Paul Neil

(Don't) Quit Your Day Job

Music EN ↓ 284 episodes

Did you move to LA in the 80's to make it on Sunset Strip? There are many stories about making music for a living. Sometimes you need a day job and sometimes you play the worst gig. Let's talk about the stuff that happened with people who have "made it" or "come close" or played to a dog in an otherwise empty room. There are funny and enlightening stories out there, so I started a podcast to tell these stories.

Author

Paul Neil

Category

Music

Podcast website

podcasters.spotify.com

Latest episode

Jul 9, 2026

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Episodes

Episode 232 with Tim Nave (TAKAT): You Have to Know When It’s Work and When It’s Love 16.01.2025

In this episode, Tim Nave talks about his newest release Watering Dead Plants, the creation of art, lucid dreams and concept albums, the pursuit of success and what that might entail, and the fear of success. Plus, the importance of the right instrument, the crappy music subreddit, content versus art, and becoming viral famous. You can check out Tim at the following locations: ⁠https://www.thearti...

Episode 231 with Mark Tremalgia (Little Caesar, The Cruzados): We Need to Remember to Make the Crowd a Part of the Show 09.01.2025

In this first episode of 2025, old pal Mark Tremalgia  ( Little Caesar , The Cruzados ) talks about the fulfillment of teaching guitar, guitar tabulature as a hinderance to learning, legacy artists playing stadium shows, the importance of nostalgia in live music, and the continued relevancy of David Lee Roth. Plus, the DLR Band almost reunion, and jamming with Dug Pinnick. Mark is a working musici...

Episode 230 with Will West (Paperback Tragedy): I Think Solo Albums Are Extremely Pretentious 19.12.2024

In this episode, Will West of Paperback Tragedy talks about the Baltimore scene, the importance of the song over visuals, how to go viral by falling down steps, defining success as you get older, Allegedly Records, and the value of Fest for a smaller bands. Plus, the Will West Pyramid Scheme, and Will's new solo album Dragon. You can check out Will here: https://www.paperbacktragedy.com https://pa...

Episode 229 with Pharoah Barrett (Little Caesar): I Guess They Took It Personally Because They Haven’t Called Back 12.12.2024

In this episode, Pharoah Barrett of Little Caesar talks about being an Emmy Award winning visual effects artist in Hollywood for his day job, the rise and fall of The Four Horsemen in the 90's, and the realities of touring and making money as a band. Plus, Gain of Funktion, his connection to The Price Is Right, social media, and hanging with Terry Crews You can check out Pharaoh here: https://www....

Episode 228 with Jonathan Kent (This Is Just A Record Label): If I Dig It Then I’m Gonna Wanna Work With You 05.12.2024

In this episode, Jonathan Kent of Ohio based This Is Just A Record Label talks about the vibrancy of the Youngstown OH scene, the shared scene between Pittsburgh and Youngstown, the value of mixed genre shows, Ramones-core style bands, and This Is Just A Record Label. Plus, physical formats, his new That Was The 80’s compilation, and the You Got Dysentery podcast. You can check out Jon's projects...

Episode 227 with Ben Huggins (Galactic Cowboys): There Might Still Be People Going I Hate That Band 21.11.2024

In this episode, Ben Huggins of long time band Galactic Cowboys talks about the realities of being signed and then dropped by a major label, pressure to fit into genres or styles, working with Sam Taylor, and running a successful kickstarter campaign to raise money for a new album. Plus, the potential for alienating audiences, and playing wiffle ball in the studio. You can check out Galactic Cowbo...

Episode 226 with Mark Tremalgia (Little Caesar, The Cruzados): Well, That Wasn't My Dream Gig 07.11.2024

In this special Election Day episode, old pal Mark Tremalgia  ( Little Caesar , The Cruzados ) talks about separating art from artist, the impact of celebrities on elections, working for RotoSound Strings, and reasons to quit a band. Plus, trying out for Love/Hate and the Mr. Crowley solo. Mark is a working musician in LA, playing in  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Little Caesar⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  and  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Cruzados⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Episode 225 with Mark Tremalgia (Little Caesar, The Cruzados): Well, at First You Panic  24.10.2024

In this episode, old pal Mark Tremalgia  ( Little Caesar , The Cruzados ) fresh off of the Little Caesar UK tour talks about touring with Tyketto, 6 degrees of band member separation, the pressure of not being the headliner, and more stories of gear mishaps. Plus, visiting Mark's hometown of Chester CT and the introduction of keyboards to Van Halen. Mark is a working musician in LA, playing in  ⁠⁠...

