Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast

Dave Hamilton & Friends
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Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast

Wanna talk shop with your musical buddies? Look no further than Gig Gab, The Working Musician's Podcast! Each week Dave Hamilton and friends come to you sharing their gigging experiences, tips and tricks learned, and interviews with other weekend warriors and pros.

  1. Sound Wisdom with Bryan "Froggy" Cross: IEMs, Mics, and More

    4 DAYS AGO

    Sound Wisdom with Bryan "Froggy" Cross: IEMs, Mics, and More

    In this episode, you dive deep into the world of sound with Bryan “Froggy” Cross, where being a bass player was just the start. Froggy shares how his journey starting with Maynard Ferguson and later, Tower of Power, led him from backline work to becoming a tour manager by 21. The key takeaway? Diversify your skills, learn from others, and keep faking it until you make it! With a foundation in audio production, Froggy emphasizes that you’re not producing records when you’re mixing a band live—you’re making them louder. Remember, Always Be Performing, because when you grow, the gigs will find you. From microphone mastery to In Ear Monitors (IEMs), Froggy breaks down how to craft the best sound on stage. Whether it’s using the Earthworks ETHOS on drum overheads or creating the perfect IEM mix with UE Live, it’s all about finding what works for you. Guitar players, you’re not left out—get the right mic on your cab, start with the guitar, and build your IEM sound from there. Be aware of the physics of sound, dig into frequencies, and never forget the power of a good phase check. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 450 – Monday, October 7th, 2024 October 7th: National LED Light Day 00:01:04 Guest Co-host: Bryan “froggy” Cross Being a bass player leads to getting into sound and production in college 00:02:11 Started with Maynard Ferguson 00:03:36 From mixing an artist to everything that it evolves into. Diversify Yourself Learn from other people 00:05:08 Fake it until you make it! Time to learn about compression! 00:07:27 Then to Tower of Power Back line to audio to production to…tour manager at 21 years old! 00:10:33 Toad’s Place PM1800 Console “You’re not producing a record out there, you’re making them louder.” Pussycat Dolls, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani Grow yourself and the gigs will come to you 00:12:40 The Earthworks ETHOS Overhead Drum Mic Doobie Brother’s Guitar Cabinets Michael McDonald’s Leslie 00:15:50 The SR117 being used for vocals, snare, and more! 00:17:39 Learn how to use microphones in LOTS of ways 00:18:16 Use IEMs at the beginning 00:20:50 Finding the best In Ear Monitors for yourself UE Live – Froggy’s Favorite Current IEM Think about the size of your ear, what sounds good. Future Sonics with the one Dynamic Driver 00:26:39 Creating the best IEM mix 00:31:08 Monitor advice for guitar players Put the right mic on the cabinet… Earthworks ETHOS makes another appearance! Earthworks SR20gen2 – Drum overheads 00:35:57 More monitor advice for guitar players Start with the guitar Adds drums, bass, vocal to taste “Have it your way” 00:38:43 Be aware of physics Learn what frequencies come back with bone conduction Dig out 200-600Hz to compensate Think about 1ms per foot delay

    47 min
  2. From The Jackson Five to Shaun Cassidy: Bob LeVitus’ Untold Tales of Touring Legends

    SEP 30

    From The Jackson Five to Shaun Cassidy: Bob LeVitus’ Untold Tales of Touring Legends

