Cover Band Confidential's Podcast (Music Business, Gigging Tips & Making Money as a Musician)

What's it like getting paid a gig to watch everything go sideways? Find out on this episode of the Cover Band Confidential Podcast! From wrestling with unruly gear and experimenting with fancy new lights, to nailing (or not) playing to a click, it's a rollercoaster. Dan breaks down a mega 80s gig with new band 'Big in the 80s', struggles with a failing Quad Cortex, and a bassist bidding adieu. We...

Ever wondered how to rock a gig when you're only 80% confident you'll nail it?  This week's episode is a dive into the magical world of gigging musicians,, where 80% confidence is a passing grade and live band karaoke is the new frontier.  Adam and Dan talk about gigs that go totally sideways, the joy of 'winging it,' and chaos-filled moments that somehow turn into epic performances.  From Disney...

This week's guest is Matt McGee: bandleader for emo karaoke band "The Dom Telonges" We talk about his journey from original music to emo karaoke, having Bowling for Soup open for them at their first show, and how pop-punk may be the next cringey nostalgia concept for bands looking to make a splash in their local market! And since Matt just got back from When We Were Young Fest in Vegas, we talk ab...

BIG welcome-back to CBC frequent guest, the one the only Mike Schulte of The Pork Tornadoes and The Confused Breakfast podcast! This week Mike and Dan dig into something that's been on both of their minds recently: What is it that audiences ACTUALLY WANT? Why do people come to shows? Has it changed? How can we design what we're delivering to fulfill on those wants? Lots of big ideas this week, get...

Adam and Dan dive into the often unspoken challenges of being a band leader and the relentless cycle of burnout that accompanies it.  As they candidly share their own experiences, they tackle the question of whether the relentless effort of leading is ever worth it, especially when fantasizing about the simpler 'just show up and play' gigs.  This episode provides a raw look at the internal conflic...

Buckle up, cover band aficionados! This week on the Cover Band Confidential podcast, Adam and Dan navigate the labyrinth of booking weddings, corporate events, and those elusive private parties.  Get ready for a snark-filled ride as they dish out practical advice on stepping into the high-stakes world of private gigs.  Learn why owning a full PA system might be your best investment yet, the essent...

This week, we’re deep-diving into the chaos of Dan’s setlist for his new 80s cover band. Ever wondered what 80s songs will keep the energy up and the crowd on their feet? We've got you covered with everything from Journey to Prince, Talking Heads to Pat Benatar. We're talking song transitions, high-energy openers, and, yes, why 'Don't Stop Believin'' is the undisputed king of closers. Tune in for...

In this episode of the Cover Band Confidential Podcast, Adam and Dan dive into the chaos of Jane's Addiction's reunion tour gone wrong, featuring Perry Farrell's disastrous onstage antics and the band's subsequent tour cancellation. They also discuss REO Speedwagon's shocking announcement to end their touring career amidst internal conflicts. Plus, the guys share updates on their projects, talk ab...

In this lively episode of Cover Band Confidential, Adam and Dan finally breathe the same air and it’s everything we hoped for.  They kick things off with Dan’s epic surprise visit for Adam’s birthday, making listeners feel like they’re part of the crew.  From Dan realizing he's taller to geeking out over gear, this episode covers all the bases.  They dive into nerdy band talk, spill the beans on u...

This week, Adam and Dan dive into the highly anticipated Oasis reunion and its impact on tribute bands. The dynamic duo then discuss the art and science of creating the perfect setlist, sharing tips on timing, structure, and flexibility. Gear geek alert: Adam reveals his latest DIY hack, transforming a stage monitor for lyrics with epic results. Whether you’re a cover band newbie or a seasoned pro...

This week, we dive deep into how to stand out in the sea of cover bands by channeling wisdom from the experts (and friends of the pod)  Yacht Rock Revue.  From owning your performance and having a killer angle to never being a schmuck and letting your audience guide you, we’ve got all the pro tips you need to succeed. Plus, we debate the importance of innovation vs. sticking to crowd favorites and...

Ever had to deal with flaky, unprofessional jerks in your band?  This week we dive into navigating the world of cover band musicianship, balancing professional dynamics, and dealing with challenging members.  Learn how to handle personality clashes, maximize limited talent pools, and the art of compromise.  Plus, why sometimes, the best bass player might just be your trusty laptop.  musician, musi...

