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
Technology, Organization, and Protecting Your Hearing – Gig Gab Podcast 139
November 06, 2017 20:16 - 39 minutes - 18.5 MBIt’s time to dig into the mechanics a bit. First, technology. How much is too much, or is there such a thing? Paul and Dave discuss. Then a bit into organizing shows for the best chances at success, even when you don’t get to rehearse as much as you’d like… […] The post Technology, Organization, and Protecting Your Hearing – Gig Gab Podcast 139 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Are You In It For The Money? – Gig Gab Podcast 138
October 30, 2017 16:00 - 26 minutes - 12.7 MBPaul and Dave take on the important – and highly-sensitive – subject of what makes a real artist. Are you in it for the money? Does that matter? What message does it send to your fellow musicians and community if you communicate that message publicly? Paul and Dave discuss. Then a […] The post Are You In It For The Money? – Gig Gab Podcast 138 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Washing the Dirty Laundry of the Music Business – Gig Gab 137
October 23, 2017 21:15 - 44 minutes - 20.5 MBPaul and Dave talk through what happens when you spend some social capital and air your dirty laundry… because Paul did this recently … and so did Dave! What are the risks, what are the rewards, and what are the unintended consequences? Listen as your two favorite weekend warriors chat […] The post Washing the Dirty Laundry of the Music Business – Gig Gab 137 appeared first on Gig Gab.
The Grandma Factor – Gig Gab 136
October 16, 2017 19:43 - 45 minutes - 21 MBDissecting different types of working bands, it’s time to look into what makes a band a wedding band. Could your band make the leap? Would you want to? Paul and Dave discuss. Then it’s on to finalizing the process for Paul’s drummer auditions, including how much the band should talk […] The post The Grandma Factor – Gig Gab 136 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Replaying the Hits, and Reevaluating Your Habits – Gig Gab 135
October 10, 2017 21:02 - 35 minutes - 16.7 MBIt’s time for some dissecting, folks. Dave and Paul spend some time dissecting Yes, the band, and then dissecting their own bands and projects. Finding what works, what doesn’t, and being careful not to over-analyze and change too much is the goal. Listen and follow along! Chapters/Timestamps: 00:00:00 GigGab 135 […] The post Replaying the Hits, and Reevaluating Your Habits – Gig Gab 135 appeared first on Gig Gab.
3 minutes, 4 Chords, and The Truth: Remembering Tom Petty – Gig Gab 134
October 05, 2017 20:15 - 37 minutes - 17.4 MBPaul and Dave take a moment – actually, an entire episode – to reflect upon what Tom Petty and his music meant to each of them. They have quite different stories to tell… press play, listen, and enjoy! Chapters/Timestamps: 00:00:00 GigGab 134 – Thursday, Oct 5, 2017 00:01:07 Tom Petty 00:02:43 Watch out […] The post 3 minutes, 4 Chords, and The Truth: Remembering Tom Petty – Gig Gab 134 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Divvying Up Money and Perfecting your In-Ears – Gig Gab 133
September 25, 2017 19:19 - 43 minutes - 21.7 MBHow does your band divvy up gig money? Is there transparency or is it just flat-rate and that’s that? Paul and Dave talk through the finer (and not-so-finer!) points of this. Then it’s time to revisit the in-ears conversation, this time focusing on perfection. First though, Dave’s Gone Skiing… and […] The post Divvying Up Money and Perfecting your In-Ears – Gig Gab 133 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Getting Your Moment to Shine – Gig Gab 132
September 18, 2017 19:44 - 47 minutes - 22 MBEveryone wants their moment to shine, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the same thing for everyone. Figuring out what that means for you is important. Even moreso, though, is figuring out what that means for your band members. Whether you’re a leader or in a democratic scenario, making sure everyone […] The post Getting Your Moment to Shine – Gig Gab 132 appeared first on Gig Gab.
The “American Girl” Litmus Test – Gig Gab 131
September 13, 2017 18:13 - 37 minutes - 17.6 MBSometimes you’ve gotta replace a bandmate… and sometimes it’s the drummer. Your two favorite band geeks talk through this process in-depth today, exploring both how you find someone (yes, including Craigslist!) and then how you might go about auditioning them. But it’s more than that… how do you get to know […] The post The “American Girl” Litmus Test – Gig Gab 131 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Multiple Bands, Weather Issues, and Tip Jars – GigGab 130
September 06, 2017 04:35 - 55 minutes - 25.8 MBWhether it’s you or someone you play with, you’ve almost certainly got to deal with the juggling act of playing in multiple bands. How do you handle schedule conflicts? What’s the best policy for you to have? Then it’s on to how you choose and learn songs in your band. […] The post Multiple Bands, Weather Issues, and Tip Jars – GigGab 130 appeared first on Gig Gab.
