Cover Band Confidential's Podcast

Coverband Confidential
  • 4.8 (91)
  • MUSIC COMMENTARY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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!

  1. How Musicians Should (and shouldn't) Use AI

    5D AGO

    How Musicians Should (and shouldn't) Use AI

    Mike came back with receipts!After running his set list through AI last episode, he took the feedback, rewired his show, and played to 2,000 people — crowd went wild. That's the whole argument right there.From there, Adam and Dan dig into the AI conversation every cover band musician is quietly having: is it a tool or a threat? Turns out the answer is pretty much "neither, if you're doing it wrong." They break down how band leaders are already drowning in the operational stuff — booking, socials, follow-up emails — and how AI can quietly handle a chunk of that so you can save your brain for the actual show.Plus: a Facebook comment section implosion, a guy who AI-jihadist'd his way out of an opening slot, and the best  ⁨@ScottUhlMusic⁩ mic drop of all time.Links:-*Dolly Parton's America:* https://www.npr.org/podcasts/765024913/dolly-parton-s-america-*Sweetwater (Supports the show)*: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/3kA26B-*BACTrack Affiliate Link*: https://www.bactrack.com/coverbandconfidential  *MaestroDMX (10% off discount link)*: https://maestrodmx.com/discount/DISCOUNT4CBC?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fmaestrodmx*Blank Contracts & Riders*: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/performance-contracts*Backing Track Resources*: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/backing-track-resourcesThank you so much for tuning in!  If you want to help be sure to like, subscribe and share with your friends!  Linktree: linktr.ee/adampatrickjohnson                linktr.ee/coverbandconfidentialFollow us on Instagram!@coverbandconfidential@adampatrickjohnson@danraymusicianIf you have any questions please email at:Coverbandconfidential@gmail.comConsider supporting us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/coverbandconfidentialOr buy us a cup of coffee!paypal.me/cbconfidentialAnd for more info check out www.coverbandconfidential.comGear Used in this Video (Affiliate):Sony ZV-E10 Mirrorless Camera: https://amzn.to/3DBqtOyElgato Prompter: https://amzn.to/3X3IAq8 Shure SM7B: https://amzn.to/4dDCJx0 Elgato Stream Deck XL: https://amzn.to/3gKjhqiMagic Arm Camera Friction Mount: https://amzn.to/3SK5yNk00:00 Welcome & Catsup05:26 Giveaway and links07:42 Band logistics changes09:12 Conference cover band gig12:58 Setlist recap success15:04 Why talk about AI?19:23 AI as analyst tool21:27 Setlist As Data22:28 AI For Band Ops23:21 Avoid Soulless AI24:51 Prompting And Tools28:26 Booking Email Workflow30:17 AI As Bandmate36:47 Starter Setlist Prompt38:31 Anti AI Backlash39:45 Final Takeaways40:54 Community Call To Action43:25 Wrap And Sign Off

    45 min
  2. ChatGPT absolutely ROASTED our set list (Featuring Mike Schulte of The Pork Tornadoes)

    FEB 27

    ChatGPT absolutely ROASTED our set list (Featuring Mike Schulte of The Pork Tornadoes)

