
406 episodes

Gig Gab - The Working Musicians' Podcast Paul Kent & Dave Hamilton
-
- Music
-
-
4.9 • 41 Ratings
-
Wanna talk shop with your musical buddies? Look no further than GigGab! Each week Paul Kent and Dave Hamilton come to you sharing their gigging experiences, tips and tricks learned, and interviews with other weekend warriors and pros.
-
Changes Are Afoot
In this week’s episode of Gig Gab with Paul Kent and Dave Hamilton, the duo dives into the evolving landscape of the music scene, particularly focusing on how musicians are adapting to today’s world. They touch on the unexpected cancellations of Christmas gigs, stirring a conversation about the resilience and adaptability required in the ever-changing world of music.
The conversation then shifts to an intriguing discussion about the future of cover bands and tribute bands. They ponder over what bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Lynyrd Skynyrd will mean to cover bands in ten years. The segment on tribute bands, featuring groups like Lotus Land, Foreigners Journey, and Dark Desert Eagles, highlights the enduring appeal of these iconic acts. They conclude with insights on personal growth through playing different instruments, discuss some exciting changes ahead for Gig Gab itself, emphasizing the show’s mantra: Always Be Performing.
00:00:00 Gig Gab 406 – Tuesday, December 5th, 2023
00:00:39 Adapting to the quiet
00:01:56 Christmas (gig) is CANCELED
00:03:51 What will cover bands be in ten years?
The Beatles
The Rolling Stones
Lynyrd Skynyrd
00:16:26 What about Tribute Bands
Beatlemania
Foreigners Journey
Dark Desert Eagles
Eaglemania
Lotus Land
Being Petty
00:27:30 Changes are afoot!
00:37:32 Inspiration from Playing a Different Kit
00:39:00 GG 406 Outtro
Contact Us!
feedback@giggabpodcast.com
Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List -
Ventriloquism is Art
In this week’s Gig Gab, Paul Kent and Dave Hamilton start with a dive into the nuances of performing solo gigs. They discuss the importance of honing your skills, reading the room, and choosing the right material to resonate with your audience. Emphasizing that a solo gig isn’t just about the performance; it’s about the art that emerges from having the discipline to manage everything on your own. They also revisit the iconic MTV Unplugged series, highlighting its impact on music and performance. Remember, even if you don’t immediately win over your audience, don’t sweat it in the moment – instead, always be performing!
Your two favorite weekend warriors compare the dynamics of duos and trios, exploring gigs in private, often smoky clubs like biker bars and VFW halls, where everyone knows each other and the atmosphere is laid back and easy-going. Then it’s time for gear gab, where the gear talk gets real as they review Audigo’s pocket-sized recording studio, debate the quality of wireless vs. wired equipment, and discuss the range of microphone quality, mentioning brands like Shure, Telefunken, Heil, Sennheiser, and Warm Audio. The episode wraps up with a look at Ray-Ban Meta Glasses, an intriguing tool for artists, offering capabilities like live-streaming straight from your glasses…if you can hold still!
Press play and enjoy, folks!
00:00:00 Gig Gab 405 – Tuesday, November 28th, 2023
00:01:43 The experience of a solo gig
Working on your chops
Reading the room
Don’t sweat (in the moment) if you don’t go over well
The discipline of everything being on your shoulders evolves into an expression of art
Learning to play the right material…and learning the material!
Revisiting MTV Unplugged
00:10:37 Duos vs. Trios
00:13:06 Gigs in Private (Smoky) Clubs
Inexpensive Drinks
Everyone knows each other
Laid back, blue-collar vibe
Example: Biker Bars, Elks Clubs, American Legion, VFW Halls
00:21:22 Where’s the Meritocracy
Is it musical? No. It’s drink sales!
Gear Gab!
00:29:01 Review: Audigo – Pocket-sized recording studio. Single mic: $219, and you can use up-to-four at once
00:33:59 The Quality Wireless vs. Wired
00:37:06 Microphone Quality Range. Is a $900 mic better than a $250 mic?
Shure SM58
Telefunken M80
Heil PR37
Sennheiser e945 (used at Monkey Fist rehearsal)
Warm Audio WA-251
00:44:04 Ray-Ban Meta Glasses – $299 (and up)
Pictures, Video, and Live-Streaming from your Glasses
Ventriloquism is Art
00:48:48 Gig Gab 405 Outtro
Contact Us!
feedback@giggabpodcast.com
Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List -
Musical Plumbers
Dive into the evolving world of bands with the latest Gig Gab podcast, exploring the critical theme of ‘Evolving Bands’ and the importance of defining your band’s unique identity. Hosts Paul Kent and Dave Hamilton engage in a thought-provoking discussion on why curiosity is crucial for musical growth and how understanding who you are as a band can significantly impact your musical journey. They also delve into the practical aspects of the music world, discussing the strategic decision-making involved in turning down gigs and the tools essential for managing band availability, like WheresTheGig?, Google Calendar and Slack. This segment is a must-listen for musicians navigating the complexities of gig schedules and collaborations.
