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
The Songwriter’s Perspective with Mark Linsenmayer – GigGab 39
November 17, 2015 04:50 - 58 minutes - 26.9 MBSongwriter, singer and multi-instrumentalist (and podcaster!) Mark Linsenmayer joins Paul and Dave this week to offer a different perspective on gigging and how it relates to non-cover material. Mark’s stories are varied and colorful, and even include quite a few references to when he and Dave played music together many years ago. […] The post The Songwriter’s Perspective with Mark Linsenmayer – GigGab 39 appeared first on Gig Gab.
7 Things Musicians Need To Do In Addition to Playing Shows – GigGab 38
November 10, 2015 04:30 - 58 minutes - 26.8 MBTonight Paul and Dave go deep into what makes them tick as musicians… and into what ticks them off! Following a great article that Paul found, he and Dave talk through the 7 Things Musicians Need To Do Besides Playing Music, and it brings your two favorite Weekend Warriors down […] The post 7 Things Musicians Need To Do In Addition to Playing Shows – GigGab 38 appeared first on Gig Gab.
A Song’s Path from Rehearsal Room to Stage – GigGab 37
November 03, 2015 05:46 - 56 minutes - 25.9 MBEvery band needs songs, and your band is no different. Neither, it turns out, are the bands that Paul and Dave play in. With that, they talk about three very different processes that they use in their bands for selecting and working songs from the germ of an idea to playing […] The post A Song’s Path from Rehearsal Room to Stage – GigGab 37 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Challenging Tunes & Chemistry – GigGab 36
October 27, 2015 03:39 - 41 minutes - 19.1 MBIt’s always good to learn to play something that’s outside of your comfort zone, and that’s exactly what both Paul and Dave have spent the last week doing. They discuss their challenges and successes, dissecting the nuances of what those lessons are teaching each of them. Then it’s on to […] The post Challenging Tunes & Chemistry – GigGab 36 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Reflections, Goals and Gear Gab – GigGab 35
October 19, 2015 17:48 - 51 minutes - 23.5 MBIt’s autumn now, and we share our reflections from the summer and our musical goals for the next few months. Gear Gab makes its first appearance (unplanned, we swear!), and it’s pretty obvious this will be a regular segment on future Gig Gab podcasts. Some stuff we discussed: PreSonus StudioLive 24.4.2 Ultimate Ears […] The post Reflections, Goals and Gear Gab – GigGab 35 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Not The English Version of “Pissed” – GigGab 34
October 06, 2015 03:30 - 48 minutes - 22.5 MBEver felt like the weakest member of a band? That’s the surprise question that Paul asked Dave today… and Dave has plenty of “yes” stories to share. Confidence in one another and having a shared musical language are two very important factors in the foundation of a band. Also, does […] The post Not The English Version of “Pissed” – GigGab 34 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Talking Endorsement Deals with Music Industry Veteran Daniel East – GigGab 33
September 29, 2015 03:42 - 53 minutes - 24.6 MBDrummer, sound engineer, artist relations master and industry consultant Daniel East joins Paul and Dave tonight to share his experiences and expertise about getting endorsement deals. These types of relationships with your favorite equipment and instrument manufacturers are available to musicians at all levels, and we’d love to see you forge a […] The post Talking Endorsement Deals with Music Industry Veteran Daniel East – GigGab 33 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Self-Analysis, Dummy Detection and Playing in the Pocket – GigGab 32
September 23, 2015 18:06 - 40 minutes - 18.8 MBHow do you deal with the less-restrained members of the audience at your gigs? Paul and Dave aren’t sure they’re doing it correctly and talk through a few of their scenarios and tactics. Dave’s wrist is still in recovery, but he’s finding that playing without it has taught him some new […] The post Self-Analysis, Dummy Detection and Playing in the Pocket – GigGab 32 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Charity Gigs, Appreciation & Revelation – GigGab 31
September 15, 2015 02:35 - 30 minutes - 14.1 MBToday Paul and Dave talk through the results of Dave’s wrist injury which, this week, meant canceling a gig. That led to some interesting revelations on the part of Dave and his FLING bandmates, and he shares the current state of those in the show. Then it’s on to more […] The post Charity Gigs, Appreciation & Revelation – GigGab 31 appeared first on Gig Gab.
