to…tour manager at 21 years old!
• 00:10:33 Toad’s Place PM1800 Console
  • “You’re not producing a record out there, you’re making them louder.”
  • Pussycat Dolls, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani
  • Grow yourself and the gigs will come to you
• 00:12:40 The Earthworks ETHOS
  • Overhead Drum Mic
  • Doobie Brother’s Guitar Cabinets
  • Michael McDonald’s Leslie
• 00:15:50 The SR117 being used for vocals, snare, and more!
• 00:17:39 Learn how to use microphones in LOTS of ways
• 00:18:16 Use IEMs at the beginning
• 00:20:50 Finding the best In Ear Monitors for yourself
  • UE Live – Froggy’s Favorite Current IEM
  • Think about the size of your ear, what sounds good.
  • Future Sonics with the one Dynamic Driver
• 00:26:39 Creating the best IEM mix
• 00:31:08 Monitor advice for guitar players
  • Put the right mic on the cabinet… Earthworks ETHOS makes another appearance!
  • Earthworks SR20gen2 – Drum overheads
• 00:35:57 More monitor advice for guitar players
  • Start with the guitar
  • Adds drums, bass, vocal to taste
  • “Have it your way”
• 00:38:43 Be aware of physics
  • Learn what frequencies come back with bone conduction
  • Dig out 200-600Hz to compensate
  • Think about 1ms per foot delay
  • Check the phase button
  • Little Labs variable phase
  • Waves InPhase plugin
  • Pooch’s Online School for Audio Engineers
• 00:45:03 Gig Gab 450 Outtro
  • Follow Bryan “Froggy” Cross on Instagram
  • Follow Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Sound Wisdom with Bryan “Froggy” Cross: IEMs, Mics, and More — Gig Gab Podcast 450 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Ever wondered what it’s like to tour with music legends? This episode of Gig Gab takes you behind the scenes with Bob “Doctor Mac” LeVitus, a tech author and former roadie for the Jackson 5 and Shaun Cassidy.

Bob LeVitus, who has authored 92 books on technology, shares his unique journey from aspiring recording engineer to working alongside iconic musicians. With a background in audio and touring production, Bob’s stories are both entertaining and insightful.

In this episode, Bob recounts his early days with the Jackson 5, including the thrill of managing stage lights at the Inglewood Forum and the chaos of Michael Jackson’s spontaneous stage antics. He also delves into his time as a guitar tech for Shaun Cassidy, revealing the behind-the-scenes dynamics of a major tour.

Listeners will also hear about Bob’s transition into writing, his passion for GarageBand, and the unexpected paths his career has taken. Remember, in the world of music and beyond, it’s crucial to “Always Be Performing.”

Tune in to discover untold stories of rock and roll history and gain a new perspective on the music industry. Click to listen now!

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 449 – Monday, September 30th, 2024
  • September 30th: International Podcast Day
• 00:01:26 Guest Co-host: Bob LeVitus
• 00:02:44 Macworld All-Star Band
  • “Alias Cooper” Tribute Band in High School
• 00:05:19 Wanted to be a recording engineer
  • Bill Lazarus at Evergreen Studios
  • GarageBand – A free recording studio inside something you already own
  • GarageBand for Dummies
• 00:08:45 I liked the wires and re-tuning more than practicing, so I became a roadie!
• 00:10:19 Got into the industry by accident: I went to school with Jermaine Jackson
• 00:10:49 On the road with The Jackson Five
  • Sold Out Show, 16,000 People at The Englewood Forum… with two trees of 6 Par Cans on them each
  • Calling and Mixing Lights…First Gig!
  • Learned a ton about how to make things work during a live show
• 00:14:11 What was Michael Jackson like the first time you saw him live?
  • The Jacksons took good care of us
• 00:16:19 Remembering Tito Jackson
• 00:17:58 Rehearsing at SIR with The Jackson Five
• 00:20:09 Chasing a Girl Trying to Get Michael Jackson’s Shoe Back
• 00:21:55 A good summer job: Being Shaun Cassidy’s guitar tech!
  • Michael Lloyd
• 00:24:16 Managing Shaun Cassidy’s stage volume…the “creative” way
  • Carlos Vega
• 00:28:54 Toto was (basically) the backing band for Thriller
• 00:30:41 Strong Songs on Gig Gab
• 00:32:02 Recreating Songs…for Fun!
• 00:33:22 Big Budgets on the Shaun Cassidy Tour
  • Eleven people sleeping on the bus…and still getting a good night’s sleep
• 00:35:38 The importance of sleep on the road
• 00:38:50 Managing your health on the road
• 00:41:38 The Eagles with Vince Gill
• 00:43:32 John Fogerty’s 2024 Tour…with Credence Songs
• 00:45:33 Possible Macworld All-Star Band Reunion
• 00:48:18 Gig Gab 447 Outtro
  • Follow Bob LeVitus
  • Follow Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post From The Jackson Five to Shaun Cassidy: Bob LeVitus’ Untold Tales of Touring Legends — Gig Gab 449 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

In this episode of Gig Gab, you join Dusty Wright, the former editor of Creem magazine, as he shares stories from his vibrant career in music journalism and live performance. You’ll hear about his encounters with rock legends like Robert Plant and Prince, plus insights on how your influences shape your sound. Dusty also emphasizes the importance of listening and adjusting your setup for each venue, whether it’s a NYC club or a suburban spot. Remember, as you navigate the unpredictability of live art, always be performing.

Dusty dives into his latest album, “Dusted Off,” which features covers that shaped his musical journey. He discusses the thrill of giving Pearl Jam their first cover and reflects on the necessity of adapting your volume and energy for the gig. With new projects on the horizon, including a collaboration with Dana Fuchs, Dusty encourages you to enjoy music with your family. Tune in and get inspired to keep the music alive in your world!

