Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast

You follow Demetri Papanicolau’s winding path from Fidelity financial consultant to full-time booking agent and working musician, discovering how taking risks, saying yes to scary gigs, and learning from every stage moment shaped his career. You hear how singing AC/DC and Zeppelin in high school, drilling Beatles harmonies, and navigating the evolution from originals to covers built the chops he still relies on today. As you ride through stories of surprise band formations, COVID-era pivots, and the birth of Rotten Apple, you’re reminded that you must Always Be Performing, even when the gig you expected turns into something entirely different. You also step inside Demetri’s world at Notso Costley Productions, where booking is equal parts diplomacy, coaching, and reading the room. He breaks down what venues actually want, what musicians consistently get wrong, and how reliability wins more than draw. You learn how he balances the needs of solos, duos, trios, and full bands; why non-verbal communication and a good hang matter; how to build an EPK that gets you on a roster; and what happens when rates rise across the scene. Through it all, Demetri shows how being both booker and performer lets him guide bands and venues toward smoother nights, stronger partnerships, and gigs that keep everyone coming back. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 512 – Monday, December 15th, 2025 December 15th: National Cupcake Day Guest co-host: Demetri Papanicolau from Notso Costley Productions NAMM coming up! GG Coverage Sponsor: Ultimate Ears Pro! 00:02:19 From Fidelity Financial Consultant to Acquiring and running a Booking Agency Josh Logan, local to New Hampshire, did Rock Star Supernova and then The Voice And then…Demetri wins the Black Brimmer’s Rock Star ManchVegas Doors opened! 00:05:33 Singing AC/DC and Zeppelin in high school to vocal lessons 00:06:06 Learning harmonies by singing The Beatles 00:07:32 Playing in an original band that became a cover band 00:10:05 Learning while not playing…big ears! Submitted to America’s Got Talent 00:13:39 Taking new gigs even when they scare the heck out of you A Josh Logan cancelation leads to a band formation to sub! 00:16:02 It’s not about the gigs you take, it’s also about the gigs you don’t take Be selective! 00:17:17 Alice and Chains becomes the thread to the story 00:18:51 COVID derails (and delays) some gigs…oh how we remember! October and November, 2020 When an acoustic duo gig turns into a full band on stage Rotten Apple forms! A tribute to Alice and Chains 00:22:28 Always performing with passion …and perfection! Developing that non-verbal communication 00:28:22 Bonding as harmony singers When you find that magic formula with someone, stick with it! 00:33:41 Putting the time in for continuous growth Maintaining beginner’s mind 00:34:07 Finding those right partners where it’s a good hang When your FOH Jim Roese, FOH with Fuel, Melissa Etheridge, and also Rotten Apple 00:37:44 Running a booking agency Working for both the venue and the performer Having a roster of musicians: solos, duos, trios, full bands Being in the performer’s shoes helps Demetri be a coach to bands AND venues to ensure smooth sailing 00:42:48 Reading the room goes a long 00:44:15 Demetri’s advice for making it work (or not work) To get on the roster: Have a good EPK and promo kit Once you’re on: responsiveness, being available, managing your schedule 00:46:24 Demetri’s biggest juggling act: adapting to last-minute changes The time Casual Gravity cancelled last minute! Reliability is huge 00:54:17 Venue feedback Draw isn’t always the most important thing Be a pro on the mic. Represent the venue. Play the right songs. Keeping the venues happy allows Demetri to book his roster of performers 00:57:43 Raising rates for the performer New rates for 2025 $230-$250 for solo (from $170-$200 three years ago) $450-$500 for duo $660-$700 for trio $700-$1,000 for bands (or more for A-List prices) Balancing rates between performers and venues, ensuring everyone is profitable 01:05:03 Carrying on Paul Costley’s legacy and tradition with Nosto Costley Productions Took a voluntary buyout package from Fidelity to make the time to acquire the agency 12/31/2021 was the day Demetri took over…and stopped cutting his hair 01:09:20 Gig Gab 512 Outtro Follow Demetri Papanicolau Notso Costley Productions On IG @DemetriPapanicolau Contact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagram feedback@giggabpodcast.com Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List The post Booking Smarter, Singing Harder: Demetri Papanicolau on Gig Life — Gig Gab 512 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Sean Monahan from Gale Bird joins Dave Hamilton to walk you through their path of being successful working musicians in an original band. You follow Gale Bird’s path from college songwriting to a 13-year hiatus and a full-tilt return that finally landed Gale Bird on a label. You hear how the band treats music as both passion and business, blending Sean’s production chops with Joshua’s marketing instincts to create songs that connect. You get reminded that “overnight success” takes decades, and that everyone who hires you is thinking in terms of return. Failure, lineup changes, stalled gigs… they’re not roadblocks, folks, they’re prep for the next shot. That’s where you lean into the mindset: Always Be Performing. You also learn how the label helps identify the songs that will land, how playlist strategy works, and how Gale Bird built a digital identity alongside their live-show firepower. You dig into their content engine, daily-posting experiments, AI reels, and the push to film everything. Collaboration becomes a skill, not an accident, and you see how respecting different strengths keeps the whole machine running. Gear Gab rounds it out with a bit of a wishlist: Kempers, custom Teles, splitter snakes, and the stress test of soundcheck when tech goes sideways. Press play and enjoy! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 511 – Monday, December 8th, 2025 December 8th: Pretend to be a Time Traveler day Guest co-host: Sean Monahan from Gale Bird 00:01:50 Went to two different schools together Met in college, started writing songs, doing some local touring Then a 13-year break after college while they started families And then, two years ago, you got the band back together! 00:03:19 Signed to a label 00:05:11 A Passion that’s also very much a business Producing art that is digested by as many people as possible Sean’s been a full-time musician since college Learned all the right production techniques Met all the right people Hiring the right engineer and session musicians for the album Joshua has been in sales and marketing as his career And also understands aesthetics and marketing… and is Sean’s co-songwriter 00:07:57 The label saw *people* they could invest in, and also liked their sound Holy City Music Overnight success takes twenty years 00:10:07 This is the entertainment business! Whomever hires you is thinking about dollar signs They need to see the return, and as a musician you have to understand that 00:13:21 Failure prepares you for what’s next Sometimes a gig ends 00:15:54 250,000 streams in one year! 00:16:56 The Label helps Staying in touch with Playlisters and other avenues like radio, too 00:19:38 Getting on Playlists Label says, “write 20 songs, we’ll pick one or two” when we analyze what will perform the best on the streamers One side of the business: live shows full of rock and feels and merch and all that The other side: the digital side. People need to have a representation of the band that’s unique to them. The label is the expert for the digital side, knowing how to identify the songs that will land on the streamers Turns out we land in the “country” genre, so we’ll add a banjo to a song (for example). Roses by Gale Bird is a perfect example 00:24:25 SPONSOR: Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at rula.com/giggab #rulapod 00:26:12 Creating a social media system for your band An experiment: post every day for 2 months and see what happens Lesson learned: go heavy for a shorter period of time Always be thinking about future content. Film, film, film AI Reels A/B testing 00:33:31 Creating side businesses to funnel and fuel Gale Bird 00:35:00 Learning to collaborate on your own songs “The better a songwriter is at collaboration, the more successful they’ll be” 00:36:48 The Gale Bird formula Can play as a duo or a full band or anything in between. 00:38:39 Respecting skillsets Sean shines in the studio: plays all the instruments except drums Joshua shines on stage: sings, plays acoustic guitar, and has excellent stage presence 00:44:05 …and managing pride 00:44:27 Gear Gab 00:44:56 Fender and Guitar Center collaborated on a custom telecaster 00:46:32 Sean went to a Kemper rig Wishlist: Kemper Stage Hipshot B-Bender 00:48:25 Behringer Wing Rack Mackie DL32S PRORECK Splitter Snakes 00:54:12 The stress of tech issues at soundcheck 00:57:10 Gig Gab 511 Outtro Follow Gale Bird On IG @GaleBirdMusic Contact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagram feedback@giggabpodcast.com Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List The post From Hiatus to 250K Streams: The Gale Bird Story with Sean Monahan — Gig Gab 511 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look with Train’s drummer Matt Musty and host Dave Hamilton as they dive deep into gig wisdom, touring tips, and pro gear secrets. Learn why being on time, managing your role smartly, and balancing music, money, and the hang is essential for a successful music career. From handling days off and staying rested on the road to mastering in-ear monitors with creative mic setups, this episode is packed with actionable advice every touring musician needs. Always Be Performing with fresh insights that keep you inspired and ready for every show. Discover how Matt approaches touring with diplomacy, band dynamics, and staying connected to home life while on the road. Explore favorite microphones for perfect in-ear sound, how to avoid a sterile IEM mix, and the importance of scheduled fun time to keep social media engaging. Whether you’re a musician, live sound enthusiast, or fan of the tour life, this episode offers a masterclass in professionalism and passion to elevate your musical journey and keep your performance sharp night after night. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 510 – Monday, December 1st, 2025 December 1st: National Peppermint Bark Day Guest co-host: Matt Musty 00:02:22 Train continues to level up Train at Royal Albert Hall Train at Grand Ole Opry 00:03:40 Waking up the singer ten minutes before the gig! 00:06:10 Gig Advice from Musty: Be On Time 00:08:46 I’m not ever the guy who hangs around My job’s done 00:10:09 Managing your opinion 00:11:16 The long game of diplomacy is the key to a successful career The gig philosophy, 2 out of 3 aint bad: Music Money Hang 00:15:51 Days off are tough on the band and crew 00:18:26 The risk of hanging out with your road-hosts after the gig Prioritizing sleep on the road 00:23:42 The Zen of the connection between you and your gear The no-soundcheck days 00:28:48 PODCAST: Album Archives. Count down The Top 300 Albums of All Time — one record at a time — with Album Archives | The Vault of Music History. 00:29:46 IEM Talk! Sometimes a broken seal Ideas for avoiding a sterile IEM mix Matt put a “crotch mic in place: a Beyer M160 underneath the snare to grab the sound of the kit and put it through some reverb with compression AFTER the reverb Audience Mics Adding reverb to the drums and vocal mics Play every song like it’s the first time. Be inspired! 00:41:39 Finding the right microphones to capture your instrument for your in-ears Transparent mics like the Earthworks ETHOS on guitar amps or the Earthworks SR20-Gen2 on drum overheads 00:44:37 Favorite snare drum mics Beyerdynamic M201 Telefunken M80 Earthworks DM17 00:49:31 The short version of the Earthworks story 00:51:15 Keeping a connection to home while on the road 00:52:30 Enjoying the spoils of a high-level tour 00:56:42 Being recognized for your job 00:59:10 A quick social media discussion Scheduled Fun Time Gaby from Crush Management 01:02:48 Gig Gab 510 Outtro Find Matt Musty On IG @MattMusty Contact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagram feedback@giggabpodcast.com Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List The post Gig Wisdom & Scheduled Fun Time with Matt Musty of Train — Gig Gab 510 appeared first on Gig Gab.

