Veteran musicians Steve Witschel and Tony Bienert are here to inform, entertain, and delight you with all topics related to playing music in a cover band...and everything that comes with it!
Life happens...and after several years of doing this show, it might be time to wrap it up...or is it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Steve and Tony return to discuss venues advertising shows, what it was like in the old days, and the recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction ceremony. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As teased a couple of weeks ago, Steve announced that Cover Band Central radio is now getting started. The Indiegogo campaign has been launched here - https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/co... Tony dispenses some extra wisdom this week with some valuable life/musician lessons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Steve recounts his gigs from the past 2 weekends including some marathon sets. Meanwhile, Tony has to deal with monsoon rains at 2 outdoor gigs. Steve shows the new Cover Band Central t-shirt and teases a big new idea! Get a shirt here - https://www.etsy.com/shop/ZFactory Check out everything else on the website - www.coverbandcentral.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Steve and Tony get deep discussing the rapid growth of A.I. and how it's affecting the music business and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Steve and Tony discuss how every day is a celebration of something...and some of the subjects are very interesting! They also delve into the uniqueness of every gig versus falling into a routine. Go to www.checkiday.com to see what is celebrated every day! Website: www.coverbandcentral.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Vaughan Fleischfresser is a music educator, saxophonist, and an active social media influencer from Scotland. We stumbled upon his Facebook Page, where he boasts 25k followers, and shares several inspirational posts per day about the importance of music education. Today we talk with him about his background, his current activities, and why he's so passionate about educating our younger generation through music. Check him out on the socials: https://www.facebook.com/VFleischfresser instagram.com/VaughanFleischfresser Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Steve went to see Judas Priest this past weekend, and the guys talk about that show and the difference between arena concerts now and decades ago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Due to Facebook's limitations on live streaming, the guys decided to record this week's episode without the live audience interaction. Topics discussed include Steve's early years of wanting to be a DJ, and how that helped him get comfortable filling in "dead air" on the mic on stage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Every musician has had some form of music education. Whether it be private lessons, classes in school, or learning on the job, how each musician obtains information is integral to their success. Steve and Tony discuss their experiences with their own music education - both with learning and teaching. Get the ebook - www.getemtotheshow.com Subscribe to the YouTube channel - / coverbandcentral Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
First to Eleven is perhaps the single most ambitious and prolific cover band in the country. Their YouTube channel boasts hundreds of high-quality videos with a new clip posted every week. Just ahead of the band heading out on tour, we'll have a chat with founder and guitarist Ryan Krysiak and lead singer Audra Miller and talk about their creative process, their upcoming shows, what keeps the band motivated, and much more! https://www.firsttoeleven.com https://www.youtube.com/@FirstToEleven https://www.facebook.com/FirsttoEleven Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This past weekend, Steve went to see Geoff Tate (lead singer of Queensryche), and noticed that there were no amps on stage. The topic of IEMs and backing tracks comes up often in the Cover Band Central Group, so Steve and Tony weigh in on this growing trend. Also, the conversation starts with the wide use of A.I. and how it's affecting the art industry. Make more money! If you can take tips, sign up at https://app.mysetmusic.com/signup?code=CBC Get the ebook! - www.getemtotheshow.com Subscribe to the YouTube channel - www.youtube.com/coverbandcentral Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
One of the biggest challenges for musicians is knowing how to manage the confusing landscape of social media. Steve has written the blueprint for building your online audience and reaching the people who will actually support you and come see you play. Tony has read the ebook, and the two of them dig deeper into the wisdom shared. To get the ebook - www.getemtotheshow.com Take tips at your show? Get the best app who requests and tips on the market - https://app.mysetmusic.com/signup?code=CBC Get one-on-one coaching for you or your band - https://cbcentral.samcart.com/products/coaching Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Cover Band Central Facebook Group is the most active and vibrant community of musicians on the internet. This episode, Steve and Tony check in on what people are posting and talking about, and add their own unique thoughts. Join the Group at www.facebook.com/groups/coverbandcentral Get the ebook - www.getemtotheshow.com Subscribe to our YouTube channel www.youtube.com/coverbandcentral Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Since American Idol debuted in 2002, music contest shows have become ubiquitous. In most cases, singers (and sometimes bands) vie in a competition to achieve stardom. Most don't see anything beyond a few minutes of screen time (if they even get that), but a select few have gone on to major success...all while performing covers to get there. Steve and Tony discuss this 21st century phenomenon and how it has affected the community at large. Get the ebook and level up your social media game - www.getemtotheshow.