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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. […] The post Gems, Gear, & Gigs! — Gig Gab 431 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Dive into this week’s Gig Gab podcast, where Dave Hamilton and guest co-host Bob Vose tackle the highs and lows of a musician’s journey. From the golden days of Fortune’s original reign to navigating the challenging shifts brought by grunge, Bob dishes out stories of the Peanut Butter & Jelly […] The post Three Decades of Harmony: Bob Vose on Fortune’s Formula for Staying Together — Gig Gab 430 appeared first on Gig Gab.

In this week’s episode of Gig Gab, Robert Scovill brings his wealth of live audio expertise to the show. As a front-of-house engineer for legendary acts like Tom Petty, Prince, Kenny Chesney, and Rush, Scovill shares the art of balancing sound in massive stadiums while ensuring the audience gets a […] The post Nerding Out About Live Sound with Robert Scovill — Gig Gab 429 appeared first on Gig Gab.

This week on Gig Gab, Mike Schulte returns for a lively discussion on the finesse of live performances band dynamics. He and Dave Hamilton kick off with a chat about “Playing ‘Less’ for More Money,” exploring how reducing the number of gigs you play can lead to greater impact and […] The post Avoiding Rats Nests — Gig Gab 428 appeared first on Gig Gab.

In the latest episode of Gig Gab, you’ll catch Eric Jackson and Carlo Carluccio from Boston’s own Best Not Broken sharing their journey from cover band roots to rocking high-energy performances with a mix of originals and covers, including an unforgettable opening gig for Barry Goudreau’s Engine Room. They spill […] The post Self-Promotion and Redheaded Air Drummers with Best Not Broken — Gig Gab 427 appeared first on Gig Gab.

In the latest episode of Gig Gab, Matt Musty, a seasoned pro known for his work with Train, Grace Potter, and others, joins Dave Hamilton to share invaluable insights into the diverse roles a musician can play—be it a team player in a band setting or a versatile session artist. […] The post Refreshments & Rapport with Train’s Matt Musty — Gig Gab 426 appeared first on Gig Gab.

This week on Gig Gab, Dave Hamilton welcomes guest cohost Adam Moskowitz from VAM Band, diving deep into the essence of musicianship and leadership. Adam shares his unique perspective on structuring your band life around personal commitments, showcasing how he manages the VAM Band. The discussion peels back the layers […] The post Demolishing Walls & Pulling Teeth with Adam Moskowizard — Gig Gab 425 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Dive deep into the essence of live music production with insights from Dave Cook and Lewis Fawcett of Area 52 Studios joining Dave Hamilton on Gig Gab. As they navigate the intricacies of creating the perfect in-ear monitor mix for artists like Natalie Merchant, they emphasize the delicate balance between […] The post Gear Gab and Lessons from The Road with Area 52 Studios — Gig Gab 424 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Guest co-host Matt Gibson and Dave Hamilton dive into the essence of evolving as a musician in the digital age, discussing everything from the impact of social media followers to the intrinsic value of having a producer. Matt Gibson shares his journey, highlighting a significant moment where he lost a […] The post Taking Your Music Career from Dependent to Provider with Matt Gibson — Gig Gab 423 appeared first on Gig Gab.

In this week’s punchy episode of Gig Gab, you’re in for a treat as Dave Hamilton sits down with Dallas Taylor, the maestro behind Twenty Thousand Hertz and Defacto Sound, exploring the intricate stories behind the world’s most iconic sounds. As they dive deep, Dallas shares his philosophy on respecting […] The post Always Be…Respecting Your Audience — Gig Gab 422 (with special guest: Dallas Taylor) appeared first on Gig Gab.

Diving deep into the heart of live performances, guest co-host Mike Schulte and Dave Hamilton kick things off with a critical eye on popular trends, emphasizing the unique appeal of embracing mainstream events and acts, illustrated by Diane Warren’s Relentless film at SXSW. The conversation swiftly moves into the nitty-gritty […] The post No Shame In The Pop Game — Gig Gab 421 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Dive deep into insights that will resonate with every musician as guest co-host Chris Breen joins Dave Hamilton for this week’s Gig Gab. They kick things off by riffing on the best songs for a prom-posal, suggesting tracks like “Wang Dang Doodle” and “Teen Town” to set the mood (really?). […] The post Temperamental Bass Players — Gig Gab 420 appeared first on Gig Gab.

In this week’s punchy episode of Gig Gab, guest co-host Billy Butler teams up with Dave Hamilton to dive deep into the nuances of live performance and the essence of creating memorable gigs. Starting with the undeniable impact of a stellar opening act, they pivot to the electrifying atmosphere of […] The post The Spirit of Your Band — Gig Gab 419 appeared first on Gig Gab.

This week’s Gig Gab podcast, featuring guest co-host Daniel East, dives deep into the heart of music gear and performance wisdom. From the vibrant stage of NAMM 2024, where Yamaha showcased its latest with performances by Nathan East and company, to the detailed discussions on the latest in drumming gear […] The post NAMM 2024 Gear Gab & Reflections — Gig Gab 418 appeared first on Gig Gab.

This week’s Gig Gab podcast marks a momentous occasion with Paul Kent’s return to celebrate its ninth anniversary alongside Dave Hamilton. Diving into the heart of gig life, they share insights on integrating new members into The Houserockers, emphasizing the essence of letting musicians thrive in their element. The evolution […] The post Nine Years of Gabbing — Gig Gab 417 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Dive into the dynamic world of band life with Dave Hamilton and guest co-host Mike Schulte, as they explore the essentials of band dynamics and the logistics of playing shows. From the importance of understanding bandmates and fostering a positive environment by scheduling time to vent and finding gratitude, to […] The post Behind the Beat: Navigating Band Dynamics and Fly-Away Shows — Gig Gab 416 appeared first on Gig Gab.

This week on Gig Gab, Brad Madix drops by for a masterclass in live sound mixing, sharing insights from his expansive career that’s touched the stages of Florence + the Machine, Sara Bareilles, Queensrÿche, Rush, and Linkin Park, to name a few. Diving into the nuances of live performance, Brad […] The post Masterful Mixes & Mistaken Identities: Brad Madix’s Tips from Florence to Rush to Linkin Park, & Celebrity Mix-Ups — Gig Gab 415 appeared first on Gig Gab.

In this week’s Gig Gab, Dave Brunyak, known now as Dallas Corbin, joins Dave Hamilton for a deep dive into the art of persona creation and redefining one’s place in the music world. They reminisce about Dave’s first appearance on the show back in 2015 and delve into the genesis […] The post The Box That Makes Your Gig Sound Crappier — Gig Gab 414 appeared first on Gig Gab.

In this week’s Gig Gab episode 413, guest co-host Billy Butler joins Dave Hamilton to dive deep into the nuances of live performance and band dynamics. They kick off with a robust discussion on ‘four-walling’ a show, emphasizing the importance of asking “Why would people want to come and see […] The post Four-Walling Connections With Your Audience — Gig Gab 413 appeared first on Gig Gab.

In this week’s Gig Gab podcast, guest co-host Dan East joins Dave Hamilton as they dive into a rich discussion tailored for musicians and performance artists. The episode opens with Dan sharing his expert planning strategies for the upcoming NAMM show. He provides valuable insights on how to navigate such […] The post Did Dan Say Grub Gab? — Gig Gab 412 appeared first on Gig Gab.

This week on Gig Gab, dive deep into the world of hearing health with Frank Wartinger, a renowned music audiologist and podcaster! Wartinger emphasizes the importance of protecting your ears, especially for musicians and avid music fans. He introduces the “Dangerous Decibels Three Part Solution” – a practical approach involving […] The post Healthy Hearing with Music Audiologist, Frank Wartinger – Gig Gab 411 appeared first on Gig Gab.

This week’s Gig Gab, guest co-host Mike Schulte joins Dave Hamilton as they dive into the diverse world of gigging. They kick off discussing New Year’s gigs, pondering if it’s a 2023 or 2024 gig – a unique time warp for musicians. The conversation shifts to the technicalities of in-ear […] The post State Dependent Learning — Gig Gab 410 appeared first on Gig Gab.

In this Gear Gab episode of Gig Gab, Dave Hamilton starts with a deep dive into the world of bass drum microphones, with a spotlight on the Behringer BA 19A, priced at an accessible $79. Dave compares this budget-friendly option against its more expensive counterparts, the Shure Beta 91A and […] The post A Gear Gab to End The Year — Gig Gab 409 appeared first on Gig Gab.

In this week’s Gig Gab, dive into the nuances of being a musician and producer, all rolled into one. You’ll explore the art of practicing effectively, a skill that’s as crucial as it is often overlooked. Get insights from the legendary Rick Rubin and his book, “The Creative Act,” a […] The post Is It An Audition, or Just a Hang? — Gig Gab 408 appeared first on Gig Gab.

In this week’s Gig Gab podcast with Paul Kent and Dave Hamilton you’ll dive into the essential nuances of social media for musicians. The key takeaway? Social media isn’t just a platform for advertising; it’s a vital space for being social and engaging with your audience. It’s about creating a […] The post Be Social on Social Media — Gig Gab 407 appeared first on Gig Gab.

In this week’s episode of Gig Gab with Paul Kent and Dave Hamilton, the duo dives into the evolving landscape of the music scene, particularly focusing on how musicians are adapting to today’s world. They touch on the unexpected cancellations of Christmas gigs, stirring a conversation about the resilience and […] The post Changes Are Afoot — Gig Gab 406 appeared first on Gig Gab.

In this week’s Gig Gab, Paul Kent and Dave Hamilton start with a dive into the nuances of performing solo gigs. They discuss the importance of honing your skills, reading the room, and choosing the right material to resonate with your audience. Emphasizing that a solo gig isn’t just about […] The post Ventriloquism is Art — Gig Gab 405 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Dive into the evolving world of bands with the latest Gig Gab podcast, exploring the critical theme of ‘Evolving Bands’ and the importance of defining your band’s unique identity. Hosts Paul Kent and Dave Hamilton engage in a thought-provoking discussion on why curiosity is crucial for musical growth and how […] The post Musical Plumbers — Gig Gab 404 appeared first on Gig Gab.

This week on Gig Gab, you’re diving deep with Paul Kent, Dave Hamilton, and their special guest, Chris Breen, a seasoned maestro in the music scene. Having played with his band, System 9, since 1985 — and having played quite a bit before that, too — Chris has a fun, […] The post Keeping It Equitable with Christopher “High C” Breen — Gig Gab 403 appeared first on Gig Gab.

In this week’s Gig Gab, Paul Kent and Dave Hamilton embrace the holiday spirit with a discussion about the unique challenges and opportunities that Christmas gigs bring to your musical journey. Keep your performance fresh with insights from Good and learn how rebranding your band, like Clubbing Fraggles did, might […] The post Clubbing Seals — Gig Gab 402 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Dive deep with Andy Swanson of Alclair In Ears as he takes you on a sonic journey, discussing these high-quality, affordable custom IEMs. Feel the passion of playing in the gaps, the lessons from Andy’s leap into the corporate world at big names like Nintendo, and the importance of sharing […] The post Alclair Custom IEMs: Affordable Quality — Gig Gab 401 appeared first on Gig Gab.

In the latest episode of Gig Gab, Paul Kent and Dave Hamilton dive deep into the dynamic world of bands. They kick off discussing the intricacies of subbing, emphasizing the importance of credibility in the music scene. If you’ve ever pondered creating a particular type of band or converting your […] The post Rebranding Your Band – Gig Gab 400 appeared first on Gig Gab.

This week, Mike Schulte, drummer for The Pork Tornadoes, joins Dave Hamilton and Paul Kent for an exciting look into running a top-tier cover band. Mike shares the unique approach that The Pork Tornadoes adopt in the cover band scene, with a spotlight on their original sensibilities and a well-thought-out […] The post Mike Schulte from Pork Tornadoes — Gig Gab 399 appeared first on Gig Gab.

In Episode 398 of Gig Gab Podcast with hosts Paul Kent and Dave Hamilton, the duo explores the nuances of live performance and music. When an initial count-off is interrupted, your two favorite weekend warriors underscore the importance of recalibrating the “feeling” within the body to ensure a stellar performance. […] The post Take Your Time — Gig Gab 398 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Adam Moskowitz of VAM Band joins Paul and Dave this week on Gig Gab, treating you to an insider’s perspective into all the systems and tricks Adam uses to run his band. The trio dives deep into the realm of musicianship, from the transition of original bands to cover bands, […] The post Adam Moskowitz, The Invisible Conductor — Gig Gab 397 appeared first on Gig Gab.

A grab bag of topics brings your two favorite weekend warriors together this week, including discussions about setlists, rehearsal techniques, Gear Gab, and the proposal of a whole new scientific theory that very much relates to what we all do here. Listen as Paul and Dave discuss Nile Rodgers, The […] The post Grip It & Rip It — Gig Gab 396 appeared first on Gig Gab.

This week on Gig Gab, hosts Dave Hamilton and Paul Kent dive into an energetic discussion about the ever-changing nature of bands. This sparks a thoughtful dialogue about band dynamics, the fragility of music groups, and how to keep things moving forward when lineups shift. Dave and Paul reflect on […] The post The Fragile Nature of Bands — Gig Gab 395 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Your two favorite weekend warriors discussed the busy gigging weekends they recently had, with Dave playing five gigs in 48 hours. They talked about strategies for avoiding leg cramps after late night gigs, and share details in the episode. Paul and Dave then gave advice for keeping consistent tempos after […] The post Musical Accountability — Gig Gab 394 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Chris Liscio from SuperMegaUltraGroovy joins Paul Kent and Dave Hamilton, merging the worlds of Apple aficionados and musicians. Chris unveils the origins of his unique company name and shares his musical journey that led to the development of his music learning app, Capo. As they dive deep, they tackle defining […] The post Reverse Engineering Rock and Roll with SuperMegaUltraGroovy’s Chris Liscio – Gig Gab 393 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Tales from the stage, the power of adaptation, and the ins and outs of a performer’s life are the backdrop for this week’s stories. Dave and Paul reminisce about their recent gigs, highlighting the value of resilience when faced with onstage hiccups. Paul’s recent gig cancellation due to health is […] The post Always Be…Perfecting Your Craft — Gig Gab 392 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Dave Hamilton and Paul Kent start by exploring the delicate balance between maintaining a song’s recorded tempo while injecting additional energy into live performances. They argue that speeding up a tune can give it an edge and serve as a potent device to amplify its vitality, as long as the […] The post Reading The Red Flags — Gig Gab 391 appeared first on Gig Gab.

In this week’s Gig Gab, Paul Kent and Dave Hamilton discuss the highs and lows of recent gigs, emphasizing the importance of delivering top-notch performances. They recount a canceled gig due to rain, revealing the strict cancellation policy that left them unpaid, despite perfect weather. Another Saturday gig faced multiple […] The post Surprise, You’re The Headliner — Gig Gab 390 appeared first on Gig Gab.

In this week’s Gig Gab podcast, hosts Paul Kent and Dave Hamilton delve into the intricacies of leading a band and securing lucrative gigs. The dynamic duo underscore the necessity for unified band goals and shared values, defying the notion that leadership rests solely on the shoulders of the band […] The post Keep The Sound Guy Stocked! — Gig Gab 389 appeared first on Gig Gab.

In this Gig Gab episode Dave & Paul discuss their recent gigs and the differences in sound quality from stage-to-stage. They then touch on the importance of communication and awareness among band members while performing. Your two favorite weekend warriors delve into the dynamics of being a musician in different […] The post Attention is Performing – Gig Gab 388 appeared first on Gig Gab.

In this week’s show, Dave and Paul welcome Billy Butler, a multi-instrumentalist who plays a variety of instruments including the piano, guitar, and cello. Oh, and Billy is Dave’s bandmate in Bitter Pill, too! Your three favorite weekend warriors dive right in, sharing insights on the process of memorizing music […] The post Billy Butler, Rock and Roll Cellist — Gig Gab 387 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Your two favorite weekend warriors did DEEP this week, both into the past and into the philosophical. Listen as Paul and Dave chat through recent gigs — and those from long ago, including some history on Bitter Pill and Dave’s tour with Hypnotic Clambake. Gear gab is more about how you […] The post A Hairless Summer — Gig Gab 386 appeared first on Gig Gab.

How much weight do you assign to the enjoyment factor when deciding whether or not to take — and how much to charge for — a gig you’re offered? One of Paul’s bands has been leveraging this, and one of his bandmates has an amazing quote about it that you’re going to […] The post Which Gigs are Most Enjoyable? – Gig Gab 385 appeared first on Gig Gab.

