Gig Gab - The Working Musicians' Podcast Dave Hamilton & Friends

In this week’s episode of Gig Gab, Robert Scovill brings his wealth of live audio expertise to the show. As a front-of-house engineer for legendary acts like Tom Petty, Prince, Kenny Chesney, and Rush, Scovill shares the art of balancing sound in massive stadiums while ensuring the audience gets a crystal-clear experience, especially in the crucial front-fill zone. He emphasizes the importance of integrity, stating that “facts are not truth” in the quest to blend technical perfection with the creative essence of the artists. He advises managing the trade-offs inherent to audio mixing, as live music remains a visual art form where “Always Be Performing” is key. Scovill discusses managing sound for Kenny Chesney’s stadium tour and recounts working with Matchbox 20 on a silent stage, sharing how cell phone videos can be instrumental in helping to reveal potential audio issues.

Scovill dives deep into drum audio techniques, recommending starting with stereo overheads and advising against isolating the drums in an “aquarium.” He also explores his favorite microphones and explains why in-ear monitors (IEMs) have positively impacted performers.

Scovill wraps up with stories from touring with Rush and insights into beamforming technology at U2’s innovative Sphere shows. Throughout the episode, he remains open to ideas and resources, underscoring the importance maintaining audio integrity and continually refining one’s craft in pursuit of perfect live sound.

Press play and enjoy, folks…and always be performing!





00:00:00 Gig Gab 429 – Monday, May 13th, 2024



May 13th: National Apple Pie Day

Robert Scovill — FOH sound … for the rest of us! (That is, when we’ve gone to see Prince, Tom Petty, Rush, Jackson Browne, and nowadays Kenny Chesney!)





00:02:00 An Educator at his core

00:03:05 Importance of Integrity



Facts are Not Truth





00:06:33 This is Adult Audio – Doing Stadiums for the Kenny chesney Tour

00:08:18 Open to All Resources and ideas



Diction as a priority

Live Music is a Visual Art – Attendees Need TO See The Artist

45ft off the ground (vs. 25ft in arenas)





00:11:19 Making it sound good in front of the stage as it does everywhere else



The Front Fill Zone – Separate PA with different mix, panning, positioning

EAW Adaptive PA





00:16:16 The Technique of Mixing Right In Front of The Stage



Balance the stage first

“Audio is About Managing Trade-offs”

Making Petty Sound Good





00:24:33 Live stages… ampless vs. just drums



Silent Stages with Matchbox 20





00:26:58 Beware Room Reflections



Cell Phone Videos Will Highlight This





00:30:37 In-Ear Monitors… Because why not?



IEMs Affect Performers…Positively!



…so long as you can hear in an ensemble

…and don’t sing too quietly









00:35:34 Managing Drummers (and Singing Drummers)



Start with Stereo Overheads





00:39:34 Don’t Put the Drums in An Aquarium



It’s a Last Resort!

Drum Shields in The Sphere





00:41:56 U2 at The Sphere

00:44:20 Beamforming Sound at The Sphere



The Sphere Aronofsky Movie





00:46:54 Gear Gab: Microphones for Drums and Singing Drummers



a href="https://heilsound.

This week on Gig Gab, Mike Schulte returns for a lively discussion on the finesse of live performances band dynamics. He and Dave Hamilton kick off with a chat about “Playing ‘Less’ for More Money,” exploring how reducing the number of gigs you play can lead to greater impact and potentially higher pay. As they delve into the struggles musicians face, “The Waiting Is The Hardest Part” segment sheds light on the patience required in the industry, from waiting around for gigs to begin to mastering the interpersonal dynamics in your band. They also offer invaluable tips on achieving the best sound for your instruments in any room, emphasizing that great sound is key to a memorable performance—because you should always be performing.

Mike and Dave also address the delicate balance between a musician’s ego and the band’s overall sound in “Is Your Sound Part of Your Ego? Or Part of What’s Best For Your Band?” Here, they encourage musicians to make sound choices that serve the band’s best interests. The episode is peppered with practical advice, from managing stage equipment like cables and snakes efficiently to choosing the right gear like BFSD for snare drums and Smokin Ace Rectangular Cymbal Shields to enhance stage sound. For any musician looking to refine their craft and learn the ropes of effective stage management, this episode is packed with critical insights and tools to help you shine in your next gig.

Press play, enjoy, and always be performing!