A Tour Through Rolling Your Own Music Festival – GigGab 30
September 08, 2015 03:03 - 48 minutes - 22.4 MBPaul was instrumental (no pun intended) in putting on the 3rd Annual Los Gatos Park Dance this past weekend, a musical festival-style event for over 5,000 people. He and Dave talk through all the nuances of putting on your own event, be it for 5,000 people or even just 50. […] The post A Tour Through Rolling Your Own Music Festival – GigGab 30 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Musicians are Salespeople, Too – GigGab 29
September 01, 2015 03:41 - 53 minutes - 24.8 MBStarting with a brief-but-fun discussion of the things they love to practice, Paul and Dave dive deep into what it takes to successfully book your band long-term. Paul’s the expert this week, and Dave picks his brain about all the methods and tricks he’s learned and employed over the years […] The post Musicians are Salespeople, Too – GigGab 29 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Musicians are Fans, Too – GigGab 28
August 26, 2015 16:03 - 42 minutes - 19.8 MBSummer’s not just a time for playing music, it’s a great time to go see music, too, and Paul and Dave talk through some of their favorite bands in this great episode. One highlight for Paul was a local (to him) band: The Coffis Brothers. Check ’em out! The post Musicians are Fans, Too – GigGab 28 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Maintaining an Attitude of Gratitude – GigGab 27
August 17, 2015 21:20 - 42 minutes - 19.7 MBWhat’s your local scene like? Are other musicians friendly and helpful or are they hyper-competitive and guarded? Are you helpful or are you the competitive, guarded one? Paul and Dave talk through all of this and more in today’s GigGab. Remember, [email protected] is the way to get them to hear what […] The post Maintaining an Attitude of Gratitude – GigGab 27 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Dave Brunyak from Pink Talking Fish – GigGab Podcast 26
August 07, 2015 17:45 - 39 minutes - 18.2 MBDave Brunyak, currently playing guitar with the cleverly-named tribute act Pink Talking Fish, joins Paul and Dave today to talk about covering the music of others; learning Phish, the Talking Heads and Pink Floyd; what it’s like playing in a tribute band, and why it makes perfect sense to have […] The post Dave Brunyak from Pink Talking Fish – GigGab Podcast 26 appeared first on Gig Gab.
What Is It About a Song that Makes You Care? – GigGab Podcast 25
August 04, 2015 03:20 - 54 minutes - 25.2 MBSelecting songs is a tough part of the cover (or even original) band business, and it gets even tougher when one or more band members cares about getting it just right. More often than not, that can be the crux of deciding whether or not a song succeeds. What songs or […] The post What Is It About a Song that Makes You Care? – GigGab Podcast 25 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Finding Ways to Express Your Musical Vision – GigGab 24
July 20, 2015 20:53 - 41 minutes - 19.3 MBThis week Paul and Dave follow-up on last week’s interview with The Tommy Experience’s Pieter Hounslow (where Dave sang Pinball Wizard) by talking through different ways we all find to express our musical visions and needs. Answering the question, “what would be your favorite project to play with?” is an […] The post Finding Ways to Express Your Musical Vision – GigGab 24 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Pieter Hounslow from Sweden’s “Tommy Experience” – GigGab 23
July 13, 2015 04:31 - 39 minutes - 18.2 MBThis week Paul and Dave are joined by Pieter Hounslow from Sweden’s “Tommy Experience,” a Who Tribute project. The discussion covers all manner of topics, including what it’s like to put on a true tribute show, singing technique and more. Thanks to Pieter for coming all the way from Sweden to join […] The post Pieter Hounslow from Sweden’s “Tommy Experience” – GigGab 23 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Answers to Listener Questions and How To Make Your Gigs Unforgettable – GigGab 22
July 08, 2015 03:36 - 46 minutes - 21.3 MBPaul and Dave start off by answering listener questions; First it’s a seemingly-easy question about who pays for instrument rentals (that turns out to be not such an easy question!). Then it’s the nuances of negotiating how to play in a two-guitar band. After that your two favorite Weekend Warriors […] The post Answers to Listener Questions and How To Make Your Gigs Unforgettable – GigGab 22 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Shared Backlines, Sit-ins & The Fish – GigGab 21
June 30, 2015 03:46 - 49 minutes - 22.9 MBMulti-band gigs can be fun and a great way to play for a new crowd, but it either means moving your gear in a hurry or sharing a backline. Which is best? Paul and Dave talk it through. Sit-ins are another fact of life playing in bars where there’s no […] The post Shared Backlines, Sit-ins & The Fish – GigGab 21 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Managing Your Health & To Gig or Not to Gig – Gig Gab 20
June 23, 2015 03:26 - 41 minutes - 19 MBDave and Paul start out discussing what it’s like to play without the pressure of ever bringing it to the stage and how that can work. Then it’s on to health and gigs — what’s it take to make sure you can continue doing this, even when you’re under the weather? […] The post Managing Your Health & To Gig or Not to Gig – Gig Gab 20 appeared first on Gig Gab.