In this week’s episode, Dave and Paul dive deep into the challenges musicians face when putting a substitute musician on stage, delving into the nuances of finding a reliable sub for extended periods.. The hosts also explore the concept of truly “knowing” a song, highlighting the dedication and depth of […] The post It Doesn’t Work! – Gig Gab 384 appeared first on Gig Gab.

In this episode, Dave and Paul explore a diverse range of topics, from loud crowds to reminiscing about the COVID era. They also delve into the fascinating realm of band dynamics and take an exclusive peek behind the scenes of Natalie Merchant’s current tour. Additionally, discover some exceptional gear recommendations […] The post Listen To The Universe (and The Music) — Gig Gab 383 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Welcome to the Gig Gab podcast, hosted by Dave Hamilton and Paul Kent. In this episode, they discuss vocal warm-ups, email marketing, and microphone reviews. Let’s dive into the details. Vocal Warm-Ups At the beginning of the podcast, Dave and Paul talk about the importance of vocal warm-ups before a […] The post I Want More E-Mail! – Gig Gab 382 appeared first on Gig Gab.

The NAMM conference is the ultimate destination for music enthusiasts and professionals alike. In this week’s episode of GigGab Podcast, hosts Dave Hamilton and Paul Kent are joined by guest Dan East to discuss his recent experience at NAMM 2023. The hosts begin the show by acknowledging that NAMM is […] The post Digging (Into) NAMM 2023 with Guest Dan East — Gig Gab 381 appeared first on Gig Gab.

When was the last time you just hung out as a band? When bands are touring, this happens all the time. Wedding bands often find themselves spending more time hanging out than playing, just because of the way the schedules often work at those kinds of events. But most bands […] The post Sharing The Tea Leaves — Gig Gab 380 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Welcome back, Gig Gab listeners! In this week’s episode, your two favorite weekend warriors, Dave Hamilton and Paul Kent, dive into a musical journey that spans centuries and explores the exciting innovations shaping the future of the music industry. Happy 400th Birthday, Zildjian! We kick off the episode by celebrating […] The post The Sound of Progress – Gig Gab 379 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Have you ever wondered why the stage holds such a special place in the hearts of musicians? Join two of the most passionate weekend warriors around as they delve into this topic and explore ways to protect this hallowed ground. But that’s not all! Dave found himself in a sticky […] The post Ethical Gymnastics – Gig Gab 378 appeared first on Gig Gab.

What do you do to ensure you’re always able to entertain an audience? Performing is great, but entertaining is the goal. Listen as your two favorite weekend warriors talk through this from a few different angles, both as performers and as audience members. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about the […] The post Always Be Entertaining — Gig Gab 377 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Sometimes Paul says, “Always Be Performing.” Ok, he always says that. This time, though, Paul says, “Raise Your Damned Prices!” As working musicians, we need to figure out how to raise our baseline pay. Sure, some of us have figured it out for our specific gigs, and obviously the touring […] The post Raise Your Damned Prices! — Gig Gab 376 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Last episode, your two favorite weekend warriors talked about the bliss that is a good monitor mix. This time, they might have stumbled upon a secret to repeating that! Listen as Paul Kent and Dave Hamilton talk through not just monitor mixes, but song choices, musical evolution, Ticketmaster, and much […] The post Hey, Leave Those Gains Alone — Gig Gab 375 appeared first on Gig Gab.

How much leverage does your band have? Do you check your Messenger? Does your band reserve dates months in advance? More importantly, how are these questions related? Well, your two favorite weekend warriors cover all three of them this week on Gig Gab! Listen as Paul and Dave share their […] The post Eight Years of Bending Your Ears – Gig Gab 374 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Of course you’ve had to cancel gigs, and of course you’ve had gigs canceled. But did you feel the same about each of those scenarios? Listen as Paul and Dave talk through their feelings on cancellations, and how they affect reputations, in general. Dave had a last-minute gig come up, […] The post What’s Your Band’s Fungibility? — Gig Gab 373 appeared first on Gig Gab.

There’s no greater compliment for a musician than having someone catch the subtle things that happen on stage, and the bartender at The Midway Cafe caught all that and more this weekend. Listen as Dave shares his tales about the gig, and yes, that includes the follow-up to Gig Gab […] The post The Gmail Story — Gig Gab 372 appeared first on Gig Gab.

How competitive are you when it comes to booking gigs? When another band gets a gig you want (or used to have), how does that land for you? Listen as Paul and Dave talk through their thoughts on this. Traveling around the country (and the world) as your two favorite […] The post No Drama The Day of The Gig — Gig Gab 371 appeared first on Gig Gab.

If you could go back in time and give advice to your band, what would it be? Listen as your two favorite weekend warriors talk through a lot of your thoughts and answers to this question, and they share some of their own, too. But first, Dave saw a band […] The post Play Dive Bars! — Gig Gab 370 appeared first on Gig Gab.

It’s winter…how is your band’s momentum doing? Are you making yourself seem active even if you aren’t? Listen as Paul and Dave talk through this concept and share some ideas they have about keeping your band active even if you aren’t playing quite as many gigs as usual. Then your […] The post Don’t Be That Guy — Gig Gab 369 appeared first on Gig Gab.

How do you figure out what each harmony line (or guitar line, or drum part) is in songs you’re learning? Listen as Paul and Dave share their processes — and a new app! — for doing exactly this. First, though, your two favorite weekend warriors go through their recent gigs — and cancelations […] The post Dissecting Songs — Gig Gab 368 appeared first on Gig Gab.

“If you’re going to do something that affects other people, be a good dude and talk to them about it.” These wise words from Paul Kent shape today’s discussion. Listen as he and Dave talk through various forms of musician etiquette, both on-stage and off. Plus, some tips about both […] The post The Etiquette of Music — Gig Gab 367 appeared first on Gig Gab.

It turns out it might be worth taking a minute to stop and think about how you discover new music (and new shows) to gain some insight into how your fans might do the same. Paul and Dave go through this exercise together and share some of the revelations they’ve […] The post Discovering Music In Today’s World — Gig Gab 366 appeared first on Gig Gab.

You know how there’s that difference between knowing a song on paper and knowing it in your lizard brain? That can make a big difference in terms of how things go in the mayhem that we call gigs! Listen as Dave and Paul talk through this from a few different […] The post Barn Burners, Door Splits, and Sunday Gigs — Gig Gab 365 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Triple threat sound, video, and lighting engineer Davis Thurston joins your two favorite weekend warriors this week to discuss tips, techniques, and overall vision for how he does what he does. Listen as Davis, Paul, and Dave chat through that which it takes in Front Of House to make your […] The post Every Band Needs a Davis — Gig Gab 364 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Ain’t it great when you’re on stage and you just know everything’s going right? Your two favorite weekend warriors do after this weekend. They both had some stellar shows…and believe it or not Paul refrained from saying, “butter.” (sorry Gig Gab Bingo players!). Listen as he and Dave share their […] The post Playing In Tune (With The Universe) — Gig Gab Podcast 363 appeared first on Gig Gab.

How did you find your current band(s)? What advice would you give to someone looking to find a new band? Listen as Paul and Dave answer that question for listener Russ…and then send in your own thoughts to [email protected]. That’s not all, though…listen as your two favorite weekend warriors discuss […] The post Sorting Your Musical Life — Gig Gab 362 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Ever found yourself being asked to agree to a pay-to-play scenario? Ever wondered what to do next with your band? Your two favorite weekend warriors sure have! Listen as Paul and Dave share their experiences of learning these lessons as well as their advice for how to deal with them. […] The post Lessons Learned — Gig Gab 361 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Another Gig Gab, another rant about Facebook. But you’ll have to listen for a bit to hear which one of your two favorite weekend warriors rants the most! Mostly this episode is about communication. How do you communicate with booking agents? How do you communicate with your bandmates? And while […] The post Compromise, Collaboration, and Communication — Gig Gab 360 appeared first on Gig Gab.

If you play covers, what songs have you found don’t work at all for your band? Is there anything they share in common? This week, Paul and Dave talk through some of their “favorites” in this regard and dissect why this might be the case. First, though, it’s Gig Gab […] The post First You Applaud, *Then* We Play The Next Song — Gig Gab 359 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Some gigs are totally relaxing…and others you can feel the high stakes before you even arrive. Interesting thing: the definition of a high-stakes gig can mean different things to different people, and your two favorite weekend warriors have completely different approaches here. Listen as Paul and Dave share their thoughts […] The post High-Stakes Stage Roulette — Gig Gab 358 appeared first on Gig Gab.

When forming your band, how picky are you? What criteria do you use to select bandmates? Do you prioritize talent or convenience? Listen as Dave and Paul dig in and share their thoughts about all this…with some select stories to highlight the realities of it all. Then…a Gig Gab challenge: […] The post Wait ‘Til You Hear OUR Version of The Chicken Dance! — Gig Gab 357 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Quiet crowds can be intimidating AF! How do you navigate that? How do you perform? Paul and Dave talk through some of their strategies when faced with this. Then listen as your two favorite weekend warriors talk about bands navigating members who are in multiple projects. There’s no one right […] The post Overcoming the First-Set Blues — Gig Gab 356 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Every musician is a small business owner, and this week we have Shannon Jean from Business Brain join us for a crossover episode to dive into how we can better use our business brains in our musical endeavors! Press play to learn…and always be performing! 00:00:00 Business Brain – The […] The post The Business of Music — Gig Gab 355 appeared first on Gig Gab.

We’ve talked about collaboration on the show before, but the question remains: how collaborative is your band? If someone has an idea for a part for you to play, how does that land? How does it work in reverse? Listen as Paul and Dave talk through the various ways that […] The post Beware Backline Roulette — Gig Gab 354 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Have you ever stopped to think about what it would take to put together a Tribute band? Bruce Hilton of “Being Petty” did, and with the right people, the right ideas, and a lot of intention it can work out amazingly well. Listen as Bruce shares his ideas and gives […] The post Beyond The Music with Tribute Band “Tom Petty” Bruce Hilton – Gig Gab 353 appeared first on Gig Gab.

It’s not always easy to Always Be Performing, and yet that’s exactly our job as performers, isn’t it? Listen as Paul and Dave each share some recent lessons—from both sides of the stage—about how to best ensure you keep that performance going. Also this week is finding your bands own […] The post The Jeanine Syndrome — Gig Gab 352 appeared first on Gig Gab.

For many bands, vocals are the most noticeable element of your music. Has your band spent time learning how to sing together? How do you structure your vocal rehearsals…if you have them at all? Listen as Paul and Dave answer listener Rob’s question, talking through how they’ve approached this in […] The post Learning How To Sing As a Band – Gig Gab 351 appeared first on Gig Gab.

With some of the best wisdom ever shared in seven years of Gig Gabbing, this week Paul and Dave help you take your band to the next level. Sure, Dave has some great technical advice, but it’s Paul’s brand of big-picture thinking that takes this episode to the upper echelon. […] The post If You Can Drink a Beer On Stage, You Can Mix Your Ears — Gig Gab 350 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Listen as Paul and Dave discover why “the hang” might be the most important aspect of being in a band, especially on tour. Also… have you ever played a morning gig? Do you do a pre-show band huddle? These are the questions your two favorite weekend warriors ask of themselves, […] The post Finding Your Number One Fan — Gig Gab 349 appeared first on Gig Gab.

It’s not rare for us musicians to find ourselves needing to juggle our musical lives with our personal lives, and then even within the musical realm we’re juggling priorities of gigging vs. rehearsing vs. doing-the-business-stuff, too. Listen as Paul and Dave approach this concept from a few different angles, and […] The post Managing Your Musical Priorities — Gig Gab 348 appeared first on Gig Gab.

How confident are you in your band’s ability to get setup on stage? What are the common pitfalls you encounter? Listen as your two favorite weekend warriors talk through the approaches they use with their bands, with a special focus on sound and, yes, in-ear monitors. Paul and Dave are […] The post Perfecting Your Setup Routine — Gig Gab 347 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Your submissions to the mailbag help drive the bus today, with conversations about choosing good venues for your audience and selecting the right headset mics happening. Dave got to see The Coffis Brothers…and his audiologist. Both come with stories, some more pleasant than others, but a good PSA emerges, nonetheless! […] The post Of Harmonicas and Headset Mics — Gig Gab 346 appeared first on Gig Gab.

How do you approach mixing your band from the stage when there is no FOH sound engineer? It’s Q&A time with Paul and Dave. Listen as your two favorite weekend warriors share their thoughts on putting together the right stage setup to get a good mix for your audiences…every time. […] The post Mixing From The Stage — Gig Gab 345 appeared first on Gig Gab.

How often does your band rehearse? Would you consider yourselves a “rehearsing” band, or a “rehearsal-less” band? Either way, what are the costs of that on your band’s show? Listen as Paul and Dave talk through their experiences with both sides of this…and then listen as Gear Gab accidentally creeps […] The post The Rehearsal-Less Band — Gig Gab 344 appeared first on Gig Gab.

As the world of live music sees more and more of a resurgence, what are the important things to consider? Listen as Paul and Dave chat through things like managing your health, negotiating your way with sound engineers, navigating the contract process, and preserving your worth as an Entertainer. Press […] The post Navigating The Resurgence – Gig Gab 343 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Keeping everyone on the same page in your band can be a trick, and Paul shares the method he used for his band this year, managing and then meeting those expectations so everyone could plan their lives. That’s not the only thing he and Dave discussed this week, though! Setlists […] The post Managing Your Musical Calendar — Gig Gab 342 appeared first on Gig Gab.

With a week off and SXSW happening in between, Paul and Dave have lots to talk about today, including the sad news of the passing of Taylor Hawkins. Dave saw some more great bands and music-related movies at SXSW, and he shares a few of his highlights, including how your […] The post Watch Him As He Goes… — Gig Gab 341 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Paul’s got an idea about audience fatigue, Dave’s attending SXSW (remotely today, then in-person tomorrow), and there are some new music documentaries coming out. This is the hodge-podge upon which this week’s Gig Gab is built. Of course, your two favorite weekend warriors played some gigs from which they must […] The post SXSW 2022, Movies, & Knowing Your Audience — Gig Gab 340 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Sure, we rehearse, we practice (there’s a difference!), we craft setlists, and we gig…but what do you do to take care of your band as a unit? Paul asks Dave this pointed question and launches your two favorite weekend warriors into a discussion which digs deep into what it takes […] The post The Care and Feeding of Your Band — Gig Gab 339 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Y’all filled up the mailbag, so Paul and Dave dig in and share your thoughts, questions, reactions, and more! Topics include mics to record gigs, covering rap songs, and managing your reputation. Join in the conversation with your two favorite weekend warriors and let’s have some fun together. And remember: […] The post Mailbag Time! — Gig Gab 338 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Join Paul and Dave as they share Valentine’s Day together, Gig Gab-style! They talk about some gear they’re loving (and some they aren’t), some music they’re loving (there’s nothing they aren’t), and the bands they love, too… and your two favorite weekend warriors also dive into the value of opening […] The post Open Your Heart to Music — Gig Gab 337 appeared first on Gig Gab.

It seems almost everyone is involved in multiple musical projects these days, and there’s a lot of good which can result from that. It can also create some headaches, both logistical and emotional. Listen as Paul and Dave talk through their experiences with all of this, including sharing a service […] The post Managing Multiple Projects — Gig Gab 336 appeared first on Gig Gab.

It’s another jam session, folks, this one with themes of collaboration, limberness, and insurance. Some Gear Gab enters the fold, too, along with a cool new service for collaborating with other folks recording in their homes! Listen as Paul and Dave, your two favorite weekend warriors, talk you through all […] The post Always Be Insuring…and Collaborating — Gig Gab 335 appeared first on Gig Gab.

As musicians — as humans — we’re constantly choosing our balance point between perfection and production. Paul and Dave dig into that today with regards to being “gig ready” with songs and your show. Listen as your two favorite weekend warriors share their tips and tricks for getting over the “good enough” […] The post Getting Past “Good Enough” — Gig Gab 334 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Is your band special? A better question: do you know what it is that makes your band special? Does everyone in your band know? These are important questions to answer, and your two favorite weekend warriors discuss in this week’s episode. Listen as Paul and Dave talk through each of […] The post Viva La Sum Of Your Band’s Parts — Gig Gab 333 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Haha, yeah, we know “sales process” isn’t a sexy term, but the gigs that result from it sure are! And if you don’t have a sales process, well, perhaps your two favorite weekend warriors can help you begin to create one. Listen as Paul and Dave share some things they’ve […] The post Embracing and Tweaking Your Sales Process — Gig Gab 332 appeared first on Gig Gab.

