After The Gig is a podcast by musician Jesse Humphrey. Jesse sits down with his friends and musicians from around the industry and talks about everything from Gear, travel, life, songs, venues, fans, and pretty much everything in between. Take a listen to what it's like to hang with the band!
In this episode, Jesse explores the deep passion and relentless drive behind playing music. Drawing parallels between music and hitting a perfect golf shot, we delve into the joy of playing an instrument or having a musical conversation with fellow musicians. The episode touches on the importance of connecting with your music, the audience, and the struggles young musicians face. We discuss the dangers of comparing oneself to others and emphasize measuring personal growth. The discussion also includes insights on parenting, the significance of not stifling creativity in children, and the journey of perseverance and practice in achieving success. This episode is a deep dive into the world of music, connection, and personal growth.
The After the Gig podcast is moving to Substack! There shouldn’t be any change to how you view, or listen to the show, but we will now be using Substack as our new hosting site! The show will remain the same on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and anywhere else you listen to After the Gig. The video version is also still available on YouTube, which I highly recommend! Please reach out to afterthegigpod@gmail.com for any question or concerns!
Music from the episode:
Outro: “Chemical” by Jesse Humphrey
Newsletter:
Youtube! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6AhUzWzyCrTgffuNlTjLG3jEmj5h4pmZ
Support the Podcast on Patreon! Patreon.com/afterthegig
All links right here!!
https://linktr.ee/jessehumphrey
EMAIL US!
https://www.instagram.com/afterthegig/
@afterthegig
00:00 Introduction: The Passion for Music
01:31 The Magic of Mastery: Golf and Drumming
02:09 Musical Conversations and Connections
03:16 Challenges and Perseverance in Music
07:22 The Flow State and Creative Process
09:15 Avoiding Comparisons and Self-Improvement
15:03 Podcast Updates and Personal Reflections
19:15 Impact of Words on Young Minds
28:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
2025 Grammy Highlights & Super Bowl Controversy: Kendrick Lamar's Bold Statement
In this episode of 'After the Gig,' Jesse delves deep into the 2025 Grammy performances, featuring reactions to standout artists like Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, Lizzo, and more. He also discusses the much-talked-about Super Bowl halftime show by Kendrick Lamar, which sparked significant controversy due to its direct jabs at Drake and the inclusion of Serena Williams. Additionally, Jesse touches on poignant topics like the devastating California wildfires and the Grammy tribute to LA's first responders. From riveting performances to thought-provoking commentary, join us for a thorough exploration of the highs and lows of these major music events.
Newsletter: https://jessehumphrey.substack.com/
Youtube! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6AhUzWzyCrTgffuNlTjLG3jEmj5h4pmZ
Support the Podcast on Patreon! Patreon.com/afterthegig
All links right here!!
https://linktr.ee/jessehumphrey
EMAIL US!
https://www.instagram.com/afterthegig/
@afterthegig
00:00 Introduction and Overview
00:54 Dua Lipa's Stellar Performance
01:20 Anita and Billie Eilish: A Mixed Bag
03:51 Lizzo's Controversies and Performances
06:20 Benson Boone's Crowd-Pleasing Act
07:36 Sabrina Carpenter's Fun and Levity
10:45 Teddy Swims and Other Notable Performances
13:32 Cynthia Erivo's Tribute and Lady Gaga's Polarizing Act
17:44 Shakira and the Impact of Wildfires
23:54 Babyface's Disrespect and the Super Bowl Halftime Show
26:43 Kendrick Lamar's Controversial Super Bowl Performance
35:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
City Winery's $25 Minimum: A Deep Dive into the New Policy and Its Impact
In this episode, we explore City Winery's recent decision to implement a $25 minimum on food and beverage sales for concertgoers at their venues. Jesse shares personal thoughts and insights on the policy, its potential impact on patrons, and the reasons behind this move, including the desire to support artists by giving them a larger share of ticket sales. By reading an email from City Winery's CEO, we get an inside look at the motivations behind the new policy. Jesse also discusses broader issues affecting live music venues, such as the challenges of booking talent, managing unpredictable ticket sales, and ensuring quality service. Additionally, the episode touches on how similar venues have navigated financial challenges and offers a balanced perspective on the implications of the policy for both artists and patrons.
