Jon Markel stops by the studio and we end up talking about everything—First Amendment audit videos (and why Jon’s obsessed with them), sovereign citizens, getting frisked by cops as teenagers, and why I will never forgive my neighbor for the BB gun incident. We also get into stage accidents, Jon’s ongoing feud with his neighbor over backyard fires and asthma complaints, and what happened when Lola passed out on stage mid-performance. Plus: why touring musicians still make 1980s money, Shawn Mendes canceling his tour, and Jon’s dream of becoming the Pedro Pascal of bass players.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:09 First Impressions of the Studio00:31 First Amendment Videos Discussion08:15 Sovereign Citizens and Police Interactions11:59 Personal Stories and Police Encounters19:35 Neighbor Feuds and Petty Conflicts34:32 Addressing Personal Issues34:58 Concert Incident: Lola’s Collapse36:08 Analyzing Lola’s Fall41:28 Stage Mishaps and Embarrassments45:54 Public Bathroom Etiquette48:20 Shawn Mendes: Fanboy Moments and Critiques52:48 Touring Challenges and Music Industry Insights01:02:55 Gaelic Storm and the Life of a Bass Player01:08:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

If you’d like to take a deeper dive, check out After the Gig on Patreon for bonus content. We’ll be going live for a November recap next Wednesday (11/26)! Don’t miss it!

Hope you all have a wonderful rest of your week!

Best,

Jesse

Inside Zildjian’s historic building, I sit down with Eric Gross (Head of Artist Relations at Zildjian/Vic Firth) to trace the winding path from Berklee days to backstage access—how internships, chance meetings, and a few well-timed risks opened real doors. We compare notes on choosing “music business” over a pure performance track, surviving Nashville on hustle, and the mentors who changed everything.

Eric pulls back the curtain on artist relations and product development (think: how ideas become the gear drummers obsess over), plus the balance between following trends and setting them. It’s equal parts career roadmap and drummer candy

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In this episode, Jesse and Katie sit down for a conversation about what it really takes to build a sustainable music career in today’s world. From the role of side hustles and self-awareness to navigating feedback, fan expectations, and the shifting streaming landscape, this discussion dives deep into the modern creative grind.

They explore:

* Why chasing viral fame rarely builds real careers

* When it’s time to pivot or redefine success

* How to find work that funds your passion

* The tension between creativity and the algorithm

* Carbon Leaf’s perspective on albums vs. singles

* The evolving relationship between artists and fans

If you’re a working musician, creative, or just love hearing honest talk about the realities behind the stage, this one’s for you.

🎧 Subscribe to After the Gig for more conversations about the working-class musician life, creativity, and sustainability in the arts.

Today I’m answering your questions from the After the Gig Facebook group.

It’s been a minute since the last podcast, and I’m super happy to be back after the summer hiatus. I hope you and all your families are doing well and had a great summer.

Onward to fall! I am currently sitting in the green room of our first tour stop in Crawfordsville, IN. It’s great to be back on the road, and I’m excited to get back behind the drums to melt some faces across the country.

In this episode, I get into tour experiences, taking social media breaks, quirky habits, and the dynamics of life on the road in a band. There may or may not be a short rant about technology and social issues in the world today... Nothing crazy.

If you have more questions, I always invite you to email me at [email protected].

Also... and this is a big one. Your support keeps this going and allows me to bring you more consistent content. If you could, please consider becoming a paid subscriber to After the Gig!

Hope you’re having a fantastic week!

best,

Jesse

Newsletter: https://jessehumphrey.substack.com/

Youtube! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6AhUzWzyCrTgffuNlTjLG3jEmj5h4pmZ

Support the Podcast on Patreon!

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:11 Tour Life and Social Media Breaks

02:04 Answering Fan Questions

03:12 Favorite Songs and Venues

05:48 Gifts from Fans

08:04 Embarrassing Onstage Moments

09:37 Tour Essentials and Good Luck Charms

19:31 Pre-Show Rituals

21:16 Final Thoughts and Reflections

In this episode of After the Gig, Jesse sits down with Patrick McAloon, an integral member of the Pat McGee Band and an artist relations professional at Sixthman. The discussion delves into Patrick's multifaceted career in music, from his early influences and family support to his current roles. Highlights include Patrick's journey in the music industry, the unique experience of working for Sixthman, and the importance of building a community among artists and fans. Patrick also shares personal anecdotes about his family, particularly his daughter Ruby, and the balance he strikes between his musical passions and professional commitments. Enjoy!

