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 …

Dive into the world of music and neuroscience with Daniel Levitin on this week’s Gig Gab! Join him and Dave Hamilton as they unpack Dan’s upcoming book, “I Heard There Was a Secret Chord: Music as Medicine”, releasing August 27th. Discover the intricacies of the Default Mode Network, and how music impacts everything from opioid release to temporary…

Get ready to dive into Dave Hamilton’s action-packed summer as he recounts his nonstop gig schedule, from Bitter Pill’s high-energy performances to subbing with way-too-many bands, and his next adventure with a new band, Casual Gravity. With gigs piling up and Podcast Movement on the horizon, you’ll hear how Dave is living out the show’s motto: Alw…

This week on Gig Gab, dive into the fascinating journey of Kirk Hamilton, a saxophonist turned podcaster, who brings a wealth of musical insight to the table. Starting as a student at the University of Miami’s Jazz Program, Kirk’s path led him from songwriting and guitar playing to forming the Square Tape Band in San Francisco. His passion for teac…

This week’s Gig Gab podcast brings you an electrifying episode with Brian Ray, diving deep into his illustrious career and the recent release of his latest album, “My Town.” You’ll kick off with a fun story as Brian shares tales from his Halloween 1973 tour supporting Monster Mash, including the quirky experience of being having his high-school ban…

In this week’s Gig Gab episode, guest co-host Mike Schulte teams up with Dave Hamilton to tackle the world of music with humor and insight, and maybe a little controversy. They dive into why musicians often shun karaoke, dubbing it “beer league singing”—but that’s not a bad thing! Mike shares his whirlwind experience of playing 11 shows in 22 days,…

Dive into this episode of Gig Gab as Dave Hamilton walks you through setting up your digital mixer like a pro. From the basics of setting your input gain to the intricacies of dialing in compression, you’ll master the essential skills needed to get your sound just right. Dave breaks down the differences between Parametric and Graphic EQs and introd…

This week’s Gig Gab is a must-listen as journeyman drummer Tris Imboden joins Dave Hamilton, bringing a wealth of musical history and wisdom. Dive into Tris’s fascinating career, from growing up in the musically rich Orange County, to the unforgettable moment he saw The Beatles live, despite barely hearing them over the screaming fans. You’ll love …

In this week’s Gig Gab, Dave Hamilton is joined by Lara Supan from Midwood Entertainment to dive deep into the role of a booking agent for developing bands. Lara teaches us that a booking agent excels in routings, venue knowledge, negotiation, and strategy, but they won’t grow your fanbase or bring people to your shows; that’s your job! Also, timin…

Join Dave Hamilton and guest co-host Mike Schulte from Pork Tornadoes and Confused Breakfast on Gig Gab 436! Dive into the wild world of subbing as a drummer, but beware—your online persona might just scare off potential gigs by making you seem too busy. Mike shares hilarious tales and sage advice on learning and teaching beat placement, ensuring y…

Dive into Gig Gab 435 where Dave Hamilton teams up with guest co-host Adam Johnson from Cover Band Confidential for an electrifying episode. They kick things off with recent gig adventures, including the thrill of corporate live band karaoke and the indispensable value of rehearsals when subbing. Adam and Dave share insights on transitioning from a…

In this week’s Gig Gab podcast, Dave Hamilton teams up with guest co-host Crisco to dive into the dynamic world of keeping a band on the road. They kick things off with some fun banter about “Take Your Cat To Work Day” before jumping into the nitty-gritty of band management. From the chaos of uncoordinated coordination to the crucial role of spread…

In this episode of Gig Gab, Dave Hamilton is joined by Heather Smith and Paul Giovine, diving into the serendipity of musical connections. Heather shares how a chance meeting led to her cautiously getting on stage for the first time when Dave played with Simon Santiago five years ago. Last month, Heather released an record of her original tunes! Fr…

In this week’s Gig Gab, with guest cohost Daniel East returning to join Dave Hamilton, you dive into the essentials of managing your hearing and gear during and after gigs. Amanda’s question about affordable in-ear monitors (IEMs) leads to recommendations including the Sennheiser IE100 Pro and Juicy Earz, highlighting the importance of investing in…

