A podcast for musicians of all backgrounds to learn how to run your music career like a business! Whether you're a weekend warrior or a hired gun; whether you play cover songs or originals, Cover Band Confidential is your weekly source on how to make GOOD money playing music!
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Episode 339: Surviving Unprofessional Bandmates (and limited resources)
37:14
37:14
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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…
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Episode 338: Zombie Bands: When The Show Must Go On (Without the Original Members)
42:18
42:18
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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…
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Episode 337: 5 creative ways to engage with your audience! (on-stage and off)
23:55
23:55
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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 …
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Episode 336: Surviving Summer Gigs: Heat, Rain, and Staying Alive
49:47
49:47
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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.…
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Episode 335: Music, Politics (and the art of keeping your mouth shut)
36:52
36:52
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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…
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Episode 334: Behind the Kit: Rob Hammersmith’s Path to Skid Row
56:50
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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 …
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Episode 333: The Tip Jar Debate: Best Practices for Bands
18:15
18:15
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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…
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Episode 332: Why do we do this? The Musicians’ Existential Crisis
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48:36
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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…
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Episode 331: Live Band Karaoke Masterclass: Do's, Don'ts, and Surviving the Chaos
51:00
51:00
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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…
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Episode 330: How Do You Market Your Band's Unique Edge?
28:22
28:22
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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…
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Episode 329: Surviving Bad Gigs: A Guide to Disaster Management
40:55
40:55
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This week on the Cover Band Confidential podcast, Adam and Dan share their nightmare gig stories and how they powered through them. From bad gear setups to creepy audience members, we've got it all. Plus, Dan can't find his drummer's click track and Adam shaved his head. Tune in to hear about the gear, the gigs, and everything that makes being a co…
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Episode 328: How to find joy & creativity as a working musician
37:59
37:59
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In this episode, Adam and Dan tackle a listener's conundrum about juggling band life with personal life, and how to keep the passion for music alive amidst the chaos. Offering insights from their own experiences, they explore topics ranging from work-life balance to maintaining creativity and dealing with the band's impact on one's personal world. …
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Episode 327: How to MASTER on-stage banter for maximum audience engagement
51:06
51:06
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Adam and Dan dive into the thrilling world of stage banter, discussing tips and tricks for keeping an audience engaged between songs. From improv classes to studying rock legends, they offer practical advice for musicians who'd rather not bore their crowd to death. Discover how to balance authenticity, humor, and gratitude on stage, even if you're …
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Episode 326: Band Dilemma: Stick it out or Quit?
31:54
31:54
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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…
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Episode 325: AI, DMX, and Setting Yourself a Deadline
30:31
30:31
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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…
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Episode 324: 5 Email Mistakes Musicians Make When Reaching Out to Venues
36:21
36:21
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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 …
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Episode 323: One thing you should NEVER do as a gigging musician
28:48
28:48
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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 …
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Episode 322: How TF do you prep for a gig without any info? : The Unwritten Laws of Cover Band Chaos
24:12
24:12
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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 …
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Episode 321: How do you age gracefully as a gigging musician?
38:30
38:30
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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…
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Episode 320: Starting a Band From Scratch
32:22
32:22
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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…
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Episode 319: Top 5 Musician Myths: BUSTED!
40:51
40:51
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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…
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Episode 318: Guitar Amps Explained: Size, Tone, and Gig Dynamics
50:56
50:56
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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. …
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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! --…
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Episode 316: Online Band Marketing in 2024
42:04
42:04
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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…
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Episode 315: Bailing on a Gig for a Better Payday?
28:39
28:39
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Episode 311: Taylor Swift Did Us Dirty (Probably not how you think)
34:07
34:07
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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…
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Episode 310: I just got back from NAMM: AMA
27:02
27:02
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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 …
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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…
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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_…
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Episode 307: Wanna be a Smashing Pumpkin?
22:46
22:46
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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 …
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Episode 306: How to Not Go To Prison For Five Years
25:00
25:00
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Episode 303: How Dan Nearly Got All His Gear Stolen
25:32
25:32
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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…
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Episode 302: GIVEAWAY ALERT-Rock Stock Bright Switch contest is LIVE!
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1:00
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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!…
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Episode 301: Joining an Existing Group (w/ Amber Johnson)
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34:28
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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 …
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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, …
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Episode 299: Ultimate Gift Guide for Musicians
48:36
48:36
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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…
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Episode 298: The Facts of Life as a working musician
25:03
25:03
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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…
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Episode 297: Musician React: New Beatles Tune
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23:10
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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…
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Episode 296: How to violate the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 to get better paying gigs!
22:02
22:02
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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…
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Episode 295: What would you tell your younger self about being a musician? (Guest lecture at Louisiana Tech University)
1:01:18
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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 …
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Episode 294: Guitarists react to Rolling Stone's 250 Best Guitarists
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43:42
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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…
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Episode 293: What is a BIG MONEY corporate gig like?
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28:37
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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 …
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Episode 292: The Existential Anguish of Getting More Money
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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://…
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Episode 291: The Ultimate Guide to Subbing for Other Bands
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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…
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Episode 290: This is Your Brain on Music.
25:20
25:20
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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…
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