Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast

Dave Hamilton & Friends

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Wanna talk shop with your musical buddies? Look no further than Gig Gab, The Working Musician's Podcast! Each week Dave Hamilton and friends come to you sharing their gigging experiences, tips and tricks learned, and interviews with other weekend warriors and pros.

Is Your Band Bookable? ECE’s Checklist for Success

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

Apr 21, • 1:10:40

Monique Powell of Save Ferris: Ska, Struggles, and Sweet Comebacks

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

Apr 14, • 57:45

The Vaultmeister’s Voice: Joe Travers on Zappa, Duran Duran, and the Power of Performance

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

Apr 7, • 1:09:08

Booking SXSW Like a Pro with Parker Woodland

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

Mar 31, • 55:06

How to Attend SXSW: Tips from Gig Gab and Roadcase Podcast

Get ready to conquer SXSW with insider tips from this special crossover episode of Gig Gab and the Roadcase Podcast. You’ll learn how to plan your badge, map your venue hits—from Antone’s to Mohawk—and navigate scooter passes like a pro. Plus, we’re sharing can’t-miss bands, food finds, and surprise performances that’ll level up your festival game. Listen in and Always Be Performing while making the most of SXSW! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 474 & Roadcase 265 Crossover Episode – Monday, March 2

Mar 24, • 1:21:06

$20K to Rock? The True Cost of Putting on a Show

Running a band is more than just playing music—it’s a business, and this week, you’re getting a front-row seat to the real numbers behind a self-promoted, four-walled show. Dave and guest co-host Mike Schulte from Pork Tornadoes break down the hard costs, from union labor to venue staff, and what it takes to make those ticket prices work. Is the venue actually promoting your gig, or are you on your own? Or is it better when you work together? And when it comes to pricing tiers, always prio

Mar 17, • 1:03:03

Breaking Sound Barriers with Dark Matter IEMs

You never know where a layoff might lead—sometimes, it’s straight into launching your own in-ear monitor (IEM) company. That’s exactly what Dark Matter Audio’s Tal Kocen and Dave Friesma did, carving out a niche in a legacy industry by embracing natural sound and combining it with all the nerdy elements that go into making these things the right way. Dave and Tal break down why ears naturally boost that frequency by 15dB, how the Harman Curve plays into tuning, and why you should watch those 150

Mar 10, • 1:24:41

Changing Goals From Perfection...to Survival

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

Mar 3, • 50:31

Recording Your Gigs, Skeletal Bleed, and 31 Degrees

Ever wondered how to capture those magical live performance moments? Gig Gab’s latest episode dives into the world of recording your gigs, offering insights for musicians at every level. Host Dave Hamilton welcomes back guest Daniel East, a seasoned drummer, sound engineer, and recording enthusiast. With decades of experience, Daniel shares his journey from using cassette decks to modern digital setups, emphasizing the importance of always capturing your performances. The episode explores

Feb 24, • 1:06:33

Glam, Gigs, and Grit: Keanan Duffty’s Path Through Rock and Fashion

Are you struggling to make your mark in the music industry while juggling your creative passions? Gig Gab’s latest episode features Keanan Duffty, a multi-talented musician, fashion designer, and educator who has shaped both the sound and look of music culture. Keanan Duffty, frontman of Slinky Vagabond and author of “The Fashion Entrepreneur,” shares his journey of blending rock and style. From working with icons like David Bowie and the Sex Pistols to launching his own fashio

Feb 17, • 56:31

Cover Celebrations, Hard Work, & the Road: Pat Guadagno’s Musical Journey

Are you a musician struggling to stay inspired on the road? Discover how to keep your passion alive, even when far from home. In this episode of Gig Gab, host Dave Hamilton sits down with Pat Guadagno, a celebrated singer and musical storyteller from the Jersey Shore music scene. Pat shares his journey from cover artist to respected interpreter of classic songs, including his unexpected collaboration with Blue Öyster Cult’s Buck Dharma. He discusses the evolution of his career, from playin

Feb 10, • 54:21

Feels Like The First Time...At NAMM — Gig Gab 467

Are you a musician curious about the latest gear and industry trends? Dive into Gig Gab episode 467, where host Dave Hamilton shares his first-hand experience at NAMM, the music industry’s premier trade show. Dave takes you on a journey through the bustling halls of NAMM, offering insights into the latest innovations and must-see products. From the QSC K Column KC12 loudspeakers to the revolutionary Black Box Prompter, he covers a range of gear that could transform your live performances.

Feb 3, • 42:32

Music, Marketing, and Mischief with Tory Smith

Are you tired of staring at your iPad during gigs, struggling to read lyrics and chord charts? Discover how to elevate your stage presence and connect with your audience like never before! In this episode of Gig Gab, host Dave Hamilton welcomes Tory Smith, a guitarist, band leader, and entrepreneur. Tory is the creator of the BLACK BOX Prompter, a revolutionary teleprompter designed specifically for musicians. Tory shares his journey from leading cover bands to developing a game-changing tool fo

Jan 27, • 54:07

Colors, Concepts, and Creativity with Jon McCormack

Are you a musician struggling to find your niche in the ever-evolving music scene? Gig Gab’s latest episode dives deep into the world of musical diversity and the power of embracing multiple genres. Host Dave Hamilton welcomes guest Jon McCormack, a versatile guitarist and songwriter known for his work with bands like Wizzardess, Museum of Science, Fly Spinach Fly, and Bitter Pill. Jon shares his journey from being a cover band snob to embracing the joy of playing diverse music styles. The

Jan 20, • 46:50

Rocking the Stage: Richard Page's Tribute Tales

Get ready for an exciting journey into the world of tribute bands with Gig Gab! Join host Dave Hamilton as he chats with Richard Page, a seasoned musician with a wealth of experience in cover and tribute bands. Dive into Richard’s musical evolution: from his early days with the cover band Rewind to leading the Black Crows tribute band, Remedy, and finally, his adventures with a Grateful Dead tribute, Dead Band. Discover the challenges and triumphs of replicating iconic sounds and the impor

Jan 13, • 1:19:20

From Charity to Casinos: Gigs, Growth, and Giving Back

Get ready for an exciting episode of Gig Gab! Join Dave Hamilton and Mike Schulte as they explore the dynamic world of working musicians. This episode is packed with insights and stories that will resonate with musicians at every level. Dive into the art of band pricing and mindset. Discover how Mike and Dave emphasize the importance of valuing your work and setting the right rates. Learn how the Pork Tornadoes set themselves apart by increasing their pricing and delivering unmatched value. Expl

Jan 6, • 1:01:31

Backstage Secrets: 12 Months of Band Life Tips

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

Dec 30, 2024 • 56:09

Fueling Fan Excitement and Band Energy with Tom Jarvis

Get ready for an exciting episode of Gig Gab! Join host Dave Hamilton as he chats with Tom Jarvis, the dynamic singer and founding member of Casual Gravity, the band Dave recently joined. This episode promises a deep dive into Tom’s musical journey, from his early influences like Elvis and Iron Maiden to his role in shaping the band’s unique sound and style. Discover how Casual Gravity has evolved since its inception in 2014, with Tom sharing insights on their innovative promotional

Dec 23, 2024 • 1:03:50

Music, Marketing, and Mischief with Bruce Bennett

Get ready for an exciting episode of Gig Gab! Join host Dave Hamilton as he chats with Bruce Bennett, a seasoned musician and entrepreneur, about the ins and outs of the music industry. Dive into Bruce’s journey from playing in bands to launching successful music-related businesses. Discover how he turned his passion into a thriving career, creating opportunities like SuperDups and New England CD. Bruce shares his wisdom on treating music as a business, emphasizing the importance of unders

Dec 16, 2024 • 1:14:28

From Covers to Originals with North County Band

Unlock the secret to transforming your band from cover to original without even realizing it! If you’re a musician looking to make that leap, this episode is your guide. Join host Dave Hamilton as he chats with Scott Smith, co-founder of the North County Band. Scott shares his journey from strumming around campfires to leading a band that captivates audiences with original music. With no formal musical training, Scott’s story is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. I

Dec 9, 2024 • 57:03

Parthenon Huxley's Harmonious Adventures

Struggling to find your place in the music world? Tune in to this episode of Gig Gab, where we explore the multifaceted journey of a seasoned musician. Join host Dave Hamilton as he welcomes Parthenon Huxley, a prolific songwriter and performer with nine studio albums and collaborations with legends like Mick Jones and Robert Lamb. Known for his work with ELO Part 2, now The Orchestra, Huxley shares insights from his diverse career. In this episode, Huxley discusses the evolution of his musical

Dec 2, 2024 • 1:09:42

Pooch's Path: From Recording Rooms to Rocking Arenas

Struggling to make your mark in the music industry? This episode of Gig Gab is your backstage pass to the world of live sound engineering with the legendary Pooch, a seasoned pro who’s mixed for icons like Iron Maiden and Whitney Houston. Join host Dave Hamilton as he chats with Pooch, a recording engineer turned live sound maestro. With a career spanning decades, Pooch shares his journey from the studio to the stage, offering insights into the evolution of sound technology and the art of

Nov 25, 2024 • 1:01:56

Bandmates Unite: Navigating Gig Challenges Together

Struggling with sound issues at gigs? You’re not alone. Dive into this episode where Dave Hamilton and Mike Schulte tackle the challenges of playing live music in less-than-ideal conditions. This episode centers on the art of compromise in live performances. Dave and Mike discuss the importance of adapting to different venues and audiences, sharing personal stories about the trials and triumphs of using electronic drum kits and managing sound levels. They emphasize the need for musicians t

Nov 18, 2024 • 1:04:17

RagDolls Rise: Susie Major's Tribute Band Story

Ever wondered how an all-female Aerosmith tribute band came to be? Meet Susie Major, the voice behind Ragdolls, who defied expectations and carved a unique path in the tribute scene. Susie shares her journey from singing male-dominated rock to leading a band that pays homage to Aerosmith while maintaining its own identity. Discover how she navigated the challenges of forming a tribute band and the unexpected twists along the way. Press play to hear about the creative process, the importance of a

Nov 11, 2024 • 1:06:24

Buck Dharma: Guitars, Tech, and Touring Tales

Dive into the fascinating world of Buck Dharma, the legendary guitarist from Blue Öyster Cult. Buck shares his incredible musical journey, starting from his high school surf band days to becoming a founding member of Blue Öyster Cult—a gig he’s held for over five decades! Discover how Blue Öyster Cult evolved from playing bars to achieving major success, and learn about the band’s current lineup, which has been rocking together for over 20 years. Buck also reveals his appreciation fo

Nov 4, 2024 • 45:12

Sound Science: From DIY to Pro Mics with Matt McGlynn

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

Oct 28, 2024 • 1:02:11

Gary Burr: The Art of Songwriting and Saying Yes

Get ready for an exciting episode of Gig Gab! Join host Dave Hamilton as he dives into the fascinating world of songwriting with the legendary Gary Burr. Discover how Gary’s career took off, writing hits for artists like Juice Newton, and hear about his incredible collaborations with Ringo Starr over the past two decades. Gary shares his unique approach to songwriting: preferring to write quickly rather than getting bogged down in endless revisions. You’ll learn about his creative pr

Oct 21, 2024 • 47:44

Listener Feedback, Tips, and Gear Gab Galore

Get ready for an exciting episode of Gig Gab! Dive into a microphone showdown where Dave compares the Roswell Pro Audio Mini K87 with his trusty Earthworks Ethos. Discover how these mics stack up in sound and setup, offering insights for podcasters and musicians alike. Ever struggled with cleaning your in-ear monitors? Dave shares a clever tip: use your smartphone’s magnifier app to tackle earwax with ease. It’s a simple yet effective solution that every musician should know! The epi

Oct 14, 2024 • 35:57

Sound Wisdom with Bryan "Froggy" Cross: IEMs, Mics, and More

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

Oct 7, 2024 • 47:29

From The Jackson Five to Shaun Cassidy: Bob LeVitus’ Untold Tales of Touring Legends

Ever wondered what it’s like to tour with music legends? This episode of Gig Gab takes you behind the scenes with Bob “Doctor Mac” LeVitus, a tech author and former roadie for the Jackson 5 and Shaun Cassidy. Bob LeVitus, who has authored 92 books on technology, shares his unique journey from aspiring recording engineer to working alongside iconic musicians. With a background in audio and touring production, Bob’s stories are both entertaining and insightful. In this epis

Sep 30, 2024 • 49:06

From Creem to the Stage: Dusty Wright's Music Stories

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

Sep 23, 2024 • 1:10:38

Bakithi Kumalo: Groove, Graceland, and the Power of Consistency

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

Sep 16, 2024 • 44:55

From Bandmates Gone Rogue to Maximizing Gigs: Keep Fans Engaged

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

Sep 9, 2024 • 1:14:27

How to Perfect Your Harmonies and Elevate Your Band's Sound

This week on Gig Gab, guest co-host Daniel East joins Dave Hamilton for a deep dive into the art of harmonies and the essentials of live sound. You’ll discover how to add harmonies to your band by honing in on the timbre of each singer and experimenting in real-time with just a guitar or piano. Whether you’re aiming for the Eagles’ perfection in a gymnasium or channeling the Bee Gees on a couch, nailing harmonies means knowing when to start and stop, as well as understanding if your lead singer

Sep 2, 2024 • 1:07:14

How Music Heals: Daniel Levitin on the Neuroscience of Sound

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

Aug 26, 2024 • 52:46

The Performer’s Summer: Nonstop Gigs, Fresh Gear, and New Beginnings

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

Aug 19, 2024 • 47:21

Strong Songs Unveiled: Kirk Hamilton’s Musical Exploration

This week on Gig Gab, dive into the fascinating journey of Kirk Hamilton, a saxophonist turned podcaster, who brings a wealth of musical insight to the table. Starting as a student at the University of Miami’s Jazz Program, Kirk’s path led him from songwriting and guitar playing to forming the Square Tape Band in San Francisco. His passion for teaching blossomed at The Urban School, eventually steering him into the world of video game blogging and a full-time role at Kotaku. Kirk sha

Aug 12, 2024 • 1:07:33

My Town & Beyond: Brian Ray's Journey from Monster Mash to McCartney's Stage

This week’s Gig Gab podcast brings you an electrifying episode with Brian Ray, diving deep into his illustrious career and the recent release of his latest album, “My Town.” You’ll kick off with a fun story as Brian shares tales from his Halloween 1973 tour supporting Monster Mash, including the quirky experience of being having his high-school band invited to tour with Bobby “Boris” Pickett. Brian reminisces about how the transistor radio and Wolfman Jack sha

Aug 5, 2024 • 39:35

Tribute Bands, Pink Slips, and Taylor Swift

In this week’s Gig Gab episode, guest co-host Mike Schulte teams up with Dave Hamilton to tackle the world of music with humor and insight, and maybe a little controversy. They dive into why musicians often shun karaoke, dubbing it “beer league singing”—but that’s not a bad thing! Mike shares his whirlwind experience of playing 11 shows in 22 days, emphasizing the golden rule: “Don’t cancel shows!” Even when Murphy’s Law is in full swing, the show must g

Jul 30, 2024 • 1:01:59

Digital Mixers 101: Essential Tips on Gain, Compression, EQ, and Beyond

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

Jul 22, 2024 • 38:39

Tris Imboden Talks Rock 'n' Roll, In-Ear Monitors, Kenny Loggins, and More

This week’s Gig Gab is a must-listen as journeyman drummer Tris Imboden joins Dave Hamilton, bringing a wealth of musical history and wisdom. Dive into Tris’s fascinating career, from growing up in the musically rich Orange County, to the unforgettable moment he saw The Beatles live, despite barely hearing them over the screaming fans. You’ll love the tales of his early days with instrumental surf bands and how his band Honk’s soundtrack success in Hawaii set the stage fo

Jul 15, 2024 • 53:30

The Ultimate Booking Agent Guide for Bands with Lara Supan

In this week’s Gig Gab, Dave Hamilton is joined by Lara Supan from Midwood Entertainment to dive deep into the role of a booking agent for developing bands. Lara teaches us that a booking agent excels in routings, venue knowledge, negotiation, and strategy, but they won’t grow your fanbase or bring people to your shows; that’s your job! Also, timing is everything: booking agents work on commission and expect a minimum of $100K in tour revenue annually, with solid ticket sales in mult

Jul 8, 2024 • 56:40

Song-Learning Tips and Cover Band Greatness

Join Dave Hamilton and guest co-host Mike Schulte from Pork Tornadoes and Confused Breakfast on Gig Gab 436! Dive into the wild world of subbing as a drummer, but beware—your online persona might just scare off potential gigs by making you seem too busy. Mike shares hilarious tales and sage advice on learning and teaching beat placement, ensuring you make that click disappear and even become your new best friend. And hey, learning to love modern country music? Trust us, it’s a thing. Get ready t

Jul 1, 2024 • 1:09:58

Staying Awake with Music, Mixers, and Motivation

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

Jun 24, 2024 • 1:06:18

The Band to Business Evolution with Crisco

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

Jun 17, 2024 • 54:31

From Sit-In to Album Release: Heather Smith's Musical Journey

In this episode of Gig Gab, Dave Hamilton is joined by Heather Smith and Paul Giovine, diving into the serendipity of musical connections. Heather shares how a chance meeting led to her cautiously getting on stage for the first time when Dave played with Simon Santiago five years ago. Last month, Heather released an record of her original tunes! From her first time on stage with a band to releasing her own album, Heather’s journey is a testament to the power of persistence. She recounts how a Cr

Jun 10, 2024 • 41:28

Cleaning Up Your In-Ears Mix...And Your Ears

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

Jun 3, 2024 • 1:14:50

Gems, Gear, & Gigs!

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

May 27, 2024 • 1:01:04

Three Decades of Harmony: Bob Vose on Fortune's Formula for Staying Together

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 Tour, selling out 700-seat venues, and the reality of playing “risky” songs that most bands avoid. With nods to industry greats like Boston and Queensryche, and tales of re

May 20, 2024 • 1:01:59

Nerding Out About Live Sound with Robert Scovill

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 crystal-clear experience, especially in the crucial front-fill zone. He emphasizes the importance of integrity, stating that “facts are not truth” in the quest to blend technical perf

May 13, 2024 • 1:05:20

Avoiding Rats Nests

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 potentially higher pay. As they delve into the struggles musicians face, “The Waiting Is The Hardest Part” segment sheds light on the patience required in the industry, from waiting around for gi

May 6, 2024 • 1:00:32

Self-Promotion and Redheaded Air Drummers with Best Not Broken

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 on mastering the art of self-promotion—think relentless social media engagement, eye-catching posters, and savvy online PR campaigns. It’s not just about music; it’s ab

Apr 29, 2024 • 29:10

Refreshments & Rapport with Train's Matt Musty

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. Emphasizing the need to adapt, whether grooving to the iconic beats of “Drops of Jupiter” or navigating the unique demands of various venues like Blossom in Cleveland and Tanglewood in Massachusetts, Musty ill

Apr 22, 2024 • 1:06:32

Demolishing Walls & Pulling Teeth with Adam Moskowizard

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 on how the “Bandleader Advantage” can help you book gigs that fit seamlessly into your lifestyle, emphasizing the VAM Jam life where every performance counts. They touc

Apr 15, 2024 • 1:15:36

Gear Gab and Lessons from The Road with Area 52 Studios

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 clarity and ambiance. Incorporating ambient mics and reverb, while not forgetting the foundational elements of a solid mix, Dave Cook reminds us that to truly captivate an audience, one must &#

Apr 8, 2024 • 1:14:56

Taking Your Music Career from Dependent to Provider with Matt Gibson

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 million followers, yet, underscoring the lesson of going where the attention is, as inspired by Gary Vee. The conversation moves towards understanding the power of reciprocity and why many artists

Apr 1, 2024 • 1:17:04

Always Be...Respecting Your Audience (with special guest: Dallas Taylor)

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 audience, weaving in his journey of building an episode and the artistry involved in blending sound with narrative. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process, including insights from a special 20kHz episo

Mar 25, 2024 • 54:38

No Shame In The Pop Game

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 of music gigs, from the logistical challenges and rewards of fly-away gigs to negotiating tactics for musicians. The duo sheds light on the evolving landscape of live

Mar 19, 2024 • 1:00:13

Temperamental Bass Players

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 conversation quickly shifts to the gritty realities of performing live, discussing what happens when a band member leaves the stage unexpectedly, sharing anecdotes from Chris&#

Mar 11, 2024 • 1:01:28

The Spirit of Your Band

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 SXSW, emphasizing the importance of finding and harnessing energy to elevate your performance. They unravel the intricacies of band dynamics, from the vital distinction between rehearsal and pract

Mar 4, 2024 • 59:30

NAMM 2024 Gear Gab & Reflections

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 like the Yamaha HHS9D Hi-Hat Stand and the innovative NanoMat Drum Mat, Daniel and Dave Hamilton dissect the tools that make a difference on stage. They didn’t stop at drum hardware,

Feb 26, 2024 • 1:07:08

Nine Years of Gabbing

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 of a band is a journey of continuous learning and adaptation, highlighted by the addition of fresh material like “Life In The Fast Lane” and “

Feb 19, 2024 • 39:56

Behind the Beat: Navigating Band Dynamics and Fly-Away Shows

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 practicalities of choosing the right members based on personality, reliability, and musical ability, they cover it all. The conversation also delves into the nitty-gritty of managing

Feb 12, 2024 • 1:03:47

Masterful Mixes & Mistaken Identities: Brad Madix’s Tips from Florence to Rush to Linkin Park, & Celebrity Mix-Ups

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 helps Dave Hamilton unpack the evolution of touring post-COVID. With a focus on the technical, discussions veer into the realms of using virtual sound checks, the intricacies — and benefits — of play

Feb 5, 2024 • 1:06:31

The Box That Makes Your Gig Sound Crappier

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 of ‘Dallas Corbin,’ a persona that carved his path into country music. Inspired to learn more about country music after hearing Lee Brice’s “I Drive Your Truck,” Dave illustra

Jan 29, 2024 • 57:35

Four-Walling Connections With Your Audience

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 your band?” Drawing from examples like The Dead South, Gay Bride of Frankenstein, and lessons from Samuel Beckett, they stress the significance of understanding audience appeal.

