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

In this meatball-filled episode of Cover Band Confidential, Adam and Dan dive deep into the world of artificial intelligence, gig booking strategies, and the dazzling domain of DMX lighting.  They share their latest endeavors, including dealing with AI in music, exploring new gear and software to enhance live performances, and leveraging social media boosts.  The duo also discusses the power of se...

This week we will discuss the top 5 email mistakes that musicians often make when reaching out to venues and booking agents. Avoiding these common errors can significantly increase your chances of getting booked for gigs and events. Watch till the end to learn how to craft effective emails that will help you stand out and secure more opportunities in the music industry. Remember, a well-written em...

In this episode, Adam and Dan recount their recent gigs and the lessons learned. The main focus revolves around Adam's experience playing a gig in Guntersville, Alabama, at a yacht club, which despite geographical and logistical challenges, ended up being an electrifying event filled with improvisation, unexpected song requests (hello, 'Higher' by Creed), and a solid connection with fellow musicia...

In this episode of the Cover Band Confidential Podcast, hosts Adam and Dan share stories and advice about the unpredictable world of last-minute gigs and the chaotic charm of playing in a pick-up band. From unexpected weather chat to sharing personal anecdotes about gigs that went from zero to a hundred with no setlists or clear direction, the duo dives into the essence of what makes these impromp...

In this jam-packed episode of the Cover Band Confidential Podcast, Adam and Dan dive into the nitty-gritty of keeping your band's mojo alive regardless of your age. The conversation gets to the crux of the matter: aging gracefully in the music scene. They hilariously categorize the various fashion archetypes aging musicians might fall into – from the 'corporate rock man' to the 'fun grandma' look...

In this episode of the Cover Band Confidential Podcast, Adam and Dan share insights and practical strategies on starting a band, from concept to landing your first gig. They discuss the importance of creating a compelling brand and vision, assembling the right mix of talent, navigating rehearsals, and leveraging connections to secure performance opportunities. The hosts highlight the significance...

In this episode of the Cover Band Confidential Podcast, we're diving into the myths of being a musician that we've learned from hard experience are UNTRUE! We share updates on our recent gigs, discuss our latest gear acquisitions, and then tackle the main topic: debunking common myths musicians might believe. We discuss everything from the importance of playing what you love, the role of talent ve...

This week on the Cover Band Confidential Podcast, we dive deep into the world of guitar amps with a detailed exploration sparked by questions from a curious drummer.  We tackle the nuances of amp volume, tone, and how they relate to gig size, discussing everything from the benefits of smaller amps to the implications of mic'ing amps at live venues.  We also touch on the intersection of modern mode...

It's been a minute since we had a proper Tales from the Gig! This week the fellas recount a couple of truly excellent shows they each played, simultaneously, on St. Patrick's Eve. Satisfying and soul-feeding for both of them. Come bask in the post-gig glow! Tell us your tale, whether from the gig or from heck, at coverbandconfidential@gmail.com!  -- Thank you so much for tuning in!  If you want to...

Welcome to the Daylight-Savings-cast! Rouse your slumbering carcass and listen! This week we tackle a listener question that starts with: Do I really need a website? Interesting question, but BOY does it expand from there. We get into a comprehensive look at what online marketing looks like today, what an EPK is for, and how to deal with socials these days. 00:00 Daylight Savings 01:10 Band Update...

This week we tackle the sticky situation of ditching gigs for better-paying ones - is it ever cool to bail on a booked show?  Join Adam and Dan on a wild ride in this episode where they spill the tea on everything cover band-related. From a gnarly story about a bassist's run-in with a model airplane, to sifting through the latest gear that won't break the bank (hello, Phenyx Pro wireless setups an...

This week we follow on from the conversation last week about how to save Set One. We asked you to tell us your show opening tunes and BOY did you deliver! Musicians from across the globe chime in with their experiences and selections, ranging from 'Bad Moon Rising' by the Creedence Clearwater Revival to 'Don't Bring Me Down' by ELO, among others.  Keep it coming! What song do you usually open show...

