This week on Gig Gab, Dave Hamilton welcomes guest cohost Adam Moskowitz from VAM Band, diving deep into the essence of musicianship and leadership. Adam shares his unique perspective on structuring your band life around personal commitments, showcasing how he manages the VAM Band. The discussion peels back the layers on how the “Bandleader Advantage” can help you book gigs that fit seamlessly into your lifestyle, emphasizing the VAM Jam life where every performance counts. They touch upon the enriching experience the ingenious MySet Request App, enhancing gig interaction and fulfilling audience expectations—because, remember, you should always be performing.

Further, they explore the transformative insights gained from legendary performances, like Phish’s iconic Baker’s Dozen in 2017, and how these experiences can redefine your band’s approach to live shows, making each one a unique spectacle. Lessons from music giants like Paul McCartney and Flea are dissected to inspire musicians to transcend everyday gig logistics. The conversation shifts to practical tips on navigating the industry and the critical importance of protecting your rate turf. They wrap up with a focus on building a community around your band and reveal the creative origins of the VAM Band’s name, blending personal connections with dynamic musical expression.

Press play and enjoy, folks!

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 425 – Monday, April 15th, 2024
  • April 15th: World Art Day
  • Guest Co-host: Adam Moskowitz from VAM Band
• 00:02:00 Heading back to the Bass(ics)!
• 00:04:22 The Bandleader Advantage
  • Book around YOUR life
  • VAM Jam life
• 00:08:45 SXSW Martin Scorcese’s Shine a Light Film from SXSW 2008
• 00:11:02 MySet Request App
• 00:16:51 The Experience of Seeing Phish
  • The Baker’s Dozen in 2017
  • august-05-2017-madison-square-garden-new-york-ny-usa.html">Phish Boston Cream night
• 00:21:37 Relating Phish’s Lessons to Your Band
  • Making Each Show Unique
• 00:26:48 Demolishing The Fourth Wall — And Pulling Teeth
• 00:33:44 Learning from McCartney
  • Paul McCartney
  • Flea
  • Family Man Aston Barrett
  • Transcending The Logistics of The Moment
• \00:38:19 Doing Gigs as a Front of House engineer
• 00:40:41 Always Be…Prepared
• 00:45:02 Pick Up Gig…A Story!
  • Never Do Live Math
  • Private Stock Band
  • Digging into The Reserves
  • “Here’s our asking price. If for some reason that doesn’t work for you, let’s chat.”
  • “I want to make sure I pay everyone well.”
  • “We were paid [x] recently…Does That Work For You?”
  • Protecting Your Rate Turf
• 01:03:04 Building Your Band’s Community
  • Musical Skydiving
• 01:10:28 Where did the name “VAM Band” come from?
  • Vibrant Audio Magic
  • Vivid Amplified Melodies
  • Velocity Anthem Makers
  • Very Awesome Music
  • Family First: Vicky Adam Melina
• 01:14:31 Gig Gab 425 Outtro
  • Contact Adam Moskowitz & The VAM Band
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Demolishing Walls & Pulling Teeth with Adam Moskowizard — Gig Gab 425 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Dive deep into the essence of live music production with insights from Dave Cook and Lewis Fawcett of Area 52 Studios joining Dave Hamilton on Gig Gab. As they navigate the intricacies of creating the perfect in-ear monitor mix for artists like Natalie Merchant, they emphasize the delicate balance between clarity and ambiance. Incorporating ambient mics and reverb, while not forgetting the foundational elements of a solid mix, Dave Cook reminds us that to truly captivate an audience, one must “Always Be Performing” with an impeccable sound.

Their discussion extends beyond the technical, touching on the human elements of touring and recording, from the crucial hospitality towards artists to the mixed emotions of touring without loved ones. Lewis Fawcett, with a background enriched by family connections to Spymob and NER*D, shares some sage advice!

