Gig Gab - The Working Musicians' Podcast

You're not alone if you're running a click track on stage—more and more musicians are embracing it, and for good reason. This week on Gig Gab, Corey Manske joins Dave Hamilton to unpack how using a click can reduce stress, keep your band tight, and help you Always Be Performing. […] The post Click Tracks, Tribute Acts, and $20 Hacks: Gig Smarts with Corey Manske – Gig Gab 487 appeared first on Gig Gab.

This week on Gig Gab, you're diving deep with the (almost!) full crew from P-Funk North as they share what keeps their reggae funk machine moving. From twice-a-week rehearsals to the relentless grind of networking and playing out regularly, they prove that consistency and camaraderie build longevity. You'll hear how […] The post Consistency is Key: P-Funk North's Road to Success – Gig Gab 486 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Step inside Sphere with Robert Scovill as he rejoins Dave on Gig Gab to dissect the art—and science—of immersive live sound. From his early days quad-mixing Rush to commanding 32 channels through Avid's S6L with Meyer's Spacemap Go, Scovill walks you through prepping for Sphere with simulators, Holoplot mapping, and […] The post Sphere Sound Unpacked: Robert Scovill's Deep Dive into Immersive Mixing – Gig Gab 485 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Buddy Gibbons returns to Gig Gab to share how he's gearing up for a nostalgia-fueled tour with Stephen Glickman and the Big Time Rush fanbase. From rollerblading around Wembley to off-road RC cars for downtime, Buddy's prepping body and mind for the grind. He and Dave dig into how playing […] The post Tour Prep, Gear Gab, and Stage Smarts with Buddy Gibbons – Gig Gab 484 appeared first on Gig Gab.

This week on Gig Gab, you're diving deep with Mike Schulte of The Pork Tornadoes as he joins Dave Hamilton to share real-world insights on making your gigs—and your band—better. You'll get actionable tips on using splitter snakes without frying your gear, plus a no-nonsense breakdown of how standing (or […] The post The Pork Tornadoes Playbook: Mike Schulte on Building a Successful Band — Gig Gab 483 appeared first on Gig Gab.

GigSalad's Mark Steiner joins this week's Gig Gab to trace his wild ride from stage actor to CEO, revealing how a children's theater gig and a teddy bear business ultimately led to launching the go-to platform for booking live talent. You'll hear how a “happy accident” turned into a company […] The post The DIY Booking Revolution: GigSalad's Impact on Musicians – Gig Gab 482 appeared first on Gig Gab.

You're about to get the roadmap from Luke and Will Mallett of The Mallett Brothers on what it really takes to make music a career. From playing 120 shows a year to building a loyal tribe of 2,000 superfans, the brothers break down how live gigs aren't just part of […] The post The Mallett Brothers' DIY Formula: 2,000 Superfans and 120 Shows a Year – Gig Gab 481 appeared first on Gig Gab.

If your band's live setup feels more like organized chaos than controlled power, this episode's for you. We're diving into real-world band hacks that actually make a difference—from tightening up your IEM mixes with split snakes, to using a click track to start songs like a pro. You'll also hear […] The post Real-World Band Hacks: IEM Mixes, Click Track Starts, and Calendar Control – Gig Gab 480 appeared first on Gig Gab.

What's it like going from drum tech to mixing stadium shows for legends? In this week's Gig Gab, you join Scottie Baldwin and Dave Hamilton as they dive into the artistry behind live sound. From getting the call from Prince's drummer to Sheila E nudging him toward sound, Scottie shares […] The post From Prince to Gaga to JJ Lin: Scottie Baldwin's Audio Adventures — Gig Gab 479 appeared first on Gig Gab.