The rollover of the calendar is often a time where folks take stock of where they are and where they’re going. This year’s pull-back on gigs opens that opportunity up even more, and your two favorite weekend warriors talk through what it means to evolve your band. Listen as Paul […] The post Evolving Your Band – Gig Gab 331 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Your two favorite weekend warriors slip one last episode in before the ball drops to share their thoughts about gigs, the New Year, recordings, album releases, nazis, bass players, and pick-up gigs. Yep, you read that right. But you’ll have to listen to learn more. Press play and Always Be […] The post The Perspective of a Year — Gig Gab 330 appeared first on Gig Gab.

As musicians we need to learn how to play with clicks and cliques! Metronomes are super-helpful, especially in the studio, and even to help get your live playing together. Cliques of people, well, can be a double-edged sword, can’t they? Listen as Paul and Dave talk through their uses of […] The post Of Clicks and Cliques – Gig Gab 329 appeared first on Gig Gab.

One of the best parts about music is the non-verbal communication of it all. But there’s more mind-melding than just that, isn’t there? How about when you find yourself in lockstep with your band, with the groove, with the direction, with the harmonies, with the desires? Music can really make […] The post Musical Mind Melding — Gig Gab 328 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Have you ever written a song? Listen as your two favorite weekend warriors talk through the songwriting process, including the inspiration for getting involved in that scene in your local area. Of course, The Beatles are part of this conversation, especially with the peek into their songwriting process that the […] The post Songwriting, The Beatles, and You – Gig Gab Podcast 327 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Sometimes you slow down the music, and sometimes the music slows down. Listen as Paul and Dave muse upon both tempos and gig frequency, especially as we head into the colder, slower months here. How does your band manage tempo on stage? How does your band plan to manage the […] The post Slowing Down The Music — Gig Gab 326 appeared first on Gig Gab.

How would you rate your musical work ethic? How about your band’s? Are you all in sync? Listen as Paul and Dave tackle this question and more within the framework of their current projects…and some past ones! If there ever was an episode which epitomized your two favorite weekend warriors […] The post Musical Work Ethic — Gig Gab 325 appeared first on Gig Gab.

How does your band approach rehearsing difficult music? We all know the difference between practice and rehearsal, but some rehearsal is (way) harder than others. Listen as Paul and Dave talk through their thoughts — and examples — of getting through the tough stuff. That’s not all, though! Conversations around bookings, rate […] The post Dissecting Difficult Music — Gig Gab 324 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Recent years have brought about opportunities for reinvention in a lot of ways, including musical! Have you done anything different since you’ve been able to get back out there and start playing? Listen as Paul and Dave answer that question this week. Then listen as your two favorite weekend warriors […] The post Always Be Performing…Uniquely – Gig Gab 323 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Productivity is often the result of well-applied focus and discipline. How do you make this work for your band? And… what about a lack of either or both of those? Listen as Paul and Dave talk about — and show a shining example of — both of these things (or is […] The post Focus and Discipline — Gig Gab 322 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Much has been said over the years about keeping a band together, and this week your two favorite weekend warriors say even more. Is it helpful? Only you can decide! That’s not all, though, Dave played two gigs this weekend with some significant anomalies, and he talks through making this […] The post Band Leadership Styles — Gig Gab 321 appeared first on Gig Gab.

When your band rehearses, what’s the expectation of everyone coming in? Is there a minimum bar to hit, or a high bar to beat? Listen as Paul and Dave talk through their experiences with band rehearsals over the years. But that’s not all… Gear Gab is never far away, and […] The post Gear Gab, Rehearsal Structure, and More — Gig Gab 320 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Today your two favorite weekend warriors turn their attention to efficiency and how you can make your band’s setup process happen faster, and with more consistent results. Paul had a recent gig which highlighted this for him, but I’m sure we’ve all been there, right? Do you remember? Ba Dee […] The post Turning Up Your Band’s Efficiency — Gig Gab 319 appeared first on Gig Gab.

While you’re playing…how do you define success? Is it seeing people dancing? singing? paying you money? What are the metrics you use? Hear your two favorite weekend warriors share some of their own success stories from this weekend’s gigs. Then it’s time to talk about a few logistical issues with […] The post What is a Successful Gig? — Gig Gab 318 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Do you ever instruct your audience on how to enjoy your music? Do you instruct them to do anything else? The reality is that we all instruct our audiences in some ways, but the question is… how do we do it? Listen to Paul and Dave discuss a few scenarios, […] The post Do You Instruct Your Audience? — Gig Gab 317 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Working with different sound teams can always be a struggle, even when they’re the best in the business. How do you communicate with them? How do you know they’re listening? How do you convey your point without being annoying? These are just some of the questions that come up as […] The post Your Band Needs a Brown M&M Clause — Gig Gab 316 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Have you ever stopped to think about how “the crowd” perceives your band’s image vs. how you perceive yourselves? It’s an interesting exercise, and sometimes it’s thrust upon you. Listen as Paul and Dave talk through their experiences with this. Dave had to dig into the backup-bin while his IEMs […] The post What’s Your Band’s Image? – Gig Gab 315 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Let’s go back five years together, shall we? Gig Gab was just a year old, and we all were just finding our footing here together. We had the pleasure of having Jan Hammer join us for a conversation in Gig Gab 68, and with both Paul and Dave out for […] The post Jan Hammer Talks Mahavishnu, Emerson, Hendrix, Jaco … and Getting the JuJu Happening! — Gig Gab 68 Redux appeared first on Gig Gab.

One of the reasons we all take the stage is in search of those moments where the band is just firing on all cylinders and the energy is flowing perfectly. At least that’s what Paul tells Dave this week, and Dave agrees! Listen as your two favorite weekend warriors talk […] The post Firing On All Musical Cylinders — Gig Gab 314 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Being a performer often means you get to be an invisible spectator… of the crowd who is watching you! Listen as Paul and Dave share some stories (new and old!) about what they’ve watched people do from the Working Musicians’ side of the fourth wall. Then it’s time to negotiate. […] The post People Behaving Like People — Gig Gab 313 appeared first on Gig Gab.

There’s always at least a bit of a gamble in taking the stage. More often it comes up pretty standard, sometimes you get the Stage of Dread, but occasionally … every now and then … things are just perfect. Despite being a country apart, your two favorite weekend warriors each […] The post The Ever-Elusive “Great Sound” — Gig Gab 312 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Your favorite weekend warriors had a revelation: It’s easy to have a lot of microphones! Listen as Paul and Dave answer your questions about gear, including in-ears, mixers, and PA speakers (the microphones were their idea!). Also on the docket: the sacred space that is band rehearsal. Listen, learn, and […] The post More Microphones Than Cents – Gig Gab 311 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Music connects us all, but how do you define the connection between you and your audience? You and your bandmates? Listen as Paul and Dave discuss, dissect, and even debate a few aspects of all this. Press play, enjoy, and please remember: always be performing! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 310 – […] The post Bands and Connections – Gig Gab 310 appeared first on Gig Gab.

What’s the definition of the perfect gig? Would you know it if you played it? If so, how will that impact the next gig? Listen as Dave and Paul talk through their recent performances and relate them to what the future will look like. Just remember, folks, even when you’re […] The post Chasing The Perfect Gig — Gig Gab 309 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Remember all the great gigs you’ve played? Guess what… your next gig could be one of those! Your favorite weekend warriors talk about creating those new memories by fueling your tank with the old ones. Dave watched “What Drives Us”, Paul saw Springsteen in the Killers’ new video, they’ve both […] The post Savor The Moment — Gig Gab 308 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Gigs are coming back, for sure, but as what? Has your scene changed as a result of the pandemic reset? Are the same bands still out there doing there thing? Are new bands emerging? Listen as Paul and Dave talk through all this and more. Plus, Dave played a basement […] The post Basement Shows and New Faces — Gig Gab 307 appeared first on Gig Gab.

When can you buy off-brand gear and still get the quality you need without breaking the bank? Paul and Dave talk about a few experiments they’ve recently performed and their results with not-the-name-brand stuff. Paul added a little Frank to his set recently, and it opens up a conversation about […] The post Inexpensive Gear, In-Ear Tricks, and a little Frank! – Gig Gab 306 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Brian Geller, singer with Van Halen tribute The Atomic Punks (oh, and with a day job at Ultimate Ears) joins the show today to talk in-ears, tribute bands, and oh so much more. Listen as Brian shares his tips with Paul and Dave about getting a good in-ear mix, selecting […] The post Brian Geller: In-Ear Monitors, Tribute Bands, and More! — Gig Gab 305 appeared first on Gig Gab.

What is a Wedding Band? While there are many answers to this question, there is one which takes precedence over all others. Do you know which that is? Listen as Paul and Dave chat through this interesting topic, including hearing them share a lot of your thoughts about the transition […] The post What is a Wedding Band? — Gig Gab 304 appeared first on Gig Gab.

As we’re getting back to playing gigs again, we might’ve been practicing our instruments through pandemic, but most of us haven’t been practicing setting up and tearing down for gigs. It stands to reason that those first couple of gigs out might have some logistical rough edges! With that in […] The post What’s On Your Gig-Packing Checklist? — Gig Gab 303 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Gigs are slowly starting to happen again, so Paul brings the question: what songs are the best songs for your band to be playing? Listen as he and Dave talk through this and decide what it means to be unique. One thing’s for sure: they don’t have a unique definition […] The post Uniqueness, Competition, and Ego – Gig Gab 302 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Gigs are on the schedule, rehearsals are happening, and there’s music to be played by your two favorite weekend warriors. Still, coming out of all this pandemicking will not necessarily be any easier than getting into it, at least not for Dave. Listen as he and Paul talk through what […] The post Rough Landings and Axe Grinding — Gig Gab 301 appeared first on Gig Gab.

New beginnings are in the air! Dave and Paul have gigs booked, Dave saw live music indoors, and there is a light at the end of the tunnel! Your two favorite weekend warriors even took this special day to enjoy a little detour chatting about R.E.M. Press play and enjoy, […] The post Getting Back to Business — Gig Gab 300 appeared first on Gig Gab.

David Jameson joins the show today to share his stories about playing in some of the top tribute bands in the country. Touring the world with Trey Gunn, Jerry Marotta, and more, David’s stories are both interesting and enlightening. You never know where a chance encounter is going to lead […] The post David Jameson, Gig Performer and Tribute Band Extraordinaire! — Gig Gab 299 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Certainly your show on stage is a reflection of your band’s brand, and so are your actions on social media. What about your fans on social media, though? They can also define who you are. Listen as your two favorite weekend warriors go through all this and more. Then Dave […] The post Social Media Management, SXSW Music Movies, More — Gig Gab 298 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Alliteration is fun, but playing music is even funner. Listen as Paul and Dave talk through some recent rehearsals, gigs, streaming projects, and more. Politics even comes up in a conversation about SXSW…but probably not the way you think. You’ll just have to listen and see! Press play and join […] The post Tipping Tips, Streaming Styles, and SXSW — Gig Gab 297 appeared first on Gig Gab.

It’s time to talk In-Ears, and it’s time to bring in the Big Guns. Dan East, The Mix Doctor, joins Paul and Dave today to discuss specific solutions to all your in-ear monitoring problems. Listen as Dan shares his tips and wisdom for Audio Tetris, starting with the bigger shirt, […] The post Mixing In-Ears with The Mix Doctor — Gig Gab 296 appeared first on Gig Gab.

What’s it going to take for you and your bandmates to all agree it’s safe to take the stage together again? What’s that first gig look like? What about the first rehearsal? What about the plan for it all? This is what Paul and Dave chew on together today, and […] The post Frictionless Reopening — Gig Gab 295 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Do you play covers? Do you play originals? Is one right or wrong? These questions seem to come up over and over again, so Paul and Dave share their views from their very different backgrounds. Listen as your two favorite weekend warriors hash through this and more…and let’s see where […] The post Covers and Originals: A Battle? — Gig Gab 294 appeared first on Gig Gab.

What does it mean to “be in a band”? What does it mean to “have a band”? These things have different meanings for each of us, and there’s no incorrect answer here. Dave’s spent some time on Jamkazam, playing and grooving with people all over the world. He’s got some […] The post What is a Band? — Gig Gab 293 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Gear Gab and Rant Gab and Celebration Gab all at the same time equals what? It equals Gig Gab, that’s what! Listen as Paul and Dave talk through Duct Tape, blissful ignorance, honing ones craft, and Lights/Camera/Editing on a budget! Your two favorite weekend warriors share some of their new, […] The post Duct Tape to The Rescue — Gig Gab 292 appeared first on Gig Gab.

‘Don’t think so much… just concentrate.’ These were the words Jaco said to a young Peter Erskine… easier said than done, but oh so right! Listen as Dave and Paul talk through their own versions of these, especially as it relates to truly learning the music you’re playing. Then it’s […] The post Don’t Think, Just Concentrate — Gig Gab 291 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Before too long, what was once challenging becomes normal and comfortable, even if the music you’re playing is universally agreed to be “challenging”. So.. what to do? Focus on your discomfort, that’s what! Paul and Dave talk through this and share some recent experiences they’ve had in this department. Then […] The post Don’t Get Complacent, Get Uncomfortable — Gig Gab 290 appeared first on Gig Gab.

What does the stage of tomorrow look like? What does the rehearsal room of tomorrow look like? Sometimes these themes just come together as your two favorite weekend warriors get to chatting, and this week certainly hits that mark. Listen as Dave Hamilton and Paul Kent talk through the tech […] The post The Stage of Tomorrow — Gig Gab 289 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Industry trade show mayhem time is upon us, and it appears that not even a pandemic can stop that particular freight train. The good news is that it fuels up a heckuva Gear Gab episode, with lots of stuff for your two favorite weekend warriors to share. Listen as Paul […] The post CESNAMMGearGab — Gig Gab 288 appeared first on Gig Gab.

So much goes into keeping a band together: the songs, the schedules, the money, the personalities, the politics. Oh, wait, that’s right… we keep politics out of this show. Well, then, how do Paul and Dave deal with Mr. Axe’s question this week? You’ll just have to listen to find […] The post Keeping Your Band Together — Gig Gab 287 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Always Be Performing is our “ABP” here, but there’s another famous one: Always Be Prepared! As musicians, we know how important it is to be prepared for a gig, and that preparation can start as early as you would like. But what’s the best way to be preparing? Well… it […] The post The Value of Prep Time — Gig Gab 286 appeared first on Gig Gab.

That feeling when you’re in a routine, comfortable, just showing up and seeing your bandmates and hanging out and, yeah, playing some music, too? That’s what we miss here at Gig Gab. Come hang out with Paul and Dave as they talk through this and more. Virtual jamming software has […] The post Missing Band Rehearsal — Gig Gab 285 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Changes in the air… or change IS in the air? Which did Paul say to Dave? You’ll have to listen to find out. Your two favorite weekend warriors talk through recent gigs, stereo in-ears, and just how to prep yourself and your band for what comes next. Press play, and […] The post Changes In The Air — Gig Gab 284 appeared first on Gig Gab.

We love gear! We know, we all love gear, but here at Gig Gab it truly holds a special place in our hearts (and wallets). This week, not only do Paul and Dave share their favorite gear picks, this time y’all chimed in with some requests of your own. Listen […] The post Weekend Warriors’ Holiday Wish Lists — Gig Gab 283 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Sources familiar with the matter tell us that forces are conspiring…to perhaps make it such that we can begin playing again sometime next year. But when sometime? And, more importantly, when will you, your bandmates, and your fans be comfortable with such an idea? Paul and Dave are here to […] The post Conspiring to Play Again — Gig Gab 282 appeared first on Gig Gab.

One oft-overlooked aspect of keeping your band together is scheduling. Most bands rely on regular progress together, and that means regular time together. How do you ensure your band gets together regularly? For some, this is automatic. For others, it takes a lot of work. Good news: Paul and Dave […] The post The Art of Scheduling — Gig Gab 281 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Do you know what your band’s image is? Does that match what your fans and friends think it is? Video is a great medium to communicate with your audience, especially these days, but it can be tricky to remain truthful to who you are as a band while attempting to […] The post Eyes With Pride — Gig Gab 280 appeared first on Gig Gab.

After holding down the “pause” button for months, it stands to reason that the other side of all this involves more than a couple of instances of the “reset” button. Listener Fred poses a question about post-pandemic pay scales, and that opens up the conversation for Paul and Dave to […] The post The Great Reset — Gig Gab 279 appeared first on Gig Gab.

We’ve spent time learning our instruments, which means we’ve spent time learning how to learn. Now, where will we apply that knowledge and skill? Presumably we’ll keep studying our instruments, but what else can we learn? How about applying this ability to learn to crafting and improving our stage shows? […] The post The Art of Learning — Gig Gab 278 appeared first on Gig Gab.

