How much weight do you assign to the enjoyment factor when deciding whether or not to take — and how much to charge for — a gig you’re offered? One of Paul’s bands has been leveraging this, and one of his bandmates has an amazing quote about it that you’re going to want to hear! Listen as Dave and Paul dig into Read more…
In this week’s episode, Dave and Paul dive deep into the challenges musicians face when putting a substitute musician on stage, delving into the nuances of finding a reliable sub for extended periods.. The hosts also explore the concept of truly “knowing” a song, highlighting the dedication and depth of understanding required to deliver a truly exceptional performance. Respect in Read more…
In this episode, Dave and Paul explore a diverse range of topics, from loud crowds to reminiscing about the COVID era. They also delve into the fascinating realm of band dynamics and take an exclusive peek behind the scenes of Natalie Merchant’s current tour. Additionally, discover some exceptional gear recommendations that can enhance your musical journey. So, let’s dive into Read more…
Welcome to the Gig Gab podcast, hosted by Dave Hamilton and Paul Kent. In this episode, they discuss vocal warm-ups, email marketing, and microphone reviews. Let’s dive into the details. Vocal Warm-Ups At the beginning of the podcast, Dave and Paul talk about the importance of vocal warm-ups before a performance. Paul recommends the straw training technique, which uses negative Read more…
The NAMM conference is the ultimate destination for music enthusiasts and professionals alike. In this week’s episode of GigGab Podcast, hosts Dave Hamilton and Paul Kent are joined by guest Dan East to discuss his recent experience at NAMM 2023. The hosts begin the show by acknowledging that NAMM is simply NAMM, and yet, it always manages to bring a Read more…
When was the last time you just hung out as a band? When bands are touring, this happens all the time. Wedding bands often find themselves spending more time hanging out than playing, just because of the way the schedules often work at those kinds of events. But most bands will get together to rehearse and play gigs…what about spending Read more…
Welcome back, Gig Gab listeners! In this week’s episode, your two favorite weekend warriors, Dave Hamilton and Paul Kent, dive into a musical journey that spans centuries and explores the exciting innovations shaping the future of the music industry. Happy 400th Birthday, Zildjian! We kick off the episode by celebrating a monumental milestone: Zildjian’s 400th birthday. The company, renowned for Read more…
Have you ever wondered why the stage holds such a special place in the hearts of musicians? Join two of the most passionate weekend warriors around as they delve into this topic and explore ways to protect this hallowed ground. But that’s not all! Dave found himself in a sticky ethical situation recently, and he and Paul share their thoughts Read more…
What do you do to ensure you’re always able to entertain an audience? Performing is great, but entertaining is the goal. Listen as your two favorite weekend warriors talk through this from a few different angles, both as performers and as audience members. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about the songs you select! Then Dave shares a few aspects of Read more…
Sometimes Paul says, “Always Be Performing.” Ok, he always says that. This time, though, Paul says, “Raise Your Damned Prices!” As working musicians, we need to figure out how to raise our baseline pay. Sure, some of us have figured it out for our specific gigs, and obviously the touring industry has figured it out. But the club gigs are Read more…