This week on Gig Gab, you're in for a deep dive into the gigging grind with guest co-host Derek Patten from ECE, EastCoast Entertainment. You'll learn exactly what makes a band bookable—from tight chops to killer promo, a sharp social presence, and professional polish. If you're not posting on Instagram, […] The post Is Your Band Bookable? ECE's Checklist for Success — Gig Gab 478 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Monique Powell of Save Ferris joins you for a no-holds-barred dive into the grind, grit, and glory behind making a band thrive. From opera training to ska dreams, Monique shares how preparation and passion powered her transformation from “Mo Sing Song” to full-on band manager (and back again…and forth again). […] The post Monique Powell of Save Ferris: Ska, Struggles, and Sweet Comebacks — Gig Gab 477 appeared first on Gig Gab.

This week, you'll dive headfirst into the wild ride of Joe Travers' drumming journey—from pounding out St. Patrick's Day gigs to landing his dream job playing Zappa's music. Joe shares how knowing exactly what you want—and fearlessly putting yourself out there—can open doors you never imagined. You'll hear what it's […] The post The Vaultmeister's Voice: Joe Travers on Zappa, Duran Duran, and the Power of Performance — Gig Gab 476 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Thinking about SXSW? Erin Walter and Keri Cinquina from Parker Woodland break it all down for you—from applying to playing like a pro. You'll learn how to reach out to anyone and everyone to book your showcases, why hitting up radio stations and non-profits matters, and how to stack your […] The post Booking SXSW Like a Pro with Parker Woodland — Gig Gab 475 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Get ready to conquer SXSW with insider tips from this special crossover episode of Gig Gab and the Roadcase Podcast. You'll learn how to plan your badge, map your venue hits—from Antone's to Mohawk—and navigate scooter passes like a pro. Plus, we're sharing can't-miss bands, food finds, and surprise performances […] The post How to Attend SXSW: Tips from Gig Gab and Roadcase Podcast — Gig Gab 474 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Running a band is more than just playing music—it's a business, and this week, you're getting a front-row seat to the real numbers behind a self-promoted, four-walled show. Dave and guest co-host Mike Schulte from Pork Tornadoes break down the hard costs, from union labor to venue staff, and what […] The post $20K to Rock? The True Cost of Putting on a Show — Gig Gab 473 appeared first on Gig Gab.

You never know where a layoff might lead—sometimes, it's straight into launching your own in-ear monitor (IEM) company. That's exactly what Dark Matter Audio's Tal Kocen and Dave Friesma did, carving out a niche in a legacy industry by embracing natural sound and combining it with all the nerdy elements […] The post Breaking Sound Barriers with Dark Matter IEMs — Gig Gab 472 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Paul Kent returns to Gig Gab, diving headfirst into the wild ride of full-time gigging with 120 shows lined up this year—and still packing the house! From near-disaster moments like a bass player taking a tumble (not this time, thankfully) to the art of bonding with your audience before you […] The post Changing Goals From Perfection…to Survival — Gig Gab 471 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Ever wondered how to capture those magical live performance moments? Gig Gab's latest episode dives into the world of recording your gigs, offering insights for musicians at every level. Host Dave Hamilton welcomes back guest Daniel East, a seasoned drummer, sound engineer, and recording enthusiast. With decades of experience, Daniel […] The post Recording Your Gigs, Skeletal Bleed, and 31 Degrees – Gig Gab 470 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Are you struggling to make your mark in the music industry while juggling your creative passions? Gig Gab's latest episode features Keanan Duffty, a multi-talented musician, fashion designer, and educator who has shaped both the sound and look of music culture. Keanan Duffty, frontman of Slinky Vagabond and author of […] The post Glam, Gigs, and Grit: Keanan Duffty's Path Through Rock and Fashion — Gig Gab 469 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Are you a musician struggling to stay inspired on the road? Discover how to keep your passion alive, even when far from home. In this episode of Gig Gab, host Dave Hamilton sits down with Pat Guadagno, a celebrated singer and musical storyteller from the Jersey Shore music scene. Pat […] The post Cover Celebrations, Hard Work, & the Road: Pat Guadagno's Musical Journey — Gig Gab 468 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Are you a musician curious about the latest gear and industry trends? Dive into Gig Gab episode 467, where host Dave Hamilton shares his first-hand experience at NAMM, the music industry's premier trade show. Dave takes you on a journey through the bustling halls of NAMM, offering insights into the […] The post Feels Like The First Time…At NAMM — Gig Gab 467 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Are you tired of staring at your iPad during gigs, struggling to read lyrics and chord charts? Discover how to elevate your stage presence and connect with your audience like never before! In this episode of Gig Gab, host Dave Hamilton welcomes Tory Smith, a guitarist, band leader, and entrepreneur. […] The post Music, Marketing, and Mischief with Tory Smith – Gig Gab 466 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Are you a musician struggling to find your niche in the ever-evolving music scene? Gig Gab's latest episode dives deep into the world of musical diversity and the power of embracing multiple genres. Host Dave Hamilton welcomes guest Jon McCormack, a versatile guitarist and songwriter known for his work with […] The post Colors, Concepts, and Creativity with Jon McCormack – Gig Gab 465 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Get ready for an exciting journey into the world of tribute bands with Gig Gab! Join host Dave Hamilton as he chats with Richard Page, a seasoned musician with a wealth of experience in cover and tribute bands. Dive into Richard's musical evolution: from his early days with the cover […] The post Rocking the Stage: Richard Page's Tribute Tales – Gig Gab 464 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Get ready for an exciting episode of Gig Gab! Join Dave Hamilton and Mike Schulte as they explore the dynamic world of working musicians. This episode is packed with insights and stories that will resonate with musicians at every level. Dive into the art of band pricing and mindset. Discover […] The post From Charity to Casinos: Gigs, Growth, and Giving Back — Gig Gab 463 appeared first on Gig Gab.

