Refreshments & Rapport with Train's Matt Musty Gig Gab - The Working Musicians' Podcast

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 “Drops of Jupiter” or navigating the unique demands of various venues like Blossom in Cleveland and Tanglewood in Massachusetts, Musty illustrates the essence of “Always Be Performing”. He stresses the importance of context, from the dynamics of performing live to understanding the subtleties of venue acoustics and audience vibes.

Navigating the complexities of tour life, including Matt’s time on the road with Jake Clemons on the S.S. Tina Turner bus, unveils a layer of touring rarely discussed— the social dynamics and unspoken rules like those governing the guest list. Tips from life on the road with musicians like Kacey Musgraves and interactions on the Grace Potter tour delve into the personal journeys artists undertake, blending professional commitments with personal evolution. Whether discussing the technical nuances of in-ear monitors or sharing a laugh about the quirks of tour bus life, the underlying mantra remains clear: wherever you are, and whatever you’re doing, “Always Be Performing”.





00:00:00 Gig Gab 426 – Monday, April 22nd, 2024



April 22nd: National Jellybean Day





00:01:20 Guest Co-host: Matt Musty from Train (and everywhere else!)



The epitome of the Working Musician. Train, Grace Potter, Keith Urban, Dhani Harrison, Gwen Stefani, Smash Mouth, and countless others.





00:03:14 Know which hat you’re putting on



A Creative Partnership

Shutting Up And Doing The Job

A Tool in Someone’s Toolkit

The Freedom with the click…and with session work





00:08:01 Playing “Drops of Jupiter” live

00:09:43 Honoring Neil Peart

00:12:09 Singers: You are in Missouri (not Kansas!)

00:12:39 Vet your tattoos with reverse image

00:14:27 Distinguishing Features of Venues



Blossom in Cleveland

Tanglewood in Massachusetts

Woodlands in Houston

Great Woods

Meadowbrook in Gilford, NH





00:20:07 Woodwork Day

00:21:22 The Unspoken Rules of The Guest List

00:27:55 On The Road with Jake Clemons in the S.S. Tina Turner



“If Your Bus Has a Name, Something’s Up”

Hypnotic Clambake’s “Unba”

Refreshments & Rapport





00:35:50 Tips from The Road



Kacey Musgraves Guitarist

Valley Famous Band with Jeff Babko

“No One’s Calling Me ‘Sir’”

Two Months with Train

The Importance of The Hang





00:42:33 Master Tour



Business Brain





00:44:04 Who is “Ali”?



Resynator Movie





00:45:51 Grace Potter Tour…leads to Romance!

00:50:29 In-Ear Therapy