    Ever wondered what it’s like to tour with music legends? This episode of Gig Gab takes you behind the scenes with Bob “Doctor Mac” LeVitus, a tech author and former roadie for the Jackson 5 and Shaun Cassidy. Bob LeVitus, who has authored 92 books on technology, shares his unique journey from aspiring recording engineer to working alongside iconic musicians. With a background in audio and touring production, Bob’s stories are both entertaining and insightful. In this episode, Bob recounts his early days with the Jackson 5, including the thrill of managing stage lights at the Inglewood Forum and the chaos of Michael Jackson’s spontaneous stage antics. He also delves into his time as a guitar tech for Shaun Cassidy, revealing the behind-the-scenes dynamics of a major tour. Listeners will also hear about Bob’s transition into writing, his passion for GarageBand, and the unexpected paths his career has taken. Remember, in the world of music and beyond, it’s crucial to “Always Be Performing.” Tune in to discover untold stories of rock and roll history and gain a new perspective on the music industry. Click to listen now! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 449 – Monday, September 30th, 2024 September 30th: International Podcast Day 00:01:26 Guest Co-host: Bob LeVitus 00:02:44 Macworld All-Star Band “Alias Cooper” Tribute Band in High School 00:05:19 Wanted to be a recording engineer Bill Lazarus at Evergreen Studios GarageBand – A free recording studio inside something you already own GarageBand for Dummies 00:08:45 I liked the wires and re-tuning more than practicing, so I became a roadie! 00:10:19 Got into the industry by accident: I went to school with Jermaine Jackson 00:10:49 On the road with The Jackson Five Sold Out Show, 16,000 People at The Englewood Forum… with two trees of 6 Par Cans on them each Calling and Mixing Lights…First Gig! Learned a ton about how to make things work during a live show 00:14:11 What was Michael Jackson like the first time you saw him live? The Jacksons took good care of us 00:16:19 Remembering Tito Jackson 00:17:58 Rehearsing at SIR with The Jackson Five 00:20:09 Chasing a Girl Trying to Get Michael Jackson’s Shoe Back 00:21:55 A good summer job: Being Shaun Cassidy’s guitar tech! Michael Lloyd 00:24:16 Managing Shaun Cassidy’s stage volume…the “creative” way Carlos Vega 00:28:54 Toto was (basically) the backing band for Thriller 00:30:41 Strong Songs on Gig Gab 00:32:02 Recreating Songs…for Fun! 00:33:22 Big Budgets on the Shaun Cassidy Tour Eleven people sleeping on the bus…and still getting a good night’s sleep 00:35:38 The importance of sleep on the road 00:38:50 Managing your health on the road 00:41:38 The Eagles with Vince Gill 00:43:32 John Fogerty’s 2024 Tour…with Credence Songs 00:45:33 Possible a href="https://macworldallstarband.

    49 min
  3. From Creem to the Stage: Dusty Wright's Music Stories

    SEP 23

    From Creem to the Stage: Dusty Wright's Music Stories

    In this episode of Gig Gab, you join Dusty Wright, the former editor of Creem magazine, as he shares stories from his vibrant career in music journalism and live performance. You’ll hear about his encounters with rock legends like Robert Plant and Prince, plus insights on how your influences shape your sound. Dusty also emphasizes the importance of listening and adjusting your setup for each venue, whether it’s a NYC club or a suburban spot. Remember, as you navigate the unpredictability of live art, always be performing. Dusty dives into his latest album, “Dusted Off,” which features covers that shaped his musical journey. He discusses the thrill of giving Pearl Jam their first cover and reflects on the necessity of adapting your volume and energy for the gig. With new projects on the horizon, including a collaboration with Dana Fuchs, Dusty encourages you to enjoy music with your family. Tune in and get inspired to keep the music alive in your world! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 448 – Monday, September 23rd, 2024 September 23rd: National Great American Pot Pie Day 00:01:05 Guest Co-host: Dusty Wright The Ultimate Tweener 00:03:42 Former Editor of Creem…The Bastard Son of the Music Press covering bands like: Kiss Rush Lester Bangs Grand Funk Railroad 00:08:12 Shaping Your Influences…As They Shape You Garage Rock, Jazz Working at William Morris Agency 00:11:12 Journalism as a career for a musician First: Cover Magazine from The East Village, then New York Review of Records Labels would underwrite the coverage of magazines 00:13:40 Storytime from Glastonbury: Robert Plant’s the nicest rock-and-roller I’ve ever met. King Arthur and Tolkien stories. Leaving a message for Jerry Miller with Robert Plant 00:17:41 Working with The Artist Formerly Known As…Prince! A trip to Paisley Park Prince used (affordable!) Max Factor cosmetics! A limo-driven visit to First Avenue, Prince’s (then) club to see Michael Bland 00:25:08 An invitation to publish Prince’s New Power Magazine 00:26:52 PODCAST: 1001 Album Complaints. Do you read every inch of the available liner notes and still shake a fist at the clouds yelling for more? If so, 1001 Album Complaints is the podcast for you. 00:29:03 Gigging in New York City Packing drums into a cab More and more NYC clubs are now providing backlines The Shrine in Harlem – Great vibe, good backline, GREAT sound guy The Rodeo Bar NYC – Americana Roots Artists… you’d bring your own backline because you have the stage for the night 00:33:55 The importance of listening for — and adjusting — your sound in EACH room 00:38:49 Nikki, the 15-year old English Setter says hello 00:38:55 Comparing Gig Experiences at NYC Venues vs. Suburg Venues 00:40:18 The Unpredictability of Live Art Sometimes you have to follow the the (lost!) leader Managing the weather…without getting electrocuted! 00:47:16 Dusty’s 11th album “a href="https://dustywright.

