On this week’s Gig Gab, you’re getting a masterclass in modern musicianship with Keith Harris, the drummer, producer, and musical director for the Black Eyed Peas. From behind the kit to behind the console, Keith walks you through the art of turning groove into leadership, showing how drummers often evolve into musical directors. He shares the hard…

This week you’ll hear how making the leap to in-ear monitors isn’t just swapping gear—it’s like learning a whole new instrument. You’ll pick up real-world tactics for keeping the band rolling when a member’s sick or injured, including the art of pulling in a last-minute sub. You’ll face the hard truth about whether the show really must go on and le…

Want to trigger backing tracks live from your iPad or iPhone? This episode of Gig Gab is your playbook. Dave walks you through listener-recommended apps like Stage Traxx 3, Go Button, and forScore for managing clicks and cues with precision. Whether you’re solo or in a band, these tools can keep your show tight. Plus, Gear Gab digs into smart stage…

You think you understand music royalties? Think again. Dae Bogan from The MLC breaks it all down with Dave Hamilton on this week’s Gig Gab. From the ancient days of piano rolls to the tangled web of modern streaming, you’ll learn how mechanical royalties differ from performance rights and why most artists are leaving money on the table. The MLC—bor…

When the skies open and the gig’s a wash, how do you keep the energy alive? Mike Schulte joins Dave Hamilton to break down how The Pork Tornadoes handled a rainout, what happens when the audience doesn’t get the memo, and why your contract better say who’s in charge. From chaotic “throw and go” setups to must-do line checks, this episode reminds yo…

Ever wonder what it’s like to roll through the golden age of rock with the crew behind the legends? On this week’s Gig Gab, Chinner Winstead takes you backstage—from autograph sessions with Tom Petty to chaos-control on tour with Nantucket. You’ll trace the path from bar band to global tours with Lenny Kravitz, Phil Collins, Georgia Satellites, and…

Ever wonder how a skater punk becomes a music industry powerhouse? This week, Billy Cuthrell joins Dave Hamilton to share how his drumming journey kicked off with a Ludwig kit and a dose of Zeppelin, then scaled into creating a chain of four music schools and a million lessons taught annually. From being Music Inc. Magazine’s “Retail Doctor” to pio…

You’re not alone if you’re running a click track on stage—more and more musicians are embracing it, and for good reason. This week on Gig Gab, Corey Manske joins Dave Hamilton to unpack how using a click can reduce stress, keep your band tight, and help you Always Be Performing. From essential stage gear like chapstick and a tape measure (you’ll ge…

This week on Gig Gab, you’re diving deep with the (almost!) full crew from P-Funk North as they share what keeps their reggae funk machine moving. From twice-a-week rehearsals to the relentless grind of networking and playing out regularly, they prove that consistency and camaraderie build longevity. You’ll hear how rejection turns into rocket fuel…

Step inside Sphere with Robert Scovill as he rejoins Dave on Gig Gab to dissect the art—and science—of immersive live sound. From his early days quad-mixing Rush to commanding 32 channels through Avid’s S6L with Meyer’s Spacemap Go, Scovill walks you through prepping for Sphere with simulators, Holoplot mapping, and object-based mixing. You’ll hear…

Buddy Gibbons returns to Gig Gab to share how he’s gearing up for a nostalgia-fueled tour with Stephen Glickman and the Big Time Rush fanbase. From rollerblading around Wembley to off-road RC cars for downtime, Buddy’s prepping body and mind for the grind. He and Dave dig into how playing without a click can feel naked, why RokTempo and Russian Dra…

This week on Gig Gab, you’re diving deep with Mike Schulte of The Pork Tornadoes as he joins Dave Hamilton to share real-world insights on making your gigs—and your band—better. You’ll get actionable tips on using splitter snakes without frying your gear, plus a no-nonsense breakdown of how standing (or not) while singing can shape your stage prese…