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 448 – Monday, September 23rd, 2024
  • September 23rd: National Great American Pot Pie Day
• 00:01:05 Guest Co-host: Dusty Wright
  • The Ultimate Tweener
• 00:03:42 Former Editor of Creem…The Bastard Son of the Music Press covering bands like:
  • Kiss
  • Rush
  • Lester Bangs
  • Grand Funk Railroad
• 00:08:12 Shaping Your Influences…As They Shape You
  • Garage Rock, Jazz
  • Working at William Morris Agency
• 00:11:12 Journalism as a career for a musician
  • First: Cover Magazine from The East Village, then New York Review of Records
  • Labels would underwrite the coverage of magazines
• 00:13:40 Storytime from Glastonbury: Robert Plant’s the nicest rock-and-roller I’ve ever met. King Arthur and Tolkien stories.
  • Leaving a message for Jerry Miller with Robert Plant
• 00:17:41 Working with The Artist Formerly Known As…Prince!
  • A trip to Paisley Park
  • Prince used (affordable!) Max Factor cosmetics!
  • A limo-driven visit to First Avenue, Prince’s (then) club to see Michael Bland
• 00:25:08 An invitation to publish Prince’s New Power Magazine
• 00:26:52 PODCAST: 1001 Album Complaints. Do you read every inch of the available liner notes and still shake a fist at the clouds yelling for more? If so, 1001 Album Complaints is the podcast for you.
• 00:29:03 Gigging in New York City
  • Packing drums into a cab
  • More and more NYC clubs are now providing backlines
  • The Shrine in Harlem – Great vibe, good backline, GREAT sound guy
  • The Rodeo Bar NYC – Americana Roots Artists… you’d bring your own backline because you have the stage for the night
• 00:33:55 The importance of listening for — and adjusting — your sound in EACH room
• 00:38:49 Nikki, the 15-year old English Setter says hello
• 00:38:55 Comparing Gig Experiences at NYC Venues vs. Suburg Venues
• 00:40:18 The Unpredictability of Live Art
  • Sometimes you have to follow the the (lost!) leader
  • Managing the weather…without getting electrocuted!
• 00:47:16 Dusty’s 11th album “Dusted Off”, full of covers that informed Dusty as a youth
  • Dusty’s cover of (I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone
  • A reference to Faithful, odd Rundgren’s Cover Album
• 00:53:46 Playing with Big Ears
  • Playing appropriate volume for the gig!
  • You only need to play one note to get everyone’s attention
• 00:58:17 Dusty was NOT at the Big Star conference, but he gave Pearl Jam their first cover!
  • Complete with a “Thank You” letter from Mike Mcready’s mother.
  • Temple of the Dog Madison Square Garden Setlist
• 01:02:51 New project from Dusty Wright and Dana Fuchs … coming soon “Dusty and Dana”
• 01:06:30 Enjoy Music With Your Kids and Your Family
• 01:09:28 Gig Gab 448 Outtro
  • Follow Dusty Wright
  • Follow Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post From Creem to the Stage: Dusty Wright’s Music Stories – Gig Gab 448 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

In this week’s Gig Gab, Bakithi Kumalo joins the show, diving into the passion and journey that led him to music. You’ll hear about how he started playing professionally at just seven years old, practicing on a cardboard bass while singing his bass lines, inspired by the grooves of Motown and James Jamerson. His first real bass came ten years after he had already been playing professionally! Kumalo emphasizes the importance of consistency and showing up, both to get the gig and to stay focused on the music. His mantra is clear: “Sing what you play, and listen to what everyone else is doing.”

The episode goes deeper into Kumalo’s remarkable experiences, from locking in with legendary drummers like Steve Gadd and Vinnie Colaiuta to his life-changing Graceland tour with Paul Simon. Kumalo shares stories of playing for survival in Zululand and how music quite literally saved his life.

Wrapping up with practical advice on getting that perfect mix with IEMs, this episode is a masterclass in how to “Always Be Performing,” no matter where you are in your career.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 447 – Monday, September 16th, 2024
  • September 16th: National Sit With a Stranger Day
• 00:02:18 Guest Co-host: Bakithi Kumalo
  • Started in the womb
  • Don’t lose focus on the music!
  • Music starts with love
  • Recording in the studio at 12 years old
  • Learning is a journey, even from an early age
• 00:06:45 A mix of influences
  • The local radio station didn’t play local music
  • Motown, James Jamerson
  • Practices on a cardboard bass and sing the bassline
  • “I wanted to play this instrument that chose me”
  • 1972-Got his first bass… 5 years after playing professionally
  • “Be consistent, show up. That’s how you get the gig.”
  • “Sing what you play.”
  • “Listen to what everyone else is doing.”
• 00:15:28 Hiding from Herbie Hancock in the Studio
• 00:16:50 Building up a relationship with the drummer
  • As a kid, he would sit on the bass drum while playing
  • Locking in with Steve Gadd… learning to leave room for each other
  • Anton Fig, very energetic… and also South African
• 00:20:12 Just did a session with Vinnie Colaiuta
  • “Play to listen, and sing what you play.”
• 00:20:59 SPONSOR: Bandzoogle makes it easy to build a stunning website and online store for your music in minutes. Try it free for 30 days, then use promo code “giggabpod” to get 15% off your first year.
• 00:22:39 Graceland Comes During a Struggle
  • Mechanic refused to fix their broken car…but saw the instruments and became his manager
  • Then spent 16 Months in Zululand, away from his family, playing for safety, not money
  • Really learned the traditional music of Africa
  • Dreamt about playing with his fingers instead of his thumb… and then woke up and did it
  • In Zimbabwe met the Ladysmith Black Mambazo producer
• 00:31:00 Turns out Paul Simon from Jamaica, NY isn’t a Rasta from Jamaica
  • Something good is going to happen: stay consistent, play solid.
• 00:34:57 Learning to play the whole Paul Simon show
• 00:35:52 Still playing after all these years
  • Bakithi Kumalo’s Graceland Experience
  • “This music saved my life”
  • Does Music Mentors for Kids, helping them to keep from getting stuck
  • Have a story behind playing your instrument
• 00:37:38 Let’s Talk IEMs
  • Ultimate Ears Customs
  • Getting that Perfect Mix
    • In order: Kick, Hi-Hat, Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards
    • Dry, not swimming in reverb
• 00:43:42 Gig Gab 447 Outtro
  • Follow Bakithi Kumalo
  • Follow Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Bakithi Kumalo: Groove, Graceland, and the Power of Consistency — Gig Gab 447 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

In this week’s Gig Gab, Mike Schulte joins Dave Hamilton to dive into the world of being more than just your gigs. They highlight how using holidays, creating a video show, and grabbing content ideas from social media can elevate your band’s presence in between gigs. Whether it’s on stage or online, the focus is on building lasting engagement—always keep moving, always keep performing. You’ll learn why Facebook events might not be enough and how to strategically create blocks of songs in your sets to avoid giving your audience a chance to disengage.

From dealing with bandmates’ unpredictable behavior to handling gear endorsements, this episode covers the ups and downs of band life. Find out how treating your band like a business opens doors for custom gear and endorsements, even if you’re not a huge name. Mike and Dave drop nuggets on vocal effects pedals, drum mics, and how your behavior can make or break your chances of landing future gigs. Stay sharp and remember, Always Be Performing!

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 446 – Monday, September 9th, 2024
  • September 9th: National When Pigs Fly Day
  • Guest Co-host: Mike Schulte
• 00:01:45 Be more than just your gigs
  • Use Dates and Holidays as Content
  • Create a holiday for your band
  • Create a video show
  • What’s the point of Facebook events?
  • Capture screenshots of other people’s content to use as ideas for content later
  • Pork Tornadoes Facebook Page
• 00:09:12 Be More Than Just a Band
  • Casual Gravity Facebook Page
  • Casual Gravity – Casual Chronicles on YouTube
• 00:10:53 Dave’s First Gigs with Casual Gravity
  • Moving Quickly from song-to-song vs. Telling Jokes on Stage
  • Finding the on-stage balance
  • Don’t give people too many chances to disengage
  • Build Blocks of Songs where you don’t stop playing
• 00:21:44 Getting the right people in place
  • Finding the right balance between perfection and joy
• 00:25:15 Band MEMBERS behaving badly
  • You can’t expect to get anywhere if someone in the band is going to fly off the handle
• 00:28:33 Band GUESTS behaving badly
• 00:32:12 Your behavior gets you a new gig…or kills the next gig!
  • Watching Robert Scovill do his thing
  • Hotshot pedal
• 00:41:19 Using a vocal effects pedal
  • TC-Helicon VOICELIVE vocal effects units
  • Using a synced tap-tempo to the click running the show
• 00:48:57 More love for the Earthworks DK6 Drum Mic Pack
  • KickPort
  • Shure Beta 91A
  • Eames Drum
  • May Internal Microphones for Drums
• 00:54:09 Mike’s new Custom snare drum
  • Hero Drumworks
  • Find small manufacturers who will make you custom instruments at affordable prices
• 01:01:00 BFSD…or not!
• 01:02:01 You are big enough to get gear endorsements
  • Collision Drumsticks
  • Soultone Cymbals
  • Cappella Drumsticks (is no longer)
  • Vic Firth DoubleGlaze 5B
• 01:06:56 Gigs and Babies and Whew!
  • Treating your band like a business
• 01:11:37 Gig Gab 446 Outtro
  • Contact Mike Schulte
  • Confused Breakfast
  • The Pork Tornadoes
• Contact Gig Gab!
  • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
  • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
  • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post From Bandmates Gone Rogue to Maximizing Gigs: Keep Fans Engaged — Gig Gab 446 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

