Gig To Live

John Voelz
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Performing Arts

Full-time gigging musician John Voelz discusses the strategies, mindset shifts, and real-world lessons that help you build something that actually lasts, delivering smart and practical insight with a sense of humor that keeps it real and approachable. If you gig, or want to gig, this is for you.

  1. 1d ago

    Ep 38: A Conversation with Dennis Welch

    In this episode, John chats with singer-songwriter Dennis Welch. Dennis reached out to John a few months ago and this interview is their first official meeting. Dennis describes himself as a lifelong songwriter who is experiencing a musical renaissance in his sixties. After an 18-year break from recording, an unexpected phone call changed everything. Since then, he's released three acclaimed albums, worked with some incredible musicians, and even found his music appearing on the first-round Grammy ballot multiple times.  It's a great conversation about creativity, perseverance, and what can happen when you refuse to believe your best work is behind you. Support the show If you have a question, an idea for a show, or you would just like to say "hey," you can drop me an email at gigtolivepodcast@gmail.com

    1h 3m

  2. 3d ago

    Ep 37: A Conversation with Aurora LaFond a.k.a. Sister Outlaw

    Aurora LaFond is a singer-songwriter from New York who spent some time in the foothills of Northern California. Aurora goes by the moniker Sister Outlaw. Her music is folk (but not). Jazz (but not). And, it’s full of good stories. Her new album, Dog Water released to all streaming platforms on June 27, 2026. Dog Water is full of themes of relationships. Relationships past. Current relationships. The hurt of past relationships. Coming to terms with the fallout of relationships. Celebrating what lies ahead. Aurora is a professional Occupational Therapist and a gigging musician. She is completely content with living in both worlds and has no visions of leaving her career behind for her music. Enjoy this interview with someone who knows what they want in life and loves telling musical stories about their journey. https://sisteroutlaw.bandcamp.com/ Aurora LaFond on Spotify Aurora LaFond on Apple Music Support the show If you have a question, an idea for a show, or you would just like to say "hey," you can drop me an email at gigtolivepodcast@gmail.com

    52 min

  3. Jul 2

    Ep 36: A Conversation with Kelly Rutledge

    In this episode, John chats with guest Kelly Rutledge. Kelly is the founder of Madcap Records, an independent record label based in Nevada City, California. Madcap operates out of Ancient Waves Studio and distributes music through Sony's distribution network to major digital platforms. Kelly is a former major-label A&R executive and producer who worked with Virgin, Capitol, Motown, The Village Studios. John and Kelly talk about what an A&R rep looks for in a musician, the soul of a musician, why community is important, advice for musicians from a studio perspective, when labels get it wrong, and the future of music with labels. https://www.madcapmusicgroup.com/ https://www.instagram.com/madcaprecords/ Support the show If you have a question, an idea for a show, or you would just like to say "hey," you can drop me an email at gigtolivepodcast@gmail.com

    57 min

  4. Jun 30

    Ep 35: What Musicians Wish Venue Owners Knew

    In this episode, John talks about the things musicians wish venues knew that make the gig easier for the musician and, more importantly, the things that foster a good relationship between venue and musician. Musicians want venue owners to succeed. However, there are many things that often go overlooked that make the gig difficult for the performer. Some of those things are inconveniences, some are health concerns, and some are frustrating hurdles that shouldn't have to exist. In a perfect world, musicians can communicate the things they need to be as successful as possible, and the venue will listen and take action. Support the show If you have a question, an idea for a show, or you would just like to say "hey," you can drop me an email at gigtolivepodcast@gmail.com

    24 min

  5. Jun 25

    Ep 34: A Conversation with Gina Nelson, LCSW, CDWF

    In this episode, John sits down with therapist Gina Nelson to discuss something musicians don't talk about nearly enough: mental health. Gina is a licensed therapist who specializes in anxiety, trauma, and EMDR therapy, and she also understands the life of a musician because she's a skilled musician who has shared the stage herself. The pressure to perform, fear of failure, imposter syndrome, loneliness, old emotional wounds, anxiety, depression, and tying your identity to your art are all realities many musicians quietly carry.  In this honest and practical conversation, John and Gina explore why creatives can be especially vulnerable, whether music can actually help us heal, what EMDR is, and how musicians can begin to find healthier ways to navigate the emotional weight that often comes with the craft. Support the show If you have a question, an idea for a show, or you would just like to say "hey," you can drop me an email at gigtolivepodcast@gmail.com

    47 min

  6. Jun 23

    Ep 33: Storytime Volume Two

    In today's episode, John continues what will be a podcast tradition of sharing memorable gig stories. One of the greatest things musicians can do is tell one another stories about their most memorable gigs. We encourage one another, remind each other why we do what we do, laugh together, and celebrate together. We learn from one another. We normalize the chaos that most definitely happens. We pass down our survival knowledge. Best of all, we preserve moments that happened in space and time. The show happens live. The stories live with us. The best way to keep those stories fresh is to retell them. Support the show If you have a question, an idea for a show, or you would just like to say "hey," you can drop me an email at gigtolivepodcast@gmail.com

    23 min

  7. Jun 18

    Ep 32: Perspective in The Suck

    In this episode, John takes a look at a reality that applies to just about every line of work: every job has a component called "The Suck." Even careers we love come with parts we'd rather skip. The challenge isn't eliminating The Suck. The challenge is keeping it in perspective. John shares ten common frustrations musicians face and explores how a simple shift in mindset can change the way we experience them.  Support the show If you have a question, an idea for a show, or you would just like to say "hey," you can drop me an email at gigtolivepodcast@gmail.com

    27 min

  8. Jun 16

    Ep 31: "Mommy, Where Do Gigs Come From?"

    In this episode, John tackles one of the most important questions in the life of a working musician: Where do gigs come from?  This episode is in response to a few listeners writing in and asking for advice. New bookings don't just magically appear on the calendar. Some musicians seem to stay busy year after year, while others struggle to find enough work. Why is that? Understanding how opportunities are created can have a huge impact on your career. Join John for a conversation about finding your next gig... and the one after that. Support the show If you have a question, an idea for a show, or you would just like to say "hey," you can drop me an email at gigtolivepodcast@gmail.com

    20 min
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About

Full-time gigging musician John Voelz discusses the strategies, mindset shifts, and real-world lessons that help you build something that actually lasts, delivering smart and practical insight with a sense of humor that keeps it real and approachable. If you gig, or want to gig, this is for you.

Information

  • Creator
    John Voelz
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Gig To Live
  • Show Website
    Gig To Live