Jan 22, 2024 • 1:20:56

Did Dan Say Grub 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 large-scale events, emphasizing the importance of goal-setting and strategic networking to make the most out of these gatherings. The conversation takes a playful turn with the (new?) segment “

Jan 15, 2024 • 1:11:15

Healthy Hearing with Music Audiologist, Frank Wartinger

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 turning down the volume, walking away from excessively loud sounds, and consistently wearing ear protection. He highlights the significance of being a conside

Jan 8, 2024 • 1:06:08

State Dependent Learning

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 monitors (IEMs), highlighting the need for updated molds as ears change shape. Brands like 64 Audio A-18s, JH Audio 16, and Alclair Dual XB get a mention. Next, they recount a tale of two g

Jan 3, 2024 • 1:04:48

A Gear Gab to End The Year

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 beyerdynamic TG D71C. He meticulously highlights how the Behringer BA 19A stands up to these industry staples in terms of sound quality, build, and overall value. This segment is a goldmine for both budd

Dec 29, 2023 • 15:14

Is It An Audition, or Just a Hang?

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 must-read for any serious musician. The episode also touches on the timeless talent of Bruce Springsteen and delves into the intriguing collaboration between Rick Rubin and Paul McCartney

Dec 19, 2023 • 50:17

Be Social on Social Media

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 community around your music and sharing your journey, not just promoting gigs. Remember, in the ever-evolving world of music, “Always Be Performing” isn’t ju

Dec 14, 2023 • 43:44

Changes Are Afoot

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 adaptability required in the ever-changing world of music. The conversation then shifts to an intriguing discussion about the future of cover bands and tribute bands. They ponde

Dec 6, 2023 • 43:20

Ventriloquism is Art

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 performance; it’s about the art that emerges from having the discipline to manage everything on your own. They also revisit the iconic MTV Unplugged series, highlighting its impact on musi

Nov 29, 2023 • 49:14

Musical Plumbers

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 understanding who you are as a band can significantly impact your musical journey. They also delve into the practical aspects of the music world, discussing the strategic d

Nov 21, 2023 • 53:53

Keeping It Equitable with Christopher "High C" Breen

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, observant perspective to share. Oh, and he also played for naked people, so there’s that. Your three favorite weekend warriors cover the fairness of compensating subs, the arc of live music’s popularity, and the tec

Nov 14, 2023 • 1:11:06

Clubbing Seals

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 just be the edge you need. Additionally, your two favorite weekend warriors dig into the idea of commoditization in the world of custom-fit in-ear monitors and how that’s shaking

Nov 8, 2023 • 53:05

Alclair Custom IEMs: Affordable Quality

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 music with the next generation. Uncover the ins and outs of Alclair’s premium earpieces, from the deep resonating CMVK to the versatile Spire. And for all the tech-savvy, there’s a treat abou

Oct 30, 2023 • 1:08:33

Rebranding Your Band

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 current bar band into a private/function ensemble, this episode is your guidebook. From the foundational steps to setting up a function band to understanding the nitty-gritty logistics, Paul and D

Oct 24, 2023 • 48:38

Mike Schulte from Pork Tornadoes

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 division of labor that underpins their success. You’ll travel through the group’s engaging journey from selecting their “distinctive” name to captivating crowds of 20,000 strong wit

Oct 11, 2023 • 58:44

Take Your Time

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. They further delve into the technical aspect, highlighting the significance of playing to a click for maintaining impeccable timing and celebrating the joy of having perfect monitors

Oct 3, 2023 • 43:24

Adam Moskowitz, The Invisible Conductor

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, to the innovative concept of evolving a modular cover band. Adam reveals his tricks on hiring the right band members and harnessing the power of the “Invisible Conductor” through technology both on stage and

Sep 27, 2023 • 57:05

Grip It & Rip It

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 Counting Crows, Gretsch Drums, how much space to take up on stage, and a lightning round of fun little stabs to get your creative juices flowing. Press play, enjoy, and obviously don’t forget: A

Sep 19, 2023 • 57:14

The Fragile Nature of Bands

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 their decades of experience playing together in various projects, offering wisdom on commitment, communication, and throwing trust into the mix. There’s no shortage of witty banter as the two mu

Sep 6, 2023 • 56:26

Musical Accountability

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 a Gig Gab community member wrote in saying their band’s songs speed up over time. They emphasized the importance of band-wide awareness and intention, taking moments of silence to get th

Aug 29, 2023 • 44:17

Reverse Engineering Rock and Roll with SuperMegaUltraGroovy’s Chris Liscio

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 purpose of Capo—a software for musicians learning by ear, born from Chris’s personal journeys. While it’s amazed the team how various instruments adopt Capo, endorsements

Aug 15, 2023 • 1:01:14

Always Be...Perfecting Your Craft

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 a sobering reminder of the balance between personal well-being and maintaining a band’s reputation. The duo dives deep into setlist dynamics, analyzing song placement, audience engage

Aug 8, 2023 • 48:57

Reading The Red Flags

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 decision is intentional and not a product of lost control. This allows the band to keep the adrenaline from driving the performance to a state of chaos. Your two favorite weekend warriors further high

Aug 2, 2023 • 47:18

Surprise, You're The Headliner

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 challenges, including a last-minute replacement bass player due to a COVID-19 test. Undeterred, they took the stage and powered through unforeseen setbacks, demonstrati

Jul 18, 2023 • 49:15

Keep The Sound Guy Stocked!

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 leader. They stress the importance of effective communication to maintain a harmonious group dynamic and avoid surprises. From a practical standpoint, they discuss the significance of band ident

Jul 11, 2023 • 39:34

Attention is Performing

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 areas and the struggle for fair compensation. Plus, they announce an upcoming interview with our friend Nick Chargin and share alternative ways to engage with fans. Stay tuned and al

Jul 6, 2023 • 51:07

Billy Butler, Rock and Roll Cellist

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 and lyrics, emphasizing the role of repetition, muscle memory, and physical engagement. They touch on the challenges presented by non-linear lyrics in songs like Beatles&#821

Jun 21, 2023 • 1:02:28

A Hairless Summer

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 use the gear than it is the gear itself, but both iPads and mixers make appearances throughout. And then it’s a conversation about working with the right — and wrong — kinds of booking agents. As Paul

Jun 13, 2023 • 1:02:07

Which Gigs are Most Enjoyable?

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 want to hear! Listen as Dave and Paul dig into pristine rehearsal sound, in-ear management, the importance of playing cover songs, and even a little bit of gear gab to open your hearts (and wallets, yep!). Oh, and do

Jun 7, 2023 • 46:21

It Doesn't Work!

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 understanding required to deliver a truly exceptional performance. Respect in the music business becomes a central theme as Dave and Paul discuss the industry’s hierarchic

May 23, 2023 • 46:29

Listen To The Universe (and The Music)

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 that can enhance your musical journey. So, let’s dive into Gig Gab’s latest episode and gain valuable insights that will elevate your musical pursuits! The Loud

May 16, 2023 • 44:07

I Want More E-Mail!

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 performance. Paul recommends the straw training technique, which uses negative air pressure to help improve your singing voice. They also mention R.E.M.’s “Finest Worksong” a

May 2, 2023 • 57:55

Digging (Into) NAMM 2023 with Guest Dan East

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 simply NAMM, and yet, it always manages to bring a sense of excitement and anticipation. They delve into some of the standout moments from Dan’s time at NAMM, starting with their discuss

Apr 25, 2023 • 1:04:51

Sharing The Tea Leaves

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 will get together to rehearse and play gigs…what about spending some downtime together? Listen as Dave and Paul talk about the benefits of shared downtime, and that conversation evolves into really learning to check in w

Apr 18, 2023 • 41:18

The Sound of Progress

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 a monumental milestone: Zildjian’s 400th birthday. The company, renowned for its high-quality cymbals, has been a cornerstone of the music world since its inception.

Apr 5, 2023 • 38:43

Ethical Gymnastics

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 ethical situation recently, and he and Paul share their thoughts on the best way to handle these kinds of challenges. And don’t worry, no drums were harmed in the making of this episode. And hey, are you using

Mar 28, 2023 • 33:19

Always Be Entertaining

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 songs you select! Then Dave shares a few aspects of his recent SXSW experience with Paul and all of you, too. Some interesting bands — and band names! — come up, as well as some stories about

Mar 21, 2023 • 46:57

Raise Your Damned Prices!

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 industry has figured it out. But the club gigs are still paying what they used to pay and, well, it’s gotta give! That’s not all, though. Dave arrived in Austin for SXSW mere

Mar 14, 2023 • 51:26

Hey, Leave Those Gains Alone

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 more. Press play and, hey, remember? Leave that gain alone, yes, but also…Always Be Performing. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 375 – Wednesday, March 1st, 2023 00:01:28 Bands coming up BAM Magazin

Mar 2, 2023 • 50:05

Eight Years of Bending Your Ears

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 thoughts about gigs, rehearsals, cancelations, fill-ins, and quitting band members that have all happened in the past WEEK! Yep, lots to cover, and you get to join along for the right. Press play, enjoy, and al

Feb 20, 2023 • 1:07:26

What's Your Band's Fungibility?

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, which led to a rehearsal, which led to a 3-hour drive where he listened to all three of Fling’s EPs…and he shares his reactions to the evolution of that body of work. Paul had four gigs in as

Feb 14, 2023 • 50:34

The Gmail Story

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 371’s shared backline saga. That’s not all, though… Paul and Dave talk about vanity cover bands (there IS such a thing!), cash-only clubs, warmup routines, and being prepared for rehearsal. Your

Feb 7, 2023 • 29:17

No Drama The Day of The Gig

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 weekend warriors recently have, it’s interesting to notice how music is different — and the same — everywhere else. Ain’t music grand? What about when the music business ain’t grand, though? How do you approach gigs

Jan 31, 2023 • 42:16

Play Dive Bars!

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 (Def Leppard!) and a movie (If These Walls Could Sing) and he and Paul talk through some of the lessons—and trivia tidbits—learned from both of these. Just remember… press play! Also remember: always be performing! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 370 &#8

Jan 16, 2023 • 54:51

Don't Be That Guy

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 two favorite weekend warriors dissect the different rehearsal styles of different bands. No band is the same, and there are plenty of “right” ways to be productive. What works f

Jan 11, 2023 • 43:57

Dissecting Songs

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 — and discuss how they deal with all of life’s unexpected twists and turns. And then it’s time for some resolutions! Share yours, too, at feedback@giggabpodcast.com and let the rest of your

Jan 2, 2023 • 39:08

The Etiquette of Music

“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 promoting your band AND protecting yourself against clubs with crappy Wi-Fi scenarios. Press play, happy holidays, and Always Be Performing! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 367 – Tuesday, December 20t

Dec 21, 2022 • 48:58

Discovering Music In Today's World

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 recently had. That’s not all, though! Listen as your two favorite weekend warriors talk through the idea of being a career sub. Yep, it’s true! And it’s possible. Press play and enjoy! Oh, and Always Be Performing

Dec 7, 2022 • 53:09

Barn Burners, Door Splits, and Sunday Gigs

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 angles, and they even weave a Tom Petty reference in there. That’s not all, though. Your two favorite weekend warriors share some recent gig experiences, and highlight a spiffy piece of gear that one of you sent in. Press play, a

Nov 30, 2022 • 1:02:15

Every Band Needs a Davis

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 band look, feel, and sound good…and how it’s certainly possible to consolidate those jobs into one person thanks to today’s technology (and a lot of wizard skills!) Press play and remember: Al

Nov 23, 2022 • 56:54

Playing In Tune (With The Universe)

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 stories from the weekend and beyond. That’s not all, though! Your questions and comments from last week’s episode are here, too. It’s amazing the thi

Nov 15, 2022 • 57:14

Sorting Your Musical Life

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 feedback@giggabpodcast.com. That’s not all, though…listen as your two favorite weekend warriors discuss their strategies for learning new tunes, and they also share their “must have” gear lists, too. All good stuff…and remember: Always Be Performing! 00:00:

Nov 8, 2022 • 43:56

Lessons Learned

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. And, of course, don’t forget: Always Be Performing! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 361 – Tuesday, November 1st, 2022 Bitter Pill, Wizardess, Paul Jarvis @ The Shaskeen Pit Band feels like Band Rehearsal Your own tic

Nov 2, 2022 • 48:30

Compromise, Collaboration, and Communication

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 you’re communicating…is it compromise? Is it collaborative? Is it instructive? Listen as Paul and Dave share their thoughts — and ask for your input — on all of these. Send in your thoug

Oct 11, 2022 • 1:02:25

First You Applaud, *Then* We Play The Next Song

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 in its purest form: your two favorite weekend warriors talking about their gigs…and all the trials and tribulations they endured: playing ill-advised requests, putting misbehaved audience members in their

Oct 4, 2022 • 52:38

High-Stakes Stage Roulette

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 and then answer your questions! You know what’s worse than backline roulette? Stage roulette! It happens to all of us, and how you and your band deal with it dictat

Sep 27, 2022 • 43:03

Wait ‘Til You Hear OUR Version of The Chicken Dance!

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: what songs would YOU pick for a wedding band playlist today? Press play, listen, and enjoy. Oh! And Always Be Performing! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 357 – Monday, September 12th, 2022 00:01:17 Celebrat

Sep 13, 2022 • 59:09

Overcoming the First-Set Blues

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 answer here, and there are also plenty of wrong ones. Press play and join the Gig Gab family … and always be performing! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 356 – Monday, September 5th, 2022 Watching Victo

Sep 5, 2022 • 56:07

The Business of Music

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 Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #394 & Gig Gab 355 for the week of Monday, August 22nd, 2022 00:02:30 The Business of Being a Musician Define Success Is it a business, a hobby, or both? Keep continuity by keepin

Aug 23, 2022 • 50:11

Beware Backline Roulette

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 this can happen — and not happen — and what pitfalls to watch out for. Paul’s been working on strengthening his voice, and has a new addition to Gear Gab that might be of interest to a few of us, too! Lastly, your two

Aug 16, 2022 • 48:06

Beyond The Music with Tribute Band "Tom Petty" Bruce Hilton

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 us all some lessons we can apply regardless of whether we’re in a tribute band, cover band, original band, or something else entirely! Press play and enjoy, and remember: always be performing! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 353 &#

Aug 8, 2022 • 45:12

The Jeanine Syndrome

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 “Bill”…and we’ll tell you what we mean by that when you press play. Enjoy! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 352 – Monday, August 1, 2022 00:01:47 Lessons from Luke Bryan 00:08:24 Alw

Aug 2, 2022 • 53:55

Learning How To Sing As a Band

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 various bands and projects they’ve had together (and separately) over the years, then send in your thoughts to feedback@giggabpodcast.com, too! Press play and enjoy, folks…a

Jul 27, 2022 • 49:53

If You Can Drink a Beer On Stage, You Can Mix Your Ears

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. If you think the titular (now, now, Beavis!) quote is good, just wait until you hear what Paul said next. Press play…and always be performing! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 350 – Monday, July 18, 2022 00:04:20 Ban

Jul 19, 2022 • 37:40

Finding Your Number One Fan

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, and also of you! Listen to the episode and then send your answers in to feedback@giggabpodcast.com and they’ll read ’em on the show! Also…always be performing. Amirite? 00:00:00 Gig Gab

Jul 6, 2022 • 41:05

Managing Your Musical Priorities

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 then chime in with your own stuff at feedback@giggabpodcast.com to share! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 348 – Monday, June 27, 2022 00:01:10 Managing Your Musical Priorities 00:05

Jun 27, 2022 • 49:43

Perfecting Your Setup Routine

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 here to share and learn, too, so make sure you send in your thoughts to feedback@giggabpodcast.com and, hey! Always Be Performing! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 347 – Tuesday, June 14, 2022 00:00:44 Using the Layl

Jun 14, 2022 • 42:33

Of Harmonicas and Headset Mics

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! Paul brings an axe to grind with much wisdom and insights to be shared. Press play to hear it all…and then always be performing! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 346 – Monday, M

May 23, 2022 • 49:35

Mixing From The Stage

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. That’s not all though! A recent experience leads to a conversation about venue staff and how they can significantly influence the flow of the night…and whether or not your audience wants to re

May 9, 2022 • 59:08

The Rehearsal-Less Band

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 into an answer to a question. Your two favorite weekend warriors talk through all KINDS of gear related to a speaker-free stage. Press play and enjoy, and remember

May 2, 2022 • 46:28

Navigating The Resurgence

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 play and enjoy…and then send in your thoughts: feedback@giggabpodcast.com 00:00:00 Gig Gab 343 – Monday, April 25, 2022 00:00:50 Ireland’s Pervasive Music 00:06:10 When your body figh

Apr 25, 2022 • 50:24

Managing Your Musical Calendar

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 are again a topic, this time from the angle of whether or not you should use the same one gig-after-gig. Listen as your two favorite weekend warriors share their thoughts and then send in a comment with your own. Ho

Apr 5, 2022 • 44:29

Watch Him As He Goes...

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 band might be able to leverage the Blockchain for yourselves and your fans. On top of that, your two favorite weekend warriors discuss the competitive nature of being in the business of being in a band, and how they each approac

Mar 28, 2022 • 1:05:59

SXSW, Movies, & Knowing Your Audience

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 debrief, and that’s what Gig Gab is all about. Press play, and always be performing! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 340 – Monday, March 14, 2022 00:01:41 SXSW 2022, the Hy

Mar 15, 2022 • 49:24

The Care and Feeding of Your Band

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 to make a band. Dave had some interesting “friction points” at his gig on Saturday night, and shares a few of them here with everyone, and Paul talks about the success of his 100%-of-the-door gig,

Mar 7, 2022 • 47:40

Mailbag Time!