The After the Gig podcast has moved to Substack! There shouldn’t be any change to how you view, or listen to the show, but we will now be using Substack as our new hosting site! The show will remain the same on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and anywhere else you listen to After the Gig. The video version is also still available on YouTube, which I highly recommend! Please reach out to [email protected] for any question or concerns!

Join us for Cocktail night on Patreon!! May 25th I will be hosting the second After the Gig cocktail night on Patreon from my home via zoom. Come join the community and hang out for what will be a super fun night! Head over to Patreon.com/afterthegig to sign up!

Newsletter: https://jessehumphrey.substack.com/

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Support the Podcast on Patreon! patreon.com/afterthegig

EMAIL US!

[email protected]

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/afterthegig/

@afterthegig

00:00 Introduction to the Show and Guest

01:55 Patrick Macon's Musical Background

02:49 Family Influence on Music

04:39 Early Musical Experiences

15:49 Creative Pursuits and Burnout

22:02 Sixth Man Cruises and Artist Relations

30:21 Secret Coffee Machines and Reunions

30:58 Creative Stage Performances

32:56 Respect and Collaboration on the Boat

34:14 Balancing Work and Family

35:54 The Evolution of Sixth Man Events

39:19 Summertime Cruises and Unique Destinations

41:32 Unexpected Family Visits

43:23 Musical Journey and Mentorship

49:15 Advice for Aspiring Musicians

53:54 The Art of Collaboration

In this episode, Jesse discusses the often overlooked but crucial aspect of musicians' lives—side hustles. Sharing his personal experiences from bartending to delivering packages during the pandemic, Jesse highlights the importance of having flexible side jobs to sustain a career in music. He emphasizes that there's no shame in having secondary jobs and encourages all aspiring artists to find side gigs that complement their artistic pursuits until they can make music their full-time profession. Learn about the emotional journey, valuable skills gained, and the balance needed to thrive as a musician.

After the Gig is a reader-supported publication. To support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber.

Newsletter: https://jessehumphrey.substack.com/

Youtube! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6AhUzWzyCrTgffuNlTjLG3jEmj5h4pmZ

00:00 Introduction and Purpose

01:00 The Necessity of Side Hustles

01:18 Personal Journey: From Boston to Bartending

04:15 Pandemic Pivot: Amazon Logistics

08:12 Balancing Music and Side Gigs

14:37 Choosing the Right Side Hustle

18:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, Jesse explores the deep passion and relentless drive behind playing music. Drawing parallels between music and hitting a perfect golf shot, we delve into the joy of playing an instrument or having a musical conversation with fellow musicians. The episode touches on the importance of connecting with your music, the audience, and the struggles young musicians face. We discuss the dangers of comparing oneself to others and emphasize measuring personal growth. The discussion also includes insights on parenting, the significance of not stifling creativity in children, and the journey of perseverance and practice in achieving success. This episode is a deep dive into the world of music, connection, and personal growth.

The After the Gig podcast is moving to Substack! There shouldn’t be any change to how you view, or listen to the show, but we will now be using Substack as our new hosting site! The show will remain the same on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and anywhere else you listen to After the Gig. The video version is also still available on YouTube, which I highly recommend! Please reach out to [email protected] for any question or concerns!

Music from the episode:

Outro: “Chemical” by Jesse Humphrey

Newsletter:

Youtube! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6AhUzWzyCrTgffuNlTjLG3jEmj5h4pmZ

Support the Podcast on Patreon! Patreon.com/afterthegig

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https://linktr.ee/jessehumphrey

EMAIL US!

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Instagram

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@afterthegig

00:00 Introduction: The Passion for Music

01:31 The Magic of Mastery: Golf and Drumming

02:09 Musical Conversations and Connections

03:16 Challenges and Perseverance in Music

07:22 The Flow State and Creative Process

09:15 Avoiding Comparisons and Self-Improvement

15:03 Podcast Updates and Personal Reflections

19:15 Impact of Words on Young Minds

28:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

2025 Grammy Highlights & Super Bowl Controversy: Kendrick Lamar's Bold Statement

In this episode of 'After the Gig,' Jesse delves deep into the 2025 Grammy performances, featuring reactions to standout artists like Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, Lizzo, and more. He also discusses the much-talked-about Super Bowl halftime show by Kendrick Lamar, which sparked significant controversy due to its direct jabs at Drake and the inclusion of Serena Williams. Additionally, Jesse touches on poignant topics like the devastating California wildfires and the Grammy tribute to LA's first responders. From riveting performances to thought-provoking commentary, join us for a thorough exploration of the highs and lows of these major music events.

