This week we’re keeping it light with a grab bag of hot takes straight from our Slack channel — because holiday gigs are frying our brains and y’all deserve something snackable. We’re talking: •Ray-Ban Meta's - new gig essential? • Is “Freebird” the new Rickroll? • How much time should really be between soundcheck and downbeat (spoiler: it’s not 30…

Why Being a Lead Singer Isn't As Hard As You Think In this episode, we dive into a hot take about lead singers and their role in a band. Discussing their duties of internalizing and externalizing music, we compare the workload and challenges faced by lead vocalists versus accompanists and instrumentalists. Through personal anecdotes and metaphors l…

From freebie gigs to $10K+ stages, we're breaking down the different levels of musician pay-and what comes with each one. Whether you're gigging for beer or headlining high-dollar private events, there's a LOT more to compensation than just a number. Let's talk tiers, expectations, responsibilities, and what it really takes to move up the ladder. M…

In this week's episode Adam and Dan discuss the evolving challenges and strategies for maintaining success with a long-term project. Adam delves into a recent decline in inquiries and competition from a new band. The conversation covers the value of identifying unique selling propositions (USPs), the dynamics of managing band roles, the potential s…

In this episode of Cover Band Confidential, Adam and Dan dish on first-time gig experiences, casino gigs, and the ultimate lessons learned. They chat about Adam's wild Mexico trip filled with monkey encounters and dive into exciting new gear announcements. Discover the buzz around Dark Glass's new bass modeler and Neural DSP's latest updates. Plus,…

This week on Cover Band Confidential, we're back with fan favorite and newly minted bandleader Mark Frederickson, who’s learning what it's like to start a cover band for the first time! After his first appearance struck a chord (pun absolutely intended), we brought him back to spill the tea on their first actual rehearsal, the gear rabbit holes he’…

How New Tariffs Are Shaking Up the Music Industry! 🎸 In this episode, we dive into the potential impacts of new tariffs on the music industry. We discuss how these tariffs could affect musicians, consumers, and gear companies, including major players like Shechter, Ibanez, and even American companies like Fender, and Gibson. From rising costs for c…

Today's episode kicks off a whole new ongoing thread in the CBC saga! Meet Mark Fredrickson, who joined our community recently because he (wait for it) wants to start a cover band! He's never done this before, but he's gathered a small squad of beginners, and has ambitions of hitting the stage! We'll hear from Mark and his team periodically along t…

In this episode, we delve into tips and strategies for building a loyal local fan base. From strategies for engaging directly with fans to innovative marketing tactics, we explore the essential elements of creating meaningful connections with your audience. Whether you're a solo artist or part of a band, discover actionable advice on how to make yo…

This week on the Cover Band Confidential podcast, Adam and Dan dive into some heavy topics while juggling their own recovery stories - Adam from a spider bite and Dan from surgery. They share personal anecdotes and tips on the importance of mentoring the next generation of musicians, including some real-life parenting struggles with their own kids …

In this week's episode, we dive into a listener question about expanding a cover band into multiple products at different price points. Join us as we discuss business models, upgrading performances, and maximizing revenue by diversifying your band's offerings. Discover insights on managing various projects, the importance of market differentiation,…

In this spicy episode of the Cover Band Confidential podcast, Adam and Dan stir up controversy with their hot take on why using a tablet on stage might be destroying your live performance! 🚨 Adam spills the tea on how ditching tablets transformed his gigs, discuss the real impact on his showmanship, and debate the pros and cons of going digital-fre…

Welcome back to the Cover Band Confidential Podcast! Join Adam and Dan as they dive deep into the ultimate gear showdown: Behringer Wing vs X32 vs Soundcraft UI24R! From size and weight to preamps and connectivity, we compare every spec and feature you need to know. Plus, updates on Adam's son’s theater debut and tech week adventures, and Dan’s exc…

This week, Adam and Dan are dishing out the secrets to leveling up your band like a pro. We're talking epic gear upgrades that will not only raise the quality of your gigs, but also the FEES you can charge when people want to book you! 💰💰💰 Plus, hilarious personal stories and expert tips sprinkled in. Tune in for laughs, insights, and the tools to …

Pushing Through and Adapting to Gigging Injuries | Cover Band Confidential Podcast #21 In this episode of the Cover Band Confidential Podcast, Adam and Dan dive into the challenges of gigging with injuries. From dealing with hand and elbow pain to the long-term impacts on your body, they share personal stories and practical advice on how to adapt a…

Adam and Dan are back in the latest episode of the Cover Band Confidential Podcast! Learn the fine line between comparing and innovating in the music scene. Find out how Dan's surgery is going and what it's like to work from a couch for weeks. Plus, don't miss updates on new gigs, merch, and massive show plans. Is comparing your band to others the …

This week on the Cover Band Confidential Podcast, Adam hosts solo while Dan recovers from surgery. Filling in is longtime listener and patron, John Wolske, a Las Vegas-based musician and production coordinator. John, wears a lot of hats and breaks down his journey, the venues he works in, and the Vegas music market. Expect tales of high rollers, sp…

