In this week's episode,  Adam and Dan dive into their latest adventures and insights from gearing up for a  trip to handling last-minute changes and working through listener questions. 

They break down the essentials of maintaining both electric and acoustic sets, juggling tight stages, managing low-volume gigs, and ensuring your gear doesn't let you down mid-show. 

The episode also features lively input from their loyal Patreon crowd, including the pros and cons of back-to-back sets versus breaks, balancing male and female lead vocals, and adapting your setlist to fit the venue's vibe. 

Tune in for practical tips, candid stories, and a good dose of crappy content!

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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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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 theme of taking big swings, sharing personal stories about embracing risk and unexpected opportunities. Adam reveals he’s been invited to play a gig with a major recording artist and is also auditioning to be the lead singer for a MASSIVELY popular metal band from the 80's, while Dan discusses launching a new app that grew from a side project into a real business.

The hosts revisit a listener’s question about practice efficiency, highlighting the importance of balancing improvisation, technique, and preparation. They reflect on how confidence and a sense of balance can positively impact both performance and personal growth.

Milestones are celebrated, including the podcast nearing 6,000 YouTube subscribers and the upcoming 400th episode. Listeners are encouraged to send in ideas and feedback, and the community’s support is recognized as a key part of the show’s ongoing success.

The episode’s core message is to not let fear of failure or rejection hold you back. Whether it’s pursuing a dream gig, launching a new venture, or simply trying something new, the hosts encourage everyone to take chances and see where those big swings might lead.

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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!  

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[email protected]

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

Or buy us a cup of coffee!

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

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

🎸 Cover Band Confidential Podcast – Show Notes (Oct 3, 2025) 🎸

This week, Adam is joined by Matt from Guitar Dads (Dan’s off drinking around the world or something).

The guys dive into the wild world of cover bands, swap war stories from Boston to Atlanta, and debate the eternal question: is it worth dropping $1,300 on an import guitar? (Spoiler: they’re shockingly good.)

Find Matt's Podcast at  @GuitarDads on Youtube, Instagram and wherever you get your podcasts! 

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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
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Follow us on Instagram!
@coverbandconfidential
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If you have any questions please email at:
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Elgato Stream Deck XL: https://amzn.to/3gKjhqi

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


Timestamps & Highlights:

[00:00:00] Intro & Meet Matt
Adam introduces Matt, who shares his cover band journey, Boston roots, and why he’s not Dan.

[00:04:30] Cover Band Life in Boston
Matt talks about the seasonal gig scene, outdoor summer shows, and the difference between city and suburb gigs.

[00:09:00] Import Guitars: Are They Worth It?
The guys geek out over new Epiphone and Gretsch models, discuss neck shapes, and admit some imports are just as good as the “real thing.”

[00:22:00] NAMM House, Group Chats & Good Vibes
Shoutouts to the NAM house crew, the magic of meeting internet friends IRL, and why the vibe was immaculate.

[00:26:00] The Great Burger Debate
In-N-Out vs. Five Guys vs. Shake Shack vs. Culver’s. (Matt’s always up for a burger.)

[00:31:00] Practice Talk: Scales or Just Jam?
Listener question: Should you obsess over scales or just jam and hope for the best? (Hint: the crowd probably just wants to dance.)

[00:46:00] Dream Tribute Bands
Adam wants a punk-pop cover band; Matt dreams of U2, Tom Petty, Bon Jovi, and ‘80s hair metal tributes.

[00:53:00] Shoutouts & Wrap-Up
Philly cover band love, Guitar Dads memes, and why the world rocks a little more and sucks a little less when you’re listening to this show.

If you like gear talk, band drama, and a healthy dose of musical snobbery, you’re in the right place. Don’t forget to check out Matt’s Guitar Dads podcast and leave a five-star review if you’re feeling generous!

Adam and Dan are back with tales of festival chaos, gig mishaps, and musical revelations! Adam survives Phish and Shaky Knees fest with his teen, sampling parking lot grilled cheese and VIP perks, while Dan battles tech gremlins at his first post-op solo karaoke gig.

Highlights:
* Phish: wild lights, killer keys, and a crowd that wants you to love what they love.
* Shaky Knees: Deftones, My Chemical Romance, Lenny Kravitz (still a rock god), and Weird Al turning everyone into a 12-year-old.
* Dan’s gig: karaoke app fails, pedal drama, but the show goes on—old school.
* YouTube milestones, NAMM media cred, and the eternal quest for more subs.
Tune in for honest takes, festival dust, and the joy of just being an audience member. Hit play!

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 
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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 Adam and Dan catch up on gigs, gear, and the weird life of being a musician. Check out the highlights below and jump to what interests you!

👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more cover band talk!
💬 Join our Patreon Slack to hang out with us and other musicians.
📲 Links to gear, reviews, and more below!

NES Hard Case (Tiktok Shop):  https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTHngafVNkBa3-vJp30/
Direct Link: https://www.eylar.com/intact-premium-series-22-inch-rolling-carry-on-travel-hard-case-with-retro-controller-graphic.html#color=4 

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


coverband #podcast #musicianlife #gear 




00:00 - Kicking things off & intros
01:20 - Dan’s upcoming gig & karaoke story
04:45 - Adam’s mic saga: Sennheiser support adventure
07:15 - New gear: NES controller case & TikTok finds
10:00 - VX5 review & why it’s (almost) awesome
13:00 - Ableton on Mac Mini: stress testing for gigs
16:30 - Musicians going to shows as fans (or not)
25:00 - Why musicians should see stuff outside their wheelhouse
28:00 - New music recs: CMAT, Alabama Shakes, Weird Al, and more
31:00 - Final thoughts & community shoutouts

This week, Adam and Dan dive deep into the wild world of live band karaoke. 

From gig recaps to stopping pullout knobs (get your mind out of the gutter!), these guys cover it all. 

Hear about the ups, the downs, and the hilarious mishaps that come with running a live band karaoke event. 

They discuss systems, share insider stories, and give shoutouts to listeners who've reached out. 

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to share a mic with a stranger belting out 'What's Up' by 4 Non Blondes, you won't want to miss this 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

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

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
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If you have any questions please email at:
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Consider supporting us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/coverbandconfidential

Or buy us a cup of coffee!
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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! 🤘

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
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If you have any questions please email at:
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Consider supporting us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/coverbandconfidential

Or buy us a cup of coffee!
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And for more info check out 
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Gear Used in this Video (Affiliate):

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

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!

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

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