This week a listener reached out seeking advice on handling a situation where their country band unexpectedly shifts to playing a mix of tunes they are not into. Despite expressing discontent and feeling like a sidelined hired hand rather than an integral band member, the listener's concerns are dismissed by the band leader. We then discuss the imp…

In this meatball-filled episode of Cover Band Confidential, Adam and Dan dive deep into the world of artificial intelligence, gig booking strategies, and the dazzling domain of DMX lighting. They share their latest endeavors, including dealing with AI in music, exploring new gear and software to enhance live performances, and leveraging social medi…

This week we will discuss the top 5 email mistakes that musicians often make when reaching out to venues and booking agents. Avoiding these common errors can significantly increase your chances of getting booked for gigs and events. Watch till the end to learn how to craft effective emails that will help you stand out and secure more opportunities …

In this episode, Adam and Dan recount their recent gigs and the lessons learned. The main focus revolves around Adam's experience playing a gig in Guntersville, Alabama, at a yacht club, which despite geographical and logistical challenges, ended up being an electrifying event filled with improvisation, unexpected song requests (hello, 'Higher' by …

In this episode of the Cover Band Confidential Podcast, hosts Adam and Dan share stories and advice about the unpredictable world of last-minute gigs and the chaotic charm of playing in a pick-up band. From unexpected weather chat to sharing personal anecdotes about gigs that went from zero to a hundred with no setlists or clear direction, the duo …

In this jam-packed episode of the Cover Band Confidential Podcast, Adam and Dan dive into the nitty-gritty of keeping your band's mojo alive regardless of your age. The conversation gets to the crux of the matter: aging gracefully in the music scene. They hilariously categorize the various fashion archetypes aging musicians might fall into – from t…

In this episode of the Cover Band Confidential Podcast, Adam and Dan share insights and practical strategies on starting a band, from concept to landing your first gig. They discuss the importance of creating a compelling brand and vision, assembling the right mix of talent, navigating rehearsals, and leveraging connections to secure performance op…

In this episode of the Cover Band Confidential Podcast, we're diving into the myths of being a musician that we've learned from hard experience are UNTRUE! We share updates on our recent gigs, discuss our latest gear acquisitions, and then tackle the main topic: debunking common myths musicians might believe. We discuss everything from the importan…

This week on the Cover Band Confidential Podcast, we dive deep into the world of guitar amps with a detailed exploration sparked by questions from a curious drummer. We tackle the nuances of amp volume, tone, and how they relate to gig size, discussing everything from the benefits of smaller amps to the implications of mic'ing amps at live venues. …

It's been a minute since we had a proper Tales from the Gig! This week the fellas recount a couple of truly excellent shows they each played, simultaneously, on St. Patrick's Eve. Satisfying and soul-feeding for both of them. Come bask in the post-gig glow! Tell us your tale, whether from the gig or from heck, at coverbandconfidential@gmail.com! --…

Welcome to the Daylight-Savings-cast! Rouse your slumbering carcass and listen! This week we tackle a listener question that starts with: Do I really need a website? Interesting question, but BOY does it expand from there. We get into a comprehensive look at what online marketing looks like today, what an EPK is for, and how to deal with socials th…

This week we tackle the sticky situation of ditching gigs for better-paying ones - is it ever cool to bail on a booked show? Join Adam and Dan on a wild ride in this episode where they spill the tea on everything cover band-related. From a gnarly story about a bassist's run-in with a model airplane, to sifting through the latest gear that won't bre…

This week we follow on from the conversation last week about how to save Set One. We asked you to tell us your show opening tunes and BOY did you deliver! Musicians from across the globe chime in with their experiences and selections, ranging from 'Bad Moon Rising' by the Creedence Clearwater Revival to 'Don't Bring Me Down' by ELO, among others. K…

We all know the story. "It takes the room a while to warm up." So you load Set One with your mid-tempo downers and save your bangers for later in the night. But does it have to be that way? What song do you start a show with, and what do you do with the energy after that? This week the boys dig into the question: Is there a way to save the first se…

How many of us hang on to hope when it's clear there is none? This week Adam tells the punchline of the tale he set up last week of shifting negotiators, ghosting clients, and things going exactly the way they seemed like they were. And it makes Dan think about how it's going onboarding his new bassist--it could have gone wrong in many many ways, b…

This week Adam and Dan express frustration over the difficulty in finding chord charts for certain pop songs due to artists or their publishers blocking access to them on popular music tutorial sites. Despite these obstacles, the hosts encourage listeners to use other resources and enhance their skills in learning songs by ear. 00:05 Introduction a…

In this episode Adam and Dan discuss their respective trips to Disney World and NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants). Adam covers the highlights of his NAMM experience, such as the meetings with representatives from various music gear companies, unique discoveries like 3D printed guitar pedal toppers, and affordable gear from brands like …