The R.C.P.M. Formula – GigGab 129
August 28, 2017 19:29 - 43 minutes - 20.1 MBPaul’s experience with the Los Gatos Music in the Park series over the past 10 weeks has given him a lot to think. What’s the secret to making a band successful? What even defines success? This is the backdrop today as he and Dave talk through all of this… and more. […] The post The R.C.P.M. Formula – GigGab 129 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Finding Your Band’s Formula – GigGab 128
August 22, 2017 02:31 - 47 minutes - 21.7 MBWhen you’re picking songs to play, how much attention to you pay to the studio arrangement versus finding a live track? Which have you found works better for you? How do you distill that down in your band’s formula? These are the answers Paul and Dave share in today’s episode. […] The post Finding Your Band’s Formula – GigGab 128 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Gig Number Three is the Magic One! – GigGab 127
August 14, 2017 22:14 - 43 minutes - 20.5 MBBoth Paul and Dave had their third gigs with replacement drummers in their respective bands… and they both found that’s the gig when a little bit of magic begins to happen. Hear them tell their tales and dig into the nuts and bolts of it all. Dave also had an […] The post Gig Number Three is the Magic One! – GigGab 127 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Always Be … Prepared (and Performing… and Nice!) – GigGab 126
August 07, 2017 21:57 - 30 minutes - 14.4 MBListener Timothy shares a story that rings true with us and our motto: Always Be Performing! Before we get to that, though, there’s a conversation about another ABP motto: Always Be Prepared. And that doesn’t just apply to equipment – though it’s important there, too – it applies to people. […] The post Always Be … Prepared (and Performing… and Nice!) – GigGab 126 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Keeping Your Audience Engaged – GigGab 125
July 31, 2017 22:09 - 38 minutes - 17.9 MBEvery local band shares at least one concern: keeping your show fresh for your audience. The real question is, how do you do it? Do you take requests? Do you mix up your setlist? Do you ask the audience to become part of your show? There’s no right or wrong […] The post Keeping Your Audience Engaged – GigGab 125 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Cancelations and Renegotiations – GigGab 124
July 24, 2017 19:01 - 34 minutes - 16.1 MBSometimes you have to cancel a gig. It happens. How do you deal with it? Your two favorite weekend warriors talk through the realities associated with it. Then it’s time to talk about renegotiating an existing gig. How can you do it? What’s the protocol? Is it OK? Paul and […] The post Cancelations and Renegotiations – GigGab 124 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Camaraderie Culture & Gig-Specific Strategies – GigGab 123
July 17, 2017 19:00 - 34 minutes - 16 MBAs a musician, there are always so many things to learn and not all of them are music-related. How much camaraderie do you think you have as a band? How much do you help each other out? Paul and Dave wade into those waters here today and then surf over […] The post Camaraderie Culture & Gig-Specific Strategies – GigGab 123 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Those Pesky Klingons – GigGab 122
July 10, 2017 18:00 - 31 minutes - 14.6 MBOne of the best things that can happen to your band – original or cover – is to gain devoted fans. They’re there at every gig, they are your best form of word-of-mouth promotion, and they make you feel like the rock star you are. But there’s a downside to […] The post Those Pesky Klingons – GigGab 122 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Finding Balance: Big Stages, Band, and Family – GigGab 121
June 26, 2017 15:00 - 45 minutes - 21.1 MBThis episode is all about finding the right balance. First, how do you deal with it when you’re on a stage that’s too big for your band? Thankfully Paul and Dave have made the mistakes so you don’t have to. Then your two favorite weekend warriors dig into the mailbag […] The post Finding Balance: Big Stages, Band, and Family – GigGab 121 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Paul Costley, Booking Agent: Walking the Fine Line Between Rooms and Bands – GigGab 120
June 19, 2017 19:04 - 37 minutes - 17.4 MBEvery band deals with a booking agent at some point, and today that becomes true here at GigGab, too, as we welcome Paul Costley of Notso Costley Productions onto the show. Paul’s been playing in, managing, booking, and organizing bands since the 1970s, and has carved out a very successful […] The post Paul Costley, Booking Agent: Walking the Fine Line Between Rooms and Bands – GigGab 120 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Isolate the Distractions – GigGab 119
June 12, 2017 18:58 - 38 minutes - 18.3 MBHow close is your band? Can you tell each other everything? How about at vocal rehearsals? These are the questions that your two favorite weekend warriors start with today. Then it’s into contracts. Pay attention to the minutia, folks, because it might not be minutia to other people. Then it’s […] The post Isolate the Distractions – GigGab 119 appeared first on Gig Gab.
