Gig To Live

In this episode, John shares ten secret-sauce ingredients that can make all the difference in building a long, sustainable music career.  This episode’s Top Ten is a concise list of the things that make a life in music possible for the long haul. Support the show If you have a question, an idea for a show, or you would just like to say "hey," you can drop me an email at gigtolivepodcast@...

In this short episode, John continues in the tradition of telling stories from his own gigging experience.  The titles of today’s stories are:  I’m From Tennessee  Bawitdaba, Da-bang, Da . . . Dang! That’s Rude  No Desperado!  Stealing the Spotlight Can I Buy You a Drink? Support the show If you have a question, an idea for a show, or you would just like to say "hey," you can drop me an...

In this episode, John talks about how he recently joined a Facebook group for solo musicians, and while some of it contains helpful advice, there is an unfortunate amount of scary advice. Unhelpful advice. Hurtful and damaging advice. John unpacks 5 posts he has recently seen and some of the responses that were given to the musicians by other musicians. John talks about the helpful things you may...

In this episode, John takes a fun look at the musician’s ego, our need for validation, and the strange things that happen when we put ourselves out there without getting much real-time feedback in return.  What happens to a performer when the usual signs of appreciation are missing? And how much of our need for a response has to do with the music, and how much has to do with us?  This episode is f...

In this episode, John takes a look at the booking platform GigSalad and what it means for musicians navigating the world of online gig booking.  John explores the how-to's of the platform, its place in the working musician’s life, the tools it offers, the minor frustrations, and what it looks like to use a service like this as part of building a career in live music. Support the show If you h...

In this episode, John explores how the changing seasons influence the music we choose to play. It's the transition from the freedom and flirtation of summer to the nostalgia, comfort, and reflection of fall and winter. John looks at why those connections matter and how a little seasonal awareness can help us build setlists that connect with the feelings, memories, and experiences people are a...

In this episode, John has a conversation with Heart St John, frontwoman of the band CHERISHA.  Heart has earned a reputation as an engaging performer, both as a solo artist and with a band, captivating audiences from intimate listening rooms to large stages in crowded venues. Drawing inspiration from icons like Soundgarden and Led Zeppelin while embracing the heartfelt songwriting of Brandi Carlil...

In this episode, John talks about using music charts, technology, memory, and having backup plans. Support the show If you have a question, an idea for a show, or you would just like to say "hey," you can drop me an email at gigtolivepodcast@gmail.com

In this episode, John unpacks the multiple layers of story that are happening in a room when musicians play and discusses our privilege and responsibility with those stories. Support the show If you have a question, an idea for a show, or you would just like to say "hey," you can drop me an email at gigtolivepodcast@gmail.com

In this episode, John talks with Sunny Mitchell, a musician, performer, choreographer, educator, and creative force in the Sacramento area.  Sunny has spent her career moving between dance, musical theatre, education, and American roots music, including her work with The Wildwood Roses and the Granite City Ramblers. She is also the co-founder of the Wildwood Performing Arts Foundation, which uses...

In this episode, John explores the ways we can train ourselves to stop playing the comparison game with other musicians. Because it’s not as easy as just saying, “stop that.” How do we get out of the trap of measuring our success and self-worth against our peers? Support the show If you have a question, an idea for a show, or you would just like to say "hey," you can drop me an email at...

In this episode, John talks about the value of play for the gigging musician. Not the thing that happens when we are gigging. Something entirely different. Something that is just for us. Something where the purpose and end result is nothing other than for our own enjoyment and pleasure. There is a bunch of fun science behind the value of play and John unpacks some info from anthropologists, and th...

In this episode, John explores the concept of mindfulness and what it means to be present in the moment. For musicians, whose lives can be filled with noise, distraction, expectation, and the constant pull toward what comes next, learning to notice where we are can change the way we experience both music and life. Get ready for some introspection, mental health talk, and some ways forward. Support...

In this episode, John talks with Sacramento-born guitarist Michael Gregory, who began playing professionally at just 14 and went on to build a remarkable career as a performer, recording artist, touring musician, and educator.  Michael spent 20 years in Nashville, touring and recording with artists across rock, country, R&B, and jazz, while his guitar work has appeared on hundreds of recording...

In this episode, John looks at the shifting culture of tipping in the United States, what has driven the changes, and what that shift means for musicians who have long relied on tip income. The episode also includes a Top Ten list of the best ways John has seen tips roll in. This list is a bit more top-shelf than the conventional ways you may have been encouraged to increase tip flow. Support the...

In this episode, John explores the strange and powerful ways musicians become part of our lives even when we’ve never met them. He talks about why we can feel genuine grief when a musician dies, and how our brains bond with artists through music. Get ready for some fun science parts as well. And for those of us who perform, there’s another side to that connection. Every night we may be becoming pa...

In this episode, John shares another collection of stories from life as a full-time musician. This time, the stories involve drunken moments. When alcohol becomes a main character in the story, it’s usually a story that will be retold. Some are funny, some are uncomfortable, and all of them are unforgettable. Support the show If you have a question, an idea for a show, or you would just like to sa...

In this episode, John kicks off Season Two of Gig to Live with a look at controversial music.  Some songs were controversial when they were released. Others became controversial years later as culture changed around them. Some songs were never actually about what people thought they were about in the first place.  John looks at the stories, misunderstandings, cultural shifts, and uncomfortable con...

In this episode, John celebrates 50 episodes of Gig to Live and the end of Season One by talking about what it’s really like to live on the road full-time—the freedom, the benefits, and the realities that don’t always get talked about. It’s a life with plenty of rewards, but it comes with a few surprises, too. Support the show If you have a question, an idea for a show, or you would just like to s...

In this episode, John introduces two characters who share a lot of experiences that have shaped them . . . The Wise Person and the Cynic. They’ve both been around. They’ve both paid attention. They’ve both been disappointed, surprised, burned, and taught a few things the hard way. Sometimes, it's hard to tell which one we are becoming. They have a lot in common. But, one of them leads to long...

In this episode, John talks about aging as a musician. We celebrate longevity, but we also make jokes about artists who stay working too long. We admire experience while remaining obsessed with youth.  So let's talk about aging, music, and the strange relationship between the two. Support the show If you have a question, an idea for a show, or you would just like to say "hey," you c...

In this episode, John brings together two things he loves deeply: music and single malt Scotch. On the surface, they may not seem to have much in common. One belongs on a stage, the other in a glass. But spend enough time with either one and you start to notice something. This episode is an exploration of that metaphor. Let's have some fun with it. Support the show If you have a question, an...

In this episode, John explores something every musician needs but rarely thinks about: attention to space. The spaces we live in, work in, play in, create in, rest in. There’s a science to it and a felt human need for us to pay attention to it. Drawing on ideas from his book Becoming an Idea Mentalist , John introduces four spaces that have become essential to how he thinks about creativity: Uncom...

In this episode, John explores what is actually most important about music performances. What do people remember?  What do they talk about with their friends? Why will they (or won’t they) return to your shows?  If you've ever wondered why some performances are unforgettable while technically flawless ones are quickly forgotten, this conversation is for you. Support the show If you have a que...

In this episode, John responds to a Facebook post he made about paying professionals a good rate. He was surprised by some of the comments that came from some professionals and business owners.  No one was combative in their posts, but it became clear that some people see paying a musician for an hourly job as opposed to paying a professional business owner for their craft. John explores many reas...