Newsletter:  https://jessehumphrey.substack.com/

Youtube! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6AhUzWzyCrTgffuNlTjLG3jEmj5h4pmZ

Support the Podcast on Patreon!  Patreon.com/afterthegig

All links right here!!

https://linktr.ee/jessehumphrey

EMAIL US!

[email protected]

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/afterthegig/

@afterthegig

00:00 Introduction and Overview

00:54 Dua Lipa's Stellar Performance

01:20 Anita and Billie Eilish: A Mixed Bag

03:51 Lizzo's Controversies and Performances

06:20 Benson Boone's Crowd-Pleasing Act

07:36 Sabrina Carpenter's Fun and Levity

10:45 Teddy Swims and Other Notable Performances

13:32 Cynthia Erivo's Tribute and Lady Gaga's Polarizing Act

17:44 Shakira and the Impact of Wildfires

23:54 Babyface's Disrespect and the Super Bowl Halftime Show

26:43 Kendrick Lamar's Controversial Super Bowl Performance

35:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

City Winery's $25 Minimum: A Deep Dive into the New Policy and Its Impact

In this episode, we explore City Winery's recent decision to implement a $25 minimum on food and beverage sales for concertgoers at their venues. Jesse shares personal thoughts and insights on the policy, its potential impact on patrons, and the reasons behind this move, including the desire to support artists by giving them a larger share of ticket sales. By reading an email from City Winery's CEO, we get an inside look at the motivations behind the new policy. Jesse also discusses broader issues affecting live music venues, such as the challenges of booking talent, managing unpredictable ticket sales, and ensuring quality service. Additionally, the episode touches on how similar venues have navigated financial challenges and offers a balanced perspective on the implications of the policy for both artists and patrons.

Newsletter:  https://jessehumphrey.substack.com/

Youtube! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6AhUzWzyCrTgffuNlTjLG3jEmj5h4pmZ

Support the Podcast on Patreon!  Patreon.com/afterthegig

All links right here!!

https://linktr.ee/jessehumphrey

EMAIL US!

[email protected]

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/afterthegig/

@afterthegig

00:00 Introduction to City Winery's New Policy

01:16 Personal Experience with Minimum Spend Policies

02:38 Reading the CEO's Email

05:00 Analyzing the Email and Menu Changes

06:22 Challenges Faced by City Winery

09:02 Impact on Artists and Venues

11:07 Case Study: Rockwood Music Hall

15:42 Balancing Acts and Business Models

18:14 Potential Solutions and Final Thoughts

25:09 Service Quality and Final Wrap-Up

Join Jesse as he drives through blizzard conditions from Providence to Boston, reminiscing about the days commuting to the Berklee College of Music. Jesse catches up with, drummer and a member of the Berklee Percussion Department, Jonathan Ulman, as they discuss their careers, share inspiring stories, and reflect on the music industry. Don’t miss this engaging conversation that touches on the importance of humility, the life of touring musicians, and the role of mentorship. This episode also sheds light on the current challenges in Los Angeles due to devastating fires and includes ways to support the affected communities.

Show links

Music from the show: "Thruple Shuffle" by Uncle Bronco

Newsletter:  https://jessehumphrey.substack.com/

Youtube! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6AhUzWzyCrTgffuNlTjLG3jEmj5h4pmZ

All links right here!!

https://linktr.ee/jessehumphrey

EMAIL US!

[email protected]

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/afterthegig/

@afterthegig

Support Steve and Jess as they recover from the loss of their home in Los Angeles : https://gofund.me/11876fcf

00:00 Winter Commute to Berklee College of Music

01:06 Revisiting Berklee After 14 Years

01:22 Insights from the Newsletter

03:05 Arriving at Berklee and Finding Parking

05:33 Podcast with Jonathan Allman Begins

15:53 Balancing Passion and Profession

16:36 The Importance of Professionalism in Music

31:05 Learning from Industry Legends

36:11 The Role of Social Media in Music Careers

37:07 Reflections on Musical Growth and Simplicity

43:30 Navigating Criticism and Staying Positive

44:41 Morning Coffee Ritual

44:55 Challenges of Being a Drummer

48:23 Inspiring the Next Generation

52:21 Tour Life and Its Struggles

54:20 Perspective on Success

01:07:43 Meeting Eddie Vedder

01:22:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts