Episodios

  • The Engineer Is in the Band: Instinct, Ears, and Live Sound with Mike deAlmeida

    The Engineer Is in the Band: Instinct, Ears, and Live Sound with Mike deAlmeida
    Jan 19 2026
    You’ve done gigs where nothing goes according to plan, but this episode reminds you that chaos is often the classroom. From sleeping on road cases at the Puerto Rican Day Parade to riding a flatbed packed with servo-driven subs that overwhelmed even earplugs and shooting cans, you hear how real-world pressure forges real skills. Mike deAlmeida walks you through learning to roll with it, figuring out systems on the fly before tools like Smaart were common, and walking into unknown gigs where the unknown singer/songwriter turns out to be Shawn Colvin. The lesson is clear: when you don’t know the band, communication is everything. Ask how they sound, listen closely, and remember that for that moment, you are part of the band. You’re playing the “mixing keyboard” today, so Always Be Performing. As the night wears on, the room changes and so must you. Heat, humidity, and ear fatigue quietly shift the mix, especially in the highs and high-mids, and Mike explains why gradual adjustments beat drastic moves every time. You’re reminded to watch the show, not just the meters, and to listen first before using tools like Smaart to confirm what your ears already know. From sweating out microphones and treating them like EQ devices to protecting your hearing with custom molds, active earplugs, and smart exposure management, this episode ties craft, tech, and longevity together. Layer in legendary Celebrity Week stories, the Van Halen M&Ms lesson, and Beach Boys theatrics, and you’re left with one guiding principle: mix a good show, every time, because that’s how careers last. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 517 – Monday, January 19th, 2026 January 19th: Tin Can DayGuest co-host: Mike deAlmeida, Program Director, Audio Engineering at University of HartfordNAMM coming up! GG Coverage Sponsor: Ultimate Ears Pro! 00:01:50 Puerto Rican Day Parade Sleeping on road cases overnightAn insane number of speakersEarplugs + Shooting cans STILL were too loudServo drives – highly efficient, but not fast. They have motors in them.Security wouldn’t let us off the truck. 00:06:43 Gig learning vs. classroom learning Learning to roll with it 00:08:52 When you don’t know the band A little jazz band…as wallpaperSussed out the system manually (before the Smaart Live days!)And a singer/songwriter… who turned out to be Shawn Colvin 00:12:52 Communicating with a band you’ve never seen Very helpful tips:“Here’s how our band sounds.”Guitar players who manage their levels between rhythm and solosAs an engineer, you are a member of the band (for that moment)“You play mixing keyboard today” 00:20:37 Teaching the foundation in class, students often seek practical experience on their own Finding practical applications WHILE you’re in class is gold. You learn so much.It all comes back to communication skillsFor FOH engineers, watch the show! Pay attention to the band members 00:24:30 Sound changes throughout the night Heat and humidity will cause ebbs and flows (especially outdoors, but even inside)Watch the highs and high-midsSound travels faster through a thick mediumGradual adjustments so it sounds betterIncreasing the mains throughout the show to keep the perceived level due to ear fatigueSmaart Live for tweaking live soundListen first, then use the gear to confirm what you’re hearing 00:31:35 When I mix, I want to hear a good show So I tell the sound guy (me) to mix a good show 00:32:57 Using the tech to isolate live to find (and fix) problems Beyerdynamic MM1 – a measurement mic AND a podcast mic 00:33:48 Learning the nuances of problems00:35:24 Hot lights to add to the sun! Sweating out microphones… heat shrink tubing plus medical tape solves itMicrophones are EQ devices – Matt from Roswell Audio 00:39:38 Mixing with earplugs? Westone custom mold earplugs with 15dB Etymotic filtersHearing protection vs. exposure timeUS Navy study on hearing health with submarine crewHuberman Lab episode on hearing health 00:44:39 AirPods Pro “active earplugs” (aka Hearing Protection) Comply Foam tips for AirPods ProDefendEar from Westone 00:52:25 Stories from Celebrity Week at North Shore Music Theatre Almost got into a rumble with Al MartinoFace the wall when Wynona Judd walks byGallagher (or his brother!)The Beach BoysWeird Al 00:56:04 The Van Halen M&Ms story00:57:37 The Beach Boys surfing on the revolving stage00:59:41 Gig Gab 519 Outtro Follow Mike deAlmeida Check the University of Hartford’s BS in Audio Engineering Technology Contact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagramfeedback@giggabpodcast.comSign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List The post The Engineer Is in the Band: Instinct, Ears, and Live Sound with Mike deAlmeida — Gig Gab 517 appeared first on Gig Gab.
