Cover Band Confidential's Podcast (Music Business, Gigging Tips & Making Money as a Musician)

Coverband Confidential
  • 4.8 (92)
  • Music Commentary
  • Updated Weekly

Cover Band Confidential is the podcast for working musicians, bandleaders, and gigging players who want to make more money, book better gigs, build stronger bands, and run their music career like a business.

  1. 6d ago

    Holiday Ketchup (Catsup?) and LBK recap

    This week on Cover Band Confidential, Adam and Dan do a quick Memorial Day catch-up and break down the first live band karaoke show under Adam’s new "ATL LBK" brand. The gig had a lot going for it: a massive LED wall, custom motion backgrounds, ProPresenter handling the song list and visuals, AbleSet running lyrics, and Bandleader managing singer signups, payments, and queue management. Shockingly, a lot of the complicated stuff actually worked.  But because this is live music, there were still some growing pains. We also get into escape room recommendations, a BBC show recommendation, new merch plans, the last Members Only gig with Nathan for a while, and why anything worth doing is apparently worth overdoing.  If you’re a working musician, bandleader, or someone thinking about adding live band karaoke to your gig options, this episode is a useful look at what worked, what needs dialing in, and why the signup system and lyric system are probably the things you want working before anything else. Want to send us your gig red flags for a future episode? Email: coverbandconfidential@gmail.com Join the Cover Band Confidential community, Patreon, Slack, and more: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/links #CoverBandConfidential #LiveBandKaraoke #CoverBand #WorkingMusician #GiggingMusician #BandLeader #LiveMusic #ATLmusic #AtlantaBands #ProPresenter #AbleSet #BandGear #MusicBusiness live band karaoke, live karaoke band, cover band podcast, Cover Band Confidential, working musician podcast, gigging musician tips, bandleader advice, live music business, how to run live band karaoke, ATL LBK, Atlanta live band karaoke, karaoke with live band, ProPresenter live music, AbleSet lyrics, band signup system, live band set up, cover band tips, bar band gigs, private event band, live sound for bands, band routing problems, Behringer WING live sound, QR code song signup, band karaoke setup, audience participation gig, cover band business, musician podcast, live music podcast, gig recap, band tech setup, live vocal mixing, in ear monitors, band management, music business podcast

    13 min
  2. 10 Ways Your Band Is Making Itself Harder to Hire

    May 22

    10 Ways Your Band Is Making Itself Harder to Hire

    Is your band accidentally making itself harder to book?This week on *Cover Band Confidential*, Adam and Dan break down *10 very fixable ways bands create friction for bookers, clients, venues, planners, and anyone else trying to give them money*.Because here’s the brutal truth: the best band does not always win. The easiest band to work with often does.We dig into the stuff that separates “pretty good bar band” from “professional event band that gets called back every year,” including:* Why slow responses make you look like you hate money* How bad promo can trap you at the level of gigs you already have* Why your website and social presence may be raising more questions than answers* The difference between being musically ready and operationally ready* Why pricing gets weird — and how to stop apologizing for your quote* How your setlist can either serve the room or sabotage the gig* Why relationship-building after the show matters more than most bands realizePlus, we catch up on 3D printing, live band karaoke prep, Jam Zone vs. Ableton/AbleSet, headless guitar string anxiety, Fender’s cease-and-desist drama, and why your band website probably still says copyright 2017.If you want to stop creating friction and start getting hired like a professional, this one’s for you.Get our free bandleader tools, templates, gear recommendations, insurance resources, and more here: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/links#CoverBandConfidential #CoverBands #WorkingMusicians #GiggingMusicians #BandBusiness #LiveMusic #BandLeader #EventBands #WeddingBands #CorporateBands #MusicBusiness #GigLife #MusicianTips #CoverBandTips #BandMarketing