In this episode of the Cover Band Confidential Podcast, Adam and Dan discuss strategies and opportunities for cover band musicians. Apparently, The Hives requested cover bands to help meet the demand for their music by playing concerts in their respective cities. Is this the beginning of bands franchising themselves on a wider scale? -- Thank you s…

This week the fellas discuss that strategic (vs. the tactical) aspects of the gig booking game. What's the long play? How do you shape your year? What's the brand value you're going to deliver to make your re-hire a no brainer for a booker? NU-X Mighty Plug- https://amzn.to/3SmQXdR Curvd Earplug-: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C9R47H5N?ref=t_ac_view_…

This week the fellas contemplate the whys and wherefores of The Smashing Pumpkin's recent open audition call for guitarists. Why would they do that? What are they getting? Is it something you should do? Opinions will vary. Here's ours! Recess Drink for Dry January: https://amzn.to/3NTlKwr (affiliate) -- Thank you so much for tuning in! If you want …

This week after the usual pleasantries, yer boyz talk about BOIR! That's right, those of you operating small businesses in the US will need to do the new Beneficial Ownership Information Report--or face STEEP consequences! Adam walks you through what it took to do it. Not that much, it turns out, once you're over a certain learning curve. And as al…

This week Adam and Dan reflect on the year 2023. They talk about the remarkable growth they experienced with an increase in downloads, plays, and overall reach. They also discuss how the shift in their band line-up has opened up new possibilities. Plans for the upcoming year are also touched upon, indicating a more focused approach. They remind vie…

This week Adam and Dan respond to an email inquiry from a listener, Brian, curious about why people choose to be in cover bands instead of making original music. We explore the different types of satisfaction derived from being in either a cover or original band, and how the interaction with the crowd, the creative process, and the economic realiti…

A Lesson in Stress and Forgetting Things This week Adam and Dan discuss their recent experiences with gigs and events. Adam recounts attending a comedy show, while Dan narrates a frazzled experience at a weekend gig, which taught him a profound lesson in dealing with stress and the importance of triple-checking things before leaving. Don’t forget t…

Hey guys RockStock announced the giveaway on Friday and while the link was in last week's notes I wanted to be sure everyone knew about it. Here's the link: https://kingsumo.com/g/mdo6l3/cover-band-confidential-giveaway-rock-stock-pedals-bright-switch/k6njxk4? Every task completed increases your chance of winning!…

This week we have a special spousal visitor: Mrs Adam herself, Amber Johnson! Been a minute since we've had Amber's input on the show, so it's great to have her back. This week we talk about the annual holiday gig that Amber is part of, without Adam but with a whole bunch of players who are a regular project of their own. What's it like onboarding …

Friends, we've reached a milestone. 300 episodes! Here's to 300 more! Thanks for hanging with us, and we're glad you seem to have been enjoying it it as much as we enjoy making it! This week the boys recap the learnings and growth of the last five-and-change years (yeah, really!), talk about the Big Ideas to celebrate #300, none of which happened, …

We know. Musicians are hard to shop for. So in honor of Black Friday we're revising and updating our list of great gifts for musicians, and adding a few things you should stay away from. (Those shirts: WHY.) (HERE is the following list as a blog post, suitable for sharing with anyone you hope gives you good stuff this year!) Stuff musicians DON’T W…

This week your boys Adam and Dan discuss the realities and uncertainties that bands often face. They share their recent experiences navigating ups and downs, including successful gigs and event cancellations due to low ticket sales. They discuss the possible reasons for fluctuations, including macroeconomic factors and demographic changes. They con…

Big week for lovers of good music things! First stop is at Daryl's house--the legendary music YouTube channel is back in business and you need to check it out. Even bigger news is the release of a brand new old Beatles tune! The guys go deep on the tech breakthroughs this took, the magical nature of the song and its video, what it implies for futur…

This week's episode is a shorter take on a longer conversation lost to history (we're blaming Dan's COVID diagnosis). In this episode we discuss how Dan's work experience at this day job made him question how musicians and venues are always trying to leverage available data to ensure they're getting the best deals, and how bands should be more open…

This week's episode is a bit different than our normal conversation. Dan and Adam were asked to speak at Louisiana Tech University for their music business department! This guest lecture covers various topics related to the music industry, including branding, booking gigs, copyright issues, social media marketing strategies, and finding success as …

This week your dos amigos deal with a travesty that has been foisted upon us all--a list from Rolling Stone of the Top 250 Guitarists of all time. It's... problematic. Enjoy us spluttering. Link to article: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-guitarists-1234814010/ Thank you so much for tuning in! If you want to help be sure to like…