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    1 h y 3 m
  • Be Prepared and Predictable: How Richie Castellano Stays Gig-Ready

    Be Prepared and Predictable: How Richie Castellano Stays Gig-Ready
    Jan 12 2026
    You jump straight into the deep end with Richie Castellano as you explore what happens when preparation collides with opportunity. You follow his path from mixing weddings to standing behind massive analog rigs, wrangling six guitar channels, chasing down mysterious hums, and learning fast that the gremlins always show up when you least expect them. When the call comes to go from being Blue Oyster Cult’s sub sound engineer to bass player in four days with 21 songs to learn, the lesson is clear: play something you know, rehearse smart, and build a Just In Case bag that saves the gig. Success is not luck. It is preparation meeting the moment, and you are either ready or you are not. In order to Always Be Performing you need to Always Be Preparing! As the conversation deepens, you learn how adaptability gets and keeps gigs, from joining the culture of a band to solving problems so painlessly you become indispensable. Richie breaks down the craft of learning, teaching, and arranging vocal harmonies, including Yes music at the highest level, where not nailing the vocals means the whole thing falls apart. You hear why simplifying is sometimes the smart move, how spreadsheets can ease rehearsals, and why blending matters more than showing off. The episode closes with practical wisdom on collaboration with front of house, constant communication inside the band, and surrounding yourself with people on the same mission. This is a masterclass in being prepared, predictable, drama-free, and trusted when it counts. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 516 – Monday, January 12th, 2026 January 12th: National Hot Tea DayGuest co-host: Richie CastellanoNAMM coming up!GG Coverage Sponsor: Ultimate Ears Pro! 00:01:40 From mixing weddings to arenas overnight Called to sub as Blue Oyster Cult’s sound engineerSteve “Woody” La Cerra“Make them sound like a big bad rock band” 00:06:53 The differences doing sound in a big room? Six channels of guitar for 3 guitar players!Where’s the cowbell?!? 00:10:28 Arriving ten minutes before downbeat with the biggest system of my life And it’s analog!What’s that low hum 00:12:49 The Gremlins That Run Around On Stage When You’re Not Looking Play something you know 00:17:46 SPONSOR: Squarespace. Check out https://www.squarespace.com/GIGGAB to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code GIGGAB.00:19:10 From sound to…playing bass in four days! Here’s 18 songs… I mean 21 songs. Be ready to play this by FridaySuccess is when preparation meets opportunity. Here’s the opportunity. Now you have to prepare for it!Buck Dharma on Gig GabFirst gig was canceled… But that led to a rehearsalTime to talk about the JustInCase…aka the Idiot Bag!Plugged into the TV to rehearse 00:22:39 “If you can do this five times in a row, this will be your gig.”00:25:02 Do you just want me to join the band? If you solve a problem for someone painlessly, you’re not likely to be replaced.Be Prepared and PredictableAnd No Drama 00:28:41 Joining the culture of a band Matt Beck on guitar for the recent Jon Anderson tour fit perfectlyBeing adaptable gets and keeps gigs 00:33:22 Learning and teaching harmonies Learning how to soften and blend40th Anniversary of Agents of FortuneA trick: learn how to do impressions. “Sing this like Peter Gabriel”, “Sing this like Michael McDonald” 00:39:51 Arranging Harmonies for Yes music Don’t be afraid to simplify, folksUse a spreadsheet!Get it to “the best WE can do it”Then ask “how can we make this blend better?” 00:45:13 If we don’t nail the vocals, we suck!00:48:29 The collaboration between band and front of house Ask front of house engineer: What do you need from me to sound good?End sound check with an a capella vocal moment 00:52:24 Talk to your bandmates and continually tweak things “Why does your snare drum sound different today?” 00:54:11 Surround yourself with bandmates who are on the same mission00:59:58 When bands write vocal harmonies01:04:18 Gig Gab 514 Outtro Follow Richie CastellanoContact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagramfeedback@giggabpodcast.comSign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List The post Be Prepared and Predictable: How Richie Castellano Stays Gig-Ready — Gig Gab 516 appeared first on Gig Gab.