You drop into this episode walking side-by-side with David Leaf as he revisits the moments that shaped his life around Brian Wilson’s genius. You hear how Brian needed unconditional connection to create, how Leaf found himself driving tour vans, sitting in private Sinatra rehearsals, and realizing he had to earn his place in those rooms. From LA trips with legends to the spark that made him pack up, move west, and chase Brian’s story head-on, you feel the lesson hit hard: keep moving forward and Always Be Performing. You also get a front-row view into the musical engine behind Brian Wilson’s world. Leaf breaks down the jazz-rooted harmonies, the devotion of Brian’s touring band, and the emotional work that helped Brian reclaim his confidence. You learn how Pet Sounds floored Lennon and McCartney, why Paul might be the biggest Beatles fan alive, and why Leaf argues Brian deserves solo induction into the Rock Hall. Along the way, you’re guided through The Reel Beatles class, the making of Smile, and the books that document it all, leaving you with the sense that loving music isn’t passive… it’s a craft you show up for every day. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 509 – Monday, November 24th, 2025 November 24th: Celebrate Your Unique Talent Day Guest co-host: David Leaf 00:02:16 Brian Wilson calls… I need “friends” in the room. Brian Wilson needed to be loved unconditionally David drove for the tour The Beach Boys and The California Myth (re-released as God Only Knows) 00:07:20 First Trip to LA…with Nelson Riddle and Frank Sinatra And there’s a Sinatra classic right in front of him David Leaf and the Twigs Getting a private concert from Frank Sinatra and had the thought: “this is where I want to be. What do I need to do to earn my spot in this room?” The BeeGees Jimmy Webb Herb Alpert The Reel Beatles Docs that Rock class by David Leaf 00:11:04 In college he became obsessed with Brian Wilson 00:11:50 The band for Brian’s 1999-2000 tour, Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE The band was devoted to recreating the moments 00:12:24 If you’re obsessed with Brian Wilson, why dont you do something about it Why don’t I move to California, meet Brian Wilson, and write a book about him and help him finish SMiLE My parents told me I was special, and I believed them. 00:13:58 Walked up to Dennis Wilson and told him he was going to write a book about his brother Lesson: Keep moving forward! 00:15:37 Brian and I were friends 00:16:33 Brian loved to do casual singing Singing along to the oldies with Brian Wilson Going to the Church of Brian Wilson 00:19:08 His musicians gave him the unconditional love he needed to play this music …and eventually release Smile Brian Wilson saw Wild Honey… “If I had this group back in the 1960s, I could have taken Smile on the road!” 00:22:47 The technical complexities of Brian Wilson’s harmonies Brian came from jazz 00:25:42 Brian Wilson’s relationship with Sir Paul McCartney When Pet Sounds came out, John and Paul told him how much they loved the album Recording Artists were Song Monkeys in the old days 00:29:08 SPONSOR: Surfshark. Go to https://surfshark.com/giggab4 or use code giggab at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! 00:31:29 SPONSOR: Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/giggab #rulapod 00:33:29 Brian Wilson singing Brian Wilson 00:38:45 Brian Wilson had initial confidence, and then it was beaten out of him 00:39:44 Managing The Pressure of First Fame Finally, Brian: “I have emotional security” Tips for Avoiding Internal Pressure 00:46:03 Meet The Reel Beatles, a 10-week class Guests: Peter Asher, Michael Lyndsay-Hogg, Peter Jackson 00:51:39 Paul McCartney is the world’s biggest Beatles Fan 00:53:36 Brian Wilson Brian Wilson And the Story of SMiLE David Leaf posits that Brian Wilson should be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist 00:56:32 David’s Books SMiLE: The Rise fall and Ressurection of Brian Wilson The Beach Boys and the California Myth 00:57:58 The candor captured Brian Wilson, Live at The Roxy 01:00:59 Gig Gab 509 Outtro Find David Leaf At LeafProd.com Contact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagram feedback@giggabpodcast.com Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List The post Inside Brian Wilson, The Beach Boys, and The Beatles with David Leaf — Gig Gab 509 appeared first on Gig Gab.