From road essentials like a dual-voltage collapsible kettle for that necessary coffee to favorite microphones that capture every nuance of performance, this episode is a treasure trove for those looking to refine their live sound or studio recordings, while always keeping the audience’s experience at the forefront.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 424 – Monday, April 8th, 2024
  • April 8th: Step Into The Spotlight Day
  • Guest Co-hosts: Dave Cook and Lewis Fawcett from 52-studios.com/">Area 52 Studios
  • Last time was June, 2020 for Gig Gab 258
• 00:03:03 Dave on Mixing Monitors for Natalie Merchant
  • George Cowan was FOH
  • Dreamland Recording Studios
  • Keep Your Courage (Natalie Merchant, 2023)
• 00:08:55 Building an IEM Mix
  • Compromise and Get What You Need To Do The Gig
  • Ambient Mics
  • Add Reverb
  • Start with a good-sounding mix
  • Extra Kick-and-Snare
• 00:21:12 Lewis Fawcett
  • Logic vs. ProTools
  • Sophomore at Cornell College
• 00:24:01 The importance of hospitality
• 00:28:25 Lewis is part of the family
  • Eric Fawcett from Spymob and N*E*R*D
• 00:31:08 From Spymob to Pharrell
  • SXSW – Pat from The Black Keys: “The first  rule when you have a band is don’t break up the band. That’s the only rule.“
• 00:36:42 The Grinds and Benefits of Touring
  • The Guilt of Being in Amazing Places Without Your Family
• 00:43:49 Road Necessities
  • A bicycle
  • Dual-voltage collapsable kettle (for coffee)
• 00:45:58 Favorite Microphones
  • Roswell Pro Audio
  • Mini K47 Microphone
  • Royer SF-24 and 122-R
  • Laurie Anderson (and Lou Reed)
  • Sennheiser 441-U
  • Pyle Drum Microphones
  • Behringer BA 19A
  • MXL 2006
  • AKG Perception 
  • Shure SM57
  • Telefunken M80 (on a snare drum!)
  • Heil PR 31BW
  • Heil PR 40
  • Earthworks Ethos
• 01:04:26 Respect Your Audience
• 01:08:03 Sessions from Area 52
• 01:11:34 Gig Gab 424 Outtro
  • Contact 52-studios.com/dave-cook-credits-bio/">Dave Cook @ Area 52 Studios
  • Lewis & his Sister – The Shed LC
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Gear Gab and Lessons from The Road with Area 52 Studios — Gig Gab 424 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Guest co-host Matt Gibson and Dave Hamilton dive into the essence of evolving as a musician in the digital age, discussing everything from the impact of social media followers to the intrinsic value of having a producer. Matt Gibson shares his journey, highlighting a significant moment where he lost a million followers, yet, underscoring the lesson of going where the attention is, as inspired by Gary Vee. The conversation moves towards understanding the power of reciprocity and why many artists find themselves financially strapped, citing Grant Cardone’s perspective on the starvation of artists. They challenge the notion that asking for money or help diminishes the value of one’s art, arguing instead that success is directly correlated to the effort invested.

Transitioning into the more practical aspects of music entrepreneurship, the discussion outlines actionable steps for building a band with a business mindset. From brainstorming a comprehensive task list to leveraging technology like ChatGPT for business development, the dialogue is rich with strategies for managing risk and optimizing band promotion on a budget. They detail a step-by-step guide on spending $500 effectively to promote a band’s song, emphasizing the importance of a solid online presence, engaging email marketing, and the innovative use of tracking pixels. Moreover, they advocate for adopting a ‘MrBeast Mode’ approach to promotion, suggesting the use of TikTok and Shopify to create a self-sustaining cycle of merchandising and music promotion.