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    1 h y 7 m
  • Mixing Legends Live: Robert Scovill at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

    Mixing Legends Live: Robert Scovill at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
    Jan 5 2026
    You step into the pressure cooker of elite live sound, where Robert Scovill shows you why chaos is often the best teacher. From mixing Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions with zero margin for error to handling full-band changeovers on the fly, you learn that perfection is worth chasing but dangerous to demand. You hear why live mixing beats the studio for him. It is about capturing ensemble moments, not polishing parts. Even when the doubt creeps in before showtime, the lights come up, the band hits, and the moment reminds you why you do this. This is the mindset of Always Be Performing. You also get practical, battle-tested tactics for surviving high-stakes gigs. Learn how to study a band fast, who sings, who solos, and when, using recordings and YouTube as prep tools. You hear what it takes to mix legendary harmony vocals, why artists like Def Leppard insist on singing live, and how those expectations shape your approach. Then it gets nerdy in the best way, with the evolution of De-Feedback, real-world use at the Rock Hall, and how tools like reverse impulse responses can clean up wedges, vocals, and even IEMs. The takeaway is clear. Preparation, adaptability, and relentless curiosity are what keep you in the game. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 515 – Monday, January 5th, 2026 January 12th: National Day of DialogueGuest co-host: Robert Scovill 00:01:25 Mixing Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 10+ Acts… with full changeoversTrial by fire, with no time! 00:07:27 The enjoyment of the pressure of mixing live Perfection is a great thing to strive for, a terrible thing to achieve 00:09:00 Giving up on the studio in favor of live Way more interested in recording ensemble moments 00:10:10 Started in live sound in the 1970s Started with Shooting Star 00:12:04 Full circle moments at Rock Hall Mixing the Joe Cocker induction with Tedeschi TrucksMixing Peter Frampton…a throwback moment 00:17:34 That thought creeps in: “I don’t know if I can keep doing this” And then the show happens…with all of its moments! 00:22:34 Learning a band quickly Who’s singing? When?Who plays the guitar solos (and when)?Give them a recording in advanceFind them on YouTube 00:25:53 Dolly Parton and Rob Halford sing Jolene00:28:23 Mixing Def Leppard harmony vocals Def Leppard is a great example: they wanted to sing liveThey worked hard to deliver what they expected (and what people expected) 00:34:50 Mixing Prince at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame00:38:20 Always Be Recording…and here’s why: Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks And a new ProTools feature was born: VENUE Link 00:43:04 Alpha Labs De-Feedback Started as an aside in Scovill’s Back LoungeNeve 5045 Primary Source ExpanderWaves PSE PluginDe-Feedback does reverse impulse responses 00:48:42 De-Feedback started to “make churches sound better”00:57:28 De-Feedback at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Elton John (because of his loud monitor wedges)Cyndi Lauper 01:02:02 Comparing De-Feedback to a Neve 5045 Waves NS1 01:10:19 A live De-Feedback demo and some nerdy details!01:26:24 Fixing IEMs with De-Feedback Think about eliminating drum bleed from vocal mics, for one. 01:28:47 Gig Gab 515 Outtro Follow Robert Scovill On FacebookOn InstagramOn LinkedInRobertScovill.com (where you’ll find The Back Lounge) Contact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagramfeedback@giggabpodcast.comSign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List The post Mixing Legends Live: Robert Scovill at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame — Gig Gab 515 appeared first on Gig Gab.
