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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:
    Band Chemistry and Collaboration: Lessons with The Coffis Brothers Aug 18, 2025
    Show notes Band Chemistry and Collaboration: Lessons with The Coffis Brothers — Gig Gab 495 episode image

    You’re in the room with The Coffis Brothers this week as Jamie and Kellen sit down with Dave to unpack the art of keeping a band tight—musically, emotionally, and logistically. From maintaining long-term chemistry with the same players to writing songs that leave space for bandmates to shape the vibe, you’ll hear how collaboration fuels creativity. Drummers, take note: the groove is the feel, and every quirky idea deserves a spin. The secret? Try everything, trust each other, and Always Be Performing.

    Whether you’re wrangling song credits or managing egos, this episode dives into what makes a band work. You’ll get insights on touring tech tips (hello, splitter snake), surviving soundchecks with new FOH engineers, and the power of being kind to everyone—from the club staff to the crowd. The three guys share thoughts on navigating click tracks, choosing covers as an originals band, and how AI might fit into it all (or…not?). It’s a masterclass in band dynamics—fun, honest, and full of stories that’ll stick with you, just like those hooks The Coffis Brothers write!

    • 00:00:00 Gig Gab 495 – Monday, August 18th, 2025
      • August 18th: National Ice Cream Pie Day
      • Guest co-hosts: Jamie & Kellen Coffis, The Coffis Brothers!
        • Originally on Gig Gab 46!
    • 00:03:23 Maintaining the same band for as long as you can
      • The comfort level of having the same people in the band
    • 00:05:52 Writing songs and bringing them into the band
      • You write a song and bring the skeleton to the band
      • You’re writing for a band
      • The band very much informs my sensibilities in how I write, even when they’re not in the room
    • 00:10:14 Navigating the drum parts as a songwriter
      • The drums are the thing that can define the feel of the song
    • 00:13:08 As a drummer, do you experiment with simplicity … or complexity?
      • The drummer winds up trying everyone else’s crazy ideas…and sometimes they work
    • 00:18:40 In the songwriting process, you’ve gotta try every idea and do it with conviction!
      • Getting confirmation bias out of it
      • “Everyone needs to be empowered to get to the place where they’re playing with that shared joy”
    • 00:21:12 A band is a team
      • You gotta make a few passes before you take that big shot
      • Wait for the opportunity, don’t force it
    • 00:23:47 Balancing credit so the public doesn’t pull you apart
      • Bands who famously publicly-shared credit to avoid battles: Beatles, REM, Rush, more?
      • It needs to be fun for everyone!
      • Let everyone have their voice.
    • 00:25:48 Someone needs to be in charge, but… a benevolent dictator is best.
      • But you want your record to sound like five guys in a room having fun
    • 00:27:24 When it’s fun… vs. when it’s not fun
      • If you’re not having fun, ask yourself what you can change (hint: you can always change yourself)
    • 00:31:56 Sometimes letting go is best
    • 00:33:16 Managing your expectations
      • When it comes to sound, travel with a splitter snake
    • 00:40:00 Considering the move to In Ear Monitors
    • 00:42:11 Traveling with the same FOH engineer for every gig
      • Playing with John Craigie (and his FOH engineer)
      • Negotiating a new relationship with Every. Single. Engineer.
    • 00:47:28 Even if just for a few hours, we’re all on the same team
    • 00:49:41 Developing camaraderie with everyone, even the waitstaff
      • Curate a fun environment
      • “Say please and thank you, a lot. And take responsibility for mistakes, even if they aren’t yours.”
    • 00:53:44 Playing with nanny tracks, a click, and a guide
      • “Kimmy” became our guide through a Taylor Swift Tribute
      • Those songs are particular!
    • 01:00:34 That first “Stumble Through” rehearsal
      • Are we learning the song note-for-note, or are we taking liberties?
      • And where’s the line to blend those two?
    • 01:04:25 Playing an Abbey Road tribute
      • Joined by Holly Bowling
    • 01:06:16 Picking covers…in an original band
      • No matter what you choose, it’s about the people performing AND the people listening
    • 01:09:15 What do you think about AI?
    • 01:10:22 Gig Gab 495 Outtro
      • Follow The Coffis Brothers
      • Contact Gig Gab!
        • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
        • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
        • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

    The post Band Chemistry and Collaboration: Lessons with The Coffis Brothers — Gig Gab 495 appeared first on Gig Gab.