You know that moment when a gig just clicks — when everyone on stage suddenly realizes it’s more than just a show? That’s where this episode starts. You’ll hear how saying “yes” to new gigs can lead to unexpected magic, how the right players bring out the best in each other, and why being open to unfamiliar styles can change everything. Then the conversation gets gloriously geeky as Dave Hamilton and guest co-host Daniel East dive into using Waves plugins live, connecting your Mac to a console via Dante, and why automixing is almost—but not quite—ready for primetime. From heart to hardware, it’s all about finding balance between feel and finesse. Always Be Performing. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 508 – Monday, November 17th, 2025 November 17th: Odd Socks Day Guest co-host: Daniel East 00:01:24 Playing with Brit Drozda Had lunch with a guitar player friend, and the gig came together! First gig, three songs in, and everyone knew it was more-than-just-a-gig 00:07:08 Lesson: take gigs even if it’s not your style Don’t say no because you don’t think it’s your style Don’t say no because you don’t (yet!) know the material You could be the missing piece of the puzzle that brings it to a completely different level 00:11:15 The magic that can just happen when the right people come together 00:14:24 Nerding out about drumsticks. Of course! Dan is now endorsing Headhunters Sticks Vic Firth 5B Double Glaze 00:23:02 Pitch Slap Percussion Cajons 00:26:03 SPONSOR: GigSalad. Always Be Performing means “Always Be Booking”, too. Head to GigSalad.com to create your free profile today! (and check out Gig Gab 482 with Mark Steiner from May, 2025, too!) 00:28:12 Waves plugins on any size gig…if you NEED it. Using a console with Dante, you can link via Ethernet to your MacBook Pro and use plugins Dan’s new favorite console: Yamaha DM3D ($2,000) console Waves Plugins to use when mixing live audio Waves SuperRack Performer ($99) Waves TRACT System Calibration ($399) Waves Feedback Hunter ($99.99) Waves Silk LIVE ($29.99) Waves F6 Dynamic EQ Waves L4 Maximizer ($49.99) Waves Primary Source Expander ($39.99) Waves Tune Real-Time ($49.99) Waves Clarix LB (what Dave SHOULD have tested in GG 508!) 01:10:06 Automixing is coming, folks! 01:11:16 Years ago, Robert Scovill taught Dan: pay attention. 01:12:35 Gig Gab 508 Outtro Find Daniel East DanielEast.net @eastd and @themixdoctor Contact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagram feedback@giggabpodcast.com Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List The post Live Music, Live Mix: The Magic and the Math — Gig Gab 508 appeared first on Gig Gab.

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

In this solo hang, you dig into the real tools that keep your sound clean and your gigs tight. You’ll learn how to tame noisy tracks with the Accusonus ERA bundle, Waves Clarity Vx, and iZotope RX, plus a few quick tricks from SoundDesk to make your mixes shine. Then it’s time to talk ears—Huberman-style—with magnesium and NAC tips for keeping your hearing sharp long-term. Because if you can’t hear it, you can’t play it. Listener questions hit everything from cleaning your old Ultimate Ears to handling last-minute gig cancellations, balancing bar shows with private gigs, and keeping your band’s calendar under control. You’ll even pick up some practical gig wisdom—like the right way to tie up cables and hoses. Finally, gear gets its due with reviews of the Alesis Turbo Max electronic kit and Dark Matter DMA6 custom IEMs, plus hot takes on the Roland DrumLink, D’Addario Backline backpack, Zoom Q2n-4K, and microphone troubleshooting. It’s all about sharpening your setup, your sound, and your mindset—because you know the rule: Always Be Performing. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 506 – Monday, November 3rd, 2025 November 3rd: National Sandwich Day Guest co-host: You! 00:02:29 Cleaning Up Audio Accusonus ERA Bundle V6.2 – https://matthiasott.com/notes/free-audio-plugins-accusonus-era-6-bundle Waves Clarity Vx – https://waves.alzt.net/OePdWK iZotope RX11 Voice De-noise – https://www.izotope.com/en/products/rx/features/voice-de-noise Waves NS1 – https://waves.alzt.net/4G4nqL SoundDesk 00:09:49 Hearing Health Huberman Hearing Health episode = Magnesium Glycinate + NAC for Dave. Sponsors 00:16:06 SPONSOR: Claude.ai – Ready to tackle bigger problems? Sign up for Claude today and get 50% off Claude Pro, which includes access to Claude Code, when you visit Claude.ai/giggab Listener Questions 00:19:08 Paul-How do I get my older pair of Ultimate Ears cleaned up? 00:21:28 Terry-A club canceled on me, where can I find a boilerplate booking contract to use? 00:24:51 Brian-Managing Band Member Availability 00:27:10 John-How do I balance bar gigs and private bookings? 00:32:49 Bill-Can you fold-tie extension cords or garden hoses, too? Gear Gab 00:36:09 Review: Alesis Turbo Max — All-In-One Beginner Electronic Drum Kit Launches Today 00:40:00 Review: Dave’s new Dark Matter DMA6 BA 6 Custom IEMs Gear Gab (and tech help) 00:48:41 Lane-CSF-D’Addario Backline Gig Backpacks – https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0821Q4BT3/giggab-20 00:50:54 Roland DrumLink Wireless System – https://www.roland.com/global/promos/drumlink/ 00:52:13 Pat-CSF-Zoom Q2n-4K video recorder – https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B07K114TFB/giggab-20 00:53:44 Andy-492-Telefunken M80 Troubleshooting for that low-volume singer 00:57:41 Gig Gab 506 Outtro Contact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagram feedback@giggabpodcast.com Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List The post Sound Better, Gig Smarter: Tools, Tips, and Gear That Work — Gig Gab 506 appeared first on Gig Gab.