Welcome to another exciting episode of Gig Gab! This week, Dave Hamilton dives into the whirlwind of recent and upcoming gigs, tackling six gigs with five different bands in June alone. He also discusses the challenges of playing a gig without in-ear monitors and the invaluable lessons from recent guests. From Robert Scovill’s advice on delaying ma…

Dive into this week’s Gig Gab podcast, where Dave Hamilton and guest co-host Bob Vose tackle the highs and lows of a musician’s journey. From the golden days of Fortune’s original reign to navigating the challenging shifts brought by grunge, Bob dishes out stories of the Peanut Butter & Jelly Tour, selling out 700-seat venues, and the reality of pl…

In this week’s episode of Gig Gab, Robert Scovill brings his wealth of live audio expertise to the show. As a front-of-house engineer for legendary acts like Tom Petty, Prince, Kenny Chesney, and Rush, Scovill shares the art of balancing sound in massive stadiums while ensuring the audience gets a crystal-clear experience, especially in the crucial…

This week on Gig Gab, Mike Schulte returns for a lively discussion on the finesse of live performances band dynamics. He and Dave Hamilton kick off with a chat about “Playing ‘Less’ for More Money,” exploring how reducing the number of gigs you play can lead to greater impact and potentially higher pay. As they delve into the struggles musicians fa…

In the latest episode of Gig Gab, you’ll catch Eric Jackson and Carlo Carluccio from Boston’s own Best Not Broken sharing their journey from cover band roots to rocking high-energy performances with a mix of originals and covers, including an unforgettable opening gig for Barry Goudreau’s Engine Room. They spill on mastering the art of self-promoti…

In the latest episode of Gig Gab, Matt Musty, a seasoned pro known for his work with Train, Grace Potter, and others, joins Dave Hamilton to share invaluable insights into the diverse roles a musician can play—be it a team player in a band setting or a versatile session artist. Emphasizing the need to adapt, whether grooving to the iconic beats of …

This week on Gig Gab, Dave Hamilton welcomes guest cohost Adam Moskowitz from VAM Band, diving deep into the essence of musicianship and leadership. Adam shares his unique perspective on structuring your band life around personal commitments, showcasing how he manages the VAM Band. The discussion peels back the layers on how the “Bandleader Advanta…

Dive deep into the essence of live music production with insights from Dave Cook and Lewis Fawcett of Area 52 Studios joining Dave Hamilton on Gig Gab. As they navigate the intricacies of creating the perfect in-ear monitor mix for artists like Natalie Merchant, they emphasize the delicate balance between clarity and ambiance. Incorporating ambient…

Guest co-host Matt Gibson and Dave Hamilton dive into the essence of evolving as a musician in the digital age, discussing everything from the impact of social media followers to the intrinsic value of having a producer. Matt Gibson shares his journey, highlighting a significant moment where he lost a million followers, yet, underscoring the lesson…

You’re in for a treat as Dave Hamilton sits down with Dallas Taylor, the maestro behind Twenty Thousand Hertz and Defacto Sound, exploring the intricate stories behind the world’s most iconic sounds. As they dive deep, Dallas shares his philosophy on respecting the audience, weaving in his journey of building an episode and the artistry involved in…

Diving deep into the heart of live performances, guest co-host Mike Schulte and Dave Hamilton kick things off with a critical eye on popular trends, emphasizing the unique appeal of embracing mainstream events and acts, illustrated by Diane Warren’s Relentless film at SXSW. The conversation swiftly moves into the nitty-gritty of music gigs, from th…

Dive deep into insights that will resonate with every musician as guest co-host Chris Breen joins Dave Hamilton for this week’s Gig Gab. They kick things off by riffing on the best songs for a prom-posal, suggesting tracks like “Wang Dang Doodle” and “Teen Town” to set the mood (really?). The conversation quickly shifts to the gritty realities of p…