00:00:00 Gig Gab 428 – Monday, May 6th, 2024



May 6th: International No Diet Day





00:03:47 Playing “Less” for More Money

00:05:48 All Good Things Will (Eventually?) Come to An End

00:11:08 The Waiting Is The Hardest Part



Britney Spears “Baby One More Time”





00:12:15 Check Your Attitude…Stop and Enjoy

00:16:45 Rehearsing a Musical

00:20:05 Getting Drums to Sound Good In a Room

00:22:10 Gear Gab: BFSD to muffle snare drums



Big Fat Five





00:24:28 Is Your Sound Part of Your Ego? Or Part of What’s Best For Your Band?



Field Of Dreams VIP Tent

Roland VAD Kit

Diezel Amps





00:29:29 Playing with Softer Hands

00:34:58 Make Your Sound Work For The Room



I Can’t Really Hear The Vocals





00:38:45 Gear Gab: Smokin Ace Rectangular Cymbal Shields



Telefunken M80

Heil PR37





00:44:55 Andy-Managing cables and snakes without CAT-SASS



Custom Loom from Pro Audio LA (With a Lifetime Warranty)

CAT-SASS





00:51:49 The Proper Way to Roll Cables



It’s Not Rats-Nestian





00:56:01 Gear Gab: Stage Ninja Mic-12-CB Microphone Clamp

00:58:45 Gig Gab 428 Outtro



Contact a href="https://www.instagram.com/mikeyschulte/?

In the latest episode of Gig Gab, you’ll catch Eric Jackson and Carlo Carluccio from Boston’s own Best Not Broken sharing their journey from cover band roots to rocking high-energy performances with a mix of originals and covers, including an unforgettable opening gig for Barry Goudreau’s Engine Room. They spill on mastering the art of self-promotion—think relentless social media engagement, eye-catching posters, and savvy online PR campaigns. It’s not just about music; it’s about creating a relatable product. So, dive deep into their strategies to build brand recognition, foster radio relationships, and keep the business side as sharp as their harmonies. Remember, always be performing.

Switching gears, the duo discusses the technical side of their shows, from managing setlists to incorporating tracks and clicks effectively—for them, just the drummer gets the click, no one else! They weave in crowd-pleasers like “Freebird” and “Don’t Fear The Reaper” alongside their hits like “Tell Me You Want Me,” creating a seamless blend that keeps the audience engaged (all while proving why the rhythm section is so crucial!).

Whether you’re navigating the challenges of promotion or the intricacies of performance management, take a leaf out of Best Not Broken’s playbook and keep the focus sharp: always be performing.





00:00:00 Gig Gab 427 – Monday, April 29th, 2024



April 29th: Poem In Your Pocket Day

Guests: Eric Jackson & Carlo Carluccio from Boston’s Best Not Broken

From a bicycle in Nashville to a car in New Hampshire

High-energy performance, tight harmonies, the clever inclusion of cover songs interspersed with originals, and opening for Barry Goudreau’s Engine Room (not to mention the crazy waves crashing!) caught my attention!





00:03:02 Started as a Cover Band

00:05:32 Some of their best songs are on their most recent release.



Best Not Broken’s Human Emotion





00:07:33 The Art of Self-Promotion



Spend some time on social media

Posters. Build Brand Recognition and Resume

Hire Promotion Help with Gig Money.

Treat it Like a Business

Online PR Campaign

Find Radio Stations

Build Relationships

Keep at it, and pay attention

INTERACT

Think about your product…it’s not just music. Make videos. Make something relatable.





00:13:18 Management Help?



Enoch Entertainment





00:14:19 Playing with Tracks (and a Click)



That’s Because We’re So Clever

No IEMs for Lead Singer

Click only for Drummer

“Too Hot To Operate”





00:19:51 Managing Setlists



Keeping the tracks effective and simple

Using the drum overhead as “stage wash”





00:22:50 Sneaking Covers Into Sets



Distracted By A Redheaded Air Drummer

“Freebird”

The Rhythm Section is the Most Important Part of The Band

“Don’t Fear The Reaper”

“Tell Me You Want Me” – Best Not Broken





00:27:06 Gig Gab 427 Outtro



Contact Best Not Broken

Contact Gig Gab!



@GigGabPodcast on Instagram

feedback@giggabpodcast.com

a href="https://www.giggabpodcast.

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

This week on Gig Gab, Dave Hamilton welcomes guest cohost Adam Moskowitz from VAM Band, diving deep into the essence of musicianship and leadership. Adam shares his unique perspective on structuring your band life around personal commitments, showcasing how he manages the VAM Band. The discussion peels back the layers on how the “Bandleader Advantage” can help you book gigs that fit seamlessly into your lifestyle, emphasizing the VAM Jam life where every performance counts. They touch upon the enriching experience the ingenious MySet Request App, enhancing gig interaction and fulfilling audience expectations—because, remember, you should always be performing.