This week, you’re sitting down with funk legend James “Diamond” Williams from The Ohio Players! From his jazz roots and early gigs at age 14 to shaping the groove of “Love Rollercoaster” and “Fire,” Diamond shares how precision, persistence, and passion built one of the most iconic sounds in funk. You’ll hear stories of wild recording schedules, late-night gigs, and the unforgettable moment Stevie Wonder first heard “Fire.” Through it all, Diamond reminds you that love—and music—is truly a rollercoaster. Diamond also talks about what it takes to keep a band together, why preparation is everything, and how to push your career forward when no one else will. His message? Stay seated, stay belted, and enjoy the ride. Always Be Performing. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 505 – Monday, October 27th, 2025 October 27th: National Black Cat Day Guest co-host: James “Diamond” Williams 00:03:35 Syncopated grooves Jazz labs with his Dad Gigging with jazz standards at 14 years old All-City orchestra Miami University Marching band Drum and Bugle Corps All those influences 00:05:38 How did the drum fill intro for “I Want to Be Free” come together 00:10:16 Love Rollercoaster was an intentional pop hit BTO was the “hit” band with Mercury when Ohio Players signed Ohio Players told Mercury: “We need nothing from you but your money.” Came in with a gold 45 and left with a Platinum album 00:14:08 Crazy recording schedule Playing at the Red Onion in Buffalo, NY at night while recording in Chicago during the day They set a goal: “Let’s write three platinum albums in a row.” 00:16:01 Stevie Wonder hears “Fire” for the first time Sponsors 00:19:37 SPONSOR: GigSalad. Always Be Performing means “Always Be Booking”, too. Head to GigSalad.com to create your free profile today! (and check out Gig Gab 482 with Mark Steiner from May, 2025, too!) 00:21:12 SPONSOR: Surfshark. Go to https://surfshark.com/giggab4 or use code giggab4 at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! 00:22:42 “I Want To Be Free” – Midnight Special viral clip on Instagram Bands covering Red Hot Chili Peppers cover Love Rollercoaster D’Angelo Tupac 00:24:47 The Ohio Players and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame induction 00:28:42 Keep pushing for your career… you are your best advocate 00:32:42 Balancing strong personalities within a band Advice: Never stop! Ohio Players were a band 24/7 Rehearsed five days a week Hearing “Me & Mrs. Jones” everywhere when starting on tour …and hearing “Skin Tight” the same way 00:37:43 It comes back to preparation! Diamond’s Father’s Lessons 00:39:00 What transpired between Funky Worm (gold 45) and Skin Tight (Platinum album)? The musicality Billy Beck and Diamond Sugarfoot was always Sugarfoot: “he never came offstage” 00:43:28 Touring with technology decades ago 00:45:24 Diamonds life advice: love is actually a rollercoaster Stay seated and belted, and enjoy the ride. Stay diligent, faithful, and positive. 00:47:16 Gig Gab 505 Outtro Follow Diamond at The Ohio Players Ohio Players Instagram Contact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagram feedback@giggabpodcast.com Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List The post Laughs, Life, and Lessons with James “Diamond” Williams from The Ohio Players – Gig Gab 505 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Mike Schulte returns to Gig Gab for a deep dive into the conversations that make bands stronger. You’ll explore how band summits—those intentional moments to step away from gigs and just talk—can reset your focus, rebuild trust, and make your group operate like a real team. From redefining what success looks like to refining how you plan your shows, this episode challenges you to look beyond the stage and invest in the relationships that keep your music alive. You’ll also dig into the systems that make the difference between chaos and consistency: smarter scheduling, simplified setups, and knowing when to say “no” so your band can keep saying “yes” to the right gigs. Whether you’re touring every weekend or just playing local spots, this is the blueprint for staying connected, staying efficient, and, above all, staying true to the Gig Gab mantra—Always Be Performing. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 504 – Monday, October 20th, 2025 October 20th: World Statistics Day Guest co-host: Mike Schulte A moment of self-congratulations Skylar’s on TikTok! 00:05:19 Pork Tornadoes had a packed summer…again! Averaged 8 gigs per month from May to September 9 Shows in September, 11 in July Started off as a bar band 18 years ago…now it’s a machine with employees Each gig starts with $3,500 in fixed cost expenses and becomes a money machine 00:07:34 Making the internal decisions to set yourself up for future success Learning your limits (three shows in a row for Pork Tornadoes) Taking your contracted set time down (from 4 hours to 2 hours) Rotating your setlist for every show…”you didn’t hear your favorite song tonight, come to the next show” Training your crew so that you can arrive 30 minutes before soundcheck, and leave right after the encore No more sharing hotel rooms. Each band member gets their own room. Keeps people healthier…and happier! Simplifying our rig so that we can show up and play Using Ethernet-based snakes like CAT-SASS 00:18:47 Building out your in-ears rack with intention Gear Gab: Pork Tornadoes using the Midas DL251 Blue Box Rack Mix with some drum overheads…you might find you like it! 00:23:14 Schedule a band summit Discuss your goals Just hang out, let the discussions happen Be together, no gigs, no soundchecks, just a band retreat. This is how you level up with intention. 00:28:06 SPONSOR: Claude.ai – Ready to tackle bigger problems? Sign up for Claude today and get 50% off Claude Pro, which includes access to Claude Code, when you visit Claude.ai/giggab 00:29:49 SPONSOR: Square – See what Square has been up to in your neck of the woods, and then visit square.com/go/giggab 00:31:14 Gear Gab: Get the best kick drum sound you can with mics in the right place May Turbo Kick May Monorail 00:36:08 What happens when your band is pivotal to an event that is bigger than you? Canceling the band means no one attends, no one gets to sell food, no merch, the fans who bought hotel rooms, etc 00:38:50 What are the options when a band member needs to cancel? Have a deep roster of musicians (the Adam Moskowitz/VAM Band way) Recording yourselves so you can bring in a missing member’s tracks Canceling the entire gig (bad!) 00:53:32 What’s worse? Lip syncing, or canceling a gig? 00:54:32 What is the benefit of telling people about problems on stage? When is it right to acknowledge it? When is it best to pretend everything is A-OK? 00:58:07 Gig Gab 504 Outtro Follow Mike Schulte Confused Breakfast The Pork Tornadoes Contact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagram feedback@giggabpodcast.com Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List The post Beyond The Stage: How Band Summits Change Everything – Gig Gab 504 appeared first on Gig Gab.

You’re diving into the power of persistence and adaptability in this episode of Gig Gab with guest co-host Steve Witschel. From building and moderating a 132,000-member Cover Band Central group to navigating Facebook’s monetization chaos with the nearly-1,000,000-member Facebook page, Steve shares how he transformed challenges into content gold. You’ll learn how he separates community-driven interaction in the group from content curation on the page—and how both have become invaluable tools. If you’re not treating your Facebook group like an encyclopedia, you’re missing out. It’s not just about posts, it’s about presence. Steve walks you through using AI tools like Sora to streamline video creation and embraces the idea of turning everyday gig life into engaging fan-building content. Whether it’s filming someone lugging gear or crafting posts that stir emotions, your goal is to create superfans between shows. And yes, Rush is back on tour with Anika Nilles on drums—Steve’s take? She’s approaching it like a seasoned cover band pro. Dave’s take? You gotta listen to hear it straight from the source! Through it all, you’re reminded: embrace failure, evolve with tech, and above all… Always Be Performing. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 503 – Monday, October 13th, 2025 October 13th: International Day for Failure Guest co-host: Steve Witschel 00:03:59 Growing Cover Band Central Dave’s Business Brain podcast Handling the group differently than the page The group has the audience provide the comment. The page is Steve provide the content 00:05:49 Moderating the Cover Band Central group of 132,000 members Setting the group private and setting post approval 00:10:48 Searching the group is an encyclopedia of information 00:12:09 Publishing the Cover Band Central page Meta invited the page to a bonus program – Steve decided it was time to publish original content Drummer jokes! 00:14:26 Rehearsing Thriller…and Human Nature, especially 00:18:34 Locking in with other musicians Steve, the bass player: “I am the drums” Learning about being locked-in from watching Dio and Dokken in 1988 Monetizing the group or page? 00:23:53 SPONSOR: Mechanical Licensing Collective – Are you a songwriter, music publisher, or administrator? Every month, The MLC collects the streaming data and royalties from Spotify and Apple Music, matches the money to the creator who has earned it, and then pays out the royalties due. Visit TheMLC.com today to sign up! 00:25:58 Making money from the Facebook group The Facebook BreakthroughBonus program Getting dinged for Facebook’s community standards (with no information) Facebook’s Content Monetization Program 00:29:33 Time to Make Videos 00:30:25 Getting clients to advertise on Facebook Selling an ad, and then buying Facebook ads to serve that on his page 00:35:08 Using AI as a work Assistant Technology advances, and you have to roll with it! Embrace change, folks. AI is a reliable assistant (with questionable accuracy!) Using AI like Sora to Create Videos 00:40:05 Using AI to Generate Content Spotify’s popular AI generated band: The Velvet Sundown 00:42:31 Steve Witschel’s book, Get ‘Em to the Show: How to Beat the Facebook Algorithm and Successfully Promote Your Gigs Online Debunking some myths Overposting is good! Using Buffer to post on your page Jack Mccarthy says “It’s not a movie, it’s a parade. Not everyone sees every post.” Cater to people’s emotions Could be sad, mad, happy, funny, but it has to be SOMETHING. Celebrate your failures in public, for example. Create your own holiday! Create superfans by sharing content in between your gigs The Internet is easier than Postcards and Flyers! Film someone carrying gear into the gig Film some minutiae back stage 00:53:45 Rush is touring in 2026. What are your thoughts? Rush Fifty Something Tour Neil Peart passed in 2020 Anika Nilles is joining Rush for their 2026 tour Celebrating the music of Rush with the fans Steve’s take: Anika is coming in and playing the parts like she’s in a cover band Dave might go to most of the shows. For Dave’s midlife crisis: “I don’t want a Ferrari, I want a Red Barchetta.” Steve might go to Madison Square Garden 01:12:55 Gig Gab 503 Outtro Follow Steve Witschel Contact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagram feedback@giggabpodcast.com Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List The post The Power of the Page: Inside Cover Band Central’s Massive Reach — Gig Gab 503 with Steve Witschel appeared first on Gig Gab.