Amidst these insights, they remind listeners of the Gig Gab mantra, “Always Be Performing,” reinforcing the idea that the journey from being financially dependent to a provider in the music industry is paved with relentless performance and strategic maneuvering.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 423 – Monday, April 1st, 2024
  • April 1st: National Trombone Players Day
  • Guest Co-host: Matt Gibson (originally on Gig Gab 41)
• 00:01:28 Gig Stories are Coming Back!
• 00:02:33 What it’s like to lose a million followers
  • Go Where the Attention Is! (says Gary Vee)
  • The Value of a Producer
• 00:07:43 The Power of Reciprocity
• 00:09:11 Why Artists Are Starving?
  • Grant Cardone – Why Artists Are Starving
  • Does asking for money (or help) dilute your art?
  • Draw a line from Broke to Billion
  • The only guarantee is if you don’t put in the work, you’ll stay at “broke”
• 00:17:52 Build a Task List
  • Brain Dump All The Things You’re Worried About Into a File
  • Then make ChatGPT a business development coach and feed it the list!
• 00:20:13 Crimson Symphony’s “Empty”
  • Drums: Gil Sharone
  • Producer: Scott Wilson, Saving Abel, Producer
• 00:21:54 Building a band with business brain
• 00:27:23 Know WHY you’re doing what you’re doing
• 00:32:28 Managing Risk and Money with your band
• 00:34:25 Workshop: Spending $500 to promote your band’s song. How?
  • Website (could be a DistroKid landing page)
  • Set up an email form
  • Get email list from Spotify
  • Mailchimp
  • Add a Tracking Pixel to your website
  • DistroKid Landing Page
  • Bandzoogle
  • Don’t forget to go for the big fish!
• 00:47:01 Spending $500 on promotion, Las Vegas style!
  • Use TikTok and a Personality!
  • Link Shopify with Merch and Spotify with Music
  • Wash, Rinse, Repeat!
  • MrBeast Mode
• 00:58:10 What’s the plan to change your music career from Dependent to Provider?
• 01:03:47 For cash flow: Be a scavenger and find undervalued things
  • Flip antique books (or clothes, or furniture, or anything like that which is undervalued)
  • Look on TikTok
  • Look on Craigslist Free List
  • Look on eBay
  • Make your own Dragon Pile!
• 01:07:34 What’s Dave Been Up To?
• 01:12:21 The Sphere
• 01:14:49 Gig Gab 423 Outtro
  • Contact Matt Gibson (and on Facebook)
  • Crimson Symphony
  • Neural Tunes
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Taking Your Music Career from Dependent to Provider with Matt Gibson — Gig Gab 423 appeared first on Gig Gab.

You’re in for a treat as Dave Hamilton sits down with Dallas Taylor, the maestro behind Twenty Thousand Hertz and Defacto Sound, exploring the intricate stories behind the world’s most iconic sounds. As they dive deep, Dallas shares his philosophy on respecting the audience, weaving in his journey of building an episode and the artistry involved in blending sound with narrative. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process, including insights from a special 20kHz episode where Dallas reveals his chops as a trumpet player and reflects on the essence of overcoming obstacles.

The conversation doesn’t stop there; Dallas and Dave take you on a sonic adventure from the halls of SXSW, discussing the Resynator movie and Nick Cave’s upcoming “Wild God” album, to the technical trenches of recording with Ludacris and micing up celebrities. It’s a deep dive into the convergence of art and commerce, unraveling the difference between a JOB and a JOY, and finding fulfillment in your craft. Whether you’re behind the mic, the mixer, or just a lover of sound, this episode is a masterclass in pursuing passion with purpose. Remember, no matter where you are or what you’re doing, “Always Be Performing.”

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 422 – Monday, March 25th, 2024
  • March 19th: International Waffle Day
  • Special Guest: Dallas Taylor from Twenty Thousand Hertz and Defacto Sound
• 00:01:12 The stories behind the world’s most interesting and recognizable sounds
• 00:04:04 Respecting the Audience
  • app.com/sounddesk-app?gl=US">SoundDesk
• 00:10:26 Building a 20kHz episode
  • ChatGPT
  • Buy Back Your Time
  • Loom for Video Training
• 00:19:35 Dallas, The Trumpet Player. 20kHz Episode 150: Breathe
  • The Obstacle Is The Way
• 00:28:42 SXSW: Resynator movie
• 00:37:00 SXSW: Nick Cave “Wild God” Album Listening Party @ Central Presbyterian Church
• 00:42:39 Recording a podcast with Ludacris
• 00:45:35 Micing up Celebrities
• 00:47:29 Blending Art and Commerce
  • The difference between a JOB and a JOY
• 00:51:05 Playing Piano for The Joy of It
• 00:52:31 Gig Gab 422 Outtro
  • Contact Dallas Taylor
  • Twenty Thousand Hertz
  • Defacto Sound
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Always Be…Respecting Your Audience — Gig Gab 422 (with special guest: Dallas Taylor) appeared first on Gig Gab.