Further, they explore the transformative insights gained from legendary performances, like Phish’s iconic Baker’s Dozen in 2017, and how these experiences can redefine your band’s approach to live shows, making each one a unique spectacle. Lessons from music giants like Paul McCartney and Flea are dissected to inspire musicians to transcend everyday gig logistics. The conversation shifts to practical tips on navigating the industry and the critical importance of protecting your rate turf. They wrap up with a focus on building a community around your band and reveal the creative origins of the VAM Band’s name, blending personal connections with dynamic musical expression.



Press play and enjoy, folks!



00:00:00 Gig Gab 425 – Monday, April 15th, 2024



April 15th: World Art Day

Guest Co-host: Adam Moskowitz from VAM Band





00:02:00 Heading back to the Bass(ics)!

00:04:22 The Bandleader Advantage



Book around YOUR life

VAM Jam life





00:08:45 SXSW Martin Scorcese’s Shine a Light Film from SXSW 2008

00:11:02 MySet Request App

00:16:51 The Experience of Seeing Phish



The Baker’s Dozen in 2017

Phish Boston Cream night





00:21:37 Relating Phish’s Lessons to Your Band



Making Each Show Unique





00:26:48 Demolishing The Fourth Wall — And Pulling Teeth

00:33:44 Learning from McCartney



Paul McCartney

Flea

Family Man Aston Barrett

Transcending The Logistics of The Moment





\00:38:19 Doing Gigs as a Front of House engineer

00:40:41 Always Be…Prepared

00:45:02 Pick Up Gig…A Story!



Never Do Live Math

Private Stock Band

Digging into The Reserves

“Here’s our asking price. If for some reason that doesn’t work for you, let’s chat.”

“I want to make sure I pay everyone well.”

“We were paid [x] recently…Does That Work For You?”

Protecting Your Rate Turf





01:03:04 Building Your Band’s Community



Musical Skydiving





01:10:28 Where did the name “VAM Band” come from?



Vibrant Audio Magic

Vivid Amplified Melodies

Velocity Anthem Makers

Very Awesome Music

Family First: Vicky Adam Melina





01:14:31 Gig Gab 425 Outtro



Contact Adam Moskowitz & The VAM Band

Contact Gig Gab!



@GigGabPodcast on Instagram

Dive deep into the essence of live music production with insights from Dave Cook and Lewis Fawcett of Area 52 Studios joining Dave Hamilton on Gig Gab. As they navigate the intricacies of creating the perfect in-ear monitor mix for artists like Natalie Merchant, they emphasize the delicate balance between clarity and ambiance. Incorporating ambient mics and reverb, while not forgetting the foundational elements of a solid mix, Dave Cook reminds us that to truly captivate an audience, one must “Always Be Performing” with an impeccable sound.

Their discussion extends beyond the technical, touching on the human elements of touring and recording, from the crucial hospitality towards artists to the mixed emotions of touring without loved ones. Lewis Fawcett, with a background enriched by family connections to Spymob and NER*D, shares some sage advice!

From road essentials like a dual-voltage collapsible kettle for that necessary coffee to favorite microphones that capture every nuance of performance, this episode is a treasure trove for those looking to refine their live sound or studio recordings, while always keeping the audience’s experience at the forefront.





00:00:00 Gig Gab 424 – Monday, April 8th, 2024



April 8th: Step Into The Spotlight Day

Guest Co-hosts: Dave Cook and Lewis Fawcett from Area 52 Studios

Last time was June, 2020 for Gig Gab 258





00:03:03 Dave on Mixing Monitors for Natalie Merchant



George Cowan was FOH

Dreamland Recording Studios

Keep Your Courage (Natalie Merchant, 2023)





00:08:55 Building an IEM Mix



Compromise and Get What You Need To Do The Gig

Ambient Mics

Add Reverb

Start with a good-sounding mix

Extra Kick-and-Snare





00:21:12 Lewis Fawcett



Logic vs. ProTools

Sophomore at Cornell College





00:24:01 The importance of hospitality

00:28:25 Lewis is part of the family



Eric Fawcett from Spymob and N*E*R*D





00:31:08 From Spymob to Pharrell



SXSW – Pat from The Black Keys: “The first  rule when you have a band is don’t break up the band. That’s the only rule.“





00:36:42 The Grinds and Benefits of Touring



The Guilt of Being in Amazing Places Without Your Family





00:43:49 Road Necessities



A bicycle

Dual-voltage collapsable kettle (for coffee)





00:45:58 Favorite Microphones



Roswell Pro Audio

Mini K47 Microphone

Royer SF-24 and 122-R

Laurie Anderson (and Lou Reed)

Sennheiser 441-U

Pyle Drum Microphones
...