Gig Gab - The Working Musicians' Podcast
438 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago - ★★★★★ - 42 ratingsWelcome to Gig Gab—the podcast sanctuary for working musicians and anyone fascinated by the vibrant, often unseen world behind every note played on stage. Whether you’re a musician, a member of the crew, or just someone who loves peeking behind the curtain to discover the secrets of live performances, you’ve found your tribe.
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Episodes
Nashville and The “Rinse” Lesson – Gig Gab Podcast 189
November 14, 2018 19:41 - 31 minutes - 22.8 MBPaul visited Nashville and Dave visited the dentist. One of those things happened in the last week, even, but never fear: they both resulted in relevant stories for you, our listeners. A quick conversation about leverage finds its way into the show, and using it to negotiate non-zero-sum outcomes. And […] The post Nashville and The “Rinse” Lesson – Gig Gab Podcast 189 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Cherish Your Downtime, Too – Gig Gab Podcast 188
November 05, 2018 15:00 - 53 minutes - 37.6 MBIt’s easy to get caught up in all the time you’re spending on stage (and the time you spending preparing for that!), but it’s equally important to treat your nights off stage as priorities, too. There’s a yin and a yang to a lot of things, not just this, and […] The post Cherish Your Downtime, Too – Gig Gab Podcast 188 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Managing Relationships with Clubs, Owners, Bands, and Fans – Gig Gab Podcast 187
October 29, 2018 19:34 - 51 minutes - 36.2 MBWhat happens when a new manager takes over at a club where you’ve already got dates booked? Your answer to this question will undoubtedly impact your band’s future bookings. The good news is that you are in control. Listen to advice from Paul and Dave as they share experiences and […] The post Managing Relationships with Clubs, Owners, Bands, and Fans – Gig Gab Podcast 187 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Trumpets, Tubas, and Squirrels – Gig Gab Podcast 186
October 22, 2018 19:39 - 45 minutes - 31.7 MBWhen the Amazing Super Duper Squirrels meet their arch nemesis, what does that mean for the number of female tuba players available for your next gig? This, folks, is an example of the important questions that Paul Kent and Dave Hamilton, your two favorite weekend warriors, dissect on Gig Gab! […] The post Trumpets, Tubas, and Squirrels – Gig Gab Podcast 186 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Believe First, Negotiate Second – Gig Gab Podcast 185
October 08, 2018 19:28 - 58 minutes - 40.3 MBIf at first you don’t succeed, it’s worth asking, “did I believe?” Well, did you? Gig Gab might help. First, Paul and Dave talk through some of their gigs, both recently and upcoming, as they’re both doing some different stuff that detours from the norm (is there really a norm, […] The post Believe First, Negotiate Second – Gig Gab Podcast 185 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Subs Happen! – Gig Gab Podcast 184
October 01, 2018 19:53 - 47 minutes - 32.9 MBWhat happens when your bandmate can’t make the gig? What happens when you can’t make the gig? More to the point: what happens when listener Patrick asks Paul to reconcile the fact that he despises subs with the fact that Paul now plays in multiple bands? What happens is that […] The post Subs Happen! – Gig Gab Podcast 184 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Counting Up-beat Intros…and other things – Gig Gab Podcast 183
September 24, 2018 19:57 - 50 minutes - 35.3 MBIn what key should you play Happy Birthday? How do you count the intros of Drive My Car and Glory Days? Answering the important questions: Paul Kent and Dave Hamilton. Then it’s on to the magic of the groove and how to find the mojo inside the songs you’re playing… […] The post Counting Up-beat Intros…and other things – Gig Gab Podcast 183 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Anxiety, Bad Guys, and Accounting – Gig Gab Podcast 182
September 17, 2018 19:52 - 54 minutes - 37.9 MBEver wake up the morning of a gig too nervous to do the gig? Does your band have signals or a plan for when a uninvited guest graces your stage? Do you understand the difference between a contractor and an employee? Have you never thought about any of these things? […] The post Anxiety, Bad Guys, and Accounting – Gig Gab Podcast 182 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Evening Flow and Clean Stages – Gig Gab Podcast 181
September 10, 2018 19:24 - 47 minutes - 33.4 MBWhen is it time to buck the traditional flow of a party or wedding gig and do something a little different? When you have a better idea, that’s when! Dave attended a wedding this weekend and learned quite a few new things just by being a guest. Paul’s got a […] The post Evening Flow and Clean Stages – Gig Gab Podcast 181 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Do Your Fans Love You Too Much? – Gig Gab Podcast 180
September 04, 2018 19:01 - 41 minutes - 28.6 MBA big part of performing live music involves engaging with the crowd. The better you can do that, the better your band will do in a general sense. But there’s a cost… what happens when that one member of the crowd goes too far? What happens when they see the […] The post Do Your Fans Love You Too Much? – Gig Gab Podcast 180 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Finding On-Stage Bliss – Gig Gab Podcast 179
August 27, 2018 18:58 - 35 minutes - 24.8 MBIn both the lead-up to a gig and the setup at the show there are many opportunities for things to feel like they’re being derailed. Too much of that – really, any amount of that – has the potential to impact your perception of the gig. And, as the performer, your […] The post Finding On-Stage Bliss – Gig Gab Podcast 179 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Managing Your On-Stage Comfort – Gig Gab Podcast 178
August 20, 2018 19:29 - 53 minutes - 37.1 MBYour comfort level on stage can make or break your performance in so many ways, including how both you and the crowd each perceive the outcome. How do you do it? What tricks can you employ to lean towards success? What’s the magic formula? And, most importantly, what should you […] The post Managing Your On-Stage Comfort – Gig Gab Podcast 178 appeared first on Gig Gab.