This week on Gig Gab, guest co-host Daniel East joins Dave Hamilton for a deep dive into the art of harmonies and the essentials of live sound. You’ll discover how to add harmonies to your band by honing in on the timbre of each singer and experimenting in real-time with just a guitar or piano. Whether you’re aiming for the Eagles’ perfection in a gymnasium or channeling the Bee Gees on a couch, nailing harmonies means knowing when to start and stop, as well as understanding if your lead singer naturally veers sharp or flat. Always Be Performing by ensuring your harmonies elevate the lead, not overshadow it.

When it comes to miking and mixing drums in small to medium clubs, balance is key. Start with a well-balanced stage sound and tweak from there—pulling out some midrange from the toms can prevent them from overpowering the mix. The gear talk doesn’t stop there; from the Stage Ninja MIC-12-CB Gooseneck Mic Clamp to the Yamaha TF-Rack, and even the Zoom H1 XLR Portable Digital Recorder, Dave and Dan cover the tools that keep your setup sharp. Whether you’re fine-tuning your instruments or your sound, remember: Always Be Performing.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 445 – Monday, September 2nd, 2024
  • September 2nd: National Blueberry Popsicle Day
• 00:01:51 Guest Co-host: Daniel East
• 00:03:09 Brian-How do you add harmonies to your band?
  • Approaching harmonies
  • Be aware of the timbre of singers
  • Get into a room with just a guitar or piano and sing into the air. How does it sound?
  • Beegees on a couch…and crushing those vocals!
  • The Eagles Singing in a Gymnasium, so perfectly!
  • Learn whether the lead singer naturally sings sharp or flat
  • Harmony vocals verses Background Vocals
  • Start harmonies after, end them before the lead
• 00:27:58 Ted-Best way to mic and mix drums in a small or medium club?
  • First: make it sound balanced on stage
  • EQ some midrange out of the toms if they’re too present in the club mix
  • Stage Ninja MIC-12-CB Gooseneck Mic Clamp
  • Yamaha TF-Rack
• Gear Gab
  • 00:42:48 PreSonus Quantum HD 8 – $999
  • 00:49:13 Zoom H1 XLR Portable Digital Recorder – $149
  • 00:52:56 Stage Ninja FON-10-CB Gooseneck Phone Clamp
  • 00:54:21 Shure SM58 …now in all Black
  • 00:55:00 Universal Audio ANTI 1992 Guitar Amp Simulator … with App Control!
  • 00:57:24 Tonewings for Drums Internally-mounted sound-contouring devices
• 01:02:29 Teach your students how to maintain and tune their instruments in addition to playing them
• 01:06:28 Gig Gab 445 Outtro
  • Contact Daniel East
    • DanielEast.net
    • Dan East on LinkedIn
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post How to Perfect Your Harmonies and Elevate Your Band’s Sound — Gig Gab 445 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Dive into the world of music and neuroscience with Daniel Levitin on this week’s Gig Gab! Join him and Dave Hamilton as they unpack Dan’s upcoming book, “I Heard There Was a Secret Chord: Music as Medicine”, releasing August 27th. Discover the intricacies of the Default Mode Network, and how music impacts everything from opioid release to temporary cognitive effects. Uncover the neurological roots of our musical preferences, balancing expectation with surprise, and hear Dan’s insights on the fascinating “Levitin Effect” where we inherently remember songs in their correct key.

As they chat, you’ll hear stories of Dan playing with legends like Victor Wooten and Bobby McFerrin, and insights on grabbing gigs through connections, like the time David Byrne invited him to play Brian Eno’s guitar parts. From the festival stages of Helsinki to intimate venues in Los Angeles, Dan’s musical journey is a testament to the show’s catchphrase, “Always Be Performing.” Tune in for a masterclass in blending science and music, and get inspired to keep performing no matter where your musical path takes you.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 444 – Monday, August 26th, 2024
  • August 26th: National Spark The World Day
  • Guest Co-host: Daniel Levitin, cognitive neuroscientist, musician, record producer, and the author of four NYT best-selling books.
• 00:02:21 Dan’s new book “I Heard There Was a Secret Chord” releases August 27th
• 00:04:25 The Default Mode Network = your Mind Wandering Mode
  • We “Pay” for attention with oxygenated glucose
  • Mozart doesn’t make you smarter, sitting in a windowless room makes you dumber (temporarily)
• 00:11:01 Parkinson’s Disease and Music as a treatment
• 00:12:00 Music to release opioids or cortisol…depending upon whether you like it or not
• 00:14:24 Everybody Wants Some … Except Manuel Noriega
• 00:17:25 The Musicological Angle … Is there a neurological basis for aesthetics?
  • We tend to like music that’s slightly surprising
  • Perfectly balancing expectation with surprise (of all kinds)
  • King Crimson… or Shoenberg
• 00:20:57 Modulations
• 00:22:38 “Playing as often as I want to”
  • Playing a festival in Helsinki with Victor Wooten
  • For the Book Tour
    • Livingston Taylor in Boston
    • Bob Weir in San Francisco
  • Recently with Bobby McFerrin in Berkely, California
  • The Deductions (band) in Los Angeles
    • Gary Novak on Drums
    • Dean Parks on Guitar
• 00:27:00 What instruments do you play?
  • On “Turnaround”, Dan played all the instruments except bass on two songs (Victor Wooten, Elliot Randall, and Steve Bailey helped out!)
• 00:30:25 How do you get gigs?
  • David Byrne invited Dan to play Brian Eno’s parts for a gig
• 00:34:33 Parthenon Huxley with ELO: “Don’t Punish The People Who Showed Up”
• 00:39:05 You’re allowed to make adjustments during the show!
  • BFSD
• 00:41:15 Trying to hit that falsetto after a long day
• 00:47:06 People tend to remember songs in the correct key, aka The Levitin Effect
  • Turns out we all kinda have decent relative pitch
• 00:51:25 Check out The Musical Accompaniment to “I Heard There Was a Secret Chord”…and its playlists:
  • Apple Music I Heard There Was a Secret Chord playlist
  • Spotify I Heard There Was a Secret Chord playlist
  • YouTube playlist
• 00:52:11 Gig Gab 444 Outtro
  • Contact Daniel Levitin
    • DanielLevitin.com
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post How Music Heals: Daniel Levitin on the Neuroscience of Sound — Gig Gab 444 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Get ready to dive into Dave Hamilton’s action-packed summer as he recounts his nonstop gig schedule, from Bitter Pill’s high-energy performances to subbing with way-too-many bands, and his next adventure with a new band, Casual Gravity. With gigs piling up and Podcast Movement on the horizon, you’ll hear how Dave is living out the show’s motto: Always Be Performing… perhaps to a fault!