    1h 11m
  4. Bakithi Kumalo: Groove, Graceland, and the Power of Consistency

    SEP 16

    Bakithi Kumalo: Groove, Graceland, and the Power of Consistency

    In this week’s Gig Gab, Bakithi Kumalo joins the show, diving into the passion and journey that led him to music. You’ll hear about how he started playing professionally at just seven years old, practicing on a cardboard bass while singing his bass lines, inspired by the grooves of Motown and James Jamerson. His first real bass came ten years after he had already been playing professionally! Kumalo emphasizes the importance of consistency and showing up, both to get the gig and to stay focused on the music. His mantra is clear: “Sing what you play, and listen to what everyone else is doing.” The episode goes deeper into Kumalo’s remarkable experiences, from locking in with legendary drummers like Steve Gadd and Vinnie Colaiuta to his life-changing Graceland tour with Paul Simon. Kumalo shares stories of playing for survival in Zululand and how music quite literally saved his life. Wrapping up with practical advice on getting that perfect mix with IEMs, this episode is a masterclass in how to “Always Be Performing,” no matter where you are in your career.   00:00:00 Gig Gab 447 – Monday, September 16th, 2024 September 16th: National Sit With a Stranger Day 00:02:18 Guest Co-host: Bakithi Kumalo Started in the womb Don’t lose focus on the music! Music starts with love Recording in the studio at 12 years old Learning is a journey, even from an early age 00:06:45 A mix of influences The local radio station didn’t play local music Motown, James Jamerson Practices on a cardboard bass and sing the bassline “I wanted to play this instrument that chose me” 1972-Got his first bass… 5 years after playing professionally “Be consistent, show up. That’s how you get the gig.” “Sing what you play.” “Listen to what everyone else is doing.” 00:15:28 Hiding from Herbie Hancock in the Studio 00:16:50 Building up a relationship with the drummer As a kid, he would sit on the bass drum while playing Locking in with Steve Gadd… learning to leave room for each other Anton Fig, very energetic… and also South African 00:20:12 Just did a session with Vinnie Colaiuta “Play to listen, and sing what you play.” 00:20:59 SPONSOR: Bandzoogle makes it easy to build a stunning website and online store for your music in minutes. Try it free for 30 days, then use promo code “giggabpod” to get 15% off your first year. 00:22:39 Graceland Comes During a Struggle Mechanic refused to fix their broken car…but saw the instruments and became his manager Then spent 16 Months in Zululand, away from his family, playing for safety, not money Really learned the traditional music of Africa Dreamt about playing with his fingers instead of his thumb… and then woke up and did it In Zimbabwe met the Ladysmith Black Mambazo producer 00:31:00 Turns out Paul Simon from Jamaica, NY isn’t a Rasta from Jamaica Something good is going to happen: stay consistent, play solid. 00:34:57 Learning to play the whole Paul Simon show 00:35:52 Still playing after all these years a href="https://bakithikumalobass.

    45 min
  5. From Bandmates Gone Rogue to Maximizing Gigs: Keep Fans Engaged

    SEP 9

    From Bandmates Gone Rogue to Maximizing Gigs: Keep Fans Engaged

    In this week’s Gig Gab, Mike Schulte joins Dave Hamilton to dive into the world of being more than just your gigs. They highlight how using holidays, creating a video show, and grabbing content ideas from social media can elevate your band’s presence in between gigs. Whether it’s on stage or online, the focus is on building lasting engagement—always keep moving, always keep performing. You’ll learn why Facebook events might not be enough and how to strategically create blocks of songs in your sets to avoid giving your audience a chance to disengage. From dealing with bandmates’ unpredictable behavior to handling gear endorsements, this episode covers the ups and downs of band life. Find out how treating your band like a business opens doors for custom gear and endorsements, even if you’re not a huge name. Mike and Dave drop nuggets on vocal effects pedals, drum mics, and how your behavior can make or break your chances of landing future gigs. Stay sharp and remember, Always Be Performing! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 446 – Monday, September 9th, 2024 September 9th: National When Pigs Fly Day Guest Co-host: Mike Schulte 00:01:45 Be more than just your gigs Use Dates and Holidays as Content Create a holiday for your band Create a video show What’s the point of Facebook events? Capture screenshots of other people’s content to use as ideas for content later Pork Tornadoes Facebook Page 00:09:12 Be More Than Just a Band Casual Gravity Facebook Page Casual Gravity – Casual Chronicles on YouTube 00:10:53 Dave’s First Gigs with Casual Gravity Moving Quickly from song-to-song vs. Telling Jokes on Stage Finding the on-stage balance Don’t give people too many chances to disengage Build Blocks of Songs where you don’t stop playing 00:21:44 Getting the right people in place Finding the right balance between perfection and joy 00:25:15 Band MEMBERS behaving badly You can’t expect to get anywhere if someone in the band is going to fly off the handle 00:28:33 Band GUESTS behaving badly 00:32:12 Your behavior gets you a new gig…or kills the next gig! Watching Robert Scovill do his thing Hotshot pedal 00:41:19 Using a vocal effects pedal TC-Helicon VOICELIVE vocal effects units Using a synced tap-tempo to the click running the show 00:48:57 More love for the Earthworks DK6 Drum Mic Pack KickPort Shure Beta 91A Eames Drum May Internal Microphones for Drums 00:54:09 Mike’s new Custom snare drum Hero Drumworks Find small manufacturers who will make you custom instruments at affordable prices 01:01:00 a href="https://bigfatsnaredrum.