The Benefits and Pitfalls of Creating Live Art – Gig Gab Podcast 177
August 13, 2018 17:35 - 58 minutes - 40.4 MBArt can be created and delivered in many forms, but being on stage and performing live has some unique benefits…and challenges! Listen as Paul and Dave talk through several aspects of this, from perspectives of both the performer and the audience member! Chapters/Timestamps: 00:00:00 Gig Gab 177 – Monday, August […] The post The Benefits and Pitfalls of Creating Live Art – Gig Gab Podcast 177 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Shuffling Experiences – Gig Gab Podcast 176
August 07, 2018 01:23 - 47 minutes - 33 MBSometimes you gain experience, sometimes you get to shuffle, and sometimes you get both. Oh, also, sometimes you get neither. It’s life, man. That’s how it goes. This week, Paul and Dave – your two favorite weekend warriors – have many stories to tell. Paul’s band opened up for Eddie Money […] The post Shuffling Experiences – Gig Gab Podcast 176 appeared first on Gig Gab.
The Flow of One Heartbeat – Gig Gab Podcast 175
July 30, 2018 19:29 - 46 minutes - 32.3 MBYou know that special moment when your band gets to that point where everything’s flowing and you operate on one heartbeat? Paul and Dave each experienced that this weekend in different ways and, of course, they share their experiences. That’s not all it’s about, though. When you bring in songs […] The post The Flow of One Heartbeat – Gig Gab Podcast 175 appeared first on Gig Gab.
When Your Brain Starts Playing – Gig Gab Podcast 174
July 23, 2018 19:35 - 51 minutes - 36.1 MBEvery show has a theme, and after your two favorite Weekend Warriors took a week off from podcasting, they’ve had a lot to think about. It’s no surprise, then, that the theme of this episode is thinking. When is thinking good, and when is it bad? How many gigs is […] The post When Your Brain Starts Playing – Gig Gab Podcast 174 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Buddy Gibbons: Building a Music Career – Gig Gab Podcast 173
July 09, 2018 15:00 - 48 minutes - 33.9 MBDrummer, producer, composer, and singer, Buddy Gibbons talks through his start in marching band, how traditional grip unlocked his entire career, and simply provides lesson after lesson for anyone wanting to create a living playing music. Informative, inspirational, and simply charming, Buddy walks through it all for Paul and Dave […] The post Buddy Gibbons: Building a Music Career – Gig Gab Podcast 173 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Choosing Happy Songs … and Which Drummers could have replaced Keith Moon? – Gig Gab Podcast 172
July 02, 2018 19:27 - 50 minutes - 35.8 MBYou have the power to control your audience. Well, kind of. You have the power to choose how you emote on stage, and there’s a lot of power behind choosing happy songs. Paul and Dave talk about this, and how to go about it. But that’s not all… outdoor gigs, […] The post Choosing Happy Songs … and Which Drummers could have replaced Keith Moon? – Gig Gab Podcast 172 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Communicating Your Professionalism – Gig Gab Podcast 171
June 26, 2018 21:55 - 43 minutes - 20.8 MBWhen you’re looking at promoting your band, what are the important factors to portray? Is it all about the music? Unfortunately, that may not be case… in fact, it’s not the case. But don’t fret… Paul and Dave have some answers or at least some perspective for you, answering questions […] The post Communicating Your Professionalism – Gig Gab Podcast 171 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Value Simplicity, Highlight the Differences – Gig Gab Podcast 170
June 18, 2018 19:33 - 51 minutes - 24.5 MBHow do cruise ships, fiddle players, Joe Zawinul, percussive guitar, and taping lyrics to a kick drum all tie together? If you had asked Paul Kent and Dave Hamilton that question before they recorded this episode, they probably wouldn’t have had an answer. Now, though, not only do they have […] The post Value Simplicity, Highlight the Differences – Gig Gab Podcast 170 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Music From the Fan’s Perspective – Gig Gab Podcast 169
June 11, 2018 15:00 - 38 minutes - 19 MBBars are intimidating things to some people. When was the last time you, as a musician, thought about that? It’s good to think about music from your audience’s perspective and consider the vibe that you’re creating for them… and that’s exactly what Paul Kent and Dave Hamilton talk about today. […] The post Music From the Fan’s Perspective – Gig Gab Podcast 169 appeared first on Gig Gab.
