What’s it going to take for you and your bandmates to all agree it’s safe to take the stage together again? What’s that first gig look like? What about the first rehearsal? What about the plan for it all?

This is what Paul and Dave chew on together today, and you’re invited along for the ride. Listen as your two favorite weekend warriors talk about when that next weekend will come… and what it will look like.

Press play, enjoy, and always be performing!

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Do you play covers? Do you play originals? Is one right or wrong? These questions seem to come up over and over again, so Paul and Dave share their views from their very different backgrounds. Listen as your two favorite weekend warriors hash through this and more…and let’s see where they end up!

No Gig Gab is complete without Gear Gab, though, and the guys talk about their initial experiences with the new, inexpensive, WAVS Custom in-ear monitors.

Listen for all this… and more! Press play, and always be performing!

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What does it mean to “be in a band”? What does it mean to “have a band”? These things have different meanings for each of us, and there’s no incorrect answer here.

Dave’s spent some time on Jamkazam, playing and grooving with people all over the world. He’s got some tips to share, and some realities to share, too.

Listen as Paul and Dave talk through all of us. And remember, whether in your band or online: always be performing!

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Gear Gab and Rant Gab and Celebration Gab all at the same time equals what? It equals Gig Gab, that’s what! Listen as Paul and Dave talk through Duct Tape, blissful ignorance, honing ones craft, and Lights/Camera/Editing on a budget! Your two favorite weekend warriors share some of their new, old, and upcoming favorite gear, too. Press play… and always be performing!

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‘Don’t think so much… just concentrate.’ These were the words Jaco said to a young Peter Erskine… easier said than done, but oh so right! Listen as Dave and Paul talk through their own versions of these, especially as it relates to truly learning the music you’re playing.

Then it’s on to discussing pricing ourselves as musicians as we begin to emerge from our respective lockdowns. Lots to think about here, and the past is only able to provide a few hints for us to go with. The rest we’ll have to make up on our own! Always be performing folks, especially when you’re not.

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Before too long, what was once challenging becomes normal and comfortable, even if the music you’re playing is universally agreed to be “challenging”. So.. what to do?

Focus on your discomfort, that’s what!

Paul and Dave talk through this and share some recent experiences they’ve had in this department. Then it’s on to picking songs for your band, including a new litmus test your two favorite weekend warriors haven’t discussed in the past!

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What does the stage of tomorrow look like? What does the rehearsal room of tomorrow look like? Sometimes these themes just come together as your two favorite weekend warriors get to chatting, and this week certainly hits that mark.

Listen as Dave Hamilton and Paul Kent talk through the tech — and future tech — that might exist to really help us evolve our setups in meaningful ways. Dave has been able to test his new “no PA” studio with Fling lately, and he and Paul talk through in-ear tech, portable amps, and more as they paint a rosy image of our cleaner, quieter futures.

Against anyone’s better judgment, Dave also wades into the rant pool today with a bit of commentary on the music gear industry. Look out!

And remember … press play … and always be performing.

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Industry trade show mayhem time is upon us, and it appears that not even a pandemic can stop that particular freight train. The good news is that it fuels up a heckuva Gear Gab episode, with lots of stuff for your two favorite weekend warriors to share. Listen as Paul and Dave talk about some gear they’ve tested and some they’d like to test, as well as some anecdotes that spring from such geeky conversations. Press play, enjoy, then send in your favorite gear to [email protected].

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So much goes into keeping a band together: the songs, the schedules, the money, the personalities, the politics. Oh, wait, that’s right… we keep politics out of this show. Well, then, how do Paul and Dave deal with Mr. Axe’s question this week? You’ll just have to listen to find out! Press play and hear your two favorite weekend warriors discuss all manner of strategies for keeping your band together during these weird days.

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Always Be Performing is our “ABP” here, but there’s another famous one: Always Be Prepared! As musicians, we know how important it is to be prepared for a gig, and that preparation can start as early as you would like.

But what’s the best way to be preparing? Well… it depends upon the gig, and your two favorite weekend warriors have some examples to share! Listen as Dave and Paul talk through some recent (and some not-so-recent) gigs for which specific preparation paid off greatly.

And remember, Always Be Performing isn’t just a mantra… it’s a way of life!

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