What’s Your Goal When You Walk On Stage? – Gig Gab 19
June 16, 2015 03:48 - 53 minutes - 24.8 MBEvery musician hits the stage with the goal of… what? Is it entertaining? Is it playing well? Is it having a special moment (or three)? And if a special moment… with whom? Is it the crowd? One’s bandmates? A higher power? Paul and Dave talk through their feelings on this, […] The post What’s Your Goal When You Walk On Stage? – Gig Gab 19 appeared first on Gig Gab.
The Lost Episode – Gig Gab 18
June 09, 2015 16:51 - 4 minutes - 2.15 MBPaul and Dave met in San Francisco to record their first ever face-to-face GigGab episode … and failed! The conversation was animated, the topic was excellent and the audio was abysmal. Something went amiss with the USB audio interface that wasn’t detectable until the very end of the recording (despite […] The post The Lost Episode – Gig Gab 18 appeared first on Gig Gab.
I’ve Got This! – Gig Gab 17
June 02, 2015 03:46 - 50 minutes - 23.3 MBWhen someone in your band says, “I’ve got this,” on stage or before a gig, what exactly does that mean? And can you trust that they’re actually prepared? What happens when YOU say it? Does it really mean you’ve got it, or are you sometimes just leading yourself to believe […] The post I’ve Got This! – Gig Gab 17 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Of Sound, Promo & Merchandise – Gig Gab 17
May 26, 2015 03:48 - 45 minutes - 21 MBThis week Paul and Dave start with a discussion about promotion — how much falls on you with your band and how much falls on the venue? Then it’s on to managing sound at a gig, including a few pro-tips from your Weekend Warriors. Paul then surprises Dave with a […] The post Of Sound, Promo & Merchandise – Gig Gab 17 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Live Music is Worth Something – Gig Gab 15
May 19, 2015 03:16 - 31 minutes - 14.6 MBHave you ever taken — or been tempted to take — a non-paying gig? Paul and Dave certainly have and they tell their tales of woe in this week’s episode. Have some thoughts on this subject? Have a set of nineties-era tunes that you think will stand the test of […] The post Live Music is Worth Something – Gig Gab 15 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Of Monsters and Men – Gig Gab 14
May 12, 2015 03:36 - 50 minutes - 23.3 MBWhat happens if you’re the very best musician in your band? How about if you’re the worst? Paul and Dave talk through these scenarios, and (in their minds, anyway!) they’ve both been in both places. Hear some war stories that help illustrate what works and what doesn’t, too! As always, […] The post Of Monsters and Men – Gig Gab 14 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Digging Into The Woodshed – Gig Gab 13
May 05, 2015 03:35 - 49 minutes - 22.8 MBThis episode is all about practice. How do you practice? What do you practice? Do you have a plan? What’s your plan? How often? And then… what’s the difference between practice and rehearsal? (and do you want to play with musicians that don’t yet know the answer to that question?). […] The post Digging Into The Woodshed – Gig Gab 13 appeared first on Gig Gab.