The Art of “No” – Gig Gab Podcast 168
June 04, 2018 15:00 - 44 minutes - 20.8 MB“Hey, would you like to do a project together?” It’s easy when your answer is “yes,” but what happens when it’s not? How do you deal with this now-difficult scenario? Paul and Dave talk through all of this for you today. We’re not sure they come up with the magic […] The post The Art of “No” – Gig Gab Podcast 168 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Paging Mr. Murphy – Gig Gab Podcast 167
May 28, 2018 15:00 - 45 minutes - 21.8 MBHow tough do the tough conversations get in your band? Today Paul and Dave talk through some of their experiences with that, especially as it relates to band members relative preparedness levels. Yeah, that’s a mouthful, and that’s not all there is in this episode. Your two favorite weekend warriors […] The post Paging Mr. Murphy – Gig Gab Podcast 167 appeared first on Gig Gab.
How Much Ego is Too Much Ego? – Gig Gab Podcast 166
May 21, 2018 13:31 - 38 minutes - 18.8 MBToday, Paul and Dave jump from subject to subject in a seemingly random fashion (hint: whatever they write next, it was random). But it’s never truly random, is it? Nope. This one is about ego. Seeing egos on stage, managing your own ego, when to have one, when to suppress it, […] The post How Much Ego is Too Much Ego? – Gig Gab Podcast 166 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Eating at the Grown-Ups’ Table – Gig Gab Podcast 165
May 14, 2018 19:06 - 44 minutes - 21.4 MBToday Paul and Dave get cerebral, which is fitting given where the conversation goes. Come sit at the Grown-Ups’ Table (just this once!) and enjoy a heady conversation about managing all day gigs, managing the song list, fostering FOMO and, of course, the “Sweet Home Alabama” vs. “Freewill” discussion. Chapters/Timestamps: […] The post Eating at the Grown-Ups’ Table – Gig Gab Podcast 165 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Intentional Collaboration – Gig Gab Podcast 164
May 07, 2018 19:25 - 54 minutes - 25.5 MBWhether you’re a band or a solo artist, a musical performance is always a collaboration. There are sound engineers, bandmates, audience members, and venue staff that are all involved in making your performance a success. Today Paul and Dave talk through the realities of this, both objectively as outsiders and […] The post Intentional Collaboration – Gig Gab Podcast 164 appeared first on Gig Gab.
The China Buddha Fat Man Conundrum – Gig Gab Podcast 163
April 30, 2018 19:26 - 44 minutes - 21.1 MBSometimes there are songs you play even though you don’t like them. Most of the time you play songs you like. If you’re lucky, though, every now and then you get to play a song you truly love. Yeah, yeah, we’re all pros and we always say, “my favorite song […] The post The China Buddha Fat Man Conundrum – Gig Gab Podcast 163 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Performance Tips 101 – Gig Gab Podcast 162
April 23, 2018 19:34 - 54 minutes - 26.5 MBWe always say, “Always Be Performing”, but what does that mean to you? Are you actively performing? Are you thinking about what to do to perform? Or are you just letting it happen naturally? Is naturally good enough for you and your crowd? And are you the kind of musician […] The post Performance Tips 101 – Gig Gab Podcast 162 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Everyone is Brave Online – Gig Gab Podcast 161
April 16, 2018 19:23 - 48 minutes - 22.6 MBToday your two favorite weekend warriors have a jam session of the spoken kind. Covering topics from early start times, ways to bring the same crowd back again and again, playing for opportunities instead of dollars, and proactively replacing gear, they cover a lot of ground. Paul and Dave also […] The post Everyone is Brave Online – Gig Gab Podcast 161 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Your Brain is Very Busy on Stage – Gig Gab 160
April 09, 2018 19:19 - 51 minutes - 24.3 MBEvery show has a theme and this one – not surprisingly – is about overthinking. Or is it just thinking? Or maybe it’s not thinking, but it is about your brain doing something on its own. Is that still thinking? We think it might be. You’d better listen and find out, otherwise […] The post Your Brain is Very Busy on Stage – Gig Gab 160 appeared first on Gig Gab.
