Cover Band Confidential's Podcast (Music Business, Gigging Tips & Making Money as a Musician)

A tech rehearsal should do a lot more than burn time and make everybody grumpy. In this episode, we break down five ways to run a band tech rehearsal that actually improves your live performance, tightens transitions, solves production issues, and gets everybody on the same page before the gig. 

If your band wants to sound more professional and avoid dumb preventable mistakes onstage, this is a big one.

Topics Covered: - What tech rehearsals really are (and aren’t) - Why most bands skip them—and pay for it later - How to structure a productive tech rehearsal - Gain staging, monitors, and signal-chain fixes - Transitions, tracks, and automation - Practicing worst-case scenarios

Being the bandleader means more than calling songs and sending texts no one answers. 

In this episode, we go through ten common bandleader mistakes that damage morale, create confusion, and quietly make your band less professional in the eyes of venues, clients, and your own musicians.

 If you want to lead a stronger band, book better gigs, and stop stepping on rakes as a leader, this episode is for you.

MaestroDMX (10% off discount link): https://maestrodmx.com/discount/DISCOUNT4CBC?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fmaestrodmx

Blank Contracts & Riders: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/performance-contracts

Backing Track Resources: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/backing-track-resources

Thank you so much for tuning in!  If you want to help be sure to like, subscribe and share with your friends!  

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Follow us on Instagram!

@coverbandconfidential

@adampatrickjohnson

@danraymusician

If you have any questions please email at:

[email protected]

Consider supporting us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/coverbandconfidential

Or buy us a cup of coffee!

paypal.me/cbconfidential

And for more info check out 

www.coverbandconfidential.com

Gear Used in this Video (Affiliate):

Sony ZV-E10 Mirrorless Camera: https://amzn.to/3DBqtOy

Elgato Prompter: https://amzn.to/3X3IAq8 

Shure SM7B: https://amzn.to/4dDCJx0 

Elgato Stream Deck XL: https://amzn.to/3gKjhqi

Magic Arm Camera Friction Mount: https://amzn.to/3SK5yNk

In this episode, we break down the musician trends, gear opinions, and industry takes that feel important right now and decide what is actually worth caring about in 2026. 

We cover what is gaining traction, what is already on life support, and which trends musicians should probably stop pretending are helpful. 

If you like strong opinions, bad ideas getting mocked, and a reality check on where music culture is headed, this one will do the job.


### Topics Covered:

* Shorts on stage: acceptable or unforgivable?
* Silent stages, in-ear monitors, and e-drums
* Backing tracks and modern live production
* Using iPads for lyrics and charts on stage
* Autotune on live vocals (subtle vs obvious)
* Cover bands changing vs honoring original arrangements
* Playing tracks without telling the audience
* Sunglasses on stage (day, night, inside… whatever)
* Using the same setlist every show
* Gear demos with no criticism
* “I bought this with my own money” disclaimers
* YouTube thumbnail faces (and why creators WON'T stop using them)

If you’re a **working musician**, **cover band**, **worship player**, **gigging guitarist**, or **music content creator**, this episode tackles the arguments you see every day in Facebook groups, comment sections, and group chats.

🎸 Agree or disagree—drop a comment and tell us which take you think is dead wrong.
📩 Got a hot topic we missed? Email: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])

40-Watt Podcast Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/40-watt-podcast/id1539810265?i=1000743477565 

MaestroDMX (10% off discount link): https://maestrodmx.com/discount/DISCOUNT4CBC?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fmaestrodmx

Blank Contracts & Riders: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/performance-contracts

Backing Track Resources: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/backing-track-resources


Thank you so much for tuning in!  If you want to help be sure to like, subscribe and share with your friends!  

Linktree: linktr.ee/adampatrickjohnson
                linktr.ee/coverbandconfidential

Follow us on Instagram!
@coverbandconfidential
@adampatrickjohnson
@danraymusician

If you have any questions please email at:
[email protected]

Consider supporting us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/coverbandconfidential

Or buy us a cup of coffee!
paypal.me/cbconfidential

And for more info check out 
www.coverbandconfidential.com

Gear Used in this Video (Affiliate):

Sony ZV-E10 Mirrorless Camera: https://amzn.to/3DBqtOy

Elgato Prompter: https://amzn.to/3X3IAq8 

Shure SM7B: https://amzn.to/4dDCJx0 

Elgato Stream Deck XL: https://amzn.to/3gKjhqi

Magic Arm Camera Friction Mount: https://amzn.to/3SK5yNk

In this year-end recap, we look back at the gear trends, podcast milestones, and big takeaways that shaped 2025. 