As 2024 comes to a close, this special episode of Gig Gab takes you on a month-by-month journey through some of the best tips and advice shared by musicians and industry pros this year. Whether you're a seasoned performer or just starting your musical journey, there's something for everyone in […] The post Backstage Secrets: 12 Months of Band Life Tips — Gig Gab 462 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Get ready for an exciting episode of Gig Gab! Join host Dave Hamilton as he chats with Tom Jarvis, the dynamic singer and founding member of Casual Gravity, the band Dave recently joined. This episode promises a deep dive into Tom's musical journey, from his early influences like Elvis and […] The post Fueling Fan Excitement and Band Energy with Tom Jarvis – Gig Gab 461 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Get ready for an exciting episode of Gig Gab! Join host Dave Hamilton as he chats with Bruce Bennett, a seasoned musician and entrepreneur, about the ins and outs of the music industry. Dive into Bruce's journey from playing in bands to launching successful music-related businesses. Discover how he turned […] The post Music, Marketing, and Mischief with Bruce Bennett — Gig Gab 460 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Unlock the secret to transforming your band from cover to original without even realizing it! If you're a musician looking to make that leap, this episode is your guide. Join host Dave Hamilton as he chats with Scott Smith, co-founder of the North County Band. Scott shares his journey from […] The post From Covers to Originals with North County Band — Gig Gab 459 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Struggling to find your place in the music world? Tune in to this episode of Gig Gab, where we explore the multifaceted journey of a seasoned musician. Join host Dave Hamilton as he welcomes Parthenon Huxley, a prolific songwriter and performer with nine studio albums and collaborations with legends like […] The post Parthenon Huxley's Harmonious Adventures — Gig Gab 458 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Struggling to make your mark in the music industry? This episode of Gig Gab is your backstage pass to the world of live sound engineering with the legendary Pooch, a seasoned pro who's mixed for icons like Iron Maiden and Whitney Houston. Join host Dave Hamilton as he chats with […] The post Pooch's Path: From Recording Rooms to Rocking Arenas — Gig Gab 457 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Struggling with sound issues at gigs? You're not alone. Dive into this episode where Dave Hamilton and Mike Schulte tackle the challenges of playing live music in less-than-ideal conditions. This episode centers on the art of compromise in live performances. Dave and Mike discuss the importance of adapting to different […] The post Bandmates Unite: Navigating Gig Challenges Together — Gig Gab 456 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Ever wondered how an all-female Aerosmith tribute band came to be? Meet Susie Major, the voice behind Ragdolls, who defied expectations and carved a unique path in the tribute scene. Susie shares her journey from singing male-dominated rock to leading a band that pays homage to Aerosmith while maintaining its […] The post RagDolls Rise: Susie Major's Tribute Band Story — Gig Gab 455 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Dive into the fascinating world of Buck Dharma, the legendary guitarist from Blue Öyster Cult. Buck shares his incredible musical journey, starting from his high school surf band days to becoming a founding member of Blue Öyster Cult—a gig he's held for over five decades! Discover how Blue Öyster Cult […] The post Buck Dharma: Guitars, Tech, and Touring Tales — Gig Gab 454 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Join Dave Hamilton as he explores the fascinating world of microphones with Matt McGlynn, the mastermind behind Roswell Pro Audio. Dive into the origins of Roswell Pro Audio, born from Matt's passion for sound and his ventures with Recording Hacks and Microphone Parts. Discover the art of choosing the right […] The post Sound Science: From DIY to Pro Mics with Matt McGlynn — Gig Gab 453 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Get ready for an exciting episode of Gig Gab! Join host Dave Hamilton as he dives into the fascinating world of songwriting with the legendary Gary Burr. Discover how Gary's career took off, writing hits for artists like Juice Newton, and hear about his incredible collaborations with Ringo Starr over […] The post Gary Burr: The Art of Songwriting and Saying Yes — Gig Gab 452 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Get ready for an exciting episode of Gig Gab! Dive into a microphone showdown where Dave compares the Roswell Pro Audio Mini K87 with his trusty Earthworks Ethos. Discover how these mics stack up in sound and setup, offering insights for podcasters and musicians alike. Ever struggled with cleaning your […] The post Listener Feedback, Tips, and Gear Gab Galore — Gig Gab 451 appeared first on Gig Gab.