    Backstreet Boys and Black Eyed Peas: How Keith Harris Balances Drumming, Directing, and Performing Aug 11, 2025
    Show notes Backstreet Boys and Black Eyed Peas: How Keith Harris Balances Drumming, Directing, and Performing – Gig Gab 494 episode image

    On this week’s Gig Gab, you’re getting a masterclass in modern musicianship with Keith Harris, the drummer, producer, and musical director for the Black Eyed Peas. From behind the kit to behind the console, Keith walks you through the art of turning groove into leadership, showing how drummers often evolve into musical directors. He shares the hard-earned truth that your reputation is your currency, and sometimes, being a pro means not re-hiring someone—cordially. Keith reveals how he blends acoustic drums with pristine samples using tools like Splice and the Roland SPD-SX, and how Izotope Nectar helped shape Estelle’s vocals on “Stay Alta.” Always Be Performing, even in the studio.

    But the performance doesn’t stop when the tracking ends. Keith pulls back the curtain on directing the Backstreet Boys’ residency at Sphere, where every note is locked in ahead of time, tracked by a killer band featuring André Bowman, Lance Tolbert, and Curt Chambers, all engineered by John D. Norten. There are no live musicians on stage, but that doesn’t mean it’s not live, because the show lives in the details. Keith emphasizes that your FOH and playback engineers aren’t just techs; they’re part of the band. Teaching them your show is just as critical as rehearsing the music. From ADAT to AI, the tools may change, but the hustle stays the same.

    • 00:00:00 Gig Gab 494 – Monday, August 11th, 2025
      • August 11th: International Hip Hop Celebration Day
      • Guest co-host: Keith Harris
    • 00:01:50 Drummers become producers
    • 00:04:42 Transitioning from drummer to musical director
    • 00:08:12 There’s no I in Team!
      • Keep it cordial, but you don’t have to re-hire them.
    • 00:10:17 Managing your reputation
    • 00:12:37 The human feel of blending acoustic drums and high quality samples
      • Using Splice all the time
      • Roland SPD-SX
      • Using Izotope Nectar on vocals with Estelle’s “Stay Alta”
    • 00:16:25 The evolution of recording and the yin and yang of music and technology
    • 00:20:00 The growing pains of the industry are always there, they just have different names:
      • ADAT
      • ProTools
      • AI
    • 00:21:23 Choosing the right sounds for the gig
    • 00:24:01 SPONSOR: Mechanical Licensing Collective – Are you a songwriter, music publisher, or administrator? Every month, The MLC collects the streaming data and royalties from Spotify and Apple Music, matches the money to the creator who has earned it, and then pays out the royalties due. Visit TheMLC.com today to sign up!
    • 00:25:30 Music Directing Backstreet Boys at Sphere
      • Everything’s Tracked, and there are no live musicians on stage except the singers.
      • Ahead of time, Keith and the band worked out the setlist, then arrangements, then went into the studio and tracked the whole band.
        • André Bowman on Bass
        • Lance Tolbert Keys
        • Curt Chambers on guitar
        • John D. Norten Engineer
    • 00:38:46 Teaching your FOH engineer your show
      • FOH and Playback engineers are also band members
      • James McCullagh, FOH for Backstreet Boys
    • 00:44:05 Gig Gab 494 Outtro
      • Follow Keith Harris
        • @keithharrisexperience on IG
      • Contact Gig Gab!
        • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
        • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
        • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

    The post Backstreet Boys and Black Eyed Peas: How Keith Harris Balances Drumming, Directing, and Performing – Gig Gab 494 appeared first on Gig Gab.

    Live Show Mastery: IEMs, Gig Survival, and SuperFan Power Aug 04, 2025
    Show notes Live Show Mastery: IEMs, Gig Survival, and SuperFan Power – Gig Gab 493 episode image

    This week you’ll hear how making the leap to in-ear monitors isn’t just swapping gear—it’s like learning a whole new instrument. You’ll pick up real-world tactics for keeping the band rolling when a member’s sick or injured, including the art of pulling in a last-minute sub. You’ll face the hard truth about whether the show really must go on and learn what to do when the FOH vanishes mid-gig. From hiring (and managing) your own sound engineer to turning your SuperFans into your band’s secret weapon, you’ll see how those relationships can shape your entire live experience. Always Be Performing means every choice you make—gear, people, or setlist—affects the show you deliver.

    You’ll also dive into transforming every gig into a true show, thinking beyond the notes to the pacing, energy, and flow of the night. You’ll hear strategies for avoiding audience burnout, why proximity clauses matter, and how to survive the madness of back-to-back gigs with no breather in between. Plus, the essentials of dealing with unpredictable backlines, smart gear tips (like why a humble Lasko fan might be your MVP), and avoiding stereo/TRS mix-ups. It’s all about showing up prepared, performing with intention, and making sure every gig leaves its mark.