    We fed a real two-hour cover band set list into ChatGPT… and it absolutely roasted it.Mike from  @PorkTornadoes and  @ConfusedBreakfast has been building this show for 15 years. We dumped the full thing — tempos, singers, closers, all of it — into a GPT thread trained on a year of our cover band philosophy.The verdict?“It’s a playlist, not a show.”“You’re programming like a musician, not a psychologist.”“Protect the dance floor at all costs.”And honestly… it wasn’t wrong.This episode is for anyone who writes set lists, plays in multi-singer bands, or cares about how energy actually moves through a room. We get into emotional arcs, genre clustering, why fairness can kill momentum, and how to actually use AI as a creative tool instead of a gimmick.---### What we get into:* The closer debate: **Mr. Brightside** vs. **Lose Yourself*** Why “slow songs need runway”* BPM brick walls and mid-set energy crashes* Country clustering vs. demographic pinball* Engineering the perfect photo-op peak* The nuclear run and where your biggest weapons actually belong* Fairness vs. emotional inevitability in multi-singer bands* Using AI as a rut-buster (not a replacement for taste)There’s also a brief mid-episode emergency when Adam’s kid takes a headshot at recess. He’s fine. Scalp wounds just bleed like Tarantino directed them.If you build set lists for a living — or even just obsess over them — this one might mess with your philosophy a little.Protect the dance floor.Sweetwater Affilate Link: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/xJE4rk BACTrack Affiliate Link: https://www.bactrack.com/coverbandconfidential  MaestroDMX (10% off discount link): https://maestrodmx.com/discount/DISCOUNT4CBC?redirect=%2Fproducts%2FmaestrodmxBlank Contracts & Riders: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/performance-contractsBacking Track Resources: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/backing-track-resourcesThank you so much for tuning in!  If you want to help be sure to like, subscribe and share with your friends!  Linktree: linktr.ee/adampatrickjohnson                linktr.ee/coverbandconfidentialFollow us on Instagram!@coverbandconfidential@adampatrickjohnson@danraymusicianIf you have any questions please email at:Coverbandconfidential@gmail.comConsider supporting us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/coverbandconfidentialOr buy us a cup of coffee!paypal.me/cbconfidentialAnd for more info check out www.coverbandconfidential.comGear Used in this Video (Affiliate):Sony ZV-E10 Mirrorless Camera: https://amzn.to/3DBqtOyElgato Prompter: https://amzn.to/3X3IAq8 Shure SM7B: https://amzn.to/4dDCJx0 Elgato Stream Deck XL: https://amzn.to/3gKjhqiMagic Arm Camera Friction Mount: https://amzn.to/3SK5yNk

    58 min
  3. Business vs Friendship: Do We Fire Our Injured Singer?

    FEB 20

    Business vs Friendship: Do We Fire Our Injured Singer?

    What do you do when your lead singer can’t physically perform… but he’s your friend of 15 years?In this clip, we break down a real listener dilemma:A founding member and frontman is dealing with serious health issues. He’s struggling on stage. Summer weddings and private events are booked. Expectations are high.Do you protect the brand?Do you protect the friendship?Is an ultimatum ever the right move in a working cover band?We talk through:• Band leadership and hard conversations• Business vs friendship in a cover band• How to handle declining performance• Adding members vs firing someone• Compassion vs protecting your reputation• Real-world musician conflict resolutionIf you’re in a wedding band, corporate band, or long-running cover band, this is one of the toughest scenarios you’ll ever face.Drop your thoughts in the comments — what would YOU do?📩 Got a band problem you want us to unpack?CoverBandConfidential@gmail.comBACTrack: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT9eLaV9h2eFf-wRT9U/Lyrically Correct: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT9eLa7GCGANC-py279/ MaestroDMX (10% off discount link): https://maestrodmx.com/discount/DISCOUNT4CBC?redirect=%2Fproducts%2FmaestrodmxBlank Contracts & Riders: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/performance-contractsBacking Track Resources: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/backing-track-resourcesThank you so much for tuning in!  If you want to help be sure to like, subscribe and share with your friends!  Linktree: linktr.ee/adampatrickjohnson                linktr.ee/coverbandconfidentialFollow us on Instagram!@coverbandconfidential@adampatrickjohnson@danraymusicianIf you have any questions please email at:Coverbandconfidential@gmail.comConsider supporting us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/coverbandconfidentialOr buy us a cup of coffee!paypal.me/cbconfidentialAnd for more info check out www.coverbandconfidential.comGear Used in this Video (Affiliate):Sony ZV-E10 Mirrorless Camera: https://amzn.to/3DBqtOyElgato Prompter: https://amzn.to/3X3IAq8 Shure SM7B: https://amzn.to/4dDCJx0 Elgato Stream Deck XL: https://amzn.to/3gKjhqiMagic Arm Camera Friction Mount: https://amzn.to/3SK5yNk00:00 An Anonymous Email That Hits Close to Home00:51 Listener Story: Cover Band’s Singer Is Struggling to Perform02:07 First Reactions: Compassion vs. ‘Fix It or You’re Out’06:46 Accommodations That Could Save the Summer (Stool, Set Splits, Expectations)08:08 Health Reality Check: When Performing Might Need to Pause09:01 Community Takes: Intervention, Privilege, and Real Support14:08 Practical Contingency Plans: Add a Member, Change Roles, Keep Identity15:38 How to Have the Talk: Ditch the Ultimatum, Lead With Concern17:48 Protect the Friendship (and the Band): Fallout, Reputation, and Drama22:12 Wrap-Up: Write In, Tell Us What We Missed, and Good Luck

