Ever wondered how an all-female Aerosmith tribute band came to be? Meet Susie Major, the voice behind Ragdolls, who defied expectations and carved a unique path in the tribute scene.

Susie shares her journey from singing male-dominated rock to leading a band that pays homage to Aerosmith while maintaining its own identity. Discover how she navigated the challenges of forming a tribute band and the unexpected twists along the way.

Press play to hear about the creative process, the importance of authenticity, and why Ragdolls stands out in a crowded field. Don’t miss this insightful conversation that redefines what it means to be a tribute band.

The post RagDolls Rise: Susie Major’s Tribute Band Story — Gig Gab 455 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Dive into the fascinating world of Buck Dharma, the legendary guitarist from Blue Öyster Cult. Buck shares his incredible musical journey, starting from his high school surf band days to becoming a founding member of Blue Öyster Cult—a gig he’s held for over five decades!

Discover how Blue Öyster Cult evolved from playing bars to achieving major success, and learn about the band’s current lineup, which has been rocking together for over 20 years. Buck also reveals his appreciation for technology in live music: in-ear monitors and guitar modeling technology have transformed their performances.

Explore the band’s unique approach to songwriting and harmonies. Buck explains how their music, often mislabeled as heavy metal, actually incorporates complex arrangements and pop sensibilities. Plus, hear about their extensive touring history and the importance of maintaining good relationships within the band for long-term success.

This episode is packed with insights and stories that will resonate with musicians and fans alike. Whether you’re a casual listener or a tech enthusiast, you’ll find something to enjoy. Tune in to Gig Gab and join the conversation!

The post Buck Dharma: Guitars, Tech, and Touring Tales — Gig Gab 454 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Join Dave Hamilton as he explores the fascinating world of microphones with Matt McGlynn, the mastermind behind Roswell Pro Audio. Dive into the origins of Roswell Pro Audio, born from Matt’s passion for sound and his ventures with Recording Hacks and Microphone Parts. Discover the art of choosing the right microphone as Matt breaks down the differences between dynamic and condenser mics, offering tips on selecting the perfect match for your voice.

Ever wondered how to achieve studio-quality sound at home? This episode covers the importance of acoustic treatment, with practical DIY solutions and professional product recommendations to enhance your home studio setup. Plus, learn the insider’s secret: testing multiple microphones side-by-side to find your ideal sound.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a budding enthusiast, this episode promises to equip you with the knowledge and tools to elevate your audio game. Tune in and join the conversation—your voice deserves the best!

https://youtube.com/live/JhCf2AelA9k

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Get ready for an exciting episode of Gig Gab! Join host Dave Hamilton as he dives into the fascinating world of songwriting with the legendary Gary Burr. Discover how Gary’s career took off, writing hits for artists like Juice Newton, and hear about his incredible collaborations with Ringo Starr over the past two decades.

Gary shares his unique approach to songwriting: preferring to write quickly rather than getting bogged down in endless revisions. You’ll learn about his creative process and how he navigates the ups and downs of being a working musician. Plus, Gary gives us a peek into his imaginative book, “Reunion,” a rock and roll fairy tale that envisions a world where John Lennon lived and The Beatles reunited 20 years later.

This episode is packed with insights and stories that will resonate with musicians and music lovers alike. Whether you’re curious about the songwriting process or the lifestyle of a working musician, this episode has something for you. Press play to hear Gary’s tales and tips, and feel inspired by his journey in the music industry!

The post Gary Burr: The Art of Songwriting and Saying Yes — Gig Gab 452 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Get ready for an exciting episode of Gig Gab! Dive into a microphone showdown where Dave compares the Roswell Pro Audio Mini K87 with his trusty Earthworks Ethos. Discover how these mics stack up in sound and setup, offering insights for podcasters and musicians alike.

Ever struggled with cleaning your in-ear monitors? Dave shares a clever tip: use your smartphone’s magnifier app to tackle earwax with ease. It’s a simple yet effective solution that every musician should know!

The episode also delves into the OnSong app update. Learn about the differences between OnSong 2020 and the new OnSong 2024, including enhanced markup features that make managing your music sheets a breeze.

And for REM fans, meet “Begin the Begin,” an REM tribute band dedicated to recreating the iconic sound of the legendary group. Hear about their approach and what makes their performances stand out.

Finally, Dave discusses his experience with the Kelly SHU kick drum microphone mounting system. Discover how this innovative setup enhances bass drum sound and simplifies the mounting process.

Tune in for a mix of tech tips, music insights, and engaging stories that keep you informed and entertained!

The post Listener Feedback, Tips, and Gear Gab Galore — Gig Gab 451 appeared first on Gig Gab.

In this episode, you dive deep into the world of sound with Bryan “Froggy” Cross, where being a bass player was just the start. Froggy shares how his journey starting with Maynard Ferguson and later, Tower of Power, led him from backline work to becoming a tour manager by 21. The key takeaway? Diversify your skills, learn from others, and keep faking it until you make it! With a foundation in audio production, Froggy emphasizes that you’re not producing records when you’re mixing a band live—you’re making them louder. Remember, Always Be Performing, because when you grow, the gigs will find you.