The Implied Contract with Your Audience – Gig Gab Podcast 159
April 02, 2018 19:37 - 53 minutes - 25.1 MBEvery time you take the stage, you have an audience out there waiting for you to deliver. In fact, the expectation is for you to do exactly that. How aware of this are you? How much do you focus on ensuring this happens, even in the event of trainwrecks and […] The post The Implied Contract with Your Audience – Gig Gab Podcast 159 appeared first on Gig Gab.
The Conversation With Your Audience – Gig Gab Podcast 158
March 26, 2018 23:11 - 52 minutes - 25.2 MBRock gigs always bring out the best from your two favorite weekend warriors, and this week had Paul and Dave experiencing some real highlights. There’s always something to be learned from every gig, isn’t there? Really, though, it all comes down to awareness and having an honest conversation with your […] The post The Conversation With Your Audience – Gig Gab Podcast 158 appeared first on Gig Gab.
SXSW, New Bands, New Films, and a New Way of Thinking about Older Music – Gig Gab 157
March 19, 2018 20:00 - 57 minutes - 26.9 MBDave’s just back from attending a full week of the SXSW Conference and Festivals, and he and Paul have a lot to discuss! From new bands that Dave found, to new films that Dave saw, SXSW provided an infusion of new info and new thinking and, well, that’s the point […] The post SXSW, New Bands, New Films, and a New Way of Thinking about Older Music – Gig Gab 157 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Rock Star Bathroom Politics – Gig Gab 156
March 05, 2018 20:37 - 49 minutes - 23.9 MBHave you ever peed next to a rock star? How about a former Vice President? Dave has peed next to both Dave Grohl and Al Gore, and for some reason Paul gets him to tell those stories perfectly in the context of your normally-scheduled Gig Gab. Guess which one has […] The post Rock Star Bathroom Politics – Gig Gab 156 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Always get a contract? Well, sort of… – Gig Gab Podcast 155
February 26, 2018 20:29 - 44 minutes - 20.6 MBWhen should you have a contract? If you follow Paul and Dave’s advice and definitions, you should have something resembling a contract for every gig. Listen to hear what they mean… and why. Sometimes a cascading series of bad events turns into a great night, and Paul’s got a story […] The post Always get a contract? Well, sort of… – Gig Gab Podcast 155 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Your Band & Facebook – Gig Gab Podcast 154
February 19, 2018 20:07 - 42 minutes - 19.9 MBTalk about a verbal jam session! Sure, your two favorite weekend warriors talk about their strategies for when to post your events on Facebook, but there are about a zillion other topics that seem to weave into one another. From managing your core strength to the history of the National […] The post Your Band & Facebook – Gig Gab Podcast 154 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Praise to the Go-Getters – Gig Gab Podcast 153
February 12, 2018 20:33 - 48 minutes - 22.3 MBHave you ever thought about traveling with you band? How about putting together a band whose only purpose is to travel? You two favorite weekend warriors talk all about this just for you. And, as should happen at the center of any conversation about booking gigs, it’s expressly decided that […] The post Praise to the Go-Getters – Gig Gab Podcast 153 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Nirvana Night vs. Fight Night – Gig Gab Podcast 152
February 07, 2018 00:06 - 38 minutes - 18.1 MBSometimes it’s nirvana, and sometimes it’s a fight. The thing is, you never really know which way the gig is going to go until you’re in the thick of it… and then you just have to take it as it comes and deal with it! Whether it’s discussing the harnessing […] The post Nirvana Night vs. Fight Night – Gig Gab Podcast 152 appeared first on Gig Gab.
The Loneliness Component – Gig Gab Podcast 151
January 29, 2018 20:52 - 49 minutes - 23.4 MBAs musicians, we play because we love to play, and it’s an honor to be able to do that. But that’s not the only reason… and some gigs can feel pretty lonely, even if you’re surrounded by a crowd or fellow musicians. Dave and Paul start this episode thinking they […] The post The Loneliness Component – Gig Gab Podcast 151 appeared first on Gig Gab.
