Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast

Dave Hamilton & Friends
  • 4.9 (51)
  • MUSIC COMMENTARY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Gig Gab—the podcast sanctuary for working musicians and anyone fascinated by the vibrant, often unseen world behind every note played on stage. Whether you’re a musician, a member of the crew, or just someone who loves peeking behind the curtain to discover the secrets of live performances, you’ve found your tribe.

  1. From Wedges to In-Ears: A Monitor Engineer's Playbook with Paul Klimson

    6D AGO

    From Wedges to In-Ears: A Monitor Engineer's Playbook with Paul Klimson

    Ready to make the leap from wedges to in-ear monitors? Or finally get the stage mix you’ve always wanted? Dave Hamilton welcomes back monitor engineer Paul Klimson, the man who mixed 32 stereo IEM feeds for Justin Timberlake, for a working musician’s deep dive on monitor world. You’ll learn how to build a default mix from scratch (start yourself at 0dB, your instrument at -5, everything else at -15), why drummers have an easier transition to in-ears than most assume, and how a split snake lets you take care of yourself when the gig demands it. Paul digs into hi-hat pitfalls, drum overheads as stage wash, and why bands who mix themselves on stage make life better for their FOH engineer, too. Then it gets practical. Paul walks you through IEM fittings (pain is always bad, the seal is everything, and yes, drop an AirTag in your case) plus the universal-versus-custom decision, vetting vendor customer service before you buy, and the repair costs nobody talks about until they need to. You’ll get honest talkback etiquette (keep the drama off-stage, give everyone a voice, remember that your monitor engineer is a short-order cook), the post-mortem habit every band should adopt, and a peek at SoulSeed.tv. Wherever you sit on stage, this is the episode that sharpens how you Always Be Performing. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 532 – Monday, May 4th, 2026 May 4th: Dave Brubeck Day Guest co-host: Paul Klimson 00:03:24 Start with headphones in your practice space Start with earplugs 00:05:09 Drums are a dynamic instrument, which may be why drummers have an easy transition to IEMs (usually) 00:08:33 What do you want in your wedge? What’s your reference? 00:09:11 The artist/engineer relationship 00:11:03 Building a default mix Start yourself at 0dB Instrument at -5dB Everything else at -15dB 00:12:58 Using a Split Snake When possible, take care of yourself 00:14:47 Timing of a mix Don’t forget about hi-hats Work with your engineer to dial-in your own mix 00:19:18 Drum overheads for stage wash effect 00:22:21 In-ears help you listen better Bands who mix themselves on stage makes your ears AND the FOH engineers job ears 00:23:54 Learn where you and your instrument fit into the mix of your band And change it if you don’t fit. You’re not the most important thing! 00:26:40 What’s going to make you stand out when someone comes to see you at clubs of any size? Do you hear the lyrics? Do you hear the intent of the story of the song? Watch your instagram videos and evaluate honestly 00:30:28 Knowing when the studio mix is done. 00:33:27 Fittings for IEMs Things to look for: Pain is bad Is the seal functioning correctly? Listen for sound leakage (including when you open your mouth and move around) Are the ports aimed down the canal wrong Do you hear high-end better when you rock the mold around? 00:37:36 Put an AirTag in your IEM case! 00:39:28 Figuring out which model to order Try universal fits first to learn the musical qualities 00:41:16 Test the customer service of vendors before you choose 00:42:55 The origin of IEMs 00:44:44 Find out repair costs Comply Foam Strips 00:48:20 Talkback Use Keep the drama off-stage Give everyone a voice Monitor engineers are like short-order cooks… be kind! 00:58:23 Always post-mortem the problems from the gig And also “what happens if?” conversations 01:03:22 Soulseed.TV 01:06:05 Gig Gab 532 Outtro Follow Paul Klimson SoulSeed.tv @TheRoadieClinic Contact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagram feedback@giggabpodcast.com Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List The post From Wedges to In-Ears: A Monitor Engineer’s Playbook with Paul Klimson – Gig Gab 532 appeared first on Gig Gab.