Diving deep into the heart of live performances, guest co-host Mike Schulte and Dave Hamilton kick things off with a critical eye on popular trends, emphasizing the unique appeal of embracing mainstream events and acts, illustrated by Diane Warren’s Relentless film at SXSW. The conversation swiftly moves into the nitty-gritty of music gigs, from the logistical challenges and rewards of fly-away gigs to negotiating tactics for musicians. The duo sheds light on the evolving landscape of live music, highlighting how bands at SXSW, like Richard Spaven and Winona Fighter, are increasingly relying on tracks to fill out their sound, underscoring the importance of adaptability in today’s music scene.

Diving further, Dave and Mike explore the significance of technology in enhancing live performances, advocating for the game-changing impact of in-ears and splitter snakes. They also share insights into the prowess of drummers at SXSW, singling out performances by Richard Spaven, and give a nod to the cinematic portrayal of The Black Keys in their upcoming documentary. Amid discussions on the cohesion within bands and the unparalleled joy of being part of one, they remind us that, at its core, being in a band is about the shared experience of creating and enjoying music together. Through it all, the ethos of “Always Be Performing” rings true, serving as a mantra for musicians to live by, whether they’re navigating the complexities of modern gigs or celebrating the simple pleasure of playing music with others.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 421 – Tuesday, March 19th, 2024
  • March 19th: for-two-tuesday.htm">Tea for Two Tuesday
  • Guest Co-Host: Mike Schulte
• 00:01:06 South by So What… NO!!
  • Liking Things That Are Popular
• 00:04:06 Diane Warren: Relentless at SXSW
• 00:07:02 Fly-away gigs
• 00:11:06 “Do What You Would Normally Do”
• 00:13:51 Subs on Standby
• 00:20:44 Bands using tracks at SXSW: Richard Spaven (keys), Winona Fighter (keys), Michigander (keys), Cuffed Up (no bass), KVN (no drums!)
• 00:25:48 Cover band is just a way to play music
  • 21 Pilots
• 00:27:50 Get Yourself In-ears and Splitter Snake
• 00:30:39 Drummers @ SXSW: Karin Ann’s drummer, & Richard Spaven
• 00:32:50 The Black Keys at SXSW
  • This is a Film About The Black Keys (Movie Review)
• 00:39:16 Keeping a band together
• 00:40:09 Teaching your kids
• 00:54:03 Being in a band is…so good!
  • This is your brain on music
• 00:58:30 Gig Gab 421 Outtro
  • Contact Mike Schulte
  • Confused Breakfast – The Pulp Fiction episode
  • The Pork Tornadoes
  • Contact Gig Gab!
  • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
  • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post No Shame In The Pop Game — Gig Gab 421 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Dive deep into insights that will resonate with every musician as guest co-host Chris Breen joins Dave Hamilton for this week’s Gig Gab.

They kick things off by riffing on the best songs for a prom-posal, suggesting tracks like “Wang Dang Doodle” and “Teen Town” to set the mood (really?). The conversation quickly shifts to the gritty realities of performing live, discussing what happens when a band member leaves the stage unexpectedly, sharing anecdotes from Chris’s experience with System 9, and even touching on more serious topics like dealing with Bell’s Palsy as a musician. They don’t shy away from discussing the need for adaptability on stage, highlighting the importance of taking lessons and finding innovative ways to capture your bandmates’ attention during flowing sets.

As the episode progresses, the duo delves into the peculiarities of dealing with temperamental bass players and the criticality of mastering the volume litmus test to keep your gigs harmonious. They offer practical advice on managing sound levels, with a humorous nod to the universal solution of musicians everywhere: duct tape, while also discussing more sophisticated solutions like XLR turnarounds and right-angle XLR connectors.

Throughout the episode, the underlying theme is clear: no matter the challenge, “Always Be Performing”. This mantra encapsulates the essence of their conversation, emphasizing the resilience, creativity, and passion required to thrive in the unpredictable world of live music performances.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 420 – Monday, March 11th, 2024
  • March 11th: National Prom-posal Day (and National Debunking Day)
  • Guest Co-host: Christopher Breen
• 00:01:27 Best Promposal Songs
  • Wang Dang Doodle
  • Teen Town
• 00:02:54 When a bandmember leaves the stage
  • System 9 (Chris’s Band)
  • It’s Break Time!
  • Making Eardrums…Rupture?!?
• 00:13:05 When you can’t play anymore
  • Bell’s Palsy
  • Boston brings on Fran Cosmo
  • Paul McCartney’s Voice
• 00:20:18 Take some lessons
• 00:23:13 Ways of getting people’s attention during flowing sets
• 00:30:59 Temperamental Bass Players
• 00:38:53 The Volume Litmus Test
• 00:42:10 Hi! Please, Turn it Down
• 00:50:33 So, other than duct tape…
  • XLR turnaround
  • XLR to ¼”
  • Right-angle XLR connector
• 00:58:13 Speaking of duct tape
• 01:00:03 Gig Gab 420 Outtro
  • Contact Chris Breen
  • ChrisBreen.com
  • Chris Breen on Mastodon
  • Contact Gig Gab!
  • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
  • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Temperamental Bass Players — Gig Gab 420 appeared first on Gig Gab.