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    1 h y 32 m
  • The Hidden Work of Fun: Systems for Working Musicians with Richard Page

    The Hidden Work of Fun: Systems for Working Musicians with Richard Page
    Dec 29 2025
    You love the music, but being a working musician comes with friction, and this episode tackles it head-on. You dig into the real difference between tribute bands and celebration projects, how to prep when multiple gigs stack up fast, and why anxiety creeps in when preparation gets sloppy. You explore how much rehearsal is enough, when studio versions help versus live recordings, and why fun disappears when expectations are unclear. The big takeaway is simple: intention matters. When you walk into rehearsal with a plan, a personal worklist, and shared expectations, you protect your energy and stay focused on what matters most. That focus is how you keep growing while Always Be Performing. From rehearsals to gig day, you learn how systems save your sanity. You hear why rehearsal recordings only work if someone is actually assigned to listen, how shared calendars prevent chaos, and why group texts quietly sabotage bands. You break down practical tools for managing gigs, promotion, and communication, from punchlist spreadsheets to task masters who own the details. You even get into tech expectations for bandmates and why alignment matters more than gear. The message is clear: externalize the details, reduce decision fatigue, and free your head to show up present, prepared, and confident on stage. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 514 – Monday, December 29th, 2025 December 29th: Tick Tock DayGuest co-host: Richard Page 00:02:03 Richard’s got some tribute shows happening The difference between a tribute band and a celebration projectPure Petty, Hot Atlanta, Remedy at Ardmore Music HallRocks This Way 00:06:07 Dave’s got three different shows to learn and play in 2 weeks The anxiety of preparing for too many gigs at onceWhen prepping celebration shows, do you do all studio? Some live? 00:24:33 SPONSOR: Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at rula.com/giggab #rulapod00:26:19 NAMM coming up! GG Coverage Sponsor: Ultimate Ears Pro! 00:26:55 Being a working musician comes with a lot of friction to have fun00:28:48 Setting rehearsal intention Have a plan!Be careful of repeating songs and consuming timeSet expectations. Ensure everyone arrives on the same page.Keep a “personal worklist” note going on your phone during rehearsals 00:33:41 Maximizing rehearsal recordings Rotate between band-members for listening to rehearsal recordingsYou inspect what you expect! 00:38:49 Scheduling rehearsals Use a Google Calendar 00:42:36 Inter-band communication Group Messages…SUCK (especially now with RCS, that was supposed to fix it)You’ve gotta have a task-master!WheresTheGig.comBandHelper 00:50:46 Creating a Spreadsheet punchlist for gigs Keeps you from forgetting the Facebook event, the mailer, etcUsing BandsInTown for Artists 00:55:55 Tech requirements for new band members Green Bubble Prejudice! 01:02:12 Three iPads Stage Ninja Clamp for iPadforScore 01:10:17 Gig Gab 514 Outtro Follow Richard Page on Facebook RemedyDead BandRocks This Way Contact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagramfeedback@giggabpodcast.comSign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List The post The Hidden Work of Fun: Systems for Working Musicians — Gig Gab 514 with Richard Page appeared first on Gig Gab.