You Listen To Hot Garbage 008: Defending Chappell Roan with Tammy Wallace (Stereo Scandal, Creedmoors, Saturn Rise) 10.10.2024

Today on You Listen to Hot Garbage , Tammy Wallace ( Stereo Scandal, Creedmoors, Saturn Rise ) defends the incredibly popular Chappell Roan. We listen to the song Hot To Go and learn the pitfalls of singing with your car windows down. You Listen to Hot Garbage is a special series where a fan defends an indefensible band, song, or album. Brought to you by the Don't Quit Your Day Job podcast. You ca...

Episode 224 with Nick McGraw (Buzzbin): We Are The Next Step Up From The Basement 03.10.2024

In this episode, we speak with Nick McGraw, owner of Buzzbin, a venue located in Akron, OH about everything you ever wanted to know about owning and running a small live music venue. Plus, the importance of community, working full time, the pushback when hosting a Christian group, and thumb wrestling. You can check out and contact Buzzbin here: ⁠⁠https://buzzbinkenmore.com/ https://www.facebook.co...

Episode 223 with Brian McGee (The Danzas): Maybe This Will Sound Terrible but at Least I'm Doing Something 26.09.2024

In this episode, we speak with Brian McGee of much loved Pittsburgh band The Danzas about the need for bossiness, musical outlets, the three front persons of The Danzas, the importance of a bass guitar, and finding a stopping point for a band. Plus, measuring success, moving to NYC to be part of the music industry, barriers to entry, and reaching an audience. You can check out and contact The Danz...

Episode 222 with Richard Dean Girt III (The Sneaky Heat Missiles): Gatekeeping at the Crossroads of Religion and Music Scenes 20.09.2024

Today on special episode 222, we speak with Richard Dean Girt III (The Sneaky Heat Missiles) and discuss the impact of religion on music scenes and how gatekeepers can hinder community. This episode was inspired by Buzzbin, a small music venue in Ohio. You can check out Rick and Buzzbin at the following locations: https://sneakymissiles.bandcamp.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneakymissiles/ https:...

Episode 221 with Joshua Lastine (Lastine Entertainment Law): My First Job Was as an Unpaid Intern at American Idol 05.09.2024

In this episode, we talk with Joshua Lastine ( Lastine Entertainment Law ) about when should an artist contact a lawyer, copywrite protection, the impact of content creation and social media, the value of music, the importance of networking, and arguing about boobs and butts on television. Plus, being star struck, and moving Kevin Feige's office materials. You can check out Lastine Law at the...

Episode 220 with Mario Rivera (Left Unsaid, Nights Like Thieves): It's Been 20 Years Since We Released a Brand New Song 22.08.2024

In this episode, we talk with Mario Rivera ( Left Unsaid , Nights Like Thieves , Ikana ) about creating and releasing a documentary about the rise and fall of Albuquerque, NM local heroes Left Unsaid. Plus, getting back together, releasing new music, starting over after being in a successful band, being at the threshold of mainstream success, video production as day job, and the impact of nostalgi...

Episode 219 with Mark Tremalgia (Little Caesar, The Cruzados): But I'm Old And I'd Probably Forget 25.07.2024

In this episode, old pal Mark Tremalgia  ( Little Caesar , The Cruzados ) talks about the upcoming Little Caesar Tour of the UK, playing to the recording versus improvisation, the importance of listening in a band setting, YouTube Guitarists, and the possibility of writing a hit song. Plus, chicken legs, Sammy versus DLR, getting sick of songs, and the best Beatle. Mark is a working musician in LA...

Episode 218 with Jessica Ball (EYE, MWWB): Much Less Hassle Having Fewer Band Members 13.06.2024

In this episode, we talk with Welsh musician Jessica Ball (MWWB) about her new band EYE , Wrexham and Ryan Reynolds impact on city and scene, using a common word as a band name, the challenges of creating music in different genres, the importance of like-minded band members, and difficulties in starting a new project. Plus, naming songs and choosing singles, the mystery of creating a track listing...