In this week’s punchy episode of Gig Gab, guest co-host Billy Butler teams up with Dave Hamilton to dive deep into the nuances of live performance and the essence of creating memorable gigs. Starting with the undeniable impact of a stellar opening act, they pivot to the electrifying atmosphere of SXSW, emphasizing the importance of finding and harnessing energy to elevate your performance. They unravel the intricacies of band dynamics, from the vital distinction between rehearsal and practice to setting the right agenda, all while keeping the spirit of your band alive. The conversation takes a deeper dive into the musical realms of Phish and The Grateful Dead, exploring the roots and evolution of their unique sounds. Billy’s journey of learning Phish, with Dave suggesting he start with albums like “Farmhouse” and “Rift,” underscores the broader theme of constantly evolving as a musician and the challenge of keeping performances fresh, even when repeating songs.

The duo also touches on broader themes of creativity and longevity in the music scene, with a special nod to “The Ghosts of Broadway,” one of Billy’s songs, highlighting the personal journey and insights it offers. Throughout the episode, the core philosophy of “Always Be Performing” resonates, serving as a mantra for musicians to live by, whether they’re tackling new songs in rehearsal, dissecting the legacy of legendary bands, or finding new ways to engage with their music and audience. This Gig Gab episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for musicians at any stage of their career, packed with actionable insights and reflections on the art of performance, reminding us all that to excel, one must always be in the state of performing.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 419 – Monday, March 4th, 2024
  • March 4th: National Grammar Day (and National Marching Band Day)
  • Guest Co-host: Billy Butler
• 00:02:06 Finding Phish
• 00:06:35 The power of a good opening act
• 00:09:54 SXSW: Finding the energy
  • Kim Fowley
  • Cherry from The Runaways
• 00:17:46 Red, White, and Tuna
  • Greater Tuna
• 00:20:07 Band rehearsal with new songs
  • Rehearsal vs. Practice
  • Agenda vs. Schedule
  • The Spirit of Your Band
• 00:29:50 SPONSOR: Factor, America’s #1 Ready-To-Eat Meal Kit, can help you fuel up fast with flavorful and nutritious ready-to-eat meals delivered straight to your door. Visit FactorMeals.com/giggab50 and use code giggab50 for 50% off!
• 00:31:15 Dissecting Phish
• 00:39:43 The Beginnings of The Grateful Dead
• 00:44:41 Teaching Billy to Phish
  • Farmhouse
  • Rift
• 00:50:04 Do you get bored repeating songs?
• 00:56:04 The Ghosts of Broadway
• 00:59:03 Gig Gab 419 Outtro
  • Contact Billy Butler
  • Contact Gig Gab!
  • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
  • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post The Spirit of Your Band — Gig Gab 419 appeared first on Gig Gab.

This week’s Gig Gab podcast, featuring guest co-host Daniel East, dives deep into the heart of music gear and performance wisdom. From the vibrant stage of NAMM 2024, where Yamaha showcased its latest with performances by Nathan East and company, to the detailed discussions on the latest in drumming gear like the Yamaha HHS9D Hi-Hat Stand and the innovative NanoMat Drum Mat, Daniel and Dave Hamilton dissect the tools that make a difference on stage. They didn’t stop at drum hardware, though; the duo explored cutting-edge tech including the Kemper Profiler and the StageNinja Tablet Stand, ensuring listeners know the ins and outs of gear that can elevate their performances.

The conversation took a tuneful turn towards pro audio advice with insights from Dan on using pink noise for venue acoustics and tips on using stereo, compression, and delays to accentuate background vocals, underscoring the podcast’s mantra, “Always Be Performing”.