Justin Scheidling takes us inside a day in the life of a touring tech, supporting the bands of Stephen Kramer Glickman and Katelyn Tarver on the Big Time Rush tour, from load-in to bus call. From labeling every cable and packing “JustInCase” bags to handling the curveballs of show days, you get the raw look at how a pro keeps the gig rolling. You’ll hear how gear obsession became the gateway to teching, what it’s like to set up drums straight off the truck, and why even a $3,000 gig has the same headaches as a $300 one. And yes, rain still finds its way to the PA. Through it all, Justin proves that the secret to surviving the road is simple: Always Be Performing. But this isn’t just about tech work! It’s about career lessons you can steal borrow for your own gigs. You’ll learn why making yourself known by being helpful pays off, how meeting everyone opens doors, and how DJ percussion gigs and Blue Man Group tricks turned into a show-stopping side hustle. From backstage at Meadowbrook’s rock-star pool party to 3am bus calls, Justin makes it clear that every step of the grind adds to the craft. No matter the role—tech, player, or bandleader—you’re building skills that take you further on stage and off. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 502 – Monday, October 6th, 2025 October 6th: National Mad Hatter Day Guest co-hosts: Justin Scheidling 00:02:50 First time nationwide drum tech! Gear Acquisition Syndrome is real… and it helps set you up to become a drum tech! Buddy Gibbons says.. “So… I need a tech!” The job expands: Can you also work on guitars…and pianos? 00:05:40 Remembering the view of an outsider Player first…but I run my own bands 00:07:53 What’s in your “JustInCase” Labeling is important! MakeItStay Bag MakeItMove Bag 00:11:21 I want everyone on this tour to know who I am. Do that by being helpful 00:13:00 Are my toolboxes going to make it on the plane? 00:14:33 Gig Anxiety Fueled by experiences Don’t plug the PA in with the refrigerator A little bit extra…with Justin! 00:18:38 SPONSOR: GigSalad. Always Be Performing means “Always Be Booking”, too. Head to GigSalad.com to create your free profile today! (and check out Gig Gab 482 with Mark Steiner from May, 2025, too!) 00:20:00 Show day as a drum tech Walk the stage Drums are still in “the attic” The day could go one of two ways: If room at the venue, we could set up the drums behind the stage and roll them out (and back) Otherwise we’d have to build on stage “We wanna help break down!” 00:27:50 “No matter what your gig is, every gig has bullshit.” — Syndee Winters  A $300 gig has its level of BS A $3000 gig has its level of BS The multi-million-dollar production of Hamilton ALSO has it’s multi-million dollar production of Bullshit. A new Gig Gab adage: When there’s rain…the water always hits the PA. Beware water and power…they don’t mix! 00:33:52 No matter what the gig is, learn everything you can learn What can I apply to my show at home? How can I further my career? What redundancies can I learn to apply to my gigs? 00:34:44 Advice to Justin from Trevor Lawrence, Jr., Drummer with Herbie Hancock “Talk to everyone!” “Find your favorite musicians and talk to them.” Justin immediately reached out to: Kenny Aronoff & Buddy Giggons 00:41:57 You never know who you’re gonna meet And make sure you meet everyone. 00:43:03 Back to the day of touring… Soundcheck happens and it’s tweaking and troubleshooting time Then mealbreak 00:48:13 Meadowbrook in Gilford, NH, the Ultimate Venue Gilford is the backstage party that people think it is. Couches and TVs, heated pool, open bar, and video monitors to watch Pedal bikes and merch! “I would vacation there every day if I could!” Recover kits with Advil and Liquid IV LAUNDRY! RJ & Bridget Harding really have created a wonderful thing 00:51:29 Ten minutes to showtime Last-minute checks 00:54:32 Teardown This needs to happen fast “If I think I have some time, it’s never gonna make it.” Changing drumheads post-show 00:57:50 Then bus call… at 3am On the road by 4am Bunks on the bus 00:59:59 Downtime is Unpredictable Deadtime 01:01:59 Justin’s Gigging Schedule Go Rogue is Justin’s new band The Current is Justin’s backing band that he created to backup other Justin does DJ Percussion (formerly “Party Percussion”) DJs are also musician “Herbie Hancock invented hip hop with scratching” — Justin Scheidling 01:06:23 Learning to be a Party/DJ Percussionist Adapted Blue Man Group stuff, stick twirls, standing drums, percussion…all making the show! 01:08:53 It’s always a show! Every little thing comes from a lesson learned! I have the best job ever! 01:11:30 Gig Gab 502 Outtro Follow Justin Scheidling JustinScheidling.com @JustinScheidling on IG Follow and Contact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagram feedback@giggabpodcast.com Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List   The post From Load-In to Bus Call: A Tech’s Life on the Big Time Rush Tour with Stephen Kramer Glickman — Gig Gab 502 with Justin Scheidling appeared first on Gig Gab.

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

Celebrating 500 episodes, you’re right in the middle of a musician’s playground with Dave, Mike Schulte, and Skylar Hamilton. You’ll hear how Skylar picked up the sticks to ace a school audition, why guitar lessons with Dad flopped, and what it takes to manage intensity behind the kit, especially as the decades wear on. From Clem Burke’s calorie-burning groove to the strange question of why drums wear covers, you’re reminded that rhythm is equal parts sweat, curiosity, and craft. Always Be Performing, whether it’s a practice room breakthrough or chasing the perfect sound on stage. The crew also dives into their favorite past episodes—Jan Hammer, Kenny Aronoff, and the time Dave encountered the perfect microphone in the middle of the woods. They break down the stats of 500 shows, debate cable-wrapping controversies, and swap dream guest lists ranging from Geddy Lee to Joe Jonas. It’s a candid look at what keeps Gig Gab thriving: learning from everyone, laughing at quirks, and spotlighting the passion that fuels musicians (and drummers!) alike. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 500 – Monday, September 22nd, 2025 September 22nd: National Family Day Guest co-hosts: Mike Schulte, and Skylar Hamilton 00:05:00 How did Skylar come to play drums? Dad, I need you to teach me how to play the drums so I can pass an audition for the school band “I knew my dad was cool.” Daddy/daughter guitar lessons were a spectacular failure, but we approached drums differently…and succeeded! 00:14:30 Daddy, why is there a cover on your drums? 00:15:41 Re-learning our intensity levels as drummers Keeping Clem Burke burned 800 calories per hour drumming 00:19:02 What are your favorite episodes? Jan Hammer on Gig Gab Kenny Aronoff on Gig Gab Propofol Airlines on Gig Gab 25:00 Four Chords and The Truth Tom Petty Tribute on Gig Gab Pork Tornadoes Viral Video with Tennesee Whiskey 00:31:55 SPONSOR: Square – See what Square has been up to in your neck of the woods, and then visit square.com/go/giggab 00:33:24 PODCAST: Takin’ a Walk with Buzz Knight explores the insights from guests about musicians, bands, and the music they create. 00:34:47 500 Episodes…The STATS! 420 hours, 2 minutes, 27 seconds (through ep499) Longest confirmed: Gig Gab 498 from September 8, 2025– “Always Be Recording…with Brad Madix” at 1:33:05 Shortest confirmed: Gig Gab 312 from July 12, 2021 – “The Ever Elusive “Great Sound”” at 24:42 00:36:37 …and Dave Friesema listened to all of it! Earthworks SV33…and then the Earthworks ETHOS 00:42:36 Gig Gab Controversy: WRAP YOUR CABLES LIKE FOLDING SHEETS Lowell Cross OG Recording Studio Engineers 00:49:32 Interviewing people is about the interviewER, too. 00:53:03 What are Skylar’s favorite episodes Chinner Winstead on Gig Gab Bakithi Kumalo on Gig Gab 00:55:59 Dream Guest Co-Hosts Geddy Lee Alex Lifeson Noel Gallagher Liam Gallagher Joe Jonas 01:04:08 Trying not to fangirl 01:05:55 Gig Gab 500 Outtro Follow Mike Schulte Confused Breakfast The Pork Tornadoes Contact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagram feedback@giggabpodcast.com Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List   The post Calories, Controversies, and Connections — 500 Episodes Later — Gig Gab 500 appeared first on Gig Gab.

