How does your band divvy up gig money? Is there transparency or is it just flat-rate and that’s that? Paul and Dave talk through the finer (and not-so-finer!) points of this. Then it’s time to revisit the in-ears conversation, this time focusing on perfection. First though, Dave’s Gone Skiing… and he loved it, but not in the way you’d think. Listen in for more!

Chapters/Timestamps

• 00:00:00 GigGab 133 – Monday, Sept 25, 2017
• 00:01:33 Amped after a gig… it happens to all of us!
• 00:02:16 Water is the key to the next day!
• 00:05:59 Dave’s Gone Skiing… and he loved it!
• 00:08:44 Wedding Money
• 00:10:50 PA Rental Fees
• 00:23:09 In-Ears, Gain structure
  • Shure Wireless Bodypack
• 00:27:40 In-Ears mix
  • UE 11 Pro Ambient
• 00:39:49 In-Ears are all about perfection, don’t be afraid to ask for support
  • Ultimate Ears $99 Flat Rate Repair

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 43:54 — 21.7MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | Email | Google Podcasts | Spotify | RSS | More

Everyone wants their moment to shine, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the same thing for everyone. Figuring out what that means for you is important. Even moreso, though, is figuring out what that means for your band members. Whether you’re a leader or in a democratic scenario, making sure everyone feels like they got what they needed out of a gig is vital to your band’s long-term success. Paul and Dave talk through some lessons they’ve learned along these lines over the years.

Then it’s time to talk about confidence. Having it, shaping it, breaking it, finding it, building it. Confidence is the key to making your performances entertaining for your audience. Paul and Dave have some experience – and missteps! – for this topic, as well. Press play… and enjoy!

Chapters/Timestamps:

• 00:00:00 GigGab 132 – Monday, Sept 18, 2017
• 00:02:07 What does “Your Moment to Shine” mean to you?
• 00:05:49 Fitting in those obscure, mid-tempo numbers
• 00:06:55 Sideman vs. Bandmember
• 00:10:52 What tunes totally work?
• 00:14:05 Don’t ignore the quiet bandmembers
• 00:14:51 Obscure tunes: band buy-in
• 00:16:36 Specific versions of specific songs
• 00:21:18 Don’t keep your band in a box
• 00:24:10 On-stage communication microphones
• 00:27:32 Letting A-Players play their A-Game
• 00:29:07 Paul’s Springsteen gig … again!
• 00:31:08 External factors getting into your head
• 00:37:05 Stretching your instrumental faculties
• 00:39:32 Learning how to approach a show
• 00:41:40 Always be Performing means something different when it’s just you!
• 00:43:54 Confidence vs. Intimidation
• 00:45:55 Know yourself… and get out of your head!
• 00:47:12 GG Outtro

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 47:41 — 22.0MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | Email | Google Podcasts | Spotify | RSS | More

Sometimes you’ve gotta replace a bandmate… and sometimes it’s the drummer. Your two favorite band geeks talk through this process in-depth today, exploring both how you find someone (yes, including Craigslist!) and then how you might go about auditioning them. But it’s more than that… how do you get to know them? And what’s does “American Girl” have to do with it? You’ll have to listen to find out!

Chapters/Timestamps:

• 00:00:00 GigGab 131 – Wednesday, Sept 13, 2017
• 00:00:52 Searching for a new drummer
• 00:05:51 We like the same music, we like the same bands, we like the same clothes
• 00:10:12 You drummers are crazy people, I’ll tell you that!
• 00:10:47 Craigslist is great for vetting people
• 00:15:20 Managing the purists
• 00:17:27 Syncing your goals and availability are the most important things
• 00:25:37 Have a well-defined audition process
• 00:29:07 The “American Girl” Litmus Test
• 00:36:29 GG Outtro

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 37:27 — 17.6MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | Email | Google Podcasts | Spotify | RSS | More

Whether it’s you or someone you play with, you’ve almost certainly got to deal with the juggling act of playing in multiple bands. How do you handle schedule conflicts? What’s the best policy for you to have? Then it’s on to how you choose and learn songs in your band. Paul and Dave certainly have thoughts to share about this! They’ve also got some tricks and tips to share, too, about highlighting the tip jar in creative ways and dealing with those crazy nights when the weather feels like another member of the band. Press play and enjoy!

Chapters/Timestamps:

• 00:00:00 GigGab 130 – Tueday, Sept 5, 2017
• 00:00:49 Weather-related low-attendance
  • Amanda Dane
  • Los Gatos Park Dance
• 00:04:06 Those “we’re all in this together” kind of gigs
• 00:07:15 Tweaking songs you’ve played for years
• 00:11:20 Walter Becker RIP, and a Steely Dan discussion
• 00:18:40 Rob-Juggling Multiple Bands
• 00:29:46 Handling Marquee Nights
• 00:32:13 Having a depth chart to buffer scheduling conflicts
• 00:36:16 When booking a private party, ask for people’s preferences
• 00:37:26 A trick to reference the tip jar
• 00:40:05 Rob-Who Chooses The Songs?
  • pK’s Words of Wisdom: “You get more from the buy-in than you do from the control”
• 00:46:14 How do you learn songs?
• 00:55:06 GG Outtro

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 55:30 — 25.8MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | Email | Google Podcasts | Spotify | RSS | More