Solo Musician Podcast

In this weeks episode, Megan Miller ( from the Megan & Dave Duo ) RETURNS to the podcast to chat about open mics, learning guitar theory, live sound mixing, and so much more. Dave talks about band shows, acoustic-solo-act venue saturation, and frankly, anything else that pops into his double Red Bull fueled head. For more info on the Megan and Dave Duo, check out their link tree: https://linktr.ee/megananddaveduo

Our very first guest, Mr. Kevin Nelson, is BACK to talk about all things audio. From running open mic sound, to how to properly structure your gain for a stable base to your mix, Kevin is a wealth of knowledge. We chat about solo music saturation, compensation for musicians, and his experience as an entertainment manager & radio D.J. Feel like you'd be a great guest? SoloMusicianPodcast@gmail.com

Dave's back for another chat about the Dueling guitars format with none other than the Feather to his Whisker, the Lennon to his McCartney, and the Jackson to his Browne, Colin Alvarez. The two chat about the amazeballs that is Dueling Guitars. They also take some time to drop some thoughts on the REAL way to get more gigs and be a more successful performer. Check it out!!

Dueling guitars is the best idea ever. I also chat a bit about being canceled for stupid reasons, helping musicians get paid, and more.

After a few month hiatus, Host Dave Gates is back to talk about where he's been, what he's learned, and the key to getting out of your own head. There's also some gear talk about halfway through, so if you're into simplifying or upgrading your solo gigging gear, that parts for you. Submit topics and guest suggestions to SoloMusicianPodcast@gmail.com

Ramblings about being background noise, a puppet, a jester, and a real ass person. Further ramblings include open mics, band gigs, and YouTube.

Guest: Liam GalianoHost: Dave Gates In this week’s episode of the Solo Musician Podcast, Dave sits down with the multi-talented Liam Galiano — a passionate musician, dedicated music teacher, original artist, and a strong advocate for open mic culture. Liam shares insights into his many musical projects, the importance of nurturing local music communities, and why he believes open mics are essential for artist development. They dive into his love for coffee, the inspiration he finds in nature, and of course, a whole lot of music talk — from teaching philosophies and gig advice to creative processes. Whether you're a fellow musician, a music educator, or just love hearing about grassroots music culture, this episode is packed with stories and ideas to inspire. 🔗 Check out Liam's work: 🌐 Website: allgroovemusic.com 🎧 Spotify: Liam Galiano on Spotify

🎙 Solo Musician Podcast - "The Pre-Show Pow-Wow" Host: Dave Gates Guests: RJ Conrad & Colin Alvarez In this lively episode of the Solo Musician Podcast, host Dave Gates sits down with fellow performers RJ Conrad and Colin Alvarez to talk all things music—and a whole lot more. With Dave & Colin's upcoming gig at West Shore Theater opening for RJ's band Rascal Revival on May 16, 2025 just around the corner, the trio dives into what fans can expect from their performances and how they're prepping for it. But it doesn't stop there. The conversation takes plenty of hilarious and honest turns as they discuss: 🎶 The pros and cons of using tablets for lyrics and chords 🚪 The fine art of the Irish exit 😬 How (and if) you should tell your musician friends they suck 🎤 Venue nightmares and booking headaches ...and plenty of other musician-life gems. Whether you're a seasoned solo artist or just music-curious, this episode delivers real talk, laughs, and behind-the-scenes stories you won’t want to miss.

After a 21 day absence, Dave is back to rant about his mom's surgery, gigs and venues, Open Mics & EV SPEAKERS. Stick around for a sneak peek at an up & coming artist from here in Central PA, Levi Sterner.