Next, tune in as Dave tackles listener feedback, offering tips on communicating with your sound engineer and mastering the basics of dB and EQ. Plus, Gear Gab highlights the new Earthworks Audio DK6 Drum Mic Kit, perfect for capturing every beat. Stick around for a sneak peek at upcoming episodes, including an interview with Daniel Levitin on the healing power of music.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 443 – Monday, August 19th, 2024
  • August 19th: National Potato Day (also World Photo Day)
• 00:01:55 Dave’s Been Overdoing It This Summer
  • July:
    • Bitter Pill @ Vernon
    • Monkey Fist @ Tideline
    • Bitter Pill @ WSCA (sandwiching between Phish shows)
    • Sammy Hagar – Best of All Worlds Tour
  • August:
    • Bitter Pill @ Auspicious Brew
    • Dallas Corbin’s Heartland Radio @ Scituate Heritage Days (then right off to Train)
    • This week, Rocky rehearsals ahead of:
      • Two Friday Gigs, Two Saturday Gigs, then a week away at Podcast Movement
  • 00:13:03 Joined a new band: Casual Gravity. First gig on 8/31.
• 00:19:19 Sponsors
  • Bandzoogle makes it easy to build a stunning website and online store for your music in minutes. Try it free for 30 days, then use promo code “giggabpod” to get 15% off your first year.
• Listener Feedback
  • 00:21:01 Michael – “How Do You Talk To Your Sound Engineer?”
    • Learning dB and EQ
  • Got questions or comments? Email us at Feedback@GigGabPodcast.com
• Gear Gab
  • 00:30:36 Earthworks Audio New DK6 Drum Mic Kit – $1,499
    • The DM17 is the short-form-factor SR117
• Support the Show
  • 00:42:34 Share the show with your bandmates, your friends, and on Facebook and elsewhere
    • Sign up for the mailing list
    • Where is the Right Place for a Gig Gab community?
• Upcoming
  • Daniel Levitin, author or This Is Your Brain on Music and a new book: I Heard There Was a Secret Chord: Music as Medicine
  • What do you want to hear more of?
• 00:46:20 Gig Gab 443 Outtro
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post The Performer’s Summer: Nonstop Gigs, Fresh Gear, and New Beginnings — Gig Gab 443 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

This week on Gig Gab, dive into the fascinating journey of Kirk Hamilton, a saxophonist turned podcaster, who brings a wealth of musical insight to the table. Starting as a student at the University of Miami’s Jazz Program, Kirk’s path led him from songwriting and guitar playing to forming the Square Tape Band in San Francisco. His passion for teaching blossomed at The Urban School, eventually steering him into the world of video game blogging and a full-time role at Kotaku. Kirk shares how this eclectic background culminated in launching his podcast, Strong Songs, where he dissects musical pieces with the same enthusiasm he once brought to the teaching his students…and everything else Kirk has ever done!

As the episode unfolds, Kirk and Dave delve into memorable Strong Songs episodes, exploring the emotional depth of Toto’s “Africa” and the complexities of the “Rosanna” drum shuffle. They also touch on the possibility of a Strong Songs live band, and the trio of skills every musician should hone: teaching, learning, and performing. The discussion wraps up with a fun comparison of Led Zeppelin’s “Fool In The Rain” and Genesis’ “Misunderstanding,” underscoring how the history of music connects everything to everything else. Remember, whether you’re teaching, learning, or performing, the key is to Always Be Performing!

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 442 – Monday, August 12th, 2024
  • August 12th: National Vinyl Record Day
• Guest Co-host: Kirk Hamilton from Strong Songs
• 00:02:00 A Saxophonist first…and then…eventually, a podcaster
  • University of Miami Jazz Program
• 00:04:28 Singing means building your own instrument
• 00:09:13 Songwriting led to learning to play guitar
• 00:11:50 Then it’s time to start a band!
  • Square Tape Band in San Francisco
• 00:15:11 Taught at The Urban School in SF
  • Kirk is a teacher at heart
• 00:15:48 And then… video game blogging!
  • Leads to a full-time job at Kotaku
• 00:18:30 A little tangential history of the web evolving into video
• 00:21:37 And then launched a podcast!
  • Eventually Triple Click Podcast
• 00:24:46 Teaching people music leads to …Strong Songs
  • The Overwhelming Emotion of Hearing “Africa” sounding Like It’s Playing In An Empty Mall
  • Mike Masse’s Africa from 2010
• 00:29:05 Strong Songs Africa Episode
  • Maybe some “Second Helpings” of people
  • A quick dissection of the Rosanna drum shuffle group
• 00:33:36 Dissecting The Chain… and lots else
  • Rush’s Losing It Lyrics … inspired by Dancing Queen?
  • Is Wendy in Born to Run…from Peter Pan?
• 00:40:45 Dissecting “Limb by Limb”
  • Capo from Super Mega Ultra Groovy
  • AudioStretch
  • Some discussion about Phish albums, in general
• 00:52:31 Gigging History…and Present
  • Petula Clark…and others!
  • Will there be a Stong Songs Live Band? Maybe!
• 00:58:00 The Musician’s Tripod: Teaching, Learning, and Performing
• 01:01:41 Fool In The Rain vs. Misunderstanding
• 01:04:26 The “So What” horn… quote!
  • The history of music has everything connected to everything else
• 01:06:45 Gig Gab 442 Outtro
  • Contact Kirk Hamilton
    • Strong Songs Podcast
    • KirkHamilton.com
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Strong Songs Unveiled: Kirk Hamilton’s Musical Exploration — Gig Gab 442 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

This week’s Gig Gab podcast brings you an electrifying episode with Brian Ray, diving deep into his illustrious career and the recent release of his latest album, “My Town.” You’ll kick off with a fun story as Brian shares tales from his Halloween 1973 tour supporting Monster Mash, including the quirky experience of being having his high-school band invited to tour with Bobby “Boris” Pickett. Brian reminisces about how the transistor radio and Wolfman Jack shaped his musical journey, leading up to the release of “My Town” on Stevie Van Zandt’s Wicked Cool Records. Always Be Performing, Ray recounts being on stage with Paul McCartney, highlighting McCartney’s meticulous involvement in every aspect of their performances.

The conversation takes a technical turn as Brian discusses the nuances of in-ear monitors versus custom filters, likening rock and roll to chamber music and needing to be connected audibly and visually with his bandmates. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at Stevie Van Zandt as a collaborator and the innovative use of AI in the “Bad 4U” video. Brian contrasts recording alone in a studio with the energy of playing live alongside drummers like Abe Laboriel Jr., Erik Eldenius, and Pete Thomas. Wrapping up with colorful stories of zombie makeup and playing Monster Mash at Phil Kaufman’s house, rehearsing with Etta James, and run-ins with Dr. Demento and Oingo Boingo, this episode is a testament to a lifetime of ‘Always Be Performing.’

