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    Music

    Gig Gab – The Working Musician’s Podcast

    Welcome to Gig Gab—the podcast sanctuary for working musicians and anyone fascinated by the vibrant, often unseen world behind every note played on stage. Whether you’re a musician, a member of the crew, or just someone who loves peeking behind the curtain to discover the secrets of live performances, you’ve found your tribe.

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    Copyright: © BackBeat Media, LLC 2024

    • Apple Podcasts
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    Latest Episodes:
    Mixing Legends Live: Robert Scovill at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Jan 05, 2026
    Show notes Mixing Legends Live: Robert Scovill at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame — Gig Gab 515 episode image

    You step into the pressure cooker of elite live sound, where Robert Scovill shows you why chaos is often the best teacher. From mixing Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions with zero margin for error to handling full-band changeovers on the fly, you learn that perfection is worth chasing but dangerous to demand. You hear why live mixing beats the studio for him. It is about capturing ensemble moments, not polishing parts. Even when the doubt creeps in before showtime, the lights come up, the band hits, and the moment reminds you why you do this. This is the mindset of Always Be Performing.

    You also get practical, battle-tested tactics for surviving high-stakes gigs. Learn how to study a band fast, who sings, who solos, and when, using recordings and YouTube as prep tools. You hear what it takes to mix legendary harmony vocals, why artists like Def Leppard insist on singing live, and how those expectations shape your approach.

    Then it gets nerdy in the best way, with the evolution of De-Feedback, real-world use at the Rock Hall, and how tools like reverse impulse responses can clean up wedges, vocals, and even IEMs. The takeaway is clear. Preparation, adaptability, and relentless curiosity are what keep you in the game.

    • 00:00:00 Gig Gab 515 – Monday, January 5th, 2026
      • January 12th: National Day of Dialogue
      • Guest co-host: Robert Scovill
    • 00:01:25 Mixing Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
      • 10+ Acts… with full changeovers
      • Trial by fire, with no time!
    • 00:07:27 The enjoyment of the pressure of mixing live
      • Perfection is a great thing to strive for, a terrible thing to achieve
    • 00:09:00 Giving up on the studio in favor of live
      • Way more interested in recording ensemble moments
    • 00:10:10 Started in live sound in the 1970s
      • Started with Shooting Star
    • 00:12:04 Full circle moments at Rock Hall
      • Mixing the Joe Cocker induction with Tedeschi Trucks
      • Mixing Peter Frampton…a throwback moment
    • 00:17:34 That thought creeps in: “I don’t know if I can keep doing this”
      • And then the show happens…with all of its moments!
    • 00:22:34 Learning a band quickly
      • Who’s singing? When?
      • Who plays the guitar solos (and when)?
      • Give them a recording in advance
      • Find them on YouTube
    • 00:25:53 Dolly Parton and Rob Halford sing Jolene
    • 00:28:23 Mixing Def Leppard harmony vocals
      • Def Leppard is a great example: they wanted to sing live
      • They worked hard to deliver what they expected (and what people expected)
    • 00:34:50 Mixing Prince at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
    • 00:38:20 Always Be Recording…and here’s why: Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks
      • And a new ProTools feature was born: VENUE Link
    • 00:43:04 Alpha Labs De-Feedback
      • Started as an aside in Scovill’s Back Lounge
      • Neve 5045 Primary Source Expander
      • Waves PSE Plugin
      • De-Feedback does reverse impulse responses
    • 00:48:42 De-Feedback started to “make churches sound better”
    • 00:57:28 De-Feedback at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
      • Elton John (because of his loud monitor wedges)
      • Cyndi Lauper
    • 01:02:02 Comparing De-Feedback to a Neve 5045
      • Waves NS1
    • 01:10:19 A live De-Feedback demo and some nerdy details!
    • 01:26:24 Fixing IEMs with De-Feedback
      • Think about eliminating drum bleed from vocal mics, for one.
    • 01:28:47 Gig Gab 515 Outtro
      • Follow Robert Scovill
        • On Facebook
        • On Instagram
        • On LinkedIn
        • RobertScovill.com (where you’ll find The Back Lounge)
      • Contact Gig Gab!
        • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
        • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
        • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

    The post Mixing Legends Live: Robert Scovill at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame — Gig Gab 515 appeared first on Gig Gab.

    The Hidden Work of Fun: Systems for Working Musicians with Richard Page Dec 29, 2025
    Show notes The Hidden Work of Fun: Systems for Working Musicians with Richard Page episode image

    You love the music, but being a working musician comes with friction, and this episode tackles it head-on. You dig into the real difference between tribute bands and celebration projects, how to prep when multiple gigs stack up fast, and why anxiety creeps in when preparation gets sloppy. You explore how much rehearsal is enough, when studio versions help versus live recordings, and why fun disappears when expectations are unclear. The big takeaway is simple: intention matters. When you walk into rehearsal with a plan, a personal worklist, and shared expectations, you protect your energy and stay focused on what matters most. That focus is how you keep growing while Always Be Performing.

