We fed a real two-hour cover band set list into ChatGPT… and it absolutely roasted it.

Mike from  @PorkTornadoes and  @ConfusedBreakfast has been building this show for 15 years. We dumped the full thing — tempos, singers, closers, all of it — into a GPT thread trained on a year of our cover band philosophy.

The verdict?

“It’s a playlist, not a show.”
“You’re programming like a musician, not a psychologist.”
“Protect the dance floor at all costs.”

And honestly… it wasn’t wrong.

This episode is for anyone who writes set lists, plays in multi-singer bands, or cares about how energy actually moves through a room. We get into emotional arcs, genre clustering, why fairness can kill momentum, and how to actually use AI as a creative tool instead of a gimmick.

---

### What we get into:

* The closer debate: **Mr. Brightside** vs. **Lose Yourself**
* Why “slow songs need runway”
* BPM brick walls and mid-set energy crashes
* Country clustering vs. demographic pinball
* Engineering the perfect photo-op peak
* The nuclear run and where your biggest weapons actually belong
* Fairness vs. emotional inevitability in multi-singer bands
* Using AI as a rut-buster (not a replacement for taste)

There’s also a brief mid-episode emergency when Adam’s kid takes a headshot at recess. He’s fine. Scalp wounds just bleed like Tarantino directed them.

If you build set lists for a living — or even just obsess over them — this one might mess with your philosophy a little.

Protect the dance floor.

Sweetwater Affilate Link: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/xJE4rk 

BACTrack Affiliate Link: https://www.bactrack.com/coverbandconfidential  

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

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

What do you do when your lead singer can’t physically perform… but he’s your friend of 15 years?

In this clip, we break down a real listener dilemma:
A founding member and frontman is dealing with serious health issues. He’s struggling on stage. Summer weddings and private events are booked. Expectations are high.
Do you protect the brand?
Do you protect the friendship?
Is an ultimatum ever the right move in a working cover band?
We talk through:
• Band leadership and hard conversations
• Business vs friendship in a cover band
• How to handle declining performance
• Adding members vs firing someone
• Compassion vs protecting your reputation
• Real-world musician conflict resolution

If you’re in a wedding band, corporate band, or long-running cover band, this is one of the toughest scenarios you’ll ever face.

Drop your thoughts in the comments — what would YOU do?

📩 Got a band problem you want us to unpack?
[email protected]


BACTrack: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT9eLaV9h2eFf-wRT9U/
Lyrically Correct: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT9eLa7GCGANC-py279/ 

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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 

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

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


00:00 An Anonymous Email That Hits Close to Home
00:51 Listener Story: Cover Band’s Singer Is Struggling to Perform
02:07 First Reactions: Compassion vs. ‘Fix It or You’re Out’
06:46 Accommodations That Could Save the Summer (Stool, Set Splits, Expectations)
08:08 Health Reality Check: When Performing Might Need to Pause
09:01 Community Takes: Intervention, Privilege, and Real Support
14:08 Practical Contingency Plans: Add a Member, Change Roles, Keep Identity
15:38 How to Have the Talk: Ditch the Ultimatum, Lead With Concern
17:48 Protect the Friendship (and the Band): Fallout, Reputation, and Drama
22:12 Wrap-Up: Write In, Tell Us What We Missed, and Good Luck

This week, we start off with a shoutout to the Seahawks, some chatter about finding team merch in Atlanta, and a big thank you to fans for their support. 

We also dig into the epic Super Bowl halftime show, featuring a surprise wedding by Bad Bunny. 

Then, we dive into some game-changing tips on how short breaks can speed up your learning, backed by brain science. 

Plus, updates on new gear like Maestro DMX 1.5 and Ableset 3, and exciting news about hitting 2.4 million YouTube views and our Sweetwater NAMM House giveaway!

You don’t want to miss this one—grab your headphones and let’s get into it!

NAMM HOUSE LINK: https://www.sweetwater.com/shop/namm-house/ 

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, Adam and Dan dive into the ups and downs of forming and leading a successful band, using the struggles of a listener named Luke as a case study. 

Luke, who runs a metal project called Elk Hunter, shares his issues with finding a committed guitarist and managing band dynamics. (https://open.spotify.com/artist/7GypVm2Y84fTp3wxJSjBpe) 

The guys give some solid advice on setting expectations, pre-screening potential band members, and figuring out what makes a gig attractive to new members. They also get real about the challenges of keeping a stable lineup. 

Tune in for a down-to-earth chat about band leadership, musician commitment, and more.

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, Adam and Dan discuss their recent travels, highlighting their experiences during an unexpected ice storm and a trip to Disney. 

Adam then dives into the recent NAMM show, sharing insights on standout instruments, pedals, and gear that caught his eye. 

Highlights include the innovative offerings from Traveler Guitar, Rip Custom Guitars, and Epiphone's latest inspired by line. 

He also mentions utilitarian tools from companies like B-Beat and Behringer that could streamline live shows for musicians. 

Tune in for all the gear talk you can handle  and check out the full version on YouTube for all the videos! 

NAMM HOUSE GIVEAWAY: https://www.sweetwater.com/shop/namm-house/

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

Most bands treat gigs like tech rehearsals—and that’s backwards. 

In this episode, Adam and Dan break down five practical strategies (plus a bonus) to run tech rehearsals that actually improve your show instead of wasting time. From planning and setup to testing, automation, and contingency planning, this is a blueprint for smoother gigs and less stress.

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

In this episode,, Dan and I get a little uncomfortable—in a good way.

We break down 10 leadership mistakes band leaders are making without even realizing it, and yeah… we’ve both been guilty of more than a few of them.

We talk about why avoiding hard conversations doesn’t “keep the peace,” how assuming everyone in your band wants the same thing is a recipe for resentment, and why over-explaining decisions can quietly undermine your leadership. 

We also dig into the trap of doing everything yourself, protecting the wrong people, and forgetting that—like it or not—a band is also a product, not just a group of friends hanging out.

This isn’t theory. It’s all stuff we’ve lived through: blown gigs, awkward conversations we should’ve had sooner, and lessons learned the hard way. If you’re running a band (or thinking about it), this episode is part reality check, part therapy session, and part “ouch… I needed that.”

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

What’s **actually in** for musicians in 2026—and what needs to die already?

In this episode, we break down the most **controversial music industry debates** facing working musicians today. From **shorts on stage** to **autotune on live vocals**, **backing tracks**, **silent stages**, and **iPads for lyrics**, we give real-world, gig-tested opinions instead of internet theory.

This isn’t about “right vs wrong.” It’s about what **works in real venues, real gigs, and real budgets**.

### 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 episode, Adam and Dan kick things off with a Christmas gear rundown, then dive into a 'Year in Review' segment for 2025. 

They chat about this year's game-changing gear purchases, reverb.com's most sold gear of 2025, and trends that have shaped the music scene. 

From the surprising dominance of fuzz pedals to the rise of modeling amps, and the ongoing love affair with classic guitar silhouettes, they cover it all. 

Plus, a breakdown of the podcast's growth stats, top episodes, and a peek into what made their YouTube blow up this year. 

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, 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