Newsletter: https://jessehumphrey.substack.com/
Youtube! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6AhUzWzyCrTgffuNlTjLG3jEmj5h4pmZ
Support the Podcast on Patreon! Patreon.com/afterthegig
All links right here!!
https://linktr.ee/jessehumphrey
EMAIL US!
https://www.instagram.com/afterthegig/
@afterthegig
00:00 Introduction to City Winery's New Policy
01:16 Personal Experience with Minimum Spend Policies
02:38 Reading the CEO's Email
05:00 Analyzing the Email and Menu Changes
06:22 Challenges Faced by City Winery
09:02 Impact on Artists and Venues
11:07 Case Study: Rockwood Music Hall
15:42 Balancing Acts and Business Models
18:14 Potential Solutions and Final Thoughts
25:09 Service Quality and Final Wrap-Up
Join Jesse as he drives through blizzard conditions from Providence to Boston, reminiscing about the days commuting to the Berklee College of Music. Jesse catches up with, drummer and a member of the Berklee Percussion Department, Jonathan Ulman, as they discuss their careers, share inspiring stories, and reflect on the music industry. Don’t miss this engaging conversation that touches on the importance of humility, the life of touring musicians, and the role of mentorship. This episode also sheds light on the current challenges in Los Angeles due to devastating fires and includes ways to support the affected communities.
Show links
Music from the show: "Thruple Shuffle" by Uncle Bronco
Newsletter: https://jessehumphrey.substack.com/
Youtube! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6AhUzWzyCrTgffuNlTjLG3jEmj5h4pmZ
All links right here!!
https://linktr.ee/jessehumphrey
EMAIL US!
https://www.instagram.com/afterthegig/
@afterthegig
Support Steve and Jess as they recover from the loss of their home in Los Angeles : https://gofund.me/11876fcf
00:00 Winter Commute to Berklee College of Music
01:06 Revisiting Berklee After 14 Years
01:22 Insights from the Newsletter
03:05 Arriving at Berklee and Finding Parking
05:33 Podcast with Jonathan Allman Begins
15:53 Balancing Passion and Profession
16:36 The Importance of Professionalism in Music
31:05 Learning from Industry Legends
36:11 The Role of Social Media in Music Careers
37:07 Reflections on Musical Growth and Simplicity
43:30 Navigating Criticism and Staying Positive
44:41 Morning Coffee Ritual
44:55 Challenges of Being a Drummer
48:23 Inspiring the Next Generation
52:21 Tour Life and Its Struggles
54:20 Perspective on Success
01:07:43 Meeting Eddie Vedder
01:22:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
This week on the podcast I talk about the New England Music Awards, Health on the Road, and Productivity as an artist. Make sure you subscribe to the newsletter, and check out the links below. Enjoy
Music from the show: "Thruple Shuffle"
Newsletter: https://jessehumphrey.substack.com/
Youtube! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6AhUzWzyCrTgffuNlTjLG3jEmj5h4pmZ
All links right here!!
https://linktr.ee/jessehumphrey
EMAIL US!
https://www.instagram.com/afterthegig/
@afterthegig
Ed Valauskas is a Boston legend. He's played with everyone, and produced some of the cities best musical exports from the comfy confines of Q division studios in Cambridge, MA. Ed and I met back when my former band Love in Stockholm recorded our 3rd release "Hold Back the Sun". You can listen to that here: https://open.spotify.com/album/669ssJgNDfL41GIIBg5Rw5?si=mnTRnlNRRKSFLLLIehaAJQ
Ed is the musical director of the Hot Stove Cool Music event that happens every year in Boston. It was started by Baseball hall of fame journalist Peter Gammons, and features an impressive roster of Boston sports heros that come together to play music. Ed talks all about it in our chat as well as many other things! Enjoy
So you want the lowdown, opinions, and advice of a professional that highlights the real ways to make it work as a musician from 20 years of experience? Then subscribe to the After the Gig newsletter!! https://jessehumphrey.substack.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/afterthegig
Youtube! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6AhUzWzyCrTgffuNlTjLG3jEmj5h4pmZ
All links right here!!
https://linktr.ee/jessehumphrey
EMAIL US!
https://www.instagram.com/afterthegig/
@afterthegig
Today on the podcast I have the great Pat Murphy of Gaelic Storm. The band was founded by Pat in 1996 and was featured in the record setting, blockbuster movie (one of the biggest films ever made) “Titanic”. From then, they went on to a record deal and decades as a staple in the Irish music community. Go to their website for tour dates. You will not want to miss them when they come to your town! Pat is one of my favorite people I’ve met in the music industry (and in general) and I hope you enjoy our chat half as much as I did. Enjoy!