    From rehearsals to gig day, you learn how systems save your sanity. You hear why rehearsal recordings only work if someone is actually assigned to listen, how shared calendars prevent chaos, and why group texts quietly sabotage bands. You break down practical tools for managing gigs, promotion, and communication, from punchlist spreadsheets to task masters who own the details. You even get into tech expectations for bandmates and why alignment matters more than gear. The message is clear: externalize the details, reduce decision fatigue, and free your head to show up present, prepared, and confident on stage.

    • 00:00:00 Gig Gab 514 – Monday, December 29th, 2025
      • December 29th: Tick Tock Day
      • Guest co-host: Richard Page
    • 00:02:03 Richard’s got some tribute shows happening
      • The difference between a tribute band and a celebration project
      • Pure Petty, Hot Atlanta, Remedy at Ardmore Music Hall
      • Rocks This Way
    • 00:06:07 Dave’s got three different shows to learn and play in 2 weeks
      • The anxiety of preparing for too many gigs at once
      • When prepping celebration shows, do you do all studio? Some live?
    • 00:24:33 SPONSOR: Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at rula.com/giggab #rulapod
    • 00:26:19 NAMM coming up!
      • GG Coverage Sponsor: Ultimate Ears Pro!
    • 00:26:55 Being a working musician comes with a lot of friction to have fun
    • 00:28:48 Setting rehearsal intention
      • Have a plan!
      • Be careful of repeating songs and consuming time
      • Set expectations. Ensure everyone arrives on the same page.
      • Keep a “personal worklist” note going on your phone during rehearsals
    • 00:33:41 Maximizing rehearsal recordings
      • Rotate between band-members for listening to rehearsal recordings
      • You inspect what you expect!
    • 00:38:49 Scheduling rehearsals
      • Use a Google Calendar
    • 00:42:36 Inter-band communication
      • Group Messages…SUCK (especially now with RCS, that was supposed to fix it)
      • You’ve gotta have a task-master!
      • WheresTheGig.com
      • BandHelper
    • 00:50:46 Creating a Spreadsheet punchlist for gigs
      • Keeps you from forgetting the Facebook event, the mailer, etc
      • Using BandsInTown for Artists
    • 00:55:55 Tech requirements for new band members
      • Green Bubble Prejudice!
    • 01:02:12 Three iPads
      • Stage Ninja Clamp for iPad
      • forScore
    • 01:10:17 Gig Gab 514 Outtro
      • Follow Richard Page on Facebook
        • Remedy
        • Dead Band
        • Rocks This Way
      • Contact Gig Gab!
        • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
        • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
        • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

    The post The Hidden Work of Fun: Systems for Working Musicians — Gig Gab 514 with Richard Page appeared first on Gig Gab.

    Lindsay Manfredi’s Road to Cold: Music, Micro-Pivots, and Radical Self-Worth Dec 22, 2025
    Show notes Lindsay Manfredi’s Road to Cold: Music, Micro-Pivots, and Radical Self-Worth — Gig Gab 513 episode image

    You follow Lindsay Manfredi’s wild, non-linear path from merch table to main stage, and she shows you exactly how saying yes, showing up, and outworking your fear can change your entire trajectory. You hear how she moved to Florida at twenty chasing a rock-star dream, became an instant Cold superfan, and eventually landed the bass gig through a Twitter message that felt too unreal to be real. She talks candidly about law-of-attraction moments, why every Cold song has to matter, and where the line sits between authentic human creativity and formulaic or AI-generated music. Through it all, she reminds you that most fears never materialize and it takes the same effort to believe in yourself as it does to doubt yourself. Always Be Performing.

    From there, you shift into the discipline behind her artistry: preparing for tours months in advance, running the set nearly every day, and over-preparing so the stage actually feels fun. She shares how making the road feel like home keeps her grounded, and how her book “The Girl Who Cried Love” came from losing her sense of self and rebuilding true self-worth, not just confidence. You explore dropping habits that don’t serve you, reconnecting with what you really value, and even why revisiting Mad Men taught her to only compete with herself. Finally, you wrap with a deep dive into in-ear monitor strategy, why a great mix beats great gear, and the small decisions that make performing sustainable for the long haul.