GigSalad’s Mark Steiner joins this week’s Gig Gab to trace his wild ride from stage actor to CEO, revealing how a children’s theater gig and a teddy bear business ultimately led to launching the go-to platform for booking live talent. You’ll hear how a “happy accident” turned into a company that helps 110,000+ performers get paid. From the Glenn Mi…

You’re about to get the roadmap from Luke and Will Mallett of The Mallett Brothers on what it really takes to make music a career. From playing 120 shows a year to building a loyal tribe of 2,000 superfans, the brothers break down how live gigs aren’t just part of the job—they are the job. You’ll hear how they’ve learned to follow the seasons, bala…

If your band’s live setup feels more like organized chaos than controlled power, this episode’s for you. We’re diving into real-world band hacks that actually make a difference—from tightening up your IEM mixes with split snakes, to using a click track to start songs like a pro. You’ll also hear why phantom power isn’t the villain it’s made out to …

What’s it like going from drum tech to mixing stadium shows for legends? In this week’s Gig Gab, you join Scottie Baldwin and Dave Hamilton as they dive into the artistry behind live sound. From getting the call from Prince’s drummer to Sheila E nudging him toward sound, Scottie shares tricks like frequency gating and translating wild artist reques…

This week on Gig Gab, you’re in for a deep dive into the gigging grind with guest co-host Derek Patten from ECE, EastCoast Entertainment. You’ll learn exactly what makes a band bookable—from tight chops to killer promo, a sharp social presence, and professional polish. If you’re not posting on Instagram, you’re not even in the conversation. Whether…

Monique Powell of Save Ferris joins you for a no-holds-barred dive into the grind, grit, and glory behind making a band thrive. From opera training to ska dreams, Monique shares how preparation and passion powered her transformation from “Mo Sing Song” to full-on band manager (and back again…and forth again). You’ll hear how she navigated shifting …

This week, you’ll dive headfirst into the wild ride of Joe Travers’ drumming journey—from pounding out St. Patrick’s Day gigs to landing his dream job playing Zappa’s music. Joe shares how knowing exactly what you want—and fearlessly putting yourself out there—can open doors you never imagined. You’ll hear what it’s like grooving through complex Za…

Thinking about SXSW? Erin Walter and Keri Cinquina from Parker Woodland break it all down for you—from applying to playing like a pro. You’ll learn how to reach out to anyone and everyone to book your showcases, why hitting up radio stations and non-profits matters, and how to stack your SXSW week like a mini tour. Don’t skip the conference session…

Get ready to conquer SXSW with insider tips from this special crossover episode of Gig Gab and the Roadcase Podcast. You’ll learn how to plan your badge, map your venue hits—from Antone’s to Mohawk—and navigate scooter passes like a pro. Plus, we’re sharing can’t-miss bands, food finds, and surprise performances that’ll level up your festival game.…

Running a band is more than just playing music—it’s a business, and this week, you’re getting a front-row seat to the real numbers behind a self-promoted, four-walled show. Dave and guest co-host Mike Schulte from Pork Tornadoes break down the hard costs, from union labor to venue staff, and what it takes to make those ticket prices work. Is the ve…

You never know where a layoff might lead—sometimes, it’s straight into launching your own in-ear monitor (IEM) company. That’s exactly what Dark Matter Audio’s Tal Kocen and Dave Friesma did, carving out a niche in a legacy industry by embracing natural sound and combining it with all the nerdy elements that go into making these things the right wa…

Paul Kent returns to Gig Gab, diving headfirst into the wild ride of full-time gigging with 120 shows lined up this year—and still packing the house! From near-disaster moments like a bass player taking a tumble (not this time, thankfully) to the art of bonding with your audience before you even hit that first note, it’s all about controlling the c…

Ever wondered how to capture those magical live performance moments? Gig Gab’s latest episode dives into the world of recording your gigs, offering insights for musicians at every level. Host Dave Hamilton welcomes back guest Daniel East, a seasoned drummer, sound engineer, and recording enthusiast. With decades of experience, Daniel shares his jou…

