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

In this episode, Adam  and Dan dive deep into the challenges and strategies of balancing original and cover songs in the context of your band. 

Does it make sense to split up your brand to avoid confusion in the marketplace?  Why or why not? 

You get the idea. 

Highlights include:

-Adam’s birthday and live band karaoke adventures
-The pros and cons of mixing originals and covers in your setlist
-How to market your band for success
-Listener Q&A on business hours, gear, and community engagement
-Fun stories about iconic songs, family music moments, and the power of band branding

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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!  

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@coverbandconfidential
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@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 
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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

Welcome to the Cover Band Confidential Podcast—where the gigs are wild, the tech is cursed, and the only guarantee is a good story!

This week, Adam and Dan survive everything from $11,000 plugins on sale for $70 (oops, Guitar Center!) to wireless mics with stage fright and crowds so small you can name them all. 

We spill the beans on band drama, tech fails, and how to keep rocking when your audience is just the bartender and your drummer’s mom.

Laugh, cringe, and maybe learn a thing or two about keeping your cool when the universe throws a cymbal at your head. Got your own gig disaster? Drop it in the comments!

Share with your musician friends and remember: if you can’t laugh at your own trainwreck, someone else will. Rock on! 🤘

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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

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@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):

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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 we’re spilling the tea on one of the wildest gigs we’ve ever landed — playing the official afterparty for **Teddy Swims’ sold-out Atlanta show**.

Amber jumps in to help us unpack the chaos: setting up in a self-proclaimed “professional dive bar,” running live-band karaoke for Teddy’s crew, dodging AV nightmares, and getting very specific instructions on who *not* to hand a mic to.

Highlights include:

* Exposure bucks in real life.
* On-stage Chinese water torture.
* QR code karaoke chaos.
* Roadies, backup singers, and VIPs gone wild.
* The moment our kids became our biggest hype team.

It was equal parts surreal, stressful, and unforgettable — and now you get the whole story.

Plus: quick gear talk on the new Antares AutoTune Head Rush VX5, and why sometimes you play for “exposure bucks” and the memories.

Short on sleep, long on stories—hit play for laughs, lessons, and pure cover band chaos!

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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

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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

Ever wondered what it’s like to get a last-minute call to play for a Grammy-nominated artist? 

In this episode, Adam shares the wild story behind a big deal gig, and then the guys break down the top 10 dos and don’ts for musicians who get hired for high-profile events

Episode Highlights:

-The craziest DM Adam ever received
-New gear: Headrush vocal pedal with Antares Autotune
-How to act (and NOT act) when playing for celebrities
-10 essential rules for musicians at high-profile gigs
-Celebrating 5,000 subs & 1.5 million views!

👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more behind-the-scenes stories and real-world advice for working musicians!

💬 Drop your questions or gig stories in the comments!

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


👇 Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro & Catching Up
01:54 – Gear Talk: Headrush Vocal Pedal & Playback Rigs
05:00 – Guitar Tech & Gig Prep
08:18 – Milestones: YouTube Growth
10:31 – Gig Inquiries & Exciting Opportunities
13:50 – Playing for Celebrities: Dos & Don’ts
28:28 – Flexibility & Last-Minute Gigs
30:00 – Wrap-Up & Final Thoughts


CoverBandConfidential #MusicianLife #GigAdvice #GrammyWinner #MusicPodcast

Adam and Dan are back with a jam-packed episode! 

Adam’s stirring up YouTube with hot takes on expensive guitars, 3D-printing his way through gear upgrades, and juggling a family birthday-palooza. 

Dan returns to the stage after six months, battling nerves, allergies, and a barstool—then nails some high notes and even throws in a little Sinatra.

You’ll also get: Fruity Pebbles taste tests, Stranger Things setlist planning, custom picks, and the eternal Squier vs. Fender debate. 

There’s tech drama, community shoutouts, and plenty of "nothing is working" technical glitches. 

If you want the unfiltered scoop—plus a few laughs at our expense—this one’s for you. Thanks for being part of the CBC family and supporting the madness!

— Adam & Dan

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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

Adam’s still losing fights with doors, Dan’s house is held together by hope and 19th-century plumbing, and both are here to remind you: being a musician is mostly about surviving DIY disasters and playing gigs for people who aren’t listening.

This week: Adam’s “door saga” leaves him bruised and tool-less (thanks, kids), while Dan’s back on stage post-surgery, dreaming of gigs where the audience outnumbers the band. Adam’s latest gym gig? Let’s just say the kettlebells got more applause.

The big question: What’s your perfect gig? For Adam, it’s a Stranger Things block party (with a real cast guitarist, no less). For Dan, it’s rocking the Fourth of July in a sea of people. For  Mike? A corporate gig that pays big and ends before lunch. The moral: The perfect gig is the one that fits your band—and maybe gets you home before rush hour.