    • 00:00:00 Gig Gab 513 – Monday, December 22nd, 2025
      • December 22nd: National Cookie Exchange Day
      • Guest co-host: Linsday Manfredi
      • NAMM coming up!
        • GG Coverage Sponsor: Ultimate Ears Pro!
    • 00:01:30 Twenty years old, moved to Florida to become a rock star
      • Sprung Monkey needed a “merch girl”, Lindsay grabbed the gig
      • Saw Cold, loved the music, loved Scooter’s voice. Instant fan!
      • Unfuckwithable: A Guide to Inspired Badassery
    • 00:04:45 Bringing the Law of attraction into the rock world
      • Lindsay’s Cold tattoo made it into the album insert
      • 00:06:00 Getting the Cold gig… on Twitter in 2014
      • Picture Yes was playing at The Vogue in Indianapolis on tour with Saving Abel
      • Check your Facebook messages: “Will you be in our band?”
    • 00:07:32 Always say “yes!” — Build the plane while you’re flying it.
      • Bought a 5-String
    • 00:09:09 Play music because you love to play music
      • No fluff songs in Cold
      • Every song matters
    • 00:11:25 Fuck AI to create music
      • Is Formulaic Music from humans just as bad as AI-Created Music
      • When do we hit the point where it’s OK to use AI to create music
    • 00:20:13 If you’re an artist, you’re going to create art.
      • 85% of what we’re afraid of won’t happen.
      • It takes just as much effort to have faith in something as it does to fear something
    • 00:23:46 Transitioning from fan to band member
      • Scooter says: “bring your personality to it!”
      • Capture the original intent and emotion
      • Lindsay rewrote the run in “So Long June” and… it was welcomed!
    • 00:27:30 Preparing enough to have fun on stage
      • Months of practice before a tour
      • In order to have fun on stage… I need to be an over-preparer!
      • Fender P-Bass at home to learn and prepare for tour
      • Heavier strings on the practice bass
      • Run the set every day (almost)
    • 00:33:42 Start rehearsal in December for tour in April
      • It’s more fun to be prepared
    • 00:36:10 Making the road feel like home
      • Making your bunk your own
      • Cold is a family
      • Touring is my favorite thing to do
    • 00:39:52 The Girl Who Cried Love, a Pivot to Self Worth
      • Lindsay: I lost myself into what became a failed relationship
      • Trying to prove my worth to someone who didn’t see my worth
      • So many of us aren’t taught what our true worth is
      • Asking herself: “Lindsay, what do you really want in your life? What is your purpose? What are your values?”
      • The difference between confidence and self-worth.
    • 00:45:33 It’s hard to drop the shit that’s not serving you
    • 00:46:37 How can I make the world a little bit better?
      • Being in the audience first makes everything so much clearer
    • 00:47:51 Identifying a bad habit before you can drop it
      • “My goal in life is to wake up laughing every day”
    • 00:49:01 Revisiting Mad Men, of all things
      • Better to compete with yourself
    • 00:51:19 In Ear Monitors
      • Having a great mix
      • Mix is more important than gear
      • Dissecting in-ears
      • Universal Fits Dave recommends:
        • Ultimate Ears Universal Fit
        • Soundbrenner Wave
      • Huberman Lab episode on hearing health
    • 01:01:52 Gig Gab 513 Outtro
      • Follow Lindsay Manfredi
        • On IG @Lindsay Manfredi
        • ColdArmy.com
      • Contact Gig Gab!
        • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
        • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
        • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

    The post Lindsay Manfredi’s Road to Cold: Music, Micro-Pivots, and Radical Self-Worth — Gig Gab 513 appeared first on Gig Gab.

    Booking Smarter, Singing Harder: Demetri Papanicolau on Gig Life Dec 15, 2025
    Show notes Booking Smarter, Singing Harder: Demetri Papanicolau on Gig Life — Gig Gab 512 episode image

    You follow Demetri Papanicolau’s winding path from Fidelity financial consultant to full-time booking agent and working musician, discovering how taking risks, saying yes to scary gigs, and learning from every stage moment shaped his career. You hear how singing AC/DC and Zeppelin in high school, drilling Beatles harmonies, and navigating the evolution from originals to covers built the chops he still relies on today. As you ride through stories of surprise band formations, COVID-era pivots, and the birth of Rotten Apple, you’re reminded that you must Always Be Performing, even when the gig you expected turns into something entirely different.

    You also step inside Demetri’s world at Notso Costley Productions, where booking is equal parts diplomacy, coaching, and reading the room. He breaks down what venues actually want, what musicians consistently get wrong, and how reliability wins more than draw. You learn how he balances the needs of solos, duos, trios, and full bands; why non-verbal communication and a good hang matter; how to build an EPK that gets you on a roster; and what happens when rates rise across the scene. Through it all, Demetri shows how being both booker and performer lets him guide bands and venues toward smoother nights, stronger partnerships, and gigs that keep everyone coming back.