    • 00:00:00 Gig Gab 493 – Monday, August 4th, 2025
      • August 4th: National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day
      • Guest co-host: Scott Smith
    • 00:01:41 Using Alclair IEMs
    • 00:04:27 Transitioning to IEMs is like learning an instrument
    • 00:08:10 Adapting as a band with an injured/sick bandmate
    • 00:11:29 The Show Must Go On…Must it?
    • 00:12:44 Calling in a last-minute sub when in a pinch
    • 00:15:13 When the FOH disappears
    • 00:18:45 Adding a sound engineer to your band’s staff…the blessing and the curse
    • 00:22:59 Recognizing, Thanking, AND Leveraging your SuperFans
      • Hiring a social media intern for your band
      • Having a SuperFan manage the entire VIP experience for paying fans
      • SuperFans are a huge asset for your band, nurture those relationships before you lose them
    • 00:31:23 SPONSOR: Gig Performer is a plugin host, an audio mixer, a backing tracks player, and more that gives you real-time control…live. Visit GigPerformer.com/GigGab for 10% off.
    • 00:33:03 SPONSOR: Rock-N-Roller. Replace 8 different carts with one: dolly, hand truck, short bed, long bed, flat bed, you got it! Code GIGGAB20 saves you 20% on all carts.
    • 00:35:07 Making each gig a “show”
      • Don’t just play the gig, think about the setlist, think about the flow of the evening
      • “If you want attention in this band, you have to take it!”
    • 00:42:02 Managing oversaturation
      • Proximity clauses
    • 00:47:46 Playing two gigs in one day where the second one starts at the time the first one ends
    • 00:54:47 Backlines for gigs
    • 00:56:28 North County Band @ Press Room on August 15th
    • 00:58:55 Gear Gab
      • Lasko 12” utility fan with outlets
    • 01:01:34 Confusing stereo 1/4″ with TRS
      • Headphone jack to 1/4″ mono inputs
    • 01:06:05 Gig Gab 493 Outtro
      • Follow Scott Smith
        • North County Band
      • Contact Gig Gab!
        • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
        • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
        • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

    The post Live Show Mastery: IEMs, Gig Survival, and SuperFan Power – Gig Gab 493 appeared first on Gig Gab.

    That’s Not Gain, It’s Just a Hot Mic Jul 28, 2025
    Show notes That’s Not Gain, It’s Just a Hot Mic – Gig Gab 492 episode image

    Want to trigger backing tracks live from your iPad or iPhone? This episode of Gig Gab is your playbook. Dave walks you through listener-recommended apps like Stage Traxx 3, Go Button, and forScore for managing clicks and cues with precision. Whether you’re solo or in a band, these tools can keep your show tight. Plus, Gear Gab digs into smart stage solutions—from Polsen mics that punch above their price, to the Behringer BA 19A (internally mounted, no less!) and the low-profile magic of Kelly SHU and KickPort.

    In Gear Gab and the Mailbag, you’ll learn why some mics sound hotter out of the gate, how to record and stream with the Zoom AMS 44, and why starting on the wrong beat could cost you a fan (or two!). You’ll also get the real-world workflow for legally releasing a cover and navigating YouTube’s copyright traps. It’s all part of the gig—so dial it in, take care with your craft, and as is customary: Always Be Performing.

    • 00:00:00 Gig Gab 492 – Monday, July 28th, 2025
      • July 28th: National Waterpark Day
    • Triggering Tracks from Your iPad (ref. GG 487 with Corey Manske)
      • 00:02:07 Alan-Stage Traxx 3
      • 00:05:13 Andy-Use Go Button for Playing Tracks from an iPhone or iPad
      • 00:07:35 forScore click
    • Gear Gab
      • 00:09:43 Andy-Polsen Mics are also great for the money
      • 00:12:08 More praise for the internally-mounted Behringer BA 19A mic (and Kelly SHU PLUGZ)
        • KickPort
      • 00:17:14 Drew-Check Reverb for CBT Splitter Snakes
      • 00:19:51 Proreck Club 6000
    • Sponsors
      • 00:26:11 SPONSOR: Bzigo – Don’t wait until the next bite—protect your home with Bzigo. Go to bzigo.com/discount/BUZZ10 to save 10% off.
      • 00:27:53 SPONSOR: Mechanical Licensing Collective – Are you a songwriter, music publisher, or administrator? Every month, The MLC collects the streaming data and royalties from Spotify and Apple Music, matches the money to the creator who has earned it, and then pays out the royalties due. Visit TheMLC.com today to sign up!
    • Mailbag
      • 00:29:19 Brian-Do some microphones have more internal gain?
        • Heil PR-37
        • Earthworks SR117
      • 00:38:02 Christine-Recording and live streaming with the Zoom AMS 44
      • 00:39:55 Listener X-I left when the band started the show on the wrong beat
        • “I want people to know that care has been taken.”
      • 00:44:17 Gregory-What’s the process for releasing a recorded cover song?
        • Harry Fox Agency
      • 00:46:50 Thomas-What do I do about YouTube blocking my videos of songs I cover?
      • 00:50:11 Using AirPods Pro gen 2 as active earplugs
    • 00:53:29 Gig Gab 492 Outtro
      • Contact Gig Gab!
        • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
        • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
        • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

    The post That’s Not Gain, It’s Just a Hot Mic – Gig Gab 492 appeared first on Gig Gab.

