There’s a point you can get to with a band where playing together feels like putting on your favorite comfy slippers. Things are happy, things are smooth, and you have room and confidence to conquer the stage.

But what happens when the slippers aren’t comfortable anymore? Or aren’t even there? Well, your two favorite weekend warriors talk through all of this. Listener Tom even has a scenario brewing that requires an extended conversation jam between Paul and Dave, trading fours back-and-forth like two guys with something to say and listen to. It’s all yours right now, just press play!

And if you have a question, send it in to [email protected]

The post Comfy Slippers – Gig Gab 229 appeared first on Gig Gab.

It’s great to get your band to a place where you can just get setup and play without any issues. That’s not always easy, mind you, but it’s great. Paul and Dave both have a few stories – and a few tips – about how to make this happen… and what happens when it doesn’t!

Crowd interaction is a critical tentpole of our “Always Be Performing” motto here at Gig Gab, and Dave had some interesting experiences with that this past weekend. Sometimes the crowd is too easy to engage, and that can present its own set of problems to be solved. Never fear, Paul is there to help solve them.

Lastly, a tech question about the right kind of mix for your in-ear monitors. Really, it’s a question that applies to any monitor mixes, so you’ll want to hear your favorite Weekend Warriors’ thoughts about that, too! Press play to get it all right now.

The post Finding (and leaving) Your Comfort Zone – Gig Gab 228 appeared first on Gig Gab.

If your band can successfully employ the concept of intentional inclusivity with your crowd, you are destined for success. Listen as Paul and Dave open up this topic, and then send in your own thoughts to [email protected].

First, though, a conversation about subbing percolates to the importance of confidence. No matter where you are, you’ve gotta be able to rock when it’s time to rock. Your favorite weekend warriors have some experience with this on both sides of the coin, and they’re happy to share.

Press play, listen, enjoy, and then share your thoughts, too!

The post Confidence, Inclusivity, and Nightlife Crowds vs. Music Lovers – Gig Gab 227 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Have you ever had it where all the clubs you’re playing suddenly no longer want bands anymore? If you haven’t, you will. Thankfully, Paul and Dave have each been through it, and have some words of wisdom to share on the subject.

First though, let’s talk about a few scenarios for hired guns out there, and how the right approach and mindset can make all the difference in the world.

Press play and enjoy, and always be performing!

The post (Re-)Creating Your Base of Club Gigs – Gig Gab 226 appeared first on Gig Gab.

When someone brings a new song in for your band to learn, what’s the process? What does it take for it to be a success? What does it take for your whole band to buy-in to the process?

Listen as Paul and Dave share their successes–and failures–in this regard. They’ll share some of the tricks they’ve learned, and some that they haven’t.

All this and more, on this week’s Gig Gab. Press play and enjoy!

The post Does Your Band Have Buy-In? – Gig Gab Podcast 225 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Contract riders have the stigma of being reserved for only the über-elite – and über-pompous – bands. The reality is, though, that riders can be very useful and helpful devices in ensuring not only a great performance, but a smoother gig-day experience for everyone. Listen as Paul and Dave talk through their favorite rider items, and why they have them.

There’s more, including the legendary Fling Eagle story, but you’ll have to listen to find out more about that!

Chapters/Timestamps:

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If you were starting all over again with your band, what would you do and how would you do it? That’s the question Paul poses to Dave – and, by proxy, all of us – today. Listen as your two favorite weekend warriors talk through all of this and a LOT more.

The LOT? Well, there’s a conversation about how best to handle people behaving badly (yep, time to revisit that one!). And then there’s a discussion about the attitude to take as you walk on stage, based on something Dave learned (again!) this past week.

Press play and enjoy, Gig Gabbers!

The post What is Your Band’s Purpose? – Gig Gab Podcast 223 appeared first on Gig Gab.

How do you introduce new songs to your band’s setlist? This is a pretty loaded question, it turns out, and your two favorite weekend warriors chat through this. Seems it might even need some kind of intentional process, especially if you want new songs to enter your band’s top 10.

Mothballs might be involved. And you’ll need to learn about The Final 45. Dave certainly did, and thankfully Paul was there to help! Press play and enjoy!

The post The Final 45 – Gig Gab Podcast 222 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Are you in for a rollicking good time? Enjoying your summer, either playing in the streets or watching bands playing in the streets? That’s fun! Got a player who can’t stay in the pocket? What about when the bandleader isn’t up to snuff? How about when a festival doesn’t wanna pay local bands? Uh huh. And what do you do when someone spends too much time looking at your pedal board?

Paul and Dave have answers… and not only the titular one. That’s right. We said titular. Enjoy!

The post Eff That – Gig Gab Podcast 221 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Sometimes you get to go on stage with a band of musicians with whom you’ve played many times before. Sometimes you get to go on stage with musicians you’ve never met!

Both can be rewarding – and a little scary! – and it seems Paul and Dave’s bicoastal synchronicity has struck once again. Listen as your two favorite weekend warriors discuss their recent (and upcoming!) experiences with all of this.

First, some thoughts about and for the folks involved with the recent events in Gilroy, too. Stay strong, Gilroy. We know you will!

The post Trusting Your Fellow Musicians – Gig Gab Podcast 220 appeared first on Gig Gab.