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    1 h y 12 m
  • Lindsay Manfredi’s Road to Cold: Music, Micro-Pivots, and Radical Self-Worth

    Lindsay Manfredi’s Road to Cold: Music, Micro-Pivots, and Radical Self-Worth
    Dec 22 2025
    You follow Lindsay Manfredi’s wild, non-linear path from merch table to main stage, and she shows you exactly how saying yes, showing up, and outworking your fear can change your entire trajectory. You hear how she moved to Florida at twenty chasing a rock-star dream, became an instant Cold superfan, and eventually landed the bass gig through a Twitter message that felt too unreal to be real. She talks candidly about law-of-attraction moments, why every Cold song has to matter, and where the line sits between authentic human creativity and formulaic or AI-generated music. Through it all, she reminds you that most fears never materialize and it takes the same effort to believe in yourself as it does to doubt yourself. Always Be Performing. From there, you shift into the discipline behind her artistry: preparing for tours months in advance, running the set nearly every day, and over-preparing so the stage actually feels fun. She shares how making the road feel like home keeps her grounded, and how her book “The Girl Who Cried Love” came from losing her sense of self and rebuilding true self-worth, not just confidence. You explore dropping habits that don’t serve you, reconnecting with what you really value, and even why revisiting Mad Men taught her to only compete with herself. Finally, you wrap with a deep dive into in-ear monitor strategy, why a great mix beats great gear, and the small decisions that make performing sustainable for the long haul. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 513 – Monday, December 22nd, 2025 December 22nd: National Cookie Exchange DayGuest co-host: Linsday ManfrediNAMM coming up! GG Coverage Sponsor: Ultimate Ears Pro! 00:01:30 Twenty years old, moved to Florida to become a rock star Sprung Monkey needed a “merch girl”, Lindsay grabbed the gigSaw Cold, loved the music, loved Scooter’s voice. Instant fan!Unfuckwithable: A Guide to Inspired Badassery 00:04:45 Bringing the Law of attraction into the rock world Lindsay’s Cold tattoo made it into the album insert00:06:00 Getting the Cold gig… on Twitter in 2014Picture Yes was playing at The Vogue in Indianapolis on tour with Saving AbelCheck your Facebook messages: “Will you be in our band?” 00:07:32 Always say “yes!” — Build the plane while you’re flying it. Bought a 5-String 00:09:09 Play music because you love to play music No fluff songs in ColdEvery song matters 00:11:25 Fuck AI to create music Is Formulaic Music from humans just as bad as AI-Created MusicWhen do we hit the point where it’s OK to use AI to create music 00:20:13 If you’re an artist, you’re going to create art. 85% of what we’re afraid of won’t happen.It takes just as much effort to have faith in something as it does to fear something 00:23:46 Transitioning from fan to band member Scooter says: “bring your personality to it!”Capture the original intent and emotionLindsay rewrote the run in “So Long June” and… it was welcomed! 00:27:30 Preparing enough to have fun on stage Months of practice before a tourIn order to have fun on stage… I need to be an over-preparer!Fender P-Bass at home to learn and prepare for tourHeavier strings on the practice bassRun the set every day (almost) 00:33:42 Start rehearsal in December for tour in April It’s more fun to be prepared 00:36:10 Making the road feel like home Making your bunk your ownCold is a familyTouring is my favorite thing to do 00:39:52 The Girl Who Cried Love, a Pivot to Self Worth Lindsay: I lost myself into what became a failed relationshipTrying to prove my worth to someone who didn’t see my worthSo many of us aren’t taught what our true worth isAsking herself: “Lindsay, what do you really want in your life? What is your purpose? What are your values?”The difference between confidence and self-worth. 00:45:33 It’s hard to drop the shit that’s not serving you00:46:37 How can I make the world a little bit better? Being in the audience first makes everything so much clearer 00:47:51 Identifying a bad habit before you can drop it “My goal in life is to wake up laughing every day” 00:49:01 Revisiting Mad Men, of all things Better to compete with yourself 00:51:19 In Ear Monitors Having a great mixMix is more important than gearDissecting in-earsUniversal Fits Dave recommends: Ultimate Ears Universal FitSoundbrenner Wave Huberman Lab episode on hearing health 01:01:52 Gig Gab 513 Outtro Follow Lindsay Manfredi On IG @Lindsay ManfrediColdArmy.com Contact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagramfeedback@giggabpodcast.comSign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List The post Lindsay Manfredi’s Road to Cold: Music, Micro-Pivots, and Radical Self-Worth — Gig Gab 513 appeared first on Gig Gab.