This week we recap the big payday Adam got for a tech conference, as well as some new gear that just hit the market! Blank Contracts & Riders: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/performance-contracts Backing Track Resources: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/backing-track-resources Thank you so much for tuning in! If you want to …

How do you deal with the question: am I worth THAT? This week we discuss a big-payday gig that landed in Adam's lap. First, how to get such an opportunity, and then how to handle your mind about it. Also this week: Holy moly that Vegas Sphere! What a venue! To have your band considered for a free coaching session, submit your details here: https://…

NO we don't mean the sandwich! We mean how to be a subtitute player in bands in your market! This week the fellas discuss everything from becoming known as a viable sub, marketing your sub service, and what the expectations are. So sharpen your skills and sub it up--this week is all about that sweet fill-in life. Also a good chat on the brand new H…

This week the fellas talk about the differences (experientially, practically, and neuroscientifically) between playing instruments and singing. Prompted by a TikTok question, we dig deep into what makes memorizing guitar parts different from memorizing vocal parts. Also 10 Old People Points to those who get the episode title reference. To have your…

This week we're largely responding to questions from listener and newly-minted Patreon patron Joe Hopkins. Joe does acoustic duo work with his wife Kristen, but they've haven't yet gotten the show out of the garage. Those of you listening who want to start gigging but don't know how (there are way more than you think!): This is the episode for you.…

Thanks to an excellent listener question, this week the boys break down the phenomenon of being engaging and exciting on stage. From the attitude issues that might hold you back to some basic tips, tricks, and exercises to up your game, this week's episode will have you doing split-leaps from the drum riser in spandex pants before you know it. To h…

This week's conversation is (once again) thanks to our Patreon Slack channel. What exactly IS it we're hired to deliver? What IS the value we provide? And what happens if we're unclear about that? I hasn't been since early days on the pod that we've gone into this, so it's probably time to restate our thesis! To have your band considered for a free…

Those of us use the Billboard Hot-100 Chart as a source for song ideas have been noticing some big changes in the patterns of song chart lifecycles. Dan built a whole thing to look into that, and in this week's (multimedia!) episode, we look at what those numbers show us, and what it means for people trawling the charts for cover song ideas. Becaus…

This week Dan recaps a very successful gig hunting bar crawl, and then the boys confront the reality of being a slacker around things that matter. What are you avoiding, resisting, or flat-out ignoring? Is it time to get down to business on those things? Also the listener survey is still open! Please go to this link to let us know what you love and…

Sometimes reality slaps you in the face and you realize it's time for a rethink. And sometimes it's a slow burn of increasing frustration with things not working before you get what's going on. This week the boys talk about when to stop doubling down on something that's not working, and how to use that moment of a project productively. Also the lis…

Okay so we were being a little dramatic last week saying we'd identified the ONLY three things you needed. OBVIOUSLY there's more! So here's four mor things you need to succeed: Systems, Contacts, Creative, and Data. This week we dive deep on each of those concepts. AND THEN! Speaking of "data": Introducing the Cover Band Confidential listener surv…

We're going back to basics, friends. Breaking it right down. This whole band thing? It's not so complicated. There are THREE THINGS you need for your band to succeed, and know now what? We're telling 'em to you! Right here, right now! (Except of course it's not that simple, so buckle up for a first-ever Cover Band Confidential Cliffhanger!) Thank y…

Okay hear us out. Insurance is interesting. That's why we did a whole episode on it, rounding up the thoughts we've dripped into lots of episodes in the past. This week the guys tackle the whole deal with gear insurance, annual or event-based liability coverage, who they use, what they pay, what's covered, and what you can and should do about it. L…

This week we break it down. Five categories of bad behavior that wreck bands, relationships, and lives. Exactly who to keep an eye out for, out there in your music career. Ooops and what? Exactly what to watch out for in your OWN behavior. That's right friends it's both a gossip-fest AND a moment of self reflection. Everything you've come to expect…

Regular listeners will remember our band coaching session with Creston Heltzel and his band Alt95 from about a year ago. Well in the last few months the Patrons in the Slack have been witness to a whole new opportunity for Creston, one many of us have wondered about. He's just started his Sales Tech training at Sweetwater! We chat about what the in…

Seasons change in the cover musician landscape! Gigs that were a lock dry up, relationships change, and the world moves on. But do you? In this episode we cover the attitude to take when things don't go your way, and how to bounce back strong. Thank you so much for tuning in! If you want to help be sure to like, subscribe and share with your friend…

This week the boys tackle a topic that came up on the Patreon Slack: When a setlist totally rocks all the way through, what do you do? Keep it around and play it at the next show? And the one after that? Or toss it and start the next one from scratch? Or take what learning you can and use it to inform the next one? The pros and cons abound! Thank y…