    1h 14m
  6. How to Perfect Your Harmonies and Elevate Your Band's Sound

    SEP 2

    How to Perfect Your Harmonies and Elevate Your Band's Sound

    This week on Gig Gab, guest co-host Daniel East joins Dave Hamilton for a deep dive into the art of harmonies and the essentials of live sound. You’ll discover how to add harmonies to your band by honing in on the timbre of each singer and experimenting in real-time with just a guitar or piano. Whether you’re aiming for the Eagles’ perfection in a gymnasium or channeling the Bee Gees on a couch, nailing harmonies means knowing when to start and stop, as well as understanding if your lead singer naturally veers sharp or flat. Always Be Performing by ensuring your harmonies elevate the lead, not overshadow it. When it comes to miking and mixing drums in small to medium clubs, balance is key. Start with a well-balanced stage sound and tweak from there—pulling out some midrange from the toms can prevent them from overpowering the mix. The gear talk doesn’t stop there; from the Stage Ninja MIC-12-CB Gooseneck Mic Clamp to the Yamaha TF-Rack, and even the Zoom H1 XLR Portable Digital Recorder, Dave and Dan cover the tools that keep your setup sharp. Whether you’re fine-tuning your instruments or your sound, remember: Always Be Performing. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 445 – Monday, September 2nd, 2024 September 2nd: National Blueberry Popsicle Day 00:01:51 Guest Co-host: Daniel East 00:03:09 Brian-How do you add harmonies to your band? Approaching harmonies Be aware of the timbre of singers Get into a room with just a guitar or piano and sing into the air. How does it sound? Beegees on a couch…and crushing those vocals! The Eagles Singing in a Gymnasium, so perfectly! Learn whether the lead singer naturally sings sharp or flat Harmony vocals verses Background Vocals Start harmonies after, end them before the lead 00:27:58 Ted-Best way to mic and mix drums in a small or medium club? First: make it sound balanced on stage EQ some midrange out of the toms if they’re too present in the club mix Stage Ninja MIC-12-CB Gooseneck Mic Clamp Yamaha TF-Rack Gear Gab 00:42:48 PreSonus Quantum HD 8 – $999 00:49:13 Zoom H1 XLR Portable Digital Recorder – $149 00:52:56 Stage Ninja FON-10-CB Gooseneck Phone Clamp 00:54:21 Shure SM58 …now in all Black 00:55:00 Universal Audio ANTI 1992 Guitar Amp Simulator … with App Control! 00:57:24 Tonewings for Drums Internally-mounted sound-contouring devices 01:02:29 Teach your students how to maintain and tune their instruments in addition to playing them 01:06:28 Gig Gab 445 Outtro Contact Daniel East DanielEast.net Dan East on LinkedIn