The Comfort of Being on Stage – GigGab 118
June 05, 2017 23:48 - 42 minutes - 20.1 MBYour two weekend warriors are on the same coast, within miles of each other, so what do they do? Record a podcast remotely like they always do! After all, that’s what they’re comfortable doing, and the best performances come from a place of comfort. Speaking of that, Paul and Dave […] The post The Comfort of Being on Stage – GigGab 118 appeared first on Gig Gab.
It Ain’t Bragging If You Can Back It Up! – GigGab 117
May 30, 2017 22:05 - 36 minutes - 16.9 MBYour two favorite weekend warriors have been GigGabbing for almost two-and-a-half years, and the time has come to take a little stock in the action. What have Paul and Dave learned? How have their musical lives changed since the inception of the show, and what changes do they anticipate in […] The post It Ain’t Bragging If You Can Back It Up! – GigGab 117 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Musical Snobbery – GigGab 116
May 23, 2017 03:36 - 40 minutes - 18.7 MBWhat happens when you or someone else starts the wrong song in the set? How do you handle a packed schedule full of multiple rehearsals and gigs in the same day? And how do you deal with a fellow musician who mocks what you do? These are the questions that […] The post Musical Snobbery – GigGab 116 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Soft Silicone, Hard Acrylic, and Managing a Trio – GigGab 115
May 15, 2017 19:00 - 34 minutes - 16.3 MBOne quick glance at the title and you know this isn’t your average GigGab episode. Thankfully, we’re not that shallow… it is very much your normal GigGab episode. In fact, we dig into every aspect: the touchy feely? Covered. Gear? Covered. Practical how-to-style lessons? Covered! All of this, and more, just […] The post Soft Silicone, Hard Acrylic, and Managing a Trio – GigGab 115 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Exploring the Drummer’s Vantage Point – GigGab 114
May 08, 2017 20:07 - 38 minutes - 18 MBDrummers always seem to have a different perspective, and perhaps that’s because they literally have a different place from which they view a gig. If there’s a theme to this episode, that’s certainly a contender! Double-bookings happen, though, and Dave found himself in that scenario. He and Paul talk through what […] The post Exploring the Drummer’s Vantage Point – GigGab 114 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Can Anyone Hear the Elephant on the Stage? – GigGab 113
May 01, 2017 21:15 - 42 minutes - 19.7 MBIt’s time to get pensive, folks. First, your two favorite weekend warriors discuss the “poison in the locker room” mentality that often is the precursor to a band-wide bitch-session. Then it’s on to the aftermath of the bitch-sesh that eventually leads to someone asking, “why do we do this gig, […] The post Can Anyone Hear the Elephant on the Stage? – GigGab 113 appeared first on Gig Gab.
The 1990s Conundrum – GigGab 112
April 24, 2017 19:00 - 42 minutes - 20.1 MBThe Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has some new members, and it’s time your two favorite weekend warriors discuss that! Then listener Ted has some questions about his snare drum sound, and Paul and Dave give some help his way. Lastly, there’s a thread that runs through today’s episode: […] The post The 1990s Conundrum – GigGab 112 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Rock-and-Roll Hand Signals & The Fragility of Changing Personnel – GigGab 111
April 17, 2017 19:44 - 39 minutes - 18.7 MBPaul and Dave take the opportunity today to dig a little deeper into a few topics they’ve mentioned recently. First, though, it’s a discussion about your pack-up routine. Everyone’s got one… and everyone’s a little bit different! Then it’s that ever-lasting discussion about having the right bandmates… and keeping them. […] The post Rock-and-Roll Hand Signals & The Fragility of Changing Personnel – GigGab 111 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Firing a Club – GigGab 110
April 13, 2017 00:11 - 42 minutes - 20 MBEpisode 110 finds your two favorite working musicians in an interesting headspace, with Dave even joining Paul on the path to truth and honesty and… the musicians’ way! Ever fire a club? Paul did this week, and he lives to tell the tale. When someone compliments your playing, how humble […] The post Firing a Club – GigGab 110 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Pick Up Something When You Drop It! – GigGab 109
