This week on Gig Gab, guest co-host Daniel East joins Dave Hamilton for a deep dive into the art of harmonies and the essentials of live sound. You’ll discover how to add harmonies to your band by honing in on the timbre of each singer and experimenting in real-time with just a guitar or piano. Whether you’re aiming for the Eagles’ perfection in a gymnasium or channeling the Bee Gees on a couch, nailing harmonies means knowing when to start and stop, as well as understanding if your lead singer naturally veers sharp or flat. Always Be Performing by ensuring your harmonies elevate the lead, not overshadow it.

When it comes to miking and mixing drums in small to medium clubs, balance is key. Start with a well-balanced stage sound and tweak from there—pulling out some midrange from the toms can prevent them from overpowering the mix. The gear talk doesn’t stop there; from the Stage Ninja MIC-12-CB Gooseneck Mic Clamp to the Yamaha TF-Rack, and even the Zoom H1 XLR Portable Digital Recorder, Dave and Dan cover the tools that keep your setup sharp. Whether you’re fine-tuning your instruments or your sound, remember: Always Be Performing.

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Dive into the world of music and neuroscience with Daniel Levitin on this week’s Gig Gab! Join him and Dave Hamilton as they unpack Dan’s upcoming book, “I Heard There Was a Secret Chord: Music as Medicine”, releasing August 27th. Discover the intricacies of the Default Mode Network, and how music impacts everything from opioid release to temporary cognitive effects. Uncover the neurological roots of our musical preferences, balancing expectation with surprise, and hear Dan’s insights on the fascinating “Levitin Effect” where we inherently remember songs in their correct key.

As they chat, you’ll hear stories of Dan playing with legends like Victor Wooten and Bobby McFerrin, and insights on grabbing gigs through connections, like the time David Byrne invited him to play Brian Eno’s guitar parts. From the festival stages of Helsinki to intimate venues in Los Angeles, Dan’s musical journey is a testament to the show’s catchphrase, “Always Be Performing.” Tune in for a masterclass in blending science and music, and get inspired to keep performing no matter where your musical path takes you.

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Get ready to dive into Dave Hamilton’s action-packed summer as he recounts his nonstop gig schedule, from Bitter Pill’s high-energy performances to subbing with way-too-many bands, and his next adventure with a new band, Casual Gravity. With gigs piling up and Podcast Movement on the horizon, you’ll hear how Dave is living out the show’s motto: Always Be Performing… perhaps to a fault!

Next, tune in as Dave tackles listener feedback, offering tips on communicating with your sound engineer and mastering the basics of dB and EQ. Plus, Gear Gab highlights the new Earthworks Audio DK6 Drum Mic Kit, perfect for capturing every beat. Stick around for a sneak peek at upcoming episodes, including an interview with Daniel Levitin on the healing power of music.

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This week on Gig Gab, dive into the fascinating journey of Kirk Hamilton, a saxophonist turned podcaster, who brings a wealth of musical insight to the table. Starting as a student at the University of Miami’s Jazz Program, Kirk’s path led him from songwriting and guitar playing to forming the Square Tape Band in San Francisco. His passion for teaching blossomed at The Urban School, eventually steering him into the world of video game blogging and a full-time role at Kotaku. Kirk shares how this eclectic background culminated in launching his podcast, Strong Songs, where he dissects musical pieces with the same enthusiasm he once brought to the teaching his students…and everything else Kirk has ever done!

As the episode unfolds, Kirk and Dave delve into memorable Strong Songs episodes, exploring the emotional depth of Toto’s “Africa” and the complexities of the “Rosanna” drum shuffle. They also touch on the possibility of a Strong Songs live band, and the trio of skills every musician should hone: teaching, learning, and performing. The discussion wraps up with a fun comparison of Led Zeppelin’s “Fool In The Rain” and Genesis’ “Misunderstanding,” underscoring how the history of music connects everything to everything else. Remember, whether you’re teaching, learning, or performing, the key is to Always Be Performing!

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This week’s Gig Gab podcast brings you an electrifying episode with Brian Ray, diving deep into his illustrious career and the recent release of his latest album, “My Town.” You’ll kick off with a fun story as Brian shares tales from his Halloween 1973 tour supporting Monster Mash, including the quirky experience of being having his high-school band invited to tour with Bobby “Boris” Pickett. Brian reminisces about how the transistor radio and Wolfman Jack shaped his musical journey, leading up to the release of “My Town” on Stevie Van Zandt’s Wicked Cool Records. Always Be Performing, Ray recounts being on stage with Paul McCartney, highlighting McCartney’s meticulous involvement in every aspect of their performances.

The conversation takes a technical turn as Brian discusses the nuances of in-ear monitors versus custom filters, likening rock and roll to chamber music and needing to be connected audibly and visually with his bandmates. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at Stevie Van Zandt as a collaborator and the innovative use of AI in the “Bad 4U” video. Brian contrasts recording alone in a studio with the energy of playing live alongside drummers like Abe Laboriel Jr., Erik Eldenius, and Pete Thomas. Wrapping up with colorful stories of zombie makeup and playing Monster Mash at Phil Kaufman’s house, rehearsing with Etta James, and run-ins with Dr. Demento and Oingo Boingo, this episode is a testament to a lifetime of ‘Always Be Performing.’

