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

    3D AGO

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. How Eric Baines Went from Wedding Bands & Disneyland to Playing Bass for Chicago

    APR 3

    How Eric Baines Went from Wedding Bands & Disneyland to Playing Bass for Chicago

    What does it actually take to land a gig with a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band? Eric Baines — multi-instrumentalist, producer, touring musician, and podcaster — breaks it all down on this episode of Cover Band Confidential.Eric is currently the bass player for the legendary band Chicago, but the road to that stage ran through Berklee College of Music, the chaotic LA wedding circuit, celebrity gigs with David Foster and Babyface, and — yes — Disneyland's Mad Tea Party show. This is a masterclass in what it really looks like to build a professional music career from the ground up.We dig into the wild realities of LA wedding band life, how playing 200+ nights a year sharpens your musicianship, what working inside the Disney machine teaches you about performance energy, and how word-of-mouth networking (and never burning bridges) ultimately led Eric to Dwight Yoakam and then to Chicago. He also gets real about what it felt like to get "the call," the decision-making process when you already have a steady gig and a new baby at home, and what his first night on stage with Chicago was actually like.If you're a working musician, a touring artist, or anyone trying to build a sustainable career in music, this episode is packed with honest, practical wisdom.📲 Follow Eric Baines:https://www.tiktok.com/@divebarrockstarhttps://www.instagram.com/ericbainesbass/https://open.spotify.com/artist/329oY3JiCqEB7VQnre7HUY?si=9_CahKViQL-4GWTmTuThgQ 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations with professional musicians, touring artists, and the unsung heroes of the live music world.And for more info check out www.coverbandconfidential.com/links 🎙️ **Cover Band Confidential** is the podcast for professional musicians — real talk about the gigs, the grind, the hustle, and the highlights of life as a working artist.#EricBaines #ChicagoBand #CoverBandConfidential #MusicianLife #BassPlayer #TouringMusician #MusicCareer #SessionMusician #WeddingBand #LAMusicScene #BerkleeCollegeOfMusic #Disneyland #RockBand #MusicIndustry #HowToBeAMusician #WorkingMusician #MusicPodcast #BehindTheMusic

    44 min
  7. What Working Musicians Actually Need (with Scott Uhl)

    MAR 27

    What Working Musicians Actually Need (with Scott Uhl)

    If you’re a working musician trying to balance gigs, gear, and content creation… this episode is required listening. This week, we sit down with Scott Uhl — a gigging multi-instrumentalist, YouTube gear reviewer, and full-time creative who’s built a career testing gear in the real world (not just a bedroom studio). We dig into: What actually matters in live gear (and what doesn’t) Why most musicians overthink tone and underthink performance The reality of being a full-time working musician in 2026 How Scott built a successful YouTube channel during the pandemic Testing gear LIVE at gigs (and when it goes wrong) The economics of cover bands vs original projects His experimental solo project Spiral Cell and creative workflow Plus — we talk NAMM, wireless systems, budget PA setups, and why the audience doesn’t care what gear you’re using… as long as it works. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn music into a sustainable career — this one’s packed with insight. 👉 Check out Scott’s channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ScottUhlMusic 👉 Follow Cover Band Confidential for more real-world musician advice: https://www.youtube.com/@CoverBandConfidential  Thank you so much for tuning in!  If you want to help be sure to like, subscribe and share with your friends!  https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/links If you have any questions please email at: Coverbandconfidential@gmail.com Consider supporting us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/coverbandconfidential

    42 min
  8. How to Get Back in Gigging Shape: Fitness Tips for Musicians

    MAR 20

    How to Get Back in Gigging Shape: Fitness Tips for Musicians

    If you’re a gigging musician trying to get your stamina back, this episode breaks down the workout habits that actually matter for live performance. We cover cardio for vocal endurance, core training for stage movement, upper back and shoulder work for guitar players, and mobility routines that help you recover faster and move better onstage. This is practical fitness advice for working musicians who want more energy, better stage endurance, and less post-gig regret.Plus: the footwear debate, guitar impulse buys, and how Diamond Dallas Page got Adam into yoga.Got a fitness routine that's keeping you gig-ready? Tell us about it → coverbandconfidential@gmail.com🔗 Band Leader Link Essentials (free resource): [https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/links]#CoverBand #MusicianFitness #GigLife #CoverBandLife #BandLeader #GuitarPlayer #LiveMusic #MusicianLife #StagePresence #VocalHealth Thank you so much for tuning in!  If you want to help be sure to like, subscribe and share with your friends!  Linktree: linktr.ee/adampatrickjohnson                linktr.ee/coverbandconfidentialFollow us on Instagram!@coverbandconfidential@adampatrickjohnson@danraymusicianIf you have any questions please email at:Coverbandconfidential@gmail.comConsider supporting us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/coverbandconfidentialOr buy us a cup of coffee!paypal.me/cbconfidentialAnd for more info check out www.coverbandconfidential.com

    34 min
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4.8
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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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