In this week’s punchy episode of Gig Gab, guest co-host Billy Butler teams up with Dave Hamilton to dive deep into the nuances of live performance and the essence of creating memorable gigs. Starting with the undeniable impact of a stellar opening act, they pivot to the electrifying atmosphere of SXSW, emphasizing the importance of finding and harn…

This week’s Gig Gab podcast, featuring guest co-host Daniel East, dives deep into the heart of music gear and performance wisdom. From the vibrant stage of NAMM 2024, where Yamaha showcased its latest with performances by Nathan East and company, to the detailed discussions on the latest in drumming gear like the Yamaha HHS9D Hi-Hat Stand and the i…

This week’s Gig Gab podcast marks a momentous occasion with Paul Kent’s return to celebrate its ninth anniversary alongside Dave Hamilton. Diving into the heart of gig life, they share insights on integrating new members into The Houserockers, emphasizing the essence of letting musicians thrive in their element. The evolution of a band is a journey…

Dive into the dynamic world of band life with Dave Hamilton and guest co-host Mike Schulte, as they explore the essentials of band dynamics and the logistics of playing shows. From the importance of understanding bandmates and fostering a positive environment by scheduling time to vent and finding gratitude, to the practicalities of choosing the ri…

This week on Gig Gab, Brad Madix drops by for a masterclass in live sound mixing, sharing insights from his expansive career that’s touched the stages of Florence + the Machine, Sara Bareilles, Queensrÿche, Rush, and Linkin Park, to name a few. Diving into the nuances of live performance, Brad helps Dave Hamilton unpack the evolution of touring pos…

In this week’s Gig Gab, Dave Brunyak–known now as Dallas Corbin–joins Dave Hamilton for a deep dive into the art of persona creation and redefining one’s place in the music world. They reminisce about Dave’s first appearance on the show back in 2015 and delve into the genesis of ‘Dallas Corbin,’ a persona that carved his path into country music. In…

In this week’s Gig Gab episode 413, guest co-host Billy Butler joins Dave Hamilton to dive deep into the nuances of live performance and band dynamics. They kick off with a robust discussion on ‘four-walling’ a show, emphasizing the importance of asking “Why would people want to come and see your band?” Drawing from examples like The Dead South, Ga…

In this week’s Gig Gab podcast, guest co-host Dan East joins Dave Hamilton as they dive into a rich discussion tailored for musicians and performance artists. The episode opens with Dan sharing his expert planning strategies for the upcoming NAMM show. He provides valuable insights on how to navigate such large-scale events, emphasizing the importa…

This week on Gig Gab, dive deep into the world of hearing health with Frank Wartinger, a renowned music audiologist and podcaster! Wartinger emphasizes the importance of protecting your ears, especially for musicians and avid music fans. He introduces the “Dangerous Decibels Three Part Solution” – a practical approach involving turning down the vol…

This week’s Gig Gab, guest co-host Mike Schulte joins Dave Hamilton as they dive into the diverse world of gigging. They kick off discussing New Year’s gigs, pondering if it’s a 2023 or 2024 gig – a unique time warp for musicians. The conversation shifts to the technicalities of in-ear monitors (IEMs), highlighting the need for updated molds as ear…

In this Gear Gab episode of Gig Gab, Dave Hamilton starts with a deep dive into the world of bass drum microphones, with a spotlight on the Behringer BA 19A, priced at an accessible $79. Dave compares this budget-friendly option against its more expensive counterparts, the Shure Beta 91A and the beyerdynamic TG D71C. He meticulously highlights how …

In this week’s Gig Gab, dive into the nuances of being a musician and producer, all rolled into one. You’ll explore the art of practicing effectively, a skill that’s as crucial as it is often overlooked. Get insights from the legendary Rick Rubin and his book, “The Creative Act,” a must-read for any serious musician. The episode also touches on the…

In this week’s Gig Gab podcast with Paul Kent and Dave Hamilton you’ll dive into the essential nuances of social media for musicians. The key takeaway? Social media isn’t just a platform for advertising; it’s a vital space for being social and engaging with your audience. It’s about creating a community around your music and sharing your journey, n…