Your two favorite weekend warriors then pivot to explore what it means to be a professional musician in today’s world. They discuss the dynamics of subbing in bands and the expectation of equal shares in such scenarios, likening musicians to ‘Musical Plumbers’ who are always ready to adapt and perform. The concept of a ‘Fantasy Houserockers League’ adds a playful twist to the conversation, emphasizing the versatility required in the music industry. Additionally, the episode sheds light on the less glamorous but essential ‘Wallpaper Gigs’ and the invaluable experiences they provide.
The highlight of the episode is the discussion on the benefits and energy derived from playing club gigs, with a special mention of ‘Toad’s Place The Documentary’. This insightful episode concludes with a reminder of the show’s catchphrase, “Always Be Performing,” emphasizing the essence of live performance and collaboration in the music industry.
00:00:00 Gig Gab 404 – Monday, November 20th, 2023
00:01:11 Evolving bands
Curious is Good
00:03:30 Who Are You? (as a band)
00:12:43 Turning Down Good Gigs
00:17:24 Managing Availability
Where’s The Gig?
Google Calendar
Slack
00:23:24 Dan-Mutual Cancelation Clauses
00:27:53 Avid Listener-I Expect An Equal Share When Subbing
Musical Plumbers
00:35:58 What’s a Pro? (Redux)
I’ll Sub For You If You Play Songs I Know
Fantasy Houserockers League
00:39:22 Wallpaper Gigs
00:43:10 Toad’s Place The Documentary
The benefits of — and energy from — playing club gigs
00:48:49 How you learn to be a band
00:52:59 GG 404 Outtro
Happy Thanksgiving!
Contact Us!
feedback@giggabpodcast.com
Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List
-
Keeping It Equitable with Christopher "High C" Breen
This week on Gig Gab, you’re diving deep with Paul Kent, Dave Hamilton, and their special guest, Chris Breen, a seasoned maestro in the music scene. Having played with his band, System 9, since 1985 — and having played quite a bit before that, too — Chris has a fun, observant perspective to share. Oh, and he also played for naked people, so there’s that.
Your three favorite weekend warriors cover the fairness of compensating subs, the arc of live music’s popularity, and the technicalities and nuances of maintaining volume levels. Breen shares insights on handling difficult people at gigs and the thrill of hitting that high C in “Whipping Post.” Throughout these revelations, the underlying mantra remains the same: “Always Be Performing.” Whether it’s managing band relationships or crafting the perfect sound, it’s all about delivering a stellar performance, no matter the circumstances. Press play and enjoy, folks!
00:00:00 Gig Gab 403 – Monday, November 13th, 2023
00:02:05 Special Guest: Christopher Breen
Pack it Down and then Explode
System Nine (Since 1985!)
00:03:56 Musical Education
00:09:24 In-Ear Monitor Pioneer
00:13:04 Three weird gigs in one!
00:20:28 DJ Killed the (Local) Rock and Roll Star
00:25:08 Bands at High School Dances
00:28:11 Make People’s Jobs Easier
00:29:30 Keep it Equitable
00:33:07 Paying for Subs
00:38:59 A little bit of band love
00:41:12 Creating Moods with Piano
00:44:11 Favorite Gear
Nord Stage 2
QSC 12”
00:48:03 Maintaining a Reasonable Volume
00:52:41 Hitting That High C in Whipping Post
Whipping Post from the Macworld All-Star Band
01:00:00 Managing People Behaving Badly
01:10:13 GG 402 Outtro
ChrisBreen.com
Contact Us!
feedback@giggabpodcast.com
Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List -
Clubbing Seals
In this week’s Gig Gab, Paul Kent and Dave Hamilton embrace the holiday spirit with a discussion about the unique challenges and opportunities that Christmas gigs bring to your musical journey. Keep your performance fresh with insights from Good and learn how rebranding your band, like Clubbing Fraggles did, might just be the edge you need. Additionally, your two favorite weekend warriors dig into the idea of commoditization in the world of custom-fit in-ear monitors and how that’s shaking up the industry.
Then it’s time for Gear Gab, staring with the new iCloud syncing feature added to forScore, and Behringer BA 19A Boundary Kick Drum Mic that’s changing the game for drummers. More commoditization! Get the lowdown on the new Whirlwind PW-1 Headphone Amp for your IEMs and make sure you check out Logic Pro 10.8’s Mastering Assistant that could elevate your recording sessions. Plus, don’t miss out on Stage Ninja’s new heavy-duty mounts that ensure your tech is always where you need it on the gig. Through it all, remember the mantra that sets every great musician apart: Always Be Performing.