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: Always Be Performing! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 338 – Monday, February 21, 2022 00:05:06 McCartney on Tour 00:10:22 Shayne-337-The Difficulty in Covering Rap Tunes 00:15:13 James-33

Feb 21, 2022 • 44:40

Open Your Heart to Music

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 your heart and not being too jaded about your musical endeavors, even if history might suggest otherwise! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 337 – Monday, February 14,

Feb 14, 2022 • 42:18

Managing Multiple Projects

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 created by one of your fellow listeners that helps to solve this…at least the logistical part! That’s not all, though. Your two favorite weekend warriors share some stories about gigs

Feb 7, 2022 • 45:53

Always Be Insuring...and Collaborating

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 this and more. Press play and… always be performing, too! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 335 – Tuesday, February 1, 2022 01:00 Revisiting The Four-Inch Snow Rule 00:18:00 The benefits of

Feb 1, 2022 • 58:12

Getting Past "Good Enough"

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” hump in efficient ways. That’s not all, though! Topics evolve into discussing pricing and negotiating with club owners in ways that are mutually beneficial

Jan 24, 2022 • 56:06

Viva La Sum Of Your Band's Parts

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 their scenarios and how and why it all works. That, plus a Covid update because, hey, why not? Press play, enjoy, and always be performing! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 333 – Monday, January 17, 2022 00:01:42 Gigs c

Jan 17, 2022 • 43:18

Embracing and Tweaking Your Sales Process

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 learned in their lives as musicians and elsewhere…and always be performing! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 332 – Monday, January 10, 2022 00:01:04 Barry-331-Go See Those Legacy Bands! 00:09:33 Booking

Jan 10, 2022 • 45:28

Evolving Your Band

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 and Dave talk about the direction of their various musical projects, and where things are going for them. Song choices, indoor gigs, children of drummers, and more round out this episode. Press play and pleas

Jan 3, 2022 • 50:19

The Perspective of a Year

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 Performing with Paul and Dave! Oh, and happy new year, too! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 330 – Tuesday, December 28, 2021 00:01:35 An outdoors Houserockers New Years 00:04:58 What does 2022 look like? 00:08:0

Dec 28, 2021 • 38:10

Of Clicks and Cliques

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 (and feelings about!) each of these things. Press play and Always your two favorite weekend warriors! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 329 – Monday, December 13, 2021 00:01:12 Capturing ideas 00:08:12 21/12 Recordi

Dec 13, 2021 • 51:28

Musical Mind Melding

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 things magical, and your two favorite weekend warriors share stories this week that highlight this in at least three different ways. Listen as Paul tells of his five-gig road-trip weekend, Dave

Dec 6, 2021 • 55:42

Songwriting, The Beatles, and You

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 new Get Back movie gives us all. Listen as Paul and Dave share their own “What got me into The Beatles?” stories, too. Press play, and always be performing! 00:00:00 Gig Gab

Nov 30, 2021 • 53:42

Slowing Down The Music

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 winter lull? Your two favorite weekend warriors talk through how they do this in their bands and invite you to do the same! Press play, send email to feedback@giggabpodcast.com…and always be performing! 00:00:00 Gig Ga

Nov 15, 2021 • 51:15

Musical Work Ethic

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 catch-phrase of “Always Be Performing”, this is it! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 325 – Monday, November 8, 2021 00:03:19 Another Sunday Gig 00:11:38 Arranging vs. Rehearsing 00:17:08 Eric-Sel

Nov 8, 2021 • 53:01

Dissecting Difficult Music

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 negotiations, and snare sounds abound. Press play and always be performing! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 324 – Monday, November 1, 2021 00:01:28 Avoiding the Sophomore Slu

Nov 1, 2021 • 50:43

Always Be Performing…Uniquely

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 evolve that into a conversation about differentiating our projects for our audiences… and ourselves! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 323 – Tuesday, October 26, 2021 00:02:16 Would you want video

Oct 26, 2021 • 41:12

Focus and Discipline

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 it a lack thereof?!?). On top of that discussions ensue about refreshing your song list, the Velvet Underground, tribute bands, and your two favorite weekend warriors favorite Beatles songs! Press play and always be performing! 00:00

Oct 19, 2021 • 47:54

Band Leadership Styles

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 all work. Paul played a wedding and talks about the (broken?) flow of these things. All this and more on Gig Gab, folks. Press play and remember…always be performing! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 321 – Mo

Oct 4, 2021 • 46:48

Gear Gab, Rehearsal Structure, and More

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 this week we talk microphones and pick-up patterns and monitors and more. Make sure you choose the right mic for you, and make sure you understand its pick-up pattern so you know where to place monitor wedges and

Sep 27, 2021 • 52:44

Turning Up Your Band's Efficiency

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 Ya. Then it’s on to how to approach replacing a long-time member of your band. Dave’s going through it with Fling, Paul’s going through it with The Houserockers, and they&#

Sep 21, 2021 • 55:47

What is a Successful Gig?

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 gigging… getting setup, balancing your monitors (in-ears!), getting in touch with bandmates last-minute, and more. Plus, a few gear tips for drummers. All this and more whe

Sep 13, 2021 • 49:53

Do You Instruct Your Audience?

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, including whether or not to require your audience be vaccinated. That’s not all, though! Listener questions drive the bus, including one about a departing band member. And, of course, your two favorite weekend warriors share a few t

Sep 6, 2021 • 59:00

Your Band Needs a Brown M&M Clause

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 Paul and Dave talk through their more recent gigs. Then it’s on to setups and getting your band — and your individual instruments — to sound good in the rooms you play. How much thought are you putting

Aug 23, 2021 • 47:41

What's Your Band's Image?

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 were in the shop, and had an interesting revelation about just what can work for a gig! And Paul had an all-too-familiar experience with a club trying to add live music to t

Aug 16, 2021 • 55:35

Jan Hammer Talks Mahavishnu, Emerson, Hendrix, Jaco … and Getting the JuJu Happening! — Gig Gab 68 Redux

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 a two week stretch, we figured this was a perfect time to revisit that interview, certainly our most downloaded episode ever. From his start in Prague, the stories flow, including tales about Jan’s experiences with Jeff Beck, Keith Emerson, Jaco

Aug 9, 2021 • 46:12

Firing On All Musical Cylinders

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 about the components of a “perfect” gig, then listen as they explore topics of theater as it relates to rock-and-roll, getting the whole band on in-ears, and two new shows you need to watch. All this and more, an

Jul 27, 2021 • 56:11

People Behaving Like People

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. How do you ask for money? How do you know why someone said, “no”? Listen as your two favorite weekend warriors share their trials, tribulations, and advice. And remember: Always Be Perf

Jul 19, 2021 • 44:47

The Ever-Elusive "Great Sound"

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 experienced that perfect stage with great sound this weekend, and they share their stories. That’s not all, though, listen as Paul and Dave talk through Dave’s magic word: Costume. Listen and t

Jul 12, 2021 • 24:42

More Microphones Than Cents

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 enjoy. Oh, and send in your feedback, too! feedback@giggabpodcast.com is where you wanna be…and where we want you to be. Always Be Performing! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 311 – Wednesday

Jul 7, 2021 • 48:20

Bands and Connections

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 – Wednesday, June 30, 2021 00:02:34 Bitter Pill — There’s something happening here 00:14:13 Paul – Three Gig Weekend… Houserockers and Solo. 00:17:00 Voice issues 00:20:01 SPONSOR: Ultimate Ears Pro. To celebra

Jun 30, 2021 • 47:44

Chasing The Perfect Gig

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 making it up as you go, you can still always be performing! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 309 – Tuesday, June 22, 2021 00:00:45 The Houserockers’ Triumphant Return WAVS Custom In-Ears 00:13:15 The Perfect Gig Bitter P

Jun 22, 2021 • 46:37

Savor The Moment

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 been experimenting with Facebook to promote things, and they share their stories, successes, failures, and thoughts. Plus a new piece of gear is on the scene! Press play

Jun 16, 2021 • 54:45

Basement Shows and New Faces

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 gig and Paul’s considering songwriting. Press play, enjoy, and always be performing! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 307 – Tuesday, June 8, 2021 00:00:53 Learning the Blues John Cutrone 00:05:06 Getting 00:10:16 Basement Gigs! 00:15:

Jun 8, 2021 • 47:29

Inexpensive Gear, In-Ear Tricks, and a little Frank!

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 how to approach collaboration, in general. As Paul says, “a band is an exercise in compromise.” Lastly, Dave’s played a few gigs recently which have expanded his thinking about ap

Jun 1, 2021 • 44:42

Brian Geller from The Atomic Punks and Ultimate Ears: In-Ear Monitors, Tribute Bands, and More!

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 right in-ears, how to keep your voice strong throughout a gig and more. Your three favorite weekend warriors really have a lot to say this week, and Brian leads the charge. Press play, and don’t forget: Always Be Perfor

May 24, 2021 • 1:00:28

What is a Wedding Band?

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 from club band to wedding band. In addition, of course, your two favorite weekend warriors love gear, and they’ve got some ideas to share with y’all about that, too! Press play…and always be perfor

May 20, 2021 • 48:45

What's On Your Gig-Packing Checklist?

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 mind, do you have a gig-packing checklist? If so, what’s on it? If not… what would you put on it? Listen as Paul and Dave share their ideas with you, adding to the hive-mind to

May 10, 2021 • 42:52

Uniqueness, Competition, and Ego

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 of this concept! That’s not all, though. Listen as your two favorite weekend warriors talk about leveraging your ego as a tool, the joy of setting up a stage…and broken toes! Always Be Performing, for sure! 0

May 5, 2021 • 38:59

Rough Landings and Axe Grinding

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 this will be like…and how to get there. Then it turn out the guys have some axe-grinding to do about your reliability reputations. All this and more if you just press play! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 301 –

Apr 26, 2021 • 37:09

Getting Back to Business

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, friends. And remember: always be performing! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 300 – Monday, April 19, 2021 00:03:44 Gigging in the new scene All-time record tip day Bose L1 Pro16 Mackie REACH Shure SM7B CloudLifter FetHead 00:17:10 SPON

Apr 19, 2021 • 41:59

David Jameson, Gig Performer and Tribute Band Extraordinaire!

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 until you go there, and David’s life is full of many such tales! David is also one of the partners — and programmers — behind Gig Performer, a plug-in host used by both keyboardists and guitarists t

Apr 5, 2021 • 46:15

Social Media Management, SXSW Movies, More

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 takes Paul (and all the rest of you!) through a few music-focused movies he saw “at” SXSW earlier this month. Listen to him review these things from the viewpoint of a working musician, then send in your recom

Mar 31, 2021 • 57:50

Tipping Tips, Streaming Styles, and SXSW

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 your two favorite weekend warriors for this week’s music-obsessed journey! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 297 – Wednesday, March 24, 2021 00:01:52 Macworld All-Star Band, “Take Me To the River”

Mar 24, 2021 • 59:29

Mixing In-Ears with The Mix Doctor

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, haystacking EQ, hearing fatigue and more…all in the interest of achieving “the face”. Press play, enjoy, and always be performing! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 296 – Tuesday, March 16, 2021 Matt

Mar 17, 2021 • 1:08:08

Frictionless Reopening

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 you’re invited along for the ride. Listen as your two favorite weekend warriors talk about when that next weekend will come… and what it will look like. Press play, enjoy, and always be performing! 00:00:00 Gi

Mar 8, 2021 • 45:10

Covers and Originals: A Battle?

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 they end up! No Gig Gab is complete without Gear Gab, though, and the guys talk about their initial experiences with the new, inexpensive, WAVS Custom in-ear monitors. Listen for all this… and more

Mar 2, 2021 • 39:37

What is a Band?

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 tips to share, and some realities to share, too. Listen as Paul and Dave talk through all of us. And remember, whether in your band or online: always be performing! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 293 &#82

Feb 22, 2021 • 45:23

Duct Tape to The Rescue

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, old, and upcoming favorite gear, too. Press play… and always be performing! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 292 – Monday, February 15, 2021 00:00:47 Happy Gig Gab Anniversary on Feb 19th! 00:02:57 From

Feb 15, 2021 • 45:57

Don't Think, Just Concentrate — Gig Gab 291

‘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 on to discussing pricing ourselves as musicians as we begin to emerge from our respective lockdowns. Lots to think about here, and the past is only able to provide a few hints

Feb 8, 2021 • 45:11

Don't Get Complacent, Get Uncomfortable

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 it’s on to picking songs for your band, including a new litmus test your two favorite weekend warriors haven’t discussed in the past! 00:00:00 Gig

Feb 2, 2021 • 42:22

The Stage of Tomorrow

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 — and future tech — that might exist to really help us evolve our setups in meaningful ways. Dave has been able to test his new “no PA” studio with Fling lately, and he and Paul talk through in-ea

Jan 27, 2021 • 49:36

CESNAMMGearGab

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 and Dave talk about some gear they’ve tested and some they’d like to test, as well as some anecdotes that spring from such geeky conversations. Press play, enjoy, then send in your favorite gear to feedback@giggabpodcas

Jan 18, 2021 • 48:49

Keeping Your Band Together

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 out! Press play and hear your two favorite weekend warriors discuss all manner of strategies for keeping your band together during these weird days. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 287 – Tuesday, January

Jan 13, 2021 • 51:57

The Value of Prep Time

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 depends upon the gig, and your two favorite weekend warriors have some examples to share! Listen as Dave and Paul talk through some recent (and some not-so-recent) gigs for which specific preparation p

Jan 4, 2021 • 36:21

Missing Band Rehearsal

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 evidently come a LONG way since the summer, and listener Dave has some findings and suggestions to share, as well. Plus, it’s never a bad time to spend a little mental energy reminding ourselves of tho

Dec 21, 2020 • 45:16

Changes In The Air

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 always be performing! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 284 – Monday, December 14, 2020 00:00:51 Prepping for hard tunes! Gotta play it before I can really “hear” it Tom Hanks “Hot Chocolate” Harry Connick “Frosty” Harry Turns the

Dec 14, 2020 • 42:49

Weekend Warriors' Holiday Wish Lists

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 as your two favorite weekend warriors go through your requests along with their own lists to build a monster list. But we’re not finished. Feel free to send in your own and we’ll share even more! feedback@giggabpodcast.com is

Dec 7, 2020 • 51:16

Conspiring to Play Again

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 chat it out! That’s not all, of course. There’s Gear Gab to be had, and there’s talk of playing with Loopers, too. Listen as your two favorite weekend warriors take on all these topics

Dec 1, 2020 • 52:53

The Art of Scheduling

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 have lived both sides of this! Listen as your two favorite weekend warriors share their thoughts, insights, and advice on managing your band’s schedule. And remember… always be performing!

Nov 23, 2020 • 40:30

Eyes With Pride

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 share that image in this way. Good news, Paul and Dave talk through some of this, hopefully adding some direction to the conversation. Then it’s on to Pop Songs. Yeah, those, the ones you’re immediately thinking of, and

Nov 16, 2020 • 56:58

The Great Reset

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 muse on what other things might be reset…including your band. Press play and listen as your two favorite weekend warriors talk through all of this and more. Remember, folks, always be p

Nov 9, 2020 • 36:20

The Art of Learning — Gig Gab 278

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? How about our band management? Listen as Paul and Dave have a little jam session on this topic for you today. You never know where your two favorite weekend warriors are going

Nov 2, 2020 • 37:30

Gear and Your Local Music Shop

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 he needed to chew! And then listener Steve has an issue with his band that is routinely encountering what we’ll call “remedial rehearsal”. This can be the death of a band but, then

Oct 26, 2020 • 49:47

Lead Singer Takeover

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 keep your band together and keep focused on creating with one another. “Always Be Performing” is our motto here, and there are a lot of ways to achieve that! Press play and enjoy, then send your thoughts, questions, a

Oct 19, 2020 • 38:24

Making a Band a Family

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 a few minutes sharing their Eddie Van Halen stories and memories, too. He was—and remains—a legend. Press play, and don’t forget: Always Be Performing! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 275 – Monday, October 12, 2020

Oct 14, 2020 • 51:26

Uncommon Hits

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 ways, the streaming formula and, yes, uncommon hits! Press play and enjoy… and then please send us your thoughts to feedback@giggabpodcast.com 00:00:00 Gig Gab 274 – Monday, October 5, 2020 00

Oct 5, 2020 • 45:58

You Haven't Seen My Fastball... Yet!

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 wants to hear. Up first, though, Dave played a few gigs this weekend, and has some interesting experiences to share from it all…and Paul re-experienced the Lefsetz Le

Sep 29, 2020 • 58:55

Keep Your Feet Moving

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 keeping their feet moving, creating the opportunities to keep things moving forward. Press play and then share your thoughts with us at feedback@giggabpodcast.com. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 272 – Monday, September 21, 2020 0

Sep 21, 2020 • 58:07

Playing For the Love of Music

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 of the current and future benefits of that. Of course, it’s not Gig Gab without some practical advice, and Dave shares his experience — and thoughts about — interacting with a sound engineer for the first time. Then it’s on t

Sep 14, 2020 • 52:50

Where is Live Music Going?

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 new Logic plug-in AND a new feature in Zoom. Press play, and join your two favorite weekend warriors. Don’t forget: Always Be Performing! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 270 – Wednesday, September 9,

Sep 9, 2020 • 40:09

The Value of Preparation

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 two favorite weekend warriors this week. Share your thoughts, would ya? feedback@giggabpodcast.com Oh — and always be performing! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 269 – Monday, August 31, 2020 00:04:17 Getting the band(s) back together 00:13

Aug 31, 2020 • 36:22

Take The Note

Giving and receiving feedback is never easy. Well, it’s super easy if you want to send us an email: feedback@giggabpodacst.com 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 today’s show, and borrow a phrase and concept from Dave’s theater experiences: Take the Note. Both Paul and Dave are getting offered gigs, and are turning down more than they’re accepting. Th

Aug 24, 2020 • 34:19

The Etiquette of Subbing

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 answer these days. Without the glue-of-gigs to hold things together, you need something else. Your two favorite weekend warriors talk through that and a few other topics, too! Press play and enjoy

Aug 10, 2020 • 51:18

The Same Amount of Crazy

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 to be approximately the same amount of crazy to make it work. Paul and Dave talk through and develop this realization, and share some examples of where to apply it. That’s not all, though, beca

Jul 27, 2020 • 49:25

The Meeting of Four Minds, a Crossover Episode

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!), and as they help a listener through finding a new gig.New for this week, you can even watch this episode on YouTube! Press play, enjoy, and always be performing! The post The Meet

Jul 20, 2020 • 1:06:30

Where's The QuickStart Guide?

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 and Paul talk about how that worked, what measures were taken to keep everyone as safe as possible, and what the future of all that might look like as we’re slowly marching forward here. Don’t

Jul 13, 2020 • 1:03:06

Asterisk Pandemic — Gig Gab 263

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 want to do on stage again. Listen as Kent and Hamilton (the podcaster, not the show), talk through all this and more. And remember, always be performing! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 263 &#821

Jul 6, 2020 • 1:03:20

David Shanhun: Looping, Streaming, Playing

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 looping into their performances, increasing everyone’s game. Join us today to learn more about David, hear some looping tips, and some great stories, to boot! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 262

Jun 29, 2020 • 46:29

Playing the Pandemic Stage

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 history, and he and Paul talk through the process that got Dave to the stage, as well as the experience of actually doing it. Press play, enjoy, and remember: Always Be Performing! 00:00:00 Gig

Jun 26, 2020 • 48:05

Re-Entry Anxiety

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 different ways and, as will come as no surprise, they’re happy to talk about it. In fact, talking about it seems to help! Listen in as they share their very different thoughts

Jun 15, 2020 • 1:09:06

Almost Willing...