“Up Here, Nothing Can Touch Us” – Gig Gab Podcast 150
January 22, 2018 20:13 - 39 minutes - 19.2 MBThe stage is sacred ground for most musicians… but how does it get to be that way? Certainly it’s not comfortable the very first time you walk on stage. Depending on how you look at it, it may never be comfortable walking on stage… and yet, it can still become […] The post “Up Here, Nothing Can Touch Us” – Gig Gab Podcast 150 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Managing Your Body on Stage – Gig Gab Podcast 149
January 15, 2018 20:17 - 38 minutes - 18 MBPaul and Dave each had experiences – from both sides of the “rail” this week – with that concept where musicians need to manage what’s going on inside their bodies while on stage. They talk through Paul’s first gig with the Houserockers new drummer, and Dave’s experience watching seasoned, Grammy-winning professionals […] The post Managing Your Body on Stage – Gig Gab Podcast 149 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Selling Your Band! – Gig Gab Podcast 148
January 08, 2018 14:59 - 57 minutes - 26.6 MBIs your band for sale? Of course it is! Otherwise you’re not getting paid. And if your band is for sale, then who is the salesperson? Listen to hear your long-time Weekend Warriors put on the relevant parts of their weekDAY hats and talk through their process for selling … […] The post Selling Your Band! – Gig Gab Podcast 148 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Money – Gig Gab Podcast 147
January 03, 2018 19:57 - 37 minutes - 18.9 MBNew Year’s Eve came and went for your two favorite working musicians. One of them played and one didn’t, and they have some stories to tell because both Paul and Dave learned some important lessons that night… and they share! Payment for your valuable services as a musician is definitely […] The post Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Money – Gig Gab Podcast 147 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Coffee House Gigs & Starting From Scratch – Gig Gab Podcast 146
December 27, 2017 20:11 - 45 minutes - 22 MBAre you someone who’s trying to break into the music scene? Maybe you took some time off from playing or maybe you’ve never played out. What can you do to get going? Your two favorite weekend warriors were asked this question by a fellow listener and they spend some time […] The post Coffee House Gigs & Starting From Scratch – Gig Gab Podcast 146 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Crowd (Over-)Participation & Marketing Your Band – Gig Gab Podcast 145
December 18, 2017 21:12 - 58 minutes - 28 MBSometimes that person in the crowd that wants to sit-in can be awesome… sometimes they can be awFUL. How do you tell which it’s going to be? Listen to Paul and Dave share some war stories and advice. Then it’s on to answering a question about Facebook and marketing and […] The post Crowd (Over-)Participation & Marketing Your Band – Gig Gab Podcast 145 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Listen and Learn – Gig Gab Podcast 144
December 11, 2017 20:17 - 41 minutes - 20.7 MBNew sound for your band, new thoughts from your band members, even new sound for the show. Yep, the theme for this episode is, most undoubtedly, Listen and Learn. First we share a comment about getting sound on stage just right and – no surprise here – it’s all about listening. […] The post Listen and Learn – Gig Gab Podcast 144 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Pitch is Non-Negotiable – Gig Gab Podcast 143
December 04, 2017 20:19 - 47 minutes - 21.9 MBWhen it comes to being a singer, pitch is fundamental to doing it right. But that’s not all there is, and your two Weekend Warriors (and still-working-at-it-every-day singers!) talk through their respective journeys of gaining confidence and functionality in front of the microphone. But first, it’s time to talk about […] The post Pitch is Non-Negotiable – Gig Gab Podcast 143 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Let’s Have The Volume Conversation – Gig Gab Podcast 142
November 29, 2017 22:04 - 34 minutes - 17 MBYour band is too loud. Ever heard that before? You’ve probably heard it at every type of gig imaginable. Is it your fault? Yes, it’s yours. Not just you, but not just your band, either. Yep, it’s time… Paul and Dave have The Volume Conversation. Are they honest enough? Only […] The post Let’s Have The Volume Conversation – Gig Gab Podcast 142 appeared first on Gig Gab.
A Musical Thanksgiving – Gig Gab Podcast 141
November 20, 2017 20:11 - 45 minutes - 21.6 MBIt’s a thankful time of year, and Paul and Dave have many things to be thankful for. At least five things each, as a matter of fact. Listen to them talk through their lists, offering color and perspective for one another and, ultimately, well… I think you know where this […] The post A Musical Thanksgiving – Gig Gab Podcast 141 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Who is Your Band’s MacGuyver? – Gig Gab Podcast 140
November 15, 2017 20:35 - 52 minutes - 24.8 MBFirst, your two favorite Weekend Warriors talk through creating your own event by answering Kevin’s “What is FLINGFest?” question. This opens up many avenues for Paul and Dave to discuss, and that takes them and you on a journey. For any other podcast that would be enough, but not GigGab. […] The post Who is Your Band’s MacGuyver? – Gig Gab Podcast 140 appeared first on Gig Gab.