    36 min
  4. You've Been Practicing WRONG Your Whole Life (Here's Why)

    FEB 13

    You've Been Practicing WRONG Your Whole Life (Here's Why)

    This week, we start off with a shoutout to the Seahawks, some chatter about finding team merch in Atlanta, and a big thank you to fans for their support. We also dig into the epic Super Bowl halftime show, featuring a surprise wedding by Bad Bunny. Then, we dive into some game-changing tips on how short breaks can speed up your learning, backed by brain science. Plus, updates on new gear like Maestro DMX 1.5 and Ableset 3, and exciting news about hitting 2.4 million YouTube views and our Sweetwater NAMM House giveaway!You don’t want to miss this one—grab your headphones and let’s get into it!NAMM HOUSE LINK: https://www.sweetwater.com/shop/namm-house/ MaestroDMX (10% off discount link): https://maestrodmx.com/discount/DISCOUNT4CBC?redirect=%2Fproducts%2FmaestrodmxBlank Contracts & Riders: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/performance-contractsBacking Track Resources: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/backing-track-resourcesThank you so much for tuning in!  If you want to help be sure to like, subscribe and share with your friends!  Linktree: linktr.ee/adampatrickjohnson                linktr.ee/coverbandconfidentialFollow us on Instagram!@coverbandconfidential@adampatrickjohnson@danraymusicianIf you have any questions please email at:Coverbandconfidential@gmail.comConsider supporting us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/coverbandconfidentialOr buy us a cup of coffee!paypal.me/cbconfidentialAnd for more info check out www.coverbandconfidential.comGear Used in this Video (Affiliate):Sony ZV-E10 Mirrorless Camera: https://amzn.to/3DBqtOyElgato Prompter: https://amzn.to/3X3IAq8 Shure SM7B: https://amzn.to/4dDCJx0 Elgato Stream Deck XL: https://amzn.to/3gKjhqiMagic Arm Camera Friction Mount: https://amzn.to/3SK5yNk

    27 min
  5. Why Your Band Can’t Keep a Lineup (And How to Fix It)

    FEB 6

    Why Your Band Can’t Keep a Lineup (And How to Fix It)

    In this episode, Adam and Dan dive into the ups and downs of forming and leading a successful band, using the struggles of a listener named Luke as a case study. Luke, who runs a metal project called Elk Hunter, shares his issues with finding a committed guitarist and managing band dynamics. (https://open.spotify.com/artist/7GypVm2Y84fTp3wxJSjBpe) The guys give some solid advice on setting expectations, pre-screening potential band members, and figuring out what makes a gig attractive to new members. They also get real about the challenges of keeping a stable lineup. Tune in for a down-to-earth chat about band leadership, musician commitment, and more.MaestroDMX (10% off discount link): https://maestrodmx.com/discount/DISCOUNT4CBC?redirect=%2Fproducts%2FmaestrodmxBlank Contracts & Riders: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/performance-contractsBacking Track Resources: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/backing-track-resourcesThank you so much for tuning in!  If you want to help be sure to like, subscribe and share with your friends!  Linktree: linktr.ee/adampatrickjohnson                linktr.ee/coverbandconfidentialFollow us on Instagram!@coverbandconfidential@adampatrickjohnson@danraymusicianIf you have any questions please email at:Coverbandconfidential@gmail.comConsider supporting us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/coverbandconfidentialOr buy us a cup of coffee!paypal.me/cbconfidentialAnd for more info check out www.coverbandconfidential.comGear Used in this Video (Affiliate):Sony ZV-E10 Mirrorless Camera: https://amzn.to/3DBqtOyElgato Prompter: https://amzn.to/3X3IAq8 Shure SM7B: https://amzn.to/4dDCJx0 Elgato Stream Deck XL: https://amzn.to/3gKjhqiMagic Arm Camera Friction Mount: https://amzn.to/3SK5yNk

    32 min
  6. NAMM 2026 Recap (Gear Highlights and Event Insights)

    JAN 30

    NAMM 2026 Recap (Gear Highlights and Event Insights)