Are you struggling to make your mark in the music industry while juggling your creative passions? Gig Gab’s latest episode features Keanan Duffty, a multi-talented musician, fashion designer, and educator who has shaped both the sound and look of music culture. Keanan Duffty, frontman of Slinky Vagabond and author of “The Fashion Entrepreneur,” sha…

Are you a musician struggling to stay inspired on the road? Discover how to keep your passion alive, even when far from home. In this episode of Gig Gab, host Dave Hamilton sits down with Pat Guadagno, a celebrated singer and musical storyteller from the Jersey Shore music scene. Pat shares his journey from cover artist to respected interpreter of …

Are you a musician curious about the latest gear and industry trends? Dive into Gig Gab episode 467, where host Dave Hamilton shares his first-hand experience at NAMM, the music industry’s premier trade show. Dave takes you on a journey through the bustling halls of NAMM, offering insights into the latest innovations and must-see products. From the…

Are you tired of staring at your iPad during gigs, struggling to read lyrics and chord charts? Discover how to elevate your stage presence and connect with your audience like never before! In this episode of Gig Gab, host Dave Hamilton welcomes Tory Smith, a guitarist, band leader, and entrepreneur. Tory is the creator of the BLACK BOX Prompter, a …

Are you a musician struggling to find your niche in the ever-evolving music scene? Gig Gab’s latest episode dives deep into the world of musical diversity and the power of embracing multiple genres. Host Dave Hamilton welcomes guest Jon McCormack, a versatile guitarist and songwriter known for his work with bands like Wizzardess, Museum of Science,…

Get ready for an exciting journey into the world of tribute bands with Gig Gab! Join host Dave Hamilton as he chats with Richard Page, a seasoned musician with a wealth of experience in cover and tribute bands. Dive into Richard’s musical evolution: from his early days with the cover band Rewind to leading the Black Crows tribute band, Remedy, and …

Get ready for an exciting episode of Gig Gab! Join Dave Hamilton and Mike Schulte as they explore the dynamic world of working musicians. This episode is packed with insights and stories that will resonate with musicians at every level. Dive into the art of band pricing and mindset. Discover how Mike and Dave emphasize the importance of valuing you…

As 2024 comes to a close, this special episode of Gig Gab takes you on a month-by-month journey through some of the best tips and advice shared by musicians and industry pros this year. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just starting your musical journey, there’s something for everyone in this episode. From mastering your sound to connecting w…

Get ready for an exciting episode of Gig Gab! Join host Dave Hamilton as he chats with Tom Jarvis, the dynamic singer and founding member of Casual Gravity, the band Dave recently joined. This episode promises a deep dive into Tom’s musical journey, from his early influences like Elvis and Iron Maiden to his role in shaping the band’s unique sound …

Get ready for an exciting episode of Gig Gab! Join host Dave Hamilton as he chats with Bruce Bennett, a seasoned musician and entrepreneur, about the ins and outs of the music industry. Dive into Bruce’s journey from playing in bands to launching successful music-related businesses. Discover how he turned his passion into a thriving career, creatin…

Unlock the secret to transforming your band from cover to original without even realizing it! If you’re a musician looking to make that leap, this episode is your guide. Join host Dave Hamilton as he chats with Scott Smith, co-founder of the North County Band. Scott shares his journey from strumming around campfires to leading a band that captivate…

Struggling to find your place in the music world? Tune in to this episode of Gig Gab, where we explore the multifaceted journey of a seasoned musician. Join host Dave Hamilton as he welcomes Parthenon Huxley, a prolific songwriter and performer with nine studio albums and collaborations with legends like Mick Jones and Robert Lamb. Known for his wo…