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 441 – Monday, August 5th, 2024
  • August 5th: National Oyster Day (also National Underwear Day)
• Guest Co-host: Brian Ray
  • Played with Boris Pickett and the Crypt Kicker Five, Etta James, Paul McCartney and with a new album released Friday, 8/2, on Stevie Van Zandt’s Wicked Cool Records.
• 00:01:34 Halloween 1973 Tour supporting Monster Mash
• 00:03:44 Going on tour with your drummer’s mom’s boyfriends band
  • Cloris Leachman’s son was the drummer
• 00:05:21 Seven Years of Singles lead to “My Town”, Brian’s new record, released Friday
  • Stevie Van Zandt’s Wicked Cool Records fuels it all
  • The transistor radio made music mobile… and brought Wolfman Jack to Brian
• 00:13:35 Being on Stage with Paul McCartney
• 00:16:07 Rehearsing For McCartney Tour
  • The band knows 160 songs…then brushes up
  • Paul is very detail-oriented, involved in decisions for the setlist, the staging, the lights, the video screens…the whole experience.
• 00:19:02 In Ears vs. Custom-Fit Earplugs
  • Rock and Roll is Chamber Music…everyone needs to be connected
• 00:24:00 Touring Tip: Use scarves to cover lights chill out the hotel room vibe
• 00:25:43 On Stevie Van Zandt as a collaborator
  • Bad 4U Video uses AI to lighten up the vibe
• 00:30:07 Recording alone in a studio vs. Playing Live with other people
  • Abe Laboriel, Jr.
  • Erik Eldenius
  • Pete Thomas
• 00:33:16 Putting on the Zombie Make-up and playing the Monster Mash at Phil Kaufman’s House
  • Modern Lovers
  • Dr. Demento
  • Oingo Boingo
  • Story about Phil Kaufman being charged with Grand Theftbecause he lost Gram Parsons (made into a film starring Johnny Knoxville)
  • Rehearsal with Etta James at John Densmore’s House in 1974
• 00:38:31 Gig Gab 441 Outtro
  • Find Brian Ray at BrianRay.com
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post My Town & Beyond: Brian Ray’s Journey from Monster Mash to McCartney’s Stage — Gig Gab 441 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

In this week’s Gig Gab episode, guest co-host Mike Schulte teams up with Dave Hamilton to tackle the world of music with humor and insight, and maybe a little controversy. They dive into why musicians often shun karaoke, dubbing it “beer league singing”—but that’s not a bad thing! Mike shares his whirlwind experience of playing 11 shows in 22 days, emphasizing the golden rule: “Don’t cancel shows!” Even when Murphy’s Law is in full swing, the show must go on. From discussing the joy of downloading full charts to perfect your performance to debating the merits of tribute bands, the episode is a goldmine for musicians. They even brainstorm hilarious tribute band names like “We’re Halfway There” for a Bon Jovi band and “Jonas Swift” for a Taylor Swift/Jonas Brothers mashup.

The conversation shifts to the longevity of Taylor Swift’s music and whether it will stand the test of time. The hosts humorously explore the idea of playing for “pink slips,” and compare the dynamics of sports teams to bands. They reminisce about epic Battle of the Bands war stories, noting how these intense moments can leave valuable “chips on our shoulders.” As always, the show encourages musicians to “Always Be Performing,” even when the going gets tough. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or a newcomer, this episode offers a perfect blend of practical advice and laugh-out-loud moments.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 440 – Tuesday, July 30th, 2024
  • July 30th: Share a Hug Day
  • Guest Co-host: Mike Schulte
• 00:01:15 Why are so many musicians against karaoke?
  • Total Eclipse of The Heart Karaoke
  • Karaoke is Beer League Singing…and that’s great!
• 00:08:07 Mike played 11 shows in 22 days
• 00:09:29 Prime Directive: Don’t Cancel Shows
  • The Shows are too big, with too many people involved, to cancel… they must go on
  • Murphy is On Speed Dial
  • Jesus Gonna Pay My Tab Music Video
• 00:18:07 Downloading Full Charts to learn songs
  • Ultimate-Guitar‘s full drum sheet music for most songs
• 00:26:31 Finding Perfection in Your Next Cover Band
• 00:31:27 Tribute Bands vs. Variety Bands
  • “We’re Halfway There” — Bon Jovi tribute band name
  • “Fresh Fighters” Foo Fighters Tribute
  • ”Being Petty” on Gig Gab
  • Should There Be Territories for Tribute Bands? Spotify Poll
  • The thrill of playing for a crowd that’s singing the same song you are.
  • Would an REM Tribute Band Work?
  • Would a Kings of Leon Tribute Band Work?
  • The Little Mermen
• 00:49:35 Will Taylor Swift’s music persist across the decades
  • Jonas Swift
  • Playing for Pink Slips
• 00:54:29 Sports Teams vs. Bands
  • Gong Shows vs. Battle of the Bands
  • Battle of the Bands War Stories
  • Those Moments in Life that Put Chips on Our Shoulders are Very Valuable Moments
• 01:01:41 Gig Gab 440 Outtro
  • Contact Mike Schulte
    • Confused Breakfast
    • The Pork Tornadoes
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Tribute Bands, Pink Slips, and Taylor Swift — Gig Gab 440 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Dive into this episode of Gig Gab as Dave Hamilton walks you through setting up your digital mixer like a pro. From the basics of setting your input gain to the intricacies of dialing in compression, you’ll master the essential skills needed to get your sound just right. Dave breaks down the differences between Parametric and Graphic EQs and introduces you to the Real Time Analyzer (RTA), a powerful tool for refining your mix. Always Be Performing by ensuring every aspect of your setup is optimized for live gigs or recording sessions.

Moving beyond the basics, Dave shares expert tips on managing gain and compression for drums and other instruments, crucial for achieving a balanced mix. Learn how to tune your mixer to the room by turning on the speakers and using your iPhone’s Measure app to set the delay on your mains accurately. This episode is packed with actionable insights that will elevate your sound engineering game, helping you to Always Be Performing at your best.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 439 – Monday, July 22nd, 2024
  • July 22nd: Mango Day
• 00:02:07 Today we talk about how to setup your digital mixer!
  • Mackie DL32S
  • Mackie Master Fader
• 00:03:17 Setting your input gain
  • Heil PR-37
• 00:09:05 Dialing in Compression
• 00:14:05 SPONSOR: Bandzoogle makes it easy to build a stunning website and online store for your music in minutes. Try it free for 30 days, then use promo code “giggabpod” to get 15% off your first year.
• 00:15:51 How does my EQ work? And what’s the difference between Parametric and Graphic.
  • Also…What’s an RTA (Real Time Analyzer) and how do I use it?
• 00:26:04 A note about gain and compression on drums and other instruments
• 00:27:40 Time to turn on the speakers and tune the mixer to the room
• 00:32:46 Digesting what we’ve learned so far
• 00:33:23 Setting a delay on your mains (thanks, Robert Scovill!)
  • Use your iPhone’s Measure app to calculate the distance for the delay
• 00:37:03 Gig Gab 439 Outtro
  • Contact Gig Gab!
  • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
  • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
  • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Digital Mixers 101: Essential Tips on Gain, Compression, EQ, and Beyond — Gig Gab 439 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

This week’s Gig Gab is a must-listen as journeyman drummer Tris Imboden joins Dave Hamilton, bringing a wealth of musical history and wisdom. Dive into Tris’s fascinating career, from growing up in the musically rich Orange County, to the unforgettable moment he saw The Beatles live, despite barely hearing them over the screaming fans. You’ll love the tales of his early days with instrumental surf bands and how his band Honk’s soundtrack success in Hawaii set the stage for future opportunities. Tris’s story of playing a sold-out week at The Troubador, only to have the band implode right on the verge of breaking through, echoes the bittersweet reality of many musicians’ careers.