    Aggressive Ambition: Dae Bogan’s Journey to The MLC Jul 21, 2025
    Show notes Aggressive Ambition: Dae Bogan’s Journey to The MLC — Gig Gab 491 episode image

    You think you understand music royalties? Think again. Dae Bogan from The MLC breaks it all down with Dave Hamilton on this week’s Gig Gab. From the ancient days of piano rolls to the tangled web of modern streaming, you’ll learn how mechanical royalties differ from performance rights and why most artists are leaving money on the table. The MLC—born from the Music Modernization Act of 2018—isn’t just another acronym; it’s the missing piece of the puzzle, and Dae’s been there since before the beginning, shaping the system from the inside out.

    But this episode goes beyond the mechanics. Dae shares his raw, unfiltered story, from homelessness at 18 to building multiple startups and becoming a sought-after voice in music licensing. He didn’t just climb the ladder: he built it, all while staying true to his mission. You’ll hear how empathy, grit, and yes, aggressive ambition became his tools for success. Tune in, learn how not to make the mistake nearly every artist makes, and remember: Always Be Performing.

    • 00:00:00 Gig Gab 491 – Monday, July 21st, 2025
      • July 21st: National Junk Food Day
      • Guest co-host: Dae Bogan from The MLC
    • 00:02:13 What are mechanical royalties, and why do they matter?
      • ASCAP, BMI, SESAC are Performing Rights Organizations
      • “Mechanical” comes from the days of piano rolls
      • Mechanical royalties are for the music, the melody, the lyrics.
      • Copyright law for mechanical royalties began in 1906
      • This was fine in the non-digital age, because everything was controlled
    • 00:10:24 Enter the digital era… where gaps widened because there was no mechanical licensing organization looking at everything wholistically
      • The MLC fills that gap, born out of the passing of the Music Modernization Act in 2018
    • 00:14:23 Building the infrastructure, to launch in 2021
      • The MLC was named in the MMA (in lowercase!), but it did not define WHO would be this organization
      • In 2019 (about a year after the MMA was passed) The MLC was designated/chosen as the organization that would be the mechanical licensing collective
      • 00:22:16 Dae’s multiple hats (including being a singer) led him to The MLC
      • In his 20s, Dae pivoted to representing artists
      • Side Hustle in college as Renaissance Artist Management (RAM)
      • Moonlit as manager of Loft 24 Records (and Loft 24 Publishing).
    • 00:27:35 December 4, 2003. Dae was 18, Broke, Homeless, a duffel bag full of clothes, and a mission.
      • “Aggressively ambitious” leaves no opportunity to give up.
      • Perseverance and aggressive ambition allowed Dae to build the ladder AND climb
    • 00:30:44 Another startup: Maven Promo, cloud-based, in store music network that played music videos in retail stores, targeted at teenagers
      • The combination of Maven & Loft 24 allowed Dae to see the gap in mechanical licensing
    • 00:34:06 Where is the gap? Time to research by getting a third degree: MBA
      • Music Initiative Administration MBA degree at CSUN
      • Learning about “The Black Box” of unpaid royalties
      • First built RoyaltyClaim… then the US government came to Dae!
      • In the interim built TuneRegistry
    • 00:38:58 Overnight success takes 20-25 years
      • No matter how sketchy things are, never burn a bridge
    • 00:43:29 Building a business with true ability to have empathy for your customers is a great path to success
    • 00:46:48 On being a copyright purist *and* a technologist
    • 00:49:39 What being “Head of Third Party Partnerships” at The MLC
    • 00:55:23 The one mistake that (almost) every artist makes
      • Take control of your publishing now (for many reasons, including getting paid NOW)
    • 01:01:32 Gig Gab 491 Outtro
    • Follow Dae Bogan and The MLC
    • Contact Gig Gab!
      • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
      • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
      • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

    The post Aggressive Ambition: Dae Bogan’s Journey to The MLC — Gig Gab 491 appeared first on Gig Gab.