    1h 7m
  2. Stop Guessing, Start Growing: Fix Your Band’s Biggest Pain Points (with Dan Chantrey)

    APR 27

    Stop Guessing, Start Growing: Fix Your Band’s Biggest Pain Points (with Dan Chantrey)

    You trace Dan Chantrey’s path from drummer dad influence to choosing music over football, and quickly see the real lesson: the game has flipped. You’re no longer playing gigs to sell music, you’re using music to sell gigs. From record deals fading to booking agents becoming the new gatekeepers, you learn why every band feels like it’s on the brink and how surviving means thinking beyond the stage. GIGNITE emerges as the modern answer, a virtual tour manager that helps you route tours, analyze audiences, and break into new markets with data instead of guesswork. If you want to grow, you stop hoping for “yes” and start building a system that makes it inevitable. You rethink what it means to be a working musician: your brand matters as much as your chops, your off-stage work is where the money lives, and yes, it’s okay to get paid for your art. From finding sponsors in your local pizza joint to solving real-world problems like parking the van and booking rooms, you’re shown how to remove friction and scale your gig life intelligently. The stories drive it home: don’t punish the audience that showed up, audition gigs still sting, and your toughest hometown show might teach you the most. The throughline is clear: treat this like a business, leverage the tools, and Always Be Performing. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 531 – Monday, April 27th, 2026 April 27th: Morse Code Day Guest co-host: Dan Chantrey from GIGNITE 00:03:36 Dan’s Dad was a drummer and a singer, started him off, then Dan started playing 00:03:58 Playing live vs. Playing in the studio 00:04:15 Choosing between (American) football and music 00:06:09 Getting signed to Frontier Records Things worked for a while “Every band is on the verge of breaking up at all times” 00:09:06 Things have turned: you used to do gigs to sell your music, now you do music to sell your gigs GIGNITE is a one-stop shop for artists to be able to tour Had an events business running pre-COVID BREXIT happened, so how can we make things easier to get artists move about through Europe 00:12:38 Booking agent deals are the new record deal 00:14:49 Tried to book a festival, booking agents said “no” even though bands said “yes” 00:16:00 GIGNITE is your virtual tour manager 00:17:10 Aggregating Audience Analytics is part of the platform, too 00:18:56 Heading to NAMM to learn what potential customers want NAMM is the meeting place of the music industry 00:20:33 Analytics aggregation for tribute acts and cover bands, too Does Dave’s fictitious band sound like Rage Against The Machine? Why not! Using analytics to decide which markets 00:22:55 GIGNITE is free for artists to join and use Freemium model allows artists to add additional features like press releases and such Primary monetization is from suppliers (aka venues) Venue ratings system! 00:24:22 Gig Unite links artists with sponsors Linking headline bands with opening acts (local and otherwise) Find sponsors for your local bands, folks: Pizza place Construction companies Cleaning services Chiropractor It might be easier to get sponsors for your band than gigs for it! 32:31 SPONSOR: Gusto. Get three months free when you run your first payroll when you start at https://gusto.com/giggab 00:33:57 GIGNITE takes the heavy lifting and headaches away Gives your band the power to look at and consider tours “How do you get a gig in a town that’s 200 miles away?” You can do it yourself, you can get a booking agent, or you can use a service like GIGNITE 00:36:00 It’s called the music BUSINESS for a reason The brand of your band is as important as your stagecraft 00:40:49 I don’t get paid to play shows, I get paid to do all the off-stage stuff Dave says: “It’s OK to get paid for our art” 00:43:41 Where are you going to park your van while you play? Where are you going to stay? GIGNITE answers these questions 00:47:44 Now it’s Gig Gab time Road stories, folks! Parthenon Huxley: Don’t punish the people who showed up! Audition Gigs… love ‘em and hate ‘em! (mostly hate ‘em!) 00:54:36 The hardest gig I ever played “We want to see you in your home town.” 00:58:00 Gig Gab 531 Outtro Follow Dan Chantrey GIGNITE.live Facebook & Instagram Dan_chantrey Dan Chan Show on Rock Rage Radio Dan Chan Show on YouTube Contact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagram feedback@giggabpodcast.com Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List The post Stop Guessing, Start Growing: Fix Your Band’s Biggest Pain Points – Gig Gab 531 with Dan Chantrey appeared first on Gig Gab.