From the exciting return of tribute bands like the 90’s ROCKSHOW and Rag Dolls to the mention of industry stalwarts like Robert Scovill and Buford Jones, the episode was a treasure trove of advice, gear talk, and the relentless pursuit of excellence on stage. Whether discussing the mechanics of a high-hat stand or the art of audio engineering, Daniel and Dave’s expertise provided a roadmap for musicians to navigate the complex landscape of performance gear, all while keeping the spirit of live music alive and kicking.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 418 – Monday, February 26th, 2024
  • February 26th: For Pete’s Sake Day
• 00:01:00 Guest Co-host: Daniel East, Drummer and TheMixDoctor
• 00:01:40 NAMM 2024
  • Yamaha’s Stage with Nathan East, Noah East, Donald Barrett, Greg Phillinganes
  • Gretsch Drums
  • KickPort (KickPort BLK–EYE)
  • The Mac Observer
• NAMM Gear Gab
  • 00:13:54 Yamaha HHS9D Hi-Hat Stand – $980.00 USD MSRP (Street price is around $579.00)
    • Yamaha LC9 Hi-Hat Clutch ($80 MSRP)
  • 00:19:27 Peterson StroboClip HDC – $79.99 USD MSRP
  •  00:22:14 amps.com/products/us/profiler-player.html">Kemper Profiler – $698 USD MSRP
    • Pod Go from Line6
  • 00:27:15 NanoMat Drum Mat – Single-pedal $69.99 USD MSRP; Double-pedal $89.99 USD MSRP; extensions available for $50.00 ea.
  • 00:31:53 StageNinja Tablet Stand FON-12-CB – FON-12-CB for phones and smaller tablets $59.99; TAB-8-CB for devices up to 8.25” (only some iPad Pro models will fit horizontally).
  • 00:37:47 Having Pro Audio on Gig Gab
    • Brad Madix on Gig Gab
    • Using Pink Noise in a Venue
    • AudioTools App
  • 00:42:25 Sound Devices Astral – Preview only and no pricing yet.
  • 00:44:40 heath.com/hardware/avantis/">Allen & Heath Avantis Solo – $9,499.00 MAP Avantis SOLO COMPACT
• 00:46:50 TIP: Use Stereo and Delays for Highlighting Background Vocals
  • dLive S7000
  • Allen & Heath Double Double
• 00:54:23 Robert Scovill
• 00:58:31 More Pro Audio Engineers
  • Buford Jones
  • Ken “Pooch” Van Druten
• 01:00:16 90’s ROCKSHOW tribute band – with strings!
• 01:01:04 band.com/">The return of Rag Dolls – the Steven Tyler anointed Aerosmith tribute returns even better
  • Ali Handal – solo
• 01:01:15 String Revolution with Janet Robin
• 01:01:33 Big Time Rush star, Stephen Kramer Glickman
  • Buddy Gibbons
• 01:03:25 Gig Gab 418 Outtro
  • Contact Daniel East
    • DanielEast.net
    • Dan East on LinkedIn
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post NAMM 2024 Gear Gab & Reflections — Gig Gab 418 appeared first on Gig Gab.

This week’s Gig Gab podcast marks a momentous occasion with Paul Kent’s return to celebrate its ninth anniversary alongside Dave Hamilton. Diving into the heart of gig life, they share insights on integrating new members into The Houserockers, emphasizing the essence of letting musicians thrive in their element. The evolution of a band is a journey of continuous learning and adaptation, highlighted by the addition of fresh material like “Life In The Fast Lane” and “All You Need Is Love” to The Houserockers’ repertoire. The discussion extends to the power of ending shows on a high note with singalongs, like “Sweet Caroline”, and the crucial difference between rehearsal and practice. By leveraging tools like Slack for band communication, they underscore managing expectations and the unique dynamics of performance preparation.

Amidst recounting recent gigs and teasing the potential of songs to make or break the moment, the conversation turns to the art of mastering setlists that resonate with every audience. Dave’s reflection on the nuances of songs that can “kill or KILL” and a look ahead to Dan East’s NAMM 2024 debrief offers a glimpse into the ever-evolving world of live music. As they dissect the intricacies of performance economics, such as the discussed $500 per diem, the core message remains clear: in the dynamic landscape of music gigs, the mantra “Always Be Performing” is not just a catchphrase but a guiding principle for success and fulfillment on stage.