    43 min
  3. Musician's EDC- Non-Musical items every musician needs

    May 15

    Musician's EDC- Non-Musical items every musician needs

    Most musicians remember the obvious stuff: instruments, cables, strings, sticks, charts, and the gear required to actually play the gig.But what about everything else?This week on *Cover Band Confidential*, we’re building the *Musician’s EGC — Every Gig Carry list:* the non-musical gear that saves your gig, your sanity, your clothes, your car, and occasionally your dignity.We’re talking about the stuff working musicians learn to pack after years of getting burned: sunscreen, bug spray, trash bags, gaff tape, headlamps, air movers, battery packs, magic arms, first aid kits, doorstops, QR codes, breathalyzers, backup shirts, and all the other “why didn’t I bring that?” items that separate the prepared pros from the sweaty disaster goblins.If you play bars, private events, outdoor stages, corporate gigs, weddings, karaoke nights, festivals, patios, or any other vaguely hostile environment with questionable power and zero shade, this list is for you.Chinly Battery-Powered Wireless DMX: https://amzn.to/4wvGSNJ Full EGC List (Affiliate): https://www.amazon.com/shop/influencer-d417e12d/list/JIHAMNBAO68S?ref_=aipsflistBACTrack Exclusive Discount Store: https://www.bactrack.com/coverbandconfidentialAlso in this episode:* Adam’s upcoming 4th of July gig* Live band karaoke prep* Jam Zone testing* Wireless DMX updates* The return of Frozen Coyote accountability* Why gaffe tape is worth the money* Why an air mover beats a fan* Why every gigging musician should probably own a doorstop* And one truly brain-dead comment about in-ear monitorsNeed links, tools, discounts, and resources for working musicians?Check out: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/linksSubscribe for more real-world advice for working musicians, bandleaders, and cover bands trying to make more money, look more professional, and suck less.#CoverBandConfidential #GiggingMusician #WorkingMusician #CoverBand #LiveMusic #BandLife #MusicGear #GigEssentials #EverydayCarry #MusicianEDC #MusicianTips #BandLeader #PrivateEvents #CorporateGigs #liveperformance

    53 min
  4. Rolling Stone’s ‘100 Greatest Guitar Solos’ List Bingo Card

    May 8

    Rolling Stone’s ‘100 Greatest Guitar Solos’ List Bingo Card

    Adam and Dan recap Adam’s bizarre recent gig where his voice failed on some songs but suddenly returned mid-set, helped by Amber, and he tested gear including an M5 mic he now praises and a trem setter that improved his Vibrant guitar’s tuning stability. They shout out listener Jason Hughes from Dayton, Ohio (Simple Daze), then pivot to Rolling Stone’s new “100 Greatest Guitar Solos” list, calling it infuriating rage bait and introducing a “Greatest List Bingo Card” to flag predictable contrarian picks. They debate snubs and weird placements (e.g., “Sultans of Swing,” “Cliffs of Dover,” “Free Bird”), critique questionable inclusions, compare overlap with Guitar World’s 2022 reader poll, and run through Rolling Stone’s top 20, reacting to live-cut pretension and the surprising #1 pick: Prince’s “Purple Rain.”

    44 min
  5. AI Programmed Our Lights… and Dan's return to the stage!

    May 1

    AI Programmed Our Lights… and Dan's return to the stage!

    What happens when your singer has no voice, your guitarist has one working foot, and the gig still has to happen? In this episode of Cover Band Confidential, we catch up on a very normal week in cover band land: wireless mic experiments, AI-programmed lighting, forgotten iPads, cursed rental guitars, and Dan’s return to the stage after more than a year away. 🤖 Adam used Claude to help build Maestro DMX lighting cues, then triggered them through Ableton and AbleSet at an actual gig. And somehow? It worked [mostly] We talk about: Using AI as a practical band tech assistant Automating cover band lighting Maestro DMX, Ableton, and AbleSet workflows Testing the Xvive M5 wireless mic in a hostile RF environment Why remembering your iPad is apparently still important Adam also announces a new live band karaoke residency running monthly from May through October. That opens up a full systems-brain spiral about: JamZone for tracks, lyrics, clicks, charts, and MIDI ( https://www.jamzone.com/?aff=1364 ) Building flexible song lists Handling audience requests Why live band karaoke is musical Russian roulette with a signup sheet How the CBC community helped shape better workflows Dan also played his first full band gig after foot surgery, which included: Corporate sponsors Rented backline Guest singers Pink Pony Club A Headrush Flex Prime A guitar with a locked locking nut A broken high E string A bridge no one could identify The soul-crushing reminder that load-out still exists The good news: Dan felt like a band person again. The bad news: rental guitars remain cursed. This episode is about the systems that keep gigs from collapsing into soup. Modern cover band life isn’t just “show up and play songs.” It’s RF management, lighting automation, tracks, requests, rental logistics, guest singers, tech redundancy, and occasionally remembering to bring the gear you meant to bring. The bands that figure out repeatable systems are the ones that can say yes to better, weirder, and more profitable gigs. Resources:https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/links Gear, tools, and services we actually use. Subscribe for weekly conversations about running a band, booking better gigs, surviving live music nonsense, and building a sustainable music career. #CoverBand #CoverBandConfidential #LiveBandKaraoke #WorkingMusician #GiggingMusician #BandLife #MusicGear #StageLighting #AbletonLive #AbleSet #MaestroDMX #JamZone #CorporateGigs #LiveMusic #MusicBusiness