    1h 2m
  3. 50 Years of Rush: Howard Ungerleider on Lighting the Lighted Stage

    APR 20

    50 Years of Rush: Howard Ungerleider on Lighting the Lighted Stage

    Step inside five decades of rock history with lighting legend Howard Ungerleider, the man who’s been designing and directing Rush’s light shows since 1974. Hear how a $75-a-week mailroom gig at American Talent International — where he pulled off a rogue booking of Fleetwood Mac before he was even an agent — turned into a lifetime behind the console. Get the story of Howard landing in Toronto to babysit “a club band called Rush,” sleeping on the floor at the manager’s house with a St. Bernard, freezing his hand to a car door at -40 in Cochrane, Ontario, and later jamming with Neil Peart at his house to Genesis and Supertramp records. Howard also talks designing Roll The Bones (the one Rush tour he couldn’t operate), embedding at See Factor to build custom gear nobody else could get, and how Blue Öyster Cult first put him in front of a laser: the same craft he now brings to Foo Fighters, Tool, and Janet Jackson. Then the conversation turns to the upcoming Rush Fifty Something tour — a four-piece now with Anika Nilles on drums and Loren Gold on keys, freeing Geddy to focus on bass and vocals. Learn why Howard still “plays” the lighting console live with two boards and thousands of touch cues, how robotic spots are quietly changing the craft, and why he and Phish’s Chris Kuroda will be swapping rigs at Madison Square Garden. You’ll also hear the Paul McCartney moment in the Taylor Hawkins tribute dressing room that may have sparked the whole tour, and why Howard insists this is a rejuvenation, a celebration, and proof that no matter the rig, the room, or the era, you’ve gotta ALWAYS BE PERFORMING. Because it’s what we do. Press play and enjoy, folks. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 530 – Monday, April 20th, 2026 April 20th: Pizza Delivery Driver Appreciation Day Guest co-host: Howard Ungerleider 00:02:18 Walked into a NYC office to get a recording contract for his band “You need to learn about this industry before you come knocking on people’s doors.” Introduced him to Action Talent (which became American Talent International) 00:06:21 For $75/week delivering coffee and working in the mailroom After a year and a half he got booted from Monmouth University, then became the ATI gopher 00:08:17 Hey, do you want Fleetwood Mac to play here? 00:11:44 Booking agent 00:13:17 Can you fill in for a week as Blue Oyster Cult’s tour 00:14:51 Howard and Rush were surprised to have Howard working there “I need ten grand” – “no, you can sleep on the floor instead” 00:18:11 Howard had to show Geddy that New York pizza was better than Toronto pizza 00:19:01 Howard learns about Canadian cold Howard’s driving, Geddy’s riding shotgun, Neil’s reading, Alex is smoking a joint 00:20:42 Geddy says, “get out and take a breath of fresh air” 00:22:05 John Rutsey had opted out of touring, Howard moves to Toronto while they’re auditioning drummers “Eventually Neil [Peart] walked in…and that was it.” 00:23:32 Howard and Neil used to jam at Neil’s house Genesis and Supertramp 00:24:19 Road life’s not so bad 200 gigs a year on the road 00:26:09 Rush took a break, Howard did Queensryche and Tesla Howard designed Roll The Bones, but it’s the only tour he couldn’t operate 00:27:51 Howard tour-managed and lighting designed and operated every tour up through Presto, after which he dropped tour-managing 00:28:41 Dave realizes he met Howard on the Presto tour 00:31:43 Don’t put up with crap 00:32:03 Howard’s been doing Rush’s lights since 1974 00:33:05 Moving from clubs and theaters to arenas Howard embedded himself into See Factor, the lighting company. Lots of custom gear 00:34:54 SPONSOR: Warby Parker – Right now, buy one prescription pair and get 20% off any additional prescription pairs at https://WarbyParker.com/GIGGAB 00:36:40 SPONSOR: Claude.ai – Ready to tackle bigger problems? Sign up for Claude today, which includes access to Claude Cowork, too, when you visit https://Claude.ai/giggab 00:38:10 Howard first saw lasers with Blue Oyster Cult Dr. David Infante, Blue Oyster Cult’s laser operator Howard’s lasers on on the road with Foo Fighters, Tool, Janet Jackson and more 00:40:37 RUSH Fifty Something Something completely different than Howard has ever done Other dimensions 00:42:04 Mixing the Juno awards Howard says Neil would approve of Anika. 00:44:51 Hey Howard, surprise! RUSH is going to tour again 00:47:03 Howard did lights for RUSH at Taylor Hawkins tribute 00:48:46 Howard prefers mixing live He “plays” the lighting console live Remote spot locations 00:52:07 RUSH Fifty Something… it’s band of FOUR. Geddy is happy… playing less keyboards, more bass and vocal focus 00:54:42 Howard: “I create lighting choreography” This tour is (currently) 2.5 hours (things can change, folks!) “I try to enhance the show with lighting that can trigger your emotions. I approach it as an audience member.” Loren Gold’s harmonies sound great 00:58:28 Phish and Rush alternating at Madison Square Garden Chris Kuroda also mixes lights live 01:00:45 Howard’s going to 85 dates We’re here to create positivity, have a good time…and Neil Peart is smiling down 01:05:25 Brian Worthen on FOH 01:08:30 Gig Gab 530 Outtro Follow Howard Ungerleider Facebook Contact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagram feedback@giggabpodcast.com Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List The post 50 Years of Rush: Howard Ungerleider on Lighting the Lighted Stage – Gig Gab 530 appeared first on Gig Gab.

