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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Dive into Gig Gab 435 where Dave Hamilton teams up with guest co-host Adam Johnson from Cover Band Confidential for an electrifying episode. They kick things off with recent gig adventures, including the thrill of corporate live band karaoke and the indispensable value of rehearsals when subbing. Adam and Dave share insights on transitioning from analog to digital mixers, highlighting gear like Behringer XR and Mackie DL-series, and emphasizing the benefits of built-in compressors and parametric EQs for your weekend warrior band. As always, remember to “Always Be Performing.”

The conversation doesn’t stop there. Adam introduces his B.A.N.D. system, a treasure trove of inspiration to keep you moving forward without fear of failure. They explore the allure of new gear like baritone guitars and share tips for staying awake on long drives home from gigs, with sunflower seeds and Diet Mountain Dew as trusty companions.

The episode wraps up with shoutouts to must-listen podcasts like Disgraceland, Strong Songs, and Adam’s Cover Band Confidential. Don’t miss this jam-packed session—share the show and keep the performance spirit alive!

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In this week’s Gig Gab podcast, Dave Hamilton teams up with guest co-host Crisco to dive into the dynamic world of keeping a band on the road. They kick things off with some fun banter about “Take Your Cat To Work Day” before jumping into the nitty-gritty of band management. From the chaos of uncoordinated coordination to the crucial role of spreadsheets, they explore the transition from musician to manager. You’ll get practical tips like taking contract screenshots for those times when you’re off the grid and gain insights into making music in the ever-evolving post-pandemic scene.

As the discussion heats up, they talk about tools like Artist Growth Workspace and Master Tour that streamline the touring process. Discover how bands like Bella’s Bartok and Mama’s Marmalade navigate their journeys from band to business, and how adding live drums can transform a band’s sound, as seen with Bitter Pill. Live music is more than just sound—it’s a visual art, and your best role might be yet to be discovered. With anecdotes from playing three bands in one night to must-listen recommendations like the Strong Songs Podcast and Questlove Supreme, you’ll leave inspired to Always Be Performing.

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In this episode of Gig Gab, Dave Hamilton is joined by Heather Smith and Paul Giovine, diving into the serendipity of musical connections. Heather shares how a chance meeting led to her cautiously getting on stage for the first time when Dave played with Simon Santiago five years ago. Last month, Heather released an record of her original tunes!

From her first time on stage with a band to releasing her own album, Heather’s journey is a testament to the power of persistence. She recounts how a Craigslist ad for a bass player unexpectedly turned her into a backup singer and then eventually into a lead singer…as a sub at first! Heather also reveals the struggle of starting her own band, Glitter & Camo, and the internal battle of convincing herself not to give up.

Heather, Paul, and Dave discuss the evolution of EPs and the importance of taking small, manageable steps to handle uncomfortable situations. They emphasize the idea that success often finds you when you least expect it, rather than the other way around. The episode highlights practical tips for cueing a band and the dynamics of playing covers in an original band. Throughout, the message is clear: Always Be Performing, and don’t let self-doubt hold you back from your musical ambitions.

Cover image from 2019, when Dave, Simon, and Heather played together (Heather’s first time on stage!)

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In this week’s Gig Gab, with guest cohost Daniel East returning to join Dave Hamilton, you dive into the essentials of managing your hearing and gear during and after gigs. Amanda’s question about affordable in-ear monitors (IEMs) leads to recommendations including the Sennheiser IE100 Pro and Juicy Earz, highlighting the importance of investing in quality gear without breaking the bank. Remember, the goal is to “Always Be Performing” at your best, and that includes protecting your most valuable asset – your hearing.

The discussion then moves to the finer points of creating the perfect IEM mix. They emphasize starting from zero, building your levels up gradually, and ensuring no two instruments occupy the same stereo space. Trust both your ears and eyes when adjusting your mix, and keep it simple by taking as little as possible from the main mix. Wrapping up, they provide practical tips on ear care, such as using ear bulb syringes and avoiding ear candling. Stay sharp, stay safe, and keep performing at your peak!

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Welcome to another exciting episode of Gig Gab! This week, Dave Hamilton dives into the whirlwind of recent and upcoming gigs, tackling six gigs with five different bands in June alone. He also discusses the challenges of playing a gig without in-ear monitors and the invaluable lessons from recent guests. From Robert Scovill’s advice on delaying mains in any size room to Mike Schulte’s insights on using a splitter snake for easier setups, and Chris Breen’s reminder to read the stage as well as the room, there’s plenty to learn. Remember, “Always Be Performing” as you take these tips to your own gigs.

In the Gear Gab segment, Dave highlights the Earthworks SR117 microphone and explores the latest tools of the trade, including Adam’s suggestion to use Suno’s AI for creating theme songs for your band. Dave also shares how you can use Spotify URLs to enhance your playlists when prepping for gigs. Listener Mike shares one his recent favorite podcasts, Strong Songs’ “Limb By Limb” episode for nerding out on song dissections.

