🚀 From Google Podcasts to Moon FM in No Time: Your Hassle-Free Migration Guide
👉

Gig Gab - The Working Musicians' Podcast

Each week Paul Kent and Dave Hamilton come to you sharing their gigging experiences, tips and tricks learned, and interviews with other weekend warriors and pros. Wanna talk shop with your musical buddies? Look no further than GigGab!

  • 1 hour 32 seconds
    Avoiding Rats Nests
    Avoiding Rats Nests — Gig Gab 428 episode image

    This week on Gig Gab, Mike Schulte returns for a lively discussion on the finesse of live performances band dynamics. He and Dave Hamilton kick off with a chat about “Playing ‘Less’ for More Money,” exploring how reducing the number of gigs you play can lead to greater impact and potentially higher pay. As they delve into the struggles musicians face, “The Waiting Is The Hardest Part” segment sheds light on the patience required in the industry, from waiting around for gigs to begin to mastering the interpersonal dynamics in your band. They also offer invaluable tips on achieving the best sound for your instruments in any room, emphasizing that great sound is key to a memorable performance—because you should always be performing.

    Mike and Dave also address the delicate balance between a musician’s ego and the band’s overall sound in “Is Your Sound Part of Your Ego? Or Part of What’s Best For Your Band?” Here, they encourage musicians to make sound choices that serve the band’s best interests. The episode is peppered with practical advice, from managing stage equipment like cables and snakes efficiently to choosing the right gear like BFSD for snare drums and Smokin Ace Rectangular Cymbal Shields to enhance stage sound. For any musician looking to refine their craft and learn the ropes of effective stage management, this episode is packed with critical insights and tools to help you shine in your next gig.

    Press play, enjoy, and always be performing!

    The post Avoiding Rats Nests — Gig Gab 428 appeared first on Gig Gab.

    6 May 2024, 12:00 pm
  • 29 minutes 10 seconds
    Self-Promotion and Redheaded Air Drummers with Best Not Broken
    Self-Promotion and Redheaded Air Drummers with Best Not Broken — Gig Gab 427 episode image

    In the latest episode of Gig Gab, you’ll catch Eric Jackson and Carlo Carluccio from Boston’s own Best Not Broken sharing their journey from cover band roots to rocking high-energy performances with a mix of originals and covers, including an unforgettable opening gig for Barry Goudreau’s Engine Room. They spill on mastering the art of self-promotion—think relentless social media engagement, eye-catching posters, and savvy online PR campaigns. It’s not just about music; it’s about creating a relatable product. So, dive deep into their strategies to build brand recognition, foster radio relationships, and keep the business side as sharp as their harmonies. Remember, always be performing.

    Switching gears, the duo discusses the technical side of their shows, from managing setlists to incorporating tracks and clicks effectively—for them, just the drummer gets the click, no one else! They weave in crowd-pleasers like “Freebird” and “Don’t Fear The Reaper” alongside their hits like “Tell Me You Want Me,” creating a seamless blend that keeps the audience engaged (all while proving why the rhythm section is so crucial!).

    Whether you’re navigating the challenges of promotion or the intricacies of performance management, take a leaf out of Best Not Broken’s playbook and keep the focus sharp: always be performing.

    • 00:00:00 Gig Gab 427 – Monday, April 29th, 2024
      • April 29th: Poem In Your Pocket Day
      • Guests: Eric Jackson & Carlo Carluccio from Boston’s Best Not Broken
      • From a bicycle in Nashville to a car in New Hampshire
      • High-energy performance, tight harmonies, the clever inclusion of cover songs interspersed with originals, and opening for Barry Goudreau’s Engine Room (not to mention the crazy waves crashing!) caught my attention!
    • 00:03:02 Started as a Cover Band
    • 00:05:32 Some of their best songs are on their most recent release.
    • 00:07:33 The Art of Self-Promotion
      • Spend some time on social media
      • Posters. Build Brand Recognition and Resume
      • Hire Promotion Help with Gig Money.
      • Treat it Like a Business
      • Online PR Campaign
      • Find Radio Stations
      • Build Relationships
      • Keep at it, and pay attention
      • INTERACT
      • Think about your product…it’s not just music. Make videos. Make something relatable.
    • 00:13:18 Management Help?
    • 00:14:19 Playing with Tracks (and a Click)
      • That’s Because We’re So Clever
      • No IEMs for Lead Singer
      • Click only for Drummer
      • “Too Hot To Operate”
    • 00:19:51 Managing Setlists
      • Keeping the tracks effective and simple
      • Using the drum overhead as “stage wash”
    • 00:22:50 Sneaking Covers Into Sets
    • 00:27:06 Gig Gab 427 Outtro

    The post Self-Promotion and Redheaded Air Drummers with Best Not Broken — Gig Gab 427 appeared first on Gig Gab.

