Are you a musician struggling to find your niche in the ever-evolving music scene? Gig Gab’s latest episode dives deep into the world of musical diversity and the power of embracing multiple genres.

Host Dave Hamilton welcomes guest Jon McCormack, a versatile guitarist and songwriter known for his work with bands like Wizzardess, Museum of Science, Fly Spinach Fly, and Bitter Pill. Jon shares his journey from being a cover band snob to embracing the joy of playing diverse music styles.

The episode explores the concept of the “hyphen era” in music, where genres blend and musicians find success in unexpected places. Jon and Dave discuss the importance of challenging oneself creatively, from concept albums to theatrical productions, and how these experiences shape a musician’s career.

Listeners will gain insights into balancing original music with cover bands, the value of visual elements in live performances, and the evolving definition of success in the music industry. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this episode reminds us to “Always Be Performing” and embrace the diverse opportunities in music.

Ready to expand your musical horizons? Press play on this inspiring episode of Gig Gab and discover how embracing diversity can elevate your musical journey.

The post Colors, Concepts, and Creativity with Jon McCormack – Gig Gab 465 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Get ready for an exciting journey into the world of tribute bands with Gig Gab! Join host Dave Hamilton as he chats with Richard Page, a seasoned musician with a wealth of experience in cover and tribute bands.

Dive into Richard’s musical evolution: from his early days with the cover band Rewind to leading the Black Crows tribute band, Remedy, and finally, his adventures with a Grateful Dead tribute, Dead Band. Discover the challenges and triumphs of replicating iconic sounds and the importance of visual elements in live performances.

Explore the art of booking gigs and building strong venue relationships. Richard shares his strategies for navigating proximity clauses and maintaining professional ties while pushing for better promotion. Learn how to leverage tools like Dropbox and archive.org to enhance your band’s reach and efficiency.

The episode also delves into the world of in-ear monitors…because of course it does! Richard recounts his journey in adopting this technology, highlighting the improvements in sound quality and performance. With tips on hearing protection and audience interaction, you’ll gain valuable knowledge to elevate your live shows.

Join Dave and Richard for a lively discussion filled with humor, expertise, and actionable advice. Whether you’re a musician or a music enthusiast, this episode of Gig Gab is packed with insights to inspire and inform!

The post Rocking the Stage: Richard Page’s Tribute Tales – Gig Gab 464 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Get ready for an exciting episode of Gig Gab! Join Dave Hamilton and Mike Schulte as they explore the dynamic world of working musicians. This episode is packed with insights and stories that will resonate with musicians at every level.

Dive into the art of band pricing and mindset. Discover how Mike and Dave emphasize the importance of valuing your work and setting the right rates. Learn how the Pork Tornadoes set themselves apart by increasing their pricing and delivering unmatched value.

Explore the necessity of evolving as a band. Mike shares tips on incorporating new technologies like backing tracks and automated lights to stay relevant. Discover why listening to new music is crucial for appealing to younger audiences.

Ever faced unexpected challenges at gigs? Dave recounts a recent experience at a casino venue, highlighting the importance of adaptability and professionalism. Plus, hear about the benefits of charity work as Mike discusses Pork Tornadoes’ successful charity livestream event.

Throughout the episode, Dave and Mike stress the importance of customer service in the music business. Treating venues and patrons as customers can secure future opportunities and build lasting relationships.

Join the conversation and learn how to navigate the music industry with confidence and flair!

The post From Charity to Casinos: Gigs, Growth, and Giving Back — Gig Gab 463 appeared first on Gig Gab.

As 2024 comes to a close, this special episode of Gig Gab takes you on a month-by-month journey through some of the best tips and advice shared by musicians and industry pros this year. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just starting your musical journey, there’s something for everyone in this episode. From mastering your sound to connecting with fans, these practical insights will help you fine-tune your craft and grow your career in 2025.

You’ll hear advice from names like Bakithi Kumalo on consistency and listening to your fellow musicians, Buck Dharma on appreciating the moment, and Parthenon Huxley on being the kind of person others want to work with. Learn how to negotiate fees effectively, delay mains for better sound alignment, and use tools like splitter snakes and Spotify playlists to enhance your performances. Each month brings new gems of wisdom, making this episode a one-stop guide for working musicians.

To top it all off, the episode reflects on the contributions of countless guests who have shared their stories and expertise throughout the year. It’s a celebration of collaboration, growth, and the shared passion for live music that defines the Gig Gab community. Tune in and get inspired to make 2025 your best year yet. Always Be Performing!

The post Backstage Secrets: 12 Months of Band Life Tips — Gig Gab 462 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Get ready for an exciting episode of Gig Gab! Join host Dave Hamilton as he chats with Tom Jarvis, the dynamic singer and founding member of Casual Gravity, the band Dave recently joined. This episode promises a deep dive into Tom’s musical journey, from his early influences like Elvis and Iron Maiden to his role in shaping the band’s unique sound and style.

Discover how Casual Gravity has evolved since its inception in 2014, with Tom sharing insights on their innovative promotional strategy, “Casual Chronicles.” These comedic video episodes have become a fan favorite, adding a creative twist to their live performances and giving people something to watch between shows. You’ll also learn about the band’s transition to in-ear monitors, a game-changer for vocalists like Tom, who benefit from reduced strain and enhanced clarity.