In this episode, you dive deep into the world of sound with Bryan “Froggy” Cross, where being a bass player was just the start. Froggy shares how his journey starting with Maynard Ferguson and later, Tower of Power, led him from backline work to becoming a tour manager by 21. […] The post Sound Wisdom with Bryan “Froggy” Cross: IEMs, Mics, and More — Gig Gab Podcast 450 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Ever wondered what it's like to tour with music legends? This episode of Gig Gab takes you behind the scenes with Bob “Doctor Mac” LeVitus, a tech author and former roadie for the Jackson 5 and Shaun Cassidy. Bob LeVitus, who has authored 92 books on technology, shares his unique […] The post From The Jackson Five to Shawn Cassidy: Bob LeVitus' Untold Tales of Touring Legends — Gig Gab 449 appeared first on Gig Gab.

In this episode of Gig Gab, you join Dusty Wright, the former editor of Creem magazine, as he shares stories from his vibrant career in music journalism and live performance. You'll hear about his encounters with rock legends like Robert Plant and Prince, plus insights on how your influences shape […] The post From Creem to the Stage: Dusty Wright's Music Stories – Gig Gab 448 appeared first on Gig Gab.

In this week's Gig Gab, Bakithi Kumalo joins the show, diving into the passion and journey that led him to music. You'll hear about how he started playing professionally at just seven years old, practicing on a cardboard bass while singing his bass lines, inspired by the grooves of Motown […] The post Bakithi Kumalo: Groove, Graceland, and the Power of Consistency — Gig Gab 447 appeared first on Gig Gab.