    • 00:00:00 Gig Gab 512 – Monday, December 15th, 2025
      • December 15th: National Cupcake Day
      • Guest co-host: Demetri Papanicolau from Notso Costley Productions
    • NAMM coming up!
      • GG Coverage Sponsor: Ultimate Ears Pro!
    • 00:02:19 From Fidelity Financial Consultant to Acquiring and running a Booking Agency
      • Josh Logan, local to New Hampshire, did Rock Star Supernova and then The Voice
      • And then…Demetri wins the Black Brimmer’s Rock Star ManchVegas
      • Doors opened!
    • 00:05:33 Singing AC/DC and Zeppelin in high school to vocal lessons
    • 00:06:06 Learning harmonies by singing The Beatles
    • 00:07:32 Playing in an original band that became a cover band
    • 00:10:05 Learning while not playing…big ears!
      • Submitted to America’s Got Talent
    • 00:13:39 Taking new gigs even when they scare the heck out of you
      • A Josh Logan cancelation leads to a band formation to sub!
    • 00:16:02 It’s not about the gigs you take, it’s also about the gigs you don’t take
      • Be selective!
    • 00:17:17 Alice and Chains becomes the thread to the story
    • 00:18:51 COVID derails (and delays) some gigs…oh how we remember!
      • October and November, 2020
      • When an acoustic duo gig turns into a full band on stage
      • Rotten Apple forms! A tribute to Alice and Chains
    • 00:22:28 Always performing with passion
      • …and perfection!
      • Developing that non-verbal communication
    • 00:28:22 Bonding as harmony singers
      • When you find that magic formula with someone, stick with it!
    • 00:33:41 Putting the time in for continuous growth
      • Maintaining beginner’s mind
    • 00:34:07 Finding those right partners where it’s a good hang
      • When your FOH Jim Roese, FOH with Fuel, Melissa Etheridge, and also Rotten Apple
    • 00:37:44 Running a booking agency
      • Working for both the venue and the performer
      • Having a roster of musicians: solos, duos, trios, full bands
      • Being in the performer’s shoes helps Demetri be a coach to bands AND venues to ensure smooth sailing
    • 00:42:48 Reading the room goes a long
    • 00:44:15 Demetri’s advice for making it work (or not work)
      • To get on the roster: Have a good EPK and promo kit
      • Once you’re on: responsiveness, being available, managing your schedule
    • 00:46:24 Demetri’s biggest juggling act: adapting to last-minute changes
      • The time Casual Gravity cancelled last minute!
      • Reliability is huge
    • 00:54:17 Venue feedback
      • Draw isn’t always the most important thing
      • Be a pro on the mic. Represent the venue.
      • Play the right songs.
      • Keeping the venues happy allows Demetri to book his roster of performers
    • 00:57:43 Raising rates for the performer
      • New rates for 2025
      • $230-$250 for solo (from $170-$200 three years ago)
      • $450-$500 for duo
      • $660-$700 for trio
      • $700-$1,000 for bands (or more for A-List prices)
      • Balancing rates between performers and venues, ensuring everyone is profitable
    • 01:05:03 Carrying on Paul Costley’s legacy and tradition with Nosto Costley Productions
      • Took a voluntary buyout package from Fidelity to make the time to acquire the agency
      • 12/31/2021 was the day Demetri took over…and stopped cutting his hair
    • 01:09:20 Gig Gab 512 Outtro
      • Follow Demetri Papanicolau
        • Notso Costley Productions
        • On IG @DemetriPapanicolau
      • Contact Gig Gab!
        • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
        • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
        • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

    The post Booking Smarter, Singing Harder: Demetri Papanicolau on Gig Life — Gig Gab 512 appeared first on Gig Gab.

    From Hiatus to 250K Streams: The Gale Bird Story with Sean Monahan Dec 08, 2025
    Show notes From Hiatus to 250K Streams: The Gale Bird Story with Sean Monahan — Gig Gab 511 episode image

    Sean Monahan from Gale Bird joins Dave Hamilton to walk you through their path of being successful working musicians in an original band. You follow Gale Bird’s path from college songwriting to a 13-year hiatus and a full-tilt return that finally landed Gale Bird on a label. You hear how the band treats music as both passion and business, blending Sean’s production chops with Joshua’s marketing instincts to create songs that connect. You get reminded that “overnight success” takes decades, and that everyone who hires you is thinking in terms of return. Failure, lineup changes, stalled gigs… they’re not roadblocks, folks, they’re prep for the next shot. That’s where you lean into the mindset: Always Be Performing.

    You also learn how the label helps identify the songs that will land, how playlist strategy works, and how Gale Bird built a digital identity alongside their live-show firepower. You dig into their content engine, daily-posting experiments, AI reels, and the push to film everything. Collaboration becomes a skill, not an accident, and you see how respecting different strengths keeps the whole machine running. Gear Gab rounds it out with a bit of a wishlist: Kempers, custom Teles, splitter snakes, and the stress test of soundcheck when tech goes sideways. Press play and enjoy!

    • 00:00:00 Gig Gab 511 – Monday, December 8th, 2025
      • December 8th: Pretend to be a Time Traveler day
      • Guest co-host: Sean Monahan from Gale Bird
    • 00:01:50 Went to two different schools together
      • Met in college, started writing songs, doing some local touring
      • Then a 13-year break after college while they started families
      • And then, two years ago, you got the band back together!
    • 00:03:19 Signed to a label
    • 00:05:11 A Passion that’s also very much a business
      • Producing art that is digested by as many people as possible
      • Sean’s been a full-time musician since college
      • Learned all the right production techniques
      • Met all the right people
      • Hiring the right engineer and session musicians for the album
      • Joshua has been in sales and marketing as his career
      • And also understands aesthetics and marketing… and is Sean’s co-songwriter
    • 00:07:57 The label saw *people* they could invest in, and also liked their sound
      • Holy City Music
      • Overnight success takes twenty years
    • 00:10:07 This is the entertainment business!
      • Whomever hires you is thinking about dollar signs
      • They need to see the return, and as a musician you have to understand that
    • 00:13:21 Failure prepares you for what’s next
      • Sometimes a gig ends
    • 00:15:54 250,000 streams in one year!
    • 00:16:56 The Label helps
      • Staying in touch with Playlisters and other avenues like radio, too
    • 00:19:38 Getting on Playlists
      • Label says, “write 20 songs, we’ll pick one or two” when we analyze what will perform the best on the streamers
      • One side of the business: live shows full of rock and feels and merch and all that
      • The other side: the digital side. People need to have a representation of the band that’s unique to them.
      • The label is the expert for the digital side, knowing how to identify the songs that will land on the streamers
      • Turns out we land in the “country” genre, so we’ll add a banjo to a song (for example).
      • Roses by Gale Bird is a perfect example
    • 00:24:25 SPONSOR: Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at rula.com/giggab #rulapod
    • 00:26:12 Creating a social media system for your band
      • An experiment: post every day for 2 months and see what happens
      • Lesson learned: go heavy for a shorter period of time
      • Always be thinking about future content. Film, film, film
      • AI Reels
      • A/B testing
    • 00:33:31 Creating side businesses to funnel and fuel Gale Bird
    • 00:35:00 Learning to collaborate on your own songs
      • “The better a songwriter is at collaboration, the more successful they’ll be”
    • 00:36:48 The Gale Bird formula
      • Can play as a duo or a full band or anything in between.
    • 00:38:39 Respecting skillsets
      • Sean shines in the studio: plays all the instruments except drums
      • Joshua shines on stage: sings, plays acoustic guitar, and has excellent stage presence
    • 00:44:05 …and managing pride
    • 00:44:27 Gear Gab
    • 00:44:56 Fender and Guitar Center collaborated on a custom telecaster
    • 00:46:32 Sean went to a Kemper rig
      • Wishlist: Kemper Stage
      • Hipshot B-Bender
    • 00:48:25 Behringer Wing Rack
      • Mackie DL32S
      • PRORECK Splitter Snakes
    • 00:54:12 The stress of tech issues at soundcheck
    • 00:57:10 Gig Gab 511 Outtro
      • Follow Gale Bird
        • On IG @GaleBirdMusic
      • Contact Gig Gab!
        • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
        • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
        • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