Shout-out to listener Laura for this week’s topic! When booking a gig, both musicians and venues come to the table with a set of expectations—but do those expectations always align? In this episode of The Solo Musician Podcast, we dive into the crucial conversation of what artists expect from venues and what venues expect in return. From fair compensation and professional treatment to promotion efforts and audience engagement, we break down the key points that both sides need to understand for a successful partnership. We’ll cover: ✅ Why venues should promote performances as much as musicians do ✅ The importance of clear communication and mutual professionalism ✅ What makes a gig financially viable for both the artist and the venue ✅ How musicians can draw and retain audiences to keep venues thriving Whether you're a seasoned performer or just stepping into the live music scene, this episode will help you navigate the gigging world with confidence and clarity. Tune in now, and let’s bridge the gap between venues and musicians—one gig at a time! 🎵✨

Hook & Flask Still Works in Carlisle, PA is closing. Whether you've never been there, or you're a regular attendee of their various nights of musical entertainment, in this episode I try to explain why Hook & Flask was such an anomaly. It was a white buffalo, or a red wolf. It was the kind of place where you felt like family from the second you stepped through the doors. For many musicians, myself included, it was home. It was the date on the calendar that you looked forward to most. It was the show that would make your heart beat a little faster because you knew it was going to be incredible. Every. Single. Time. It was a place for us to commune with each other, a place for good times and great friends, a place to escape the daunting world outside its roller door. After I make my final plea for your attendance at my upcoming Hook & Flask show, I dive into some listener submitted topics and questions to round out the episode. Thank you for being here, and I hope to see you at Hook & Flask on 3/22 7-10pm.

In this episode of the Solo Musician Podcast, host Dave Gates sits down with Andy Gesner, the owner and president of Hip Video Promo, for an in-depth conversation about the world of music video promotion. Andy shares fascinating insights from his career, including his pivotal role in launching Johnny Cash’s iconic "Hurt" video. As the music industry continues to evolve, they dive into what the music video landscape looks like in 2025, the power of Spotify and YouTube playlisting, and how social media has become the lifeblood of music promotion. If you’re looking to up your promotional game, this episode is packed with tips, strategies, and stories that can help take your music career to the next level!

Join host Dave Gates and special guest Colin Alvarez on this satirical episode of the Solo Musician Podcast as they dive deep into the highlights and comedic moments of their experience at the 2025 Central Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame Awards held at the American Music Theater on 3/5/2025! The evening was full of unforgettable performances, community, and everyone sharing in a common love of music. It was a night that brought over 1000 people from many different areas under one roof to recognize the amazing music scene in Central PA. All things considered, it was a beautiful event, and we were really honored and excited to be a part of it. That being said, there were a few standout moments and areas for improvement that left some people shaking their heads and audibly groaning in the theater. We try to recognize why those moments may not have come across to the attendees in the ways they were intended. We also talk about the Solo Musician Podcast winning 2024's Local Music Podcast Of The Year award, which was a real surprise. While we poke fun at the bounty of mystical powers winning the award has provided, I truly do appreciate the recognition for all the hours and thought that goes into producing the podcast. I hope this podcast has an overall net benefit to the scene, and I really love connecting with and showcasing other musicians. Whether you missed the awards show or want to relive the magic through a comedic lens, tune in for insider insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and all the unforgettable highlights from the first few hours of the 2025 ceremony. #centralpa #musicindustry #musicawards #localmusic #localmusicscene #musicpodcast #musiccommunity #satire #podcast #liveperformance

Join Dave Gates on this exciting episode of the Solo Musician Podcast as he sits down with the incredibly talented Jake Mach, a singer-songwriter from Glen Rock, PA! In this candid conversation, Jake opens up about his passion for writing music, his approach to balancing original music vs. cover songs at local bars, and his involvement with the Glen Rock Carolers. Jake also shares how his wife and manager, Mackenzie, plays a key role in keeping his calendar packed with gigs and opportunities. Plus, get the inside scoop on Jake’s upcoming single, "As A Rambler Goes," featuring Cody Tyler — a track you won’t want to miss! If you're a fan of authentic music, indie artists, and behind-the-scenes stories, this episode is for you. Don’t forget to hit like, subscribe, and stay tuned for Jake’s new release! #JakeMach #SoloMusicianPodcast #MusicJourney #IndieArtist #SingerSongwriter #AsARamblerGoes #MusicLife #BarGigs #OriginalMusic #CodyTyler #GlenRockPA #MusicManagement #NewMusicRelease #MusicPodcast

On this episode of the Solo Musician Podcast, Dave Gates sits down for another chat with Jason Carst, a live looping artist from Harrisburg, PA. Jason shares stories from his journey as a solo musician, revealing the tips and tricks that have helped him thrive in the world of live performance. From live-streaming every show to his thoughts on the Central Pennsylvania music scene, Jason opens up about his dedication to connecting with fans and his passion for performance. Whether you’re a solo musician, live looping enthusiast, or just curious about gigging, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice you won’t want to miss!