    He's The Rhombus King! Jul 14, 2025
    Show notes He's The Rhombus King! — Gig Gab 490 episode image

    When the skies open and the gig’s a wash, how do you keep the energy alive? Mike Schulte joins Dave Hamilton to break down how The Pork Tornadoes handled a rainout, what happens when the audience doesn’t get the memo, and why your contract better say who’s in charge. From chaotic “throw and go” setups to must-do line checks, this episode reminds you that you’re not just playing music—you’re leading a production. Always Be Performing means preparing like a pro, even when the show gets messy.

    You’ll dive deep into the power of in-ears (spoiler: “best decision we ever made”), the delicate art of song arrangements, and why understanding the assignment matters more than raw talent. Plus, practical tips for turning fans into superfans—one drumstick, comment reply, and authentic connection at a time. If you want your audience to show up for you, you’ve got to show up for them first.

    • 00:00:00 Gig Gab 490 – Monday, July 14th, 2025
      • July 14th: Bastille Day
    • 00:01:32 Guest co-host: Mike Schulte from Pork Tornadoes
    • 00:05:28 Mike and The Pork Tornadoes had to deal with a rainout!
      • This is a team effort…but someone needs to tell that to the crowd (and the organizers).
      • You can’t negotiate with alcohol
    • 00:16:06 When you know better, exercise the authority in your contract (and make sure you put that authority in your contract!)
    • 00:18:06 Sometimes that means you do a non-soundchecked “throw and go” gig
      • But…NEVER skip line checks!
    • 00:23:22 It’s time to sing the benefits of in-ears vs. monitor wedges
      • “It was the best decision we ever made”
    • 00:29:13 SPONSOR: Gig Performer is a plugin host, an audio mixer, a backing tracks player, and more that gives you real-time control…live. Visit GigPerformer.com/GigGab for 10% off.
    • 00:31:02 PODCAST: The Excellent 80s Rewind. Each episode revisits a specific week from the greatest decade in pop music, revisiting the songs AND throwing in fact and stories to dig deep. wave80hits.com
    • 00:32:11 Navigating song choices and arrangements in your band
      • Being in a band is an intricate relationship
      • “I need you to understand the assignment more than I need you to be really good at your instrument.”
    • 00:51:30 Review: Soundbrenner Wave – $99 universal fit IEMs
    • 00:58:02 Tips/systems for engaging with EVERY fan (and building your base of superfans)
      • First, once you get a superfan, ALWAYS acknowledge them at every gig
      • At the end of every gig, find someone who was engaged all night, and give them a guitar pick or a drumstick
      • Respond to every Facebook comment
      • Reverse the situation: Put yourself in the mindset of being a superfan (of another group)
      • Create the ability for those superfans to feel more special than everyone else
      • He’s the Rhombus King!
    • 01:11:45 Gig Gab 490 Outtro
      • Follow Mike Schulte
        • Confused Breakfast
        • The Pork Tornadoes
      • Contact Gig Gab!
        • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
        • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
        • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

    The post He’s The Rhombus King! — Gig Gab 490 appeared first on Gig Gab.

    Tuning Up the Rockstars: Chinner's Roadie Chronicles (Vol. 1) Jul 07, 2025
    Show notes Tuning Up the Rockstars: Chinner's Roadie Chronicles (Vol. 1) – Gig Gab 489 episode image

    Ever wonder what it’s like to roll through the golden age of rock with the crew behind the legends? On this week’s Gig Gab, Chinner Winstead takes you backstage—from autograph sessions with Tom Petty to chaos-control on tour with Nantucket. You’ll trace the path from bar band to global tours with Lenny Kravitz, Phil Collins, Georgia Satellites, and Tracy Chapman. Spoiler: it all starts with showing up, doing the work, and connecting with the right people at the right time.

    But it’s not just rockstar name-drops—this episode’s packed with hard-earned wisdom. Chinner and Dave talk gear (like wireless systems that actually sound right), cable tricks, and why genetics might be stacked for (or against) your hearing. The big takeaway? Your skills matter, but your vibe matters more. In this business, the best gig often goes to the one who’s ready to laugh, work hard, and Always Be Performing.