It often takes a relocation to realize just how great your “little” local music store is. Paul and Dave talk through some of this as it relates to gear, community, and more. Meanwhile, Dave’s finding himself in the woodshed this week, having bitten off a little more than he realized […] The post Gear and Your Local Music Shop — Gig Gab 277 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Ever been in a band where you realized one member was getting all the attention and you weren’t? It happens, and your two favorite weekend warriors have been there. Listen as Paul and Dave talk through this. First, though, a bit of gab about what you can do now to […] The post Lead Singer Takeover — Gig Gab 276 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Is your band dynamic is a family dynamic? Or is it a business-only relationship? How does that work out? These are the questions that Paul and Dave not only discuss, but percolate throughout as they go through a few other topics, too. Of course, your two favorite weekend warriors spend […] The post Making a Band a Family — Gig Gab 275 appeared first on Gig Gab.

It’s time for you to shine! Well, two of you, anyway. This week, Paul and Dave dig into the mailbag to share some of your thoughts and answer your questions. Listen as your two favorite Weekend Warriors talk through getting your band back together, communicating with your audience in new […] The post Uncommon Hits — Gig Gab 274 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Have you heard Grand Funk’s version of “Feelin’ Alright”? Would you put that in your band’s setlist? More importantly, would that song be right for your band’s setlist? Listen as Paul and Dave talk about pulling together a band with a focus more on performing than playing the songs everyone […] The post You Haven’t Seen My Fastball… Yet! — Gig Gab 273 appeared first on Gig Gab.

This week starts with some Cool Stuff Found in terms of apps for your phone that might just make your life easier. Then, Paul and Dave get into the question: where are you and your band going? What are your plans. Your two favorite weekend warriors talk about how they’re […] The post Keep Your Feet Moving — Gig Gab 272 appeared first on Gig Gab.

One of the silver linings of our current reality is appreciating some of the things we might have taken for granted in the past. Playing music for the love of it certainly tastes a lot sweeter today than it did six months ago, and Dave and Paul talk through some […] The post Playing For the Love of Music — Gig Gab 271 appeared first on Gig Gab.

What’s the future of live music going to look like? Pandemic or not, the momentum of change was already palpable. Did the pandemic accelerate it? Listens as Paul and Dave share their thoughts on what they’re seeing and where it’s going. But first, a few Cool Things Found, including a […] The post Where is Live Music Going? — Gig Gab 270 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Paul and Dave dig into their brains… and share what they find! This week it’s about the value of preparation. How much work do you put in ahead of the gig? More than that, which bits of your work are truly valuable, and how? That’s what you hear from your […] The post The Value of Preparation — Gig Gab 269 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Giving and receiving feedback is never easy. Well, it’s super easy if you want to send us an email: [email protected] 🙂 But when you’re in a band, that feedback process can be the thing that drives a wedge between band members. Paul and Dave dissect that a little bit in […] The post Take The Note — Gig Gab 268 appeared first on Gig Gab.

What happens when you sub out for a gig and your original member becomes available? A conundrum! Thankfully Paul and Dave have some thoughts — and recent experiences — to share. On top of that, what’s your band doing to stay connected right now? That’s perhaps the most important question to […] The post The Etiquette of Subbing — Gig Gab 267 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Keeping your band in sync is never an easy thing, and everyone knows it. Perhaps the most important thing is to make sure you’re all on the same page, and that doesn’t mean “like every other band.” It just means, “like this band.” Really it just means you all need […] The post The Same Amount of Crazy — Gig Gab 266 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Dan Ray and Adam Johnson join Paul and Dave this week for a crossover episode of Cover Band Confidential and Gig Gab. Listen as your FOUR favorite weekend warriors talk through how they’re dealing with gigs during the pandemic, keeping their music lives alive (while prioritizing simply staying alive themselves!), […] The post The Meeting of Four Minds — Gig Gab 265 and Cover Band Confidential 100 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Gear Gab is back! This time your two favorite weekend warriors are talking about Mackie’s new universal-fit in-ear monitors, microphone pre-amps (and devices to help them along), and a little bit about gain and mixing. And hey, Dave played a gig this weekend (two of them, in fact!), so he […] The post Where’s The QuickStart Guide? — Gig Gab 264 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Try as they might to avoid it, sometimes your two favorite weekend warriors wind up talking about the pandemic. This week weaves conversations about performances, streaming, syncing video, and Hamilton (the show, not the podcaster) with related thoughts about what it’ll take to feel safe doing all the things we […] The post Asterisk Pandemic — Gig Gab 263 appeared first on Gig Gab.

With David Shanhun, his smooth vocals and articulate guitar work are what you hear, but under the surface is an equal masterpiece of David’s looping and arrangements. It doesn’t stop there: David has taken his fantastic YouTube channel and begun using it to help teach other musicians how to integrate […] The post David Shanhun: Looping, Streaming, Playing — Gig Gab 262 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Paul and Dave have been secretly working together on a project with their old band, and today that finally was released. Hear your two favorite weekend warriors talk about the process of recording (and coordinating!) a song in quarantine. Last night, Dave played the first pandemic gig of Gig Gab’s […] The post Playing the Pandemic Stage — Gig Gab 261 appeared first on Gig Gab.

It’s June, 2020, and your two favorite weekend warriors haven’t played a gig in months. As the reality of that “next gig” sets in—as the reality of interacting with society again sets in—it’s pretty clear that re-entry anxiety is alive and well. Both Paul and Dave are experiencing it in […] The post Re-Entry Anxiety — Gig Gab 260 appeared first on Gig Gab.

We all love gear, and your two favorite weekend warriors have even more of it to talk about this week for you. Plus, Dave’s come up with a new addition to his woodshed routine to keep himself going during lockdown. Speaking of lockdown, listener Mike has some thoughts to share […] The post Almost Willing… — Gig Gab 259 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Dave Cook, long-time audio engineer and owner of Area 52 Studios joins your two favorite weekend warriors today with stories, advice, and more. Dave shares how he “accidentally” wound up engineering “Love Shack” as well as Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, what rules Bernard Purdie laid down (before he […] The post Dave Cook: Streaming Sound Advice, Love Shack, Carly Simon, and More — Gig Gab 258 appeared first on Gig Gab.

We know you want to play. We all do! What does that next gig look like? How will it work? When will you—and your band—be comfortable playing together again? Does that happen indoors in a rehearsal space or outdoors for a show? These are the seeds planted in the minds […] The post Lighting, Ranting, & Planning Your Next Show — Gig Gab 257 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Have you had YouTube or Facebook mute the songs on your stream because of copyright claims? There might be something you can do about it! Paul and Dave talk through their experiences with navigating these waters, and even share how you can make money playing your own songs from the […] The post Payscale, Licensing, and Toys – Gig Gab 256 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Brad Madix, Front-of-House Engineer for Rush, Bruce Hornsby, Shania Twain, Shakira, Queensrÿche, Jane’s Addiction, Mr. Big, and more joins Paul and Dave today to chat sound, mixing, stories, and Gig Gab! Brad’s tales and advice are endless – and endlessly valuable! Listen to hear Brad share stories about finding himself behind […] The post Brad Madix: Stories from Front of House with Rush, Queensrÿche, Jane’s Addiction, and More – Gig Gab 255 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Today it’s time to talk gear. And gain staging. And effects. And audio interfaces. And Microphones. Oh, wait, those last two are gear, too, aren’t they? And effects… that can be gear? Are effects considered “gear” if it’s a digital plugin versus a piece of outboard equipment? Oh the questions […] The post Gear Gab – Gig Gab 254 appeared first on Gig Gab.

How do your fans feel? Do you know? If not, what can you do to find out? Well, Paul and Dave talk through all of this and more. The good news is you can be a fan now, too, and learn what it feels like when someone asks you to […] The post Managing–and Learning–Your Fans’ Expectations – Gig Gab 253 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Paul and Dave start today’s show with a detour about… playing live! Sure, we can’t do this right now, but that means now is a great time to stop and think about some of the more overlooked aspects of your live show and setup. We’re out of the grind of […] The post Thinking of the Stage – Gig Gab 252 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Steve Witschel returns to Gig Gab after four years to talk about the evolution of his Cover Band Central site and Facebook groups. Things have grown quite a bit for CBC since Steve chatted with your two favorite weekend warriors, and they go through that evolution together. Steve’s also spent […] The post Cover Band Central’s Steve Witschel on Live Streaming and More – Gig Gab 251 appeared first on Gig Gab.

As promised, Paul and Dave talk through what they know and have learned about setting yourself up to live stream from your house or studio. There are definitely some tips and tricks, and your two favorite weekend warriors share as many of them as they’ve found. Then it’s on to […] The post Live Streaming Tech and Trusting The Muse – Gig Gab 250 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Listen, sometimes running a band isn’t fun. Sometimes it requires thinking about accounting and managing people and employment law and all that. Today’s Gig Gab digs into some of that not-fun stuff, specifically about managing shared band expenses and another bit about California’s AB5. Really, this stuff isn’t fun, but […] The post How Do You Scream? – Gig Gab 244 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Dave’s fresh out of the studio at The Noise Floor where he spent the weekend recording a new album with Bitter Pill. He’s got a lot of takeaways to share from that experience, and some new things to look forward to, as well. Then he and Paul dig into – and […] The post Recording – and Managing – Your Band: Gig Gab 243 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Who’s your boss? Are you the boss? These questions are important to ask when discussing matters related to employment. The latest in this saga is unfolding in California right now with AB5, causing a re-definition of some musicians from independent contractors to employees. We’ve seen this before, but is this […] The post Blues, Bits, and Bosses – Gig Gab 242 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Playing music together often creates a very tight bond between musicians involving trust and compassion. But even though that bond is strong, it’s usually not something that’s naturally all-encompassing. How do you take that and build from it? And how do you use it to help your band? These are […] The post Do You Want My Help? – Gig Gab 241 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Two questions to start: How do you handle not-currently-in-use vocal mics? And when you setup on stage, do you make sure everyone can see each other without turning around? That’s how this Gig Gab episode starts, folks, and then it evolves, winding up with a dissection of having your audience […] The post Should We Play It Like The Record? – Gig Gab 240 appeared first on Gig Gab.

It’s time to start off the new year by thinking about your song list. Paul and Dave have a lot to say about song selection, mostly because they’ve both made a ton of mistakes in this regard, both about songs and the process of selecting them. Learn what they’ve learned so […] The post Song Selection, Cowbells, & The Professor – Gig Gab 239 appeared first on Gig Gab.

How often do you go back and re-evaluate the way you play a song you’ve had in your repertoire for years? Those tunes that gain “autopilot” status are easy to ignore, but there can be value in dissecting them. Dave recently went through some of this, and has some thoughts […] The post In Search of Fair Money – Gig Gab 238 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Have you ever been a house band? If so, or if not, what does that concept mean to you? Listen as Paul and Dave talk through the whole idea of what a house band could be, and how different folks are iterating on that idea. What can you adopt from […] The post The House Band Concept – Gig Gab 237 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Your band is filled with people, and that means there’s a psychological component to everything you do, including keeping your band together. How actively do you and your bandmates manage that? And is that enough? That’s not all Paul and Dave talk about today, though! Dave got to see three […] The post Band Psychology – Gig Gab 236 appeared first on Gig Gab.

When the crowd is there to hear you, paying attention to every nuance, it’s a completely different world. Dave had the option to re-experience that recently, and talks through it all. Then it’s time to talk about your vocal technique. Dave and Paul share the lessons they’ve learned as not-professional-singers, […] The post Just Sing It Straight – Gig Gab 235 appeared first on Gig Gab.

What do vanity songs, iPads on stage, Nashville, and your reviews of Gig Gab all have in common? Well, they teach Paul and Dave to get over themselves and just deliver the podcast for YOU, our listeners. Yes, it’s true, your two favorite weekend warriors sometimes get stuck in their […] The post Get Over Yourself – Gig Gab 234 appeared first on Gig Gab.

What do you do to keep things fresh for your band and your audience? What more could you do? As much as we love the music, it’s not just about the music. There’s more we can all do – especially in today’s attention-distracted world – to ensure our fans are interested […] The post Keeping it Fresh – Gig Gab 233 appeared first on Gig Gab.

What’s it take to get you to put your pants and shoes on and leave the couch? That’s the question to ask your would-be audience when deciding how to advertise to them. You want them to get up off the couch and come to your show, so make ’em an […] The post AD(vertising) INFINITUM – Gig Gab 232 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Listener Sean brings us back to the marketing table asking how best to make that very first contact with a potential club to play. Paul’s the experienced one here, and he leads us all through a great lesson on how best to make that work. It seems we’re all now […] The post Selling Your Band: First Contact – Gig Gab 231 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Does your band have a new song approach policy? Maybe you need to adopt the rule of three. Maybe you need to tweak the wireless frequencies of your devices. Maybe it’s good to have a conversation about trust between your bandmates. Listen, there’s a lot of maybes in the world, […] The post The Rule of Three – Gig Gab Podcast 230 appeared first on Gig Gab.

There’s a point you can get to with a band where playing together feels like putting on your favorite comfy slippers. Things are happy, things are smooth, and you have room and confidence to conquer the stage. But what happens when the slippers aren’t comfortable anymore? Or aren’t even there? […] The post Comfy Slippers – Gig Gab 229 appeared first on Gig Gab.

It’s great to get your band to a place where you can just get setup and play without any issues. That’s not always easy, mind you, but it’s great. Paul and Dave both have a few stories – and a few tips – about how to make this happen… and what happens […] The post Finding (and leaving) Your Comfort Zone – Gig Gab 228 appeared first on Gig Gab.

If your band can successfully employ the concept of intentional inclusivity with your crowd, you are destined for success. Listen as Paul and Dave open up this topic, and then send in your own thoughts to [email protected]. First, though, a conversation about subbing percolates to the importance of confidence. No […] The post Confidence, Inclusivity, and Nightlife Crowds vs. Music Lovers – Gig Gab 227 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Have you ever had it where all the clubs you’re playing suddenly no longer want bands anymore? If you haven’t, you will. Thankfully, Paul and Dave have each been through it, and have some words of wisdom to share on the subject. First though, let’s talk about a few scenarios […] The post (Re-)Creating Your Base of Club Gigs – Gig Gab 226 appeared first on Gig Gab.

When someone brings a new song in for your band to learn, what’s the process? What does it take for it to be a success? What does it take for your whole band to buy-in to the process? Listen as Paul and Dave share their successes–and failures–in this regard. They’ll […] The post Does Your Band Have Buy-In? – Gig Gab Podcast 225 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Contract riders have the stigma of being reserved for only the über-elite – and über-pompous – bands. The reality is, though, that riders can be very useful and helpful devices in ensuring not only a great performance, but a smoother gig-day experience for everyone. Listen as Paul and Dave talk through their favorite […] The post What’s in Your Rider? – Gig Gab 224 appeared first on Gig Gab.

If you were starting all over again with your band, what would you do and how would you do it? That’s the question Paul poses to Dave – and, by proxy, all of us – today. Listen as your two favorite weekend warriors talk through all of this and a […] The post What is Your Band’s Purpose? – Gig Gab Podcast 223 appeared first on Gig Gab.

How do you introduce new songs to your band’s setlist? This is a pretty loaded question, it turns out, and your two favorite weekend warriors chat through this. Seems it might even need some kind of intentional process, especially if you want new songs to enter your band’s top 10. […] The post The Final 45 – Gig Gab Podcast 222 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Are you in for a rollicking good time? Enjoying your summer, either playing in the streets or watching bands playing in the streets? That’s fun! Got a player who can’t stay in the pocket? What about when the bandleader isn’t up to snuff? How about when a festival doesn’t wanna […] The post Eff That – Gig Gab Podcast 221 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Sometimes you get to go on stage with a band of musicians with whom you’ve played many times before. Sometimes you get to go on stage with musicians you’ve never met! Both can be rewarding – and a little scary! – and it seems Paul and Dave’s bicoastal synchronicity has struck once […] The post Trusting Your Fellow Musicians – Gig Gab Podcast 220 appeared first on Gig Gab.