Bonus: Adam’s dropping a Patreon bombshell, and there’s a discount code for custom guitar picks. Because nothing says “rock star” like handing out your own merch.
Tell us your dream gig, and tune in next week—assuming Adam’s house is still standing.

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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

This week on the pod, Adam and Dan are back in the saddle for a classic meatballs-style episode—light on the structure, heavy on the sauce.

First up, Adam finally built his own RJ45 audio snake! It’s official: he’s the kind of guy who owns a punch tool and knows how to use it. We dive into what that means, how it works, and why you might want to DIY your own cables too. Spoiler alert: it’s cheaper, easier than expected, and makes you feel very powerful.

Then we get into auditions—when to pre-screen, how to test prep vs. bluff, and why personality matters as much as chops. Whether you’re a dictator or just the guy who set up the rehearsal room, we’ve got practical advice for building a team that actually gels.

Also in this episode:

-Dan’s easing back into acoustic gigs post-surgery
-Adam’s mystery gig is stirring up conspiracy theories
-A PRS-Les Paul Jr. trade loop finally closes
-The Billy Joel doc on Max is three hours long and barely gets into the '80s
-K-Pop Demon Hunters on Netflix absolutely rules (Adam cried)
-We hit 900 YouTube uploads… and the money's still not there
-The Great Brussels Sprouts Debate™ rages on
-And yes, we did reference Face/Off, Coneheads, and Miracle on Ice in a single episode. You're welcome.

💬 Listener Highlight: Shout-out to Redditor Dimzy5150, whose cover band subreddit post came full circle—, feedback was received, and Brussels sprouts were judged.

📎 Links & Resources:

The RJ45 audio snake Adam bought: https://amzn.to/45fGh7j 
Billy Joel: And So It Goes on Max: https://www.hbomax.com/shows/billy-joel-and-so-it-goes/2abc1a61-f4ac-4b0e-ae84-3cc5a3b53d03
K-Pop Demon Hunters on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/81498621 
Blank Contracts & Riders: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/performance-contracts

🎤 Join the Conversation:
Have a hot take on auditions? Building your own gear? Just wanna share your favorite Billy Joel category? Hit us up on Threads, IG, or email us at [email protected].

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t let the AdSense dream fool you. 900 videos = maybe enough for one really good cheeseburger.

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

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

Welcome to the Cover Band Confidential podcast! 

Adam and Dan kick off this episode with a deep dive into the challenges of leading a cover band, dealing with flaky band members, and the importance of having a clear band leader. 

They also explore the latest tech adventures, including vibe coding with Chat GPT and experimenting with audio over Cat6. Listen in for a classic analogy that compares dealing with unprepared bandmates to handling Brussel sprouts from the '50s. 

Plus, find out about their big gig opportunity and their thoughts on 3D printing for music gear. 

Don’t miss the discussion on how to handle band politics and keep your cover band running smoothly!

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

In this week’s bite-sized-but-beefy episode, Adam and Dan dig into a fun little thought experiment: If you weren’t playing your current role in your band… what would you play instead? A surprising number of bandleaders in our Patreon community dream of swapping their front-and-center duties for a backline spot—and let’s be honest, we kinda get it.

From the romanticized lives of bass players and drummers (spoiler: not as chill as they look) to the hard realities of load-in, leadership, and showing up late without consequence, we unpack the psychological and practical trade-offs of switching roles in your band. We also dig into how being a multi-instrumentalist or doubling as a front-of-house tech makes you better at your main gig.

Oh—and we roast bass players. Lovingly. Because we are them. Sometimes.

Topics Covered:

Why bandleaders fantasize about being sidemen
The great drummer delusion: is sitting down actually easier?
Subbing on bass: heroic or horrifying?
FOH techs as secret weapon gig ninjas
How learning other roles sharpens your primary skillset
Air drumming, finger twirls, and the dark truth of gear load-outs
Call to Action:
What role would you want to play if you weren’t doing your current thing? Let us know at [email protected] or drop us a line on [your socials].

Support the Show:
If you dig what we’re doing, leave a review, share with your bandmates, or join the Patreon community to get in on these convos early.

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

In this episode of the Cover Band Confidential podcast,  Adam and Dan dive into various categories of songs that cover band musicians commonly despise playing but perform nonetheless due to their popularity and effectiveness in live settings.

 They explore songs categorized as overplayed, repetitive, cheesy, cringe-worthy, too slow, and surprisingly, too difficult to play. 

The episode includes listener input gathered through surveys and discusses how these songs, despite being loathed by musicians, remain crowd favorites.

 The hosts also share personal anecdotes and insights on balancing the band's preferences with audience demands.

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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