From microphone mastery to In Ear Monitors (IEMs), Froggy breaks down how to craft the best sound on stage. Whether it’s using the Earthworks ETHOS on drum overheads or creating the perfect IEM mix with UE Live, it’s all about finding what works for you. Guitar players, you’re not left out—get the right mic on your cab, start with the guitar, and build your IEM sound from there. Be aware of the physics of sound, dig into frequencies, and never forget the power of a good phase check.

The post Sound Wisdom with Bryan “Froggy” Cross: IEMs, Mics, and More — Gig Gab Podcast 450 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Ever wondered what it’s like to tour with music legends? This episode of Gig Gab takes you behind the scenes with Bob “Doctor Mac” LeVitus, a tech author and former roadie for the Jackson 5 and Shaun Cassidy.

Bob LeVitus, who has authored 92 books on technology, shares his unique journey from aspiring recording engineer to working alongside iconic musicians. With a background in audio and touring production, Bob’s stories are both entertaining and insightful.

In this episode, Bob recounts his early days with the Jackson 5, including the thrill of managing stage lights at the Inglewood Forum and the chaos of Michael Jackson’s spontaneous stage antics. He also delves into his time as a guitar tech for Shaun Cassidy, revealing the behind-the-scenes dynamics of a major tour.

Listeners will also hear about Bob’s transition into writing, his passion for GarageBand, and the unexpected paths his career has taken. Remember, in the world of music and beyond, it’s crucial to “Always Be Performing.”

Tune in to discover untold stories of rock and roll history and gain a new perspective on the music industry. Click to listen now!

The post From The Jackson Five to Shaun Cassidy: Bob LeVitus’ Untold Tales of Touring Legends — Gig Gab 449 appeared first on Gig Gab.

In this episode of Gig Gab, you join Dusty Wright, the former editor of Creem magazine, as he shares stories from his vibrant career in music journalism and live performance. You’ll hear about his encounters with rock legends like Robert Plant and Prince, plus insights on how your influences shape your sound. Dusty also emphasizes the importance of listening and adjusting your setup for each venue, whether it’s a NYC club or a suburban spot. Remember, as you navigate the unpredictability of live art, always be performing.

Dusty dives into his latest album, “Dusted Off,” which features covers that shaped his musical journey. He discusses the thrill of giving Pearl Jam their first cover and reflects on the necessity of adapting your volume and energy for the gig. With new projects on the horizon, including a collaboration with Dana Fuchs, Dusty encourages you to enjoy music with your family. Tune in and get inspired to keep the music alive in your world!

The post From Creem to the Stage: Dusty Wright’s Music Stories – Gig Gab 448 appeared first on Gig Gab.

In this week’s Gig Gab, Bakithi Kumalo joins the show, diving into the passion and journey that led him to music. You’ll hear about how he started playing professionally at just seven years old, practicing on a cardboard bass while singing his bass lines, inspired by the grooves of Motown and James Jamerson. His first real bass came ten years after he had already been playing professionally! Kumalo emphasizes the importance of consistency and showing up, both to get the gig and to stay focused on the music. His mantra is clear: “Sing what you play, and listen to what everyone else is doing.”

The episode goes deeper into Kumalo’s remarkable experiences, from locking in with legendary drummers like Steve Gadd and Vinnie Colaiuta to his life-changing Graceland tour with Paul Simon. Kumalo shares stories of playing for survival in Zululand and how music quite literally saved his life.

Wrapping up with practical advice on getting that perfect mix with IEMs, this episode is a masterclass in how to “Always Be Performing,” no matter where you are in your career.

The post Bakithi Kumalo: Groove, Graceland, and the Power of Consistency — Gig Gab 447 appeared first on Gig Gab.

In this week’s Gig Gab, Mike Schulte joins Dave Hamilton to dive into the world of being more than just your gigs. They highlight how using holidays, creating a video show, and grabbing content ideas from social media can elevate your band’s presence in between gigs. Whether it’s on stage or online, the focus is on building lasting engagement—always keep moving, always keep performing. You’ll learn why Facebook events might not be enough and how to strategically create blocks of songs in your sets to avoid giving your audience a chance to disengage.

From dealing with bandmates’ unpredictable behavior to handling gear endorsements, this episode covers the ups and downs of band life. Find out how treating your band like a business opens doors for custom gear and endorsements, even if you’re not a huge name. Mike and Dave drop nuggets on vocal effects pedals, drum mics, and how your behavior can make or break your chances of landing future gigs. Stay sharp and remember, Always Be Performing!

The post From Bandmates Gone Rogue to Maximizing Gigs: Keep Fans Engaged — Gig Gab 446 appeared first on Gig Gab.