    • 00:00:00 Gig Gab 489 – Monday, July 7th, 2025
      • July th: National Day of Rock and Roll
      • Guest co-host: Steve “Chinner” Winstead
    • 00:04:55 Chinner’s having eye problems
      • Dave’s having fever and headache problems
    • 00:06:03 The Show Must Go On
      • Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers playing in St. Louis. Mike Campbell fell on the drum riser mid-show.
    • 00:08:07 Tom Petty Never Said No To An Autograph
    • 00:09:53 But first…Nantucket (the band)
      • Opening for AC/DC on the Back In Black Tour (because AC/DC heard their cover of “Long Way To the Top” and liked it)
      • Kevin Jennings
    • 00:12:59 Then…Kevin Jennings introduced him to the Georgia Satellites!
      • Rick Richards (guitarist)
      • Alan “Bugs” Weidel (Tom Petty’s guitar tech)
      • “How are you with Rickenbacker 12 Strings?”
    • 00:15:10 The Heartbreakers crew was the best of the best
    • 00:16:05 Some love for Rush
    • 00:17:03 Craig Ross got Chinner in with Lenny Kravitz
    • 00:18:01 And then Phil Collins…and then Tracy Chapman
    • 00:19:00 In the end it comes down to the hang
      • Pick the guy you’d wanna be in a foxhole with!
    • 00:21:33 Ron Blair said, of Chinner, “Chinner says what most people just think.”
    • 00:22:23 Circling Back… The actual start with Nantucket
      • “You wanna go with us to Virginia Beach?”
      • Quaaludes and Disco
    • 00:25:47 Everything Happens for a Reason
    • 00:28:12 How to keep guitar cables from getting caught under monitors
      • Gaffer Tape
      • Fishing Line
    • 00:30:52 Picking the right wireless unit
      • Line-6 created a wireless that mimicked a 50-foot cable (The G10 is the evolution of what Chinner mentioned)
      • Beyer-Dynamic wireless that also mimics a 50-foot cable
      • Alex Alvarez is Lenny Kravitz’s guitar tech
    • 00:37:11 Hearing loss might be genetically predisposed
    • 00:38:06 Hot Sauce…on Chinner’s next visit to Gig Gab!
    • 00:39:39 In Tokyo with Lenny Kravitz…and Diana Ross
    • 00:43:19 On the subject of Nicknames…Chinner?
      • Geoff “Bison” Banks
    • 00:46:41 Gig Gab 489 Outtro
      • Follow Chinner
        • ChinnerSW56 on Bluesky
      • Angel of Mercy by Dirty Knobs
      • Contact Gig Gab!
        • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
        • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
        • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

    The post Tuning Up the Rockstars: Chinner’s Roadie Chronicles (Vol. 1) – Gig Gab 489 appeared first on Gig Gab.

    Crash Cymbals and Contracts: Billy Cuthrell’s Lesson in Music Business Success Jun 30, 2025
    Show notes Crash Cymbals and Contracts: Billy Cuthrell’s Lesson in Music Business Success — Gig Gab 488 episode image

    Ever wonder how a skater punk becomes a music industry powerhouse? This week, Billy Cuthrell joins Dave Hamilton to share how his drumming journey kicked off with a Ludwig kit and a dose of Zeppelin, then scaled into creating a chain of four music schools and a million lessons taught annually. From being Music Inc. Magazine’s “Retail Doctor” to pioneering a subscription-style lessons model that gives away instruments with lesson contracts, Billy proves that the business of music can be just as creative as the craft itself. It’s all about knowing when to grind and when to zoom out.

    But Billy doesn’t stop at teaching—he’s still gigging regularly, including a recent gig with Cosmic Superheroes in front of thousands of fans, buying DrumSellers.com, and dropping wisdom learned from legends like Jim Chapin and Freddie Gruber. If you’ve ever asked what it takes to turn passion into impact, this episode lays it out: persistence, play, and paying your dues. Remember, whether you’re behind the kit or building a business, you’ve got one job: Always Be Performing.

