Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast

Dive into the dynamic world of band life with Dave Hamilton and guest co-host Mike Schulte, as they explore the essentials of band dynamics and the logistics of playing shows. From the importance of understanding bandmates and fostering a positive environment by scheduling time to vent and finding gratitude, to the practicalities of choosing the right members based on personality, reliability, and...

This week on Gig Gab, Brad Madix drops by for a masterclass in live sound mixing, sharing insights from his expansive career that’s touched the stages of Florence + the Machine, Sara Bareilles, Queensrÿche, Rush, and Linkin Park, to name a few. Diving into the nuances of live performance, Brad helps Dave Hamilton unpack the evolution of touring post-COVID. With a focus on the technical, disc...

In this week’s Gig Gab, Dave Brunyak –known now as Dallas Corbin –joins Dave Hamilton for a deep dive into the art of persona creation and redefining one’s place in the music world. They reminisce about Dave’s first appearance on the show back in 2015 and delve into the genesis of ‘Dallas Corbin,’ a persona that carved his path into country music. Inspired to learn mo...

In this week’s Gig Gab episode 413, guest co-host Billy Butler joins Dave Hamilton to dive deep into the nuances of live performance and band dynamics. They kick off with a robust discussion on ‘four-walling’ a show, emphasizing the importance of asking “Why would people want to come and see your band?” Drawing from examples like The Dead South, Gay Bride of Frankenst...

In this week’s Gig Gab podcast, guest co-host Dan East joins Dave Hamilton as they dive into a rich discussion tailored for musicians and performance artists. The episode opens with Dan sharing his expert planning strategies for the upcoming NAMM show. He provides valuable insights on how to navigate such large-scale events, emphasizing the importance of goal-setting and strategic networking to ma...

This week on Gig Gab, dive deep into the world of hearing health with Frank Wartinger, a renowned music audiologist and podcaster! Wartinger emphasizes the importance of protecting your ears, especially for musicians and avid music fans. He introduces the “Dangerous Decibels Three Part Solution” – a practical approach involving turning down the volume, walking away from excessively lou...

This week’s Gig Gab, guest co-host Mike Schulte joins Dave Hamilton as they dive into the diverse world of gigging. They kick off discussing New Year’s gigs, pondering if it’s a 2023 or 2024 gig – a unique time warp for musicians. The conversation shifts to the technicalities of in-ear monitors (IEMs), highlighting the need for updated molds as ears change shape. Brands lik...

In this Gear Gab episode of Gig Gab, Dave Hamilton starts with a deep dive into the world of bass drum microphones, with a spotlight on the Behringer BA 19A, priced at an accessible $79. Dave compares this budget-friendly option against its more expensive counterparts, the Shure Beta 91A and the beyerdynamic TG D71C. He meticulously highlights how the Behringer BA 19A stands up to these industry s...

In this week’s Gig Gab, dive into the nuances of being a musician and producer, all rolled into one. You’ll explore the art of practicing effectively, a skill that’s as crucial as it is often overlooked. Get insights from the legendary Rick Rubin and his book, “The Creative Act,” a must-read for any serious musician. The episode also touches on the timeless talent of...

In this week’s Gig Gab podcast with Paul Kent and Dave Hamilton you’ll dive into the essential nuances of social media for musicians. The key takeaway? Social media isn’t just a platform for advertising; it’s a vital space for being social and engaging with your audience. It’s about creating a community around your music and sharing your journey, not just promoting gi...

In this week’s episode of Gig Gab with Paul Kent and Dave Hamilton, the duo dives into the evolving landscape of the music scene, particularly focusing on how musicians are adapting to today’s world. They touch on the unexpected cancellations of Christmas gigs, stirring a conversation about the resilience and adaptability required in the ever-changing world of music. The conversation t...

In this week’s Gig Gab, Paul Kent and Dave Hamilton start with a dive into the nuances of performing solo gigs. They discuss the importance of honing your skills, reading the room, and choosing the right material to resonate with your audience. Emphasizing that a solo gig isn’t just about the performance; it’s about the art that emerges from having the discipline to manage everyt...

Dive into the evolving world of bands with the latest Gig Gab podcast, exploring the critical theme of ‘Evolving Bands’ and the importance of defining your band’s unique identity. Hosts Paul Kent and Dave Hamilton engage in a thought-provoking discussion on why curiosity is crucial for musical growth and how understanding who you are as a band can significantly impact your musica...