So you want the lowdown, opinions, and advice of a professional that highlights the real ways to make it work as a musician from 20 years of experience? Then subscribe to the After the Gig newsletter!! https://jessehumphrey.substack.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/afterthegig
All links right here!!
https://linktr.ee/jessehumphrey
EMAIL US!
https://www.instagram.com/afterthegig/
@afterthegig
Today on the podcast I have my buddy Sean Quackenbush. Sean is the Grammy-winning sound engineer for Brandi Carlisle, and various others. Sean and I met and worked together on a tour with Stephen Kellogg, and having him on the show has been a long time coming. Sean talks about his experience with mix recordings, the Grammys, touring stories, and lot more. Enjoy!
To get more out of the After the Gig universe, sign up for the weekly newsletter here! https://jessehumphrey.substack.com/p/after-the-gig-newsletter-a80
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https://www.instagram.com/afterthegig/
@afterthegig
On this episode of After the Gig, Jesse sits down with the man behind the lens of the Sixth Man Cruises. Will Byington is a photographer and all around amazing individual who shares his experience of photographing fast paced and demanding environments while out at sea.
To get more out of the After the Gig universe, sign up for the weekly newsletter here! https://jessehumphrey.substack.com/p/after-the-gig-newsletter-a80
https://www.facebook.com/groups/afterthegig
All links right here!!
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EMAIL US!
https://www.instagram.com/afterthegig/
@afterthegig
Here he is. The world’s sweetest sound guy. It’s Billy Ferguson… I truly love Billy, and you should too. He’s a hard worker, a great sound guy, and all around spectacular human being. Billy was the former sound guy for Red Wanting Blue, and Carbon Leaf. He’s a former fire fighter, and now holds the position of sound guy at The Harvester performance center in Rocky Mount, VA (I accidentally said it was in Roanoke in the podcast intro). This was a fantastic conversation and I hope you enjoy it too!
After the Gig has a NEWSLETTER! It’s free to subscribe and you can find it in the link!
https://jessehumphrey.substack.com/p/after-the-gig-newsletter
https://www.facebook.com/groups/afterthegig
All links right here!!
https://linktr.ee/jessehumphrey
EMAIL US!
https://www.instagram.com/afterthegig/
@afterthegig
In this episode of After The Gig, Jesse continues his conversation with Gavin Castleton. They delve into Gavin's album 'Pattern Breaker', his move back to Rhode Island, and the impacts on his music and work-life balance. They also discuss the significance of fan loyalty, the use of AI in creating album artwork, and rethinking ambition. Additionally, Jesse shares insights about his own musical journey and touches on themes of work and ambition in his latest single. Buy Gavin’s new album here! https://gavincastleton.bandcamp.com/album/pattern-breaker-2024
After the Gig has a NEWSLETTER! It’s free to subscribe and you can find it in the link!
https://jessehumphrey.substack.com/p/after-the-gig-newsletter
https://www.facebook.com/groups/afterthegig
All links right here!!
https://linktr.ee/jessehumphrey
EMAIL US!
https://www.instagram.com/afterthegig/
@afterthegig
00:00 Introduction and Show Overview
00:20 Newsletter and Patreon Community
01:13 Interview with Gavin Castleton Begins
01:16 Returning to Rhode Island
08:54 Fan Base and Creativity
18:38 AI and Artwork
27:59 Song 'Ambition' and Personal Reflections
33:46 Redirecting Ambition: The Song's Takeaway
34:39 The Balance of Personal and Relatable Content
35:04 AI Tools and Creative Experimentation
36:01 The Cynicism of AI Avatars
37:11 Ambition's Musical Journey
43:17 The Challenges of Mixing and Editing
51:10 Songwriting and Personal Reflection
54:57 Recording Process and Instrumentation
59:21 Woodworking and Personal Projects
01:01:34 Conclusion and Community Engagement