How do you define “great”? More importantly: do you and your bandmates share that definition? If not, is there someone in your band to whom you all defer on that topic? How do you make sure your band comes across “great” all the time? Paul and Dave think there’s another […] The post The Definition of Great – Gig Gab Podcast 219 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Need advice on using in-ears? Check! Want to learn how to play with a click? Check! How about managing all those wireless channels? Check! Paul and Dave have have all sorts of tips for you… and then a discussion (also tip-filled!) about requests and how to handle them. Don’t miss […] The post Request-O-Rama – Gig Gab Podcast 217 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Play long enough and you’ll lose a booking, it’s just how it goes. The questions are: how do you handle it? And what can you do to help keep it from happening in the first place? (Psst: sometimes you can’t!). That’s not all, though. Listener Kevin has some ideas about […] The post Lost a Gig? You’re Not The First – Gig Gab Podcast 216 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Where can you hear about Sweet Home Alabama, Sample In a Jar, Tower of Power and, yes, Teen Town in the same place? This week’s Gig Gab Podcast, of course! Plus, for those of you who aren’t coiling cables correctly – and that includes pretty much every one of you […] The post The Teen Town Edition – Gig Gab Podcast 215 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Your listener feedback this week brings Paul and Dave to some interesting places, first talking about the shortage of keyboard players, and wrapping up with a conversation about the glass ceiling for cover bands. But first, your two favorite weekend warriors got a chance to play together last week, so […] The post The Glass Ceiling for Cover Bands? – Gig Gab Podcast 214 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Do you analyze your performances after the fact? If so… how long do you wait? Paul and Dave discuss the relative merits of when this is helpful, and how. But first, a fight! Well, not really, but there’s a sternly-worded discussion to be had about sitting vs. standing at your […] The post Analyzing Your Performances – Gig Gab Podcast 213 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Real estate agents and musicians share a common truth: location matters. What’s your location like? What’s your scene like? Has it changed? Have you stopped recently and really evaluated what you’ve got around you? That’s what Paul and Dave do to start today’s show. Then it’s on to listener feedback, […] The post What’s Your Scene? – Gig Gab Podcast 212 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Is it a jam session if no music is played? What if music is discussed? Your two favorite weekend warriors say, “yes!” to these questions, and start off the episode with a jam session about setlists. Listen as Paul and Dave talk through a few of their recent setlist choices […] The post Shared Guilty Pleasures – Gig Gab Podcast 211 appeared first on Gig Gab.

When you find an episode that has great catchphrases like “Woodshedding The Breaks”, “Stay Humble and Hungry”, “One Note per Word”, and “The Martini Metric”, you know it’s gonna be good. Listen as Paul and Dave, your two favorite weekend warriors, have a verbal jam session in which they not […] The post The Martini Metric – Gig Gab Podcast 210 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Today, your feedback and emails send Paul and Dave down the musical wormhole to explore topics like reading music, dealing with sound reflections, and reacting to a crowd that’s not reacting to you. Listen to your two favorite weekend warriors discuss all this and more. Press play, listen, learn a […] The post Down the Musical Wormhole: Reflecting, Reacting, and Reading – Gig Gab Podcast 209 appeared first on Gig Gab.

This week finds your two favorite weekend warriors doing something they love: Digging into the mailbag! Listener Matt asks about using iPads on stage, which seems is always a hot-button topic. Eric’s curious about guitar amp simulators, Chris has a question about managing two guitars in a band, and Peter […] The post Gig Gab MailBag: Get Your Eyes off Your Pad – Gig Gab Podcast 208 appeared first on Gig Gab.

When things are good you don’t think about it, but when the feel of your instrument in your hands changes… nothing else matters. That goes for what you hear in your ears, too. So much of playing music is a visceral experience, and any distractions there can really take you […] The post The Value of The Singalong – Gig Gab Podcast 207 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Your instruments are important to you, so you’ve got to take care of them – and that includes your voice. Paul and Dave talk through some recent troubles Dave’s been having, and then move on to properly caring for your audiences, too. It’s important to understand who your audience is […] The post Care and Feeding of Your Instrument – Gig Gab Podcast 206 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Dave’s back from SXSW and has a few stories to share about bands he saw. First, though, he and Paul talk through expanding your setlist, specifically from the angle of purpose. Why are you adding the songs you’re adding? Are they the best way to serve your band’s show? Lastly, […] The post SXSW, Singalongs, & Filling Your Setlist – Gig Gab Podcast 205 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Dave’s at SXSW 2019, and he has seen more than a few things worthy of a Gig Gab discussion. First he and Paul talk through the overall vibe of SXSW, and then it’s time to get into some specifics! Amanda Palmer, Redd Volkaert, and Nashville all make cameos, but the […] The post The Mr. Jimmy Story – Gig Gab Podcast 204 appeared first on Gig Gab.

What do you do when you’re approached by someone at a gig who wants more than just a friendly hello? How about dealing with a booking agent who makes promises they won’t keep? Do you sell merchandise (versus just having merchandise you can’t sell)? And… what do you do to […] The post Fist Bump To The Rescue – Gig Gab Podcast 203 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Music is about emotion, and passion, and expression, and so many other intangible things. But how do you get there? What are the mechanics that it takes to make this happen? This is where Paul and Dave’s inspiration comes from for today’s episode. How do you deal with playing with […] The post Music Mechanics – Gig Gab Podcast 202 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Sometimes the topics just flow. Of course, you folks do help with that… and today it’s all over the place. Paul and Dave take you on a journey that starts with revamping the airline industry, touches on the beauty of Alex Chilton’s blue-eyed-soul-inspired power pop, mentions Rick Nielsen more than […] The post Propofol Airlines & The Spank Box – Gig Gab Podcast 201 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Some of the greatest art comes from an artist who trusts themselves, regardless of what others are saying, and just puts it out there. This, of course, can happen in many different forms. In music, it can be the guy who came up with an infectious piano groove to change […] The post When You’ve Got it Right, Trust Yourself – Gig Gab Podcast 200 appeared first on Gig Gab.

How many ways do you communicate your identity or that of your band? Is it in your performance? Is it in your merchandise? Is it in your stage banter? Is it on your kick drum head? Is it in your name? The answer is yes! And, of course, Paul and […] The post The Who Are You? Episode – Gig Gab Podcast 199 appeared first on Gig Gab.

This week, your two favorite working musicians dig into the now-overflowing mailbag and share your thoughts and questions with the audience. Hear Kevin’s thoughts about having your own, band-specific, portable monitor rack, DK’s thoughts about the Soundcraft Ui24R, and Martin’s question about mixing politics and music. Paul and Dave talk […] The post Always Be Performing…With Semaphore – Gig Gab Podcast 198 appeared first on Gig Gab.

We often talk about stage presence, but what about off-stage presence? And how much is too much? And what happens when a fan reads more into your vibe than you intended? How do you remain appropriately distant without appearing to be aloof? Then it’s on to some Cool Stuff Found […] The post Controlling Your Outward Vibe – Gig Gab Podcast 196 appeared first on Gig Gab.

It's been 195 episodes and almost four years. Paul Kent and Dave Hamilton take you through some lessons they've learned this year. What lessons have you learned? Send 'em in to [email protected]. The post Songs, Lessons, Resolutions, and Synchronicity – Gig Gab 195 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Your weekend warriors love gear as much as the next musician, so they each take some time to talk through a few things on their Gigging Christmas Wishlists. But first, it’s time for a few discussions. Do you have trouble memorizing your lyrics? The guys talk through their tips and […] The post Satisfying Setlists and Christmas Wish Lists – Gig Gab Podcast 194 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Does multitasking work? Wait, what were you doing? You were listening to Gig Gab. Press play to resume hearing Paul and Dave talk through how to know – and respect – your place amongst your fellow musicians. Lots to sort through here, folks, and your two favorite weekend warriors get the job […] The post Know Your Place Amongst Your Fellow Musicians – Gig Gab Podcast 193 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Managing calendars during the holiday season – especially December – is tough. Listen to how your two favorite weekend warriors are each addressing their December scheduling dilemmas. Then it’s time to revisit the concept of vocal stomp boxes – and stomp boxes, in general. Your comments helped open Dave’s eyes (and […] The post Managing Your Holiday Season Calendar & Stomp Boxes Revisited – Gig Gab Podcast 192 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Are originals part of what your band does? If not, have you ever wanted to try and fit some in if you could? Listen to Paul and Dave share their (very different!) experiences with each other about this, including Paul’s commitment for 2019, and Dave’s Goblin Cock story. Oh yes, […] The post The Goblin Cock Story – Gig Gab Podcast 191 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Are you sure you need that effects box? For your voice? In a rock band? Also, if you play a multi-band gig is it appropriate to leave before the entire evening comes to a close? And lastly, how clever are your setlists? And how clever should they be? Paul and Dave […] The post Stomping Out the Stomp Boxes – Gig Gab Podcast 190 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Paul visited Nashville and Dave visited the dentist. One of those things happened in the last week, even, but never fear: they both resulted in relevant stories for you, our listeners. A quick conversation about leverage finds its way into the show, and using it to negotiate non-zero-sum outcomes. And […] The post Nashville and The “Rinse” Lesson – Gig Gab Podcast 189 appeared first on Gig Gab.

It’s easy to get caught up in all the time you’re spending on stage (and the time you spending preparing for that!), but it’s equally important to treat your nights off stage as priorities, too. There’s a yin and a yang to a lot of things, not just this, and […] The post Cherish Your Downtime, Too – Gig Gab Podcast 188 appeared first on Gig Gab.

What happens when a new manager takes over at a club where you’ve already got dates booked? Your answer to this question will undoubtedly impact your band’s future bookings. The good news is that you are in control. Listen to advice from Paul and Dave as they share experiences and […] The post Managing Relationships with Clubs, Owners, Bands, and Fans – Gig Gab Podcast 187 appeared first on Gig Gab.

When the Amazing Super Duper Squirrels meet their arch nemesis, what does that mean for the number of female tuba players available for your next gig? This, folks, is an example of the important questions that Paul Kent and Dave Hamilton, your two favorite weekend warriors, dissect on Gig Gab! […] The post Trumpets, Tubas, and Squirrels – Gig Gab Podcast 186 appeared first on Gig Gab.

If at first you don’t succeed, it’s worth asking, “did I believe?” Well, did you? Gig Gab might help. First, Paul and Dave talk through some of their gigs, both recently and upcoming, as they’re both doing some different stuff that detours from the norm (is there really a norm, […] The post Believe First, Negotiate Second – Gig Gab Podcast 185 appeared first on Gig Gab.

What happens when your bandmate can’t make the gig? What happens when you can’t make the gig? More to the point: what happens when listener Patrick asks Paul to reconcile the fact that he despises subs with the fact that Paul now plays in multiple bands? What happens is that […] The post Subs Happen! – Gig Gab Podcast 184 appeared first on Gig Gab.

In what key should you play Happy Birthday? How do you count the intros of Drive My Car and Glory Days? Answering the important questions: Paul Kent and Dave Hamilton. Then it’s on to the magic of the groove and how to find the mojo inside the songs you’re playing… […] The post Counting Up-beat Intros…and other things – Gig Gab Podcast 183 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Ever wake up the morning of a gig too nervous to do the gig? Does your band have signals or a plan for when a uninvited guest graces your stage? Do you understand the difference between a contractor and an employee? Have you never thought about any of these things? […] The post Anxiety, Bad Guys, and Accounting – Gig Gab Podcast 182 appeared first on Gig Gab.

When is it time to buck the traditional flow of a party or wedding gig and do something a little different? When you have a better idea, that’s when! Dave attended a wedding this weekend and learned quite a few new things just by being a guest. Paul’s got a […] The post Evening Flow and Clean Stages – Gig Gab Podcast 181 appeared first on Gig Gab.

A big part of performing live music involves engaging with the crowd. The better you can do that, the better your band will do in a general sense. But there’s a cost… what happens when that one member of the crowd goes too far? What happens when they see the […] The post Do Your Fans Love You Too Much? – Gig Gab Podcast 180 appeared first on Gig Gab.

In both the lead-up to a gig and the setup at the show there are many opportunities for things to feel like they’re being derailed. Too much of that – really, any amount of that – has the potential to impact your perception of the gig. And, as the performer, your […] The post Finding On-Stage Bliss – Gig Gab Podcast 179 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Your comfort level on stage can make or break your performance in so many ways, including how both you and the crowd each perceive the outcome. How do you do it? What tricks can you employ to lean towards success? What’s the magic formula? And, most importantly, what should you […] The post Managing Your On-Stage Comfort – Gig Gab Podcast 178 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Art can be created and delivered in many forms, but being on stage and performing live has some unique benefits…and challenges! Listen as Paul and Dave talk through several aspects of this, from perspectives of both the performer and the audience member! Chapters/Timestamps: 00:00:00 Gig Gab 177 – Monday, August […] The post The Benefits and Pitfalls of Creating Live Art – Gig Gab Podcast 177 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Sometimes you gain experience, sometimes you get to shuffle, and sometimes you get both. Oh, also, sometimes you get neither. It’s life, man. That’s how it goes. This week, Paul and Dave – your two favorite weekend warriors – have many stories to tell. Paul’s band opened up for Eddie Money […] The post Shuffling Experiences – Gig Gab Podcast 176 appeared first on Gig Gab.

You know that special moment when your band gets to that point where everything’s flowing and you operate on one heartbeat? Paul and Dave each experienced that this weekend in different ways and, of course, they share their experiences. That’s not all it’s about, though. When you bring in songs […] The post The Flow of One Heartbeat – Gig Gab Podcast 175 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Every show has a theme, and after your two favorite Weekend Warriors took a week off from podcasting, they’ve had a lot to think about. It’s no surprise, then, that the theme of this episode is thinking. When is thinking good, and when is it bad? How many gigs is […] The post When Your Brain Starts Playing – Gig Gab Podcast 174 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Drummer, producer, composer, and singer, Buddy Gibbons talks through his start in marching band, how traditional grip unlocked his entire career, and simply provides lesson after lesson for anyone wanting to create a living playing music. Informative, inspirational, and simply charming, Buddy walks through it all for Paul and Dave […] The post Buddy Gibbons: Building a Music Career – Gig Gab Podcast 173 appeared first on Gig Gab.

You have the power to control your audience. Well, kind of. You have the power to choose how you emote on stage, and there’s a lot of power behind choosing happy songs. Paul and Dave talk about this, and how to go about it. But that’s not all… outdoor gigs, […] The post Choosing Happy Songs … and Which Drummers could have replaced Keith Moon? – Gig Gab Podcast 172 appeared first on Gig Gab.

When you’re looking at promoting your band, what are the important factors to portray? Is it all about the music? Unfortunately, that may not be case… in fact, it’s not the case. But don’t fret… Paul and Dave have some answers or at least some perspective for you, answering questions […] The post Communicating Your Professionalism – Gig Gab Podcast 171 appeared first on Gig Gab.

How do cruise ships, fiddle players, Joe Zawinul, percussive guitar, and taping lyrics to a kick drum all tie together? If you had asked Paul Kent and Dave Hamilton that question before they recorded this episode, they probably wouldn’t have had an answer. Now, though, not only do they have […] The post Value Simplicity, Highlight the Differences – Gig Gab Podcast 170 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Bars are intimidating things to some people. When was the last time you, as a musician, thought about that? It’s good to think about music from your audience’s perspective and consider the vibe that you’re creating for them… and that’s exactly what Paul Kent and Dave Hamilton talk about today. […] The post Music From the Fan’s Perspective – Gig Gab Podcast 169 appeared first on Gig Gab.

“Hey, would you like to do a project together?” It’s easy when your answer is “yes,” but what happens when it’s not? How do you deal with this now-difficult scenario? Paul and Dave talk through all of this for you today. We’re not sure they come up with the magic […] The post The Art of “No” – Gig Gab Podcast 168 appeared first on Gig Gab.

How tough do the tough conversations get in your band? Today Paul and Dave talk through some of their experiences with that, especially as it relates to band members relative preparedness levels. Yeah, that’s a mouthful, and that’s not all there is in this episode. Your two favorite weekend warriors […] The post Paging Mr. Murphy – Gig Gab Podcast 167 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Today, Paul and Dave jump from subject to subject in a seemingly random fashion (hint: whatever they write next, it was random). But it’s never truly random, is it? Nope. This one is about ego. Seeing egos on stage, managing your own ego, when to have one, when to suppress it, […] The post How Much Ego is Too Much Ego? – Gig Gab Podcast 166 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Today Paul and Dave get cerebral, which is fitting given where the conversation goes. Come sit at the Grown-Ups’ Table (just this once!) and enjoy a heady conversation about managing all day gigs, managing the song list, fostering FOMO and, of course, the “Sweet Home Alabama” vs. “Freewill” discussion. Chapters/Timestamps: […] The post Eating at the Grown-Ups’ Table – Gig Gab Podcast 165 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Whether you’re a band or a solo artist, a musical performance is always a collaboration. There are sound engineers, bandmates, audience members, and venue staff that are all involved in making your performance a success. Today Paul and Dave talk through the realities of this, both objectively as outsiders and […] The post Intentional Collaboration – Gig Gab Podcast 164 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Sometimes there are songs you play even though you don’t like them. Most of the time you play songs you like. If you’re lucky, though, every now and then you get to play a song you truly love. Yeah, yeah, we’re all pros and we always say, “my favorite song […] The post The China Buddha Fat Man Conundrum – Gig Gab Podcast 163 appeared first on Gig Gab.