We talk about what stood out, what changed, what surprised us, and what working musicians can learn from the year in both gear and content. 

If you like behind-the-scenes numbers, musician industry trends, and honest reflection without fake motivational nonsense, this episode is worth your time.
 
Cheers to a fantastic year and here's to making next year even better! Stay tuned for exciting giveaways and more awesome content.

MaestroDMX (10% off discount link): https://maestrodmx.com/discount/DISCOUNT4CBC?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fmaestrodmx

Blank Contracts & Riders: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/performance-contracts

Backing Track Resources: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/backing-track-resources


Thank you so much for tuning in!  If you want to help be sure to like, subscribe and share with your friends!  

Linktree: linktr.ee/adampatrickjohnson
                linktr.ee/coverbandconfidential

Follow us on Instagram!
@coverbandconfidential
@adampatrickjohnson
@danraymusician

If you have any questions please email at:
[email protected]

Consider supporting us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/coverbandconfidential

Or buy us a cup of coffee!
paypal.me/cbconfidential

And for more info check out 
www.coverbandconfidential.com

Gear Used in this Video (Affiliate):

Sony ZV-E10 Mirrorless Camera: https://amzn.to/3DBqtOy

Elgato Prompter: https://amzn.to/3X3IAq8 

Shure SM7B: https://amzn.to/4dDCJx0 

Elgato Stream Deck XL: https://amzn.to/3gKjhqi

Magic Arm Camera Friction Mount: https://amzn.to/3SK5yNk


00:00 Introduction and Holiday Recap
01:44 Year in Review: Gear Highlights
06:38 Reverb's Best Selling Gear of 2025
12:24 Guitar Trends and Popular Models
15:05 Exploring Pedals and Amps
15:28 The Shift to Modeling Amps
17:19 Guitar Shapes and Practicality
18:47 Year in Review: Episodes and Patreon
19:50 Listener Statistics and Growth
22:35 Top Episodes and Content Insights
25:25 Reflecting on Podcast Journey
29:38 Looking Ahead and Final Thoughts

Welcome back to the Cover Band Confidential podcast! 🎸 

This week’s episode is a lighter hang, but still full of the real-life stuff working musicians deal with during the holiday season. We swap holiday gig stories, talk travel, weird venue-adjacent chaos, and the behind-the-scenes reality of balancing music, life, and end-of-year madness. If you’ve ever played December gigs while trying to survive family obligations, shopping, and burnout, this episode will feel painfully familiar in the best way.

This week, Adam and Dan share some festive shenanigans in the lead-up to Christmas. 🎄 Adam kicks things off with some gig stories from the Basketball Team Christmas Spectacular World Tour in Athens, Georgia. 🏀 They also talk about staying at the music-centric Hotel Indigo, the unexpected competition with Stormy Daniels, and some holiday shopping adventures. Dan shares his own holiday prep stories, and we touch on some awesome gifts in the works, from La Cruet pots & pans to Apple Watches. 🎁 Thanks for sticking with us through over 400 episodes! Happy holidays to all—see you next year! 👋

MaestroDMX (10% off discount link): https://maestrodmx.com/discount/DISCOUNT4CBC?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fmaestrodmx

Blank Contracts & Riders: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/performance-contracts

Backing Track Resources: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/backing-track-resources

Thank you so much for tuning in!  If you want to help be sure to like, subscribe and share with your friends!  

Linktree: linktr.ee/adampatrickjohnson

                linktr.ee/coverbandconfidential

Follow us on Instagram!

@coverbandconfidential

@adampatrickjohnson

@danraymusician

If you have any questions please email at:

[email protected]

Consider supporting us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/coverbandconfidential

Or buy us a cup of coffee!

paypal.me/cbconfidential

And for more info check out 

www.coverbandconfidential.com

Gear Used in this Video (Affiliate):

Sony ZV-E10 Mirrorless Camera: https://amzn.to/3DBqtOy

Elgato Prompter: https://amzn.to/3X3IAq8 

Shure SM7B: https://amzn.to/4dDCJx0 

Elgato Stream Deck XL: https://amzn.to/3gKjhqi

Magic Arm Camera Friction Mount: https://amzn.to/3SK5yNk

This episode looks at what working musicians can actually learn from Taylor Swift, and no, it is not just “write better songs” or “be more famous.”

