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

This week's episode covers Adam's AMAZING 80's prom gig, Dan's road trip, and why we're not completely sold on the new Helix Stadium release from Line 6. 

All this and more on your favorite podcast for cover band musicians and band leaders!

Juan Jusino- www.juanjusino.com

Arni's YT- https://youtube.com/@arnieitthvad?si=-hr0HqprZ1nbGdZX  

Song Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FY7LWWB

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!  

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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):

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 Podcast Overview
01:03 Anniversary Trip to Roanoke, Virginia
04:11 80s Prom Gig Recap
08:38 Guitar and Gear Talk
25:57 Survey and Line 6 Helix Stadium Announcement
30:04 Introduction to Helix Stadium Discussion
30:21 Reason 1: Form Factor Concerns
31:20 Reason 2: User Interface and Touchscreen Features
33:30 Reason 3: Additional I/O Ports
36:24 Reason 4: Modeling and Cloning Capabilities
42:47 Reason 5: Audio Wizardry and DSP Features
50:13 Honorable Mentions and Pricing
55:57 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Welcome back to the podcast for cover band musicians and bandleaders who don’t know when to quit, even when they’re soldering guitar guts 48 hours before a gig.

Adam kicks things off with a PSA: don’t get sushi on a Monday. Unless your idea of a good time involves food poisoning and a spiritual cleanse via your bathroom floor.

### 🎧 Adventures in EtherCon and Audio Over Cat6

In a fit of child-free productivity, Adam goes full "project mode" and:

* Tries to overhaul his live rig with Cat6 audio routing (spoiler: parts are backordered).
* Starts gut-swapping his guitars for funsies.
* Buys a soldering station because Patreon told him to.

Will it all work by the gig this weekend? TBD.

### 🎸 The Gig: Southern Fried Gaming Expo Prom Night

Adam's  band is gearing up for an 80's prom gig with minimal setup time and even less room for error. Cue the panic and wishful thinking that three EtherCon cables will solve everything.

### 📣 Listener Shout-Out

Dan from Ireland wrote in to say nice things. We like him. Be like Dan.

### 🛠️ Corrections Corner (aka “Yeah, We Were Wrong”)

Big thanks to listener Andrew Adams for helping us wrangle tempo mapping in Logic Pro. Turns out there *is* a better way to get your click to follow your live tempo without sacrificing your sanity. Dan's now slightly less in the dark.


### 🎉 We Hit 1 Million YouTube Views!

Yep, you read that right. One million views on the YT channel. Thanks to everyone who ever watched us talk about DI boxes or yell about "Wagon Wheel". We couldn’t have done it without you.

### 🎥 Oh, Also—Adam’s Going Full-Time Content Creator

The side hustle is now the main hustle. Adam’s jumping into the content world full-time for the company he's been working with since forever. Dreams do come true, folks… sometimes by accident.

---

## 📊 Coming Next Week (or the week after): The "Songs You Hate But Still Play" Episode

We're building the ultimate hate-playlist of songs you despise but can’t take off the setlist. Think “Mustang Sally,” “What's Up,” and whatever else makes your skin crawl *but still gets the dance floor packed.*

👉 **Submit your least favorite crowd-pleasers** via this \[survey link] (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FY7LWWB) 
---

🎸 From the Cat5 spaghetti pile in Atlanta, GA, I’m Adam.
🎤 From the serene calm of Greensboro, NC, I’m Dan.
Thanks for listening to the *Cover Band Confidential* podcast. See you on the other side of the gig.

0:00 Introduction and Sushi Mishap
01:23 Current Projects and Tech Experiments
05:13 Upcoming Gig Preparations
06:57 Listener Feedback and Milestones
09:17 Corrections Corner and Logic Pro Tips
13:14 Next Week's Topic Teaser
14:52 Closing Remarks

This week, Adam recounts an absolute **gig-nightmare scenario**: playback dropped, in-ears failed, subs cut out, and nobody knew why. From mystery malfunctions to last-minute workarounds, it's a crash course in what can go wrong—and how to stay professional when it does.

Meanwhile, Dan shares the highs and hurdles of playing his first gig back post-Achilles surgery. From unexpected vocal compliments to near wipeouts at the pedalboard, it’s a reminder that returning to the stage takes more than just heart—it takes *balance* (literally).

🎯 This episode's main event:
**5 Things You Didn’t Know About Band Insurance (Until You Buy It)**
We’re talking real-world lessons from buying an annual policy for the first time in a decade—including:

* Why “$27/month” doesn’t mean what you think it means
* What *isn’t* covered (spoiler: a lot)
* And how being insured can actually help you *land more gigs*

Also in this episode:

* Logic Pro stem-splitting and click-track confusion
* A surprise YouTube milestone (1 million views!)
* Coaching sessions, gear talk, and listener wins
* Our dream of interviewing **celebs with cover bands** (Hank Azaria, Maya Rudolph—call us)

📩 Got a wild gig story or your own insurance headache? Email us: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])

🛠️ Mentioned:

* [Insurance Canopy](https://www.insurancecanopy.com) (liability)
* [MusicPro Insurance](https://www.musicproinsurance.com) (gear)

📢 Subscribe, leave a review, and share with your bandmates—because getting insured is easier than explaining to the bride why the sub blew out mid-chorus.

CBC YT Copy/Paste

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

Adam is holding down the fort solo in this special episode.