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 with us all about what the next gig or rehearsal might look like, and Dave and Paul take that and run with it, sharing their thoughts, as well. Press play, enjoy, and always be performing. Oh, and let’s not for

Jun 8, 2020 • 52:57

Dave Cook: Streaming Sound Advice, Love Shack, Carly Simon, and More

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 laid down the grooves!), how he started his road career with Carly Simon, and more. Dave also brings decades of advice to help guide us all with our live streaming setups, discu

Jun 1, 2020 • 58:46

Lighting, Ranting, & Planning Your Next Show

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 of Dave and Paul as they dive into this week’s episode. Listen as your two favorite weekend warriors talk through all of this and how they’re approaching it. Then send in your feedback to feedback@giggabpodcast.com: we w

May 26, 2020 • 48:24

Payscale, Licensing, and Toys

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 various rights management companies, too! What are your thoughts about playing out this summer? Are you—and your bandmates—going to experiment with any socially-distanced gigs? What’s that going to look like? An

May 18, 2020 • 51:22

Brad Madix: Stories from Front of House with Rush, Queensrÿche, Jane's Addiction, and More

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 console in an arena for the first time, tweaking Geddy Lee’s bass sound, taking the stage with Queensrÿche, and so much more. Brad also shares his tips and

May 4, 2020 • 1:04:50

Gear 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 you have! Well, Paul and Dave have questions, too… and a few answers. Really, though, it’s all about just learning how to make yourself sound great. And is th

Apr 27, 2020 • 57:06

Managing–and Learning–Your Fans' Expectations

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 tip or share or visit or more. And you can apply that compassion to crafting your own fan environment. Are tips the right answer? Or are subscriptions a better model? Listen as your two favorite weekend warriors talk this through. The bookends to this weeks show are tech ti

Apr 20, 2020 • 49:57

Thinking of the Stage

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 playing every week (or every night), sure, and that allows us the gift of perspective. What things about our live shows can we change? What can we work on right now? Dave has a few ideas that he and Paul talk through. Then i

Apr 13, 2020 • 53:21

Cover Band Central's Steve Witschel on Live Streaming and More

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 quite a bit of time perfecting – and teaching – the nuances of live-streaming. He, Paul, and Dave talk through all of this, too, offering you a ton of great tips and tricks to make your live streams e

Apr 7, 2020 • 38:10

Live Streaming Tech and Trusting The Muse

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 embracing the muse. Dave had an epiphany moment this past weekend when he broke through his sadness of sequester and started tracking drums, only to find that there was an even better drum part for a new FLING

Mar 30, 2020 • 51:51

The Evolution of Online Busking

Dave watched the new “Laurel Canyon: A Place in Time” movie that premiered (virtually) at SXSW 2020 last week, so he starts us off with a review about that. Great stories and great memories abound. Online busking has become more a thing than ever, and Paul and Dave talk through some of what they’re seeing, what the future holds, and how the beginnings of podcasting give us some perspective on it all. Next week, we’ll talk about the tech that you’ll eventually be usi

Mar 23, 2020 • 41:23

Cancelations ... Mean Opportunity

Paul and Dave both had gig cancelations, as did many of you. Some of you figured out how to perform anyway, in a safe manner, and that&#8217;s inspiring to all of us. Your two favorite weekend warriors talk through some of the things they&#8217;re doing, and you&#8217;ll even get to hear a sneak peek at the Bitter Pill album Dave recently discussed recording. Always be performing, indeed! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 248 &#8211; Monday, March 16, 2020 <https://giggabpodcast.com/> 00:01:00 Creating an

Mar 16, 2020 • 45:08

Mike Dias, a Career of In-Ears

Mike Dias, long-time in-ear industry expert and now Executive Director of the In-Ear Monitor International Trade Organization, joins Paul and Dave this week. They chat about the history of in-ears, the future, solving problems, and more. They even touch on a few &#8220;hot button&#8221; topics, too, but you&#8217;ll have to listen to hear about that! 00:00:00 Mike Dias, a Lifetime of In-Ears – Gig Gab 247 &#8211; Monday, March 9, 2020 Guest appearance: Mike Dias, long-time in-ear monitor champ

Mar 9, 2020 • 40:36

Who's Driving The Bus?

One of the best questions you can answer before you start to do anything musical is: who&#8217;s driving the bus? Paul and Dave take this question through a few permutations. First, Dave laments some of the struggles he&#8217;s having getting his studio setup to the point where he can track some new Fling songs, and the question of who&#8217;s driving the bus of the recording project comes up. Then it&#8217;s on to the topic of the Houserockers. Paul discusses the evolution of his band&#8230; an

Mar 2, 2020 • 46:11

The In-Ear Transition – Gig Gab 245

Making the leap to in-ear monitors is one of the most difficult experiences any gigging musician can go through. From getting the right fit to getting the right mix to simply becoming comfortable with that new level of detachment, in-ears take dedication. The payoff is big, of course, in terms of being able to hear better and saving oneself from future hearing damage. Dave watched Trey Anastasio battle this transition on stage over the past weekend. In response to that, Dave discusses a few of t

Feb 25, 2020 • 44:37

How Do You Scream?

Listen, sometimes running a band isn&#8217;t fun. Sometimes it requires thinking about accounting and managing people and employment law and all that. Today&#8217;s Gig Gab digs into some of that not-fun stuff, specifically about managing shared band expenses and another bit about California&#8217;s AB5. Really, this stuff isn&#8217;t fun, but it&#8217;s necessary to think about, and Paul and Dave share their thoughts and invite yours. But your two favorite weekend warriors do also ask the impor

Feb 17, 2020 • 41:14

Recording – and Managing – Your Band

Dave&#8217;s fresh out of the studio at The Noise Floor where he spent the weekend recording a new album with Bitter Pill. He&#8217;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 praise – the concept of a band. What does that mean? How do you define it? How do you protect it? Those are the questions they begin to answer&#8230; or at least get clarity about asking! Listen as they dissect all of this and more

Feb 10, 2020 • 1:02:30

Blues, Bits, and Bosses

Who&#8217;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&#8217;ve seen this before, but is this time different? Paul Kent and Dave Hamilton begin the discussion&#8230; you can add to it by commenting below or sending an email to feedback@giggabpodcast.com That&#8217;s not

Feb 3, 2020 • 55:33

Do You Want My Help?

Playing music together often creates a very tight bond between musicians involving trust and compassion. But even though that bond is strong, it&#8217;s usually not something that&#8217;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 interesting questions that you pose and your two favorite weekend warriors ponder. Speaking of listener questions, this episode addresses two others: one about a story in the previous episo

Jan 28, 2020 • 54:05

Should We Play It Like The Record?

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&#8217;s how this Gig Gab episode starts, folks, and then it evolves, winding up with a dissection of having your audience help you choose the right songs for them, and how to decide upon the best interpretation of those songs. Listen as Paul and Dave, your two favorite weekend warriors, dig through all of this and more,

Jan 21, 2020 • 53:22

Song Selection, Cowbells, & The Professor

It&#8217;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&#8217;ve both made a ton of mistakes in this regard, both about songs and the process of selecting them. Learn what they&#8217;ve learned so that you can avoid these pitfalls. But first, your two favorite weekend warriors take a breath to talk about Neil Peart, drummer for Rush who recently passed away. They each have their own connections and stor

Jan 13, 2020 • 1:11:28

In Search of Fair Money

How often do you go back and re-evaluate the way you play a song you&#8217;ve had in your repertoire for years? Those tunes that gain &#8220;autopilot&#8221; status are easy to ignore, but there can be value in dissecting them. Dave recently went through some of this, and has some thoughts to share. Then it&#8217;s on to money, fair money. What defines fair money for you? And what happens if you&#8217;re not getting it? Paul and Dave go through this from their varied perspectives to help sort ou

Dec 30, 2019 • 59:52

The House Band Concept

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 house band concept for your shows? But first, none of these gigs happen without learning the songs first. Paul grills Dave on the process of prepping for his gigs using this past week&#8217;s Mad Haus as a guide. But don&#8217;t worry, these are univ

Dec 18, 2019 • 50:23

Band Psychology

Your band is filled with people, and that means there&#8217;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&#8217;s not all Paul and Dave talk about today, though! Dave got to see three bands in three nights, and took away some lessons about the whole &#8220;Always Be Performing&#8221; concept&#8230; on both sides of the coin. Listen as your two favorite weekend warriors go throug

Dec 9, 2019 • 1:04:45

Just Sing It Straight

When the crowd is there to hear you, paying attention to every nuance, it&#8217;s a completely different world. Dave had the option to re-experience that recently, and talks through it all. Then it&#8217;s time to talk about your vocal technique. Dave and Paul share the lessons they&#8217;ve learned as not-professional-singers, and perhaps there&#8217;s some wisdom there. Or perhaps they&#8217;re just full of something else. You decide! Finally, it seems table stakes are different for up-and-com

Dec 2, 2019 • 54:14

Get Over Yourself

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&#8217;s true, your two favorite weekend warriors sometimes get stuck in their own heads when the goal is to get stuck in yours. Listen &#8230; and see if they succeed! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 234- Monday, November 18, 2019 00:01:12 Nashville Gig Gab with Buddy Gibbons 00:14:46 Apple Podcast

Nov 18, 2019 • 41:56

Keeping it Fresh

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&#8217;s not just about the music. There&#8217;s more we can all do – especially in today&#8217;s attention-distracted world – to ensure our fans are interested in coming to the next show. Heck, there&#8217;s more we can do to ensure we are interested in playing our next show. What is it? Paul and Dave talk through this. Also, what&#8217;s the magic that makes your band sp

Nov 11, 2019 • 48:20

AD(vertising) INFINITUM

What’s it take to get you to put your pants and shoes on and leave the couch? That&#8217;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 &#8217;em an offer they don&#8217;t want to refuse. Paul and Dave spend the second half of today&#8217;s episode talking through all this stuff ad-related, after starting with stories from some fun Halloween/Halloweekend gigs. Press play and enjoy hearing y

Nov 4, 2019 • 47:26

Selling Your Band: First Contact

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&#8217;s the experienced one here, and he leads us all through a great lesson on how best to make that work. It seems we&#8217;re all now members of the blackout generation, at least in terms of generating power during blackouts. Dave shares some of his tips about powering your band through a power outage, as both he and Paul have needed to do lately! And, of cou

Oct 28, 2019 • 57:17

The Rule of Three

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&#8217;s good to have a conversation about trust between your bandmates. Listen, there&#8217;s a lot of maybes in the world, and your two favorite weekend warriors can only tackle a few each week. Listen as Paul and Dave address these topics (and maybe another!). Press play and enjoy! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 230 &#8211; Monday, October 21,

Oct 22, 2019 • 54:07

Comfy Slippers

There&#8217;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&#8217;t comfortable anymore? Or aren&#8217;t even there? Well, your two favorite weekend warriors talk through all of this. Listener Tom even has a scenario brewing that requires an extended conversation jam between Paul and Dave, trading fours

Oct 7, 2019 • 1:13:36

Finding (and leaving) Your Comfort Zone

It&#8217;s great to get your band to a place where you can just get setup and play without any issues. That&#8217;s not always easy, mind you, but it&#8217;s great. Paul and Dave both have a few stories – and a few tips – about how to make this happen&#8230; and what happens when it doesn&#8217;t! Crowd interaction is a critical tentpole of our &#8220;Always Be Performing&#8221; motto here at Gig Gab, and Dave had some interesting experiences with that this past weekend. Sometimes the crowd is t

Sep 30, 2019 • 49:39

Confidence, Inclusivity, and Nightlife Crowds vs. Music Lovers

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 feedback@giggabpodcast.com. First, though, a conversation about subbing percolates to the importance of confidence. No matter where you are, you&#8217;ve gotta be able to rock when it&#8217;s time to rock. Your favorite weekend warriors have some experience with this on both sides of the coin,

Sep 23, 2019 • 1:03:00

(Re-)Creating Your Base of Club Gigs

Have you ever had it where all the clubs you&#8217;re playing suddenly no longer want bands anymore? If you haven&#8217;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&#8217;s talk about a few scenarios for hired guns out there, and how the right approach and mindset can make all the difference in the world. Press play and enjoy, and always be performing! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 226 &#8211; Monday, September 16,

Sep 16, 2019 • 47:28

Does Your Band Have Buy-In?

When someone brings a new song in for your band to learn, what&#8217;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&#8217;ll share some of the tricks they&#8217;ve learned, and some that they haven&#8217;t. All this and more, on this week&#8217;s Gig Gab. Press play and enjoy! Chapters/Timestamps: 00:00:00 Gig Gab 225 &#8211; Monday, September

Sep 9, 2019 • 49:35

What's in Your Rider?

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 rider items, and why they have them. There&#8217;s more, including the legendary Fling Eagle story, but you&#8217;ll have to listen to find out more about that! Chapters/Timestamps:

Sep 3, 2019 • 49:25

What is Your Band's Purpose?

If you were starting all over again with your band, what would you do and how would you do it? That&#8217;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 LOT more. The LOT? Well, there&#8217;s a conversation about how best to handle people behaving badly (yep, time to revisit that one!). And then there&#8217;s a discussion about the attitude to take as you walk on stage, based on something Dave lear

Aug 23, 2019 • 46:59

The Final 45

How do you introduce new songs to your band&#8217;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&#8217;s top 10. Mothballs might be involved. And you&#8217;ll need to learn about The Final 45. Dave certainly did, and thankfully Paul was there to help! Press play and enjoy! Chapters/Timestamps: 00:00:00 Gig Gab 222 &#

Aug 14, 2019 • 53:01

Eff That.

Are you in for a rollicking good time? Enjoying your summer, either playing in the streets or watching bands playing in the streets? That&#8217;s fun! Got a player who can&#8217;t stay in the pocket? What about when the bandleader isn&#8217;t up to snuff? How about when a festival doesn&#8217;t wanna pay local bands? Uh huh. And what do you do when someone spends too much time looking at your pedal board? Paul and Dave have answers&#8230; and not only the titular one. That&#8217;s right. We said

Aug 6, 2019 • 48:16

Trusting Your Fellow Musicians

Sometimes you get to go on stage with a band of musicians with whom you&#8217;ve played many times before. Sometimes you get to go on stage with musicians you&#8217;ve never met! Both can be rewarding – and a little scary! – and it seems Paul and Dave&#8217;s bicoastal synchronicity has struck once again. Listen as your two favorite weekend warriors discuss their recent (and upcoming!) experiences with all of this. First, some thoughts about and for the folks involved with the recent events in G

Jul 30, 2019 • 39:06

The Definition of Great

How do you define &#8220;great&#8221;? 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 &#8220;great&#8221; all the time? Paul and Dave think there&#8217;s another word that helps this: R-E-S-P-E-C-T. And that comes in a lot of forms. Hear your two favorite weekend warriors talk about on-stage respect, in terms of both how to share frustrations as well as how t

Jul 15, 2019 • 54:11

I Really Wanted "Tiny Dancer"

Wanna hear about some cool, new gear? Wanna learn a new twist on how to have your band wish someone a happy birthday? Wanna hear some geeky stuff about how Phish appears to time their sets? How about some ideas for new venues to ply your craft? Well, Paul and Dave deliver all of that – and more – right here in Gig Gab 218. Enjoy! Chapters/Timestamps: 00:00:00 Gig Gab 218 &#8211; July 8, 2019 00:00:59 Kevin-CSF-Lyrics Prompter 00:05:16 217-Rolls PM50s Personal Monitor Amplifier 00:07:43 Chapters

Jul 8, 2019 • 50:26

Request-O-Rama

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&#8230; and then a discussion (also tip-filled!) about requests and how to handle them. Don&#8217;t miss this one, folks. You&#8217;re gonna love it. Chapters/Timestamps: Gig Gab 217 &#8211; July 1, 2019 00:01:30 Family Time 00:02:19 Jacob Collier Meet the Flintstones 00:04:46 Lucky? 00:07:16 Kevin-216-Temp

Jul 1, 2019 • 44:44

Lost a Gig? You're Not The First

Play long enough and you&#8217;ll lose a booking, it&#8217;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&#8217;t!). That&#8217;s not all, though. Listener Kevin has some ideas about portable staging, and Paul and Dave talk about tempos and how to manage them in your band. Have an idea about this or anything else? Email the guys at feedback@gigabpodcast.com and they&#8217;ll share on the

Jun 24, 2019 • 49:09

The Teen Town Edition

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&#8217;s Gig Gab Podcast, of course! Plus, for those of you who aren&#8217;t coiling cables correctly – and that includes pretty much every one of you if you haven&#8217;t played in a band with Dave – you can hear about Dave&#8217;s crazy way of doing this, too. It&#8217;s crazy-effective. Dave also talks about a tantrum he once had at a gig. These two things might be rela

Jun 17, 2019 • 53:49

The Glass Ceiling for Cover Bands?

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 there&#8217;s a lot to talk about there, too, including the concept of who is &#8220;right&#8221; on stage when someone makes a mistake? Press play, download, and enjoy it all! Chapters/Timestamps

Jun 10, 2019 • 1:04:36

Analyzing Your Performances

Do you analyze your performances after the fact? If so&#8230; 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&#8217;s a sternly-worded discussion to be had about sitting vs. standing at your gigs. Paul and Dave will be playing together again next week, too, so they talk a little about that, as well&#8230; with more to come next week! All of this and more. Press play and enjoy! Chapters/Timestamps:

May 30, 2019 • 45:53

What’s Your Scene? – Gig Gab Podcast 212

Real estate agents and musicians share a common truth: location matters. What&#8217;s your location like? What&#8217;s your scene like? Has it changed? Have you stopped recently and really evaluated what you&#8217;ve got around you? That&#8217;s what Paul and Dave do to start today&#8217;s show. Then it&#8217;s on to listener feedback, where Dan shares some great advice for insuring your instruments and Rob encourages your two favorite weekend warriors to share their advice on vocal mics. Lastly

May 21, 2019 • 53:31

Shared Guilty Pleasures – Gig Gab Podcast 211

Is it a jam session if no music is played? What if music is discussed? Your two favorite weekend warriors say, &#8220;yes!&#8221; 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 and how they worked out. During this, of course, you&#8217;ll learn about the beauty of shared guilty pleasures. We promise, all family-friendly! Then it&#8217;s on to a few listener questions, including one about

May 13, 2019 • 52:49

The Martini Metric – Gig Gab Podcast 210

When you find an episode that has great catchphrases like &#8220;Woodshedding The Breaks&#8221;, &#8220;Stay Humble and Hungry&#8221;, &#8220;One Note per Word&#8221;, and &#8220;The Martini Metric&#8221;, you know it&#8217;s gonna be good. Listen as Paul and Dave, your two favorite weekend warriors, have a verbal jam session in which they not only discuss these things but relate them all together. Press play, enjoy, and always be performing! Chapters/Timestamps: 00:00:00 Gig Gab 210 – Monday,

May 6, 2019 • 55:18

Down the Musical Wormhole: Reflecting, Reacting, and Reading – Gig Gab Podcast 209

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&#8217;s not reacting to you. Listen to your two favorite weekend warriors discuss all this and more. Press play, listen, learn a little, and enjoy the ride! Then send in your own thoughts to feedback@giggabpodcast.com! Chapters/Timestamps: 00:00:00 Gig Gab 209 – Tuesday, April 30, 2019 00:01:05 Mad Haus … with a Break 00:

Apr 30, 2019 • 38:38

Gig Gab MailBag: Get Your Eyes off Your Pad – Gig Gab Podcast 208

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&#8217;s curious about guitar amp simulators, Chris has a question about managing two guitars in a band, and Peter has a question Paul and Dave never thought they&#8217;d have to answer! All this, and all that, here on Gig Gab this week. Always be performing, folks! Chapters/Timestamps

Apr 22, 2019 • 41:09

The Value of The Singalong – Gig Gab Podcast 207

When things are good you don&#8217;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 off your game. Listen to your two favorite (and geeky!) musicians talk through some of their specifics in this regard, including Dave&#8217;s potential &#8220;Holy Grail&#8221; drumsticks. But first, one must exa

Apr 15, 2019 • 50:37

Care and Feeding of Your Instrument – Gig Gab Podcast 206

Your instruments are important to you, so you&#8217;ve got to take care of them – and that includes your voice. Paul and Dave talk through some recent troubles Dave&#8217;s been having, and then move on to properly caring for your audiences, too. It&#8217;s important to understand who your audience is at each gig, and what their expectations are. Sometimes it&#8217;s not about you… or your desired stage volume! Finally, Dave saw a few cool things at SXSW that he brought home to tell you

Apr 1, 2019 • 53:08

SXSW, Singalongs, & Filling Your Setlist – Gig Gab Podcast 205

Dave&#8217;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&#8217;re adding? Are they the best way to serve your band&#8217;s show? Lastly, a tip from listener Michael about creatively using wireless transmitters for on-stage submixes. All of this and more in this week&#8217;s Gig Gab! Chapters/Timestamps/Stuff Mentioned: 00:00:

Mar 25, 2019 • 51:48

The Mr. Jimmy Story – Gig Gab Podcast 204

Dave&#8217;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&#8217;s time to get into some specifics! Amanda Palmer, Redd Volkaert, and Nashville all make cameos, but the big dissection this week stems from Mr. Jimmy, a Japanese guitarist, method actor, and historian who has dedicated his life&#8217;s work to embodying the spirit of Jimmy Page and Led Zeppelin. How far is too f

Mar 15, 2019 • 51:02

Fist Bump To The Rescue – Gig Gab Podcast 203

What do you do when you&#8217;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&#8217;t keep? Do you sell merchandise (versus just having merchandise you can&#8217;t sell)? And… what do you do to keep yourself inspired as a player? Listen as Paul Kent and Dave Hamilton, your two favorite weekend warriors, talk through all of this and more. Chapters/Timestamps: 00:00:00 Gig Gab 203 – Monday

Mar 4, 2019 • 55:03

Music Mechanics – Gig Gab Podcast 202

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&#8217;s inspiration comes from for today&#8217;s episode. How do you deal with playing with musicians for the first time? How do you deal with playing withOUT musicians for the first time? Are you playing music or making music? And where the heck are you supposed to put that danged iP

Feb 25, 2019 • 1:02:39

Propofol Airlines & The Spank Box – Gig Gab Podcast 201

Sometimes the topics just flow. Of course, you folks do help with that… and today it&#8217;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&#8217;s blue-eyed-soul-inspired power pop, mentions Rick Nielsen more than once, and digs into the money conversation. It&#8217;s true, your two favorite weekend warriors celebrate their fourth anniversary of GigGab by having a verbal jam session, and you

Feb 18, 2019 • 1:03:22

When You’ve Got it Right, Trust Yourself – Gig Gab Podcast 200

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 a hit song to his liking, a songwriter who hones his tunes to perfection, a songwriter who took what she liked to hear and morphed it into her own, or in a live setting the band that trusts themselves enough to use one mi

Feb 11, 2019 • 40:02

The Who Are You? Episode – Gig Gab Podcast 199

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 Dave have some things to add to this conversation. Even better, you folks have a bunch to add to this, too, and your two favorite weekend warriors are happy to share the feedback you&#8217;ve sent in and let it guide the conversation. You rock!