    • 00:00:00 Gig Gab 488 – Monday, June 30th, 2025
      • June 30th: International Asteroid Day
      • Guest co-host: Billy Cuthrell
    • 00:02:06 How did you become Music Inc. Magazine’s “Retail Doctor”?
      • College Radio Hit machine!
      • Go Figure (Dave’s college band)
      • Fountain of Youth (Billy’s college band)
    • 00:05:58 Starting at 19 ran music lessons
      • Like the musical ice cream man at first, then 4 locations
      • Then added sales on because students need instruments!
    • 00:07:41 School of Rock…in 1996!
      • Same time Skip’s Stairway to Stardom started up
      • Lawyers, yadda yadda, changed the name to “Rock Academy”
      • Early Drumkits
        • Ludwig 1960’s Blue Sparkle (for Billy)
        • Ludwig Rocker II (for Dave)
    • 00:12:41 Introduced to Zeppelin’s “The Song Remains The Same”
      • Converted Billy from Skater Punk to Drummer
      • “I know I can play.”
      • As soon as Billy got a drumset, he would race home from school and play until his parents got home.
      • Now it’s Noble & Cooley CD Maple drums
      • “The Only thing I love more than playing music is talking about music.” – Paraphrasing Mike Campbell
      • Instruments are meant to be used!
      • Ludwig Supraphonic 40th Edition Snare
      • Kirk Hamilton from Strong Songs comparing Gibson SG vs. Japanese
    • 00:26:27 Music Inc. Magazine Puts Billy on the cover!
      • And…a stolen idea from cell phone contracts
      • Lightbulb moment: Give away the instrument to sell a 2-year lesson contract!
      • Changed 4 stores, 120 employees, doing over a million music lessons each year.
      • Now three tiers: Learn, Play, Perform
        • The Perform tier is locked in for 12-to-24 months by contracting them with “free” instruments
      • Balancing your business: Execution vs. Perspective
      • And THAT is how Billy became “Retail Doctor”
    • 00:36:32 SPONSOR: Mechanical Licensing Collective – Are you a songwriter, music publisher, or administrator? Every month, The MLC collects the streaming data and royalties from Spotify and Apple Music, matches the money to the creator who has earned it, and then pays out the royalties due. Visit TheMLC.com today to sign up!
    • 00:38:05 SPONSOR: Rock-N-Roller. Replace 8 different carts with one: dolly, hand truck, short bed, long bed, flat bed, you got it! Code GIGGAB20 saves you 20% on all carts.
    • 00:41:42 Who are you playing with today for 5,000 people?
      • Cosmic Superheroes
    • 00:43:18 Billy just bought DrumSellers.com
      • George Lawrence
      • Jim Chapin
      • Harry Chapin’s “Cats in the Cradle” was a poem written by Harry’s wife, Sandra
    • 00:45:04 Drove 17 Hours to meet Jim Chapin to learn from him…unannounced!
      • Started a publication to get a media badge to get into NAMM
    • 00:53:47 We work on the National Stage to make the Local Stage better
    • 00:56:11 Asking Freddie Gruber why HE was the right teacher for Neil Peart…
      • …and then 20 PDP & Drum Workshop drumkits showed up at Billy’s house!
    • 01:05:53 DrumSellers.com is next for Billy!
      • Bullheaded persistence…too dumb to quit!
      • You pay the price up front. You put the work in up front.
    • 01:10:41 Overnight success takes about 20 years
      • Play to serve the song
      • Steve Smith’s deceptively-difficult drum parts
    • 01:19:18 Gig Gab 487 Outtro
      • Follow Billy Cuthrell
        • DrumSellers.com
        • Billy Cuthrell on LinkedIn
      • Contact Gig Gab!
        • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
        • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
        • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

    The post Crash Cymbals and Contracts: Billy Cuthrell’s Lesson in Music Business Success — Gig Gab 488 appeared first on Gig Gab.

    Click Tracks, Tribute Acts, and $20 Hacks: Gig Smarts with Corey Manske Jun 23, 2025
    Show notes Click Tracks, Tribute Acts, and $20 Hacks: Gig Smarts with Corey Manske – Gig Gab 487 episode image

    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. From essential stage gear like chapstick and a tape measure (you’ll get it), to the magic of “coopetition” among musicians, you’ll walk away with practical tools and mindset shifts. Corey shares how watching other players—and sometimes borrowing a rubber mallet—can lead to big breakthroughs.

    But that’s just the beginning. You’ll hear how launching a Third Eye Blind tribute band taught Corey the power of planning, from finding the perfect frontman to handling contracts, stage plots, and backing tracks like a pro. Learn why tribute bands are dominating the venue scene and what it really means to “wear a disguise” on stage. You’ll also get into the nitty-gritty of tech setups—which apps might replace SoundCue, how to prep your tracks for any venue, and why slipping your sound engineer a $20 bill is a move worth making.