We always say, “Always Be Performing”, but what does that mean to you? Are you actively performing? Are you thinking about what to do to perform? Or are you just letting it happen naturally? Is naturally good enough for you and your crowd? And are you the kind of musician […] The post Performance Tips 101 – Gig Gab Podcast 162 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Today your two favorite weekend warriors have a jam session of the spoken kind. Covering topics from early start times, ways to bring the same crowd back again and again, playing for opportunities instead of dollars, and proactively replacing gear, they cover a lot of ground. Paul and Dave also […] The post Everyone is Brave Online – Gig Gab Podcast 161 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Every show has a theme and this one – not surprisingly – is about overthinking. Or is it just thinking? Or maybe it’s not thinking, but it is about your brain doing something on its own. Is that still thinking? We think it might be. You’d better listen and find out, otherwise […] The post Your Brain is Very Busy on Stage – Gig Gab 160 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Every time you take the stage, you have an audience out there waiting for you to deliver. In fact, the expectation is for you to do exactly that. How aware of this are you? How much do you focus on ensuring this happens, even in the event of trainwrecks and […] The post The Implied Contract with Your Audience – Gig Gab Podcast 159 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Rock gigs always bring out the best from your two favorite weekend warriors, and this week had Paul and Dave experiencing some real highlights. There’s always something to be learned from every gig, isn’t there? Really, though, it all comes down to awareness and having an honest conversation with your […] The post The Conversation With Your Audience – Gig Gab Podcast 158 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Dave’s just back from attending a full week of the SXSW Conference and Festivals, and he and Paul have a lot to discuss! From new bands that Dave found, to new films that Dave saw, SXSW provided an infusion of new info and new thinking and, well, that’s the point […] The post SXSW, New Bands, New Films, and a New Way of Thinking about Older Music – Gig Gab 157 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Have you ever peed next to a rock star? How about a former Vice President? Dave has peed next to both Dave Grohl and Al Gore, and for some reason Paul gets him to tell those stories perfectly in the context of your normally-scheduled Gig Gab. Guess which one has […] The post Rock Star Bathroom Politics – Gig Gab 156 appeared first on Gig Gab.

When should you have a contract? If you follow Paul and Dave’s advice and definitions, you should have something resembling a contract for every gig. Listen to hear what they mean… and why. Sometimes a cascading series of bad events turns into a great night, and Paul’s got a story […] The post Always get a contract? Well, sort of… – Gig Gab Podcast 155 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Talk about a verbal jam session! Sure, your two favorite weekend warriors talk about their strategies for when to post your events on Facebook, but there are about a zillion other topics that seem to weave into one another. From managing your core strength to the history of the National […] The post Your Band & Facebook – Gig Gab Podcast 154 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Have you ever thought about traveling with you band? How about putting together a band whose only purpose is to travel? You two favorite weekend warriors talk all about this just for you. And, as should happen at the center of any conversation about booking gigs, it’s expressly decided that […] The post Praise to the Go-Getters – Gig Gab Podcast 153 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Sometimes it’s nirvana, and sometimes it’s a fight. The thing is, you never really know which way the gig is going to go until you’re in the thick of it… and then you just have to take it as it comes and deal with it! Whether it’s discussing the harnessing […] The post Nirvana Night vs. Fight Night – Gig Gab Podcast 152 appeared first on Gig Gab.

As musicians, we play because we love to play, and it’s an honor to be able to do that. But that’s not the only reason… and some gigs can feel pretty lonely, even if you’re surrounded by a crowd or fellow musicians. Dave and Paul start this episode thinking they […] The post The Loneliness Component – Gig Gab Podcast 151 appeared first on Gig Gab.

The stage is sacred ground for most musicians… but how does it get to be that way? Certainly it’s not comfortable the very first time you walk on stage. Depending on how you look at it, it may never be comfortable walking on stage… and yet, it can still become […] The post “Up Here, Nothing Can Touch Us” – Gig Gab Podcast 150 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Paul and Dave each had experiences – from both sides of the “rail” this week – with that concept where musicians need to manage what’s going on inside their bodies while on stage. They talk through Paul’s first gig with the Houserockers new drummer, and Dave’s experience watching seasoned, Grammy-winning professionals […] The post Managing Your Body on Stage – Gig Gab Podcast 149 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Is your band for sale? Of course it is! Otherwise you’re not getting paid. And if your band is for sale, then who is the salesperson? Listen to hear your long-time Weekend Warriors put on the relevant parts of their weekDAY hats and talk through their process for selling … […] The post Selling Your Band! – Gig Gab Podcast 148 appeared first on Gig Gab.

New Year’s Eve came and went for your two favorite working musicians. One of them played and one didn’t, and they have some stories to tell because both Paul and Dave learned some important lessons that night… and they share! Payment for your valuable services as a musician is definitely […] The post Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Money – Gig Gab Podcast 147 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Are you someone who’s trying to break into the music scene? Maybe you took some time off from playing or maybe you’ve never played out. What can you do to get going? Your two favorite weekend warriors were asked this question by a fellow listener and they spend some time […] The post Coffee House Gigs & Starting From Scratch – Gig Gab Podcast 146 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Sometimes that person in the crowd that wants to sit-in can be awesome… sometimes they can be awFUL. How do you tell which it’s going to be? Listen to Paul and Dave share some war stories and advice. Then it’s on to answering a question about Facebook and marketing and […] The post Crowd (Over-)Participation & Marketing Your Band – Gig Gab Podcast 145 appeared first on Gig Gab.

New sound for your band, new thoughts from your band members, even new sound for the show. Yep, the theme for this episode is, most undoubtedly, Listen and Learn. First we share a comment about getting sound on stage just right and – no surprise here – it’s all about listening. […] The post Listen and Learn – Gig Gab Podcast 144 appeared first on Gig Gab.

When it comes to being a singer, pitch is fundamental to doing it right. But that’s not all there is, and your two Weekend Warriors (and still-working-at-it-every-day singers!) talk through their respective journeys of gaining confidence and functionality in front of the microphone. But first, it’s time to talk about […] The post Pitch is Non-Negotiable – Gig Gab Podcast 143 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Your band is too loud. Ever heard that before? You’ve probably heard it at every type of gig imaginable. Is it your fault? Yes, it’s yours. Not just you, but not just your band, either. Yep, it’s time… Paul and Dave have The Volume Conversation. Are they honest enough? Only […] The post Let’s Have The Volume Conversation – Gig Gab Podcast 142 appeared first on Gig Gab.

It’s a thankful time of year, and Paul and Dave have many things to be thankful for. At least five things each, as a matter of fact. Listen to them talk through their lists, offering color and perspective for one another and, ultimately, well… I think you know where this […] The post A Musical Thanksgiving – Gig Gab Podcast 141 appeared first on Gig Gab.

First, your two favorite Weekend Warriors talk through creating your own event by answering Kevin’s “What is FLINGFest?” question. This opens up many avenues for Paul and Dave to discuss, and that takes them and you on a journey. For any other podcast that would be enough, but not GigGab. […] The post Who is Your Band’s MacGuyver? – Gig Gab Podcast 140 appeared first on Gig Gab.

It’s time to dig into the mechanics a bit. First, technology. How much is too much, or is there such a thing? Paul and Dave discuss. Then a bit into organizing shows for the best chances at success, even when you don’t get to rehearse as much as you’d like… […] The post Technology, Organization, and Protecting Your Hearing – Gig Gab Podcast 139 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Paul and Dave take on the important – and highly-sensitive – subject of what makes a real artist. Are you in it for the money? Does that matter? What message does it send to your fellow musicians and community if you communicate that message publicly? Paul and Dave discuss. Then a […] The post Are You In It For The Money? – Gig Gab Podcast 138 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Paul and Dave talk through what happens when you spend some social capital and air your dirty laundry… because Paul did this recently … and so did Dave! What are the risks, what are the rewards, and what are the unintended consequences? Listen as your two favorite weekend warriors chat […] The post Washing the Dirty Laundry of the Music Business – Gig Gab 137 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Dissecting different types of working bands, it’s time to look into what makes a band a wedding band. Could your band make the leap? Would you want to? Paul and Dave discuss. Then it’s on to finalizing the process for Paul’s drummer auditions, including how much the band should talk […] The post The Grandma Factor – Gig Gab 136 appeared first on Gig Gab.

It’s time for some dissecting, folks. Dave and Paul spend some time dissecting Yes, the band, and then dissecting their own bands and projects. Finding what works, what doesn’t, and being careful not to over-analyze and change too much is the goal. Listen and follow along! Chapters/Timestamps: 00:00:00 GigGab 135 […] The post Replaying the Hits, and Reevaluating Your Habits – Gig Gab 135 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Paul and Dave take a moment – actually, an entire episode – to reflect upon what Tom Petty and his music meant to each of them. They have quite different stories to tell… press play, listen, and enjoy! Chapters/Timestamps: 00:00:00 GigGab 134 – Thursday, Oct 5, 2017 00:01:07 Tom Petty 00:02:43 Watch out […] The post 3 minutes, 4 Chords, and The Truth: Remembering Tom Petty – Gig Gab 134 appeared first on Gig Gab.

How does your band divvy up gig money? Is there transparency or is it just flat-rate and that’s that? Paul and Dave talk through the finer (and not-so-finer!) points of this. Then it’s time to revisit the in-ears conversation, this time focusing on perfection. First though, Dave’s Gone Skiing… and […] The post Divvying Up Money and Perfecting your In-Ears – Gig Gab 133 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Everyone wants their moment to shine, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the same thing for everyone. Figuring out what that means for you is important. Even moreso, though, is figuring out what that means for your band members. Whether you’re a leader or in a democratic scenario, making sure everyone […] The post Getting Your Moment to Shine – Gig Gab 132 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Sometimes you’ve gotta replace a bandmate… and sometimes it’s the drummer. Your two favorite band geeks talk through this process in-depth today, exploring both how you find someone (yes, including Craigslist!) and then how you might go about auditioning them. But it’s more than that… how do you get to know […] The post The “American Girl” Litmus Test – Gig Gab 131 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Whether it’s you or someone you play with, you’ve almost certainly got to deal with the juggling act of playing in multiple bands. How do you handle schedule conflicts? What’s the best policy for you to have? Then it’s on to how you choose and learn songs in your band. […] The post Multiple Bands, Weather Issues, and Tip Jars – GigGab 130 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Paul’s experience with the Los Gatos Music in the Park series over the past 10 weeks has given him a lot to think. What’s the secret to making a band successful? What even defines success? This is the backdrop today as he and Dave talk through all of this… and more. […] The post The R.C.P.M. Formula – GigGab 129 appeared first on Gig Gab.

When you’re picking songs to play, how much attention to you pay to the studio arrangement versus finding a live track? Which have you found works better for you? How do you distill that down in your band’s formula? These are the answers Paul and Dave share in today’s episode. […] The post Finding Your Band’s Formula – GigGab 128 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Both Paul and Dave had their third gigs with replacement drummers in their respective bands… and they both found that’s the gig when a little bit of magic begins to happen. Hear them tell their tales and dig into the nuts and bolts of it all. Dave also had an […] The post Gig Number Three is the Magic One! – GigGab 127 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Listener Timothy shares a story that rings true with us and our motto: Always Be Performing! Before we get to that, though, there’s a conversation about another ABP motto: Always Be Prepared. And that doesn’t just apply to equipment – though it’s important there, too – it applies to people. […] The post Always Be … Prepared (and Performing… and Nice!) – GigGab 126 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Every local band shares at least one concern: keeping your show fresh for your audience. The real question is, how do you do it? Do you take requests? Do you mix up your setlist? Do you ask the audience to become part of your show? There’s no right or wrong […] The post Keeping Your Audience Engaged – GigGab 125 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Sometimes you have to cancel a gig. It happens. How do you deal with it? Your two favorite weekend warriors talk through the realities associated with it. Then it’s time to talk about renegotiating an existing gig. How can you do it? What’s the protocol? Is it OK? Paul and […] The post Cancelations and Renegotiations – GigGab 124 appeared first on Gig Gab.

As a musician, there are always so many things to learn and not all of them are music-related. How much camaraderie do you think you have as a band? How much do you help each other out? Paul and Dave wade into those waters here today and then surf over […] The post Camaraderie Culture & Gig-Specific Strategies – GigGab 123 appeared first on Gig Gab.

One of the best things that can happen to your band – original or cover – is to gain devoted fans. They’re there at every gig, they are your best form of word-of-mouth promotion, and they make you feel like the rock star you are. But there’s a downside to […] The post Those Pesky Klingons – GigGab 122 appeared first on Gig Gab.

This episode is all about finding the right balance. First, how do you deal with it when you’re on a stage that’s too big for your band? Thankfully Paul and Dave have made the mistakes so you don’t have to. Then your two favorite weekend warriors dig into the mailbag […] The post Finding Balance: Big Stages, Band, and Family – GigGab 121 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Every band deals with a booking agent at some point, and today that becomes true here at GigGab, too, as we welcome Paul Costley of Notso Costley Productions onto the show. Paul’s been playing in, managing, booking, and organizing bands since the 1970s, and has carved out a very successful […] The post Paul Costley, Booking Agent: Walking the Fine Line Between Rooms and Bands – GigGab 120 appeared first on Gig Gab.

How close is your band? Can you tell each other everything? How about at vocal rehearsals? These are the questions that your two favorite weekend warriors start with today. Then it’s into contracts. Pay attention to the minutia, folks, because it might not be minutia to other people. Then it’s […] The post Isolate the Distractions – GigGab 119 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Your two weekend warriors are on the same coast, within miles of each other, so what do they do? Record a podcast remotely like they always do! After all, that’s what they’re comfortable doing, and the best performances come from a place of comfort. Speaking of that, Paul and Dave […] The post The Comfort of Being on Stage – GigGab 118 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Your two favorite weekend warriors have been GigGabbing for almost two-and-a-half years, and the time has come to take a little stock in the action. What have Paul and Dave learned? How have their musical lives changed since the inception of the show, and what changes do they anticipate in […] The post It Ain’t Bragging If You Can Back It Up! – GigGab 117 appeared first on Gig Gab.

What happens when you or someone else starts the wrong song in the set? How do you handle a packed schedule full of multiple rehearsals and gigs in the same day? And how do you deal with a fellow musician who mocks what you do? These are the questions that […] The post Musical Snobbery – GigGab 116 appeared first on Gig Gab.

One quick glance at the title and you know this isn’t your average GigGab episode. Thankfully, we’re not that shallow… it is very much your normal GigGab episode. In fact, we dig into every aspect: the touchy feely? Covered. Gear? Covered. Practical how-to-style lessons? Covered! All of this, and more, just […] The post Soft Silicone, Hard Acrylic, and Managing a Trio – GigGab 115 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Drummers always seem to have a different perspective, and perhaps that’s because they literally have a different place from which they view a gig. If there’s a theme to this episode, that’s certainly a contender! Double-bookings happen, though, and Dave found himself in that scenario. He and Paul talk through what […] The post Exploring the Drummer’s Vantage Point – GigGab 114 appeared first on Gig Gab.