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    1 h y 6 m
  • Booking Smarter, Singing Harder: Demetri Papanicolau on Gig Life

    Booking Smarter, Singing Harder: Demetri Papanicolau on Gig Life
    Dec 15 2025
    You follow Demetri Papanicolau’s winding path from Fidelity financial consultant to full-time booking agent and working musician, discovering how taking risks, saying yes to scary gigs, and learning from every stage moment shaped his career. You hear how singing AC/DC and Zeppelin in high school, drilling Beatles harmonies, and navigating the evolution from originals to covers built the chops he still relies on today. As you ride through stories of surprise band formations, COVID-era pivots, and the birth of Rotten Apple, you’re reminded that you must Always Be Performing, even when the gig you expected turns into something entirely different. You also step inside Demetri’s world at Notso Costley Productions, where booking is equal parts diplomacy, coaching, and reading the room. He breaks down what venues actually want, what musicians consistently get wrong, and how reliability wins more than draw. You learn how he balances the needs of solos, duos, trios, and full bands; why non-verbal communication and a good hang matter; how to build an EPK that gets you on a roster; and what happens when rates rise across the scene. Through it all, Demetri shows how being both booker and performer lets him guide bands and venues toward smoother nights, stronger partnerships, and gigs that keep everyone coming back. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 512 – Monday, December 15th, 2025 December 15th: National Cupcake DayGuest co-host: Demetri Papanicolau from Notso Costley Productions NAMM coming up! GG Coverage Sponsor: Ultimate Ears Pro! 00:02:19 From Fidelity Financial Consultant to Acquiring and running a Booking Agency Josh Logan, local to New Hampshire, did Rock Star Supernova and then The VoiceAnd then…Demetri wins the Black Brimmer’s Rock Star ManchVegasDoors opened! 00:05:33 Singing AC/DC and Zeppelin in high school to vocal lessons00:06:06 Learning harmonies by singing The Beatles00:07:32 Playing in an original band that became a cover band00:10:05 Learning while not playing…big ears! Submitted to America’s Got Talent 00:13:39 Taking new gigs even when they scare the heck out of you A Josh Logan cancelation leads to a band formation to sub! 00:16:02 It’s not about the gigs you take, it’s also about the gigs you don’t take Be selective! 00:17:17 Alice and Chains becomes the thread to the story00:18:51 COVID derails (and delays) some gigs…oh how we remember! October and November, 2020When an acoustic duo gig turns into a full band on stageRotten Apple forms! A tribute to Alice and Chains 00:22:28 Always performing with passion …and perfection!Developing that non-verbal communication 00:28:22 Bonding as harmony singers When you find that magic formula with someone, stick with it! 00:33:41 Putting the time in for continuous growth Maintaining beginner’s mind 00:34:07 Finding those right partners where it’s a good hang When your FOH Jim Roese, FOH with Fuel, Melissa Etheridge, and also Rotten Apple 00:37:44 Running a booking agency Working for both the venue and the performerHaving a roster of musicians: solos, duos, trios, full bandsBeing in the performer’s shoes helps Demetri be a coach to bands AND venues to ensure smooth sailing 00:42:48 Reading the room goes a long00:44:15 Demetri’s advice for making it work (or not work) To get on the roster: Have a good EPK and promo kitOnce you’re on: responsiveness, being available, managing your schedule 00:46:24 Demetri’s biggest juggling act: adapting to last-minute changes The time Casual Gravity cancelled last minute!Reliability is huge 00:54:17 Venue feedback Draw isn’t always the most important thingBe a pro on the mic. Represent the venue.Play the right songs.Keeping the venues happy allows Demetri to book his roster of performers 00:57:43 Raising rates for the performer New rates for 2025$230-$250 for solo (from $170-$200 three years ago)$450-$500 for duo$660-$700 for trio$700-$1,000 for bands (or more for A-List prices)Balancing rates between performers and venues, ensuring everyone is profitable 01:05:03 Carrying on Paul Costley’s legacy and tradition with Nosto Costley Productions Took a voluntary buyout package from Fidelity to make the time to acquire the agency12/31/2021 was the day Demetri took over…and stopped cutting his hair 01:09:20 Gig Gab 512 Outtro Follow Demetri Papanicolau Notso Costley ProductionsOn IG @DemetriPapanicolau Contact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagramfeedback@giggabpodcast.comSign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List The post Booking Smarter, Singing Harder: Demetri Papanicolau on Gig Life — Gig Gab 512 appeared first on Gig Gab.
