This week on Gig Gab, you’re diving deep with Paul Kent, Dave Hamilton, and their special guest, Chris Breen, a seasoned maestro in the music scene. Having played with his band, System 9, since 1985 — and having played quite a bit before that, too — Chris has a fun, observant perspective to share. Oh, and he also played for naked people, so there’s that.

Your three favorite weekend warriors cover the fairness of compensating subs, the arc of live music’s popularity, and the technicalities and nuances of maintaining volume levels. Breen shares insights on handling difficult people at gigs and the thrill of hitting that high C in “Whipping Post.” Throughout these revelations, the underlying mantra remains the same: “Always Be Performing.” Whether it’s managing band relationships or crafting the perfect sound, it’s all about delivering a stellar performance, no matter the circumstances. Press play and enjoy, folks!

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In this week’s Gig Gab, Paul Kent and Dave Hamilton embrace the holiday spirit with a discussion about the unique challenges and opportunities that Christmas gigs bring to your musical journey. Keep your performance fresh with insights from Good and learn how rebranding your band, like Clubbing Fraggles did, might just be the edge you need. Additionally, your two favorite weekend warriors dig into the idea of commoditization in the world of custom-fit in-ear monitors and how that’s shaking up the industry.

Then it’s time for Gear Gab, staring with the new iCloud syncing feature added to forScore, and Behringer BA 19A Boundary Kick Drum Mic that’s changing the game for drummers. More commoditization! Get the lowdown on the new Whirlwind PW-1 Headphone Amp for your IEMs and make sure you check out Logic Pro 10.8’s Mastering Assistant that could elevate your recording sessions. Plus, don’t miss out on Stage Ninja’s new heavy-duty mounts that ensure your tech is always where you need it on the gig. Through it all, remember the mantra that sets every great musician apart: Always Be Performing.

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Dive deep with Andy Swanson of Alclair In Ears as he takes you on a sonic journey, discussing these high-quality, affordable custom IEMs. Feel the passion of playing in the gaps, the lessons from Andy’s leap into the corporate world at big names like Nintendo, and the importance of sharing music with the next generation.

Uncover the ins and outs of Alclair’s premium earpieces, from the deep resonating CMVK to the versatile Spire. And for all the tech-savvy, there’s a treat about EQing rooms for that perfect Gospel and R&B sound, the magic of ear impressions versus scans, and a deep dive into the world of audio drivers.

In your musical journey, remember to “Always Be Performing”. Whether you’re on stage or just sharing a tune, let your performance be your signature.

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In the latest episode of Gig Gab, Paul Kent and Dave Hamilton dive deep into the dynamic world of bands. They kick off discussing the intricacies of subbing, emphasizing the importance of credibility in the music scene. If you’ve ever pondered creating a particular type of band or converting your current bar band into a private/function ensemble, this episode is your guidebook. From the foundational steps to setting up a function band to understanding the nitty-gritty logistics, Paul and Dave got you covered. The key takeaway? No matter your band’s niche or purpose, “Always Be Performing”. The music world waits for no one – adapt, evolve, and keep the rhythm alive.

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This week, Mike Schulte, drummer for The Pork Tornadoes, joins Dave Hamilton and Paul Kent for an exciting look into running a top-tier cover band. Mike shares the unique approach that The Pork Tornadoes adopt in the cover band scene, with a spotlight on their original sensibilities and a well-thought-out division of labor that underpins their success. You’ll travel through the group’s engaging journey from selecting their “distinctive” name to captivating crowds of 20,000 strong with their performances.

You’ll gain insights into the critical moments and deliberate strategies of The Pork Tornadoes, from effective branding and logistical management to business expansion and gig diversification. Mike underscores the importance of knowing your worth and being ready for rejection, coupled with the imperative to advertise shows widely to build a supportive fan base.