April 03, 2017 21:30 - 47 minutes - 22 MBPaul put on his acoustic Springsteen tribute show and has many lessons to share from that, including the benefits having an instrument tech on stage to help you. Marketing the event, too, brought more than a few insights, including what you unintentionally wind up doing to market the next event. Dave had […] The post Pick Up Something When You Drop It! – GigGab 109 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Time Flies … But it still Matters! – GigGab 108
March 27, 2017 18:32 - 38 minutes - 17.9 MBToday your two favorite working musicians launch right into a verbal jam session, with topics seemingly all over the map, but tying together in the best ways. Are you like Paul where you’re looking forward to every gig all week and all day? Or are you more like Dave where […] The post Time Flies … But it still Matters! – GigGab 108 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Band Leaders: Get Your Empathy Elsewhere – GigGab 107
March 20, 2017 18:27 - 43 minutes - 20.5 MBPaul finished his EP and talks about the process of mastering and distributing that. When it comes to cover songs, there’s an additional layer of complexity that Paul sorted out. Then it’s on to gig talk! Do you have someone in your band that takes mental notes during your gigs […] The post Band Leaders: Get Your Empathy Elsewhere – GigGab 107 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Healthy Competition, Studio Songs, & Auditions
March 13, 2017 17:52 - 40 minutes - 19 MBDo you and your bandmates ever feel competitive with one another? Channeled the right way, that healthy competition can make for excellent performances and music from your band. Paul and Dave talk through this a bit, but first it’s all about the energy. Sometimes the crowd feeds you first, and […] The post Healthy Competition, Studio Songs, & Auditions appeared first on Gig Gab.
Do You Have a Tambourine? – GigGab 105
March 06, 2017 19:53 - 35 minutes - 16.7 MBAt some gigs, the only thing worse than being asked, “can I play my harmonica with your band?” is “can I play your tambourine?” Listen to what Paul and Dave have to say about this, including what Dave would like to say to the people that ask this latter question. On […] The post Do You Have a Tambourine? – GigGab 105 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Fixing Feedback and Stage Sound with Audio Engineer Andy Dolph – GigGab 104
February 27, 2017 15:00 - 50 minutes - 23.8 MBLong-time audio engineer, Andy Dolph, joins Paul and Dave this week to share some tips and tricks for making your band sound its best – and avoid sounding its worst – on GigGab this week. Hear Andy’s microphone recommendations, tips for solving feedback in both the monitors and the mains, mixing […] The post Fixing Feedback and Stage Sound with Audio Engineer Andy Dolph – GigGab 104 appeared first on Gig Gab.
What’s Wrong with My In-Ears? – GigGab 103
February 20, 2017 20:17 - 48 minutes - 22.6 MBDo you use in-ears? Are you comfortable when you use them? Do they sound right? Paul and Dave dive back into this topic, almost accidentally, and uncover some truths about what it takes to get a good in-ear mix… and guess what? It’s not just up to you and the […] The post What’s Wrong with My In-Ears? – GigGab 103 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Production – and Producer – Value – GigGab 102
February 13, 2017 20:17 - 35 minutes - 16.7 MBYour two favorite weekend warriors are in the midst of some atypical musical experiences, and today’s show brings it to fruition. Dave’s playing live with tracked parts… and a click! Paul played live in a jam band scenario and has also been spending some time in the studio. He shares […] The post Production – and Producer – Value – GigGab 102 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Tower PA Systems, Working With a Click, & Jam Time – GigGab 101
February 06, 2017 16:00 - 55 minutes - 26 MBHow does your band navigate the concepts of practice, rehearsal, and jamming? Are they all melded into one? Are they separated out? Paul and Dave discuss and dissect this for you. Then it’s time to talk gear, specifically all-in-one tower PAs. Dave and Paul have recently had the opportunity to […] The post Tower PA Systems, Working With a Click, & Jam Time – GigGab 101 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Kenny Aronoff Chats about Managing Your Schedule, Working Hard, Being a Team Player & More – GigGab 100
January 30, 2017 15:15 - 56 minutes - 26.1 MBFor episode 100, drummer Kenny Aronoff joins to make this the episode with your three favorite working musicians! Kenny’s settles right in and talks about how he manages his crazy schedule, honors commitments, deals with setbacks, and never dwells too much on the past because he is always looking forward to […] The post Kenny Aronoff Chats about Managing Your Schedule, Working Hard, Being a Team Player & More – GigGab 100 appeared first on Gig Gab.