    In this episode, Adam and Dan discuss their recent travels, highlighting their experiences during an unexpected ice storm and a trip to Disney. Adam then dives into the recent NAMM show, sharing insights on standout instruments, pedals, and gear that caught his eye. Highlights include the innovative offerings from Traveler Guitar, Rip Custom Guitars, and Epiphone's latest inspired by line. He also mentions utilitarian tools from companies like B-Beat and Behringer that could streamline live shows for musicians. Tune in for all the gear talk you can handle  and check out the full version on YouTube for all the videos! NAMM HOUSE GIVEAWAY: https://www.sweetwater.com/shop/namm-house/MaestroDMX (10% off discount link): https://maestrodmx.com/discount/DISCOUNT4CBC?redirect=%2Fproducts%2FmaestrodmxBlank Contracts & Riders: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/performance-contractsBacking Track Resources: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/backing-track-resourcesThank you so much for tuning in!  If you want to help be sure to like, subscribe and share with your friends!  Linktree: linktr.ee/adampatrickjohnson                linktr.ee/coverbandconfidentialFollow us on Instagram!@coverbandconfidential@adampatrickjohnson@danraymusicianIf you have any questions please email at:Coverbandconfidential@gmail.comConsider supporting us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/coverbandconfidentialOr buy us a cup of coffee!paypal.me/cbconfidentialAnd for more info check out www.coverbandconfidential.comGear Used in this Video (Affiliate):Sony ZV-E10 Mirrorless Camera: https://amzn.to/3DBqtOyElgato Prompter: https://amzn.to/3X3IAq8 Shure SM7B: https://amzn.to/4dDCJx0 Elgato Stream Deck XL: https://amzn.to/3gKjhqiMagic Arm Camera Friction Mount: https://amzn.to/3SK5yNk

    28 min
  7. Why you should be doing tech rehearsals (And 5 ways to make sure they count)

    JAN 23

    Why you should be doing tech rehearsals (And 5 ways to make sure they count)

    Most bands treat gigs like tech rehearsals—and that’s backwards. In this episode, Adam and Dan break down five practical strategies (plus a bonus) to run tech rehearsals that actually improve your show instead of wasting time. From planning and setup to testing, automation, and contingency planning, this is a blueprint for smoother gigs and less stress. Topics Covered: - What tech rehearsals really are (and aren’t) - Why most bands skip them—and pay for it later - How to structure a productive tech rehearsal - Gain staging, monitors, and signal-chain fixes - Transitions, tracks, and automation - Practicing worst-case scenarios

    33 min
  8. 10 Things you're doing WRONG as a bandleader

    JAN 16

    10 Things you're doing WRONG as a bandleader

    In this episode,, Dan and I get a little uncomfortable—in a good way. We break down 10 leadership mistakes band leaders are making without even realizing it, and yeah… we’ve both been guilty of more than a few of them. We talk about why avoiding hard conversations doesn’t “keep the peace,” how assuming everyone in your band wants the same thing is a recipe for resentment, and why over-explaining decisions can quietly undermine your leadership. We also dig into the trap of doing everything yourself, protecting the wrong people, and forgetting that—like it or not—a band is also a product, not just a group of friends hanging out. This isn’t theory. It’s all stuff we’ve lived through: blown gigs, awkward conversations we should’ve had sooner, and lessons learned the hard way. If you’re running a band (or thinking about it), this episode is part reality check, part therapy session, and part “ouch… I needed that.” MaestroDMX (10% off discount link): https://maestrodmx.com/discount/DISCOUNT4CBC?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fmaestrodmx 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 help be sure to like, subscribe and share with your friends!   Linktree: linktr.ee/adampatrickjohnson                 linktr.ee/coverbandconfidential Follow us on Instagram! @coverbandconfidential @adampatrickjohnson @danraymusician If you have any questions please email at: Coverbandconfidential@gmail.com Consider supporting us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/coverbandconfidential Or buy us a cup of coffee! paypal.me/cbconfidential And for more info check out  www.coverbandconfidential.com Gear Used in this Video (Affiliate): Sony ZV-E10 Mirrorless Camera: https://amzn.to/3DBqtOy Elgato Prompter: https://amzn.to/3X3IAq8  Shure SM7B: https://amzn.to/4dDCJx0  Elgato Stream Deck XL: https://amzn.to/3gKjhqi Magic Arm Camera Friction Mount: https://amzn.to/3SK5yNk

    47 min
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About

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!

Information

  • Creator
    Coverband Confidential
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    420
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Coverband Confidential
  • Show Website
    Cover Band Confidential's Podcast

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