Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast

Dave Hamilton & Friends

4.9 (44)
MUSIC COMMENTARY
UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

1D AGO

Is Your Band Bookable? ECE’s Checklist for Success

This week on Gig Gab, you’re in for a deep dive into the gigging grind with guest co-host Derek Patten from ECE, EastCoast Entertainment. You’ll learn exactly what makes a band bookable—from tight chops to killer promo, a sharp social presence, and professional polish. If you’re not posting on Instagram, you’re not even in the conversation. Whether your band’s been around for five years or five weeks, it’s all about how well you play, how tight you are, and how you present yourself. And yes, clients hear with their eyes first—so get those videos dialed in and wardrobes on point. Derek pulls back the curtain on managing 7,000 gigs a year, choosing the right acts for the right events, and what separates the pros from the posers. Spoiler: the best bands stick together, manage their own schedules, and bring something real to the stage. Authenticity and consistency win. Want more gigs? Know your brand, know your strengths, and build from there. Whether it’s Eighties Night or bluegrass bliss, if you’re creating unforgettable moments, you’re doing it right. Always Be Performing. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 478 – Monday, April 21st, 2025 00:01:17 April 21st: National Tea Day Slave to the Starbucks Machine – Venti Iced Coffee, Cream and Three Splenda for Derek Throat Coat Tea 00:03:18 Guest co-host: Derek Patten from EastCoast Entertainment 6,500 to 7,000 dates per year 00:05:46 Providing Artist Development A&R for a Cover Band 00:08:00 Working with Working Musicians 00:09:11 Office Jams! 00:10:21 What makes a band bookable for an agency like ECE? Can you play? What promo materials do you have already? Clients hear with their eyes first! Social media presence is HUGE Advice: do something on instagram! Did “my” wedding make your insta? 00:17:01 Does length of band’s existence matter? How tight is your band? How professional are you? 00:21:12 Fly under the radar and do your job 00:24:33 One band, two names! 00:29:26 Always Entertaining? You’re a candidate! 00:31:08 Guess what? Surprise! It’s Eighties Night! 00:32:06 Rock, Bluegrass, and Stairway to Heaven! 00:35:14 Creating Lifelong Memories We are the soundtrack for the biggest party most people will ever throw for themselves 00:38:31 Selecting the right band for a client Booking high-quality bands 00:42:52 Authenticity Matters 00:44:03 Managing Subs Out most successful bands are bands where the same people play together all the time 00:48:43 The Revenue-Share Model We work directly for the artists 00:55:07 Developing artists Social Media Presence Wardrobe Promo Videos Focus: what is the brand of your band, and how do we communicate that? What is it that you do the best? What is it that you want to do more of? 01:03:24 Managing schedules …and more! Band Manager (in the band) works with the Responsible Agent (at ECE) as their band champion! 01:08:39 Gig Gab 478 Outtro Follow Derek Patten from EastCoast Entertainment

1h 11m
APR 14

Monique Powell of Save Ferris: Ska, Struggles, and Sweet Comebacks

Monique Powell of Save Ferris joins you for a no-holds-barred dive into the grind, grit, and glory behind making a band thrive. From opera training to ska dreams, Monique shares how preparation and passion powered her transformation from “Mo Sing Song” to full-on band manager (and back again…and forth again). You’ll hear how she navigated shifting to external management, dealt with label fallout, and used setbacks as fuel—because when the machine breaks, you fix it or build your own. Her fight to save her voice wasn’t just personal—it became a mission driven by fans who refused to let go. This episode’s packed with real talk on defining success, the chaos of tour-routing post-COVID, and the rollercoaster of fan engagement. Monique lays it all out: if you want to be in a successful band, be ready to sweat every detail—gear, gigs, and gut decisions. Whether it’s dodging in-ear disasters or facing your fears head-on, Monique reminds you that showing up matters most. So, lace up, lean in, and remember: Always Be Performing. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 477 – Monday, April 14th, 2025 April 14th: National Pecan Day Guest co-host: Monique Powell from Save Ferris 00:02:37 Preparation matters! Studying to be a opera singer Why aren’t you in a band? 00:06:50 I really wanted to be in a ska band The Shanties 00:08:30 From “Mo Sing Song” to “Mo Manage Band” Save Ferris was a great band, I knew we were a great band We’re a family, and I’m going to work as hard as I can to push us forward 00:13:49 Transitioning to external management “I don’t know how to take us to the next level at this point.” 00:16:03 You’re outnumbered. Shut up and sing. 00:18:27 Getting the machine working! 00:20:52 Opportunity when your label drops you 00:22:11 Define success for yourself 00:24:21 No bank was going to give us Two Million Dollars 00:25:30 Fighting to Save her Singing Voice 00:27:36 I Let the Fans Dicate How Hard I was Going To Fight 00:29:20 Your greatest fear can be fuel Business Brain, Dave’s other podcast 00:33:33 Now I fight for our fans 00:34:30 Life is like rollerskating 00:37:23 Get Dancing from Save Ferris on April 25th! Learn the Choreography! 00:39:08 FAN ENGAGEMENT…It’s part of Always Being Performing! 00:42:31 Letting the fans be my compass 00:43:21 In-ears became a liability 00:46:26 LITFA 00:48:39 Touring with a monitor engineer 00:50:58 Tour-routing post-COVID Headlining a tour is like throwing a birthday party and wondering how many people are going to show up 00:56:04 Gig Gab 477 Outtro Follow Monique Powell and Save Ferris Contact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagram feedback@giggabpodcast.com Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

