October 15, 2025

Steve Boucher: How Musicians Book High-Value Gigs | The Shift EP 20

51 minutes

Want to move from background bar sets to premium, repeat bookings? Americana artist Steve Boucher breaks down how he built a calendar of corporate, wedding, and listening-room gigs—plus the guitar tone & setlist strategies that keep clients calling.

What you’ll learn (fast, practical takeaways):

• From bars to premium: using residencies and word-of-mouth to unlock higher-value shows (and say “no” more often).

• Where the work is: PGA receptions, DC rooftops, Annapolis Boat Show, beach venues, house concerts—how each one books differently.

• Repertoire that wins: why ~600 songs matters, pre-planning vs on-the-fly requests, and creating sing-along moments.

• Listening rooms vs restaurants: designing shows for attention, not ambience—and how to become the night’s “anchor.”

• Gear that sounds like you: K&K Pure Mini, simple DI/Bose chain, and when to add an all-in-one board (compression, verb, boost).

• Guitar talk that clients notice: Adirondack spruce tops, torrified builds, and why this translates to feel + projection.

• Service mindset: MC duties, using your PA for speeches, and setting the vibe that makes events run smoother.

Enjoyed the episode? Follow the show on Podbean, and leave a rating/review on Apple Podcasts. Have a takeaway or question? Drop a Podbean comment or DM us on Instagram.

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Connect with Steve Boucher & Boucher Guitars

STEVE BOUCHER — OFFICIAL & SOCIAL

Website: https://steveboucher.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevebouchermusic/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SteveBoucherMusic/

BOUCHER GUITARS — OFFICIAL & SOCIAL

Website (EN): https://boucherguitars.com/

Website (FR): https://guitareboucher.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boucherguitars/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guitaresboucher/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCDcr-KKfbOr43tez5CyBsOg

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Podcast Production Gear

• Main Camera (Wide Shot): Nikon Zf + Voigtländer 40mm f/1.2

• Joe (Close-Up): Sony FX3 + Sony 70–200mm f/2.8 GM II

• Mike (Close-Up): Sony A7 IV + Sony 135mm f/1.8 GM

• Guest (Close-Up): Sony A7C II + Sigma 85mm f/1.4 Art

• Main Audio: Shure SM7B (Joe & Mike)

• Guest Audio: Neumann clone kit mic

• Interface: Focusrite Scarlett 18i18

• Audio Software: Reaper

• Video Editing: DaVinci Resolve Studio

• Lighting: Amaran 100x & 200x softboxes + Amaran tube lights

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By The Shift with Mike & Joe