    1h 10m
  4. The Crowd Is the Star: Piano Bar Secrets for Entertaining Any Room with Cliff & Susan Prowse

    APR 13

    The Crowd Is the Star: Piano Bar Secrets for Entertaining Any Room with Cliff & Susan Prowse

    You don’t need a traditional path to build a thriving music career! Just ask Cliff and Susan Prowse, who turned classical piano chops and play-by-ear instincts into a full-blown lifestyle business. Whether you learned to read music first or figured out theory after the fact, what matters is training your ear to hear intervals, stacking up reps, and putting in the practice until harmony feels like second nature. Use your DAW to sharpen your pitch, but don’t psych yourself or your bandmates out: true tone deafness is rare, and confidence is currency on stage. The bottom line: making a real living in music is absolutely possible when you treat your craft like a skill you never stop sharpening. Once you hit the stage, remember that the crowd is the star and you’re the emcee who just happens to sing and play. Take your audience on a journey: open at mid-energy, build it up, let it breathe, then hit them again. Mix genres, swap instruments, toss in some comedy, and never leave dead air between songs; keep every second purposeful. Think of your set like a video game where you’re always leveling up the room. Manage your breaks with music that matches the vibe so the party never stalls. Playing covers isn’t just a gig — it’s a masterclass in entertainment, and entertainment is its own art form. Always Be Performing. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 529 – Monday, April 13th, 2026 April 13th: National Silly Earring Day Guest co-hosts: Susan Erwin Prowse & Cliff Prowse 00:03:02 The Ultimate Lifestyle Business 00:03:33 Starting with a Pure Mathematics Degree to Piano Bars Classical Piano at the base of it all 00:05:04 Bumble Boogie piqued Susan’s ears Make sure your kids see that inspiration 00:07:16 Cliff started with music from the day he was born Always treated instruments delicately, even as a toddler Learned to play by ear, but never learned to read 00:09:44 Reading vs. hearing and Music Theory School band director thought he was reading music, when Cliff was just playing by ear and remembering what the band director Susan learned to hear intervals Cliff decided to learn theory after-the-fact 00:14:28 Learning to play before you learn WHY the notes work 00:18:18 Breaking down vocal harmonies Both Susan and Cliff picks out harmony by ear Singing harmonies with the mixolydian scale with the flat 7 Really, just practice. Repetition is the key to it all! 00:27:20 Using your DAW to help improve your singing Being actually tone deaf is rare Beware of shaking your bandmates’ confidence…or your own 00:33:21 Making a living in the music business is possible! 00:34:26 The science of the show: Piano Bar strategies Top 40, any genre, any decade Learning the skills of doing the singalong concept Susan and Cliff met on-stage at Willy D’s piano bar in Little Rock From piano bars in Little Rock to Los Angeles to Las Vegas and beyond 00:38:31 Taking the crowd on a journey When you’re there to entertain and throw the party The crowd is the star, you AREN’T You’re the emcee, the DJ, you just happen to know how to sing and play piano Keep it interesting by changing the genre, the groove, the style It’s like playing a video game! Mid energy, at first, then bring it up, then let it ease, then maybe repeat Add variety: different instruments, different singers, different styles Add a little comedy to give them a break from the music 00:45:44 Manage your breaks One school: NEVER stop playing Have good break music, make sure the energy matches 00:49:48 Managing your dead air Don’t allow breaks between songs. Always avoid dead air. “Purposeful Talking” 00:52:44 Entertainers Academy 5-Day Gig Amplifier Challenge Susan and Cliff love to teach! 00:56:44 Being in a cover band is a masterclass of learning entertainment skills Entertaining is an art in and of itself 01:00:17 Gig Gab 528 Outtro Follow Cliff & Susan Facebook & Instagram Contact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagram feedback@giggabpodcast.com Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List The post The Crowd Is the Star: Piano Bar Secrets for Entertaining Any Room – Gig Gab Podcast 529 with Cliff & Susan Prowse appeared first on Gig Gab.