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In this week’s Gig Gab episode, guest co-host Mike Schulte teams up with Dave Hamilton to tackle the world of music with humor and insight, and maybe a little controversy. They dive into why musicians often shun karaoke, dubbing it “beer league singing”—but that’s not a bad thing! Mike shares his whirlwind experience of playing 11 shows in 22 days, emphasizing the golden rule: “Don’t cancel shows!” Even when Murphy’s Law is in full swing, the show must go on. From discussing the joy of downloading full charts to perfect your performance to debating the merits of tribute bands, the episode is a goldmine for musicians. They even brainstorm hilarious tribute band names like “We’re Halfway There” for a Bon Jovi band and “Jonas Swift” for a Taylor Swift/Jonas Brothers mashup.

The conversation shifts to the longevity of Taylor Swift’s music and whether it will stand the test of time. The hosts humorously explore the idea of playing for “pink slips,” and compare the dynamics of sports teams to bands. They reminisce about epic Battle of the Bands war stories, noting how these intense moments can leave valuable “chips on our shoulders.” As always, the show encourages musicians to “Always Be Performing,” even when the going gets tough. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or a newcomer, this episode offers a perfect blend of practical advice and laugh-out-loud moments.

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Dive into this episode of Gig Gab as Dave Hamilton walks you through setting up your digital mixer like a pro. From the basics of setting your input gain to the intricacies of dialing in compression, you’ll master the essential skills needed to get your sound just right. Dave breaks down the differences between Parametric and Graphic EQs and introduces you to the Real Time Analyzer (RTA), a powerful tool for refining your mix. Always Be Performing by ensuring every aspect of your setup is optimized for live gigs or recording sessions.

Moving beyond the basics, Dave shares expert tips on managing gain and compression for drums and other instruments, crucial for achieving a balanced mix. Learn how to tune your mixer to the room by turning on the speakers and using your iPhone’s Measure app to set the delay on your mains accurately. This episode is packed with actionable insights that will elevate your sound engineering game, helping you to Always Be Performing at your best.

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This week’s Gig Gab is a must-listen as journeyman drummer Tris Imboden joins Dave Hamilton, bringing a wealth of musical history and wisdom. Dive into Tris’s fascinating career, from growing up in the musically rich Orange County, to the unforgettable moment he saw The Beatles live, despite barely hearing them over the screaming fans. You’ll love the tales of his early days with instrumental surf bands and how his band Honk’s soundtrack success in Hawaii set the stage for future opportunities. Tris’s story of playing a sold-out week at The Troubador, only to have the band implode right on the verge of breaking through, echoes the bittersweet reality of many musicians’ careers.

Fast forward to Tris’s transition into a sought-after studio musician, including his audition for the Kenny Loggins Band, and you’ll find invaluable lessons on perseverance and readiness. The discussion on in-ear monitors and the importance of protecting your hearing offers practical advice for every musician. Tris shares his preferences for in-ear mixes and reflects on the perks of working with Chicago for so many years. From playing on Ringo Starr’s drums backing up Ringo himself to insights on keeping a band together, this episode is packed with stories and tips that embody the show’s catchphrase: Always Be Performing.

The post Tris Imboden Talks Rock ‘n’ Roll, In-Ear Monitors, Kenny Loggins, and More — Gig Gab 438 appeared first on Gig Gab.

In this week’s Gig Gab, Dave Hamilton is joined by Lara Supan from Midwood Entertainment to dive deep into the role of a booking agent for developing bands. Lara teaches us that a booking agent excels in routings, venue knowledge, negotiation, and strategy, but they won’t grow your fanbase or bring people to your shows; that’s your job!

Also, timing is everything: booking agents work on commission and expect a minimum of $100K in tour revenue annually, with solid ticket sales in multiple markets. If you’re a band thinking like a small business, you should hire to your weaknesses and always look to expand your team.

Getting ready for a booking agent means keeping your ticket sales data organized and maintaining a strong social media presence, especially on platforms like TikTok, at least these days. Once you have an agent, your job is to sell tickets and think long-term, planning shows 2-3 years out. Festivals like Mile of Music can help, but the real key is sustainability and growth of your headlining shows. And when doing those, remember, it’s not just about your first show; it’s about the next. Always Be Performing, and make sure to deliver—and sell those tickets—every time you take the stage!

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Join Dave Hamilton and guest co-host Mike Schulte from Pork Tornadoes and Confused Breakfast on Gig Gab 436! Dive into the wild world of subbing as a drummer, but beware—your online persona might just scare off potential gigs by making you seem too busy. Mike shares hilarious tales and sage advice on learning and teaching beat placement, ensuring you make that click disappear and even become your new best friend. And hey, learning to love modern country music? Trust us, it’s a thing.

Get ready to burn the charts in effigy as you explore techniques to learn new songs quickly (shout out to Karaoke-Version.com). Discover the differences between sub gigs and pickup gigs, and figure out if you want to be just another bar band or strive for cover band greatness.

Don’t miss the Gear Gab segment on UE Pro Universals—because let’s face it, Always Be Performing means having the right gear to rock out in style.

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