58 min
APR 7

The Vaultmeister’s Voice: Joe Travers on Zappa, Duran Duran, and the Power of Performance

This week, you’ll dive headfirst into the wild ride of Joe Travers’ drumming journey—from pounding out St. Patrick’s Day gigs to landing his dream job playing Zappa’s music. Joe shares how knowing exactly what you want—and fearlessly putting yourself out there—can open doors you never imagined. You’ll hear what it’s like grooving through complex Zappa parts, blending genres, and finding your own voice behind the kit because, after all, your playing is your voice. Joe keeps you in the pocket with tales of meeting heroes, becoming Zappa’s Vaultmeister, and holding it down with Duran Duran in massive arenas. You’ll get pro-level tips on clicks, IEM mixes, and why singing drummers need to dial it in just right. Plus, a rare glimpse at what it means to play for the music—and why sometimes, staying off social media is the smartest gig move. Stick around, because there’s only one way to approach this business: Always Be Performing. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 476 – Monday, April 7th, 2025 April 7th: National Beer Day Guest co-host: Drummer and Vaultmeister Joe Travers 00:01:29 St. Patrick’s Day Gigs 00:05:30 Becoming a professional drummer Loves playing different styles Studied at Berklee College of Music in Boston (and built a network!) 00:08:00 Land in LA…and land the ultimate gig of my dreams Gig with the Zappa brothers 00:09:30 Putting yourself out there with a clear idea of your desires Be a good hang! Have talent! Put yourself in the right position and meet the right people 00:12:18 Your playing is your voice Again…be a good hang! 00:13:24 Playing Zappa’s Music – Grooving complex parts Learn the funk stuff Sing a Simple Song (Sly) Learn to love whatever you’re playing It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing! 00:17:31 Getting to know Zappa’s Music Rykodisk in the 80s with Zappa releases 00:18:41 And then starting to play Zappa’s music in 2006 Immersion therapy! 00:22:23 All the styles blended into Frank’s music 00:24:27 Bozzio makes sense to Joe 00:26:42 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/giggab50off and use code giggab50off for 50% off! 00:28:19 Becoming the Vaultmeister Turns out it’s good to be a nerd (a trusted nerd!) 00:32:56 Meeting a hero Playing a gig with Z at Club Lingerie – First show, and Frank is in the audience! 00:36:17 “Frank wants to meet you” 00:37:56 Playing with Duran Duran in 1997 “Joe…it’s time.” 00:41:15 Play what the music is calling for 00:41:39 Playing arenas vs. smaller places Duran Duran at Chicago House of Blues 1997 Soft ticket sales vs. hard ticket events 00:43:59 Playing to a click …and playing with Frank on a video screen 00:47:21 What’s your perfect IEM mix have in it? Audience Mics