    1h 2m
  5. Monitoring the Artists' Monitors: IEM Wisdom from Kevin Glendinning

    APR 6

    Monitoring the Artists' Monitors: IEM Wisdom from Kevin Glendinning

    In this episode of Gig Gab, you get the full story of how Kevin “KG” Glendinning cold-emailed his way from a Chicago suburb into a 25-year career mixing monitors for Alicia Keys, Maroon 5, Justin Timberlake, Miley Cyrus, Lorde, and more. You hear how a kid sweeping floors at dB Sound ended up on a Metallica tour bus with one piece of advice ringing in his ears: ask questions, stay late, and get a second job because you’re gonna need it. Kevin walks you through migrating artists to in-ear monitors, managing talkback culture for everyone from Eddie Vedder wanting baseball scores to Lorde’s tight production team, and what it takes to help reluctant guitar players finally ditch the wedges. If you’ve ever wondered what separates a good monitor engineer from a great one, this conversation lays it out. You also dive deep into the art and science of making IEMs sound right in every room, every night. Kevin shares his process of minimal reduction: fixing a bad mix by figuring out what to take away, not what to add, and explains why tuning for in-ears is just as critical as tuning a PA. You learn why he flies 4,700 miles for a single gig, why the best mixes sometimes come from a throw-and-go, and how setting up dummy channels lets you experiment without wrecking the artist’s mix. He and Dave talk hearing health, audiograms, the DPA capsule as the only open mic on the Lorde stage, and why knowing your own ears matters more than knowing your gear. Whether you’re mixing monitors at an arena or running sound at a club gig, this episode is packed with wisdom you can use tonight. Always Be Performing, folks! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 528 – Monday, April 6th, 2026 April 6th: National Siamese Cat Day Guest co-host: Kevin Glendinning 00:02:25 Hotmailing his way into a career Watched the credits of a Metallica documentary, realized DB Sound was near the house, emailed Harry… “Hi, I’m Kevin, and I’m interested in audio…” and the rest is history! 00:07:58 Got put on the road as an audio team assistant Trial by fire Advice from the team: Here’s what to do Here’s what not to do Ask questions, stay late, and get a second job because you’re gonna need it 00:11:22 Learning the personal touch parts of being on tour 00:12:52 Being the stage left PA tech, Kevin gravitated towards monitors 00:13:50 Talkback Culture Eddie Vedder wanted baseball scores in his talkback SOMBR for Coachella 2026 (Chris Rabold at FOH) 00:16:18 Managing multiple talkback channels 00:18:08 LORDE on Talkback Phil Harvey on FOH Sarah Parker is LD 00:19:00 Talkback stories Jaret Reddick’s use of talkback mics in Bowling For Soup 00:20:51 Migrating to in-ears IEMs can preserve your hearing, if done right Future Sonics uses dynamic drivers 00:25:09 Helping guitar players to IEMs Mike Dias on Gig Gab Sensaphonics 3MAX IEMs on LORDE tour 00:32:08 SPONSOR: Gusto. Get three months free when you run your first payroll when you start at https://gusto.com/giggab 00:33:44 Back to helping guitar players with IEMs Problem: when a vocal mic is downstage from a guitar amp Ian Beveridge with Foo Fighters Paul Simon prefers wedges Always be learning First: Learn the human being you’re going to be mixing for 00:41:27 The differences between mixing monitors for Miley Cyrus and Ella LORDE 00:42:48 Monitoring the Artists Monitors TX1 Wireless Transmitters REMI with Brad Madix on Gig Gab 00:47:50 Different rooms sound different on IEMs AFAS Live (formerly Heineken Music Hall) in Amsterdam sounds great Dave says Alamodome in San Antonio is one of the worst-sounding To fix IEMs in a bad-sounding room: what can we reduce to make it sound better? Last night it was a bongo mic that was making the drumset sound too washy in the IEM mix “The process of minimal reduction” Ella’s DPA capsule is the only open mic on-stage on the LORDE tour Tune for the IEMs, too: listen to something you know, and EQ it Tuning the podcast for JH Audio Laylas 01:04:06 Learn your own ears (not your IEMs, your human ears) first Take a hearing test with your phone if you can Kevin and Alicia Keys would go and get their hearing tested together, getting audiograms to compare 01:07:09 IEMs are the most personal audio interaction You have to be psychic! 01:09:46 Flying 4,700 miles to save the day Sometimes the throw-and-go results in the best mix because you’re not overthinking it Tip from Kevin: set up dummy channels to experiment without messing with the actual mix for the IEMs 01:15:57 Gig Gab 528 Outtro Follow Kevin Glendinning IG: @kev_chitown LinkedIn: Kevin ‘KG’ Glendinning Contact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagram feedback@giggabpodcast.com Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List   The post Monitoring the Artists’ Monitors: IEM Wisdom from Kevin Glendinning – Gig Gab 528 appeared first on Gig Gab.