Cheers to nine years… here’s to (at least) nine more!

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 417 – Monday, February 19th, 2024
  • February 19th: National Chocolate Mint Day
  • Guest & Co-host: Paul Kent!
• 00:03:25 New members for The Houserockers
• 00:08:34 Let musicians be musicians
• 00:10:22 The Evolution of Your Band
• 00:12:29 New material for The Houserockers
  • Life In The Fast Lane
  • Carry On Wayward Son
  • Into The Mystic
  • All You Need Is Love
  • Better Than The Brown Note
• 00:15:26 Ending with a Singalong
  • The Joker
  • Every Rose Has Its Thorn
  • Sweet Caroline
• 00:16:28 SPONSOR: Bandzoogle’s new EPK plan starts at just $6.95 per month, and Gig Gab podcast listeners can go to Bandzoogle.com to try it free for 30 days, then use the promo code “giggabEPK” to get 10% off the first year of the new EPK plan subscription.
• 00:17:52 Rehearsal vs. Practice
  • Slack for band communication
• 00:25:25 Manage Expectation
• ​​00:29:18 Dave recent gig recap
• 00:31:06 Songs which can kill … or KILL
• 00:32:40 Next Week: Dan East Debriefs NAMM 2024
• 00:33:28 Dissecting the $500 per diem from Gig Gab 416
• 00:38:29 Gig Gab 417 Outtro
  • Contact Us!
  • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
  • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Nine Years of Gabbing — Gig Gab 417 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Dive into the dynamic world of band life with Dave Hamilton and guest co-host Mike Schulte, as they explore the essentials of band dynamics and the logistics of playing shows. From the importance of understanding bandmates and fostering a positive environment by scheduling time to vent and finding gratitude, to the practicalities of choosing the right members based on personality, reliability, and musical ability, they cover it all. The conversation also delves into the nitty-gritty of managing fly-away shows, breaking down the costs from airfare to equipment rental, amounting to a hefty $19,000 before anyone is paid any performance fees. Amid the laughter and stories, the mantra “Always Be Performing” rings true, highlighting the commitment to excellence and adaptability in the music world.

Tackling the technical side, they share insights on enhancing live performances with pre-recorded tracks and the seamless integration of technology. The strategy of rehearsing with pre-recorded tracks to ensure a polished show is emphasized, alongside the golden rule of the stage: never acknowledge technical difficulties if you don’t have to. This approach not only streamlines performances but also enhances the audience’s experience, underscoring the professionalism and preparation that goes behind the scenes. Whether it’s navigating the complexities of band dynamics or mastering the art of live shows, the key takeaway is clear—embrace the challenges, and always be performing.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 416 – Monday, February 12th, 2024
  • February 12th: National Lost Penny Day
  • Guest Co-host: Mike Schulte, Drummer for The Pork Tornadoes
• 00:01:44 Having Fun Feeding the trolls on Coverband Central
• 00:04:00 Scheduling Time To Vent as a Band
• 00:11:59 Learning how your bandmates think
• 00:13:12 Find Gratitude
• 00:13:47 How do you find the right bandmates?
  • The Benefit of The Hang
  • Good personality
  • Reliable Transportation
  • The Gear
  • Can you play?
• 00:22:15 Avoid the Politics!
  • “Dave Bang Drum” is a way of life (and a way of avoiding politics!)
• 00:31:14 Fly-away/Fly-in Shows
  • Opportunity cost
  • Actual Financial Cost
    • $3,500 Airfare
    • $2,500 Hotel
    • $7,500 Per Diem
    • $500 Incidentals
    • $5,000 Equipment Rental
      • usa.com/">SIR Equipment Rental
    • $19,000 before you pay for the performance fee
• 00:45:47 Using those pre-recorded bass tracks
  • Every show played to a click on Ableton
  • Rehearsing with the pre-recorded tracks before doing the show!
• 00:53:00 Do not acknowledge technical difficulties
• 01:00:01 Gig Gab 416 Outtro
  • Find Mike Schulte
    • Pork Tornadoes
    • Confused Breakfast
  • Contact Us!
    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

The post Behind the Beat: Navigating Band Dynamics and Fly-Away Shows — Gig Gab 416 appeared first on Gig Gab.