Adam Moskowitz of VAM Band joins Paul and Dave this week on Gig Gab, treating you to an insider’s perspective into all the systems and tricks Adam uses to run his band.

The trio dives deep into the realm of musicianship, from the transition of original bands to cover bands, to the innovative concept of evolving a modular cover band. Adam reveals his tricks on hiring the right band members and harnessing the power of the “Invisible Conductor” through technology both on stage and off.

Gear Gab is a treat as Adam shares his favorite equipment, including the likes of Stage Traxx 3 and Soundcraft UI24R Mixer. As the conversations range from managing consistency to the art of automation, one thing remains clear: whether it’s about choices or overcoming mishaps, it’s vital to “Always Be Performing”.

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A grab bag of topics brings your two favorite weekend warriors together this week, including discussions about setlists, rehearsal techniques, Gear Gab, and the proposal of a whole new scientific theory that very much relates to what we all do here.

Listen as Paul and Dave discuss Nile Rodgers, The Counting Crows, Gretsch Drums, how much space to take up on stage, and a lightning round of fun little stabs to get your creative juices flowing.

Press play, enjoy, and obviously don’t forget: Always Be Performing. Oh, and take care of yourself, too, ok?

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This week on Gig Gab, hosts Dave Hamilton and Paul Kent dive into an energetic discussion about the ever-changing nature of bands. This sparks a thoughtful dialogue about band dynamics, the fragility of music groups, and how to keep things moving forward when lineups shift.

Dave and Paul reflect on their decades of experience playing together in various projects, offering wisdom on commitment, communication, and throwing trust into the mix. There’s no shortage of witty banter as the two musician friends cover recent gigs, pay tribute to legends lost, and ponder that essential question: What would you do if things changed?

It’s a spirited convo fans won’t want to miss, full of laughs and hard-won perspective. Remember, as your two favorite weekend warriors always say, when it comes to performing, rehearsing or podcasting, always be performing!

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Your two favorite weekend warriors discussed the busy gigging weekends they recently had, with Dave playing five gigs in 48 hours. They talked about strategies for avoiding leg cramps after late night gigs, and share details in the episode.

Paul and Dave then gave advice for keeping consistent tempos after a Gig Gab community member wrote in saying their band’s songs speed up over time. They emphasized the importance of band-wide awareness and intention, taking moments of silence to get the right tempo, and having the confidence to hold the tempo steady.

Your hosts agreed the drummer can be the timekeeper if the band decides, but fighting over tempo ruins the groove. They stressed that solid tempo comes from the whole band being locked in together.

Always be performing, the hosts advised – keep gigging, but stay aware and keep working on your musical craft.

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Chris Liscio from SuperMegaUltraGroovy joins Paul Kent and Dave Hamilton, merging the worlds of Apple aficionados and musicians. Chris unveils the origins of his unique company name and shares his musical journey that led to the development of his music learning app, Capo.

As they dive deep, they tackle defining the purpose of Capo—a software for musicians learning by ear, born from Chris’s personal journeys. While it’s amazed the team how various instruments adopt Capo, endorsements from acclaimed artists like Dennis Chambers, Will Lee, Jordan Rudess, and more showcase the app’s impact.

Conversations span from the power of genuine advertising, Chris’s passion for music and jamming sessions with family, to the transformative role of AI in music. They stress Capo’s responsible usage of AI and dive into the nitty-gritty of chord recognition and AI model training.

A lively debate unfolds on the value of learning music by ear, cautioning against over-reliance on tech. They champion the beauty in the struggle of learning, insisting on the magic musicians create when reinterpreting existing tunes.

Press play, and remember: Always Be Performing!

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Tales from the stage, the power of adaptation, and the ins and outs of a performer’s life are the backdrop for this week’s stories. Dave and Paul reminisce about their recent gigs, highlighting the value of resilience when faced with onstage hiccups. Paul’s recent gig cancellation due to health is a sobering reminder of the balance between personal well-being and maintaining a band’s reputation. The duo dives deep into setlist dynamics, analyzing song placement, audience engagement, and the importance of visual elements in live music.