    29 April 2024, 12:00 pm
  • 1 hour 6 minutes
    Refreshments & Rapport with Train's Matt Musty
    Refreshments & Rapport with Train's Matt Musty — Gig Gab 426 episode image

    In the latest episode of Gig Gab, Matt Musty, a seasoned pro known for his work with Train, Grace Potter, and others, joins Dave Hamilton to share invaluable insights into the diverse roles a musician can play—be it a team player in a band setting or a versatile session artist. Emphasizing the need to adapt, whether grooving to the iconic beats of “Drops of Jupiter” or navigating the unique demands of various venues like Blossom in Cleveland and Tanglewood in Massachusetts, Musty illustrates the essence of “Always Be Performing”. He stresses the importance of context, from the dynamics of performing live to understanding the subtleties of venue acoustics and audience vibes.

    Navigating the complexities of tour life, including Matt’s time on the road with Jake Clemons on the S.S. Tina Turner bus, unveils a layer of touring rarely discussed— the social dynamics and unspoken rules like those governing the guest list. Tips from life on the road with musicians like Kacey Musgraves and interactions on the Grace Potter tour delve into the personal journeys artists undertake, blending professional commitments with personal evolution. Whether discussing the technical nuances of in-ear monitors or sharing a laugh about the quirks of tour bus life, the underlying mantra remains clear: wherever you are, and whatever you’re doing, “Always Be Performing”.

    The post Refreshments & Rapport with Train’s Matt Musty — Gig Gab 426 appeared first on Gig Gab.

    22 April 2024, 12:00 pm
  • 1 hour 15 minutes
    Demolishing Walls & Pulling Teeth with Adam Moskowizard
    Demolishing Walls & Pulling Teeth with Adam Moskowizard — Gig Gab 425 episode image

    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
    • 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
    • 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
    • \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

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

    15 April 2024, 4:46 pm
  • 1 hour 14 minutes
    Gear Gab and Lessons from The Road with Area 52 Studios
    Gear Gab and Lessons from The Road with Area 52 Studios — Gig Gab 424 Episode Image

    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.

     

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

    8 April 2024, 1:00 pm
  • 1 hour 17 minutes
    Taking Your Music Career from Dependent to Provider with Matt Gibson
    Taking Your Music Career from Dependent to Provider with Matt Gibson — Gig Gab 423 episode image

    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
    • 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”
    • 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!
    • 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

     

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

    1 April 2024, 9:05 pm
  • 54 minutes 38 seconds
    Always Be...Respecting Your Audience (with special guest: Dallas Taylor)
    Always Be...Respecting Your Audience — Gig Gab 422 (with special guest: Dallas Taylor) episode image

    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.”

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

    25 March 2024, 1:00 pm
  • 1 hour 13 seconds
    No Shame In The Pop Game
    No Shame In The Pop Game — Gig Gab 421 episode image

    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.

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

    19 March 2024, 5:43 pm
  • 1 hour 1 minute
    Temperamental Bass Players
    Temperamental Bass Players — Gig Gab 420 with @DaveHamilton and Chris Breen

    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.

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

    11 March 2024, 1:00 pm
  • 59 minutes 30 seconds
    The Spirit of Your Band
    The Spirit of Your Band — Gig Gab 419 episode image

    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.

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

    4 March 2024, 1:00 pm
  • 1 hour 7 minutes
    NAMM 2024 Gear Gab & Reflections
    NAMM 2024 Gear Gab & Reflections — Gig Gab 418 with Daniel East episode image

    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.

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

    26 February 2024, 1:00 pm
  • More Episodes? Get the App
About Gig Gab - The Working Musicians' Podcast
Links
Listeners Also Subscribed To
© MoonFM 2024. All rights reserved.