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

Join Adam and Dan in this episode of the Cover Band Confidential Podcast as they discuss Adam's recent experiences at NAMM!  Adam recounts his jet-lagged journey from Atlanta to Anaheim, highlighting new products, weird inventions, and nostalgic returns of 80s gear.  They dive into standout items like the Lily Pad mic ducking system, Rev Amps' innovative LED cab displays, and unexpected releases f...

Dan here, team! Just a quick one for you and me while Adam's off hobnobbing with the music greats at NAMM! Ever think about concepts like worth and value and saying no? I do. And so do some folks on our Patreon. Here's a hot five minutes on my thoughts about whether worth is set by the market, or if it's something you can stand for and build from pure intention. Hope you enjoy! Thank you so much f...

This week, we tackle a juicy band drama story submitted by our community.  When band members clash on the band's direction, things get messy.  Learn what to do (and what NOT to do) when band conflicts erupt, from aligning ambitions to navigating media fallout.  Plus, hear about the worst ways to handle getting fired from a band, straight from real-life examples.  We also discuss the latest in musi...

In this episode of the Cover Band Confidential podcast, Adam and Dan dive into everything from mysterious spider bites and urgent care visits to the intriguing proposition of playing gigs in exchange for services.  They discuss the highs and lows of taking gigs with non-monetary compensation, prepping for surgeries, and the value of staying sharp during the slow season.  Plus, there's a fresh revi...

Join Michael, Eric, and Eren from Raleigh's high-energy cover band, The Tone Merchants, as they chat with Adan & Dan about their journey from Craigslist ads to packed gigs.  Learn their struggles with marketing to a divided triangle of cities and how they're navigating social media and content creation to attract more fans.  This episode is a goldmine for band promotion tips, from leveraging m...

Join us for a brief holiday check-in on the Cover Band Confidential Podcast as we reflect on a record-breaking year and share personal stories.  Adam and Dan discuss their busy Christmas schedules, upcoming plans for the new year, and some heartwarming updates.  Whether you're celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or Festivus, we wish you all the best.  Tune in for a dose of gratitude and holi...

This week, I sat down with York-based musician Michael Collinson at the RWB Music store in York to discuss his journey as a full-time musician in northern England. We dive deep into his background, how he juggled various gigs and teaching roles, and the ups and downs of sustaining a musical career.  From playing in multiple bands, handling repairs at the shop, and even considering cruise work, Mic...

In this week's Cover Band Confidential Podcast, Adam and Dan dive into the intricacies of rocking gigs and gear in two continents.  Adam spills about a mind-blowing trip to York where he mingled with local guitar gods and explored some jaw-dropping music stores.  Meanwhile, Dan nerds out over his latest gear acquisition and the guys  celebrate an unexpected rank in Luxembourg!  Just when you think...

This week while Adam visits Merrye Olde Englande, Dan brings in guest Ben Hulan, longtime Patreon member and all around Interesting Dude. This week's discussion: Making material your own. Sometimes the right decision ISN'T to recreate the recording exactly. Is that okay? When should you make that choice, and how? How much of it really IS "your own"?  Ben's projects: La Murga de Austin: http://lamu...

Hey ho, it's Adam and Dan here to make sure your first gig isn't a disaster.  Tune in as we dissect a setlist from a new band out of Austin, Texas, figuring out which tracks will keep the dance floor packed and which ones will have your audience making a beeline for the bar.  Spoiler: Your favorite obscure tunes? Not a good look.  Plus, some juicy gear talk just in time for Black Friday.  Don't mi...

Join Adam and Dan as they dive deep into the art of seamless transitions between songs!  From gig recaps to the importance of keeping your show tight and engaging, this episode is all about making sure your band rocks harder and sucks less.  Whether it's dealing with broken drum heads or setting up the ultimate setlist, they've got you covered.  Also, find out how Adam's new wing rack setup is cha...

In this week's episode of the Cover Band Confidential Podcast, Adam and Dan dive into the hotly debated topic of band breaks.  Do breaks kill the vibe or save the night?  From rail travel stories to the epic saga of building a more portable in-ear rack, the guys also chat about strategic networking during breaks and prepping for a Friday frat house gig.  Ever wondered if you should go acoustic whi...

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...