Explore the technical side of live music as Tom discusses his use of the TC Helicon VoiceTone D1 pedal. This tool helps him achieve the perfect vocal effects, especially when covering songs like Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone.” The episode also delves into band dynamics and leadership, with Tom reflecting on his role as a “taskmaster” and how it contributes to the group’s success.

Tune in for a blend of humor, expertise, and practical advice that will leave you informed and inspired. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or a curious listener, this episode of Gig Gab is packed with valuable insights and entertaining stories!

The post Fueling Fan Excitement and Band Energy with Tom Jarvis – Gig Gab 461 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Get ready for an exciting episode of Gig Gab! Join host Dave Hamilton as he chats with Bruce Bennett, a seasoned musician and entrepreneur, about the ins and outs of the music industry.

Dive into Bruce’s journey from playing in bands to launching successful music-related businesses. Discover how he turned his passion into a thriving career, creating opportunities like SuperDups and New England CD. Bruce shares his wisdom on treating music as a business, emphasizing the importance of understanding and growing your fan base.

Explore the world of tribute bands with Bruce’s experience in Shot of Poison, a Poison tribute band that gained fame on Jimmy Fallon’s Clash of the Cover Bands. Learn about their marketing strategies and how they leveraged media exposure to their advantage.

But that’s not all! Bruce introduces HelloBand, an innovative app designed to help musicians connect directly with their fans. Say goodbye to social media algorithms and hello to seamless fan communication, tipping, and event management.

Throughout the episode, you’ll hear anecdotes and technical discussions that provide a deeper understanding of the music business. Whether you’re a musician looking to expand your reach or a fan eager to learn more, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice. Tune in and discover how to make your mark in the music world!

The post Music, Marketing, and Mischief with Bruce Bennett — Gig Gab 460 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Unlock the secret to transforming your band from cover to original without even realizing it! If you’re a musician looking to make that leap, this episode is your guide.

Join host Dave Hamilton as he chats with Scott Smith, co-founder of the North County Band. Scott shares his journey from strumming around campfires to leading a band that captivates audiences with original music. With no formal musical training, Scott’s story is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance.

In this episode, discover how the North County Band transitioned from a cover band to an original powerhouse. Scott reveals the unexpected joys of songwriting and the unique challenges of finding and engaging fans. Learn how they balance cover gigs with original performances and the strategies they use to market their music boldly.

Additional topics include the importance of community support, the role of nonprofit principles in band management, and the art of fan engagement. Scott also shares insights on crowdfunding and recording, offering valuable tips for musicians at any stage.

Ready to be inspired? Tune in and remember, in the world of music, it’s crucial to “Always Be Performing.” Click to listen and elevate your musical journey!

The post From Covers to Originals with North County Band — Gig Gab 459 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Struggling to find your place in the music world? Tune in to this episode of Gig Gab, where we explore the multifaceted journey of a seasoned musician.

Join host Dave Hamilton as he welcomes Parthenon Huxley, a prolific songwriter and performer with nine studio albums and collaborations with legends like Mick Jones and Robert Lamb. Known for his work with ELO Part 2, now The Orchestra, Huxley shares insights from his diverse career.

In this episode, Huxley discusses the evolution of his musical roles, from leading his own bands to being a key part of The Orchestra. He delves into the art of harmony singing, the importance of saying “yes” to opportunities, and the balance between personal projects and collaborative efforts.

Listeners will also hear about Huxley’s teaching experiences, his approach to in-ear monitors, and the significance of maintaining multiple income streams in the music industry.

Don’t miss this engaging conversation filled with practical advice and personal anecdotes. Press play to listen and remember, in the world of music, it’s crucial to “Always Be Performing.”

The post Parthenon Huxley’s Harmonious Adventures — Gig Gab 458 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Struggling to make your mark in the music industry? This episode of Gig Gab is your backstage pass to the world of live sound engineering with the legendary Pooch, a seasoned pro who’s mixed for icons like Iron Maiden and Whitney Houston.

Join host Dave Hamilton as he chats with Pooch, a recording engineer turned live sound maestro. With a career spanning decades, Pooch shares his journey from the studio to the stage, offering insights into the evolution of sound technology and the art of mixing live performances.

In this episode, Pooch delves into the challenges and triumphs of live sound, from the adrenaline rush of mixing for thousands to the technical intricacies of ensuring vocal clarity. He also discusses the importance of people skills in the industry and how saying “yes” to unexpected opportunities can change your career trajectory.

Whether you’re a budding sound engineer or a musician looking to understand the tech side of performances, this episode is packed with valuable lessons. Tune in to discover why the mantra “Always Be Performing” is key to success in the music world. Don’t miss out—click to listen now!

The post Pooch’s Path: From Recording Rooms to Rocking Arenas — Gig Gab 457 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Struggling with sound issues at gigs? You’re not alone. Dive into this episode where Dave Hamilton and Mike Schulte tackle the challenges of playing live music in less-than-ideal conditions.

This episode centers on the art of compromise in live performances. Dave and Mike discuss the importance of adapting to different venues and audiences, sharing personal stories about the trials and triumphs of using electronic drum kits and managing sound levels. They emphasize the need for musicians to be flexible and professional, even when the gig isn’t perfect.

The duo explores the dynamics of sharing gear with other bands, the benefits of using a tempo monitor, and the value of having a supportive band. They also touch on the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and the role of technology in enhancing live performances.

Ready to learn how to “Always Be Performing” no matter the circumstances? Click play and join the conversation!

The post Bandmates Unite: Navigating Gig Challenges Together — Gig Gab 456 appeared first on Gig Gab.