1h 9m
MAR 31

Booking SXSW Like a Pro with Parker Woodland

Thinking about SXSW? Erin Walter and Keri Cinquina from Parker Woodland break it all down for you—from applying to playing like a pro. You’ll learn how to reach out to anyone and everyone to book your showcases, why hitting up radio stations and non-profits matters, and how to stack your SXSW week like a mini tour. Don’t skip the conference sessions—Sonic Guild Grants and mentor sessions can change your game (pro tip: show up for no-shows). And yes, tacos are essential tour fuel. On stage or off, it’s all about connection. Whether you’re delivering like you’re playing to ten thousand or sharing roles within your band, Always Be Performing means engaging the crowd and your bandmates. Erin and Keri talk vocal coaching, singing drummers, and the gear that keeps it tight—including using a click track! They even dig into arranging songs for a power trio and making standout music videos. Because anything can happen at a gig… and you’ll be ready. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 475 – Monday, March 31st, 2025 March 31st: National Crayon Day Guest co-hosts: Erin Walter and Keri Cinquina from Parker Woodland 00:01:50 Applying / Planning / Playing SXSW 00:02:53 The art of self-promotion 00:08:34 Deliver like you’re playing for ten thousand Bringing people in and then keeping the people there Always be Performing…and always be connecting with the crowd and your bandmates 00:12:32 Successfully booking SXSW Contact ANYone who is involved with booking shows Bands Radio Stations Non-profits Making sure musicians get paid 00:15:57 Applying to Showcase at SXSW Booking multiple shows at SXSW It’s like planning a tour 00:17:45 Attending the conference as an artist Don’t skip the sessions! Sonic Guild Grants 00:20:51 Pro-tip: Go stand in line at Mentor Sessions and you can grab a no-show appointment! 00:22:21 SPONSOR: Mechanical Licensing Collective – Are you a songwriter, music publisher, or administrator? Every month, The MLC collects the streaming data and royalties from Spotify and Apple Music, matches the money to the creator who has earned it, and then pays out the royalties due. Visit TheMLC.com today to sign up! 00:23:34 Tacos are the fuel to a successful band 00:26:06 Long-standing musical collaborations 00:27:42 Divvying up roles in the band Vocal coach 00:31:28 Singing drummers! Heil PR-31BW Gooseneck with a boom stand 00:35:19 Arranging Songs for a Power Trio Parker Woodland covering Sir Duke Bands covering Rebel Girl 00:41:56 There’s no Such Thing as Time — Parker Woodland 00:44:21 Create music videos! 00:45:18 Gear Gab & Playing to a Click Tama SLR Bubinga Snare Tama Rhythm Watch 00:50:32 Anything can happen at a gig!

55 min
MAR 24

How to Attend SXSW: Tips from Gig Gab and Roadcase Podcast

Get ready to conquer SXSW with insider tips from this special crossover episode of Gig Gab and the Roadcase Podcast. You’ll learn how to plan your badge, map your venue hits—from Antone’s to Mohawk—and navigate scooter passes like a pro. Plus, we’re sharing can’t-miss bands, food finds, and surprise performances that’ll level up your festival game. Listen in and Always Be Performing while making the most of SXSW! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 474 & Roadcase 265 Crossover Episode – Monday, March 24th, 2025 March 24th: National Cheesesteak Day Guest co-host: Josh Rosenberg from Roadcase Podcast 00:06:48 We met because we’re tall! 00:10:31 Planning for SXSW Scooter Passes Picking by Venues Antone’s Stubb’s ACL Live @ Moody Theater Mohawk Radio Day Stage (wherever that is) Hotel Vegas 00:24:28 Schedule changes for SXSW 2026 00:31:00 Which badge do you get? Platinum vs. others Buy the badge! 00:46:05 Sessions Seen Taylor Tomlinson @ SXSW John Fogerty & Tom Morello @ SXSW 00:54:22 PODCAST: That Aged Well. Longtime Xennial best friends Paul and Erika take a look back at the pop culture of their youths with a new perspective, all while inviting listeners to laugh, groan, and sometimes even cry. 00:56:42 Food Suggestions The Original Taste of The Caribbean Cooper’s BBQ 00:58:18 Bands seen Preservation Hall Jazz Band @ Mohawk SXSW with Charlie Gabriel (pics on Insta!) LP Giobbi @ SXSW 2025 (and LP Giobbi on Roadcase Podcast) Honeyglaze @ SXSW 2025 The Dumes @ SXSW 2025 The Rumble Ft. Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr. @ SXSW 2025 Ali @ SXSW 2025 Dutch Interior @ SXSW 2025 Brutus VIII @ SXSW 2025 Frankie & The Witch Fingers @ SXSW 2025 The Wellerman @ SXSW 2025 Parker Woodland @ SXSW 2025 01:20:20 Gig Gab 474 Outtro Follow Roadcase Podcast! Contact Gig Gab! a href="https://www.instagram.