It’s time to get pensive, folks. First, your two favorite weekend warriors discuss the “poison in the locker room” mentality that often is the precursor to a band-wide bitch-session. Then it’s on to the aftermath of the bitch-sesh that eventually leads to someone asking, “why do we do this gig, […] The post Can Anyone Hear the Elephant on the Stage? – GigGab 113 appeared first on Gig Gab.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has some new members, and it’s time your two favorite weekend warriors discuss that! Then listener Ted has some questions about his snare drum sound, and Paul and Dave give some help his way. Lastly, there’s a thread that runs through today’s episode: […] The post The 1990s Conundrum – GigGab 112 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Paul and Dave take the opportunity today to dig a little deeper into a few topics they’ve mentioned recently. First, though, it’s a discussion about your pack-up routine. Everyone’s got one… and everyone’s a little bit different! Then it’s that ever-lasting discussion about having the right bandmates… and keeping them. […] The post Rock-and-Roll Hand Signals & The Fragility of Changing Personnel – GigGab 111 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Episode 110 finds your two favorite working musicians in an interesting headspace, with Dave even joining Paul on the path to truth and honesty and… the musicians’ way! Ever fire a club? Paul did this week, and he lives to tell the tale. When someone compliments your playing, how humble […] The post Firing a Club – GigGab 110 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Paul put on his acoustic Springsteen tribute show and has many lessons to share from that, including the benefits having an instrument tech on stage to help you. Marketing the event, too, brought more than a few insights, including what you unintentionally wind up doing to market the next event. Dave had […] The post Pick Up Something When You Drop It! – GigGab 109 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Today your two favorite working musicians launch right into a verbal jam session, with topics seemingly all over the map, but tying together in the best ways. Are you like Paul where you’re looking forward to every gig all week and all day? Or are you more like Dave where […] The post Time Flies … But it still Matters! – GigGab 108 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Paul finished his EP and talks about the process of mastering and distributing that. When it comes to cover songs, there’s an additional layer of complexity that Paul sorted out. Then it’s on to gig talk! Do you have someone in your band that takes mental notes during your gigs […] The post Band Leaders: Get Your Empathy Elsewhere – GigGab 107 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Do you and your bandmates ever feel competitive with one another? Channeled the right way, that healthy competition can make for excellent performances and music from your band. Paul and Dave talk through this a bit, but first it’s all about the energy. Sometimes the crowd feeds you first, and […] The post Healthy Competition, Studio Songs, & Auditions appeared first on Gig Gab.

At some gigs, the only thing worse than being asked, “can I play my harmonica with your band?” is “can I play your tambourine?” Listen to what Paul and Dave have to say about this, including what Dave would like to say to the people that ask this latter question. On […] The post Do You Have a Tambourine? – GigGab 105 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Long-time audio engineer, Andy Dolph, joins Paul and Dave this week to share some tips and tricks for making your band sound its best – and avoid sounding its worst – on GigGab this week. Hear Andy’s microphone recommendations, tips for solving feedback in both the monitors and the mains, mixing […] The post Fixing Feedback and Stage Sound with Audio Engineer Andy Dolph – GigGab 104 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Do you use in-ears? Are you comfortable when you use them? Do they sound right? Paul and Dave dive back into this topic, almost accidentally, and uncover some truths about what it takes to get a good in-ear mix… and guess what? It’s not just up to you and the […] The post What’s Wrong with My In-Ears? – GigGab 103 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Your two favorite weekend warriors are in the midst of some atypical musical experiences, and today’s show brings it to fruition. Dave’s playing live with tracked parts… and a click! Paul played live in a jam band scenario and has also been spending some time in the studio. He shares […] The post Production – and Producer – Value – GigGab 102 appeared first on Gig Gab.

How does your band navigate the concepts of practice, rehearsal, and jamming? Are they all melded into one? Are they separated out? Paul and Dave discuss and dissect this for you. Then it’s time to talk gear, specifically all-in-one tower PAs. Dave and Paul have recently had the opportunity to […] The post Tower PA Systems, Working With a Click, & Jam Time – GigGab 101 appeared first on Gig Gab.

For episode 100, drummer Kenny Aronoff joins to make this the episode with your three favorite working musicians! Kenny’s settles right in and talks about how he manages his crazy schedule, honors commitments, deals with setbacks, and never dwells too much on the past because he is always looking forward to […] The post Kenny Aronoff Chats about Managing Your Schedule, Working Hard, Being a Team Player & More – GigGab 100 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Wrapping up the first 99 episodes, Paul and Dave dive straight into politics (but not in the way that you’d think!), then take a left turn into tribute band territory (but not in the way that you’d think!), and then discuss how your band should approach cover tunes (but not […] The post The Born To Run-Starship Trooper-Reggae Extravaganza! – GigGab 99 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Dave’s back from a musical “destination vacation” so he and Paul discuss the merits of doing that for any band, including some that have ties to GigGab directly. Then, after Paul’s requisite Bruce Springsteen mention, your two weekend warriors share their favorite albums… and that includes another Springsteen mention! Listen to hear […] The post Live Inspiration, Sound Tweaks, and Desert Island Discs – GigGab 98 appeared first on Gig Gab.

It’s the new year and that’s always a good time to take stock of where you are and focus on where you’re going. That’s true for you as a musician and for your band, as well. What’s the premise of your band? What do you, as a musician, want to […] The post What’s the Premise of Your Working Band? – GigGab 97 appeared first on Gig Gab.

  Should everyone in your band be on the same vocal mic or does it make more sense to let the singer choose a mic? What about the sound engineer’s opinion? These are important questions to ask, and Paul throws them into the mix for he and Dave to discuss. […] The post Should Everyone Use the Same Vocal Mic? – GigGab 96 appeared first on Gig Gab.

It’s the season for gift-giving, and your two Weekend Warrior Santas want to fill your gift bag with a few things to make your musical life more complete. Listen to what Santa Paul and Santa Dave wish for each of you. And remember… always be performing! Chapters/Timestamps: 00:00:00 GigGab 95 – December […] The post Santa Paul and Santa Dave’s Holiday Wish List for Fellow Musicians – GigGab 95 appeared first on Gig Gab.

It’s time to answer some of your questions. Thomas asks about setup time: how long is too long? what can you and your band do to make it more efficient? Dave and Paul have your answers here. Then it’s on to Matt, whose band was badmouthed by their former singer. […] The post Maximizing Setup Time, Taking Requests, and Repairing Relationships – GigGab 94 appeared first on Gig Gab.

At some point, every musician (well, except Paul) will go through the process of auditioning for a band. If not that, then you might be part of a band that’s auditioning a new member. The process can be fun, grueling, enlightening, frustrating and unproductive. But it’s a means to an end, […] The post It’s All About The Audition – GigGab 93 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Groove. What is it? What defines it? What makes it good? What’s obvious when it’s missing? How do you find it? That’s the core of today’s show folks, as your two favorite weekend warriors set about answering this question. Out of that conversation comes some road-tested tricks for ensuring you […] The post What’s That Groove? – GigGab 92 appeared first on Gig Gab.

As all working musicians know, those fun New Year’s Eve gigs re followed-up by a hangover of tax season. But, as with all hangovers, if you properly prepare for it you can limit the pain. For this, your two Weekend Warriors talk through their strategies of keeping the books straight and simple […] The post Tax Gab & Gear Gab – GigGab 91 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Some important topics addressed this week, including the special benefits of doing a tribute act as well as the concept of “four-walling” your own show and managing the whole night. That conversation is bookended by equally-important discussions about the substances on which both your crowd and your bandmates (and you) choose to use […] The post Four-Walling, Tribute Acts, and Substance Use – GigGab 90 appeared first on Gig Gab.

You know where your amps and drums and mics go, but what about your mains? Any ideas? It’s worth not just making an assumption every time you walk into a new room, and Paul and Dave start that conversation for you. Merchandise can either be a huge benefit or a […] The post Sound Sources, Merchandise and Pay – GigGab 89 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Roberto R. Hernandez joins Paul and Dave to talk about the genesis of his new book, The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs. The discussion starts with how Roberto set about to write the book, and then opens up into more of a GigGab-style chat about some of the topics […] The post Roberto R. Hernandez, The Unstarving Musician – GigGab 88 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Phish cites their new “No Analysis” rule as a foundational reason they’re still playing together. Paul and Dave take a look at this and discuss whether or not this might work in your band (or theirs!). But first, Dave’s just finished two weeks of Bitter Pill, and he debriefs the […] The post Analyzing the “No Analysis” Rule – GigGab 87 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Jerry Harvey, founder of Ultimate Ears and JH Audio, joins your two favorite weekend warriors to talk in-ear monitors and more. Jerry has seen so much during his career that his advice likely outweighs his stories, and his stories are epic. Today he offers tips on not only mixing your in-ears, […] The post Jerry Harvey, In-Ear Monitor Pioneer – GigGab 86 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Another crazy week for your two favorite working musicians means another episode chock full of stories and lessons learned. Dave just finished one theater show and loaded his drums in for another. The show he just finished had him and the rest of the “pit” band prominently on stage, so […] The post Beware The Hassle Factor – GigGab 85 appeared first on Gig Gab.

It’s one thing to put on a great show, it’s quite another to convince people to attend and put their butts in the seats or their feet on the dance floor! Today Paul and Dave talk through a few ways to market Paul’s upcoming gig on Saturday. This is a real world […] The post How to Market Your Gigs – GigGab 84 appeared first on Gig Gab.

What happens when you expect a dance crowd and get one that wants to listen intently? Every gig is different, and many times you don’t get to control the vibe of the room you walk into. The only thing you can do is control what you deliver from the stage, and […] The post Managing the Vibe at Gigs, Parties and Weddings appeared first on Gig Gab.

Autumn is almost here for those of us in the Northern hemisphere, and the gigs change right along with the New England leaves. Even though Paul’s not in New England (or, well, not usually), he’s experiencing the end-of-summer effect with his west coast gigs, too. Listen to what your two […] The post Falling into the Autumn Music Scene – GigGab 82 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Despite the shorter-than-usual gap between episodes, both Paul and Dave found themselves in intimidating scenarios they had to deal with in the moment. Caring about what you do and how you do it is an important trait of being a musician, and sometimes that means external factors drive you to […] The post The Benefits of Intimidation – GigGab 81 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Both musicians and bandleaders alike have to make split-second decisions and then live with them long-term, and today’s show is all about being a little more thoughtful about the things that both come out of and go into our mouths. Paul and Dave share some recent lessons along these lines to prove […] The post Watch What Goes Into and Out of Your Mouth – GigGab 80 appeared first on Gig Gab.

It finally happened: Dave and Paul played the gigs together that they’ve been discussing for the past few episodes. As always there are lessons that were learned, stories to tell, and sometimes both are about the same thing! Listen as these two weekend warriors share their shared weekend with all […] The post Your Two Weekend Warriors Share a Weekend – GigGab 79 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Paul and Dave are in the final stages of their shared gig prep, but take a detour today to talk about all the other projects they each have going on and the value of embracing intensity. Then it’s time to look to the pros and learn some lessons about requests and […] The post Embracing Intensity and Lessons from the Pros – GigGab 78 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Dave’s coming out to sub for The Houserockers in a couple of weeks, so it’s time for him and Paul to chat through some of the details required to ensure a good gig. Equipment, dress code, charts and confidence are the topics discussed today, and it’s a good one! On […] The post Confident vs. Overconfident Subbing – GigGab 77 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Paul curses Dave by revisiting the subject of People Behaving Badly™, this time with the twist of discussing folks who feel the need to join your band (or any band!) on stage without invitation. Before getting into that, though, your two favorite weekend warriors discuss the joys of playing outdoor summer […] The post Outdoor Summer Gigs, Musical Inspirations & Uninvited Stage Visitors – GigGab 76 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Today, Paul and Dave address the question a new bandleader asks about getting things started. As you might expect, your two favorite Weekend Warriors have a differing set of opinions on this, and that makes for a good podcast! First, though, it’s about how much energy it takes to play a […] The post The Energy Required To Be Intimate – GigGab 75 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Paul and Dave come together today to ponder the subject of responsibility, and that leads to discussing which instrument bears the most responsibility for keeping the train on the tracks. A thoughtful, spirited discussion ensues, and your two favorite Weekend Warriors find they’re on common ground. Drummers, you might not be […] The post Whose Mistakes Most Often Turn Into Trainwrecks? – GigGab 74 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Dave’s back from a tour of Abbey Road Studios and Paul’s in the final stages of pulling together his latest All-Star Band project, which means your two Weekend Warriors have a lot to talk about. Listen to hear all about all of this… and more! The post Abbey Road and All-Star Bands – GigGab 73 appeared first on Gig Gab.

As it often happens, today’s show starts and stems from the gigs your two favorite weekend warriors have played … and seen! Paul and Dave talk about some of the recent lessons they’ve learned performing and watching, and it all seems to center around finding your way out of your […] The post It Pays to Leave Your Comfort Zone – GigGab 72 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Robert Berry‘s musical career has followed his passion, and that’s led to him playing and collaborating with some of the best musicians on the planet. A true journeyman, he’s got some fantastic stories to tell, and that’s what we all love here on GigGab. Listen to the interview to hear […] The post Robert Berry Talks Carl Palmer, Steve Howe, Keith Emerson … and Cheerleader Camp! – GigGab 71 appeared first on Gig Gab.

You filled up the mailbag, Paul and Dave dig in and answer your questions. Listen today to hear your two favorite weekend warriors answer your questions about money, in-ears, hanging banners, backing tracks and much, much more! The post Band Banners, Backing Tracks and In-Ears, all from the Mailbag! – GigGab 70 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Today Paul and Dave answer listener Patrick, who asks, “is it too late to make a living playing music?” As Weekend Warriors, this is an interesting concept to consider, and likely one that everyone has thought of at least once. Listen to what Paul and Dave have to say… then […] The post Considering Making a Living From Music – GigGab 69 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Jan Hammer joins Paul and Dave today to share his own stories from throughout his life and career. From his start in Prague, the stories flow, including tales about Jan’s experiences with Jeff Beck, Keith Emerson, Jaco Pastorius, Neal Schon, Mahavishnu Orchestra and even Jimi Hendrix. There’s so much packed […] The post Jan Hammer Talks Mahavishnu, Emerson, Hendrix, Jaco … and Getting the JuJu Happening! – GigGab 68 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Gigging musicians always have stories, some of them fantastic, some tales of woe. Today your two favorite Weekend Warriors dive into the pool and pull out a few of their favorites. Listen as Paul and Dave celebrate and commiserate together, then share your stories with them, too! The post People Behaving Badly – Stories From the Stage Vol. 1 – GigGab 67 appeared first on Gig Gab.

It’s time for the therapy couch today, but don’t worry, it ends with dance songs, we promise! First, Paul and Dave answer some of your questions. What does it mean to be a generous musician? How much gigging is too much gigging (or is there such a concept)? These are […] The post Dance Songs and Heart Breaks – GigGab 66 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Paul’s been doing a lot of vocal rehearsals lately as The Houserockers prep for their summer season, so he and Dave spend some quality time dissecting what makes a vocal rehearsal successful, including the main goal of doing such a thing. In addition, discussing that summer season prep leads your two […] The post Being Ready: Vocal Rehearsals and Physical Fitness – GigGab 65 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Do you ever take requests? Do you ever post to Facebook to promote your band? Do you ever send out an email about your gigs? Do you think that’s even close to being enough to truly curate your audience? Paul and Dave have a very revealing chat about what they […] The post Putting Time and Effort Into Audience Curation – GigGab 64 appeared first on Gig Gab.

It’s time to open up the mailbag, folks, and with questions about convincing your band to embrace technology and learning more about hearing protection, this one is guaranteed to inform and entertain! That plus some thoughts about being led… and leading leaders. Press play and enjoy! The post Hearing Protection, Leading Leaders and More – GigGab 63 appeared first on Gig Gab.

How often do you take a step back and evaluate your band, both musically and visually? It’s easy for unwanted elements to creep into your songs and shows over time and, once there, they’re hard to notice without taking a step out of your own shoes and looking back. Paul […] The post Slack for Bands, Evaluating Your Show & a Prince-ly Chat – GigGab 62 appeared first on Gig Gab.

When you’re doing something that sits between hobby and job, how do you define success? Paul and Dave take some time out this week to explore this topic… but not before wrapping up last week’s conversation about The Disagreement™. Enjoy! The post Defining Success – GigGab 61 appeared first on Gig Gab.

When you’re in a band, there are some things you can polish quickly and some things that take time. Focus is one of the former, and Paul and Dave talk through just how important it is to them. Then it’s on to the talk about both commitment and playing in multiple […] The post Flow & Focus, Chemistry & Commitment – GigGab 60 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Today your two favorite weekend warriors warm up with warming up! It’s all about what you do to prepare for a gig and how you get ready for that first downbeat. Then it’s on to a conversation about how you land that downbeat in the first place by differentiating – […] The post Gig Preparation & Differentiating Yourself – GigGab 59 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Playing on stage means (at least occasionally) playing in a rehearsal room. But how sacred is that room? Do your experiences there need to be as special as they are on stage? Do you work to make it feel and sound good in that space, or does it just serve […] The post Rehearsal Sound … and a Peek Inside the Drummer’s Mind – GigGab 58 appeared first on Gig Gab.

After delaying a day Paul and Dave take to the mics and let their headcold-infused minds loop their way through the topics for this week’s show. Paul’s excited about some new tunes that he’s doing with The Houserockers and, well, heck, he’s excited about everything today! Hear him and Dave […] The post Live Clicks, Strained Singing, Paul Rodgers and The Cure! – GigGab 57 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Well, folks, it took over a year but we all knew it had to happen sooner or later… Dave brought up the subject of this band Paul saw last night and the episode never turned back. Yep, you guessed it… Bruce Springsteen was the topic of conversation during the second-half […] The post In-Ear Talk & Being Inspired by Live Music – GigGab 56 appeared first on Gig Gab.