We all know the story. "It takes the room a while to warm up." So you load Set One with your mid-tempo downers and save your bangers for later in the night. But does it have to be that way? What song do you start a show with, and what do you do with the energy after that? This week the boys dig into the question: Is there a way to save the first set? -- Thank you so much for tuning in!  If you wan...

How many of us hang on to hope when it's clear there is none? This week Adam tells the punchline of the tale he set up last week of shifting negotiators, ghosting clients, and things going exactly the way they seemed like they were. And it makes Dan think about how it's going onboarding his new bassist--it could have gone wrong in many many ways, but he had a good feeling and it's panning out. How...

This week Adam and Dan  express frustration over the difficulty in finding chord charts for certain pop songs due to artists or their publishers blocking access to them on popular music tutorial sites. Despite these obstacles, the hosts encourage listeners to use other resources and enhance their skills in learning songs by ear. 00:05 Introduction and Casual Banter 02:22 Exploring Genre Flipping a...

In this episode Adam and Dan discuss their respective trips to Disney World and NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants).  Adam covers the highlights of his NAMM experience, such as the meetings with representatives from various music gear companies, unique discoveries like 3D printed guitar pedal toppers, and affordable gear from brands like Ibanez. They discuss the changing landscape of NA...

In this episode of the Cover Band Confidential Podcast, Adam and Dan discuss strategies and opportunities for cover band musicians.  Apparently, The Hives requested cover bands to help meet the demand for their music by playing concerts in their respective cities.  Is this the beginning of bands franchising themselves on a wider scale?  -- Thank you so much for tuning in!  If you want to help be s...

This week the fellas discuss that strategic (vs. the tactical) aspects of the gig booking game. What's the long play? How do you shape your year? What's the brand value you're going to deliver to make your re-hire a no brainer for a booker? NU-X Mighty Plug- https://amzn.to/3SmQXdR Curvd Earplug-: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C9R47H5N?ref=t_ac_view_request_product_image&campaignId=amzn1.campaig...

This week the fellas contemplate the whys and wherefores of The Smashing Pumpkin's recent open audition call for guitarists. Why would they do that? What are they getting? Is it something you should do? Opinions will vary. Here's ours! Recess Drink for Dry January: https://amzn.to/3NTlKwr (affiliate) -- Thank you so much for tuning in!  If you want to help be sure to like, subscribe and share with...

This week after the usual pleasantries, yer boyz talk about BOIR! That's right, those of you operating small businesses in the US will need to do the new Beneficial Ownership Information Report--or face STEEP consequences!  Adam walks you through what it took to do it. Not that much, it turns out, once you're over a certain learning curve. And as always, we're here to flatten the curve, and keep y...

This week Adam and Dan reflect on the year 2023. They talk about the remarkable growth they experienced with an increase in downloads, plays, and overall reach. They also discuss how the shift in their band line-up has opened up new possibilities. Plans for the upcoming year are also touched upon, indicating a more focused approach. They remind viewers about new tax reporting requirements for LLCs...

This week Adam and Dan respond to an email inquiry from a listener, Brian, curious about why people choose to be in cover bands instead of making original music. We explore the different types of satisfaction derived from being in either a cover or original band, and how the interaction with the crowd, the creative process, and the economic realities form the crux of why most musicians opt for cov...

A Lesson in Stress and Forgetting Things This week Adam and Dan discuss their recent experiences with gigs and events.  Adam recounts attending a comedy show, while Dan narrates a frazzled experience at a weekend gig, which taught him a profound lesson in dealing with stress and the importance of triple-checking things before leaving.  Don’t forget to register for the Bright Switch Giveaway! Sign...

Hey guys RockStock announced the giveaway on Friday and while the link was in last week's notes I wanted to be sure everyone knew about it.   Here's the link:  https://kingsumo.com/g/mdo6l3/cover-band-confidential-giveaway-rock-stock-pedals-bright-switch/k6njxk4? Every task completed increases your chance of winning!

This week we have a special spousal visitor: Mrs Adam herself, Amber Johnson! Been a minute since we've had Amber's input on the show, so it's great to have her back. This week we talk about the annual holiday gig that Amber is part of, without Adam but with a whole bunch of players who are a regular project of their own. What's it like onboarding their material? Coming in to nail a show that's "s...