Join Adam and Dan in this episode of the Cover Band Confidential Podcast as they discuss Adam's recent experiences at NAMM! Adam recounts his jet-lagged journey from Atlanta to Anaheim, highlighting new products, weird inventions, and nostalgic returns of 80s gear. They dive into standout items like the Lily Pad mic ducking system, Rev Amps' innova…

Dan here, team! Just a quick one for you and me while Adam's off hobnobbing with the music greats at NAMM! Ever think about concepts like worth and value and saying no? I do. And so do some folks on our Patreon. Here's a hot five minutes on my thoughts about whether worth is set by the market, or if it's something you can stand for and build from p…

This week, we tackle a juicy band drama story submitted by our community. When band members clash on the band's direction, things get messy. Learn what to do (and what NOT to do) when band conflicts erupt, from aligning ambitions to navigating media fallout. Plus, hear about the worst ways to handle getting fired from a band, straight from real-lif…

In this episode of the Cover Band Confidential podcast, Adam and Dan dive into everything from mysterious spider bites and urgent care visits to the intriguing proposition of playing gigs in exchange for services. They discuss the highs and lows of taking gigs with non-monetary compensation, prepping for surgeries, and the value of staying sharp du…

Join Michael, Eric, and Eren from Raleigh's high-energy cover band, The Tone Merchants, as they chat with Adan & Dan about their journey from Craigslist ads to packed gigs. Learn their struggles with marketing to a divided triangle of cities and how they're navigating social media and content creation to attract more fans. This episode is a goldmin…

Join us for a brief holiday check-in on the Cover Band Confidential Podcast as we reflect on a record-breaking year and share personal stories. Adam and Dan discuss their busy Christmas schedules, upcoming plans for the new year, and some heartwarming updates. Whether you're celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or Festivus, we wish you all the…

This week, I sat down with York-based musician Michael Collinson at the RWB Music store in York to discuss his journey as a full-time musician in northern England. We dive deep into his background, how he juggled various gigs and teaching roles, and the ups and downs of sustaining a musical career. From playing in multiple bands, handling repairs a…

In this week's Cover Band Confidential Podcast, Adam and Dan dive into the intricacies of rocking gigs and gear in two continents. Adam spills about a mind-blowing trip to York where he mingled with local guitar gods and explored some jaw-dropping music stores. Meanwhile, Dan nerds out over his latest gear acquisition and the guys celebrate an unex…

This week while Adam visits Merrye Olde Englande, Dan brings in guest Ben Hulan, longtime Patreon member and all around Interesting Dude. This week's discussion: Making material your own. Sometimes the right decision ISN'T to recreate the recording exactly. Is that okay? When should you make that choice, and how? How much of it really IS "your own"…

Hey ho, it's Adam and Dan here to make sure your first gig isn't a disaster. Tune in as we dissect a setlist from a new band out of Austin, Texas, figuring out which tracks will keep the dance floor packed and which ones will have your audience making a beeline for the bar. Spoiler: Your favorite obscure tunes? Not a good look. Plus, some juicy gea…

Join Adam and Dan as they dive deep into the art of seamless transitions between songs! From gig recaps to the importance of keeping your show tight and engaging, this episode is all about making sure your band rocks harder and sucks less. Whether it's dealing with broken drum heads or setting up the ultimate setlist, they've got you covered. Also,…

In this week's episode of the Cover Band Confidential Podcast, Adam and Dan dive into the hotly debated topic of band breaks. Do breaks kill the vibe or save the night? From rail travel stories to the epic saga of building a more portable in-ear rack, the guys also chat about strategic networking during breaks and prepping for a Friday frat house g…

What's it like getting paid a gig to watch everything go sideways? Find out on this episode of the Cover Band Confidential Podcast! From wrestling with unruly gear and experimenting with fancy new lights, to nailing (or not) playing to a click, it's a rollercoaster. Dan breaks down a mega 80s gig with new band 'Big in the 80s', struggles with a fai…

Ever wondered how to rock a gig when you're only 80% confident you'll nail it? This week's episode is a dive into the magical world of gigging musicians,, where 80% confidence is a passing grade and live band karaoke is the new frontier. Adam and Dan talk about gigs that go totally sideways, the joy of 'winging it,' and chaos-filled moments that so…

This week's guest is Matt McGee: bandleader for emo karaoke band "The Dom Telonges" We talk about his journey from original music to emo karaoke, having Bowling for Soup open for them at their first show, and how pop-punk may be the next cringey nostalgia concept for bands looking to make a splash in their local market! And since Matt just got back…

BIG welcome-back to CBC frequent guest, the one the only Mike Schulte of The Pork Tornadoes and The Confused Breakfast podcast! This week Mike and Dan dig into something that's been on both of their minds recently: What is it that audiences ACTUALLY WANT? Why do people come to shows? Has it changed? How can we design what we're delivering to fulfil…

Adam and Dan dive into the often unspoken challenges of being a band leader and the relentless cycle of burnout that accompanies it. As they candidly share their own experiences, they tackle the question of whether the relentless effort of leading is ever worth it, especially when fantasizing about the simpler 'just show up and play' gigs. This epi…