Fast forward to Tris’s transition into a sought-after studio musician, including his audition for the Kenny Loggins Band, and you’ll find invaluable lessons on perseverance and readiness. The discussion on in-ear monitors and the importance of protecting your hearing offers practical advice for every musician. Tris shares his preferences for in-ear mixes and reflects on the perks of working with Chicago for so many years. From playing on Ringo Starr’s drums backing up Ringo himself to insights on keeping a band together, this episode is packed with stories and tips that embody the show’s catchphrase: Always Be Performing.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 438 – Monday, July 15th, 2024
  • July 15th: National Give Something Away Day
  • Guest co-host Tris Imboden
• 00:02:32 Tris Imboden’s time with Kenny Loggins
• 00:03:33 The key: Location… Growing up in Orange County helped!
• 00:04:00 Seeing The Beatles!
  • You Couldn’t Hear Them
  • The Byrds were watching … from two rows behind Tris
  • David Crosby Ran by in a Cape…and knocked Tris over!
• 00:06:53 Back to the proximity to LA being helpful
  • Instrumental Surf Bands
  • Robert Scovill on Gig Gab
  • Coughing up Furballs with Tris Imboden
  • Early in his career, Honk (with Tris Imboden) did the soundtrack for a surf movie with a number one hit in Hawaii
• 00:12:52 Be ready when you get the opportunity to do the hard work
  • Sold out a week at The Troubador
  • Imploded right on the verge of breaking through
  • Like a real life Guy Patterson from That Thing You Do
• 00:19:27 From Imploded Band to Studio Musicians… and we’re off!
• 00:20:01 Auditioned for Kenny Loggins Band
• 00:23:36 Let’s Talk In-Ear Monitors!
  • UE Pro Live
  • UE 11 Pro
• 00:28:42 Protect Your Hearing, folks
  • Loud instruments and monitors can take a toll
  • Dedicated/Sacrificed His Ears to Rock and Roll
• 00:32:36 In-Ear Mixes…and Mixers
  • Got spoiled by Chicago
  • Tris likes: full mix, bass heavy, not quite as much drums as the house, all instruments
• 00:38:07 Kenny Loggins drum freak… letting you get away with things on Pop Records
  • Kenny Loggins Footloose on Daryl’s House
• 00:43:29 Tris Imboden Yacht Stars
  • At the last minute…Tris Imboden played on Ringo’s drums…with Ringo singing live!
  • You Keep a Band Together by Having Personnel Changes
• 00:49:52 Gig Gab 438 Outtro
  • Follow Tris Imboden
    • Tris Imboden on All Music
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Tris Imboden Talks Rock ‘n’ Roll, In-Ear Monitors, Kenny Loggins, and More — Gig Gab 438 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

In this week’s Gig Gab, Dave Hamilton is joined by Lara Supan from Midwood Entertainment to dive deep into the role of a booking agent for developing bands. Lara teaches us that a booking agent excels in routings, venue knowledge, negotiation, and strategy, but they won’t grow your fanbase or bring people to your shows; that’s your job!

Also, timing is everything: booking agents work on commission and expect a minimum of $100K in tour revenue annually, with solid ticket sales in multiple markets. If you’re a band thinking like a small business, you should hire to your weaknesses and always look to expand your team.

Getting ready for a booking agent means keeping your ticket sales data organized and maintaining a strong social media presence, especially on platforms like TikTok, at least these days. Once you have an agent, your job is to sell tickets and think long-term, planning shows 2-3 years out. Festivals like Mile of Music can help, but the real key is sustainability and growth of your headlining shows. And when doing those, remember, it’s not just about your first show; it’s about the next. Always Be Performing, and make sure to deliver—and sell those tickets—every time you take the stage!

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 437 – Monday, July 8th, 2024
  • July 8th: National Blueberry Day
  • Guest co-host Lara Supan from Midwood Entertainment
• 00:01:30 What does a booking agent do for a developing band?
  • More specifically: What is a booking agent good for?
    • Routings
    • Venue knowledge
    • Negotiation
    • What’s going to be a good night for everyone?
    • Spreadsheets!
    • Crunching data, and trying to predict the future
    • Strategy Conversations
  • Booking agents DON’T
    • Don’t Bring people out to your show
    • Don’t help you grow your fanbase
• 00:09:59 When do I need a booking agent?
  • This is a PAID team-member
  • Commission-based, so that the incentive is right
  • Needs for Midwood Entertainment
  • Minimum of $100K tour revenue annually
  • 300-500 tickets in home market
  • At least 100 tickets in five other markets
  • “Markets” are 1.5-2hrs (90 miles) apart
• 00:17:47 Is a booking agent the FIRST team-member a band brings on?
  • View your music as a small business first!
  • Hire to your band’s weaknesses
  • But always expand your team
• 00:21:10 What can my band do NOW to make things easier once I’m ready to hire a booking agent?
  • Maintain a difference between your hard ticket sales vs. soft ticket sales
  • Keep your social media game up
  • TikTok presence has sold hard tickets
  • Facebook posts do NOT sell hard tickets
  • Build and maintain your mailing list
  • Spotify gives good data about listeners and their locations
• 00:31:14 Home Market Saturation…How frequently does a band need to sell 300-500 tickets?
  • Pat Byrne in Austin now
  • Saxon Pub in Austin
  • Play every market ONCE every time you have a new album…including your home market
• 00:36:13 Great! Now, I have a booking agent…what can I do to help them help me?
  • Sell the tickets to your shows. That’s not the booking agent’s job.
  • Expand your timelines for shows… if you’re currently booking 2-3 months out, start thinking 2-3 years out
  • Jim Fleming: “It’s not about the first show, it’s about the second show.” Work on your sustainability!
• 00:38:56 Does being forced into a booking slot help you make it?
  • Support Slots are NOT the way people (generally) find new music
  • It only works when the headlining artist encourages their fans to support the opening acts
  • Festivals are a LITTLE better than being a support slot, but attendees are primed to discover new music
  • Mile of Music in Appleton, Wisconsin – A “Developing Artist” festival
  • Folk Alliance
  • NERFA
• 00:49:10 Spotify Playlists can help… within reason
  • Helps for soft tickets, not hard tickets.
  • Then you have to deliver! Be responsible!
• 00:51:59 Lara – What do you play?
  • Lara Supan with South Rail
• 00:53:40 Gig Gab 437 Outtro
  • Contact Lara Supan
  • Midwood Entertainment
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post The Ultimate Booking Agent Guide for Bands with Lara Supan — Gig Gab 437 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Join Dave Hamilton and guest co-host Mike Schulte from Pork Tornadoes and Confused Breakfast on Gig Gab 436! Dive into the wild world of subbing as a drummer, but beware—your online persona might just scare off potential gigs by making you seem too busy. Mike shares hilarious tales and sage advice on learning and teaching beat placement, ensuring you make that click disappear and even become your new best friend. And hey, learning to love modern country music? Trust us, it’s a thing.