1h 21m
MAR 17

$20K to Rock? The True Cost of Putting on a Show

Running a band is more than just playing music—it’s a business, and this week, you’re getting a front-row seat to the real numbers behind a self-promoted, four-walled show. Dave and guest co-host Mike Schulte from Pork Tornadoes break down the hard costs, from union labor to venue staff, and what it takes to make those ticket prices work. Is the venue actually promoting your gig, or are you on your own? Or is it better when you work together? And when it comes to pricing tiers, always prioritize the fan experience—because that’s what keeps them coming back. Whether it’s VIP tickets or GA floor, every decision affects your bottom line. Always Be Performing means knowing the game as well as you know your instrument. Beyond the business, you’ve got to deliver on stage. Dave and Mike dig into the power of stage banter, the hidden advantage of playing in original bands when learning covers, and why oversaturation is a real risk. Are exclusive endorsements worth it, or are they just another trap? And let’s not ignore the elephant in the room: lip-syncing. Is there ever a place for it in live music? This episode is packed with insights that’ll sharpen your gigging strategy and keep your performance—and your career—on point. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 473 – Monday, March 17th, 2025 March 17th: Act Happy Day Guest co-host: Mike Schulte from Pork Tornadoes Dark Matter Promo Code GIGGAB15 00:01:01 Having Paul Kent back on Gig Gab! 00:02:04 Did the venue do the promo? Cover Band Central on Facebook 00:06:22 You’re running a business 00:14:41 Cost Breakdown of Four-walling a show for 1,600 people Building rental: $2,000 Union Stage Hands Labor: $6,100 Venue Staff (ticket-takers, ushers): $1,200 Cleaning Fee: $500 Box Office Fees (staff, credit cards): $1,000 Opening Act (45min set): $1,200 External Production Company (lights and sound): $5,000 Advertising: $1,750 Crew: $925 Catering/Hospitality/Hotels: $1,050 That’s $20,750 (aka $12.95 per person with 1,600 attendees) $50 VIP Pit tickets, $25 GA Floor 00:23:46 On the subject of stage banter 00:28:25 Oversaturation awareness Dave’s rant about exclusive endorsements 00:33:46 Moral: take risks! 00:34:45 Dave’s Rehearsal/Sound-Check 00:43:48 Using Pricing Tiers Prioritize the fan experience 00:46:45 The value of having played in original bands when learning cover songs Mike’s Dope Walker 00:57:58 Lip Syncing? 01:01:42 Gig Gab 473 Outtro Follow Mike Schulte Confused Breakfast The Pork Tornadoes Contact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagram feedback@giggabpodcast.com Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