Buckle up, cover band aficionados! This week on the Cover Band Confidential podcast, Adam and Dan navigate the labyrinth of booking weddings, corporate events, and those elusive private parties. Get ready for a snark-filled ride as they dish out practical advice on stepping into the high-stakes world of private gigs. Learn why owning a full PA syst…

This week, we’re deep-diving into the chaos of Dan’s setlist for his new 80s cover band. Ever wondered what 80s songs will keep the energy up and the crowd on their feet? We've got you covered with everything from Journey to Prince, Talking Heads to Pat Benatar. We're talking song transitions, high-energy openers, and, yes, why 'Don't Stop Believin…

In this episode of the Cover Band Confidential Podcast, Adam and Dan dive into the chaos of Jane's Addiction's reunion tour gone wrong, featuring Perry Farrell's disastrous onstage antics and the band's subsequent tour cancellation. They also discuss REO Speedwagon's shocking announcement to end their touring career amidst internal conflicts. Plus,…

In this lively episode of Cover Band Confidential, Adam and Dan finally breathe the same air and it’s everything we hoped for. They kick things off with Dan’s epic surprise visit for Adam’s birthday, making listeners feel like they’re part of the crew. From Dan realizing he's taller to geeking out over gear, this episode covers all the bases. They …

This week, Adam and Dan dive into the highly anticipated Oasis reunion and its impact on tribute bands. The dynamic duo then discuss the art and science of creating the perfect setlist, sharing tips on timing, structure, and flexibility. Gear geek alert: Adam reveals his latest DIY hack, transforming a stage monitor for lyrics with epic results. Wh…

This week, we dive deep into how to stand out in the sea of cover bands by channeling wisdom from the experts (and friends of the pod) Yacht Rock Revue. From owning your performance and having a killer angle to never being a schmuck and letting your audience guide you, we’ve got all the pro tips you need to succeed. Plus, we debate the importance o…

Ever had to deal with flaky, unprofessional jerks in your band? This week we dive into navigating the world of cover band musicianship, balancing professional dynamics, and dealing with challenging members. Learn how to handle personality clashes, maximize limited talent pools, and the art of compromise. Plus, why sometimes, the best bass player mi…

Ever wonder how bands like Foreigner and Lynyrd Skynyrd keep rocking with none of the original members? Adam and Dan uncover the backstage secrets of these 'Zombie Bands' and discuss why they still matter (or not) to fans, musicians, and the music industry. If you're here for drama, sick guitars, and a deep dive into the economics behind keeping no…

If you've ever wondered how to keep your audience hooked, Adam's got your back. Flying solo this week, serving up tips courtesy of ChatGPT and some social media wisdom, Adam dives into five killer strategies to spice up your live shows. From interactive song requests and crowd participation, to themed events and leveraging social media, this guide …

Join Adam and Dan as they tackle the ever-present summertime gig nightmare: unpredictable weather. From hydrating like a camel and packing air movers for the sweltering heat to securing tarps and ponchos for sudden downpours, they cover it all. They share personal anecdotes, essential gear recommendations, and smart tips for navigating gig mishaps.…

This week, we're diving headfirst into the mess Sticker Mule created with their political stunt. We break down the aftermath, the unfollow spree, and why mixing business with politics can be a disaster. Was it all worth it? Spoiler: No. This is a must-listen if you want to avoid self-inflicted wounds to your business and brand. Blank Contracts & Ri…

This week, we're stoked to have Rob Hammersmith, drummer for Skid Row, in the studio. Dive into Rob's journey from super fan to pounding the drums for one of rock's iconic bands. Get the lowdown on his path through Atlanta's vibrant music scene, the sketchy rehearsal spaces, and unexpected career twists. Learn about the challenges of preparing for …

This week Adam flies solo while Dan's on vacation in this week's episode of the Cover Band Confidential Podcast! He navigates the perils of a 4th of July gig, from brutal heat to unexpected gear failures. Adam also shares tips on handling tip jars, prepping for upcoming gigs, and dealing with sweaty situations. This solo adventure covers everything…

This week, Adam and Dan dive into 'the big question' inspired by an email from listener Chuck: 'Why do we do this?' From domain names to franchise models, stool vs. standing dilemmas, and solo acoustic karaoke, they dissect why they put themselves through the grind of performing. From the highs of epic gigs to the drudgery of bad shows, they explor…

This week, we dive into the wild world of live band karaoke! 🎤 Adam and Dan share their best practices and hilarious experiences, from rocking out solo with acoustic guitars to handling spontaneous song requests on-the-fly. Discover how to set up your band for karaoke success, cater to your guest singers, and deliver those iconic crowd-pleasers wit…

This week, Adam and Dan tackle the burning question: should you market your band based on its unique features? Enter Harp Ninja Mike, a killer harmonica player who's wondering if his unusual lead instrument can be his group's unique selling point. Spoiler: It might not be the game-changer you think, at least not for the bookers. But it doesn't hurt…