Feb 4, 2019 • 53:25

Always Be Performing…With Semaphore – Gig Gab Podcast 198

This week, your two favorite working musicians dig into the now-overflowing mailbag and share your thoughts and questions with the audience. Hear Kevin&#8217;s thoughts about having your own, band-specific, portable monitor rack, DK&#8217;s thoughts about the Soundcraft Ui24R, and Martin&#8217;s question about mixing politics and music. Paul and Dave talk through all of these with you, of course, and then share some of their own thoughts as well. Have you had band photos taken recently?

Jan 28, 2019 • 54:48

Dan Meblin from Pop Fiction – Gig Gab 197

Dan Meblin, leader of San Francisco Bay Area band &#8220;Pop Fiction&#8221; joins Paul and Dave this week to talk through running a successful cover/party/function band. Dan and his bandmates created Pop Fiction after playing together in a band catering to a similar market, and Dan&#8217;s history includes both playing in original bands and working in the Silicon Valley technology world. Dan talks us through creating and marketing Pop Fiction, of course, but also some of the particulars.

Jan 21, 2019 • 51:47

Controlling Your Outward Vibe – Gig Gab Podcast 196

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&#8217;s on to some Cool Stuff Found that Dave encountered at CES. Definitely something here you&#8217;ll want to learn about. Finally, Paul and Dave talk through upcoming shows and how they&#8217;re approaching everything. Press play, li

Jan 17, 2019 • 53:53

Songs, Lessons, Resolutions, and Synchronicity – Gig Gab 195

It&#8217;s been 195 episodes and almost four years. Paul Kent and Dave Hamilton take you through some lessons they&#8217;ve learned this year. What lessons have you learned? Send &#8217;em in to feedback@giggabpodcast.com. Chapters/Timestamps: 00:00:00 Songs, Lessons, Resolutions, and Synchronicity – Gig Gab 195 – Monday, December 31, 201800:01:10 What does New Years Eve mean?00:04:41 Hedwig and Rocky!00:07:41 Lessons and Resolutions It doesn’t pay to be cuteRead the contract 00:12:46

Dec 31, 2018 • 43:53

Satisfying Setlists and Christmas Wish Lists – Gig Gab Podcast 194

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&#8217;s time for a few discussions. Do you have trouble memorizing your lyrics? The guys talk through their tips and strategies for that&#8230; as well as commiserating about how difficult some tunes can be to internalize! Paul then talks Dave through the process of building setlists that are satisfying to everyone, band and au

Dec 17, 2018 • 55:50

Know Your Place Amongst Your Fellow Musicians – Gig Gab Podcast 193

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 done! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 193 – Monday, December 10, 2018 00:01:10 Multitasking doesn’t work 00:03:53 Giving Yourself the Gift of Time 00:08:22 Know and Respect Your Relationship with Music 00:12:08 The Vibe o

Dec 10, 2018 • 51:28

Managing Your Holiday Season Calendar & Stomp Boxes Revisited – Gig Gab Podcast 192

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&#8217;s time to revisit the concept of vocal stomp boxes – and stomp boxes, in general. Your comments helped open Dave&#8217;s eyes (and mind!) on these, and he and Paul share their further thoughts on the subject. Press play and enjoy! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 192 – Tuesday, December 4, 2018 00:00:55 Paul’s Annua

Dec 4, 2018 • 54:25

The Goblin Cock Story – Gig Gab Podcast 191

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&#8217;s commitment for 2019, and Dave&#8217;s Goblin Cock story. Oh yes, you&#8217;ll want to listen for that. Press play and enjoy! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 191 – Monday, November 26, 2018 00:01:21 Nugs.net 00:04:01 Vocal Stomp Boxes Revisited next week in GigGab 192 00:06:10 Birthing or

Nov 26, 2018 • 51:24

Stomping Out the Stomp Boxes – Gig Gab Podcast 190

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 answer these important questions for you. Maybe. You&#8217;ll just have to press play to find out. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 190 – Monday, November 19, 2018 00:00:54 Do I Need to go see the Rolling Stones again? 00:07:45 Clever Setlists vs. a

Nov 19, 2018 • 45:54

Nashville and The “Rinse” Lesson – Gig Gab Podcast 189

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 listeners Mike (yes, two of them) have things in the mailbag that your two favorite weekend warriors are all-too-happy to share. Download, press play, and enjoy! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 189 – Wednesday,

Nov 14, 2018 • 31:47

Cherish Your Downtime, Too – Gig Gab Podcast 188

It&#8217;s easy to get caught up in all the time you&#8217;re spending on stage (and the time you spending preparing for that!), but it&#8217;s equally important to treat your nights off stage as priorities, too. There&#8217;s a yin and a yang to a lot of things, not just this, and you&#8217;ll hear how that thread permeates the entirety of this discussion between Dave and Paul. They can be some pretty reflective cats when you get right down to it. Press play and enjoy. And reflect. And always b

Nov 5, 2018 • 53:49

Managing Relationships with Clubs, Owners, Bands, and Fans – Gig Gab Podcast 187

What happens when a new manager takes over at a club where you&#8217;ve already got dates booked? Your answer to this question will undoubtedly impact your band&#8217;s future bookings. The good news is that you are in control. Listen to advice from Paul and Dave as they share experiences and tips with you! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 187 – Monday, October 29, 2018 00:01:14 Two Double-headers! 00:01:41 A Sub on an Improv-yet-flowing gig 00:04:21 Early Halloween FLINGFest The Church Ladies Spazmatics 00

Oct 29, 2018 • 51:59

Trumpets, Tubas, and Squirrels – Gig Gab Podcast 186

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! Oh, also, how to make your drums sound their best. So, hey, you know, there&#8217;s that! Press play and enjoy. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 186 – Monday, October 22, 2018 00:01:05 The Brechtones are Killing It 00:06

Oct 22, 2018 • 45:13

Believe First, Negotiate Second – Gig Gab Podcast 185

If at first you don&#8217;t succeed, it&#8217;s worth asking, &#8220;did I believe?&#8221; Well, did you? Gig Gab might help. First, Paul and Dave talk through some of their gigs, both recently and upcoming, as they&#8217;re both doing some different stuff that detours from the norm (is there really a norm, outside of Cheers?). Ever have to do a gig without your keyboard player? Your two favorite weekend warriors have, and they talk about what that means for their respective bands. Then it&#8217

Oct 8, 2018 • 58:09

Subs Happen! – Gig Gab Podcast 184

What happens when your bandmate can&#8217;t make the gig? What happens when you can&#8217;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 Dave and Paul talk it through! It would&#8217;ve been even funnier if we had a different host step in and sub for one of your favorite weekend warriors, but we didn&#8217;t think about that in time, so&#8230; you

Oct 1, 2018 • 47:21

Counting Up-beat Intros…and other things – Gig Gab Podcast 183

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&#8217;s on to the magic of the groove and how to find the mojo inside the songs you&#8217;re playing&#8230; how to be inside the songs you&#8217;re playing. And then wrapping up with some details about the songs that both Dave and Paul will be playing soon! All this on Gig Gab Podcast. Chapters/Timestamps: 00:00:00 Gig Ga

Sep 24, 2018 • 50:47

Anxiety, Bad Guys, and Accounting – Gig Gab Podcast 182

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? Paul and Dave have, and they work hard in today&#8217;s episode to distill it all down into examples that mean something for you and your musical career. Press play, download, and enjoy! Chapters/Timestamps: 00:00:00 Gig Gab 182 – Mo

Sep 17, 2018 • 54:26

Evening Flow and Clean Stages – Gig Gab Podcast 181

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&#8217;s when! Dave attended a wedding this weekend and learned quite a few new things just by being a guest. Paul&#8217;s got a club relationship that&#8217;s going sideways (and down in pay!) and he and Dave talk through all this and more on this week&#8217;s Gig Gab! Chapters/Timestamps: 00:00:00 Gig Gab 181 – Monday, September 10, 2018 00:02:33 Flow of

Sep 10, 2018 • 47:47

Do Your Fans Love You Too Much? – Gig Gab Podcast 180

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&#8217;s a cost&#8230; what happens when that one member of the crowd goes too far? What happens when they see the relationship as more than just performer-and-audience member? What happens when they think that you&#8217;re friends? Your two favorite weekend warriors, Paul Kent and Dave Hamilton, talk through this and more here on Gig Gab thi

Sep 4, 2018 • 41:04

Finding On-Stage Bliss – Gig Gab Podcast 179

In both the lead-up to a gig and the setup at the show there are many opportunities for things to feel like they&#8217;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 perception is clearly communicated to the audience. How do you get past it? Listen as Paul and Dave talk through their weekend gigging scenarios that could have been disastrous, yet turned out quite blissful. Chapters/Timestamps:

Aug 27, 2018 • 35:06

Managing Your On-Stage Comfort – Gig Gab Podcast 178

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&#8217;s the magic formula? And, most importantly, what should you avoid? Paul and Dave talk through all this and more. Press play, listen, learn, and enjoy! Chapters/Timestamps: 00:00:00 Gig Gab 178 – Monday, August 20, 2018 00:01:00 Shoulder Ribbing 00:01:59 Last-minute gigs 00

Aug 20, 2018 • 53:30

The Benefits and Pitfalls of Creating Live Art – Gig Gab Podcast 177

Art can be created and delivered in many forms, but being on stage and performing live has some unique benefits&#8230;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 13, 2018 00:00:46 Be careful of stage antics! 00:03:32 The benefit of live art 00:06:59 Beware the floor of the stage! 00:07:39 Dealing with on-site front-of-house Sound 00:16:47

Aug 13, 2018 • 58:10

Shuffling Experiences – Gig Gab Podcast 176

Sometimes you gain experience, sometimes you get to shuffle, and sometimes you get both. Oh, also, sometimes you get neither. It&#8217;s life, man. That&#8217;s how it goes. This week, Paul and Dave – your two favorite weekend warriors – have many stories to tell. Paul&#8217;s band opened up for Eddie Money this weekend, Dave had a rainout, and you might be surprised that these two guys talk about Phish in a way that will likely apply to all musicians. Or, well, all shuffling musicians. We promi

Aug 7, 2018 • 47:12

The Flow of One Heartbeat – Gig Gab Podcast 175

You know that special moment when your band gets to that point where everything&#8217;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&#8217;s not all it&#8217;s about, though. When you bring in songs for your band, how do you manage your expectations as to what that song should (or will) be when it&#8217;s ready to play? Not always easy, especially if the song means something to you

Jul 30, 2018 • 46:12

When Your Brain Starts Playing – Gig Gab Podcast 174

Every show has a theme, and after your two favorite Weekend Warriors took a week off from podcasting, they&#8217;ve had a lot to think about. It&#8217;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 too many, and what should you be thinking about during, before, and after each one? What happens when someone else shares their thoughts with you? Paul Kent and Dave Hamilton share all of this – and more – on Gig Gab for you

Jul 23, 2018 • 51:58

Buddy Gibbons: Building a Music Career – Gig Gab Podcast 173

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 and all of you with his head held high. Press play, download, and enjoy! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 173 – Monday, July 9, 2018 00:01:00 Setlist negotiation on headline gigs 00:

Jul 9, 2018 • 48:16

Choosing Happy Songs … and Which Drummers could have replaced Keith Moon? – Gig Gab Podcast 172

You have the power to control your audience. Well, kind of. You have the power to choose how you emote on stage, and there&#8217;s a lot of power behind choosing happy songs. Paul and Dave talk about this, and how to go about it. But that&#8217;s not all&#8230; outdoor gigs, goals vs. systems, and Dave&#8217;s process for learning and rehearsing for The Who&#8217;s Tommy are all part of this week&#8217;s show. Press play and enjoy! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 172 – Monday, July 2, 2018 00:01:21 Sweatin’ o

Jul 2, 2018 • 50:39

Communicating Your Professionalism – Gig Gab Podcast 171

When you&#8217;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&#8230; in fact, it&#8217;s not the case. But don&#8217;t fret&#8230; Paul and Dave have some answers or at least some perspective for you, answering questions from all of YOU, dear listeners. Press play and enjoy! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 171 – Tuesday, June 26, 2018 00:01:12 Drummers crossing the backline meridian 00:02:15 U2’s Elaborate Simplicity

Jun 26, 2018 • 43:53

Value Simplicity, Highlight the Differences – Gig Gab Podcast 170

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&#8217;t have had an answer. Now, though, not only do they have an answer, you do, too. Download or just press play and enjoy! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 169 – Monday, June 18, 2018 00:01:04 Alaska thoughts lead to… 00:01:39 Cruise ship bands! 00:05:39 The logistics of the R

Jun 18, 2018 • 51:26

Music From the Fan’s Perspective – Gig Gab Podcast 169

Bars are intimidating things to some people. When was the last time you, as a musician, thought about that? It&#8217;s good to think about music from your audience&#8217;s perspective and consider the vibe that you&#8217;re creating for them&#8230; and that&#8217;s exactly what Paul Kent and Dave Hamilton talk about today. From attitude to song selection to choosing the actual room you&#8217;ll play in, you can control the vibe before the downbeat even happens. Listen, learn, and let your two fa

Jun 11, 2018 • 38:51

The Art of “No” – Gig Gab Podcast 168

&#8220;Hey, would you like to do a project together?&#8221; It&#8217;s easy when your answer is &#8220;yes,&#8221; but what happens when it&#8217;s not? How do you deal with this now-difficult scenario? Paul and Dave talk through all of this for you today. We&#8217;re not sure they come up with the magic answer, but there might be a magic phrase or two that they share. Then Paul nudges Dave into talking about playing &#8220;behind the beat&#8221; and what that all means. Do you know? Do they? Yo

Jun 4, 2018 • 44:54

Paging Mr. Murphy – Gig Gab Podcast 167

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&#8217;s a mouthful, and that&#8217;s not all there is in this episode. Your two favorite weekend warriors have been busy. Paul&#8217;s been digging into what it takes to raise your price, and he and Dave talk through that. Dave&#8217;s been busy with two tech weeks happening simultaneously th

May 28, 2018 • 45:08

How Much Ego is Too Much Ego? – Gig Gab Podcast 166

Today, Paul and Dave jump from subject to subject in a seemingly random fashion (hint: whatever they write next, it was random). But it&#8217;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, and when to use strobe lights to manufacture it! (Ok, you&#8217;re going to have to listen for the explanation on that last bit). But really, the big question to be answered is: what are hackles? (No, seriously. They

May 21, 2018 • 38:59

Eating at the Grown-Ups’ Table – Gig Gab Podcast 165

Today Paul and Dave get cerebral, which is fitting given where the conversation goes. Come sit at the Grown-Ups&#8217; Table (just this once!) and enjoy a heady conversation about managing all day gigs, managing the song list, fostering FOMO and, of course, the &#8220;Sweet Home Alabama&#8221; vs. &#8220;Freewill&#8221; discussion. Chapters/Timestamps: 00:00:00 Gig Gab 165 – Monday, May 14, 2018 00:01:24 All-day gigs 00:04:11 Jazz vs. Cocktail music 00:08:30 Managing the Song List 00:10:34 Char

May 14, 2018 • 44:00

Intentional Collaboration – Gig Gab Podcast 164

Whether you&#8217;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 also what it&#8217;s like to deal with it all in the moment. &#8220;Intentional collaboration&#8221; becomes the theme of this episode, though &#8220;being a good musical citizen&#822

May 7, 2018 • 54:04

The China Buddha Fat Man Conundrum – Gig Gab Podcast 163

Sometimes there are songs you play even though you don&#8217;t like them. Most of the time you play songs you like. If you&#8217;re lucky, though, every now and then you get to play a song you truly love. Yeah, yeah, we&#8217;re all pros and we always say, &#8220;my favorite song is the one I&#8217;m playing,&#8221; but that&#8217;s not necessarily true, is it? Paul and Dave talk through different ways of navigating this reality in today&#8217;s episode. It won&#8217;t seem like it at first, but

Apr 30, 2018 • 44:55

Performance Tips 101 – Gig Gab Podcast 162

We always say, &#8220;Always Be Performing&#8221;, 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 for whom &#8220;good enough&#8221; would suffice in any other aspect of what you&#8217;re doing on stage? Paul and Dave spend some time today talking through what it means to be a performer and begin answering some

Apr 23, 2018 • 54:36

Everyone is Brave Online – Gig Gab Podcast 161

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 address the Facebook dilemma that&#8217;s been plaguing humans ever since we discovered the ability to argue via text communication in a public forum, aka The Facebook Dilemma. You know your favorite week

Apr 16, 2018 • 48:39

Your Brain is Very Busy on Stage – Gig Gab 160

Every show has a theme and this one – not surprisingly – is about overthinking. Or is it just thinking? Or maybe it&#8217;s not thinking, but it is about your brain doing something on its own. Is that still thinking? We think it might be. You&#8217;d better listen and find out, otherwise we&#8217;re not sure what will happen to Paul and Dave! We think they&#8217;ll be OK&#8230; Chapters/Timestamps 00:00:00 Gig Gab 160 – Monday, April 9, 2018 00:01:30 Rehearsing with intention 00:04:43 Managing

Apr 9, 2018 • 51:39

The Implied Contract with Your Audience – Gig Gab Podcast 159

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 other, on-stage surprises? Paul and Dave have a little experience with feeling the pressure to deliver for an audience, and they share these thoughts with you&#8230; the Gig Gab audience (they deliver!). Press play, listen, and enjoy! Chapter

Apr 2, 2018 • 53:47

The Conversation With Your Audience – Gig Gab Podcast 158

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&#8217;s always something to be learned from every gig, isn&#8217;t there? Really, though, it all comes down to awareness and having an honest conversation with your audience. That starts on stage, of course, but it can very much continue when you&#8217;re not even in the same room together. Paul and Dave talk through all of this and more. You&#8217

Mar 26, 2018 • 52:11

SXSW, New Bands, New Films, and a New Way of Thinking about Older Music – Gig Gab 157

Dave&#8217;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&#8217;s the point of exposing yourself, right? To new things, we mean. Not that other thing. Dave stayed clothed during both SXSW and the recording of this podcast. Also, sometimes even when you don&#8217;t attend a conference you can change