Get ready to burn the charts in effigy as you explore techniques to learn new songs quickly (shout out to Karaoke-Version.com). Discover the differences between sub gigs and pickup gigs, and figure out if you want to be just another bar band or strive for cover band greatness.

Don’t miss the Gear Gab segment on UE Pro Universals—because let’s face it, Always Be Performing means having the right gear to rock out in style.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 436 – Monday, July 1st, 2024
  • July 1st: International Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day (also International Reggae Day)
  • Guest Co-host Mike Schulte from Pork Tornadoes and Confused Breakfast
  • Ice Cream Idea: Pork & Tomatoes
• 00:04:51 Subbing as a Drummer
  • Beware your online persona convincing people you’re too busy to work with them
• 00:10:41 Learning and Teaching Beat Placement
  • Make the click disappear
• 00:17:49 Making the Click Your Friend
• 00:24:19 Learning to love Modern Country music
• 00:29:11 SPONSOR: Factor, America’s #1 Ready-To-Eat Meal Kit, can help you fuel up fast with flavorful and nutritious ready-to-eat meals delivered straight to your door. Visit FactorMeals.com/giggab50 and use code giggab50 for 50% off!
• 00:31:03 Techniques to Learn New Songs Quickly
  • Karaoke-Version.com
  • Burn The Charts in Effigy
• 00:41:55 Sub Gigs vs. Pickup Gigs
• 00:45:33 Different Types of Cover Bands
  • A Night Out with The Guys vs. Being the Very Best 100% of The Time
  • Comparison Is The Thief of Joy
  • The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck
  • Finding The Right (Cover) Band For You
  • Do you want to be more than your average bar band?
• 01:01:32 Gear Gab: UE Pro Universals
  • UE 350 Pro Universal Fit – $399
  • UE 250 Pro Universal Fit – $299
  • UE 150 Pro Universal Fit – $199
• 01:09:10 Gig Gab 436 Outtro
  • Contact Mike Schulte
    • Confused Breakfast
    • The Pork Tornadoes
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Song-Learning Tips and Cover Band Greatness — Gig Gab 436 with Mike Schulte appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Dive into Gig Gab 435 where Dave Hamilton teams up with guest co-host Adam Johnson from Cover Band Confidential for an electrifying episode. They kick things off with recent gig adventures, including the thrill of corporate live band karaoke and the indispensable value of rehearsals when subbing. Adam and Dave share insights on transitioning from analog to digital mixers, highlighting gear like Behringer XR and Mackie DL-series, and emphasizing the benefits of built-in compressors and parametric EQs for your weekend warrior band. As always, remember to “Always Be Performing.”

The conversation doesn’t stop there. Adam introduces his B.A.N.D. system, a treasure trove of inspiration to keep you moving forward without fear of failure. They explore the allure of new gear like baritone guitars and share tips for staying awake on long drives home from gigs, with sunflower seeds and Diet Mountain Dew as trusty companions.

The episode wraps up with shoutouts to must-listen podcasts like Disgraceland, Strong Songs, and Adam’s Cover Band Confidential. Don’t miss this jam-packed session—share the show and keep the performance spirit alive!

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 435 – Monday, June 24th, 2024
  • June 24th: National Pralines Day
  • Guest Co-host Adam Johnson from Cover Band Confidential
  • Played with Morris Day & The Time
• 00:02:17 Recent Gig Chatter
  • Corporate Live Band Karaoke
  • The Value of Getting At least One Rehearsal (when subbing)
• 00:04:56 Which Country Music?
  • Jaret Reddick’s Country Project
  • Alex Melton
• 00:11:15 Migrating from Analog to Digital Mixers for your Weekend Warrior Band
  • Behringer XR or Midas Mixers
  • Mackie DL-series Digital Mixers
  • Master Fader
  • Allen & Heath Digital Portable Mixers
  • The benefits of a digital mixer: compressors built-in, parametric eqs, and more
• 00:20:45 Always Listening to “My Mix”, Regardless of The Gig
• 00:23:40 Midas StageCONNECT Ultranet
• 00:25:04 SPONSOR: Bandzoogle makes it easy to build a stunning website and online store for your music in minutes. Try it free for 30 days, then use promo code “giggabpod” to get 15% off your first year.
• 00:26:47 Adam Johnson’s B.A.N.D. System
  • It’s great Inspiration Fuel
  • “Don’t let the fear of failure keep you from STARTING”
• 00:38:28 Exciting and Shiny Things Capture Our Attention
  • Baritone Guitar
  • Presidents Of United States Of America
  • Caspar Babypants
  • Stompy The Bear
  • 6 channel mixer!
  • Parry Gripp
• 00:44:39 Gear Gab: MaestroDMX (save 10% with Adam’s Link)
• 00:51:36 Podcasting about Music…and other things!
  • Mike Schulte
• 00:54:26 Go listen to Cover Band Confidential!
• 00:59:23 Falling asleep on the way home from gigs
  • Sunflower Seeds to stay awake while driving
  • Diet Mountain Dew
  • Strong Songs
  • Disgraceland (true crime and music history)
  • Tales From The Tour Bus
• 01:05:23 Gig Gab 435 Outtro
  • Share the show!
  • Contact Adam Patrick Johnson
  • Cover Band Confidential
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Staying Awake with Music, Mixers, and Motivation — Gig Gab 435 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

In this week’s Gig Gab podcast, Dave Hamilton teams up with guest co-host Crisco to dive into the dynamic world of keeping a band on the road. They kick things off with some fun banter about “Take Your Cat To Work Day” before jumping into the nitty-gritty of band management. From the chaos of uncoordinated coordination to the crucial role of spreadsheets, they explore the transition from musician to manager. You’ll get practical tips like taking contract screenshots for those times when you’re off the grid and gain insights into making music in the ever-evolving post-pandemic scene.