This week on Gig Gab, you’re diving deep with Paul Kent, Dave Hamilton, and their special guest, Chris Breen, a seasoned maestro in the music scene. Having played with his band, System 9, since 1985 — and having played quite a bit before that, too — Chris has a fun, observant perspective to share. Oh, and he also played for naked people, so there’s that. Your three favorite weekend war...

In this week’s Gig Gab, Paul Kent and Dave Hamilton embrace the holiday spirit with a discussion about the unique challenges and opportunities that Christmas gigs bring to your musical journey. Keep your performance fresh with insights from Good and learn how rebranding your band, like Clubbing Fraggles did, might just be the edge you need. Additionally, your two favorite weekend warriors dig into...

Dive deep with Andy Swanson of Alclair In Ears as he takes you on a sonic journey, discussing these high-quality, affordable custom IEMs. Feel the passion of playing in the gaps, the lessons from Andy’s leap into the corporate world at big names like Nintendo, and the importance of sharing music with the next generation. Uncover the ins and outs of Alclair’s premium earpieces, from the...

In the latest episode of Gig Gab, Paul Kent and Dave Hamilton dive deep into the dynamic world of bands. They kick off discussing the intricacies of subbing, emphasizing the importance of credibility in the music scene. If you’ve ever pondered creating a particular type of band or converting your current bar band into a private/function ensemble, this episode is your guidebook. From the foun...

This week, Mike Schulte, drummer for The Pork Tornadoes, joins Dave Hamilton and Paul Kent for an exciting look into running a top-tier cover band. Mike shares the unique approach that The Pork Tornadoes adopt in the cover band scene, with a spotlight on their original sensibilities and a well-thought-out division of labor that underpins their success. You’ll travel through the group’s engaging jo...

In Episode 398 of Gig Gab Podcast with hosts Paul Kent and Dave Hamilton, the duo explores the nuances of live performance and music. When an initial count-off is interrupted, your two favorite weekend warriors underscore the importance of recalibrating the “feeling” within the body to ensure a stellar performance. They further delve into the technical aspect, highlighting the significance of play...

Adam Moskowitz of VAM Band joins Paul and Dave this week on Gig Gab, treating you to an insider’s perspective into all the systems and tricks Adam uses to run his band. The trio dives deep into the realm of musicianship, from the transition of original bands to cover bands, to the innovative concept of evolving a modular cover band. Adam reveals his tricks on hiring the right band members an...

A grab bag of topics brings your two favorite weekend warriors together this week, including discussions about setlists, rehearsal techniques, Gear Gab, and the proposal of a whole new scientific theory that very much relates to what we all do here. Listen as Paul and Dave discuss Nile Rodgers, The Counting Crows, Gretsch Drums, how much space to take up on stage, and a lightning round of fun litt...

This week on Gig Gab, hosts Dave Hamilton and Paul Kent dive into an energetic discussion about the ever-changing nature of bands. This sparks a thoughtful dialogue about band dynamics, the fragility of music groups, and how to keep things moving forward when lineups shift. Dave and Paul reflect on their decades of experience playing together in various projects, offering wisdom on commitment, com...

Your two favorite weekend warriors discussed the busy gigging weekends they recently had, with Dave playing five gigs in 48 hours. They talked about strategies for avoiding leg cramps after late night gigs, and share details in the episode. Paul and Dave then gave advice for keeping consistent tempos after a Gig Gab community member wrote in saying their band’s songs speed up over time. They...

Chris Liscio from SuperMegaUltraGroovy joins Paul Kent and Dave Hamilton, merging the worlds of Apple aficionados and musicians. Chris unveils the origins of his unique company name and shares his musical journey that led to the development of his music learning app, Capo. As they dive deep, they tackle defining the purpose of Capo—a software for musicians learning by ear, born from Chris’s...

Tales from the stage, the power of adaptation, and the ins and outs of a performer’s life are the backdrop for this week’s stories. Dave and Paul reminisce about their recent gigs, highlighting the value of resilience when faced with onstage hiccups. Paul’s recent gig cancellation due to health is a sobering reminder of the balance between personal well-being and maintaining a band&#82...