 With Dan on tour, Adam chats with Tory Smith, the co-founder of Black Box Prompters.

Tory spills the beans on how he and a genius AI engineer cooked up the ultimate teleprompter for musicians.

 Discover how this game-changing gadget can keep your lyrics and chords in check, even during those last-minute song requests. 

With features like wireless syncing, customizable settings, and extreme durability, Black Box Prompters are nothing short of revolutionary.

 Whether you're rocking the bar scene or leveling up to corporate gigs, this episode has all the deets on making your performances smoother. Plus, hear about future innovations that promise to make rocking out even more epic. Don't miss it!

DISCOUNT LINK (Save $100!) - https://blackboxprompter.com?coupon=discount4cbc 

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


00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement
00:17 Meeting Tori Smith: The Brain Behind Black Box Prompters
01:19 The Origin Story of Black Box Prompters
03:38 Tori's Musical Journey and Band Success
05:39 The Importance of Teleprompters for Musicians
08:38 Challenges and Real-Life Scenarios
09:54 Introducing the Black Box Prompter Product
10:05 Hardware and Software Features of Black Box Prompter
18:41 Loading and Organizing Songs
19:12 Editing Songs and Set Lists
20:55 Displaying Startup Images and QR Codes
21:47 Singalong Feature and Wireless Sync
23:18 Internet Connectivity and Live Band Karaoke
24:48 Product Overview: Black Box Prompter Series
27:06 Pricing and Purchase Options
31:22 User Feedback and Future Developments
36:06 Conclusion and Contact Information

This week we’re keeping it light with a grab bag of hot takes straight from our Slack channel — because holiday gigs are frying our brains and y’all deserve something snackable.

We’re talking:
•Ray-Ban Meta's - new gig essential?
• Is “Freebird” the new Rickroll?
• How much time should really be between soundcheck and downbeat (spoiler: it’s not 30 minutes, Kevin).
• Why the best critique comes wrapped in a compliment sandwich.
• And a little love for our global Slack fam (what up, Australia 👋).

So yeah, we’re vibing on the little stuff this week — the kind of stuff that keeps you sane when you’re hauling gear in +80-degree heat while wearing tank tops you definitely don’t wanna perform in.

Join us as we shout out the community, talk gig life, and maybe convince you that “Freebird” deserves a second chance (kinda).

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

Why Being a Lead Singer Isn't As Hard As You Think

In this episode, we dive into a hot take about lead singers and their role in a band. 

Discussing their duties of internalizing and externalizing music, we compare the workload and challenges faced by lead vocalists versus accompanists and instrumentalists.

Through personal anecdotes and metaphors like dance leading and following, the conversation explores the intricacies of performing arts and the importance of background roles. 

Join us as we unpack the nuances of being a lead singer and whether it truly requires more or less effort compared to supporting musicians.

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

From freebie gigs to $10K+ stages, we're breaking down the different levels of musician pay-and what comes with each one.

Whether you're gigging for beer or headlining high-dollar private events, there's a LOT more to compensation than just a number.

Let's talk tiers, expectations, responsibilities, and what it really takes to move up the ladder. 

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 episode Adam and Dan  discuss the evolving challenges and strategies for maintaining success with a long-term project.

Adam delves into a recent decline in inquiries and competition from a new band.

The conversation covers the value of identifying unique selling propositions (USPs), the dynamics of managing band roles, the potential shift towards a 90s focus, and the prospect of leaning into live band karaoke.

Tune in to gain insights on staying relevant, adapting to market changes, and continuously improving to keep your band operating at it's peak!

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 Cover Band Confidential, Adam and Dan dish on first-time gig experiences, casino gigs, and the ultimate lessons learned. They chat about Adam's wild Mexico trip filled with monkey encounters and dive into exciting new gear announcements. Discover the buzz around Dark Glass's new bass modeler and Neural DSP's latest updates. Plus, get the scoop on Seymour Duncan's PowerStage 170 and its live gig potential. Don't miss out on these insider tips and the hottest gear news!

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




00:00 Introduction and Catching Up
00:10 Travel Tales and Monkeys
02:11 Band Updates and New Ideas
06:52 First Gig Back and Gear Adjustments
11:35 Exciting Gear Announcements
19:04 Ambitious Bass Effects
19:18 DSP and Third-Party Models
19:57 Form Factor and Interface
21:16 Retail Cost and Features
24:11 Darkglass and Bass Tone
26:19 Neural DSP Nanos 2.0
29:36 Signal Chain Flexibility
33:57 Final Thoughts and Future Updates

This week on Cover Band Confidential, we're back with fan favorite and newly minted bandleader Mark Frederickson, who’s learning what it's like to start a cover band for the first time! 

After his first appearance struck a chord (pun absolutely intended), we brought him back to spill the tea on their first actual rehearsal, the gear rabbit holes he’s fallen into, and the reality of getting ready for a real-deal gig—Make Music Day no less.

We’re talking song selection struggles, how to keep a new band from imploding over which way to approach a song, and whether it’s too early to start rocking in-ear monitors. 

Plus, some honest talk about what it really takes to lead a group of humans with instruments and feelings.

Whether you're starting your own group or just want to hear someone else stumble through it first, this one’s got all the teachable moments and lessons you didn’t know you needed.

🔥 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment about your own first band rehearsal horror story—we know you’ve got 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