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nobody's perfect. Yes, that is a cliche', but when it comes to being a musician, it's important to remember this. From the kid jamming in his bedroom, to the multi-platinum rock stars, everyone makes mistakes, struggles with confidence, and sometimes wants to throw in the towel. Steve an Tony discuss this and more including Steve working at the Grammy Awards in 1991, this years' Grammys, and the amazing Netflix special "The Greatest Night in Pop." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We all love getting a shiny new piece of musical equipment. The old joke is that if you get new gear, you'll improve at your craft. But is there any truth to this? Steve and Tony explore this topic, along with anything else that comes up. Get the ebook! - www.getemtotheshow.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
After an extended leave, Steve and Tony are back to talk about all that's going on in the world of cover bands and musicians! They'll recap what's been going on in their respective careers since the last episode, and discuss random topics that come up. Join us! Check out the BRAND NEW website at www.coverbandcentral.com Get your copy of the ebook at www.getemtotheshow.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Whether we are intentional or not, we as musicians are always learning and teaching. We absorb what happens when we play with others, and many of us give our advice joyfully to other players. Some of us though, who are looking to excel at what we do, seek guidance from those who are accomplished. Today, Steve and Tony discuss their experiences with learning and teaching through the years, the benefits of having an instructor, and delve into the brand new coaching program that Cover Band Central is offering. To sign up, go to - https://cbcentral.samcart.com/products/coaching For the ebook, go to www.getemtotheshow.com If you prefer the audiobook, go to https://cbcentral.samcart.com/products/get-em-to-the-show-audiobook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We've all been there. Something that completely humiliates you happens under the lights in front of many gazing eyes. Even the best of them have had an embarrassing moment on stage. This episode, we'll scroll through some of the events you were kind enough to admit. Available Now! A new micro-course ebook that helps you with promoting yourself on social media so that you get more people to your shows, and ultimately make more money. Get yours here - https://cbcentral.samcart.com/products/get-em-to-the-show/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Like it or not, social media like Facebook, Instagram, and now Threads are an important part of the game in maintaining a working band. The most successful cover bands and artists of today have a presence on all of the major platforms...and provide content on a regular basis. Some of the older generation are reluctant to participate, but it's not going away any time soon. Subscribe to the Cover Band Central YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/coverbandcentral Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Any long time musician knows that in order to persevere, you need to constantly be practicing, studying, and improving. Ask any player if they've gotten as good as they can get, and most times they will answer "No." Being aware of this fact is important if you want to get work and make good money. Subscribe to the Cover Band Central YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/coverbandcentral Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
People make lists all of the time. Shopping lists, rankings, to-do lists, etc. But the importance of lists for musicians cannot be overstated. Being organized is primary for your success as a band or individual player. Steve and Tony discuss this...and much more! Subscribe to the Cover Band Central YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/coverbandcentral Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
200 hours. That's how much content we've provided with the Cover Band Central podcast. For this celebratory episode, we've brought in special guests who have been a huge part of the Cover Band Central journey from nearly the beginning. This round table discussion is full of memories, wisdom, tips, and laughs. Joining us on this episode are: Jeff Yonker aka Chonk - Silent Bark/Robots Attack/Website guru Dan Ray - The Clanky Lincolns/The New Strange/Cover Band Confidential Podcast Mike Shulte - The Pork Tornadoes/Confused Breakfast Podcast Check out the Cover Band Central YouTube channel and subscribe at www.youtube.com/coverbandcentral Get yourself some beautiful fine art designed exclusively for Cover Band Central at www.coverbandcentral.com/art Sign up for a free profile for you, your band, or both at www.coverbandcentral.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It takes a lot of work to manage a band. You need focus, organizational skills, ability to delegate, diplomacy, motivation, and many other traits to be successful. Bands can get away with less, but the most successful ones have someone in charge that knows what they're doing. Subscribe to the Cover Band Central YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/coverbandcentral Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
9 years ago today we had a clever idea of creating a home for musicians all over the world who play covers. Thus...the Cover Band Central Facebook Page was created. Now it has over 670,000 followers, and is on track to a million by early next year. Steve and Tony talk about the history and intention of CBC, and what the future holds. Subscribe to the Cover Band Central YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/coverbandcentral Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