This week on Gig Gab, you’ll dive into the wild, creative energy of Stu Dias, creator of Diaspora Radio, co-founder of Soggy Po Boys, and more, sitting in with Dave Hamilton. You’ll hear how albums, once carefully crafted statements, inspired Stu’s pandemic-born project to breathe new life into full-length records on stage. From Taylor Swift’s track order to Pink Floyd’s legendary flow, the talk turns to interpretation: should songs always evolve, or do they need their “rockin’ version” first, like Layla? Add in some debate over encores, the Sea Turtle attitude toward music scenes, and whether musicians actually want to see more bands on their night off, and you’ve got a ride that feels as lively as a late-night set. The conversation moves into the grit of band dynamics…knowing when you’re the engine and when you’re the fuel, handling GB gigs without losing your soul, and making sure new people feel welcome in the scene. Stu and Dave dig into rhythm, habit, and the beauty of live art that’s gone the second it happens; ephemeral, like sea turtles drifting by. You’ll explore the 80% Rule, the risks of saying no too often, and what it really means to keep people calling. Along the way: George Clinton, Funkadelic, and the reminder that what you play matters far less than how you make people feel. Always Be Performing. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 499 – Monday, September 15th, 2025 September 8th: National Linguine Day Guest co-host: Stu Dias from Diaspora Radio, Soggy Po Boys, and More 00:03:35 Diaspora Radio came from Pandemic Thoughts Sitting in the car with a buddy listening to albums… why not play them live? People used to put a lot of time and care and passion into construction an album Does that still happen? Does Taylor Swift care about running order? Pink Floyd did. And so did other artists. And such… Diaspora Radio was born 00:09:19 No encores… Except Lovelight with American Beauty 00:10:54 Band negotiations over songs Should you do a different interpretation? Layla’s second life as an acoustic version…but would it have happened without the original, rockin’ version first? 00:15:36 When you gig and have a night off… do you want to go see another band in another club? 00:16:08 Having a Sea Turtle attitude to approaching music Every scene is different 00:21:45 Forming different bands for different projects Each group of people have different strengths 00:23:54 Comparing New Hampshire seacoast to the New Orleans traditional jazz scene The word “band” means a different thing Sponsors 00:25:40 SPONSOR: Gig Performer is a plugin host, an audio mixer, a backing tracks player, and more that gives you real-time control…live. Visit GigPerformer.com/GigGab for 10% off. 00:27:40 SPONSOR: GigSalad. Always Be Performing means “Always Be Booking”, too. Head to GigSalad.com to create your free profile today! 00:29:02 The shame of playing cover music in the wrong scene Playing GB (aka General Business) gigs Don’t break up the band! 00:41:48 Taking a good scenario for granted 00:44:46 Understanding when you’re the engine and when you’re the fuel Dave Bang Drum Learning to be the fuel to serve the engines of your band 00:50:19 Bringing new people into the scene And supporting those new people! 00:53:30 The 80% Rule from Business Brain 00:58:11 What happens when you say “no” too many times in a row? People stop calling. And then you get in your head. Did I upset them? 01:02:23 On Stu leaving the Soggy Po’ Boys Being a creature of habit in rhythm 01:05:01 Don’t Think, Just Concentrate 01:06:34 The ephemeral beauty of live art “What are you gonna do? Go Back In time and change it? You’re in the future, man.” Ephemeral Sea Turtles 01:10:43 What drummer influenced Dave the most? 01:13:57 What musician would Dave want to see if he could go back in time? 01:17:45 Check out George Clinton’s work today Stu: favorite band is Funkadelic 01:18:16 What made Stu wanna play guitar? What you play doesn’t matter. The only thing that matters is what you make people feel. 01:23:43 What artist would Stu wanna see? 01:26:06 Gig Gab 499 Outtro Follow Stu Dias DiasporaRadio.com Contact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagram feedback@giggabpodcast.com Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List The post Stu Dias and The Ephemeral Sea Turtles — Gig Gab 499 appeared first on Gig Gab.

You’re revolutionizing live audio in ways that seemed impossible just a few years ago. Brad Madix joins Dave Hamilton to break down how you can now mix a 186-channel concert in ATMOS from thousands of miles away with only 125ms latency, using nothing more than the public internet and cloud services. Whether you’re handling a seven-minute festival changeover with 256 live channels or capturing audience ambiance with DPA 5100 surround mics, the technology exists to stream professional-quality audio anywhere. The game-changer? REMI (Remote Integration Model) eliminates the need for massive OB trucks by letting you send a simple box that plugs into the internet and streams everything to your remote mixing suite. Your mixing philosophy matters as much as your technical setup, thought, so remember to Always Be Performing by keeping your eyes up and watching the actual show instead of staying glued to your console. When someone complains “it’s too loud,” they usually mean the vocals aren’t cutting through the mix—a psychoacoustic principle that separates amateur from professional engineers. Document everything your band does, mix the first song in your mind before showtime, and understand that live music’s ephemeral nature means some magical moments will never be captured again. As AI tools like Suno emerge for songwriting, they’ll likely serve as assistants rather than replacements, but the human touch remains essential for reading the room and adapting to those unexpected MIDI malfunctions that can threaten to derail even legendary acts like Rush. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 498 – Monday, September 8th, 2025 September 8th: National Ampersand Day Guest co-host: Brad Madix 00:02:10 Mixing FOH this for Florence and The Machine Festival NAPA Valley 00:03:18 Recorded the Ozzy / Sabbath concert in Birmingham First, rehearsals in Redditch – Fly By Nite MADI from Bands Elgato Stream Deck 00:07:23 Doing a Seven Minute Changeover Total of 256 live channels of inputs 3 sets of 64 channels of analog inputs 32 audience mics, plus presenters mics, plus a DJ, etc And then the band on stage 00:10:44 What is MADI? Most live consoles allow a MADI output (some via add-on connector) The Rival Suns at Ozzy / Sabbath in Birmingham sent pre-mixed drums, etc Using DPA 5100 Mobile Surround 5.1 microphones for audience capture Brad and team were submixing the live audience mics 00:22:29 Live Music is Ephemeral Some things don’t get recorded Robert Scovill’s Back Lounge 00:26:38 Document everything your band does 00:28:44 Rush felt like it was important to have something “in the can” 00:30:56 SPONSOR: Claude.ai – Ready to tackle bigger problems? Sign up for Claude today and get 50% off Claude Pro, which includes access to Claude Code, when you visit Claude.ai/giggab 00:32:53 SPONSOR: Mechanical Licensing Collective – Are you a songwriter, music publisher, or administrator? Every month, The MLC collects the streaming data and royalties from Spotify and Apple Music, matches the money to the creator who has earned it, and then pays out the royalties due. Visit TheMLC.com today to sign up! 00:34:20 Time for REMI – Remote Integration Model for Live Broadcast Normal/big money broadcast would roll an OB Truck – 53 foot long trailer with a video switching system, producer calling the shots, audio mixing suite, everything. REMI uses the internet to stream signal to a remote suite IMAG for video. 00:41:42 New model: Send a box, plug it into the internet, done. Why can’t you stream a live concert the same way you stream live sports? Swatch Internet Time 00:45:18 Time for some testing A new year’s eve show as a proof of concept 186 channels of 48kHz remotely from Atlanta to Philadelphia and mixed the show in ATMOS Only 125ms of latency. 4K Video 00:48:22 Avoiding sync-based digital distortion/clicking RX 11 Voice De-Noise 00:52:53 Delay by Distance… an explanation 00:54:31 Mixing Remotely Hamilton (in New York) was mixed from Australia Clair Global Audio Done on the public internet using Amazon Web Services 01:01:06 Mixing live remotely? 01:02:52 Could AI mix a show? Suno AI for writing songs 01:09:32 AI as an assistant engineer, not a replacement? 01:11:48 As a live engineer, make sure you watch the show. Get your eyes up. Step away from the desk. It sounds different. 01:15:04 Before the show, mix the first song in your mind 01:18:56 Rush Story: Subdivisions… first song of the show. MIDI malfunctions, keyboard stops. 01:24:20 Dissecting Psychoacoustics “It’s Too Loud” often means “vocals aren’t loud enough” 01:25:29 Story time with (Brad and Dave) You’ll have to listen to hear these! 01:30:35 Gig Gab 498 Outtro Follow Brad Madix Diablo Digital Contact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagram feedback@giggabpodcast.com Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List The post Always Be Recording…with Brad Madix — Gig Gab 498 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Keith Murray from We Are Scientists joins you this week for a sharp, hilarious, and revealing ride. From joking about being background extras in cult films to the story of meeting Chris Cain at a Dawson’s Creek viewing party, you’re reminded that sometimes saying yes to everything really can lead to magic. Keith reflects on 20 years of With Love and Squalor, the way nostalgia feels different than expected, and how the band has thrived through bullheaded persistence and genuine friendship. Along the way, you’ll hear about balancing rock with comedy, learning when to bail, and embracing the butterfly-of-chaos moments that turn near-disaster into beauty. You’ll also get insights into the We Are Scientists ethos and how building fan connection went far beyond music, from early multimedia websites to zines and weird videos that built a “true fans” culture before it was cool. Touring is still about competing with people’s couches, but the band’s vibe keeps fans engaged like they’re part of the hang. The big takeaway? Whether you’re on stage, creating content, or just navigating the chaos, the key is to Always Be Performing. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 497 – Monday, September 1st, 2025 Guest co-host: Keith Murray from We Are Scientists 00:01:18 It’s It’s Qualifying Miles…not Qualifying Minds 00:02:20 September 1st: National No Rhyme Nor Reason Day 00:03:36 Wanting to be a background player in a Final Destination film, or the Anaconda series Butterfly of Chaos 00:06:51 Seeing Oasis in Toronto…Separately! Deciding Not To Find Things Objectionable 00:13:18 We Are Scientists at Emo’s with Bill Murray in 2010 00:20:18 Qualifying Miles, the new album It’s more about wondering why I’m not more nostalgic? It’s been 20 years since With Love and Squalor came out Revisiting those moments from the past…but noticing that they matter less than we anticipated 00:25:00 Chris Cain and Keith met at a 1997 Dawson’s Creek viewing party Pomona College in California Say yes to everything 00:29:14 On being part rock band, part comedy act 00:35:56 Is the crowd rooting for you, or scrutinizing you? 00:39:46 At the Precipice of Disaster but Delivering Beauty like a Butterfly of Chaos 00:42:45 Knowing when to bail 00:44:04 Why is We Are Scientists successful after 20 years (and counting)? One reason…Bullheaded persistence: we still want to be doing this! We are still best friends. We still would be hanging out regardless of the band. Another… the vibe of WAS is pretty good. Our fans feel like they’re doing things with friends. 00:48:05 How do you engage with your fans between shows? Even in 2002, the website was not all about music. It had fiction writing, weird videos The website was a media concern built to be serving their “true fans” 00:52:34 The Twin Town Gazette: Chris and Keith Dave Eggers – MacSweeney’s We Are Scientists have always been a multimedia concern…even before the band was formed 00:57:52 Getting meta: discussing interview styles 01:02:12 We Are Scientists on Tour in US, Canada, and UK this fall Competing with the couch! 01:05:41 Gig Gab 497 Outtro Follow We Are Scientists IG: @wearescientists Contact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagram feedback@giggabpodcast.com Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List The post Keith Murray on The Chaos, Comedy, and Heart Behind We Are Scientists — Gig Gab 497 appeared first on Gig Gab.