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    1 h y 11 m
  • From Hiatus to 250K Streams: The Gale Bird Story with Sean Monahan

    From Hiatus to 250K Streams: The Gale Bird Story with Sean Monahan
    Dec 8 2025
    Sean Monahan from Gale Bird joins Dave Hamilton to walk you through their path of being successful working musicians in an original band. You follow Gale Bird’s path from college songwriting to a 13-year hiatus and a full-tilt return that finally landed Gale Bird on a label. You hear how the band treats music as both passion and business, blending Sean’s production chops with Joshua’s marketing instincts to create songs that connect. You get reminded that “overnight success” takes decades, and that everyone who hires you is thinking in terms of return. Failure, lineup changes, stalled gigs… they’re not roadblocks, folks, they’re prep for the next shot. That’s where you lean into the mindset: Always Be Performing. You also learn how the label helps identify the songs that will land, how playlist strategy works, and how Gale Bird built a digital identity alongside their live-show firepower. You dig into their content engine, daily-posting experiments, AI reels, and the push to film everything. Collaboration becomes a skill, not an accident, and you see how respecting different strengths keeps the whole machine running. Gear Gab rounds it out with a bit of a wishlist: Kempers, custom Teles, splitter snakes, and the stress test of soundcheck when tech goes sideways. Press play and enjoy! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 511 – Monday, December 8th, 2025 December 8th: Pretend to be a Time Traveler dayGuest co-host: Sean Monahan from Gale Bird 00:01:50 Went to two different schools together Met in college, started writing songs, doing some local touringThen a 13-year break after college while they started familiesAnd then, two years ago, you got the band back together! 00:03:19 Signed to a label00:05:11 A Passion that’s also very much a business Producing art that is digested by as many people as possibleSean’s been a full-time musician since collegeLearned all the right production techniquesMet all the right peopleHiring the right engineer and session musicians for the albumJoshua has been in sales and marketing as his careerAnd also understands aesthetics and marketing… and is Sean’s co-songwriter 00:07:57 The label saw *people* they could invest in, and also liked their sound Holy City MusicOvernight success takes twenty years 00:10:07 This is the entertainment business! Whomever hires you is thinking about dollar signsThey need to see the return, and as a musician you have to understand that 00:13:21 Failure prepares you for what’s next Sometimes a gig ends 00:15:54 250,000 streams in one year!00:16:56 The Label helps Staying in touch with Playlisters and other avenues like radio, too 00:19:38 Getting on Playlists Label says, “write 20 songs, we’ll pick one or two” when we analyze what will perform the best on the streamersOne side of the business: live shows full of rock and feels and merch and all thatThe other side: the digital side. People need to have a representation of the band that’s unique to them.The label is the expert for the digital side, knowing how to identify the songs that will land on the streamersTurns out we land in the “country” genre, so we’ll add a banjo to a song (for example).Roses by Gale Bird is a perfect example 00:24:25 SPONSOR: Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at rula.com/giggab #rulapod00:26:12 Creating a social media system for your band An experiment: post every day for 2 months and see what happensLesson learned: go heavy for a shorter period of timeAlways be thinking about future content. Film, film, filmAI ReelsA/B testing 00:33:31 Creating side businesses to funnel and fuel Gale Bird00:35:00 Learning to collaborate on your own songs “The better a songwriter is at collaboration, the more successful they’ll be” 00:36:48 The Gale Bird formula Can play as a duo or a full band or anything in between. 00:38:39 Respecting skillsets Sean shines in the studio: plays all the instruments except drumsJoshua shines on stage: sings, plays acoustic guitar, and has excellent stage presence 00:44:05 …and managing pride00:44:27 Gear Gab00:44:56 Fender and Guitar Center collaborated on a custom telecaster00:46:32 Sean went to a Kemper rig Wishlist: Kemper StageHipshot B-Bender 00:48:25 Behringer Wing Rack Mackie DL32SPRORECK Splitter Snakes 00:54:12 The stress of tech issues at soundcheck00:57:10 Gig Gab 511 Outtro Follow Gale Bird On IG @GaleBirdMusic Contact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagramfeedback@giggabpodcast.comSign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List The post From Hiatus to 250K Streams: The Gale Bird Story with Sean Monahan — Gig Gab 511 appeared first on Gig Gab.