1h 3m
MAR 10

Breaking Sound Barriers with Dark Matter IEMs

You never know where a layoff might lead—sometimes, it’s straight into launching your own in-ear monitor (IEM) company. That’s exactly what Dark Matter Audio’s Tal Kocen and Dave Friesma did, carving out a niche in a legacy industry by embracing natural sound and combining it with all the nerdy elements that go into making these things the right way. Dave and Tal break down why ears naturally boost that frequency by 15dB, how the Harman Curve plays into tuning, and why you should watch those 150-250Hz corner frequencies. From the $699 DM2H Hybrid 2 to the $899 DMA3, they dive into what makes Dark Matter’s approach unique, balancing high-end engineering with real-world musician needs. Transitioning to IEMs isn’t just about better sound—it’s about control. You’ve got to start with the right mindset, knowing where you’re coming from and where you’re going. Pro tip? Don’t fall into the one-IEM trap—just ask Rosanne Cash. Learn why putting drums in a submix can change your life, how to manage shared IEM mixes, and why a little education goes a long way. Whether you’re tweaking your mix or embracing the occlusion effect, one thing’s for sure: Always Be Performing. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 472 – Monday, March 10th, 2025 March 10th: National Day of Awesomeness Use FACTORPODCAST at FactorMeals.com for a special deal this month! Guest co-host: Tal Kocen and Dave Friesema from Dark Matter Audio Labs * Save 15% at Dark Matter with Promo Code GIGGAB15 00:03:13 Layoffs lead to the dream: let’s start our own IEM company! ZMF Headphones Dekoni Audio 00:09:48 IEMs as a Legacy Industry 00:12:35 What’s Dark Matter’s niche? Natural Sound Canal resonance at 2.7kHz 00:17:50 Corner Frequencies Watch 150-250Hz JH Audio Laylas 00:22:47 Ears add 15dB gain at 2.7kHz Diffuse field curve Sean Olive’s Harman Curve 00:31:00 Dark Matter DM2H Hybrid 2 Custom IEM – $699 MSRP 00:37:38 6ms in Dave’s Studio Took 20 years of experience out of the musicians! 00:39:51 DMA3 – 3 balanced armatures – $899 MSRP 00:43:05 Choosing your IEM 00:50:23 Understanding where you’re beginning and where you’re going 00:51:51 Pro-Advice for Transitioning to In-Ear Monitors With a Rosanne Cash story 00:56:22 IEM Tips and Tricks Put the drums in a sub group 00:59:29 Sharing IEM Mixes Seismic Audio Split Snakes 01:06:35 Rosanne Cash … uses ONE Dark Matter! One IEM … is a trap! Occlusion Effect 01:13:26 The value of education 01:16:07 More isn’t necessarily better! 01:19:20 Making the industry more personal 01:23:22 Gig Gab Outtro Contact Tal Kocen and a href="https://www.linkedin.

1h 25m
MAR 3

Changing Goals From Perfection...to Survival

Paul Kent returns to Gig Gab, diving headfirst into the wild ride of full-time gigging with 120 shows lined up this year—and still packing the house! From near-disaster moments like a bass player taking a tumble (not this time, thankfully) to the art of bonding with your audience before you even hit that first note, it’s all about controlling the chaos. Whether it’s using a Seismic Audio Split Snake to take charge of your sound or knowing when to discuss weather risks before booking, smart musicianship is key. Cancelation policies? Rare, but worth considering—just ask Notso Costley Productions. Marketing your band isn’t about magic bullets, but there are definitely solid shots to take. Success in music is always shared, and shoutouts fly to pros like Tony Smith and Mike Schulte for their insights. Meanwhile, Dave has a revelation: he’s starting to *get* Bob Dylan. Whether it’s tribute nights, booking strategies, or navigating the business of performing, one thing’s clear—Always Be Performing, and always be learning. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 471 – Monday, March 3rd, 2025 March 3rd: World Hearing Day 00:03:10 Catching up on Paul’s Gigs…and life! BACK to being a full-time musician 00:04:32 Booking 120 Gigs for the year…and still draw a crowd 00:05:14 Shared Crisis on a Sold-Out Night One time…the Bass player fell over on stage (but not this time!) From Perfection to Survival 00:13:27 Bonding with your crowd BEFORE you start 00:15:56 Time to control your (sound) destiny Seismic Audio Split Snake 00:18:39 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/FactorPodcast and use code FACTORPODCAST for 50% off! 00:20:10 Canceling Gigs Discussing the weather during booking 00:30:30 Contracted Cancelation Policies…how rare are they? Notso Costley Productions Paul Costley and now Dmitri Papanicolau! 00:34:59 Success is shared Tony Smith from Black Box Prompter on Gig Gab Mike Schulte on Gig Gab 00:37:11 In Marketing, there are no magic bullets But there are pretty good shots you can take 00:42:07 Dave is starting to understand Bob Dylan 00:48:18 Tribute nights 00:49:52 Gig Gab 471 Outtro Contact Paul Kent Contact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagram feedback@giggabpodcast.com Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

51 min

See All (478)

4.9

out of 5

44 Ratings

So much good how-to info, great stories and fun!

10/14/2024

macsrcool

This is the show for working musicians of all types and at any level, anywhere. Cool gear, lots of tips and tricks and just the best stories about gig life. My favorite part is that Dave knows that everyone’s situation can vary and he invites listener participation. No matter when, where or how much you play, there’s good stuff here.
Consummate pros with great advice and stories

03/15/2023

The Robonzo

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

01/11/2022

ConfusedBreakfastPodcast

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

10/17/2021

Sertshark

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.