00:00:00 Gig Gab 402 – Tuesday, November 7th, 2023
00:01:08 Getting ear impressions done
Alclair IEMs on Gig Gab
00:05:18 The commoditization of custom-fit In-Ear Monitors
00:11:20 Christmas Gigs and Holiday Parties
Dallas Corbin’s Heartland Radio
00:18:36 SPONSOR: Factor, America’s #1 Ready-To-Eat Meal Kit, can help you fuel up fast with flavorful and nutritious ready-to-eat meals delivered straight to your door. Visit FactorMeals.com/giggab50 and use code giggab50 for 50% off!
00:20:18 Gord-400-I rebranded my band!
00:24:58 The exercise in proving yourself right
00:26:25 Find guys who don’t somewhere else to go!
00:28:23 Being in a band is a team sport
Gear Gab!
00:36:37 Brian-forScore has iCloud Syncing Now!
00:38:33 CSF-Behringer BA 19A Boundary Kick Drum Mic
Behringer B906 Guitar Cab Microphone
00:44:46 n-Dan-Whirlwind PW-1 Headphone Amp
00:48:47 CSF-Logic Pro 10.8 adds Mastering Assistant
00:50:15 New Stage Ninja Phone Pro and Heavy Duty Phone Mount Clamps
00:52:08 GG 402 Outtro
Contact Us!
feedback@giggabpodcast.com
Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List -
Alclair Custom IEMs: Affordable Quality
Dive deep with Andy Swanson of Alclair In Ears as he takes you on a sonic journey, discussing these high-quality, affordable custom IEMs. Feel the passion of playing in the gaps, the lessons from Andy’s leap into the corporate world at big names like Nintendo, and the importance of sharing music with the next generation.
Uncover the ins and outs of Alclair’s premium earpieces, from the deep resonating CMVK to the versatile Spire. And for all the tech-savvy, there’s a treat about EQing rooms for that perfect Gospel and R&B sound, the magic of ear impressions versus scans, and a deep dive into the world of audio drivers.
In your musical journey, remember to “Always Be Performing”. Whether you’re on stage or just sharing a tune, let your performance be your signature.
00:00:00 Gig Gab 401 – Monday, October 30th, 2023
00:02:19 Andy Swanson from Alclair In Ears
Rap with Aerosmith to The Beastie Boys
Primus’s Les Claypool
Flea (“Give it away now”)
Robert Trujllo (from Metallica and Infectious Grooves)
00:07:07 Playing the spaces to create the feel
00:09:32 Diving into the Corporate World…and back
Producer at Nintendo
Digital Audio Labs
00:11:55 Sharing music with your kids
00:16:12 Alclair In Ears
Alclair CMVK (Crankmaster 5000) (down to 10hz!) $749
Dual XB (Dual Driver) – $399
Spire (Six Driver) – $899
00:28:37 Comparing Dual-Driver units
Versa Dual vs. Dual XB
Give yourself the Disco Smile!
00:31:02 EQing a room for Gospel and R&B with High-Pass and Low-Pass filters
00:32:16 Compare Sounds
00:35:21 SPONSOR: Bandzoogle — Listeners can go to Bandzoogle.com to try it free for 30 days, and use the promo code “giggabpod” to get 15% off the first year of any subscription.
ST3 (Triple Driver) – $549
00:37:06 Impressions vs. Ear scans
Mark and Rick Musselman of Matrics, Alclair’s Parent Company
The Bite Block Controversy
00:58:11 Drivers: Types and Numbers
Balanced Armature
Dynamic Drivers
Spire (four low, one mid, one high)
01:07:42 GG 401 Outtro
Contact Us!
feedback@giggabpodcast.com
Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List
Customer Reviews
Consummate pros with great advice and stories
I’ve known Dave and Paul for a number of years and remember when Paul came to me to ask what I thought of the idea he and Dave had for this podcast. Both are outstanding musicians and great people. The information they’ve put into Gig Gab is truly impressive. If you’re a working musician or someone who is just morbidly curious about what goes into putting live music on a stage, you’ll love this podcast. Topics they share are truly insightful and entertaining. Keep up the good work guys!
Yep
The only thing better than movies, is music. This is one of our favorite music podcasts, full of great conversations and content.
Best Band Show
I’ve been listening to these two for a few years, and when I first found them I marathoner all the older shows. It’s the best podcast out there about being in a band. Yes, at times one of them gets a little long-winded, and while at first it was distracting, I have realized it is perfect, and I love it because he always talks about something we all can related to as musicians in a working band. Love the show. It’s my favorite podcast.