This week, you’ll hear how Paul Kent is clocking an impressive 160 gigs this year while navigating the realities of new bands, new towns, and the politics of live music scenes. From the sting of finding out your band might replace you, to turning that around with a “sub for a sub” mindset, Paul shares what it’s like to balance loyalty, opportunity, and staying sharp on stage. You’ll get a peek into the 27-year run of The Houserockers, tackling shows without a co-lead singer, and the ever-present “it’s my calendar” problem every working musician knows too well. Dave and Paul dig into why a full band creates better music, the importance of subs in keeping the show alive, and even prepping for difficult productions. This sparks a deep dive into the question every musician should answer: what is your brand? Whether you’re juggling hundreds of gigs or building your scene from scratch, the takeaway is clear: Always Be Performing. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 496 – Monday, August 25th, 2025 August 25th: International Banana Split Day (also Gene Simmons and Billy Ray Cyrus’s Birthdays!) Guest co-host: Paul Kent 00:02:40 160 Gigs this year for Paul! 00:05:06 Wait…who is Paul Kent? 00:09:00 Starting anew with a new band in a new place is… tough! Scenes are a thing…and there’s regionality to it! What happens when your band wants to replace you…some of the time? It’s never fun to find out that your band is plotting without you. Effectively: “If you’re going to sub me out, I have to sub you out, too.” 00:19:32 Paul’s band, The Houserockers, are in their 27th year! 00:20:19 Doing gigs without your co-leadsinger Stinkfoot Orchestra, Nick’s Zappa tribute 00:25:55 The “it’s my calendar” problem 00:29:00 SPONSOR: GigSalad. Always Be Performing means “Always Be Booking”, too. Head to GigSalad.com to create your free profile today! 00:30:25 SPONSOR: Gig Performer is a plugin host, an audio mixer, a backing tracks player, and more that gives you real-time control…live. Visit GigPerformer.com/GigGab for 10% off. 00:32:16 A Band Makes For Better Music Adam Moskowitz on Gig Gab 00:43:53 Prepping for Taylor Swift 00:46:15 Subs are important to making the show happen 00:47:14 Dave Friesema listened to … every episode of Gig Gab ever… and had some thoughts! 00:49:06 What is your brand? 00:50:40 Gig Gab 494 Outtro Follow Paul Kent Contact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagram feedback@giggabpodcast.com Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List The post When Your Band Replaces You… and How to Replace Them Back — Gig Gab 496 appeared first on Gig Gab.