As the discussion heats up, they talk about tools like Artist Growth Workspace and Master Tour that streamline the touring process. Discover how bands like Bella’s Bartok and Mama’s Marmalade navigate their journeys from band to business, and how adding live drums can transform a band’s sound, as seen with Bitter Pill. Live music is more than just sound—it’s a visual art, and your best role might be yet to be discovered. With anecdotes from playing three bands in one night to must-listen recommendations like the Strong Songs Podcast and Questlove Supreme, you’ll leave inspired to Always Be Performing.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 434 – Monday, June 17th, 2024
  • June 17th: Take Your Cat To Work Day
  • Guest Co-Host: Crisco
• 00:03:00 Keeping a band on the road
  • Bella’s Bartok
• 00:06:05 Uncoordinated Coordination leads to Management!
  • Spreadsheets vs. Songs
  • From Musician to Manager
• 00:11:09 Making Music in the Evolving Post-Pandemic Scene
• 00:17:42 Artist Growth Workspace
  • Master Tour
• 00:22:57 Tip: Take contract screenshots of your deals so you can access them when you don’t have service
• 00:23:55 From Band to Business
  • Mama’s Marmalade
• 00:29:06 Adding Live Drums (the Evolution of Bitter Pill)
• 00:31:55 Live Music is a Visual Art
• 00:33:57 Discovering Your Best Role
  • Playing with Three Bands in One Night
• 00:38:50 Are You Still Playing?
• 00:46:04 What are you listening to?
  • Strong Songs Podcast
  • Questlove Supreme
• Gig Gab 432 Outtro
  • Share the show!
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post The Band to Business Evolution with Crisco — Gig Gab 434 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

In this episode of Gig Gab, Dave Hamilton is joined by Heather Smith and Paul Giovine, diving into the serendipity of musical connections. Heather shares how a chance meeting led to her cautiously getting on stage for the first time when Dave played with Simon Santiago five years ago. Last month, Heather released an record of her original tunes!

From her first time on stage with a band to releasing her own album, Heather’s journey is a testament to the power of persistence. She recounts how a Craigslist ad for a bass player unexpectedly turned her into a backup singer and then eventually into a lead singer…as a sub at first! Heather also reveals the struggle of starting her own band, Glitter & Camo, and the internal battle of convincing herself not to give up.

Heather, Paul, and Dave discuss the evolution of EPs and the importance of taking small, manageable steps to handle uncomfortable situations. They emphasize the idea that success often finds you when you least expect it, rather than the other way around. The episode highlights practical tips for cueing a band and the dynamics of playing covers in an original band. Throughout, the message is clear: Always Be Performing, and don’t let self-doubt hold you back from your musical ambitions.

Cover image from 2019, when Dave, Simon, and Heather played together (Heather’s first time on stage!)

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 433 – Monday, June 10th, 2024
  • June 10th: National Egg Roll Day
  • Guest Co-Host: Heather Smith and Paul Giovine (Heather’s drummer)
• 00:01:34 Met Because of Gig Gab
  • Dave played with Simon Santiago…and Heather sat in! – Gig Gab 213 (The “Acoustic Confidence” section)
• 00:04:15 From First time on Stage with a Band to Releasing Her Own Album
• 00:07:17 Craigslist Ad for a Bass Player leads to becoming a Backup Singer
• 00:09:28 The Benefits and Pitfalls of hiring good subs!
• 00:12:19 Starting her own band
  • Glitter & Camo
• 00:13:27 Spending Energy Convincing Yourself NOT To Do It
  • Giving Your Inner Judge Too Much Time
• 00:15:16 Why do we call things EPs? They’re not Extended (anymore)
• 00:21:11 Taking Little, Manageable Steps to Deal With the Awkward Uncomfortable Feelings
  • It’s Never Going To Be Perfect
  • The You You Never Got To Be
• 00:24:35 Don’t Take It For Granted
• 00:26:29 Success Finds You, not the other way around
• 00:27:10 Cueing a Band
  • Beware the Law of Attraction
• 00:32:00 Playing Covers in an Original Band
• 00:36:43 Finding Heather Smith on Facebook
• 00:40:45 Gig Gab 432 Outtro
  • Find Heather Smith on Facebook
    • Or on Apple Music
    • Or on Spotify
    • Or on YouTube
    • Or the Blue22 Studio Website
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • Share the show!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post From Sit-In to Album Release: Heather Smith’s Musical Journey — Gig Gab 433 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

In this week’s Gig Gab, with guest cohost Daniel East returning to join Dave Hamilton, you dive into the essentials of managing your hearing and gear during and after gigs. Amanda’s question about affordable in-ear monitors (IEMs) leads to recommendations including the Sennheiser IE100 Pro and Juicy Earz, highlighting the importance of investing in quality gear without breaking the bank. Remember, the goal is to “Always Be Performing” at your best, and that includes protecting your most valuable asset – your hearing.

The discussion then moves to the finer points of creating the perfect IEM mix. They emphasize starting from zero, building your levels up gradually, and ensuring no two instruments occupy the same stereo space. Trust both your ears and eyes when adjusting your mix, and keep it simple by taking as little as possible from the main mix. Wrapping up, they provide practical tips on ear care, such as using ear bulb syringes and avoiding ear candling. Stay sharp, stay safe, and keep performing at your peak!

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 432 – Monday, June 3rd, 2024
  • June 3rd: Old Time Player Piano Day (but Friday was National Save Your Hearing Day)
  • Guest Co-Host: Daniel East
• 00:01:58 Recent Gigs
  • Jay Bernedo
• 00:10:16 Let your ears rest after the gig
• 00:12:34 Amanda-Which IEMs for $300 or less?
• 00:16:15 Listen FIRST
• 00:17:34 Listen Advice
  • Human Voice
  • Decay of Reverb
  • Fingers on guitar strings
  • Thump of the low end
• 00:19:23 Fitting them in
• 00:19:38 Recommended Earphones
  • Sennheiser IE100 Pro – $98
  • Future Sonics G10 – $160 with code on site
  • Linsoul KZ ZS10 5-driver Universal fit – $49.99
  • Dunu Falcon Ultra – $220
  • Audix A10X – $229
  • WAVS Custom – Duals start at $199/ear – Ear molds with your iPhone
  • Juicy Earz – Starts at $298
  • Alclair Affordable Custom In-Ears on Gig Gab
• 00:30:03 Headphone Amps
  • Rolls PM55p
  • Albatros Audio PH9C (about $450, custom build)
  • Rupert Neve RNHP Headphone Amplifier – $599 on Amazon
  • RNDI DI Box – $299 on Amazon
• 00:43:24 When creating an IEM mix, trust both your eyes and ears
  • Allen & Heath ME-1
• 00:46:58 Creating the best IEM Mix
  • Start from Zero
  • Bring yourself up to 75%
  • Then bring everything else up
  • If stereo: nothing dead-center, no two instruments in the same “space”
  • Take as LITTLE as possible. Don’t just ask for “the main mix”
• 01:03:04 Cleaning Your Ears
  • Ear Bulb Syringe – $14 on Amazon
  • Stay away from Ear Candling
  • Ear Wax Removal Tool with Camera – $20 on Amazon
  • Ear Irrigation Flushing System – $18 on Amazon
• 01:13:55 Gig Gab 432 Outtro
  • Find Daniel East on X
    • Or instagram
    • Or Facebook
    • And DanielEast.net
    • And LinkedIn
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • Share the show!
  • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
  • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
  • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Cleaning Up Your In-Ears Mix…And Your Ears — Gig Gab 432 appeared first on Gig Gab.

View Details

Welcome to another exciting episode of Gig Gab! This week, Dave Hamilton dives into the whirlwind of recent and upcoming gigs, tackling six gigs with five different bands in June alone. He also discusses the challenges of playing a gig without in-ear monitors and the invaluable lessons from recent guests. From Robert Scovill’s advice on delaying mains in any size room to Mike Schulte’s insights on using a splitter snake for easier setups, and Chris Breen’s reminder to read the stage as well as the room, there’s plenty to learn. Remember, “Always Be Performing” as you take these tips to your own gigs.