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    59 m
  • Gig Wisdom & Scheduled Fun Time with Matt Musty of Train

    Gig Wisdom & Scheduled Fun Time with Matt Musty of Train
    Dec 1 2025
    Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look with Train’s drummer Matt Musty and host Dave Hamilton as they dive deep into gig wisdom, touring tips, and pro gear secrets. Learn why being on time, managing your role smartly, and balancing music, money, and the hang is essential for a successful music career. From handling days off and staying rested on the road to mastering in-ear monitors with creative mic setups, this episode is packed with actionable advice every touring musician needs. Always Be Performing with fresh insights that keep you inspired and ready for every show. Discover how Matt approaches touring with diplomacy, band dynamics, and staying connected to home life while on the road. Explore favorite microphones for perfect in-ear sound, how to avoid a sterile IEM mix, and the importance of scheduled fun time to keep social media engaging. Whether you’re a musician, live sound enthusiast, or fan of the tour life, this episode offers a masterclass in professionalism and passion to elevate your musical journey and keep your performance sharp night after night. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 510 – Monday, December 1st, 2025 December 1st: National Peppermint Bark DayGuest co-host: Matt Musty 00:02:22 Train continues to level up Train at Royal Albert HallTrain at Grand Ole Opry 00:03:40 Waking up the singer ten minutes before the gig!00:06:10 Gig Advice from Musty: Be On Time00:08:46 I’m not ever the guy who hangs around My job’s done 00:10:09 Managing your opinion00:11:16 The long game of diplomacy is the key to a successful career The gig philosophy, 2 out of 3 aint bad: MusicMoneyHang 00:15:51 Days off are tough on the band and crew00:18:26 The risk of hanging out with your road-hosts after the gig Prioritizing sleep on the road 00:23:42 The Zen of the connection between you and your gear The no-soundcheck days 00:28:48 PODCAST: Album Archives. Count down The Top 300 Albums of All Time — one record at a time — with Album Archives | The Vault of Music History.00:29:46 IEM Talk! Sometimes a broken sealIdeas for avoiding a sterile IEM mix Matt put a “crotch mic in place: a Beyer M160 underneath the snare to grab the sound of the kit and put it through some reverb with compression AFTER the reverbAudience MicsAdding reverb to the drums and vocal mics Play every song like it’s the first time. Be inspired! 00:41:39 Finding the right microphones to capture your instrument for your in-ears Transparent mics like the Earthworks ETHOS on guitar amps or the Earthworks SR20-Gen2 on drum overheads 00:44:37 Favorite snare drum mics Beyerdynamic M201Telefunken M80Earthworks DM17 00:49:31 The short version of the Earthworks story00:51:15 Keeping a connection to home while on the road00:52:30 Enjoying the spoils of a high-level tour00:56:42 Being recognized for your job00:59:10 A quick social media discussion Scheduled Fun TimeGaby from Crush Management 01:02:48 Gig Gab 510 Outtro Find Matt Musty On IG @MattMusty Contact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagramfeedback@giggabpodcast.comSign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List The post Gig Wisdom & Scheduled Fun Time with Matt Musty of Train — Gig Gab 510 appeared first on Gig Gab.
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