    The post From Hiatus to 250K Streams: The Gale Bird Story with Sean Monahan — Gig Gab 511 appeared first on Gig Gab.

    Gig Wisdom & Scheduled Fun Time with Matt Musty of Train Dec 01, 2025
    Show notes Gig Wisdom & Scheduled Fun Time with Matt Musty of Train — Gig Gab 510 episode image

    Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look with Train’s drummer Matt Musty and host Dave Hamilton as they dive deep into gig wisdom, touring tips, and pro gear secrets. Learn why being on time, managing your role smartly, and balancing music, money, and the hang is essential for a successful music career. From handling days off and staying rested on the road to mastering in-ear monitors with creative mic setups, this episode is packed with actionable advice every touring musician needs. Always Be Performing with fresh insights that keep you inspired and ready for every show.

    Discover how Matt approaches touring with diplomacy, band dynamics, and staying connected to home life while on the road. Explore favorite microphones for perfect in-ear sound, how to avoid a sterile IEM mix, and the importance of scheduled fun time to keep social media engaging. Whether you’re a musician, live sound enthusiast, or fan of the tour life, this episode offers a masterclass in professionalism and passion to elevate your musical journey and keep your performance sharp night after night.

    • 00:00:00 Gig Gab 510 – Monday, December 1st, 2025
      • December 1st: National Peppermint Bark Day
      • Guest co-host: Matt Musty
    • 00:02:22 Train continues to level up
      • Train at Royal Albert Hall
      • Train at Grand Ole Opry
    • 00:03:40 Waking up the singer ten minutes before the gig!
    • 00:06:10 Gig Advice from Musty: Be On Time
    • 00:08:46 I’m not ever the guy who hangs around
      • My job’s done
    • 00:10:09 Managing your opinion
    • 00:11:16 The long game of diplomacy is the key to a successful career
      • The gig philosophy, 2 out of 3 aint bad:
        • Music
        • Money
        • Hang
    • 00:15:51 Days off are tough on the band and crew
    • 00:18:26 The risk of hanging out with your road-hosts after the gig
      • Prioritizing sleep on the road
    • 00:23:42 The Zen of the connection between you and your gear
      • The no-soundcheck days
    • 00:28:48 PODCAST: Album Archives. Count down The Top 300 Albums of All Time — one record at a time — with Album Archives | The Vault of Music History.
    • 00:29:46 IEM Talk!
      • Sometimes a broken seal
      • Ideas for avoiding a sterile IEM mix
        • Matt put a “crotch mic in place: a Beyer M160 underneath the snare to grab the sound of the kit and put it through some reverb with compression AFTER the reverb
        • Audience Mics
        • Adding reverb to the drums and vocal mics
      • Play every song like it’s the first time. Be inspired!
    • 00:41:39 Finding the right microphones to capture your instrument for your in-ears
      • Transparent mics like the Earthworks ETHOS on guitar amps or the Earthworks SR20-Gen2 on drum overheads
    • 00:44:37 Favorite snare drum mics
      • Beyerdynamic M201
      • Telefunken M80
      • Earthworks DM17
    • 00:49:31 The short version of the Earthworks story
    • 00:51:15 Keeping a connection to home while on the road
    • 00:52:30 Enjoying the spoils of a high-level tour
    • 00:56:42 Being recognized for your job
    • 00:59:10 A quick social media discussion
      • Scheduled Fun Time
      • Gaby from Crush Management
    • 01:02:48 Gig Gab 510 Outtro
      • Find Matt Musty
        • On IG @MattMusty
      • Contact Gig Gab!
        • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
        • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
        • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

    The post Gig Wisdom & Scheduled Fun Time with Matt Musty of Train — Gig Gab 510 appeared first on Gig Gab.

