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

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...

Friends, we've reached a milestone. 300 episodes! Here's to 300 more! Thanks for hanging with us, and we're glad you seem to have been enjoying it it as much as we enjoy making it! This week the boys recap the learnings and growth of the last five-and-change years (yeah, really!), talk about the Big Ideas to celebrate #300, none of which happened, and talk big talks about the future of this pod. T...

We know. Musicians are hard to shop for. So in honor of Black Friday we're revising and updating our list of great gifts for musicians, and adding a few things you should stay away from. (Those shirts: WHY.) ( HERE  is the following list as a blog post, suitable for sharing with anyone you hope gives you good stuff this year!) Stuff musicians DON’T WANT Mahogany Thumb Piano https://www.uncommongoo...

This week your boys Adam and Dan discuss the realities and uncertainties that bands often face. They share their recent experiences navigating ups and downs, including successful gigs and event cancellations due to low ticket sales. They discuss the possible reasons for fluctuations, including macroeconomic factors and demographic changes. They contemplate the importance of being adaptable, consid...

Big week for lovers of good music things! First stop is at Daryl's house--the legendary music YouTube channel is back in business and you need to check it out.  Even bigger news is the release of a brand new old Beatles tune! The guys go deep on the tech breakthroughs this took, the magical nature of the song and its video, what it implies for future "new old" songs from classic acts, and how much...

This week's episode is a shorter take on a longer conversation lost to history (we're blaming Dan's COVID diagnosis). In this episode we discuss how Dan's work experience at this day job made him question how musicians and venues are always trying to leverage available data to ensure they're getting the best deals, and how bands should be more open to talking about what they make per gig. Thank yo...

This week's episode is a bit different than our normal conversation.  Dan and Adam were asked to speak at Louisiana Tech University for their music business department! This guest lecture covers various topics related to the music industry, including branding, booking gigs, copyright issues, social media marketing strategies, and finding success as a musician. We also share personal experiences an...

This week your dos amigos deal with a travesty that has been foisted upon us all--a list from Rolling Stone of the Top 250 Guitarists of all time. It's... problematic. Enjoy us spluttering. Link to article: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-guitarists-1234814010/ Thank you so much for tuning in!  If you want to help be sure to like, subscribe and share with your friends!   Linktr...

This week we recap the big payday Adam got for a tech conference, as well as some new gear that just hit the market! Blank Contracts & Riders: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/performance-contracts Backing Track Resources: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/backing-track-resources Thank you so much for tuning in!  If you want to help be sure to like, subscribe and share wit...

How do you deal with the question: am I worth THAT? This week we discuss a big-payday gig that landed in Adam's lap. First, how to get such an opportunity, and then how to handle your mind about it. Also this week: Holy moly that Vegas Sphere! What a venue!  To have your band considered for a free coaching session, submit your details here: https://take.supersurvey.com/Q4TVR5RAJ Also the listener...

NO we don't mean the sandwich! We mean how to be a subtitute player in bands in your market! This week the fellas discuss everything from becoming known as a viable sub, marketing your sub service, and what the expectations are. So sharpen your skills and sub it up--this week is all about that sweet fill-in life. Also a good chat on the brand new Headrush Core multi-fx guitar and vocal unit! To ha...

This week the fellas talk about the differences (experientially, practically, and neuroscientifically) between playing instruments and singing. Prompted by a TikTok question, we dig deep into what makes memorizing guitar parts different from memorizing vocal parts. Also 10 Old People Points to those who get the episode title reference. To have your band considered for a free coaching session, subm...

This week we're largely responding to questions from listener and newly-minted Patreon patron Joe Hopkins. Joe does acoustic duo work with his wife Kristen, but they've haven't yet gotten the show out of the garage. Those of you listening who want to start gigging but don't know how (there are way more than you think!): This is the episode for you. How to start a new thing, how to land those first...

Thanks to an excellent listener question, this week the boys break down the phenomenon of being engaging and exciting on stage. From the attitude issues that might hold you back to some basic tips, tricks, and exercises to up your game, this week's episode will  have you doing split-leaps from the drum riser in spandex pants before you know it. To have your band considered for a free coaching sess...