Video episodes are available on Youtube @SoloMusicDave In a world that values consistency and staying true to your beliefs, the idea of being a hypocrite might sound strange—or even wrong. But what if I told you that being a hypocrite could actually be a powerful tool for personal growth and progress? In this episode, we explore how embracing moments of contradiction can lead to transformation, new perspectives, and a deeper understanding of ourselves. Learn how to use your contradictions as stepping stones to success and self-improvement. Ready to rethink what it means to be a hypocrite? Listen now and unlock the unexpected benefits of change! #PersonalGrowth #SelfImprovement #Hypocrisy #LifeProgress #ChangeIsGood

In this episode, we sit down with Cobrette Bardole, a powerhouse guitarist for Sink In and I Set My Friends On Fire, and the tour manager/front-of-house engineer for If Not For Me. Cobrette takes us behind the scenes of life on the road—balancing the highs of playing to packed houses and sharing original music with the hustle of managing a tour. From early mornings to late-night shows, we dive into what a typical day looks like both as a musician and a tour manager. Plus, Cobrette shares insights into the importance of performing rights organizations, and so much more. Whether you're a fan of the bands or just curious about life in the music industry, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about music, touring, and the dedication that goes into making it all happen.

Are you struggling to get engagement on Facebook, even with thousands of followers? It’s not just the algorithm— it's possible your content might be the real problem! In this episode, we dive deep into understanding what sells and what flops on Facebook, and what you can do to improve your engagement. Learn why Facebook’s organic reach is as low as 1.41%, and discover how to make your posts stand out by focusing on what your audience really wants: interactive, relatable content. Get actionable tips on creating engaging posts, asking for feedback, and making content that people will actually respond to. Stop worrying about the algorithm and start creating content that connects! Whether you're a musician, a small business owner, or just someone looking to improve their social media presence, this epsiode will help you optimize your Facebook strategy for better results. 👉 Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more creative tips! #facebookengagment #socialmediastrategy #contentcreation #facebookalgorithm #socialmediamarketing #creatortips #engagementhacks #facebookgrowth

Visit my Youtube Channel at @SoloMusicDave for the video to this episode. In this episode of the podcast, I had a chance to chat with Brandon Valentine. Brandon is the founder and executive director of the Central Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame. Brandon shed light on the Hall of Fame's short and long-term goals, how it supports local musicians, and the impact of their youth programs. He also provides clarity on the Central Pennsylvania Music Awards, answering some tough questions about the evaluation process and what it takes to be recognized. Whether you're a musician, fan of local music, or just curious about the arts scene in Central Pennsylvania, this conversation offers a deep dive into the heart of the local music community. Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube to stay up to date on future releases and guest episodes!

Ever wondered if Taylor Guitars really live up to the hype? As a professional gigging musician, I decided to put them to the ultimate test in a side-by-side comparison with a $600 Martin guitar. In this episode, I’m revealing everything you need to know about Taylor’s craftsmanship, materials, and specs—plus the surprising reasons why I can’t stand them! 😤 In this detailed breakdown, you'll see how the $2,000 Taylor stacks up against a much more affordable Martin, and trust me—there are some shocking discoveries! From build quality to tonewoods and even playability, I dug deep into the specs to reveal the truth about what you’re really paying for. If you’re considering investing in a Taylor, or if you’re just curious about what sets it apart from other brands, you won’t want to miss this! Get ready to learn things about Taylor guitars that will completely change your perspective. 🎸🔥 🔍 Listen to discover: • The hidden truth about Taylor’s materials 🧐 • What makes their build quality different from other premium brands • Why a $600 Martin could be a better choice than a $2,000 Taylor • My personal experience as a pro musician on stage Trust me, this is a comparison that will make you rethink everything you know about Taylor guitars. Stick around till the end for the shocking conclusion! 👀 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you don’t miss future guitar breakdowns! 🔔 #TaylorGuitars #MartinGuitar #GuitarComparison #GuitarReview #ProMusician #GuitarGear #GuitarTone #TaylorVsMartin #MusicGear #GuitarSpecs #TaylorHate