Shifting gears, your two favorite weekend warriors bring attention to the nitty-gritty of live performances, from ensuring singers are visible and connected with the audience to the intriguing behind-the-scenes look at the use of teleprompters as safety nets. Observations from recent concerts, including a notable sound debacle with the opening band Living Colour, highlight ongoing challenges in the industry. The episode wraps up with a story from the Rochester Opera House where sound issues during a SpongeBob run posed significant challenges. Dave’s hands-on intervention, tuning the room, adjusting speaker volumes, and eventually enhancing the overall sound quality, underscores a performer’s commitment to excellence, regardless of recognition. Press play, and remember…Always Be Performing!

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Dave Hamilton and Paul Kent start by exploring the delicate balance between maintaining a song’s recorded tempo while injecting additional energy into live performances. They argue that speeding up a tune can give it an edge and serve as a potent device to amplify its vitality, as long as the decision is intentional and not a product of lost control. This allows the band to keep the adrenaline from driving the performance to a state of chaos. Your two favorite weekend warriors further highlight the importance of band chemistry in executing such tempo changes effectively, emphasizing the necessity for each member to feel and respond to the energy collectively.

In the second half of the conversation, the hosts ponder on professional ethics, stressing the importance of mutual support, mentorship, and networking within the music industry. The discussion underscores the significance of respecting established relationships when dealing with club owners or managers and the damaging implications of bypassing the band leader. As they bring the conversation to a close, the hosts focus on the band’s internal dynamics and the necessity of open policies and discussions, even suggesting that musicians might unexpectedly find themselves in business rather than intentionally starting one.

Remember folks, Always Be Ethical and Always Be Performing. Oh, and press play and enjoy!

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In this week’s Gig Gab, Paul Kent and Dave Hamilton discuss the highs and lows of recent gigs, emphasizing the importance of delivering top-notch performances. They recount a canceled gig due to rain, revealing the strict cancellation policy that left them unpaid, despite perfect weather. Another Saturday gig faced multiple challenges, including a last-minute replacement bass player due to a COVID-19 test. Undeterred, they took the stage and powered through unforeseen setbacks, demonstrating their commitment to “Always Be Performing.”

Your two favorite weekend warriors also delve into the pressure of pleasing discerning audiences, sharing stories of gigs where last-minute changes and rivalries pushed them to excel. They touch on the benefits of chemistry within a band, adapting to new songs and challenges, and the simplicity of cover band gigs that allows for solid, enjoyable performances. Concluding with gratitude to the listeners and a brief break before their return in August, Paul and Dave reassure us all that they’ll always be performing, too, and delivering engaging content!

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In this week’s Gig Gab podcast, hosts Paul Kent and Dave Hamilton delve into the intricacies of leading a band and securing lucrative gigs. The dynamic duo underscore the necessity for unified band goals and shared values, defying the notion that leadership rests solely on the shoulders of the band leader. They stress the importance of effective communication to maintain a harmonious group dynamic and avoid surprises. From a practical standpoint, they discuss the significance of band identity and the influence of everyone’s commitments on the group’s decisions. Throughout the discussion, they keep the listener reminded of their mantra: “Always Be Performing”.

Digging deeper, the hosts draw from their rich personal experiences, highlighting instances of unanticipated decisions by band members and the ensuing consequences. They outline the challenges in managing multiple commitments and the delicate balance of treating bandmates as friends versus business partners. Mentioning a handy app, “Where’s the Gig“, they demonstrate the use of modern tools to manage band commitments. They emphasize the importance of understanding band member’s thresholds in order to gain leverage, and the gradual shift from friendship to business-like interactions, essential for running a band professionally. Through a captivating anecdote of a sideman who changed his terms but stayed committed until replaced, they explore varied interpretations of commitment within a band.

Press play, enjoy, and always be performing!

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In this Gig Gab episode Dave & Paul discuss their recent gigs and the differences in sound quality from stage-to-stage. They then touch on the importance of communication and awareness among band members while performing. Your two favorite weekend warriors delve into the dynamics of being a musician in different areas and the struggle for fair compensation. Plus, they announce an upcoming interview with our friend Nick Chargin and share alternative ways to engage with fans. Stay tuned and always be performing!

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