Struggling to make your mark in the music industry? This episode of Gig Gab is your backstage pass to the world of live sound engineering with the legendary Pooch, a seasoned pro who’s mixed for icons like Iron Maiden and Whitney Houston. Join host Dave Hamilton as he chats with Pooch, a recording engineer turned live sound maestro. With a career s…

Struggling with sound issues at gigs? You’re not alone. Dive into this episode where Dave Hamilton and Mike Schulte tackle the challenges of playing live music in less-than-ideal conditions. This episode centers on the art of compromise in live performances. Dave and Mike discuss the importance of adapting to different venues and audiences, sharing…

Ever wondered how an all-female Aerosmith tribute band came to be? Meet Susie Major, the voice behind Ragdolls, who defied expectations and carved a unique path in the tribute scene. Susie shares her journey from singing male-dominated rock to leading a band that pays homage to Aerosmith while maintaining its own identity. Discover how she navigate…

Dive into the fascinating world of Buck Dharma, the legendary guitarist from Blue Öyster Cult. Buck shares his incredible musical journey, starting from his high school surf band days to becoming a founding member of Blue Öyster Cult—a gig he’s held for over five decades! Discover how Blue Öyster Cult evolved from playing bars to achieving major su…

Join Dave Hamilton as he explores the fascinating world of microphones with Matt McGlynn, the mastermind behind Roswell Pro Audio. Dive into the origins of Roswell Pro Audio, born from Matt’s passion for sound and his ventures with Recording Hacks and Microphone Parts. Discover the art of choosing the right microphone as Matt breaks down the differ…

Get ready for an exciting episode of Gig Gab! Join host Dave Hamilton as he dives into the fascinating world of songwriting with the legendary Gary Burr. Discover how Gary’s career took off, writing hits for artists like Juice Newton, and hear about his incredible collaborations with Ringo Starr over the past two decades. Gary shares his unique app…

Get ready for an exciting episode of Gig Gab! Dive into a microphone showdown where Dave compares the Roswell Pro Audio Mini K87 with his trusty Earthworks Ethos. Discover how these mics stack up in sound and setup, offering insights for podcasters and musicians alike. Ever struggled with cleaning your in-ear monitors? Dave shares a clever tip: use…

In this episode, you dive deep into the world of sound with Bryan “Froggy” Cross, where being a bass player was just the start. Froggy shares how his journey starting with Maynard Ferguson and later, Tower of Power, led him from backline work to becoming a tour manager by 21. The key takeaway? Diversify your skills, learn from others, and keep faki…

Ever wondered what it’s like to tour with music legends? This episode of Gig Gab takes you behind the scenes with Bob “Doctor Mac” LeVitus, a tech author and former roadie for the Jackson 5 and Shaun Cassidy. Bob LeVitus, who has authored 92 books on technology, shares his unique journey from aspiring recording engineer to working alongside iconic …

In this episode of Gig Gab, you join Dusty Wright, the former editor of Creem magazine, as he shares stories from his vibrant career in music journalism and live performance. You’ll hear about his encounters with rock legends like Robert Plant and Prince, plus insights on how your influences shape your sound. Dusty also emphasizes the importance of…

In this week’s Gig Gab, Bakithi Kumalo joins the show, diving into the passion and journey that led him to music. You’ll hear about how he started playing professionally at just seven years old, practicing on a cardboard bass while singing his bass lines, inspired by the grooves of Motown and James Jamerson. His first real bass came ten years after…

In this week’s Gig Gab, Mike Schulte joins Dave Hamilton to dive into the world of being more than just your gigs. They highlight how using holidays, creating a video show, and grabbing content ideas from social media can elevate your band’s presence in between gigs. Whether it’s on stage or online, the focus is on building lasting engagement—alway…

This week on Gig Gab, guest co-host Daniel East joins Dave Hamilton for a deep dive into the art of harmonies and the essentials of live sound. You’ll discover how to add harmonies to your band by honing in on the timbre of each singer and experimenting in real-time with just a guitar or piano. Whether you’re aiming for the Eagles’ perfection in a …