    26 min
  6. Rebuild Your Gig Rig From Scratch in 5 Days (Only $2,000) | Adam on the 40 Watt Podcast

    Apr 24

    Rebuild Your Gig Rig From Scratch in 5 Days (Only $2,000) | Adam on the 40 Watt Podcast

    What would you do if all your guitar gear disappeared - and you had just 5 days and $2000 to rebuild your entire rig? In this special crossover episode featuring Adam from Cover Band Confidential and Philip Carter from the 40 Watt Podcast, we tackle a real-world challenge every gigging musician should think about: building a complete, gig-ready guitar setup on a tight budget. From modelers vs. tube amps to choosing the right guitar for versatility, this episode breaks down practical strategies for creating a reliable live rig fast. Whether you are a working musician, weekend warrior, or gear enthusiast, you will get insight into how different players prioritize tone, flexibility, and performance under pressure. If you have ever wondered how far $2000 can really go in today's gear market, this is the episode for you. ## 🔑 Topics Covered * Building a gig-ready guitar rig on a budget * Modelers vs. traditional amps for live performance * Choosing the most versatile guitar for gigs * Essential gear every player actually needs * Real-world decision-making for working musicians ## 🎯Who This Is For Guitarists, gigging musicians, cover band players, and anyone looking to build a practical, great-sounding rig without overspending. Phillips Rig: Epiphone Double Cut Les Paul: [https://sweetwater.sjv.io/PzKEnR](https://sweetwater.sjv.io/PzKEnR) Fender George Benson Hot Rod Deluxe: [https://sweetwater.sjv.io/Agme5a](https://sweetwater.sjv.io/Agme5a) Ibanez TS9: [https://sweetwater.sjv.io/2Rjz7A](https://sweetwater.sjv.io/2Rjz7A) Boss Cables: [https://sweetwater.sjv.io/X4djE3](https://sweetwater.sjv.io/X4djE3) Fender Locking Strap: [https://sweetwater.sjv.io/B5xakJ](https://sweetwater.sjv.io/B5xakJ) DAddario Headstock Tuner: [https://sweetwater.sjv.io/E091AD](https://sweetwater.sjv.io/E091AD) Adams Rig: HX Stomp: [https://sweetwater.sjv.io/QYJdoY](https://sweetwater.sjv.io/QYJdoY) On Stage Board: [https://sweetwater.sjv.io/k4z2eM](https://sweetwater.sjv.io/k4z2eM) Dimarzio Strap: [https://sweetwater.sjv.io/GbndeE](https://sweetwater.sjv.io/GbndeE) Shure GLXD16+: [https://sweetwater.sjv.io/gRDXj5](https://sweetwater.sjv.io/gRDXj5) Fender Standard Strat HSS: [https://sweetwater.sjv.io/zzymEm](https://sweetwater.sjv.io/zzymEm) Hosa Cable: [https://sweetwater.sjv.io/E09dmX](https://sweetwater.sjv.io/E09dmX) Ibanez PS60: [https://sweetwater.sjv.io/R01dB7](https://sweetwater.sjv.io/R01dB7) Squier Strat: [https://sweetwater.sjv.io/yZy60D](https://sweetwater.sjv.io/yZy60D) NJ Schecter: [https://sweetwater.sjv.io/qWA6bn](https://sweetwater.sjv.io/qWA6bn)