Mar 19, 2018 • 57:19

Rock Star Bathroom Politics – Gig Gab 156

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 tighter security? You&#8217;ll have to listen to find out. Also, Dave shares a few SXSW stories from the past as he prepares to head to Austin next week to attend the conference again. Then it&#8217;s on to discussion about how to market

Mar 5, 2018 • 49:42

Always get a contract? Well, sort of… – Gig Gab Podcast 155

When should you have a contract? If you follow Paul and Dave&#8217;s advice and definitions, you should have something resembling a contract for every gig. Listen to hear what they mean&#8230; and why. Sometimes a cascading series of bad events turns into a great night, and Paul&#8217;s got a story that at least starts this way. You&#8217;ll have to listen to hear how it ends! Your two favorite weekend warriors also share some tips on not only how to get paid, but when to get paid, and how to do

Feb 26, 2018 • 44:14

Your Band & Facebook – Gig Gab Podcast 154

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 Anthem to Gibson dying out to managing your weight, this episode covers it all. Press play and enjoy, folks. And always be performing! Chapters/Timestamps 00:00:00 Gig Gab 154 – Monday, February 19, 2018 00:00:4

Feb 19, 2018 • 42:30

Praise to the Go-Getters – Gig Gab Podcast 153

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&#8217;s expressly decided that praise should always go to the go-getters out there booking the gigs that we all love to play. Moving on from that, the concept of groove within the structure of an acoustic setting is discussed. Do you

Feb 12, 2018 • 48:13

Nirvana Night vs. Fight Night – Gig Gab Podcast 152

Sometimes it&#8217;s nirvana, and sometimes it&#8217;s a fight. The thing is, you never really know which way the gig is going to go until you&#8217;re in the thick of it&#8230; and then you just have to take it as it comes and deal with it! Whether it&#8217;s discussing the harnessing of the karma gods or the Facebook algorithm, your two favorite weekend warriors bring their A-game to you each and every week. Speaking of games, Justin Timberlake&#8217;s performance at the Super Bowl is fair gam

Feb 7, 2018 • 38:46

The Loneliness Component – Gig Gab Podcast 151

As musicians, we play because we love to play, and it&#8217;s an honor to be able to do that. But that&#8217;s not the only reason&#8230; and some gigs can feel pretty lonely, even if you&#8217;re surrounded by a crowd or fellow musicians. Dave and Paul start this episode thinking they have a few different topics to discuss – and they do – but in the end it all comes back to the same thing: loneliness and how to avoid it. Well, there is ONE topics that doesn&#8217;t fit into that theme, and that

Jan 29, 2018 • 49:36

“Up Here, Nothing Can Touch Us” – Gig Gab Podcast 150

The stage is sacred ground for most musicians&#8230; but how does it get to be that way? Certainly it&#8217;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&#8230; and yet, it can still become a comfortable, safe, and secure place for most performers. Paul and Dave find themselves in the midst of a conversation talking about exactly that! To get there, they discuss some of the issues and hurdles musicians need

Jan 22, 2018 • 39:16

Managing Your Body on Stage – Gig Gab Podcast 149

Paul and Dave each had experiences – from both sides of the &#8220;rail&#8221; this week – with that concept where musicians need to manage what&#8217;s going on inside their bodies while on stage. They talk through Paul&#8217;s first gig with the Houserockers new drummer, and Dave&#8217;s experience watching seasoned, Grammy-winning professionals &#8230; all of which deal with the fact that every musician on any stage – at any pay rate – is simply a human that has to deal with being human! Then

Jan 15, 2018 • 38:00

Selling Your Band! – Gig Gab Podcast 148

Is your band for sale? Of course it is! Otherwise you&#8217;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 &#8230; anything. There&#8217;s lots to learn here this week, folks, and Dave and Paul are on fire with this one! Then it&#8217;s time to answer a question about setlists, this time focused around managing the energy of th

Jan 8, 2018 • 57:15

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Money – Gig Gab Podcast 147

New Year&#8217;s Eve came and went for your two favorite working musicians. One of them played and one didn&#8217;t, and they have some stories to tell because both Paul and Dave learned some important lessons that night&#8230; and they share! Payment for your valuable services as a musician is definitely a highlight of this episode, and then it&#8217;s on to the care one must take when inserting a new member into your band (or inserting yourself into a new band). All this and more&#8230; on Gig

Jan 3, 2018 • 37:52

Coffee House Gigs & Starting From Scratch – Gig Gab Podcast 146

Are you someone who&#8217;s trying to break into the music scene? Maybe you took some time off from playing or maybe you&#8217;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 exploring all the different ways you can make this transition. But first, it&#8217;s time to talk gigs. It is Gig Gab, after all. Dave played a gig on Christmas night(!), and Paul&#8217;s exploring the coffee house s

Dec 27, 2017 • 45:52

Crowd (Over-)Participation & Marketing Your Band – Gig Gab Podcast 145

Sometimes that person in the crowd that wants to sit-in can be awesome&#8230; sometimes they can be awFUL. How do you tell which it&#8217;s going to be? Listen to Paul and Dave share some war stories and advice. Then it&#8217;s on to answering a question about Facebook and marketing and more. And, in the middle, Dave talks about a new toy for drummers who want to add some sounds and feels to their acoustic kits. Press play, download, and enjoy! Always be performing! Chapters/Timestamps: 00:00:0

Dec 18, 2017 • 58:58

Listen and Learn – Gig Gab Podcast 144

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&#8217;s all about listening. Then we talk through Paul&#8217;s drummer replacement process. There was a message loud and clear there, too. Dave shares a lesson about listening to his fellow band members, and realizing that you&#8217;re not alwa

Dec 11, 2017 • 41:24

Pitch is Non-Negotiable – Gig Gab Podcast 143

When it comes to being a singer, pitch is fundamental to doing it right. But that&#8217;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&#8217;s time to talk about making music your life. It&#8217;s like two episodes in one, and Paul and Dave share their thoughts about making a living primarily through music. Could you bring yourse

Dec 4, 2017 • 47:03

Let’s Have The Volume Conversation – Gig Gab Podcast 142

Your band is too loud. Ever heard that before? You&#8217;ve probably heard it at every type of gig imaginable. Is it your fault? Yes, it&#8217;s yours. Not just you, but not just your band, either. Yep, it&#8217;s time&#8230; Paul and Dave have The Volume Conversation. Are they honest enough? Only you can be the judge! Listen, learn, and then let &#8217;em have it. Email feedback@giggabpodcast.com to let them know what you think! Chapters/Timestamps: 00:00:00 Gig Gab 142 – Wednesday, November 2

Nov 29, 2017 • 34:04

A Musical Thanksgiving – Gig Gab Podcast 141

It&#8217;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&#8230; I think you know where this one goes. Press play and enjoy! Always be performing, folks! Chapters/Timestamps: 00:00:00 Gig Gab 141 – Monday, November 20, 2017 00:02:14 What are your favorite weekend Warriors Thankful For? 00:02:45 Paul #1: New

Nov 20, 2017 • 45:54

Who is Your Band’s MacGuyver? – Gig Gab Podcast 140

First, your two favorite Weekend Warriors talk through creating your own event by answering Kevin&#8217;s &#8220;What is FLINGFest?&#8221; 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. After this, it&#8217;s time to talk about equipment problems. Taboo subject, yes, but it&#8217;s a necessary one and there&#8217;s no fear here. What do you do to prevent equipment issues, and

Nov 15, 2017 • 52:06

Technology, Organization, and Protecting Your Hearing – Gig Gab Podcast 139

It&#8217;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&#8217;t get to rehearse as much as you&#8217;d like&#8230; or at all. Finally, listener David (no relation!) asks about earplugs&#8230; and Dave and Paul have answers! Chapters/Timestamps: 00:00:00 GigGab 139 – Monday, November 6, 2017 00:00:35 Lots of technology and polish c

Nov 6, 2017 • 39:26

Are You In It For The Money? – Gig Gab Podcast 138

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 related discussion: what is the definition of a professional musician? That one gets discussed, too, by your two favorite weekend warriors on this week&#8217;s Gig Gab. Press Play&#8230; and enjoy! Chapters/Timestamps:

Oct 30, 2017 • 26:04

Washing the Dirty Laundry of the Music Business – Gig Gab 137

Paul and Dave talk through what happens when you spend some social capital and air your dirty laundry&#8230; because Paul did this recently &#8230; 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 it through! Chapters/Timestamps: 00:00:00 GigGab 137 – Monday, October 23, 2017 00:00:41 Petty Show 00:02:54 Find a concept, and then don’t oversaturate it! 00:04:27 Building your brand around a meta

Oct 23, 2017 • 44:12

The Grandma Factor – Gig Gab 136

Dissecting different types of working bands, it&#8217;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&#8217;s on to finalizing the process for Paul&#8217;s drummer auditions, including how much the band should talk about the process during the process. All of this &#8230; and more&#8230; on this week&#8217;s Gig Gab! Chapters/Timestamps: 00:00:00 Gig Gab 136 – Monday, October 16, 2017 00:01:01 Cover Band Cent

Oct 16, 2017 • 45:06

Replaying the Hits, and Reevaluating Your Habits – Gig Gab 135

It&#8217;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&#8217;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 – Monday, October 9, 2017 00:00:20 That floating Petty Groove 00:01:37 Yes – Anderson, Rabin, Wakeman 00:06:23 Dissecting Yes’s Harmonies 00:08:43 Favorite Yes song to pla

Oct 10, 2017 • 35:32

3 minutes, 4 Chords, and The Truth: Remembering Tom Petty – Gig Gab 134

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&#8230; 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 for cocaine, folks 00:04:12 All the gifts Tom Petty left for “classic rock” cover musicians 00:05:04 The history of Tom Petty 00:07:22 Three Minutes, Four Chords, and The Truth 00:09:15 T

Oct 5, 2017 • 37:49

Divvying Up Money and Perfecting your In-Ears – Gig Gab 133

How does your band divvy up gig money? Is there transparency or is it just flat-rate and that&#8217;s that? Paul and Dave talk through the finer (and not-so-finer!) points of this. Then it&#8217;s time to revisit the in-ears conversation, this time focusing on perfection. First though, Dave&#8217;s Gone Skiing&#8230; and he loved it, but not in the way you&#8217;d think. Listen in for more! Chapters/Timestamps 00:00:00 GigGab 133 – Monday, Sept 25, 2017 00:01:33 Amped after a gig… it happens to

Sep 25, 2017 • 43:54

Getting Your Moment to Shine – Gig Gab 132

Everyone wants their moment to shine, but that doesn&#8217;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&#8217;re a leader or in a democratic scenario, making sure everyone feels like they got what they needed out of a gig is vital to your band&#8217;s long-term success. Paul and Dave talk through some lessons they&#8217;ve learned along these lines over th

Sep 18, 2017 • 47:41

The “American Girl” Litmus Test – Gig Gab 131

Sometimes you&#8217;ve gotta replace a bandmate&#8230; and sometimes it&#8217;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&#8217;s more than that&#8230; how do you get to know them? And what&#8217;s does &#8220;American Girl&#8221; have to do with it? You&#8217;ll have to listen to find out! Chapters/Timestamps: 00:00:00 GigGab 131 –

Sep 13, 2017 • 37:27

Multiple Bands, Weather Issues, and Tip Jars – GigGab 130

Whether it&#8217;s you or someone you play with, you&#8217;ve almost certainly got to deal with the juggling act of playing in multiple bands. How do you handle schedule conflicts? What&#8217;s the best policy for you to have? Then it&#8217;s on to how you choose and learn songs in your band. Paul and Dave certainly have thoughts to share about this! They&#8217;ve also got some tricks and tips to share, too, about highlighting the tip jar in creative ways and dealing with those crazy nights when

Sep 6, 2017 • 55:30

The R.C.P.M. Formula – GigGab 129

Paul&#8217;s experience with the Los Gatos Music in the Park series over the past 10 weeks has given him a lot to think. What&#8217;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&#8230; and more. Hear their suggestion for a magic success formula, too. RCPM! Chapters/Timestamps: 00:00:00 GigGab 129 – Monday, August 28, 2017 00:03:30 Dave’s Theorum Proven Again! 00:04:08 Pop Rocks plays Los Gatos’s Concert Se

Aug 28, 2017 • 43:54

Finding Your Band’s Formula – GigGab 128

When you&#8217;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&#8217;s formula? These are the answers Paul and Dave share in today&#8217;s episode. Then it&#8217;s on to a conversation about maintaining your poker face on stage when things don&#8217;t go as planned. How do you train yourself to do it? How do you keep your cool? Listen&#8230; and enjo

Aug 22, 2017 • 47:23

Gig Number Three is the Magic One! – GigGab 127

Both Paul and Dave had their third gigs with replacement drummers in their respective bands&#8230; and they both found that&#8217;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 experience and revelation with recreational pot at his gig&#8230; and it&#8217;s not at all like we just made it sound! You&#8217;ll have to listen to learn more about that. Then it&#8217;s time to answer a listener email about

Aug 14, 2017 • 43:52

Always Be … Prepared (and Performing… and Nice!) – GigGab 126

Listener Timothy shares a story that rings true with us and our motto: Always Be Performing! Before we get to that, though, there&#8217;s a conversation about another ABP motto: Always Be Prepared. And that doesn&#8217;t just apply to equipment – though it&#8217;s important there, too – it applies to people. Things just don&#8217;t always work out as expected, and that&#8217;s a lesson both Paul and Dave seem to continue to have to learn. Their advice: learn from them so you don&#8217;t have to

Aug 7, 2017 • 30:39

Keeping Your Audience Engaged – GigGab 125

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&#8217;s no right or wrong answer here, but one thing&#8217;s for sure: you need to answer this question. Dave and Paul have some ideas, too&#8230; and that&#8217;s what makes this a GigGab! Download, press play, and enjoy. Chapters/Timestamps: 00:00:00 GigGab 1

Jul 31, 2017 • 38:17

Cancelations and Renegotiations – GigGab 124

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&#8217;s time to talk about renegotiating an existing gig. How can you do it? What&#8217;s the protocol? Is it OK? Paul and Dave muse on this and discover some answers for you! But first&#8230; it&#8217;s about tasty harmonies (literally) and hydration. Press play and enjoy! Chapters/Timestamps: 00:00:00 GigGab 124 – Monday, July 24, 2

Jul 24, 2017 • 34:15

Camaraderie Culture & Gig-Specific Strategies – GigGab 123

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 to discussing gig-specific strategies for setlists and pacing. Finally, it&#8217;s a revisit of the Klingon discussion&#8230; there were a few things left to say, it seems! Download, press play, and enjoy! Chapters/Timestamps 00:00:00 GigGab 123

Jul 17, 2017 • 34:01

Those Pesky Klingons – GigGab 122

One of the best things that can happen to your band – original or cover – is to gain devoted fans. They&#8217;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&#8217;s a downside to them, sometimes right at the start. Sometimes that manifests itself before you&#8217;ve ever met&#8230; and they become KLINGONS! Listen to Paul and Dave talk through all of this, and how they deal with it. Press play, sit back, and

Jul 10, 2017 • 31:02

Finding Balance: Big Stages, Band, and Family – GigGab 121

This episode is all about finding the right balance. First, how do you deal with it when you&#8217;re on a stage that&#8217;s too big for your band? Thankfully Paul and Dave have made the mistakes so you don&#8217;t have to. Then your two favorite weekend warriors dig into the mailbag to answer the question of balancing being a musician with being a productive member of a family. Neither of these balancing acts is easy, and Paul and Dave talk you through each as best they can. Press play and enj

Jun 26, 2017 • 45:12

Paul Costley, Booking Agent: Walking the Fine Line Between Rooms and Bands – GigGab 120

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&#8217;s been playing in, managing, booking, and organizing bands since the 1970s, and has carved out a very successful booking business for himself in New England. Yep, it&#8217;s a two-Pauls-and-one-Dave show as your two favorite weekend warriors listen to advice about working with a booking agent, managing relationship

Jun 19, 2017 • 37:05

Isolate the Distractions – GigGab 119

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&#8217;s into contracts. Pay attention to the minutia, folks, because it might not be minutia to other people. Then it&#8217;s on to the cost of playing in multiple projects. Really, it&#8217;s all about isolating the distractions, and that&#8217;s what Paul and Dave focus on today! Chapters/Timestamps: 00:00:00 GigGa

Jun 12, 2017 • 38:59

The Comfort of Being on Stage – GigGab 118

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&#8217;s what they&#8217;re comfortable doing, and the best performances come from a place of comfort. Speaking of that, Paul and Dave spend some time talking about how oddly-comforting it feels being up on stage. That separation from the audience can be one of the safest feelings to a musician. Before that, though, Dave had his first gig

Jun 5, 2017 • 42:59

It Ain’t Bragging If You Can Back It Up! – GigGab 117

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 near term? It&#8217;s not all introspective, though, folks. There are some solid lessons to learn in this episode, specifically about dealing with multi-band gigs where you need to share a single stage wit

May 30, 2017 • 36:00

Musical Snobbery – GigGab 116

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 your two favorite weekend warriors answer. Heck, they don&#8217;t just answer them, they live them. And they gab about them, GigGab style. Press play and enjoy! Chapters/Timestamps: 00:00:00 GigGab 116 – Monday, May 22, 2017 00:01:11 Musical

May 23, 2017 • 40:02

Soft Silicone, Hard Acrylic, and Managing a Trio – GigGab 115

One quick glance at the title and you know this isn&#8217;t your average GigGab episode. Thankfully, we&#8217;re not that shallow&#8230; 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 as you&#8217;ve come to expect each and every time to press &#8220;Play&#8221; to listen to Paul and Dave. There&#8217;s nothing to be afraid of here. Just do it! Chapters/T

May 15, 2017 • 34:36

Exploring the Drummer’s Vantage Point – GigGab 114

Drummers always seem to have a different perspective, and perhaps that&#8217;s because they literally have a different place from which they view a gig. If there&#8217;s a theme to this episode, that&#8217;s certainly a contender! Double-bookings happen, though, and Dave found himself in that scenario. He and Paul talk through what to do in that situation. To start, though, a quick conversation about trusting your crew. That&#8217;s an important element in the enjoyment of a gig. All of this jus

May 8, 2017 • 38:21

Can Anyone Hear the Elephant on the Stage? – GigGab 113

It&#8217;s time to get pensive, folks. First, your two favorite weekend warriors discuss the &#8220;poison in the locker room&#8221; mentality that often is the precursor to a band-wide bitch-session. Then it&#8217;s on to the aftermath of the bitch-sesh that eventually leads to someone asking, &#8220;why do we do this gig, anyway?&#8221; That&#8217;s a valid question to ask, as long as you ask it of the right person. Paul and Dave will guide you on this. Lastly, it&#8217;s all about elephants,

May 1, 2017 • 42:10

The 1990s Conundrum – GigGab 112

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has some new members, and it&#8217;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&#8217;s a thread that runs through today&#8217;s episode: The 1990s produced some music. Some of that music is great, most is forgettable. Is that any different from any other generation? Chapters/Timestamps: 00:00:00 GigGab 112 – Monday, April 24, 2017 00

Apr 24, 2017 • 42:58

Rock-and-Roll Hand Signals & The Fragility of Changing Personnel – GigGab 111

Paul and Dave take the opportunity today to dig a little deeper into a few topics they&#8217;ve mentioned recently. First, though, it&#8217;s a discussion about your pack-up routine. Everyone&#8217;s got one&#8230; and everyone&#8217;s a little bit different! Then it&#8217;s that ever-lasting discussion about having the right bandmates&#8230; and keeping them. A band is at its most fragile when personnel changes are afoot, and that&#8217;s the time you need to provide the most care and attention

Apr 17, 2017 • 39:56

Firing a Club – GigGab 110

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&#8230; the musicians&#8217; way! Ever fire a club? Paul did this week, and he lives to tell the tale. When someone compliments your playing, how humble is too humble? Dave shares his thoughts about this&#8230; and you might (or might not!) be surprised what he says. Plus, Dave had his first rehearsal with Uptown Celebration&#8230; and that started wi

Apr 13, 2017 • 42:40

Pick Up Something When You Drop It! – GigGab 109

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 an interesting fly-on-the-wall experience with an audition this week that really drove home some important lessons&#8230; and your two favorite weekend warriors begin discussing the unspoken lan