    Inside Brian Wilson, The Beach Boys, and The Beatles with David Leaf Nov 24, 2025
    Show notes Inside Brian Wilson, The Beach Boys, and The Beatles with David Leaf — Gig Gab 509 episode image

    You drop into this episode walking side-by-side with David Leaf as he revisits the moments that shaped his life around Brian Wilson’s genius. You hear how Brian needed unconditional connection to create, how Leaf found himself driving tour vans, sitting in private Sinatra rehearsals, and realizing he had to earn his place in those rooms. From LA trips with legends to the spark that made him pack up, move west, and chase Brian’s story head-on, you feel the lesson hit hard: keep moving forward and Always Be Performing.

    You also get a front-row view into the musical engine behind Brian Wilson’s world. Leaf breaks down the jazz-rooted harmonies, the devotion of Brian’s touring band, and the emotional work that helped Brian reclaim his confidence. You learn how Pet Sounds floored Lennon and McCartney, why Paul might be the biggest Beatles fan alive, and why Leaf argues Brian deserves solo induction into the Rock Hall. Along the way, you’re guided through The Reel Beatles class, the making of Smile, and the books that document it all, leaving you with the sense that loving music isn’t passive… it’s a craft you show up for every day.

    • 00:00:00 Gig Gab 509 – Monday, November 24th, 2025
      • November 24th: Celebrate Your Unique Talent Day
      • Guest co-host: David Leaf
    • 00:02:16 Brian Wilson calls… I need “friends” in the room.
      • Brian Wilson needed to be loved unconditionally
      • David drove for the tour
      • The Beach Boys and The California Myth (re-released as God Only Knows)
    • 00:07:20 First Trip to LA…with Nelson Riddle and Frank Sinatra
      • And there’s a Sinatra classic right in front of him
      • David Leaf and the Twigs
      • Getting a private concert from Frank Sinatra and had the thought: “this is where I want to be. What do I need to do to earn my spot in this room?”
      • The BeeGees
      • Jimmy Webb
      • Herb Alpert
      • The Reel Beatles
      • Docs that Rock class by David Leaf
    • 00:11:04 In college he became obsessed with Brian Wilson
    • 00:11:50 The band for Brian’s 1999-2000 tour, Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE
      • The band was devoted to recreating the moments
    • 00:12:24 If you’re obsessed with Brian Wilson, why dont you do something about it
      • Why don’t I move to California, meet Brian Wilson, and write a book about him and help him finish SMiLE
      • My parents told me I was special, and I believed them.
    • 00:13:58 Walked up to Dennis Wilson and told him he was going to write a book about his brother
      • Lesson: Keep moving forward!
    • 00:15:37 Brian and I were friends
    • 00:16:33 Brian loved to do casual singing
      • Singing along to the oldies with Brian Wilson
      • Going to the Church of Brian Wilson
    • 00:19:08 His musicians gave him the unconditional love he needed to play this music
      • …and eventually release Smile
      • Brian Wilson saw Wild Honey… “If I had this group back in the 1960s, I could have taken Smile on the road!”
    • 00:22:47 The technical complexities of Brian Wilson’s harmonies
      • Brian came from jazz
    • 00:25:42 Brian Wilson’s relationship with Sir Paul McCartney
      • When Pet Sounds came out, John and Paul told him how much they loved the album
      • Recording Artists were Song Monkeys in the old days
    • 00:29:08 SPONSOR: Surfshark. Go to https://surfshark.com/giggab4 or use code giggab at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN!
    • 00:31:29 SPONSOR: Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/giggab #rulapod
    • 00:33:29 Brian Wilson singing Brian Wilson
    • 00:38:45 Brian Wilson had initial confidence, and then it was beaten out of him
    • 00:39:44 Managing The Pressure of First Fame
      • Finally, Brian: “I have emotional security”
      • Tips for Avoiding Internal Pressure
    • 00:46:03 Meet The Reel Beatles, a 10-week class
      • Guests: Peter Asher, Michael Lyndsay-Hogg, Peter Jackson
    • 00:51:39 Paul McCartney is the world’s biggest Beatles Fan
    • 00:53:36 Brian Wilson
      • Brian Wilson And the Story of SMiLE
      • David Leaf posits that Brian Wilson should be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist
    • 00:56:32 David’s Books
      • SMiLE: The Rise fall and Ressurection of Brian Wilson
      • The Beach Boys and the California Myth
    • 00:57:58 The candor captured Brian Wilson, Live at The Roxy
    • 01:00:59 Gig Gab 509 Outtro
      • Find David Leaf
        • At LeafProd.com
      • Contact Gig Gab!
      • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
      • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
      • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

    The post Inside Brian Wilson, The Beach Boys, and The Beatles with David Leaf — Gig Gab 509 appeared first on Gig Gab.

    Live Music, Live Mix: The Magic and the Math Nov 17, 2025
    Show notes Live Music, Live Mix: The Magic and the Math — Gig Gab 508 episode image

    You know that moment when a gig just clicks — when everyone on stage suddenly realizes it’s more than just a show? That’s where this episode starts. You’ll hear how saying “yes” to new gigs can lead to unexpected magic, how the right players bring out the best in each other, and why being open to unfamiliar styles can change everything.