You’ll learn how strategic use of scarcity and VIP options can not only boost event sales but also transform attendees into valued fans. With a commitment to “Always Be Performing”, you’ll be intrigued by the band’s hustle, strategic planning, and undying passion in the music industry.

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In Episode 398 of Gig Gab Podcast with hosts Paul Kent and Dave Hamilton, the duo explores the nuances of live performance and music. When an initial count-off is interrupted, your two favorite weekend warriors underscore the importance of recalibrating the “feeling” within the body to ensure a stellar performance.

They further delve into the technical aspect, highlighting the significance of playing to a click for maintaining impeccable timing and celebrating the joy of having perfect monitors which enhance the sonic experience both for artists and audiences alike.

Reacting to Adam from the VAM Band, discussions veer into the innovative concept of a band as a franchise and the dynamism of running a modular band, which offers flexibility and diversity in the music creation process.

In anticipation of Mike Schulte’s appearance next week, the episode briefly touches on upcoming gigs and the strategies in building ticketed events to ensure they not only sell but also cultivate a robust community of music lovers and aficionados.

The hosts emphasize that whether you’re playing in small gigs or ticketed events, one should “Always Be Performing” — the show’s thrilling catchphrase — embodying a spirit of unyielding excellence and engagement in every performance scenario. Through this approach, artists can foster a committed fan base while continuously honing their craft.

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Adam Moskowitz of VAM Band joins Paul and Dave this week on Gig Gab, treating you to an insider’s perspective into all the systems and tricks Adam uses to run his band.

The trio dives deep into the realm of musicianship, from the transition of original bands to cover bands, to the innovative concept of evolving a modular cover band. Adam reveals his tricks on hiring the right band members and harnessing the power of the “Invisible Conductor” through technology both on stage and off.

Gear Gab is a treat as Adam shares his favorite equipment, including the likes of Stage Traxx 3 and Soundcraft UI24R Mixer. As the conversations range from managing consistency to the art of automation, one thing remains clear: whether it’s about choices or overcoming mishaps, it’s vital to “Always Be Performing”.

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A grab bag of topics brings your two favorite weekend warriors together this week, including discussions about setlists, rehearsal techniques, Gear Gab, and the proposal of a whole new scientific theory that very much relates to what we all do here.

Listen as Paul and Dave discuss Nile Rodgers, The Counting Crows, Gretsch Drums, how much space to take up on stage, and a lightning round of fun little stabs to get your creative juices flowing.

Press play, enjoy, and obviously don’t forget: Always Be Performing. Oh, and take care of yourself, too, ok?

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This week on Gig Gab, hosts Dave Hamilton and Paul Kent dive into an energetic discussion about the ever-changing nature of bands. This sparks a thoughtful dialogue about band dynamics, the fragility of music groups, and how to keep things moving forward when lineups shift.

Dave and Paul reflect on their decades of experience playing together in various projects, offering wisdom on commitment, communication, and throwing trust into the mix. There’s no shortage of witty banter as the two musician friends cover recent gigs, pay tribute to legends lost, and ponder that essential question: What would you do if things changed?

It’s a spirited convo fans won’t want to miss, full of laughs and hard-won perspective. Remember, as your two favorite weekend warriors always say, when it comes to performing, rehearsing or podcasting, always be performing!

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Your two favorite weekend warriors discussed the busy gigging weekends they recently had, with Dave playing five gigs in 48 hours. They talked about strategies for avoiding leg cramps after late night gigs, and share details in the episode.

Paul and Dave then gave advice for keeping consistent tempos after a Gig Gab community member wrote in saying their band’s songs speed up over time. They emphasized the importance of band-wide awareness and intention, taking moments of silence to get the right tempo, and having the confidence to hold the tempo steady.

Your hosts agreed the drummer can be the timekeeper if the band decides, but fighting over tempo ruins the groove. They stressed that solid tempo comes from the whole band being locked in together.

Always be performing, the hosts advised – keep gigging, but stay aware and keep working on your musical craft.

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