As always, Dave is eager for your feedback about the show and what projects you’re involved in. Keep innovating, and never forget to “Always Be Good to Hang With!”

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Dive into this week’s Gig Gab podcast, where Dave Hamilton and guest co-host Bob Vose tackle the highs and lows of a musician’s journey. From the golden days of Fortune’s original reign to navigating the challenging shifts brought by grunge, Bob dishes out stories of the Peanut Butter & Jelly Tour, selling out 700-seat venues, and the reality of playing “risky” songs that most bands avoid. With nods to industry greats like Boston and Queensryche, and tales of relentless rehearsal schedules, Bob reminds us that even as trends change, the secret to longevity is to “Always Be Performing.”

They explore Fortune’s evolution from originals to covers, underscoring the necessity of putting “fannies in the seats”, starting with the tried-and-true formula: one cover, two originals, repeat. Vose shares insights on preserving your voice, the chemistry of a tight-knit band, and how to keep shows fresh…all while handling uninvited guests on stage!

Whether you’re playing Foreplay/Long Time or Stairway to Heaven, the art of performing is vital, so remember: maintain your voice, rehearse responsibly, and deliver every show like it’s your last!

The post Three Decades of Harmony: Bob Vose on Fortune’s Formula for Staying Together — Gig Gab 430 appeared first on Gig Gab.

In this week’s episode of Gig Gab, Robert Scovill brings his wealth of live audio expertise to the show. As a front-of-house engineer for legendary acts like Tom Petty, Prince, Kenny Chesney, and Rush, Scovill shares the art of balancing sound in massive stadiums while ensuring the audience gets a crystal-clear experience, especially in the crucial front-fill zone. He emphasizes the importance of integrity, stating that “facts are not truth” in the quest to blend technical perfection with the creative essence of the artists. He advises managing the trade-offs inherent to audio mixing, as live music remains a visual art form where “Always Be Performing” is key. Scovill discusses managing sound for Kenny Chesney’s stadium tour and recounts working with Matchbox 20 on a silent stage, sharing how cell phone videos can be instrumental in helping to reveal potential audio issues.

Scovill dives deep into drum audio techniques, recommending starting with stereo overheads and advising against isolating the drums in an “aquarium.” He also explores his favorite microphones and explains why in-ear monitors (IEMs) have positively impacted performers.

Scovill wraps up with stories from touring with Rush and insights into beamforming technology at U2’s innovative Sphere shows. Throughout the episode, he remains open to ideas and resources, underscoring the importance maintaining audio integrity and continually refining one’s craft in pursuit of perfect live sound.

Press play and enjoy, folks…and always be performing!

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This week on Gig Gab, Mike Schulte returns for a lively discussion on the finesse of live performances band dynamics. He and Dave Hamilton kick off with a chat about “Playing ‘Less’ for More Money,” exploring how reducing the number of gigs you play can lead to greater impact and potentially higher pay. As they delve into the struggles musicians face, “The Waiting Is The Hardest Part” segment sheds light on the patience required in the industry, from waiting around for gigs to begin to mastering the interpersonal dynamics in your band. They also offer invaluable tips on achieving the best sound for your instruments in any room, emphasizing that great sound is key to a memorable performance—because you should always be performing.

Mike and Dave also address the delicate balance between a musician’s ego and the band’s overall sound in “Is Your Sound Part of Your Ego? Or Part of What’s Best For Your Band?” Here, they encourage musicians to make sound choices that serve the band’s best interests. The episode is peppered with practical advice, from managing stage equipment like cables and snakes efficiently to choosing the right gear like BFSD for snare drums and Smokin Ace Rectangular Cymbal Shields to enhance stage sound. For any musician looking to refine their craft and learn the ropes of effective stage management, this episode is packed with critical insights and tools to help you shine in your next gig.

Press play, enjoy, and always be performing!

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In the latest episode of Gig Gab, you’ll catch Eric Jackson and Carlo Carluccio from Boston’s own Best Not Broken sharing their journey from cover band roots to rocking high-energy performances with a mix of originals and covers, including an unforgettable opening gig for Barry Goudreau’s Engine Room. They spill on mastering the art of self-promotion—think relentless social media engagement, eye-catching posters, and savvy online PR campaigns. It’s not just about music; it’s about creating a relatable product. So, dive deep into their strategies to build brand recognition, foster radio relationships, and keep the business side as sharp as their harmonies. Remember, always be performing.

Switching gears, the duo discusses the technical side of their shows, from managing setlists to incorporating tracks and clicks effectively—for them, just the drummer gets the click, no one else! They weave in crowd-pleasers like “Freebird” and “Don’t Fear The Reaper” alongside their hits like “Tell Me You Want Me,” creating a seamless blend that keeps the audience engaged (all while proving why the rhythm section is so crucial!).

Whether you’re navigating the challenges of promotion or the intricacies of performance management, take a leaf out of Best Not Broken’s playbook and keep the focus sharp: always be performing.

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