    • 00:00:00 Gig Gab 487 – Monday, June 23rd, 2025
      • June 9th: National Detroit-Style Pizza Day
      • Guest co-host: Corey Manske
    • 00:01:39 Everyone’s using a click (some of the time)
    • 00:08:02 Taking the stress off by using a click live
      • Kill Switch
    • 00:14:51 Always be performing means always putting on a show!
    • 00:17:00 Important gear to have on stage
      • Tape measure (drummer thing)
      • Chapstick
    • 00:19:53 The value of Coopetition
    • 00:22:15 Learning parts from other people
      • Mike Cosgrove at a NAMM party
      • SS Recognize
      • Rubber Mallet
    • 00:26:31 Playing the parts your way…and comfortably
    • 00:29:32 “Just don’t confuse the strippers, man”
      • Music is a shared art form…band, performers, audience
    • 00:31:05 SPONSOR: Bzigo Iris, your smart home mosquito detector. Stop losing sleep over mosquitoes. Take back your nights with Bzigo. Go to bzigo.com/discount/BUZZ10 and save 10% off.
    • 00:32:27 The experience of starting a Third Eye Blind Tribute Band
      • Started a year ago
      • The demographic is 50/50 M/F
      • Find the right singer, and the right band
      • Cover band is playing dress-up, being in a tribute band is wearing a disguise
      • Previously subbed in a Smashing Pumpkins tribute for 4.5 years, which gave some information and contacts
      • Venues figured out that Tribute bands are where the money is
      • Developing the backing tracks
      • Corey became the manager
    • 00:38:02 Becoming comfortable with doing the paperwork
      • Contracts
      • Hospitality Riders
      • Stage Plots
      • Details matter!
    • 00:40:16 Using an iPad to trigger tracks, clicks, and more
      • SoundCue for iPad (non-existent)
      • Replacement option: ShowOne for iPad
      • Other replacement options
      • We just need an audio player in a cart format!
    • 00:52:09 The pre-production work so you can have the tracks live
      • Frst, decide what needs to be there
      • Decide the tempo
      • Center the (mono) mix on where the backing vocal is. That way FOH can set the backing vocals and, boom, the tracks work in every venue
      • Make a track for soundcheck, too!
      • Also, give the sound engineer a $20 bill before sound check
    • 00:59:34 Embrace technology
      • Also, we really need an iPad app that not only triggers the sounds, but also the videos.
    • 01:05:12 Gig Gab 487 Outtro
      • Follow Corey Manske
        • On Facebook
        • On Instagram
      • Contact Gig Gab!
        • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
        • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
        • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

    The post Click Tracks, Tribute Acts, and $20 Hacks: Gig Smarts with Corey Manske – Gig Gab 487 appeared first on Gig Gab.

    Consistency is Key: P-Funk North's Road to Success Jun 16, 2025
    Show notes Consistency is Key: P-Funk North's Road to Success – Gig Gab 486 episode image

    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 rejection turns into rocket fuel and why letting the music speak for itself only works when you Always Be Performing. It’s a masterclass in showing up, shutting up, and playing hard.

    But it’s not all stage hustle—they break down the behind-the-scenes engine, too. Whether it’s splitting up band duties, learning what not to do, or harnessing studio energy by recording live, these guys get it. They talk gear, from Les Paul swaps to spring-loaded wah pedals to the unexpected inspiration of a George Foreman grill and SCUBA gear.

    If you’re in a band, or just dream of being in one, this episode’s packed with the kind of stories and strategies that’ll keep your crowd hyped and your gigs tight.

    • 00:00:00 Gig Gab 486 – Monday, June 16th, 2025
      • June 16th: National Fudge Day
      • Guest co-hosts: Dave, Kevin, Jack, James…and Kingsley? from P-Funk North
    • 00:07:05 The Music Business
      • Consistency
        • Rehearse 2x/week
        • Make camaraderie important
        • Play out as much as you can. Maintain a general presence.
      • Make rejection your best friend
      • Let the music speak for itself
    • 00:15:11 Managing saturation
      • The gigs are “not about us”
      • Mixing originals and covers
      • Years of networking
      • Bullheaded persistence
    • 00:17:24 Making the audience most important
    • 00:20:24 Embracing your fans…and bringing them into the fold
      • Having a Hype-Man
    • 00:23:46 SPONSOR: Rock-N-Roller. Replace 8 different carts with one: dolly, hand truck, short bed, long bed, flat bed, you got it! Code GIGGAB20 saves you 20% on all carts.
    • 00:25:21 SPONSOR: Cash App. Download Cash App Today: https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/0oq3t78w. Add GIGGAB to your profile, send someone $5 within 14 days, and get $10 back! #CashAppPod *Referral Reward Disclaimer: As a Cash App partner, I may earn a commission when you sign up for a Cash App account.
    • 00:28:42 Dividing up the jobs in your band
      • Learning what not to do
    • 00:33:19 Bringing the stage energy to the studio
      • Recording live vs. isolated
    • 00:37:24 And Consistency!
      • Strategic Breaks in the Studio
      • Having an Honest Producer
    • 00:40:40 Playing live to a click
    • 00:43:48 In Ear Monitors?
      • Not yet…
    • 00:46:38 Gear Gab
      • George Foreman Grill
      • Restaurant Grade Toaster
      • SCUBA Gear
      • Moved from Strat to Les Paul
      • Morley Bad Horsey Wah Pedal (Spring Loaded)
    • 00:51:28 Drum Gear Gab
    • 00:53:25 Gig Gab 487 Outtro
      • Follow P-Funk North
        • On Facebook
        • On Instagram
      • Contact Gig Gab!
        • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
        • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
        • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

    The post Consistency is Key: P-Funk North’s Road to Success – Gig Gab 486 appeared first on Gig Gab.

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