You’re in the room with The Coffis Brothers this week as Jamie and Kellen sit down with Dave to unpack the art of keeping a band tight—musically, emotionally, and logistically. From maintaining long-term chemistry with the same players to writing songs that leave space for bandmates to shape the vibe, you’ll hear how collaboration fuels creativity. Drummers, take note: the groove is the feel, and every quirky idea deserves a spin. The secret? Try everything, trust each other, and Always Be Performing. Whether you’re wrangling song credits or managing egos, this episode dives into what makes a band work. You’ll get insights on touring tech tips (hello, splitter snake), surviving soundchecks with new FOH engineers, and the power of being kind to everyone—from the club staff to the crowd. The three guys share thoughts on navigating click tracks, choosing covers as an originals band, and how AI might fit into it all (or…not?). It’s a masterclass in band dynamics—fun, honest, and full of stories that’ll stick with you, just like those hooks The Coffis Brothers write! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 495 – Monday, August 18th, 2025 August 18th: National Ice Cream Pie Day Guest co-hosts: Jamie & Kellen Coffis, The Coffis Brothers! Originally on Gig Gab 46! 00:03:23 Maintaining the same band for as long as you can The comfort level of having the same people in the band 00:05:52 Writing songs and bringing them into the band You write a song and bring the skeleton to the band You’re writing for a band The band very much informs my sensibilities in how I write, even when they’re not in the room 00:10:14 Navigating the drum parts as a songwriter The drums are the thing that can define the feel of the song 00:13:08 As a drummer, do you experiment with simplicity … or complexity? The drummer winds up trying everyone else’s crazy ideas…and sometimes they work 00:18:40 In the songwriting process, you’ve gotta try every idea and do it with conviction! Getting confirmation bias out of it “Everyone needs to be empowered to get to the place where they’re playing with that shared joy” 00:21:12 A band is a team You gotta make a few passes before you take that big shot Wait for the opportunity, don’t force it 00:23:47 Balancing credit so the public doesn’t pull you apart Bands who famously publicly-shared credit to avoid battles: Beatles, REM, Rush, more? It needs to be fun for everyone! Let everyone have their voice. 00:25:48 Someone needs to be in charge, but… a benevolent dictator is best. But you want your record to sound like five guys in a room having fun 00:27:24 When it’s fun… vs. when it’s not fun If you’re not having fun, ask yourself what you can change (hint: you can always change yourself) 00:31:56 Sometimes letting go is best 00:33:16 Managing your expectations When it comes to sound, travel with a splitter snake 00:40:00 Considering the move to In Ear Monitors 00:42:11 Traveling with the same FOH engineer for every gig Playing with John Craigie (and his FOH engineer) Negotiating a new relationship with Every. Single. Engineer. 00:47:28 Even if just for a few hours, we’re all on the same team 00:49:41 Developing camaraderie with everyone, even the waitstaff Curate a fun environment “Say please and thank you, a lot. And take responsibility for mistakes, even if they aren’t yours.” 00:53:44 Playing with nanny tracks, a click, and a guide “Kimmy” became our guide through a Taylor Swift Tribute Those songs are particular! 01:00:34 That first “Stumble Through” rehearsal Are we learning the song note-for-note, or are we taking liberties? And where’s the line to blend those two? 01:04:25 Playing an Abbey Road tribute Joined by Holly Bowling 01:06:16 Picking covers…in an original band No matter what you choose, it’s about the people performing AND the people listening 01:09:15 What do you think about AI? 01:10:22 Gig Gab 495 Outtro Follow The Coffis Brothers Contact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagram feedback@giggabpodcast.com Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List The post Band Chemistry and Collaboration: Lessons with The Coffis Brothers — Gig Gab 495 appeared first on Gig Gab.

On this week’s Gig Gab, you’re getting a masterclass in modern musicianship with Keith Harris, the drummer, producer, and musical director for the Black Eyed Peas. From behind the kit to behind the console, Keith walks you through the art of turning groove into leadership, showing how drummers often evolve into musical directors. He shares the hard-earned truth that your reputation is your currency, and sometimes, being a pro means not re-hiring someone—cordially. Keith reveals how he blends acoustic drums with pristine samples using tools like Splice and the Roland SPD-SX, and how Izotope Nectar helped shape Estelle’s vocals on “Stay Alta.” Always Be Performing, even in the studio. But the performance doesn’t stop when the tracking ends. Keith pulls back the curtain on directing the Backstreet Boys’ residency at Sphere, where every note is locked in ahead of time, tracked by a killer band featuring André Bowman, Lance Tolbert, and Curt Chambers, all engineered by John D. Norten. There are no live musicians on stage, but that doesn’t mean it’s not live, because the show lives in the details. Keith emphasizes that your FOH and playback engineers aren’t just techs; they’re part of the band. Teaching them your show is just as critical as rehearsing the music. From ADAT to AI, the tools may change, but the hustle stays the same. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 494 – Monday, August 11th, 2025 August 11th: International Hip Hop Celebration Day Guest co-host: Keith Harris 00:01:50 Drummers become producers 00:04:42 Transitioning from drummer to musical director 00:08:12 There’s no I in Team! Keep it cordial, but you don’t have to re-hire them. 00:10:17 Managing your reputation 00:12:37 The human feel of blending acoustic drums and high quality samples Using Splice all the time Roland SPD-SX Using Izotope Nectar on vocals with Estelle’s “Stay Alta” 00:16:25 The evolution of recording and the yin and yang of music and technology 00:20:00 The growing pains of the industry are always there, they just have different names: ADAT ProTools AI 00:21:23 Choosing the right sounds for the gig 00:24:01 SPONSOR: Mechanical Licensing Collective – Are you a songwriter, music publisher, or administrator? Every month, The MLC collects the streaming data and royalties from Spotify and Apple Music, matches the money to the creator who has earned it, and then pays out the royalties due. Visit TheMLC.com today to sign up! 00:25:30 Music Directing Backstreet Boys at Sphere Everything’s Tracked, and there are no live musicians on stage except the singers. Ahead of time, Keith and the band worked out the setlist, then arrangements, then went into the studio and tracked the whole band. André Bowman on Bass Lance Tolbert Keys Curt Chambers on guitar John D. Norten Engineer 00:38:46 Teaching your FOH engineer your show FOH and Playback engineers are also band members James McCullagh, FOH for Backstreet Boys 00:44:05 Gig Gab 494 Outtro Follow Keith Harris @keithharrisexperience on IG Contact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagram feedback@giggabpodcast.com Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List The post Backstreet Boys and Black Eyed Peas: How Keith Harris Balances Drumming, Directing, and Performing – Gig Gab 494 appeared first on Gig Gab.

This week you’ll hear how making the leap to in-ear monitors isn’t just swapping gear—it’s like learning a whole new instrument. You’ll pick up real-world tactics for keeping the band rolling when a member’s sick or injured, including the art of pulling in a last-minute sub. You’ll face the hard truth about whether the show really must go on and learn what to do when the FOH vanishes mid-gig. From hiring (and managing) your own sound engineer to turning your SuperFans into your band’s secret weapon, you’ll see how those relationships can shape your entire live experience. Always Be Performing means every choice you make—gear, people, or setlist—affects the show you deliver. You’ll also dive into transforming every gig into a true show, thinking beyond the notes to the pacing, energy, and flow of the night. You’ll hear strategies for avoiding audience burnout, why proximity clauses matter, and how to survive the madness of back-to-back gigs with no breather in between. Plus, the essentials of dealing with unpredictable backlines, smart gear tips (like why a humble Lasko fan might be your MVP), and avoiding stereo/TRS mix-ups. It’s all about showing up prepared, performing with intention, and making sure every gig leaves its mark. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 493 – Monday, August 4th, 2025 August 4th: National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day Guest co-host: Scott Smith 00:01:41 Using Alclair IEMs 00:04:27 Transitioning to IEMs is like learning an instrument 00:08:10 Adapting as a band with an injured/sick bandmate 00:11:29 The Show Must Go On…Must it? 00:12:44 Calling in a last-minute sub when in a pinch 00:15:13 When the FOH disappears 00:18:45 Adding a sound engineer to your band’s staff…the blessing and the curse 00:22:59 Recognizing, Thanking, AND Leveraging your SuperFans Hiring a social media intern for your band Having a SuperFan manage the entire VIP experience for paying fans SuperFans are a huge asset for your band, nurture those relationships before you lose them 00:31:23 SPONSOR: Gig Performer is a plugin host, an audio mixer, a backing tracks player, and more that gives you real-time control…live. Visit GigPerformer.com/GigGab for 10% off. 00:33:03 SPONSOR: Rock-N-Roller. Replace 8 different carts with one: dolly, hand truck, short bed, long bed, flat bed, you got it! Code GIGGAB20 saves you 20% on all carts. 00:35:07 Making each gig a “show” Don’t just play the gig, think about the setlist, think about the flow of the evening “If you want attention in this band, you have to take it!” 00:42:02 Managing oversaturation Proximity clauses 00:47:46 Playing two gigs in one day where the second one starts at the time the first one ends 00:54:47 Backlines for gigs 00:56:28 North County Band @ Press Room on August 15th 00:58:55 Gear Gab Lasko 12” utility fan with outlets 01:01:34 Confusing stereo 1/4″ with TRS Headphone jack to 1/4″ mono inputs 01:06:05 Gig Gab 493 Outtro Follow Scott Smith North County Band Contact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagram feedback@giggabpodcast.com Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List The post Live Show Mastery: IEMs, Gig Survival, and SuperFan Power – Gig Gab 493 appeared first on Gig Gab.