Apr 3, 2017 • 47:07

Time Flies … But it still Matters! – GigGab 108

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&#8217;re looking forward to every gig all week and all day? Or are you more like Dave where you&#8217;re ecstatic to do the gig, but the logistics are enough to convince you that a cancelation is A-OK? Continuing the analysis, when you go see a band do you just let go and enjoy? Or do you enjoy while simultaneou

Mar 27, 2017 • 38:06

Band Leaders: Get Your Empathy Elsewhere – GigGab 107

Paul finished his EP and talks about the process of mastering and distributing that. When it comes to cover songs, there&#8217;s an additional layer of complexity that Paul sorted out. Then it&#8217;s on to gig talk! Do you have someone in your band that takes mental notes during your gigs and maintains the punch-list of things to discuss and tweak? Then, how does your band go about discussing these things? Lastly, music aside, what role do you play in your band? All good for a full GigGab, and

Mar 20, 2017 • 43:49

Healthy Competition, Studio Songs, & Auditions

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&#8217;s all about the energy. Sometimes the crowd feeds you first, and sometimes you have to feed the crowd first. How do you do it? Recently, Dave went on an audition. Hear him and Paul talk about the preparation process and also the things you can do in-the-moment to

Mar 13, 2017 • 40:35

Do You Have a Tambourine? – GigGab 105

At some gigs, the only thing worse than being asked, &#8220;can I play my harmonica with your band?&#8221; is &#8220;can I play your tambourine?&#8221; 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 top of that, your two favorite weekend warriors talk about assembling songs in the studio, learning to lay back, and perhaps a revelation about wireless in-ears! Press play, enjoy, and always be performing! Ch

Mar 6, 2017 • 35:37

Fixing Feedback and Stage Sound with Audio Engineer Andy Dolph – GigGab 104

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&#8217;s microphone recommendations, tips for solving feedback in both the monitors and the mains, mixing advice, and why you should be using a high pass filter on everything. You never thought you wanted to learn about the inverse-square law before, but after listening to today&#8217;s show you&#8217;

Feb 27, 2017 • 50:59

What’s Wrong with My In-Ears? – GigGab 103

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&#8230; and guess what? It&#8217;s not just up to you and the sound engineer. Your favorite weekend warriors explain! That then directly leads into a conversation about managing stage volume, and how you can make good stage volume your band&#8217;s holistic mission. Press play now for all

Feb 20, 2017 • 48:32

Production – and Producer – Value – GigGab 102

Your two favorite weekend warriors are in the midst of some atypical musical experiences, and today&#8217;s show brings it to fruition. Dave&#8217;s playing live with tracked parts&#8230; and a click! Paul played live in a jam band scenario and has also been spending some time in the studio. He shares his thoughts about the value a producer brings to not only a project, but to him as a musician. Press play and enjoy, folks! Chapters/Timestamps: 00:00:00 GigGab 102 – February 13, 2017 00:01:58 F

Feb 13, 2017 • 35:29

Tower PA Systems, Working With a Click, & Jam Time – GigGab 101

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&#8217;s time to talk gear, specifically all-in-one tower PAs. Dave and Paul have recently had the opportunity to check out multiple different tower options from Mackie, Bose, JBL, and Fishman and share their views on all of these. Finally, it&#8217;s time to talk about the click, no pun intended. Dave&#8217;s a

Feb 6, 2017 • 55:47

Kenny Aronoff Chats about Managing Your Schedule, Working Hard, Being a Team Player & More – GigGab 100

For episode 100, drummer Kenny Aronoff joins to make this the episode with your three favorite working musicians! Kenny&#8217;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 next thing. Full of more energy than Dave and Paul combined (and that&#8217;s saying something!), Kenny shares a lot of his life philosophies, too, which all focus on one thing: se

Jan 30, 2017 • 56:05

The Born To Run-Starship Trooper-Reggae Extravaganza! – GigGab 99

Wrapping up the first 99 episodes, Paul and Dave dive straight into politics (but not in the way that you&#8217;d think!), then take a left turn into tribute band territory (but not in the way that you&#8217;d think!), and then discuss how your band should approach cover tunes (but not in the way that you&#8217;d think!) and finally discuss the Born To Run-Starship Trooper-Reggae Extravaganza (you weren&#8217;t already thinking of this!). Check it out and then stick with your two favorite Weeken

Jan 23, 2017 • 44:40

Live Inspiration, Sound Tweaks, and Desert Island Discs – GigGab 98

Dave&#8217;s back from a musical &#8220;destination vacation&#8221; so he and Paul discuss the merits of doing that for any band, including some that have ties to GigGab directly. Then, after Paul&#8217;s requisite Bruce Springsteen mention, your two weekend warriors share their favorite albums&#8230; and that includes another Springsteen mention! Listen to hear what inspires your music geeks here, then let us know your favorites over on Facebook, too. Download, enjoy, and always be performing,

Jan 18, 2017 • 45:24

What’s the Premise of Your Working Band? – GigGab 97

It&#8217;s the new year and that&#8217;s always a good time to take stock of where you are and focus on where you&#8217;re going. That&#8217;s true for you as a musician and for your band, as well. What&#8217;s the premise of your band? What do you, as a musician, want to focus on going forward? Paul and Dave, your two favorite Weekend Warriors, help you paint yourself a clear picture of what that looks like for 2017 and beyond! Chapters/Timestamps/Stuff Mentioned: 00:00:00 GigGab 97 – January

Jan 9, 2017 • 33:38

Should Everyone Use the Same Vocal Mic? – GigGab 96

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&#8217;s opinion? These are important questions to ask, and Paul throws them into the mix for he and Dave to discuss. Getting the gig: what kind of demo or sample do you need? Years ago that was audio, but now is it video? Again, Paul and Dave discuss. First, though, in this final show of 2016, your two favorite Weekend Warriors pay a little tribute

Dec 28, 2016 • 37:10

Santa Paul and Santa Dave’s Holiday Wish List for Fellow Musicians – GigGab 95

It&#8217;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&#8230; always be performing! Chapters/Timestamps: 00:00:00 GigGab 95 – December 21st, 2016 00:01:00 Musicians Gone By 00:02:04 Santa Dave and Santa Paul&#8217;s Holiday Wish List for Fellow Musicians 00:02:50 Band Chemistry Schedule a band retreat! Extend your

Dec 21, 2016 • 40:30

Maximizing Setup Time, Taking Requests, and Repairing Relationships – GigGab 94

It&#8217;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&#8217;s on to Matt, whose band was badmouthed by their former singer. Your two favorite weekend warriors talk through ways to repair the damage and move forward. But first, do you take requests? Ever take heat from a club owner for that? It can be a double-edged sword, and it&#8217;s one that D

Dec 12, 2016 • 41:54

It’s All About The Audition – GigGab 93

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&#8217;s auditioning a new member. The process can be fun, grueling, enlightening, frustrating and unproductive. But it&#8217;s a means to an end, and you can make the best of it. Listen to your two favorite Weekend Warriors talk about their auditioning experiences. Hear what worked, what didn&#8217;t, and learn some tricks that Paul and Dave

Dec 5, 2016 • 44:37

What’s That Groove? – GigGab 92

Groove. What is it? What defines it? What makes it good? What&#8217;s obvious when it&#8217;s missing? How do you find it? That&#8217;s the core of today&#8217;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 find the groove before you start the tune, and what to do when it doesn&#8217;t work. Of course, Paul and Dave love their gear, and not just the stuff they use on stage. Dave talks

Nov 28, 2016 • 39:14

Tax Gab & Gear Gab – GigGab 91

As all working musicians know, those fun New Year&#8217;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 and also share some of their tax tips, too. Paul and Dave aren&#8217;t accountants, of course, but they can at least help you know what questions to ask when you visit your tax professional. Then, b

Nov 21, 2016 • 50:25

Four-Walling, Tribute Acts, and Substance Use – GigGab 90

Some important topics addressed this week, including the special benefits of doing a tribute act as well as the concept of &#8220;four-walling&#8221; 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 at your shows. How do you set those rules? What do you do when they&#8217;re broken? Oh the twists and turns you&#8217;ll take! This week&#8217;s GigGab

Nov 14, 2016 • 35:35

Sound Sources, Merchandise and Pay – GigGab 89

You know where your amps and drums and mics go, but what about your mains? Any ideas? It&#8217;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 huge time-suck for your band, and it all depends on who you are. Listen to Paul and Dave and then share your thoughts with them, too! Of course, it wouldn&#8217;t be GigGab without a philosophical discussion of some type, and Paul le

Nov 7, 2016 • 35:16

Roberto R. Hernandez, The Unstarving Musician – GigGab 88

Roberto R. Hernandez joins Paul and Dave to talk about the genesis of his new book, The Unstarving Musician&#8217;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 covered within. Relationship management, venue interaction, negotiating, personality and, yes folks, subbing are all on the list of topics your three Weekend Warriors discussed during this week&#8217;s GigGab. Li

Oct 31, 2016 • 39:40

Analyzing the “No Analysis” Rule – GigGab 87

Phish cites their new &#8220;No Analysis&#8221; rule as a foundational reason they&#8217;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&#8217;s just finished two weeks of Bitter Pill, and he debriefs the experience thus far with Paul, going into some uncharted waters and discussing how important it is to push outside your comfort zone, even if only just a bit. Paul and his band, The Houserockers,

Oct 24, 2016 • 44:27

Jerry Harvey, In-Ear Monitor Pioneer – GigGab 86

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, but mixing drums and how to run a successful sound-check, as well. Plus, if you were ever curious about how to go about choosing a set of in-ear monitors, Jerry&#8217;s got more than a few things to help g

Oct 17, 2016 • 37:51

Beware The Hassle Factor – GigGab 85

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 &#8220;pit&#8221; band prominently on stage, so there were some interesting on-the-job lessons there. Paul played his first show in a new club in a new area, and that taught him a few things about building a new following (hint: elbow grease is only

Oct 10, 2016 • 38:23

How to Market Your Gigs – GigGab 84

It&#8217;s one thing to put on a great show, it&#8217;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&#8217;s upcoming gig on Saturday. This is a real world workshop between your two favorite working musicians. We hope you&#8217;ll learn something from this&#8230; we certainly learned something making it! First, though, we have to address the sad scenario of losing a gig and

Oct 3, 2016 • 40:49

Managing the Vibe at Gigs, Parties and Weddings

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&#8217;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 sometimes that means adjusting on-the-fly. Hear your two favorite weekend warriors talk through some of the recent scenarios they&#8217;ve encountered and how they&#8217;ve learned to deal with it. But first, a question from listener

Sep 26, 2016 • 50:25

Falling into the Autumn Music Scene – GigGab 82

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&#8217;s not in New England (or, well, not usually), he&#8217;s experiencing the end-of-summer effect with his west coast gigs, too. Listen to what your two favorite working musicians have to say about this different time of year, and also about booking new gigs and supporting other acts. Name checks this time around include Paul Costley, Little Feat, JAM

Sep 19, 2016 • 34:23

The Benefits of Intimidation – GigGab 81

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 perform better&#8230; or worse! Listen to what your two favorite weekend warrior musicians went through this week and how they coped! Chapters/Timestamps: 00:00:00 GigGab 81 00:01:06 Paul’s back… is back! 00

Sep 12, 2016 • 33:28

Watch What Goes Into and Out of Your Mouth – GigGab 80

Both musicians and bandleaders alike have to make split-second decisions and then live with them long-term, and today&#8217;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 that time and wisdom don&#8217;t necessarily stay in sync! The post Watch What Goes Into and Out of Your Mouth – GigGab 80 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Sep 7, 2016 • 26:24

Your Two Weekend Warriors Share a Weekend – GigGab 79

It finally happened: Dave and Paul played the gigs together that they&#8217;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 of you! Chapters include: 00:00:00 GigGab 79 00:01:04 Big Ears 00:05:06 Beginning of the Trip 00:06:10 It all began with wine 00:10:58 Heading to the gig 00:17:59 Your sound is your style 0

Aug 29, 2016 • 42:56

Embracing Intensity and Lessons from the Pros – GigGab 78

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&#8217;s time to look to the pros and learn some lessons about requests and stage presence. As if we thought honing our craft on our instruments was enough, that&#8217;s only the beginning! The post Embracing Intensity and Lessons from the Pros – GigGab 78 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Aug 22, 2016 • 35:37

Confident vs. Overconfident Subbing – GigGab 77

Dave&#8217;s coming out to sub for The Houserockers in a couple of weeks, so it&#8217;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&#8217;s a good one! On top of that, listener Kevin has a question about how much input and influence a subbing drummer should exert. Dave and Paul have slightly differing approaches to answering this particular question. Don&#8217;t worry,

Aug 15, 2016 • 58:43

Outdoor Summer Gigs, Musical Inspirations & Uninvited Stage Visitors – GigGab 76

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 festivals, and why you might want to do that with your band. Finally, have you ever gone to see a band and been so inspired that you want to change everything about the way you do what you do? Y

Aug 8, 2016 • 39:26

The Energy Required To Be Intimate – GigGab 75

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&#8217;s about how much energy it takes to play a &#8220;simple&#8221; acoustic gig. Keeping the crowd engaged is always an effort, and as a musician you&#8217;re constantly reminded of just how necessary that effort is. Hear Paul and Dave talk about all t

Aug 1, 2016 • 54:16

Whose Mistakes Most Often Turn Into Trainwrecks? – GigGab 74

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&#8217;re on common ground. Drummers, you might not be happy with Dave today! Before that, though, Paul talks through his All-Star Band gig this past weekend, and Dave talks about continually retraining his brain. Enjoy! T

Jul 25, 2016 • 33:14

Abbey Road and All-Star Bands – GigGab 73

Dave&#8217;s back from a tour of Abbey Road Studios and Paul&#8217;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&#8230; and more! The post Abbey Road and All-Star Bands – GigGab 73 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Jul 18, 2016 • 43:58

It Pays to Leave Your Comfort Zone – GigGab 72

As it often happens, today&#8217;s show starts and stems from the gigs your two favorite weekend warriors have played &#8230; and seen! Paul and Dave talk about some of the recent lessons they&#8217;ve learned performing and watching, and it all seems to center around finding your way out of your comfort zone. Dedication, determination, schtick, persistence, musicianship and focus are all parts of it. Always be performing! The post It Pays to Leave Your Comfort Zone – GigGab 72 appeared first on

Jul 11, 2016 • 39:40

Robert Berry Talks Carl Palmer, Steve Howe, Keith Emerson … and Cheerleader Camp! – GigGab 71

Robert Berry&#8216;s musical career has followed his passion, and that&#8217;s led to him playing and collaborating with some of the best musicians on the planet. A true journeyman, he&#8217;s got some fantastic stories to tell, and that&#8217;s what we all love here on GigGab. Listen to the interview to hear Robert talk about getting an out-of-the-blue call from Carl Palmer, having that first lunch with Keith Emerson, sitting on the side of the stage watching The Who play to small audiences, co

Jun 27, 2016 • 1:07:11

Band Banners, Backing Tracks and In-Ears, all from the Mailbag! – GigGab 70

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.

Jun 20, 2016 • 42:20

Considering Making a Living From Music – GigGab 69

Today Paul and Dave answer listener Patrick, who asks, &#8220;is it too late to make a living playing music?&#8221; 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&#8230; then send in your own feedback about this. To start the show, it&#8217;s gig talk. Dave discusses how Paul jinxed him with GigGab 67&#8217;s discussion about people behaving badly. Then it&#8217;s on to making yo

Jun 13, 2016 • 40:06

Jan Hammer Talks Mahavishnu, Emerson, Hendrix, Jaco … and Getting the JuJu Happening! – GigGab 68

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&#8217;s experiences with Jeff Beck, Keith Emerson, Jaco Pastorius, Neal Schon, Mahavishnu Orchestra and even Jimi Hendrix. There&#8217;s so much packed into these 43 minutes you&#8217;ll probably want to listen twice. Enjoy! The post Jan Hammer Talks Mahavishnu, Emerson, Hendrix, Jaco &#8230; and Getting the JuJu Happening! – Gig

Jun 6, 2016 • 43:32

People Behaving Badly – Stories From the Stage Vol. 1 – GigGab 67

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.

May 31, 2016 • 40:02

Dance Songs and Heart Breaks – GigGab 66

It&#8217;s time for the therapy couch today, but don&#8217;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 your questions and Paul and Dave have answers. Then your two favorite weekend warriors pull back the curtain a bit and discuss the tougher aspects of gigging, dealing with seeing other bands, respecting your own skills a

May 24, 2016 • 40:02

Being Ready: Vocal Rehearsals and Physical Fitness – GigGab 65

Paul&#8217;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 favorite weekend warriors into a discussion about the tolls that performing takes, physically, and how they deal with that. The post Being Ready: Vocal Rehearsals and Physical Fitness – GigGab

May 16, 2016 • 41:25

Putting Time and Effort Into Audience Curation – GigGab 64

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&#8217;s even close to being enough to truly curate your audience? Paul and Dave have a very revealing chat about what they do – and what they used to do – to promote their musical endeavors. What do YOU do? The post Putting Time and Effort Into Audience Curation – GigGab 64 appeared first on Gig Gab.

May 10, 2016 • 42:39

Hearing Protection, Leading Leaders and More – GigGab 63

It&#8217;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&#8230; and leading leaders. Press play and enjoy! The post Hearing Protection, Leading Leaders and More – GigGab 63 appeared first on Gig Gab.

May 3, 2016 • 50:17

Slack for Bands, Evaluating Your Show & a Prince-ly Chat – GigGab 62

How often do you take a step back and evaluate your band, both musically and visually? It&#8217;s easy for unwanted elements to creep into your songs and shows over time and, once there, they&#8217;re hard to notice without taking a step out of your own shoes and looking back. Paul and Dave talk about how they do (and don&#8217;t do) that in their own lives. Email gets a hard look by the guys today, too&#8230; because it&#8217;s terrible for the type of communication a band needs. Paul finds Sla

Apr 25, 2016 • 47:42

Defining Success – GigGab 61

When you&#8217;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&#8230; but not before wrapping up last week&#8217;s conversation about The Disagreement. Enjoy! The post Defining Success – GigGab 61 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Apr 18, 2016 • 50:48

Flow & Focus, Chemistry & Commitment – GigGab 60

When you&#8217;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&#8217;s on to the talk about both commitment and playing in multiple bands. Let&#8217;s just say there are some subjects in this episode upon which Paul and Dave agree &#8230; and some where they don&#8217;t. Listen and find out which is which! The post Flow &#038; Focus, Chemistry &#038; Com

Apr 11, 2016 • 46:14

Gig Preparation & Differentiating Yourself – GigGab 59

Today your two favorite weekend warriors warm up with warming up! It&#8217;s all about what you do to prepare for a gig and how you get ready for that first downbeat. Then it&#8217;s on to a conversation about how you land that downbeat in the first place by differentiating – and selling – yourself. And, as a bonus, you&#8217;ll get to hear why GigGab is the premier podcast for working musicians! The post Gig Preparation &#038; Differentiating Yourself – GigGab 59 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Apr 4, 2016 • 53:21

Rehearsal Sound … and a Peek Inside the Drummer’s Mind – GigGab 58

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 a purpose, like a rusty hammer? Listen as Dave and Paul talk through their differing opinions here. Then Paul digs into Dave&#8217;s drummer mind, asking him what he thinks about when he&#8217;s on stage &#8230; and what Dave&#8217;s perception

Mar 28, 2016 • 40:42

Live Clicks, Strained Singing, Paul Rodgers and The Cure! – GigGab 57

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&#8217;s show. Paul&#8217;s excited about some new tunes that he&#8217;s doing with The Houserockers and, well, heck, he&#8217;s excited about everything today! Hear him and Dave talk through those tunes plus visit subjects like using a click live, singing without straining, Paul Rodgers and &#8230; The Cure! The topics are varied, yes, but you know your two fav

Mar 22, 2016 • 50:21

In-Ear Talk & Being Inspired by Live Music – GigGab 56

Well, folks, it took over a year but we all knew it had to happen sooner or later&#8230; Dave brought up the subject of this band Paul saw last night and the episode never turned back. Yep, you guessed it&#8230; Bruce Springsteen was the topic of conversation during the second-half of this week&#8217;s episode, and that led to a few interesting tangents. Ahead of that, though, was a discussion about in-ear monitor mixes, including some tips that Dave has learned over the years to get – and keep

Mar 15, 2016 • 46:02

Working with Masters of Their Craft – GigGab 55

This week Paul and Dave have a verbal jam session, riffing off each others&#8217; 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&#8217;s sake. The show follows more of a flow than you might think reading these topics, though, so just press play and start listening! Stuff mentioned: Mackie Reach Mackie ONYX 1220 Good Guys 30th West Coast Nationals (where The Houserockers will have a s

Mar 7, 2016 • 42:02

Honor Among … Musicians – GigGab 54

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&#8217;s on to why recording yourself when you&#8217;re all alone matters, too&#8230; you&#8217;ll learn a lot from this episode, we promise! You&#8217;ll also learn about whether or not it&#8217;s important to be true to who you are and, finally, whether or not there&#8217;s honor among thieves musicians. All of this (and more?) included in this week&#8217;

Feb 29, 2016 • 47:28

Choosing Songs… and Recording Them! – GigGab 53

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 play only covers. Paul and Dave discuss the nuances of recording and share their favorite tips, as well. Paul makes a point of reminding everyone exactly what the purpose of a demo is, and offers some fantastic tips t

Feb 22, 2016 • 36:00

The Money Talk and All-Star Bands – GigGab 52

Paul&#8217;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&#8217;s time to answer listener Kevin&#8217;s question about money. Always a big topic amongst weekend warriors, the Money Talk gets your two favorite working musicians all worked up about the right – and wrong – ways to do things. Listen in, folks, for all this and more! The post The Money Talk and

Feb 16, 2016 • 53:56

Cover Band Central’s Steve Witschel – GigGab 51

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&#8217;s a worldwide musician that gets to stay in one place because of the variety of people he sees, and he&#8217;s got the stories to prove it. Steve started his Cover Band Central Facebook page which is now followed by almost 16,000 people. Check out what he has to say about doing that and more on this week&#8217;s GigGab!