    Then the conversation gets gloriously geeky as Dave Hamilton and guest co-host Daniel East dive into using Waves plugins live, connecting your Mac to a console via Dante, and why automixing is almost—but not quite—ready for primetime. From heart to hardware, it’s all about finding balance between feel and finesse. Always Be Performing.

    • 00:00:00 Gig Gab 508 – Monday, November 17th, 2025
      • November 17th: Odd Socks Day
      • Guest co-host: Daniel East
    • 00:01:24 Playing with Brit Drozda
      • Had lunch with a guitar player friend, and the gig came together!
      • First gig, three songs in, and everyone knew it was more-than-just-a-gig
    • 00:07:08 Lesson: take gigs even if it’s not your style
      • Don’t say no because you don’t think it’s your style
      • Don’t say no because you don’t (yet!) know the material
      • You could be the missing piece of the puzzle that brings it to a completely different level
    • 00:11:15 The magic that can just happen when the right people come together
    • 00:14:24 Nerding out about drumsticks. Of course!
      • Dan is now endorsing Headhunters Sticks
      • Vic Firth 5B Double Glaze
    • 00:23:02 Pitch Slap Percussion Cajons
    • 00:26:03 SPONSOR: GigSalad. Always Be Performing means “Always Be Booking”, too. Head to GigSalad.com to create your free profile today!
      • (and check out Gig Gab 482 with Mark Steiner from May, 2025, too!)
    • 00:28:12 Waves plugins on any size gig…if you NEED it.
      • Using a console with Dante, you can link via Ethernet to your MacBook Pro and use plugins
      • Dan’s new favorite console: Yamaha DM3D ($2,000) console
      • Waves Plugins to use when mixing live audio
        • Waves SuperRack Performer ($99)
        • Waves TRACT System Calibration ($399)
        • Waves Feedback Hunter ($99.99)
        • Waves Silk LIVE ($29.99)
        • Waves F6 Dynamic EQ
        • Waves L4 Maximizer ($49.99)
        • Waves Primary Source Expander ($39.99)
        • Waves Tune Real-Time ($49.99)
        • Waves Clarix LB (what Dave SHOULD have tested in GG 508!)
    • 01:10:06 Automixing is coming, folks!
    • 01:11:16 Years ago, Robert Scovill taught Dan: pay attention.
    • 01:12:35 Gig Gab 508 Outtro
      • Find Daniel East
        • DanielEast.net
        • @eastd and @themixdoctor
      • Contact Gig Gab!
        • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
        • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
        • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

    The post Live Music, Live Mix: The Magic and the Math — Gig Gab 508 appeared first on Gig Gab.

    Tangents, Tracks, and Tenacity with Adam Moskowitz Nov 10, 2025
    Show notes Tangents, Tracks, and Tenacity — Gig Gab 507 episode image

    In this episode, you’ll join Dave and returning guest co-host Adam Moskowitz, Chief Groove Officer of VAM Band, as they dive headfirst into the world of nanny tracks, first-gig chaos, and future-proofing your sound. From building tracks in Reaper to rehearsing smarter—not longer—you’ll learn how technology can help you bring your band’s best show to the stage fast.

    Then, it’s all about mindset: dealing with last-minute cancellations, navigating new players, and keeping your cool when the curveballs fly. Whether you’re warming up your voice with R.E.M. or re-negotiating pay on a sub gig, this episode reminds you that gigging is equal parts art, attitude, and adaptability. Keep your groove steady and—Always Be Performing.

    • 00:00:00 Gig Gab 507 – Monday, November 10th, 2025
      • November 10th: International Accounting Day
      • Guest co-host: Adam Moskowitz, Chief Groove Officer of VAM Band
    • 00:01:46 The Benefits of Nanny Tracks and Invisible Conductors
      • Arrangement and Lyrics are the two big hurdles
      • Nanny tracks can get you out of the rehearsal room FAST
      • We play new songs at every show! 25 new songs in 2025
    • 00:06:03 Playing a new song for the first time in front of a crowd
    • 00:10:41 Building the backing tracks
      • Download from Karaoke-Version and load into Reaper (Adam’s DAW of choice)
      • Snap the audio to the “grid” using the click provided by Karaoke Version.
      • Then set stretch markers at the beginning of each measure, so then I can stretch the tempo and everything stays in tune and in time
    • 00:13:42 Filling in … with a blind drummer!
      • A sub from six months ago called and asked Adam to sub in HIS band
      • Negotiating the right pay to ensure you don’t lose money
      • “The band didn’t provide a setlist…so I built one!”
      • When subbing: check the band’s YouTube to see what keys they play in
    • 00:20:40 SPONSOR: Surfshark. Go to https://surfshark.com/giggab4 or use code giggab4 at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN!
    • 00:22:49 What’s your vocal warmup routine?
      • Dave sings:
        • R.E.M.’s Finest Worksong (twice)
        • Optional: Spin Doctors “A Pocket Full Of Kryptonite”
      • Adam does scales: “Men’s Vocal Warmup – 5 Minutes”
    • 00:28:01 Create a pre-show ritual
      • Warm up your brain, your body, and set your intentions
      • Leave your baggage behind, focus on bringing joy and having fun
    • 00:29:49 Avoiding Cancellations with a System
      • Cover bands that operate like original bands: rare, and coveted! Not all bands can do that.
    • 00:34:02 What happens with 24-hour notice when your singer cancels…and you have a brand-new drummer?
      • Be like water…go with the flow!
      • Using tracks as a supporting layer.
    • 00:41:30 What are you trying to do with your band?
      • Define your band’s intention.
      • For Adam and VAM Band: create something that’s future-proof
      • In VAM Band, you need to understand the value of playing the spaces
    • 00:43:58 Learn what is best in an off-stage conversation (versus on-stage)
      • The singer who said, “I hate playing this song” on stage doesn’t get re-hired
      • Curating positive energy on stage
    • 00:50:33 Setting the expectation with your bandmates up front gives you scalability
      • If you tell people that not everyone is on every gig, then it’s easy!
    • 00:57:00 Future-proofing like a Broadway show
    • 00:58:56 Are we in the golden age of music
      • Suno now allows you to upload audio and then create a cover version of the audio
    • 01:08:14 Adam’s sound engineer gig tomorrow: six microphones, five hours, $900
      • Adam gets the sound gig by doing sound for his band
    • 01:08:56 How to communicate your band’s sound to a FOH engineer
      • How can I help you know our band?
      • FOH engineers can drastically alter the way your band sounds
      • Put band/sound crib notes on the stage plot
    • 01:18:05 Gig Gab 507 Outtro
      • Follow Adam Moskowitz
        • @adammoskowitzmusic
      • Contact Gig Gab!
        • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
        • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
        • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