You've likely heard the phrase "Dress for the job you want, not the job you have." That advice can be taken literally in the general workforce to better your chances of moving up the corporate ladder, but it's also a metaphor that attempts to motivate you to strive for more, and to do it in the present. It means—act as if you are in the place or position that you prefer even before you get there. This nugget of wisdom can also be applied to your musical life and goals. Using visualization and action steps, you can and "should" play for the gig you want, regardless of where you are in your journey. Steve and Tony discuss this and much more in this week's episode. Subscribe to the Cover Band Central YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/coverbandcentral Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This podcast focuses on musicians and all that comes along with playing covers—either for fun or work. This week, Steve and Tony explore the other perspective...the cover band fan. What makes a person become a fan of a particular cover band, and what gets them coming back to shows and telling other people about them? The question was asked on the Cover Band Central Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/coverbandcentral), and there were many responses! Subscribe to the Cover Band Central YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/coverbandcentral Create a free profile for you, your band, or both at www.coverbandcentral.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Some of us in the cover band scene have been at this for years—even decades. If we had an opportunity to do it all over again, what are some things we would change? More importantly, though, what advice can we give to younger musicians with our wealth of experience? Steve and Tony give their answers in this episode, as well as field comments from the live viewers. They also scroll through the post that was recently put up in the Cover Band Central Facebook Group (www.facebook.com/groups/coverbandcentral) Subscribe to the Cover Band Central YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/coverbandcentral Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
There are two schools of thought with cover band performances. The first is that it's a show, and there is a separation between the band and the crowd. In other words, the fourth wall remains up and there is little to no interaction between the two. The second is that the people in attendance are actually part of the show...where requests are taken and there is banter back and forth. On this episode, Steve and Tony discuss the differences and the benefits with each method. Subscribe to the Cover Band Central YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/coverbandcentral Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Steve and Tony are back and stoked to be a part of Pantheon Podcasts! This week the guys explain the transition, and delve deep into Steve's crazy six weekend gigs in three days during Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Our guest today is Guitar World tech editor and guitarist Paul Riario. Paul has been with the popular musician magazine for over 25 years. He also has been playing on the music scene for decades, with his latest project Super Trans AM commanding huge audiences.
In olden days, we used to have to design and print flyers, post them in the venue or places around town, curate a mailing list, send those flyers out to people who like us and hope that they come to the next show. Nowadays with the internet and social media, it is FAR easier and cheaper to advertise your upcoming gigs...yet a lot of people still don't have a grasp on how to effectively do this.Cover Band Central is holding an exclusive upcoming event to show you the tricks of the trade that have been successful for bands and musicians. Go to this link to reserve your spot - https://fb.me/e/2CACTuc42Subscribe to the Cover Band Central YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/coverbandcentral
Being a musician—especially in a band—isn't just about being good at your craft. More of the experience is about your relationships with others. You meet new people all of the time, and some become your friends, business associates, or even romantic partners. Over time, you find that these personal relationships become much more important than just playing music.Subscribe to the Cover Band Central YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/coverbandcentral
If you've been playing music for any length of time, you know that there are many ups and downs. Sometimes you're playing to a full house, and sometimes it's just the staff and a couple of friends in the audience. Either way, it's always important to give it your all.Enter the Hercules Giveaway Contest to win a 5-PC Guitar Rack at www.coverbandcentral.com/contestSubscribe to the Cover Band Central YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/coverbandcentral
Playing in a band can often lend itself to being exposed to various legal and illegal substances. There are many stories of overuse by famous artists, at times leading to their demise. In the cover band world, there is no shortage of opportunities to indulge in substance usage, but it can be a slippery slope. Steve and Tony discuss this topic today, and comment on your stories.Subscribe to the Cover Band Central YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/coverbandcentral
Lots of great topics in the Cover Band Central Facebook Group lately, so Steve and Tony will scroll through and discuss what's being discussed. If you're not part of it, join here - www.facebook.com/groups/coverbandcentralThere's still time to enter the Hercules Giveaway Contest where you can win a Smartphone Holder! Enter for free at www.coverbandcentral.com/contestSubscribe to the Cover Band Central YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/coverbandcentral