This week Paul and Dave have a verbal jam session, riffing off each others’ ideas and discussing whatever comes to mind. Topics include subbing, some recently-tested gear, working with masters of their craft and playing music for music’s sake. The show follows more of a flow than you might think reading […] The post Working with Masters of Their Craft – GigGab 55 appeared first on Gig Gab.

If a musician plays and no one is there to hear him or her, does it still matter? You bet it does, and Paul and Dave talk about why. Then it’s on to why recording yourself when you’re all alone matters, too… you’ll learn a lot from this episode, we […] The post Honor Among … Musicians – GigGab 54 appeared first on Gig Gab.

FLING has begun recording some of their originals and Dave talks about the process of not only getting the recording started but also just how they go about picking which tunes to record. This, of course, opens up a discussion that relates to all types of bands, including those who […] The post Choosing Songs… and Recording Them! – GigGab 53 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Paul’s been tasked with forming (another) All-Star band, this time made up of Bay Area musicians, and he and Dave discuss the options and obstacles involved with putting that together. Then it’s time to answer listener Kevin’s question about money. Always a big topic amongst weekend warriors, the Money Talk […] The post The Money Talk and All-Star Bands – GigGab 52 appeared first on Gig Gab.

A weekend warrior turned full-time warrior, Steve Witschel went from working real jobs and just playing weekend gigs to playing full-time in New Orleans. He likes to say he’s a worldwide musician that gets to stay in one place because of the variety of people he sees, and he’s got the stories […] The post Cover Band Central’s Steve Witschel – GigGab 51 appeared first on Gig Gab.

This week it’s all about Yacht Rock and golf. No, not really, mostly it’s about what’s the right way to present yourself on stage as Paul and Dave talk through the Seven Deadly Performance Sins … and how NOT to commit them. But there’s a little bit about Yacht Rock […] The post What Not To Do On Stage (Paul and Dave have done it!) – GigGab 50 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Paul and Dave take some time today to discuss acoustic gigs and how they can be quite beneficial to your more rocked-up playing, too. Acoustic gigs can provide opportunity to hone your crowd-interaction chops, improve your harmonies and give you a completely different perspective on live performance. Listen to your two […] The post The Benefits of Acoustic Gigs – GigGab 49 appeared first on Gig Gab.

This week Paul​ and Dave​ take on a full load of topics including introducing a new friend of the show, they talk about a new project Paul is working on and then spend a good bit of time answering a listener’s question about how to bring your band to the […] The post How Do I Get Better Gigs? (and How to Count the Intro to “Take it Easy”) – GigGab 48 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Today your two favorite weekend warriors let their geek flags fly as they talk about (some of) their favorite gear to use at gigs and on stage. They surprised each other with some inclusions and will likely surprise you, as well. First, though, a few words about not only David […] The post Gear Gab … and a little bit about David Bowie – GigGab 47 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Kellen and Jamie Coffis – The Coffis Brothers – came and joined your two favorite weekend warriors to talk about what it takes to run a successful original band in today’s world. Between recording albums, touring, crafting their own events, singing harmonies, writing songs and managing band members, the Coffis […] The post The Coffis Brothers – GigGab 46 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Tonight Paul and Dave’s (fictitious) Aunt has left them some money and they’re opening a club targeted at live music. Hear what these two Weekend Warriors have to say as they Monday-morning quarterback their way through drafting a business plan for a live music venue. All manner of topics are […] The post Paul & Dave Open a Club (in their minds) – GigGab 45 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Going to see live music is something every musician enjoys at some level, but depending upon who is playing there might be other emotions involved. How do you feel watching your friends play? Is it different if they’re doing great versus if they’re having a bad night? Paul and Dave […] The post Watching Your Friends Play – GigGab 44 appeared first on Gig Gab.

San Francisco Bay Area musician Steve Siacotos has been cultivating scenes and perfecting his craft while catering to audiences for decades. In addition to learning some of Steve’s favorite “aha!” tunes, you can hear the context around some great quotes like, “the audience is as important to the music as […] The post Steve Siacotos Talks Aha! Tunes and Scene Creation – GigGab 43 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Another jam-session of an episode that covers all the bases, from Christmas music to prog rock geekery to the beginnings of fusion to playing music with people who know rock stars. All of that’s here plus all the stuff that links it together. Paul and Dave go on a musical journey […] The post The Great Swing Scare of the Mid-90s – GigGab 42 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Guitarist, songwriter, marketer and entrepreneur Matt Gibson joins your two favorite weekend warriors to discuss building a business as a foundation for your musical endeavors. From growing over one million followers on Google+ to starting a podcast and experimenting with Facebook ads, Matt Gibson preaches the value of “social proof,” fame […] The post From a Military Career to 1MM Followers, Guitarist Matt Gibson Shows the Way – GigGab 41 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Paul’s straight off an airplane from Vegas. Dave literally hopped out of the drum stool from FLING rehearsal, walked five feet and sat in the podcast chair to record. This is your two favorite working musicians in a true flow state tonight, folks. Rehearsal was the topic, but it goes […] The post The Rehearsal Dissection – GigGab 40 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Songwriter, singer and multi-instrumentalist (and podcaster!) Mark Linsenmayer joins Paul and Dave this week to offer a different perspective on gigging and how it relates to non-cover material. Mark’s stories are varied and colorful, and even include quite a few references to when he and Dave played music together many years ago. […] The post The Songwriter’s Perspective with Mark Linsenmayer – GigGab 39 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Tonight Paul and Dave go deep into what makes them tick as musicians… and into what ticks them off! Following a great article that Paul found, he and Dave talk through the 7 Things Musicians Need To Do Besides Playing Music, and it brings your two favorite Weekend Warriors down […] The post 7 Things Musicians Need To Do In Addition to Playing Shows – GigGab 38 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Every band needs songs, and your band is no different. Neither, it turns out, are the bands that Paul and Dave play in. With that, they talk about three very different processes that they use in their bands for selecting and working songs from the germ of an idea to playing […] The post A Song’s Path from Rehearsal Room to Stage – GigGab 37 appeared first on Gig Gab.

It’s always good to learn to play something that’s outside of your comfort zone, and that’s exactly what both Paul and Dave have spent the last week doing. They discuss their challenges and successes, dissecting the nuances of what those lessons are teaching each of them. Then it’s on to […] The post Challenging Tunes & Chemistry – GigGab 36 appeared first on Gig Gab.

It’s autumn now, and we share our reflections from the summer and our musical goals for the next few months. Gear Gab makes its first appearance (unplanned, we swear!), and it’s pretty obvious this will be a regular segment on future Gig Gab podcasts. Some stuff we discussed: PreSonus StudioLive 24.4.2 Ultimate Ears […] The post Reflections, Goals and Gear Gab – GigGab 35 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Ever felt like the weakest member of a band? That’s the surprise question that Paul asked Dave today… and Dave has plenty of “yes” stories to share. Confidence in one another and having a shared musical language are two very important factors in the foundation of a band. Also, does […] The post Not The English Version of “Pissed” – GigGab 34 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Drummer, sound engineer, artist relations master and industry consultant Daniel East joins Paul and Dave tonight to share his experiences and expertise about getting endorsement deals. These types of relationships with your favorite equipment and instrument manufacturers are available to musicians at all levels, and we’d love to see you forge a […] The post Talking Endorsement Deals with Music Industry Veteran Daniel East – GigGab 33 appeared first on Gig Gab.

How do you deal with the less-restrained members of the audience at your gigs? Paul and Dave aren’t sure they’re doing it correctly and talk through a few of their scenarios and tactics. Dave’s wrist is still in recovery, but he’s finding that playing without it has taught him some new […] The post Self-Analysis, Dummy Detection and Playing in the Pocket – GigGab 32 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Today Paul and Dave talk through the results of Dave’s wrist injury which, this week, meant canceling a gig. That led to some interesting revelations on the part of Dave and his FLING bandmates, and he shares the current state of those in the show. Then it’s on to more […] The post Charity Gigs, Appreciation & Revelation – GigGab 31 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Paul was instrumental (no pun intended) in putting on the 3rd Annual Los Gatos Park Dance this past weekend, a musical festival-style event for over 5,000 people. He and Dave talk through all the nuances of putting on your own event, be it for 5,000 people or even just 50. […] The post A Tour Through Rolling Your Own Music Festival – GigGab 30 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Starting with a brief-but-fun discussion of the things they love to practice, Paul and Dave dive deep into what it takes to successfully book your band long-term. Paul’s the expert this week, and Dave picks his brain about all the methods and tricks he’s learned and employed over the years […] The post Musicians are Salespeople, Too – GigGab 29 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Summer’s not just a time for playing music, it’s a great time to go see music, too, and Paul and Dave talk through some of their favorite bands in this great episode. One highlight for Paul was a local (to him) band: The Coffis Brothers. Check ’em out! The post Musicians are Fans, Too – GigGab 28 appeared first on Gig Gab.

What’s your local scene like? Are other musicians friendly and helpful or are they hyper-competitive and guarded? Are you helpful or are you the competitive, guarded one? Paul and Dave talk through all of this and more in today’s GigGab. Remember, [email protected] is the way to get them to hear what […] The post Maintaining an Attitude of Gratitude – GigGab 27 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Dave Brunyak, currently playing guitar with the cleverly-named tribute act Pink Talking Fish, joins Paul and Dave today to talk about covering the music of others; learning Phish, the Talking Head and Pink Floyd; what it’s like playing in a tribute band, and why it makes perfect sense to have […] The post Dave Brunyak from Pink Talking Fish – GigGab Podcast 26 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Selecting songs is a tough part of the cover (or even original) band business, and it gets even tougher when one or more band members cares about getting it just right. More often than not, that can be the crux of deciding whether or not a song succeeds. What songs or […] The post What Is It About a Song that Makes You Care? – GigGab Podcast 25 appeared first on Gig Gab.

This week Paul and Dave follow-up on last week’s interview with The Tommy Experience’s Pieter Hounslow (where Dave sang Pinball Wizard) by talking through different ways we all find to express our musical visions and needs. Answering the question, “what would be your favorite project to play with?” is an […] The post Finding Ways to Express Your Musical Vision – GigGab 24 appeared first on Gig Gab.

This week Paul and Dave are joined by Pieter Hounslow from Sweden’s “Tommy Experience,” a Who Tribute project. The discussion covers all manner of topics, including what it’s like to put on a true tribute show, singing technique and more. Thanks to Pieter for coming all the way from Sweden to join […] The post Pieter Hounslow from Sweden’s “Tommy Experience” – GigGab 23 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Paul and Dave start off by answering listener questions; First it’s a seemingly-easy question about who pays for instrument rentals (that turns out to be not such an easy question!). Then it’s the nuances of negotiating how to play in a two-guitar band. After that your two favorite Weekend Warriors […] The post Answers to Listener Questions and How To Make Your Gigs Unforgettable – GigGab 22 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Multi-band gigs can be fun and a great way to play for a new crowd, but it either means moving your gear in a hurry or sharing a backline. Which is best? Paul and Dave talk it through. Sit-ins are another fact of life playing in bars where there’s no […] The post Shared Backlines, Sit-ins & The Fish – GigGab 21 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Dave and Paul start out discussing what it’s like to play without the pressure of ever bringing it to the stage and how that can work. Then it’s on to health and gigs — what’s it take to make sure you can continue doing this, even when you’re under the weather? […] The post Managing Your Health & To Gig or Not to Gig – Gig Gab 20 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Every musician hits the stage with the goal of… what? Is it entertaining? Is it playing well? Is it having a special moment (or three)? And if a special moment… with whom? Is it the crowd? One’s bandmates? A higher power? Paul and Dave talk through their feelings on this, […] The post What’s Your Goal When You Walk On Stage? – Gig Gab 19 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Paul and Dave met in San Francisco to record their first ever face-to-face GigGab episode … and failed! The conversation was animated, the topic was excellent and the audio was abysmal. Something went amiss with the USB audio interface that wasn’t detectable until the very end of the recording (despite […] The post The Lost Episode – Gig Gab 18 appeared first on Gig Gab.

When someone in your band says, “I’ve got this,” on stage or before a gig, what exactly does that mean? And can you trust that they’re actually prepared? What happens when YOU say it? Does it really mean you’ve got it, or are you sometimes just leading yourself to believe […] The post I’ve Got This! – Gig Gab 17 appeared first on Gig Gab.

This week Paul and Dave start with a discussion about promotion — how much falls on you with your band and how much falls on the venue? Then it’s on to managing sound at a gig, including a few pro-tips from your Weekend Warriors. Paul then surprises Dave with a […] The post Of Sound, Promo & Merchandise – Gig Gab 17 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Have you ever taken — or been tempted to take — a non-paying gig? Paul and Dave certainly have and they tell their tales of woe in this week’s episode. Have some thoughts on this subject? Have a set of nineties-era tunes that you think will stand the test of […] The post Live Music is Worth Something – Gig Gab 15 appeared first on Gig Gab.

What happens if you’re the very best musician in your band? How about if you’re the worst? Paul and Dave talk through these scenarios, and (in their minds, anyway!) they’ve both been in both places. Hear some war stories that help illustrate what works and what doesn’t, too! As always, […] The post Of Monsters and Men – Gig Gab 14 appeared first on Gig Gab.

This episode is all about practice. How do you practice? What do you practice? Do you have a plan? What’s your plan? How often? And then… what’s the difference between practice and rehearsal? (and do you want to play with musicians that don’t yet know the answer to that question?). […] The post Digging Into The Woodshed – Gig Gab 13 appeared first on Gig Gab.

It took 11 episodes and a weekend chock full of (too many?) gigs to finally get your two working musician podcasters to let their guard down and enter the minefield that is discussing wives, husbands, boyfriends, girlfriends. Whatever the label, it’s probably a bad idea to record this discussion. And […] The post The Significant Other Discussion – Gig Gab 12 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Your two favorite working musicians throw off their flak jackets and address two of the most opinionated topics possible: guitar tones and band politics. What could go wrong? Turns out, not too much. Paul and Dave navigate through these treacherous waters and dig out the nuggets just for you. Have […] The post Guitar Sounds and Band Politics – Gig Gab 11 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Gear is fun, and most musicians spend more time thinking and talking about gear — and money spent paying for gear — than just about anything else related to their hobby. It’s high time your favorite Weekend Warriors dug into this conversation and this week’s episode digs into Dave’s drum […] The post Gear Talk (Drums and Sound) – Gig Gab 10 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Every musician goes through the on-stage train wreck at times, and Paul and Dave are no exception. They talk through their train wrecks and, more importantly, how they dealt with them. A great discussion, and one you can contribute to, as well. Send in your stories to [email protected] and join […] The post The Trainwreck Discussion – Gig Gab 9 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Paul and Dave start with some listener feedback (their first!) and then it’s time to talk about attaining the perfect stage volume. Always a tough thing to get right, but Paul and Dave do their best to explain their processes and how they try to get it right each time. It’s […] The post The Holy Grail of Stage Volume – Gig Gab 8 appeared first on Gig Gab.

For a working cover band the subject of pay is always a touchy one. Paul and Dave talk through their thoughts and experiences when it comes to ensuring you’re doing the right gigs and getting paid properly. Then it’s on to the matter of subs. Are you sub? Do you […] The post Pay Scales and The Subbing Dilemma – Gig Gab 7 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Paul and Dave talk through their weekend gigs, including some tales about what it takes to get a crowd up and moving — and how to keep your head in the right place when that doesn’t happen right away. Then it segues to marketing talk. How do you market your […] The post There’s Always More You Can Do to Market Your Band – Gig Gab 6 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Paul and Dave get together on this crazy Monday night and rehearsals are the topic. How do you rehearse with your band? What do you do to plan rehearsals? How does it all work out? These and other questions are answered. Download and enjoy! The post The Rehearsal Talk – Gig Gab 5 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Paul and Dave dive right into their stride with a discussion about whether or not one should “support live music.” That flows into a discussion about the true job of a working musician, a topic about which the guys have a lot to say! Then it migrates into Views From The […] The post Do You Support Live Music? – Gig Gab 4 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Our third episode (though probably only our second public one) as we get our feet wet here, talking about what constitutes a great song to pick … and play. The post What Makes a Song Great When You Play It? – Gig Gab 3 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Our second attempt at an episode. I’ll have to update this blog post with its contents when I remember them. The post A First Second Attempt – Gig Gab 2 appeared first on Gig Gab.