    The post Tangents, Tracks, and Tenacity — Gig Gab 507 appeared first on Gig Gab.

    Sound Better, Gig Smarter: Tools, Tips, and Gear That Work Nov 03, 2025
    Show notes Sound Better, Gig Smarter: Tools, Tips, and Gear That Work — Gig Gab 506 episode image

    In this solo hang, you dig into the real tools that keep your sound clean and your gigs tight. You’ll learn how to tame noisy tracks with the Accusonus ERA bundle, Waves Clarity Vx, and iZotope RX, plus a few quick tricks from SoundDesk to make your mixes shine. Then it’s time to talk ears—Huberman-style—with magnesium and NAC tips for keeping your hearing sharp long-term. Because if you can’t hear it, you can’t play it.

    Listener questions hit everything from cleaning your old Ultimate Ears to handling last-minute gig cancellations, balancing bar shows with private gigs, and keeping your band’s calendar under control. You’ll even pick up some practical gig wisdom—like the right way to tie up cables and hoses. Finally, gear gets its due with reviews of the Alesis Turbo Max electronic kit and Dark Matter DMA6 custom IEMs, plus hot takes on the Roland DrumLink, D’Addario Backline backpack, Zoom Q2n-4K, and microphone troubleshooting. It’s all about sharpening your setup, your sound, and your mindset—because you know the rule: Always Be Performing.

    • 00:00:00 Gig Gab 506 – Monday, November 3rd, 2025
      • November 3rd: National Sandwich Day
      • Guest co-host: You!
    • 00:02:29 Cleaning Up Audio
      • Accusonus ERA Bundle V6.2 – https://matthiasott.com/notes/free-audio-plugins-accusonus-era-6-bundle
      • Waves Clarity Vx – https://waves.alzt.net/OePdWK
      • iZotope RX11 Voice De-noise – https://www.izotope.com/en/products/rx/features/voice-de-noise
      • Waves NS1 – https://waves.alzt.net/4G4nqL
      • SoundDesk
    • 00:09:49 Hearing Health
      • Huberman Hearing Health episode = Magnesium Glycinate + NAC for Dave.
    • Sponsors
      • 00:16:06 SPONSOR: Claude.ai – Ready to tackle bigger problems? Sign up for Claude today and get 50% off Claude Pro, which includes access to Claude Code, when you visit Claude.ai/giggab
    • Listener Questions
      • 00:19:08 Paul-How do I get my older pair of Ultimate Ears cleaned up?
      • 00:21:28 Terry-A club canceled on me, where can I find a boilerplate booking contract to use?
      • 00:24:51 Brian-Managing Band Member Availability
      • 00:27:10 John-How do I balance bar gigs and private bookings?
      • 00:32:49 Bill-Can you fold-tie extension cords or garden hoses, too?
    • Gear Gab
      • 00:36:09 Review: Alesis Turbo Max — All-In-One Beginner Electronic Drum Kit Launches Today
      • 00:40:00 Review: Dave’s new Dark Matter DMA6 BA 6 Custom IEMs
    • Gear Gab (and tech help)
      • 00:48:41 Lane-CSF-D’Addario Backline Gig Backpacks – https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0821Q4BT3/giggab-20
      • 00:50:54 Roland DrumLink Wireless System – https://www.roland.com/global/promos/drumlink/
      • 00:52:13 Pat-CSF-Zoom Q2n-4K video recorder – https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B07K114TFB/giggab-20
      • 00:53:44 Andy-492-Telefunken M80 Troubleshooting for that low-volume singer
    • 00:57:41 Gig Gab 506 Outtro
      • Contact Gig Gab!
        • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
        • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
        • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

    The post Sound Better, Gig Smarter: Tools, Tips, and Gear That Work — Gig Gab 506 appeared first on Gig Gab.

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