    55 min
  7. Gig Recap and what Coachella can teach us

    Apr 17

    Gig Recap and what Coachella can teach us

    Adam and Dan had a wild week before even hitting record — Dan's daughter came down with the flu days before her Peter Pan debut, his wife's boss unexpectedly passed away, and Adam's wife Amber is off in York, UK with a coworker who's never left the country. The Dogwood Festival happened, and it was a lot. It was supposed to be a sentimental final show with their drummer Nathan, but the chaos of a 30-minute festival turnover kind of took over. Shoutout to their production coordinator Christian who absolutely crushed the changeover. They played "Satisfied" by Richard Marx live for the first time ever, Adam debuted his new Vibrant guitar (floating bridge jury still out), and Amber had an absolutely legendary wipeout on stage during "Hungry Like the Wolf" — landed it so cleanly people thought it was choreographed. She's fine. The video is on the Patreon. Big Coachella chat this week. Three performances stood out: Sabrina Carpenter's headlining set was a full-on spectacle — cameos, costume changes, Will Ferrell as a grumpy stagehand — just a genuinely fun, high-effort show. Teddy Swims stole the weekend by bringing out Joe Jonas, Vanessa Carlton, and David Lee Roth for a set that was basically engineered for virality, and it worked. And then there's Justin Bieber, who showed up, sat in a hoodie, pulled up YouTube, and sang karaoke to his own videos while people lost their minds about it — in both directions. Next week: Adam went down a Claude AI rabbit hole trying to program his stage lights and the story wasn't even finished when they hit record. Stay tuned. Also — the show just hit 8,000 YouTube subs!

    37 min
  8. 8 Reasons YOUR BAND can't book private gigs (and how to fix them)

    Apr 10

    8 Reasons YOUR BAND can't book private gigs (and how to fix them)

    Why do some bands land high-paying corporate gigs… while others stay stuck playing bars forever?In this episode of *Cover Band Confidential*, we break down **eight very fixable reasons your band isn’t getting corporate or private event bookings**—and what you can actually do about it.But first… we kick things off with a little chaos:* The backlash from a recent Rush video (because expectations vs reality is undefeated)* A Disney trip recap—including the *Caring for Giants* elephant tour and an aggressive number of Star Tours rides* Upcoming gigs, travel, and some new gear—including a Traveler guitar and a killer 1-watt Princeton-style ampWe also touch on a recent conversation with Eric Baines from the band Chicago—which ties directly into the bigger topic:👉 **What it actually takes to land gigs at that level**---## 💼 WHY YOUR BAND ISN’T GETTING CORPORATE GIGSWe break down the biggest mistakes bands make:* Marketing like a bar band instead of a premium act* Not having a professional website (or having a bad one)* Weak or unclear branding* No business infrastructure (LLC, contracts, insurance, invoices, etc.)* Lack of social proof and testimonials* Being too loud (yes, this matters more than you think)* Not handling production (PA, backline, tech)* Poor pricing strategy (and never asking for the client’s budget)---## 🎯 WHAT ACTUALLY MATTERSThis episode isn’t about playing better.It’s about **running your band like a business**.Because the bands getting booked for corporate events are:* Easy to hire* Easy to trust* Easy to say yes to---## 💡 PRACTICAL TAKEAWAYS* Why silent stages and controlled volume setups are a huge advantage* How owning or sourcing production can unlock bigger gigs* Why asking for the client’s budget can increase your pay* When saying *no* to lower-paying gigs is the right move---## 🔗 RESOURCES👉 [https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/links](https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/links)(Gear, tools, and services we actually use)Subscribe for weekly conversations about running a band, booking better gigs, and building a sustainable music career.#CoverBand #CorporateGigs #WorkingMusician #GiggingMusician #BandLife #MusicBusiness #LiveMusic #WeddingBand #EventBand #Musicians #MusicCareer #BandAdvice #MusicIndustry

    42 min
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4.8
out of 5
92 Ratings

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Cover Band Confidential is the podcast for working musicians, bandleaders, and gigging players who want to make more money, book better gigs, build stronger bands, and run their music career like a business.

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