    1h 7m
  7. How Music Heals: Daniel Levitin on the Neuroscience of Sound

    AUG 26

    How Music Heals: Daniel Levitin on the Neuroscience of Sound

    Dive into the world of music and neuroscience with Daniel Levitin on this week’s Gig Gab! Join him and Dave Hamilton as they unpack Dan’s upcoming book, “I Heard There Was a Secret Chord: Music as Medicine”, releasing August 27th. Discover the intricacies of the Default Mode Network, and how music impacts everything from opioid release to temporary cognitive effects. Uncover the neurological roots of our musical preferences, balancing expectation with surprise, and hear Dan’s insights on the fascinating “Levitin Effect” where we inherently remember songs in their correct key. As they chat, you’ll hear stories of Dan playing with legends like Victor Wooten and Bobby McFerrin, and insights on grabbing gigs through connections, like the time David Byrne invited him to play Brian Eno’s guitar parts. From the festival stages of Helsinki to intimate venues in Los Angeles, Dan’s musical journey is a testament to the show’s catchphrase, “Always Be Performing.” Tune in for a masterclass in blending science and music, and get inspired to keep performing no matter where your musical path takes you. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 444 – Monday, August 26th, 2024 August 26th: National Spark The World Day Guest Co-host: Daniel Levitin, cognitive neuroscientist, musician, record producer, and the author of four NYT best-selling books. 00:02:21 Dan’s new book “I Heard There Was a Secret Chord” releases August 27th 00:04:25 The Default Mode Network = your Mind Wandering Mode We “Pay” for attention with oxygenated glucose Mozart doesn’t make you smarter, sitting in a windowless room makes you dumber (temporarily) 00:11:01 Parkinson’s Disease and Music as a treatment 00:12:00 Music to release opioids or cortisol…depending upon whether you like it or not 00:14:24 Everybody Wants Some … Except Manuel Noriega 00:17:25 The Musicological Angle … Is there a neurological basis for aesthetics? We tend to like music that’s slightly surprising Perfectly balancing expectation with surprise (of all kinds) King Crimson… or Shoenberg 00:20:57 Modulations 00:22:38 “Playing as often as I want to” Playing a festival in Helsinki with Victor Wooten For the Book Tour Livingston Taylor in Boston Bob Weir in San Francisco Recently with Bobby McFerrin in Berkely, California The Deductions (band) in Los Angeles Gary Novak on Drums Dean Parks on Guitar 00:27:00 What instruments do you play? On “Turnaround”, Dan played all the instruments except bass on two songs (Victor Wooten, Elliot Randall, and Steve Bailey helped out!) 00:30:25 How do you get gigs? David Byrne invited Dan to play Brian Eno’s parts for a gig 00:34:33 Parthenon Huxley with ELO: “Don’t Punish The People Who Showed Up” 00:39:05 You’re allowed to make adjustments during the show! BFSD 00:41:15 Trying to hit that falsetto after a long day ...

    53 min
  8. The Performer’s Summer: Nonstop Gigs, Fresh Gear, and New Beginnings

    AUG 19

    The Performer’s Summer: Nonstop Gigs, Fresh Gear, and New Beginnings

    Get ready to dive into Dave Hamilton’s action-packed summer as he recounts his nonstop gig schedule, from Bitter Pill’s high-energy performances to subbing with way-too-many bands, and his next adventure with a new band, Casual Gravity. With gigs piling up and Podcast Movement on the horizon, you’ll hear how Dave is living out the show’s motto: Always Be Performing… perhaps to a fault! Next, tune in as Dave tackles listener feedback, offering tips on communicating with your sound engineer and mastering the basics of dB and EQ. Plus, Gear Gab highlights the new Earthworks Audio DK6 Drum Mic Kit, perfect for capturing every beat. Stick around for a sneak peek at upcoming episodes, including an interview with Daniel Levitin on the healing power of music. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 443 – Monday, August 19th, 2024 August 19th: National Potato Day (also World Photo Day) 00:01:55 Dave’s Been Overdoing It This Summer July: Bitter Pill @ Vernon Monkey Fist @ Tideline Bitter Pill @ WSCA (sandwiching between Phish shows) Sammy Hagar – Best of All Worlds Tour August: Bitter Pill @ Auspicious Brew Dallas Corbin’s Heartland Radio @ Scituate Heritage Days (then right off to Train) This week, Rocky rehearsals ahead of: Two Friday Gigs, Two Saturday Gigs, then a week away at Podcast Movement 00:13:03 Joined a new band: Casual Gravity. First gig on 8/31. 00:19:19 Sponsors Bandzoogle makes it easy to build a stunning website and online store for your music in minutes. Try it free for 30 days, then use promo code “giggabpod” to get 15% off your first year. Listener Feedback 00:21:01 Michael – “How Do You Talk To Your Sound Engineer?” Learning dB and EQ Got questions or comments? Email us at Feedback@GigGabPodcast.com Gear Gab 00:30:36 Earthworks Audio New DK6 Drum Mic Kit – $1,499 The DM17 is the short-form-factor SR117 Support the Show 00:42:34 Share the show with your bandmates, your friends, and on Facebook and elsewhere Sign up for the mailing list Where is the Right Place for a Gig Gab community? Upcoming Daniel Levitin, author or This Is Your Brain on Music and a new book: I Heard There Was a Secret Chord: Music as Medicine What do you want to hear more of? 00:46:20 Gig Gab 443 Outtro Contact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagram feedback@giggabpodcast.com Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

    47 min
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Wanna talk shop with your musical buddies? Look no further than Gig Gab, The Working Musician's Podcast! Each week Dave Hamilton and friends come to you sharing their gigging experiences, tips and tricks learned, and interviews with other weekend warriors and pros.

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