Feb 9, 2016 • 37:34

What Not To Do On Stage (Paul and Dave have done it!) – GigGab 50

This week it&#8217;s all about Yacht Rock and golf. No, not really, mostly it&#8217;s about what&#8217;s the right way to present yourself on stage as Paul and Dave talk through the Seven Deadly Performance Sins &#8230; and how NOT to commit them. But there&#8217;s a little bit about Yacht Rock and golf. Enjoy! Stuff mentioned: Mustache Harbor (and their &#8220;Yacht Rock&#8221; song list) &#8220;Grip It and Rip It&#8220; The Seven Deadly Performance Sins The post What Not To Do On Stage (Paul

Feb 1, 2016 • 51:33

The Benefits of Acoustic Gigs – GigGab 49

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 favorite weekend warriors talk about all this plus some of their favorite gear as it relates to acoustic gigs, too! Stuff Mentioned: Bose Personal Speakers Fishman Solo Performan

Jan 27, 2016 • 35:26

How Do I Get Better Gigs? (and How to Count the Intro to “Take it Easy”) – GigGab 48

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&#8217;s question about how to bring your band to the next level. Plus, Dave gets geeky teaching everyone how to count the intro to The Eagles&#8217; &#8220;Take It Easy.&#8221; All this and more&#8230; download, press play and enjoy! Cover Band Central Friends Who Like Los Gatos Music in th

Jan 19, 2016 • 45:33

Gear Gab … and a little bit about David Bowie – GigGab 47

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 Bowie, but the honest fact that artists pass away while their art lives on. Listen to hear what Paul and Dave have to say about all of this! NAMM Mackie DL1608 Mixer PreSonus StudioLive 24.4.2 KickPort MAY Drum Mic Mounts

Jan 12, 2016 • 53:42

The Coffis Brothers – GigGab 46

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&#8217;s world. Between recording albums, touring, crafting their own events, singing harmonies, writing songs and managing band members, the Coffis Brothers have found the magic mix&#8230; and share their secrets with you on this week&#8217;s GigGab. If you&#8217;re in the bay area be sure to check them out this weekend at Don Q

Jan 5, 2016 • 42:23

Paul & Dave Open a Club (in their minds) – GigGab 45

Tonight Paul and Dave&#8217;s (fictitious) Aunt has left them some money and they&#8217;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 discussed and some of them might even hold water! Have some fun with the guys and come along for the ride during this final GigGab of 2015! The post Paul &#038; Dave Open a Club (in their minds)

Dec 29, 2015 • 50:32

Watching Your Friends Play – GigGab 44

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&#8217;re doing great versus if they&#8217;re having a bad night? Paul and Dave talk candidly about these things&#8230; it&#8217;s not always easy for us musicians to watch other folks make music, especially if we know them well! Then your two favorite weekend warriors wrap-up with a

Dec 21, 2015 • 45:56

Steve Siacotos Talks Aha! Tunes and Scene Creation – GigGab 43

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&#8217;s favorite &#8220;aha!&#8221; tunes, you can hear the context around some great quotes like, &#8220;the audience is as important to the music as the band is,&#8221; &#8220;be friendly to other musicians,&#8221; and &#8220;you should be able to look into a room and tell who the musicians are.&#8221; All of this and

Dec 15, 2015 • 48:41

The Great Swing Scare of the Mid-90s – GigGab 42

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&#8217;s here plus all the stuff that links it together. Paul and Dave go on a musical journey and the door is open for you to join! Robert Berry 3 &#8211; To the Power of Three December People Beatallica Jan Hammer Jeff Beck&#8217;s Blow by Blow Jeff Beck&#8217;s Star Cycle The post The Great Swing Scare

Dec 7, 2015 • 35:25

Guitarist Matt Gibson: From a Military Career to 1MM Followers – GigGab 41

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 &#8220;social proof,&#8221; fame by association. Every musician out there can do a better job treating their art as a business in the right ways, and Matt shares some great advice

Dec 1, 2015 • 41:42

The Rehearsal Dissection – GigGab 40

Paul&#8217;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 all over the place. Enjoy! Stuff mentioned: Los Gatos Park Dance 2015 (includes 17 songs from Paul&#8217;s band, The Houserockers) The Raconteurs&#8217; &#8220;Steady As She Goes&#8220; Prince&#8217;s D.M.S.R

Nov 25, 2015 • 44:05

The Songwriter’s Perspective with Mark Linsenmayer – GigGab 39

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&#8217;s stories are varied and colorful, and even include quite a few references to when he and Dave played music together many years ago. Stuff mentioned includes: Mark Lint & The Fake Johnson Trio (the album Mark said is no longer online; Dave played on some of the tunes) Mark Lint & The

Nov 17, 2015 • 58:21

7 Things Musicians Need To Do In Addition to Playing Shows – GigGab 38

Tonight Paul and Dave go deep into what makes them tick as musicians&#8230; 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 a very revealing path. What&#8217;s important to you as a musician or a music fan? Let Paul and Dave know right here! The post 7 Things Musicians Need To Do In Addition to Playing Shows – GigGab 38 appeared first on

Nov 10, 2015 • 58:17

A Song’s Path from Rehearsal Room to Stage – GigGab 37

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 in front of an audience. Perhaps one of those will resonate with you, or perhaps you&#8217;ll have a suggestion for improving on one (or more) of them. Let your favorite weekend warriors know in the comments right here! The p

Nov 3, 2015 • 56:09

Challenging Tunes & Chemistry – GigGab 36

It&#8217;s always good to learn to play something that&#8217;s outside of your comfort zone, and that&#8217;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&#8217;s on to band chemistry. Everyone in the band plays multiple roles, each feeding off of one another. A successful band is a careful balance of happy accidents, and your two favorite weekend warrio

Oct 27, 2015 • 41:27

Reflections, Goals and Gear Gab – GigGab 35

It&#8217;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&#8217;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 UE7Pro-Ambient Yamaha DTX-PADs Antares ATG-1 The post Reflections, Goals and Gear Gab – GigGab 35 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Oct 19, 2015 • 51:02

Not The English Version of “Pissed” – GigGab 34

Ever felt like the weakest member of a band? That&#8217;s the surprise question that Paul asked Dave today&#8230; and Dave has plenty of &#8220;yes&#8221; 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 it matter if a drummer plays traditional versus matched grip? Listen as your two favorite Weekend Warriors talk through all this and then go back and forth on their favorite Beatles songs to pl

Oct 6, 2015 • 48:50

Talking Endorsement Deals with Music Industry Veteran Daniel East – GigGab 33

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&#8217;d love to see you forge a relationship with your favorite vendor. Listen for advice and inspiration and then let us know how it goes at feedback@giggabpodcast.com! Stuff men

Sep 29, 2015 • 53:25

Self-Analysis, Dummy Detection and Playing in the Pocket – GigGab 32

How do you deal with the less-restrained members of the audience at your gigs? Paul and Dave aren&#8217;t sure they&#8217;re doing it correctly and talk through a few of their scenarios and tactics. Dave&#8217;s wrist is still in recovery, but he&#8217;s finding that playing without it has taught him some new tricks as he&#8217;s forced to re-approach his instruments. That&#8217;s a good thing for all of us to do from time to time. Finally, Paul&#8217;s curious about the elusive &#8220;pocket&#8

Sep 23, 2015 • 40:46

Charity Gigs, Appreciation & Revelation – GigGab 31

Today Paul and Dave talk through the results of Dave&#8217;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&#8217;s on to more fun topics — playing. The concept of charity gigs enter the discussion, and both Dave and Paul share their thoughts on these wonderful opportunities. Finally, Paul played some fun gigs this weekend and has some interes

Sep 15, 2015 • 30:21

A Tour Through Rolling Your Own Music Festival – GigGab 30

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. It can work well for you regardless of size as long as you&#8217;re focused and well-intentioned. Listen today to learn how 110 pieces of plywood can serve as the foundation of a soul-warming good time! The post A Tour Through

Sep 8, 2015 • 48:31

Musicians are Salespeople, Too – GigGab 29

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&#8217;s the expert this week, and Dave picks his brain about all the methods and tricks he&#8217;s learned and employed over the years keeping the Houserockers gigging week after week. Have thoughts on your own? Please send them in at feedback@giggabpodcast.com! The post Musicians are Salespeople, Too – GigGab 29 appeared first on

Sep 1, 2015 • 53:49

Musicians are Fans, Too – GigGab 28

Summer&#8217;s not just a time for playing music, it&#8217;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 &#8217;em out! The post Musicians are Fans, Too &#8211; GigGab 28 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Aug 26, 2015 • 42:54

Maintaining an Attitude of Gratitude – GigGab 27

What&#8217;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&#8217;s GigGab. Remember, feedback@giggabpodcast.com is the way to get them to hear what you&#8217;re already yelling at your iPhone while listening! The post Maintaining an Attitude of Gratitude &#8211; GigGab 27 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Aug 17, 2015 • 42:42

Dave Brunyak from Pink Talking Fish – GigGab Podcast 26

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 Heads and Pink Floyd; what it&#8217;s like playing in a tribute band, and why it makes perfect sense to have Slash and Jimmy Page influence your choice of gear. All this and more with Dave Brunyak! The post Dave Brunyak from Pink Talking Fish &#8211; GigGab Podcast 26 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Aug 7, 2015 • 39:21

What Is It About a Song that Makes You Care? – GigGab Podcast 25

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 bands do you care about? Paul and Dave talk through it all. The post What Is It About a Song that Makes You Care? – GigGab Podcast 25 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Aug 4, 2015 • 54:44

Finding Ways to Express Your Musical Vision – GigGab 24

This week Paul and Dave follow-up on last week&#8217;s interview with The Tommy Experience&#8217;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, &#8220;what would be your favorite project to play with?&#8221; is an interesting — and evidently difficult — exercise! The post Finding Ways to Express Your Musical Vision &#8211; GigGab 24 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Jul 20, 2015 • 41:45

Pieter Hounslow from Sweden’s “Tommy Experience” – GigGab 23

This week Paul and Dave are joined by Pieter Hounslow from Sweden&#8217;s &#8220;Tommy Experience,&#8221; a Who Tribute project. The discussion covers all manner of topics, including what it&#8217;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 us! The post Pieter Hounslow from Sweden&#8217;s &#8220;Tommy Experience&#8221; &#8211; GigGab 23 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Jul 13, 2015 • 39:28

Answers to Listener Questions and How To Make Your Gigs Unforgettable – GigGab 22

Paul and Dave start off by answering listener questions; First it&#8217;s a seemingly-easy question about who pays for instrument rentals (that turns out to be not such an easy question!). Then it&#8217;s the nuances of negotiating how to play in a two-guitar band. After that your two favorite Weekend Warriors discuss what it takes to make your gig unforgettable. Throughout, Dave shares his thoughts about the Grateful Dead&#8230; and Paul thinks some folks might not be so grateful for Dave&#8217

Jul 8, 2015 • 46:05

Shared Backlines, Sit-ins & The Fish – GigGab 21

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&#8217;s no wall of security between you and the crowd. Your weekend warriors talk through this, too, and then pay a bit of tribute to The Fish, as well. Theme song is &#8220;Woe is Me&#8221;, written by Mark Linsenmayer The post Shared Backlines, Sit-i

Jun 30, 2015 • 49:43

Managing Your Health & To Gig or Not to Gig – Gig Gab 20

Dave and Paul start out discussing what it&#8217;s like to play without the pressure of ever bringing it to the stage and how that can work. Then it&#8217;s on to health and gigs — what&#8217;s it take to make sure you can continue doing this, even when you&#8217;re under the weather? Stuff mentioned: The Peelers Bowling for Soup The Dollyrots The post Managing Your Health &#038; To Gig or Not to Gig &#8211; Gig Gab 20 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Jun 23, 2015 • 41:02

What’s Your Goal When You Walk On Stage? – Gig Gab 19

Every musician hits the stage with the goal of&#8230; what? Is it entertaining? Is it playing well? Is it having a special moment (or three)? And if a special moment&#8230; with whom? Is it the crowd? One&#8217;s bandmates? A higher power? Paul and Dave talk through their feelings on this, but please share yours, too. Hint: there are no wrong answers&#8230; except the ones with which Paul and Dave disagree! The post What&#8217;s Your Goal When You Walk On Stage? &#8211; Gig Gab 19 appeared firs

Jun 16, 2015 • 53:52

The Lost Episode – Gig Gab 18

Paul and Dave met in San Francisco to record their first ever face-to-face GigGab episode &#8230; 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&#8217;t detectable until the very end of the recording (despite all the tests working just perfectly!). Dave explains all this and more, and asks you two important prep questions for next week&#8217;s show: what is it that drives you to play gigs?

Jun 9, 2015 • 4:20

I’ve Got This! – Gig Gab 17

When someone in your band says, &#8220;I&#8217;ve got this,&#8221; on stage or before a gig, what exactly does that mean? And can you trust that they&#8217;re actually prepared? What happens when YOU say it? Does it really mean you&#8217;ve got it, or are you sometimes just leading yourself to believe you&#8217;ve prepared enough when you haven&#8217;t? What are your trouble spots and how do you work around them? All this and more in this week&#8217;s Gig Gab! The post I&#8217;ve Got This! &#821

Jun 2, 2015 • 50:32

Of Sound, Promo & Merchandise – Gig Gab 17

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&#8217;s on to managing sound at a gig, including a few pro-tips from your Weekend Warriors. Paul then surprises Dave with a pop-quiz about Memorial Day-themed songs. All that, plus a quick wrap-up about Merchandise and its true value to your band. Enjoy! Dave&#8217;s band, FLING&#8217;s homepage Paul&#8217;s band, The Houserockers&#8217; homepage The p

May 26, 2015 • 45:29

Live Music is Worth Something – Gig Gab 15

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&#8217;s episode. Have some thoughts on this subject? Have a set of nineties-era tunes that you think will stand the test of time? Send &#8217;em in to feedback@giggabpodcast.com and your two favorite weekend warriors will share them in a future episode! The post Live Music is Worth Something &#8211; Gig Gab 15 appeared first on Gig Gab.

May 19, 2015 • 31:30

Of Monsters and Men – Gig Gab 14

What happens if you&#8217;re the very best musician in your band? How about if you&#8217;re the worst? Paul and Dave talk through these scenarios, and (in their minds, anyway!) they&#8217;ve both been in both places. Hear some war stories that help illustrate what works and what doesn&#8217;t, too! As always, feedback@giggabpodcast.com is where to send your feedback and stories! The post Of Monsters and Men &#8211; Gig Gab 14 appeared first on Gig Gab.

May 12, 2015 • 50:34

Digging Into The Woodshed – Gig Gab 13

This episode is all about practice. How do you practice? What do you practice? Do you have a plan? What&#8217;s your plan? How often? And then&#8230; what&#8217;s the difference between practice and rehearsal? (and do you want to play with musicians that don&#8217;t yet know the answer to that question?). All of this and more, discussed by Paul and Dave this week on GigGab. Email feedback@giggabpodcast.com with your questions, comments and more! The post Digging Into The Woodshed &#8211; Gig Gab

May 5, 2015 • 49:22

The Significant Other Discussion – Gig Gab 12

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&#8217;s probably a bad idea to record this discussion. And then they released it, here for your listening pleasure. Send in your thoughts about this episode to feedback@giggabpodcast.com. Paul and Dave would love to hear what you have to say about thi

Apr 27, 2015 • 48:34

Guitar Sounds and Band Politics – Gig Gab 11

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 an opinion of your own? Send it into feedback@giggabpodcast.com and the guys will address it! Stuff Mentioned: JangleBox Fender Bassman Mesa Boogie Mark 5 25 Dealing With Band Politics Sage The post

Apr 21, 2015 • 45:00

Gear Talk (Drums and Sound) – Gig Gab 10

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&#8217;s high time your favorite Weekend Warriors dug into this conversation and this week&#8217;s episode digs into Dave&#8217;s drum gear and then into the mixing consoles that the guys each use for their gigs. Listen up! The post Gear Talk (Drums and Sound) &#8211; Gig Gab 10 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Apr 14, 2015 • 45:44

The Trainwreck Discussion – Gig Gab 9

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 feedback@giggabpodcast.com and join in the fun! The post The Trainwreck Discussion &#8211; Gig Gab 9 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Apr 6, 2015 • 47:02

The Holy Grail of Stage Volume – Gig Gab 8

Paul and Dave start with some listener feedback (their first!) and then it&#8217;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&#8217;s an ever-evolving process, for sure! The post The Holy Grail of Stage Volume &#8211; Gig Gab 8 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Mar 31, 2015 • 52:53

Pay Scales and The Subbing Dilemma – Gig Gab 7

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&#8217;re doing the right gigs and getting paid properly. Then it&#8217;s on to the matter of subs. Are you sub? Do you want to hire a sub? In the end, how does it affect your band? All this and more! The post Pay Scales and The Subbing Dilemma &#8211; Gig Gab 7 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Mar 24, 2015 • 47:22

There’s Always More You Can Do to Market Your Band – Gig Gab 6

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&#8217;t happen right away. Then it segues to marketing talk. How do you market your band? Your gigging gabbers talk through how they do it – and what they should do better. The post There&#8217;s Always More You Can Do to Market Your Band &#8211; Gig Gab 6 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Mar 17, 2015 • 42:52

GigGab 5: The Rehearsal Talk

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 &#8211; Gig Gab 5 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Mar 10, 2015 • 26:13

Do You Support Live Music? – Gig Gab 4

Paul and Dave dive right into their stride with a discussion about whether or not one should &#8220;support live music.&#8221; 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 Stage, a new (recurring?) segment about things musicians see from that side while playing. Finally it&#8217;s all about flow and energy. Can you create it? Do you? What&#8217;s the best way to make it happen? The post

Mar 3, 2015 • 42:23

GG 2: Some Songs Work Better Than Others

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 &#8230; and play. The post What Makes a Song Great When You Play It? &#8211; Gig Gab 3 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Feb 19, 2015 • 43:16

GG 2: Paul and Dave talk Songs

Our second attempt at an episode. I&#8217;ll have to update this blog post with its contents when I remember them. The post A First Second Attempt &#8211; Gig Gab 2 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Feb 19, 2015 • 46:04