Ever wonder how bands like Foreigner and Lynyrd Skynyrd keep rocking with none of the original members?  Adam and Dan uncover the backstage secrets of these 'Zombie Bands' and discuss why they still matter (or not) to fans, musicians, and the music industry. If you're here for drama, sick guitars, and a deep dive into the economics behind keeping nostalgia-tour bands alive, this episode's your jam...

If you've ever wondered how to keep your audience hooked, Adam's got your back.  Flying solo this week, serving up tips courtesy of ChatGPT and some social media wisdom, Adam dives into five killer strategies to spice up your live shows.  From interactive song requests and crowd participation, to themed events and leveraging social media, this guide is packed with innovative ideas to make every pe...

Join Adam and Dan as they tackle the ever-present summertime gig nightmare: unpredictable weather. From hydrating like a camel and packing air movers for the sweltering heat to securing tarps and ponchos for sudden downpours, they cover it all. They share personal anecdotes, essential gear recommendations, and smart tips for navigating gig mishaps. Plus, don't miss their practical advice on settin...

This week, we're diving headfirst into the mess Sticker Mule created with their political stunt.  We break down the aftermath, the unfollow spree, and why mixing business with politics can be a disaster.  Was it all worth it? Spoiler: No.  This is a must-listen if you want to avoid self-inflicted wounds to your business and brand. Blank Contracts & Riders: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com...

This week, we're stoked to have Rob Hammersmith,  drummer for Skid Row, in the studio.  Dive into Rob's journey from super fan to pounding the drums for one of rock's iconic bands.  Get the lowdown on his path through Atlanta's vibrant music scene, the sketchy rehearsal spaces, and unexpected career twists. Learn about the challenges of preparing for a high-profile gig (including his disastrous fi...

This week Adam flies solo while Dan's on vacation in this week's episode of the Cover Band Confidential Podcast!  He navigates the perils of a 4th of July gig, from brutal heat to unexpected gear failures.  Adam also shares tips on handling tip jars, prepping for upcoming gigs, and dealing with sweaty situations.  This solo adventure covers everything from audience engagement strategies to logisti...

This week, Adam and Dan dive into 'the big question' inspired by an email from listener Chuck: 'Why do we do this?' From domain names to franchise models, stool vs. standing dilemmas, and solo acoustic karaoke, they dissect why they put themselves through the grind of performing. From the highs of epic gigs to the drudgery of bad shows, they explore the magic moments and the challenges of being mu...

This week, we dive into the wild world of live band karaoke! 🎤  Adam and Dan share their best practices and hilarious experiences, from rocking out solo with acoustic guitars to handling spontaneous song requests on-the-fly.  Discover how to set up your band for karaoke success, cater to your guest singers, and deliver those iconic crowd-pleasers without breaking a sweat.  Whether you're thinking...

This week, Adam and Dan tackle the burning question: should you market your band based on its unique features? Enter Harp Ninja Mike, a killer harmonica player who's wondering if his unusual lead instrument can be his group's unique selling point. Spoiler: It might not be the game-changer you think, at least not for the bookers. But it doesn't hurt to let your socials go wild with it! Get ready fo...

This week on the Cover Band Confidential podcast, Adam and Dan  share their nightmare gig stories and how they powered through them.  From bad gear setups to creepy audience members, we've got it all.  Plus, Dan can't find his drummer's click track and Adam shaved his head.  Tune in to hear about the gear, the gigs, and everything that makes being a cover band musician a wild ride. And yes, there...

In this episode, Adam and Dan tackle a listener's conundrum about juggling band life with personal life, and how to keep the passion for music alive amidst the chaos. Offering insights from their own experiences, they explore topics ranging from work-life balance to maintaining creativity and dealing with the band's impact on one's personal world. Tune in for a hearty dose of reality, stories, and...

Adam and Dan dive into the thrilling world of stage banter, discussing tips and tricks for keeping an audience engaged between songs. From improv classes to studying rock legends, they offer practical advice for musicians who'd rather not bore their crowd to death. Discover how to balance authenticity, humor, and gratitude on stage, even if you're not the frontman. This episode is perfect for any...

This week a listener reached out seeking advice on handling a situation where their country band unexpectedly shifts to playing a mix of tunes they are not into.  Despite expressing discontent and feeling like a sidelined hired hand rather than an integral band member, the listener's concerns are dismissed by the band leader.  We then discuss the importance of clear communication, aligned expectat...