The Significant Other Discussion – Gig Gab 12
April 27, 2015 03:32 - 48 minutes - 22.4 MBIt took 11 episodes and a weekend chock full of (too many?) gigs to finally get your two working musician podcasters to let their guard down and enter the minefield that is discussing wives, husbands, boyfriends, girlfriends. Whatever the label, it’s probably a bad idea to record this discussion. And […] The post The Significant Other Discussion – Gig Gab 12 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Guitar Sounds and Band Politics – Gig Gab 11
April 21, 2015 15:38 - 45 minutes - 20.8 MBYour two favorite working musicians throw off their flak jackets and address two of the most opinionated topics possible: guitar tones and band politics. What could go wrong? Turns out, not too much. Paul and Dave navigate through these treacherous waters and dig out the nuggets just for you. Have […] The post Guitar Sounds and Band Politics – Gig Gab 11 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Gear Talk (Drums and Sound) – Gig Gab 10
April 14, 2015 05:39 - 45 minutes - 21.1 MBGear is fun, and most musicians spend more time thinking and talking about gear — and money spent paying for gear — than just about anything else related to their hobby. It’s high time your favorite Weekend Warriors dug into this conversation and this week’s episode digs into Dave’s drum […] The post Gear Talk (Drums and Sound) – Gig Gab 10 appeared first on Gig Gab.
The Trainwreck Discussion – Gig Gab 9
April 06, 2015 03:31 - 47 minutes - 21.7 MBEvery musician goes through the on-stage train wreck at times, and Paul and Dave are no exception. They talk through their train wrecks and, more importantly, how they dealt with them. A great discussion, and one you can contribute to, as well. Send in your stories to [email protected] and join […] The post The Trainwreck Discussion – Gig Gab 9 appeared first on Gig Gab.
The Holy Grail of Stage Volume – Gig Gab 8
March 31, 2015 03:42 - 52 minutes - 24.4 MBPaul and Dave start with some listener feedback (their first!) and then it’s time to talk about attaining the perfect stage volume. Always a tough thing to get right, but Paul and Dave do their best to explain their processes and how they try to get it right each time. It’s […] The post The Holy Grail of Stage Volume – Gig Gab 8 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Pay Scales and The Subbing Dilemma – Gig Gab 7
March 24, 2015 03:32 - 47 minutes - 21.8 MBFor a working cover band the subject of pay is always a touchy one. Paul and Dave talk through their thoughts and experiences when it comes to ensuring you’re doing the right gigs and getting paid properly. Then it’s on to the matter of subs. Are you sub? Do you […] The post Pay Scales and The Subbing Dilemma – Gig Gab 7 appeared first on Gig Gab.
There’s Always More You Can Do to Market Your Band – Gig Gab 6
March 17, 2015 03:23 - 42 minutes - 19.6 MBPaul and Dave talk through their weekend gigs, including some tales about what it takes to get a crowd up and moving — and how to keep your head in the right place when that doesn’t happen right away. Then it segues to marketing talk. How do you market your […] The post There’s Always More You Can Do to Market Your Band – Gig Gab 6 appeared first on Gig Gab.
GigGab 5: The Rehearsal Talk
March 10, 2015 03:29 - 26 minutes - 12 MBPaul and Dave get together on this crazy Monday night and rehearsals are the topic. How do you rehearse with your band? What do you do to plan rehearsals? How does it all work out? These and other questions are answered. Download and enjoy! The post The Rehearsal Talk – Gig Gab 5 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Do You Support Live Music? – Gig Gab 4
March 03, 2015 04:28 - 42 minutes - 19.4 MBPaul and Dave dive right into their stride with a discussion about whether or not one should “support live music.” That flows into a discussion about the true job of a working musician, a topic about which the guys have a lot to say! Then it migrates into Views From The […] The post Do You Support Live Music? – Gig Gab 4 appeared first on Gig Gab.
GG 2: Some Songs Work Better Than Others
February 19, 2015 18:14 - 43 minutes - 19.8 MBOur third episode (though probably only our second public one) as we get our feet wet here, talking about what constitutes a great song to pick … and play. The post What Makes a Song Great When You Play It? – Gig Gab 3 appeared first on Gig Gab.
GG 2: Paul and Dave talk Songs
February 19, 2015 18:12 - 46 minutes - 21.1 MBOur second attempt at an episode. I’ll have to update this blog post with its contents when I remember them. The post A First Second Attempt – Gig Gab 2 appeared first on Gig Gab.