In this week's Gig Gab, Mike Schulte joins Dave Hamilton to dive into the world of being more than just your gigs. They highlight how using holidays, creating a video show, and grabbing content ideas from social media can elevate your band's presence in between gigs. Whether it's on stage […] The post From Bandmates Gone Rogue to Maximizing Gigs: Keep Fans Engaged — Gig Gab 446 appeared first on Gig Gab.

This week on Gig Gab, guest co-host Daniel East joins Dave Hamilton for a deep dive into the art of harmonies and the essentials of live sound. You'll discover how to add harmonies to your band by honing in on the timbre of each singer and experimenting in real-time with […] The post How to Perfect Your Harmonies and Elevate Your Band's Sound — Gig Gab 445 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Dive into the world of music and neuroscience with Daniel Levitin on this week's Gig Gab! Join him and Dave Hamilton as they unpack Dan's upcoming book, “I Heard There Was a Secret Chord: Music as Medicine”, releasing August 27th. Discover the intricacies of the Default Mode Network, and how […] The post How Music Heals: Daniel Levitin on the Neuroscience of Sound — Gig Gab 444 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Get ready to dive into Dave Hamilton's action-packed summer as he recounts his nonstop gig schedule, from Bitter Pill's high-energy performances to subbing with way-too-many bands, and his next adventure with a new band, Casual Gravity. With gigs piling up and Podcast Movement on the horizon, you'll hear how Dave […] The post The Performer's Summer: Nonstop Gigs, Fresh Gear, and New Beginnings — Gig Gab 443 appeared first on Gig Gab.

This week on Gig Gab, dive into the fascinating journey of Kirk Hamilton, a saxophonist turned podcaster, who brings a wealth of musical insight to the table. Starting as a student at the University of Miami's Jazz Program, Kirk's path led him from songwriting and guitar playing to forming the […] The post Strong Songs Unveiled: Kirk Hamilton's Musical Exploration — Gig Gab 442 appeared first on Gig Gab.

This week's Gig Gab podcast brings you an electrifying episode with Brian Ray, diving deep into his illustrious career and the recent release of his latest album, “My Town.” You'll kick off with a fun story as Brian shares tales from his Halloween 1973 tour supporting Monster Mash, including the […] The post My Town & Beyond: Brian Ray's Journey from Monster Mash to McCartney's Stage — Gig Gab 441 appeared first on Gig Gab.

In this week's Gig Gab episode, guest co-host Mike Schulte teams up with Dave Hamilton to tackle the world of music with humor and insight, and maybe a little controversy. They dive into why musicians often shun karaoke, dubbing it “beer league singing”—but that's not a bad thing! Mike shares […] The post Tribute Bands, Pink Slips, and Taylor Swift — Gig Gab 440 appeared first on Gig Gab.

Dive into this episode of Gig Gab as Dave Hamilton walks you through setting up your digital mixer like a pro. From the basics of setting your input gain to the intricacies of dialing in compression, you'll master the essential skills needed to get your sound just right. Dave breaks […] The post Digital Mixers 101: Essential Tips on Gain, Compression, EQ, and Beyond — Gig Gab 439 appeared first on Gig Gab.

This week's Gig Gab is a must-listen as journeyman drummer Tris Imboden joins Dave Hamilton, bringing a wealth of musical history and wisdom. Dive into Tris's fascinating career, from growing up in the musically rich Orange County, to the unforgettable moment he saw The Beatles live, despite barely hearing them […] The post Tris Imboden Talks Rock ‘n' Roll, In-Ear Monitors, Kenny Loggins, and More — Gig Gab 438 appeared first on Gig Gab.

In this week's Gig Gab, Dave Hamilton is joined by Lara Supan from Midwood Entertainment to dive deep into the role of a booking agent for developing bands. Lara teaches us that a booking agent excels in routings, venue knowledge, negotiation, and strategy, but they won't grow your fanbase or […] The post The Ultimate Booking Agent Guide for Bands with Lara Supan — Gig Gab 437 appeared first on Gig Gab.