We break down the business decisions, branding strategies, audience connection, and long-game career thinking that musicians at any level can apply to their own path.
 If you want practical lessons from one of the biggest artists in the world without turning this into a fan club meeting, give this one a listen.

MaestroDMX (10% off discount link): https://maestrodmx.com/discount/DISCOUNT4CBC?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fmaestrodmx

Blank Contracts & Riders: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/performance-contracts

Backing Track Resources: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/backing-track-resources

Thank you so much for tuning in!  If you want to help be sure to like, subscribe and share with your friends!  

Linktree: linktr.ee/adampatrickjohnson

                linktr.ee/coverbandconfidential

Follow us on Instagram!

@coverbandconfidential

@adampatrickjohnson

@danraymusician

If you have any questions please email at:

[email protected]

Consider supporting us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/coverbandconfidential

Or buy us a cup of coffee!

paypal.me/cbconfidential

And for more info check out 

www.coverbandconfidential.com

Gear Used in this Video (Affiliate):

Sony ZV-E10 Mirrorless Camera: https://amzn.to/3DBqtOy

Elgato Prompter: https://amzn.to/3X3IAq8 

Shure SM7B: https://amzn.to/4dDCJx0 

Elgato Stream Deck XL: https://amzn.to/3gKjhqi

Magic Arm Camera Friction Mount: https://amzn.to/3SK5yNk

This week, Adam and Dan dive into a mix of holiday gig stories, parenting wins, and gear talk. From the "Star Wars fans of bass guitar" to the unexpected joys of “Runaround Sue”, the guys cover it all.

Episode Highlights:

Mentioned in this Episode:

Call to Action: Are you in a band with your kids? We want to hear your "Partridge Family" stories! Email us at [email protected].

MaestroDMX (10% off discount link): https://maestrodmx.com/discount/DISCOUNT4CBC?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fmaestrodmx

Blank Contracts & Riders: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/performance-contracts

Backing Track Resources: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/backing-track-resources

Thank you so much for tuning in!  If you want to help be sure to like, subscribe and share with your friends!  

Linktree: linktr.ee/adampatrickjohnson

                linktr.ee/coverbandconfidential

Follow us on Instagram!

@coverbandconfidential

@adampatrickjohnson

@danraymusician

If you have any questions please email at:

[email protected]

Consider supporting us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/coverbandconfidential

Or buy us a cup of coffee!

paypal.me/cbconfidential

In this episode, we talk about new gear, shifting priorities, and the personal life changes that can affect how musicians work, spend, practice, and perform. 

It’s a conversation about balancing the excitement of new tools with the reality of everything else going on in adult life. 

If you’ve ever tried to justify a gear purchase while life is doing its absolute best to humble you, this episode will hit home.

**Topics Covered:**

* Lightning Brain app launch update
* Server bugs, debouncing, and EPCOT coding adventures
* First organic customer!
* Adam’s water-heater disaster + sous-vide shower hack
* Band Leader app replacing RequestNow
* Preparing two live-band karaoke gigs
* Drummer transition & trial-by-fire weekend
* Fractal AM4: Why guitarists should care

Tune in for an engaging mix of tech talk, personal anecdotes, and gig insights!

MaestroDMX (10% off discount link): https://maestrodmx.com/discount/DISCOUNT4CBC?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fmaestrodmx

Blank Contracts & Riders: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/performance-contracts

Backing Track Resources: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/backing-track-resources


Thank you so much for tuning in!  If you want to help be sure to like, subscribe and share with your friends!  

Linktree: linktr.ee/adampatrickjohnson
                linktr.ee/coverbandconfidential

Follow us on Instagram!
@coverbandconfidential
@adampatrickjohnson
@danraymusician

If you have any questions please email at:
[email protected]

Consider supporting us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/coverbandconfidential

Or buy us a cup of coffee!
paypal.me/cbconfidential

And for more info check out 
www.coverbandconfidential.com

Gear Used in this Video (Affiliate):

Sony ZV-E10 Mirrorless Camera: https://amzn.to/3DBqtOy

Elgato Prompter: https://amzn.to/3X3IAq8 

Shure SM7B: https://amzn.to/4dDCJx0 

Elgato Stream Deck XL: https://amzn.to/3gKjhqi

Magic Arm Camera Friction Mount: https://amzn.to/3SK5yNk

In this episode, we talk with John Pizz of Mean Machine about playing the Jersey Shore, surviving the live music scene, and the lessons that come from doing real gigs in the wild. 

