In this episode, John breaks down why every working musician needs to be able to clearly articulate their gigging philosophy. Not some abstract idea, but a real, usable answer to the question: “Why do I do what I do, in the way I do it?” Because if you can’t say it, you probably can’t live it consistently. And when that’s the case, your decisions get reactive, your communication gets muddy, and your gigs start to feel scattered.

John digs into how a defined philosophy acts like a filter for everything, the gigs you take, the way you show up, and how you interact with venues and audiences. It’s not about being rigid, it’s about being clear enough to adjust on purpose instead of drifting by accident. 

The episode includes a Top 10 list that puts this into real-world terms, showing how a solid philosophy leads to better mental health, stronger communication, and a more sustainable, enjoyable life as a gigging musician.

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If you have a question, an idea for a show, or you would just like to say "hey," you can drop me an email at [email protected]

It’s the 10th episode! Thanks so much for listening.

On this special 10th episode, John interviews Nashville recording artist and songwriter Kevin Marcy in a special double episode all wrapped in one.

Kevin Marcy is a California-born country artist best known as a founding member of The Marcy Brothers, the trio he formed in 1983 with his brothers Kris and Kendal in Oroville, California. The group built a strong regional following before relocating to Nashville in pursuit of a major label deal, ultimately signing with Warner Bros. and Atlantic Records. 

Between 1989 and 1991, The Marcy Brothers charted six singles on the Billboard country charts, including their highest-charting hit, “Cotton Pickin’ Time,” and earned recognition for being among the first to record what would later become “Achy Breaky Heart.” 

During their run, they shared stages with legends like Brad Paisley, George Strait, Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, and Alabama. After the band disbanded in 1999, Kevin continued his career as a solo performer, carrying forward a lifetime rooted in country music, road-tested experience, and a deep connection to the craft.

Links to things mentioned in the podcast:

Kevin’s Solo Album-Greatest Hits You’ve Never Heard

The Marcy Brothers-Don’t Tell My Heart

The Marcy Brothers-Cotton Pickin’ Time

Sunny Mitchell Musical Projects

Book Kevin at: [email protected]

The songs, "Beside You" and "It Would be You" are both used by permission for this podcast ℗© 2018 Kevin Marcy

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If you have a question, an idea for a show, or you would just like to say "hey," you can drop me an email at [email protected]

A gig cancellation can feel like a punch to the gut, especially when you’ve had it circled on the calendar for months. 

In this episode of Gig to Live, John talks honestly about the frustration performers feel when plans fall apart and the ripple effects it can have on both momentum and morale. With humor and perspective, he explores the posture working musicians can take when things go sideways, how to navigate conversations with venues, and why professionalism still matters in the moment. 

John rounds things out with a practical Top Ten list of smart ways to make the most of the unexpected opening in your schedule.

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If you have a question, an idea for a show, or you would just like to say "hey," you can drop me an email at [email protected]

In this episode of Gig to Live, John explores a simple but important idea: when you’ve been performing for a long time, it’s easy to miss things. Habits form, routines take over, and certain details that once mattered can slowly drift out of focus. Episode 8 invites musicians to take a fresh look at their craft and reconsider some of the subtle ways a performance can lose clarity over time. Or, perhaps, the listener will learn something for the very first time.

Drawing on communication strategies and theories of public address, John reflects on how the same principles that guide effective speakers also apply to working performers. With his usual mix of humor, honesty, and insight, he offers listeners a thoughtful reminder that great performances are not just about the songs we play, but about how clearly we communicate with the room. 

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If you have a question, an idea for a show, or you would just like to say "hey," you can drop me an email at [email protected]

In this episode, John continues the conversation in Let’s Talk About Money, Part Two,  continuing a countdown of Top Ten items, beginning with number 7.  With humor, straight talk, and a few hard truths, John explores the habits that keep musicians underpaid and the decisions that help them build a sustainable career. This episode offers practical perspective from someone who makes his living gig to gig.

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If you have a question, an idea for a show, or you would just like to say "hey," you can drop me an email at [email protected]

In this episode, John opens the conversation many musicians quietly avoid, sidestep, ignore, or start breaking out in hives over . . . but constantly think about: money. In Let’s Talk About Money, Part One, he digs into the realities of getting paid as a working musician and why understanding your financial landscape is just as important as knowing your setlist. 

With his usual mix of humor, honesty, and practical insight, John begins unpacking the foundational ideas every gigging musician needs to understand about pricing, value, and the mindset around asking for what you’re worth. 

Support the show

If you have a question, an idea for a show, or you would just like to say "hey," you can drop me an email at [email protected]

In this episode, John examines the Top 10 Ways to Choose Songs That Work. Drawing from years of real-world gigging, he lays out a practical trail map for performers who want their sets to land with the room instead of drifting past it. More than a list, this episode is a set of signposts for the long road of working musicianship. 

John talks about why some songs consistently pull people back into the moment while others quietly lose the room, and how learning to recognize those patterns is part of surviving and thriving as a gigging musician. If you want your setlist to work for you, for the venue, and for the people listening, this episode offers a clear and practical guide.

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If you have a question, an idea for a show, or you would just like to say "hey," you can drop me an email at [email protected]

In this episode, John talks about the hard truth most gigging musicians eventually face. Running from gig to gig can work for a season, but it is not a long-term plan. The hustle feels noble, even exciting at first, but burnout, inconsistent income, and physical fatigue catch up if that is your only strategy. 

He unpacks how thriving musicians build income streams that rhyme with their craft. Opportunities that strengthen their brand instead of distracting from it. If you want longevity instead of just survival, this episode is a wake-up call and a potential roadmap.

Support the show

If you have a question, an idea for a show, or you would just like to say "hey," you can drop me an email at [email protected]

In this episode, John pulls back the curtain on what venue owners actually want from the musicians they hire. Drawing from years of experience as a full-time working performer and from having seen the business from the other side of the stage as a former venue owner, he explains that it is rarely just about talent.

If you have ever wondered why some players stay booked while others constantly scramble, this episode’s Top Ten list about what a venue actually wants will sharpen your perspective. If you want more gigs and better gigs, you need to understand what the buyer actually cares about.

Support the show

If you have a question, an idea for a show, or you would just like to say "hey," you can drop me an email at [email protected]

John breaks down a Top 10 list that makes a clear, practical case for why gigging musicians cannot afford to operate alone. He lays out real-world reasons community matters, from sharing leads and covering gigs to protecting standards and strengthening the local scene.

Beneath the practical advice is something bigger. A vision for a healthier music culture. A compassionate reminder that the person on the other side of the stage is not your competition, but your colleague. A straightforward, sometimes blunt look at ego, scarcity, and the damage isolation can do. This episode is both a playbook and a perspective shift, grounded in experience and aimed at building something that lasts.

Support the show

If you have a question, an idea for a show, or you would just like to say "hey," you can drop me an email at [email protected]