Episode 217 with Pierce Turner: I Don't Have an Ambition To Be a Legend But I Do Have an Ambition To Have an Audience 23.05.2024

In this episode, we talk with celebrated Irish musician Pierce Turner about being called a musical legend, breaking musical ground in the 80's, being fussy about the right things, separating rock star from musician, the difficulty in getting people to hear your songs, and inspiring listeners. Plus, love of performance, choosing instruments based on boredom, and doing shows in people's home...

Episode 216 with Mark Tremalgia (Little Caesar, The Cruzados): I Have Never Seen So Many People in One Place as From The Whiskey to Gazzarri's 16.05.2024

In this episode, old friend Mark Tremalgia  ( Little Caesar , The Cruzados ) talks about learning how to be a guitar teacher, the impact of YouTube guitar players, the over-the-top ethos and giant egos of late 80's Hollywood, and being on a scene bandwagon. Plus, the coolness of guitar shredding (or lack thereof), and the importance of rock music today. Mark is a working musician in LA, playin...

Episode 215 with John Helps (MAYBESHEWILL): We Thought We Were Making Music for Our Friends to Listen to 09.05.2024

In this episode, we talk with John Helps of the amazing instrumental post-rock band MAYBESHEWILL about getting clearance for samples (or not), musical style evolution through eras of music, being part of a scene, the limitations and individuality of instrumental music, and the trials and tribulations of being a tour manager. Plus, Robert Smith (The Cure) being responsible for getting the band back...

Episode 214 with Eric McMyermick (Caravan Discordia): All The Things I Think Are Cool, Let's Squeeze 'em Into One Song 25.04.2024

In this episode, we talk with rad accordion maestro Eric McMyermick of the Kentucky based band Caravan Discordia about the trials of selling oneself as an accordion player, getting shows on interesting bills, art and performance, boredom as a motivator, and the lack of frame of reference for accordion players. Plus, playing outside of one's comfort zone, Kentucky as an influence, vocals as an...

Episode 213 with Mark Tremalgia (Little Caesar, The Cruzados): Because We're Guitar Players We Love to Play Loud 11.04.2024

In this episode, old friend Mark Tremalgia  ( Little Caesar , The Cruzados ) goes in deep on musical conspiracy theories, ancient aliens, haunted houses, and how to deal with gear gremlins while on tour. Plus, upcoming Little Caesar shows in the USA, and performing on the Michael Des Barres live from Viper Room recording. Mark is a working musician in LA, playing in  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Little Caesar⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  and ...

Episode 212 with Ryan Waltz (Horrorwood Ending): In This Genre, Writing Songs Just Feels Like Writing a Book Report 04.04.2024

In this episode, we talk with Ryan Waltz of the Pennsylvania based band Horrorwood Ending about getting pigeonholed by song topics, the practical impact of having a long running band, taking a long hiatus due to real life intervening, valuing recording over live performance, and measures of success. Plus, the correct pronunciation of Lancaster, PA, the importance of hope, self evaluation of song w...

You Listen To Hot Garbage 001: Defending 80's era ZZ Top with Mark Tremalgia 14.03.2024

Today on You Listen to Hot Garbage , Mark Tremalgia (Little Caesar, The Cruzados) defends the worst era of ZZ Top. Why are these songs so popular? You Listen to Hot Garbage is a special series where a fan defends an indefensible band, song, or album. Brought to you by the Don't Quit Your Day Job podcast

Episode 211 with Jon Cattivera (Time Spent Driving): I Wasn't as Obsessed with Death Back Then 07.03.2024

In this episode, we talk with Jon Cattivera of the long running emo/indie rock band Time Spent Driving about the new album Estrangers , differences between the various time periods of the band, the evolution of song writing topics, the impact of the "emo" genre tag, success as a younger band driving motivation, and being honest about attempting to achieve mainstream success. Plus, gettin...

Episode 210 with Sarah Patricia (Antagonizör): It's Fun To Piss People Off 22.02.2024

In this episode, we talk with Sarah Patricia of the leftist, bootstomping, metalpunk band Antagonizör about the Florida scene, having a release on vinyl, the importance of banter in a live performance, keeping work and art life separate, and the stress of trying to be a professional musician. Plus, how to stand out as a band, music as stress relief and fun, eating insects, and measures of success....

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