We get into gig stories, musician culture, and the kind of practical knowledge you only pick up by actually being out there doing the job. 

If you like road stories, working musician insight, and hearing how other players navigate the scene, this one’s for you!

John's Socials:
https://www.instagram.com/johnpizz
https://www.instagram.com/meanmachinebandny/

MaestroDMX (10% off discount link): https://maestrodmx.com/discount/DISCOUNT4CBC?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fmaestrodmx

Blank Contracts & Riders: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/performance-contracts

Backing Track Resources: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/backing-track-resources


Thank you so much for tuning in!  If you want to help be sure to like, subscribe and share with your friends!  

Linktree: linktr.ee/adampatrickjohnson
                linktr.ee/coverbandconfidential

Follow us on Instagram!
@coverbandconfidential
@adampatrickjohnson
@danraymusician

If you have any questions please email at:
[email protected]

Consider supporting us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/coverbandconfidential

Or buy us a cup of coffee!
paypal.me/cbconfidential

And for more info check out 
www.coverbandconfidential.com

Gear Used in this Video (Affiliate):

Sony ZV-E10 Mirrorless Camera: https://amzn.to/3DBqtOy

Elgato Prompter: https://amzn.to/3X3IAq8 

Shure SM7B: https://amzn.to/4dDCJx0 

Elgato Stream Deck XL: https://amzn.to/3gKjhqi

Magic Arm Camera Friction Mount: https://amzn.to/3SK5yNk


00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:16 Special Guest: John Piz
00:38 The Story of How We Met
03:03 John's Band: Mean Machine
05:06 Challenges of Gigging on Fire Island
07:23 Balancing Public and Private Gigs
09:25 Engaging the Audience and Bar Sales
12:43 Innovative Tips and Tricks
15:23 Catching Up and Social Media Shoutouts
16:00 Unexpected Gig Extensions: A Musician's Dilemma
19:22 Negotiating Overtime: The Right Way
21:20 The Impact of Overextending Gigs
23:53 The Importance of Professionalism in Music
24:55 Reflecting on Long Island's Music Scene
26:13 The Value of Communication and Contracts
29:34 Closing Thoughts and Social Media Plugs

This episode dives into some of the stranger corners of rock news, from bizarre touring ideas to music industry oddities and Joe Walsh putting gear up for sale. 

We talk through what is interesting, what is ridiculous, and why musicians are always one weird headline away from asking what timeline they woke up in. 

If you like rock news with commentary, sarcasm, and a little gear-world side eye, this is a fun one.

MaestroDMX (10% off discount link): https://maestrodmx.com/discount/DISCOUNT4CBC?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fmaestrodmx

BOTH Lighting 360 Tubes (Use “DISCOUNT4CBC” to save 5%): https://bothlightingusa.com/collections/all-products/products/360-tubes-copy

Blank Contracts & Riders: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/performance-contracts

Backing Track Resources: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/backing-track-resources


Thank you so much for tuning in!  If you want to help be sure to like, subscribe and share with your friends!  

Linktree: linktr.ee/adampatrickjohnson
                linktr.ee/coverbandconfidential

Follow us on Instagram!
@coverbandconfidential
@adampatrickjohnson
@danraymusician

If you have any questions please email at:
[email protected]

Consider supporting us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/coverbandconfidential

Or buy us a cup of coffee!
paypal.me/cbconfidential

And for more info check out 
www.coverbandconfidential.com

Gear Used in this Video (Affiliate):

Sony ZV-E10 Mirrorless Camera: https://amzn.to/3DBqtOy

Elgato Prompter: https://amzn.to/3X3IAq8 

Shure SM7B: https://amzn.to/4dDCJx0 

Elgato Stream Deck XL: https://amzn.to/3gKjhqi

Magic Arm Camera Friction Mount: https://amzn.to/3SK5yNk