The Born To Run-Starship Trooper-Reggae Extravaganza! – GigGab 99
January 23, 2017 20:32 - 44 minutes - 20.9 MBWrapping up the first 99 episodes, Paul and Dave dive straight into politics (but not in the way that you’d think!), then take a left turn into tribute band territory (but not in the way that you’d think!), and then discuss how your band should approach cover tunes (but not […] The post The Born To Run-Starship Trooper-Reggae Extravaganza! – GigGab 99 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Live Inspiration, Sound Tweaks, and Desert Island Discs – GigGab 98
January 18, 2017 19:42 - 45 minutes - 21.2 MBDave’s back from a musical “destination vacation” so he and Paul discuss the merits of doing that for any band, including some that have ties to GigGab directly. Then, after Paul’s requisite Bruce Springsteen mention, your two weekend warriors share their favorite albums… and that includes another Springsteen mention! Listen to hear […] The post Live Inspiration, Sound Tweaks, and Desert Island Discs – GigGab 98 appeared first on Gig Gab.
What’s the Premise of Your Working Band? – GigGab 97
January 09, 2017 20:18 - 33 minutes - 15.8 MBIt’s the new year and that’s always a good time to take stock of where you are and focus on where you’re going. That’s true for you as a musician and for your band, as well. What’s the premise of your band? What do you, as a musician, want to […] The post What’s the Premise of Your Working Band? – GigGab 97 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Should Everyone Use the Same Vocal Mic? – GigGab 96
December 28, 2016 19:09 - 37 minutes - 17.4 MBShould everyone in your band be on the same vocal mic or does it make more sense to let the singer choose a mic? What about the sound engineer’s opinion? These are important questions to ask, and Paul throws them into the mix for he and Dave to discuss. […] The post Should Everyone Use the Same Vocal Mic? – GigGab 96 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Santa Paul and Santa Dave’s Holiday Wish List for Fellow Musicians – GigGab 95
December 21, 2016 18:44 - 40 minutes - 19 MBIt’s the season for gift-giving, and your two Weekend Warrior Santas want to fill your gift bag with a few things to make your musical life more complete. Listen to what Santa Paul and Santa Dave wish for each of you. And remember… always be performing! Chapters/Timestamps: 00:00:00 GigGab 95 – December […] The post Santa Paul and Santa Dave’s Holiday Wish List for Fellow Musicians – GigGab 95 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Maximizing Setup Time, Taking Requests, and Repairing Relationships – GigGab 94
December 12, 2016 15:30 - 41 minutes - 19.6 MBIt’s time to answer some of your questions. Thomas asks about setup time: how long is too long? what can you and your band do to make it more efficient? Dave and Paul have your answers here. Then it’s on to Matt, whose band was badmouthed by their former singer. […] The post Maximizing Setup Time, Taking Requests, and Repairing Relationships – GigGab 94 appeared first on Gig Gab.
It’s All About The Audition – GigGab 93
December 05, 2016 20:04 - 44 minutes - 20.8 MBAt some point, every musician (well, except Paul) will go through the process of auditioning for a band. If not that, then you might be part of a band that’s auditioning a new member. The process can be fun, grueling, enlightening, frustrating and unproductive. But it’s a means to an end, […] The post It’s All About The Audition – GigGab 93 appeared first on Gig Gab.
What’s That Groove? – GigGab 92
November 28, 2016 20:08 - 39 minutes - 18.4 MBGroove. What is it? What defines it? What makes it good? What’s obvious when it’s missing? How do you find it? That’s the core of today’s show folks, as your two favorite weekend warriors set about answering this question. Out of that conversation comes some road-tested tricks for ensuring you […] The post What’s That Groove? – GigGab 92 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Tax Gab & Gear Gab – GigGab 91
November 21, 2016 20:12 - 50 minutes - 23.5 MBAs all working musicians know, those fun New Year’s Eve gigs re followed-up by a hangover of tax season. But, as with all hangovers, if you properly prepare for it you can limit the pain. For this, your two Weekend Warriors talk through their strategies of keeping the books straight and simple […] The post Tax Gab & Gear Gab – GigGab 91 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Four-Walling, Tribute Acts, and Substance Use – GigGab 90
November 14, 2016 20:08 - 35 minutes - 16.7 MBSome important topics addressed this week, including the special benefits of doing a tribute act as well as the concept of “four-walling” your own show and managing the whole night. That conversation is bookended by equally-important discussions about the substances on which both your crowd and your bandmates (and you) choose to use […] The post Four-Walling, Tribute Acts, and Substance Use – GigGab 90 appeared first on Gig Gab.