How close should you try to get to replicating the original recording when playing covers? Should you dig deep down tot the most minute details, or scrap that idea and just make it your own? Steve and Tony discuss this and much more...You could win a Hercules Smartphone Holder! Go to www.coverbandcentral.com/contest to enterSubscribe to the Cover Band Central YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/coverbandcentral
When a band changes even just one member, the whole dynamic changes. It can be a challenging situation for both the band and the new member, and it just so happens that Steve experienced that this past weekend. Steve and Tony will discuss this...and much more!Enter to win a Hercules Smartphone holder! Go to www.coverbandcentral.com/contest to enter!Subscribe to the Cover Band Central YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/coverbandcentral
As a musician, you never know when you're going to have to play a certain song, and you can also never know enough songs. That's why it's always important to keep learning new material. This not only broadens your catalog, but it also stretches and challenges you as a musician. Steve and Tony discuss this...and much more!Subscribe to the Cover Band Central YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/coverbandcentralEnter the Hercules Giveaway Contest at www.coverbandcentral.com/contest
Is your mindset that of a creative one or competitive? Society, social media, and popular culture have led us to believe that we need to be better than that singer, guitarist, drummer, band, etc. The truth is that nobody is the BEST. Everyone has their own unique strengths and abilities. Steve and Tony discuss this topic today, along with the usual shenanigans. Enter to Win Week 2 of the Hercules 2-in-1 Tablet/Phone Holder Giveaway! www.coverbandcentral.com/contestSubscribe to the Cover Band Central YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/coverbandcentralStart making more money at your shows. Use Juke to take requests and tips! juke.band
Steve and Tony back for another week of wizdumb. This time around, the guys discuss the benefit of having a community of cover band musicians, and field input from live viewers. They'll also go through comments in a post from the Group today.You can win a Hercules Tablet Holder! Go to www.coverbandcentral.com/contest to enter!Subscribe to the Cover Band Central YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/coverbandcentral
Musicians aren't normal people...that's a given. But what do you do when someone in the band is off the charts? Steve and Tony discuss this and more during this episode of the Wizdumb Hour.Subscribe to the Cover Band Central YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/coverbandcentral
There's no doubt that skill is a factor when playing music. However, there are a good number of things that don't require any talent. Steve and Tony will discuss these traits...and take your questions and feedback!Subscribe to the Cover Band Central YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/coverbandcentral
Sometimes it's more fun to pick a topic based on what YOU want to discuss. This is one of those times. Tell us what's on your mind!Subscribe to the Cover Band Central YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/coverbandcentral
We're all so used to it now. Social media has taken over our lives. People spend more time on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc, than ever before. How you present yourself online has lasting effects. Steve and Tony will open up this can of worms on today's broadcast.You are now able to send Stars to Cover Band Central! stars are a digital gift you can give during live streams. Any and all contributions are appreciated!Subscribe to the Cover Band Central YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/coverbandcentral
Musicians have a habit of getting into competition mode. We all want to be good, but when someone else is perceived as better, we often get envious or discouraged. Well...here's the truth: You're never going to be the BEST. And it serves you much more to just assume that everyone is better than you. That keeps you striving to constantly improve.Steve and Tony will discuss this topic and much more...as well as taking your comments and questions.Subscribe to the Cover Band Central YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/coverbandcentralVisit our sponsor Bandzoogle and get yourself a pro website from the guys who specialize in web design for musicians. Go to www.coverbandcentral.com/bandzoogle to start your 30-day free trial.
Playing in a band is unlike any other job. You don't need to punch a clock, you don't get vacation days, and in order to be good, one important factor is your reliability. Steve and Tony will discuss their experience here, and take your comments and questions.Subscribe to the Cover Band Central YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/coverbandcentral
On this week's broadcast, Steve and Tony will discuss various ways musicians and bands can make extra money at gigs. With technology as it is, there have sprung up various ways to take tips. One of CBC's favorite is Juke...and right now, they are extending a generous offer of matching your first $25 with another $25. That's $50 in tips for doing what you already do! Go to juke.band to get started now.Subscribe to the Cover Band Central YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/coverbandcentral
With the recent incarceration of Steve on FB, he and Tony will talk about censorship in the music industry—both online and at shows.Subscribe to the Cover Band Central YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/coverbandcentralOur big event is coming up quickly! Make sure to register for our interview with Bob Doyle from The Secret on Monday, July 18th. Here is the link - https://www.facebook.com/events/409143201161224