    1h 19m
  6. Stop Winging It: Dial In Your Show with Clicks, Setlists, Insurance, and Gig Prep

    MAR 30

    Stop Winging It: Dial In Your Show with Clicks, Setlists, Insurance, and Gig Prep

    You tighten your gig prep by treating every show like a pro mission: build rock-solid routines, line-check your gear and apps, and know your insurance, splitter snake, setlist, click, and IEM plan before you ever hit the stage. You walk into a wedding or club already covered with proper liability, routing, charts, and monitoring so you can stop worrying about logistics and start playing the room. Always Be Performing. Onstage, you think like a storyteller, not just a musician: you record full shows to review your banter and flow, you decide when the click helps and when to ditch it, and you refine what makes your band distinctive so people remember your name and feel the FOMO. Offstage, you act like a lab: you binge showcases at events like SXSW, steal the best ideas, use AI to critique rehearsals, and keep your gig bag dialed so every performance gets sharper, louder, and more undeniable. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 527 – Monday, March 30th, 2026 March 30th: Take a Walk in the Park Day 00:01:29 What is your gig prep process? 00:06:55 Skylar-How does a band get a certificate of insurance for a wedding gig? Insurance Canopy Special Event Insurance 00:11:15 n-Brian from Durham-Do we need a splitter snake? Mixing Station Proreck Splitter Snake 00:16:57 Bill-What Setlist App do you use? forScore 00:19:39 Dan-What click track do you use live? PolyNome 00:21:51 Dan-What about IEMs with ambient filters? Ultimate Ears Ambient Option 00:24:20 SPONSOR: Claude.ai – Ready to tackle bigger problems? Sign up for Claude today, which includes access to Claude Cowork, too, when you visit Claude.ai/giggab 00:27:05 I’m a band guy…how about you? 00:30:15 SXSW 2026 — bands seen and lessons learned: 38 showcases in 2026 Family Battenberg Thelma And James Timmy Skelly 00:39:43 Record yourself live, not just for the music, but for the whole show, including your banter. Lainey Wilson vs. John Popper and band 00:43:24 The stiffness of a click, vs not. Soultone vs. Lainey 00:45:56 PODCAST: Rock Talk Studio Podcast 00:47:29 Tell people who you are, and make it distinctive. Leverage FOMO 00:51:54 Olight OClip Pro in your Gig Bag 00:54:25 Moskowizard-Use AI to evaluate your rehearsals (critical listening) 00:57:00 Andy-CSF-Supertone Clear 00:58:16 Gig Gab 527 Outtro Contact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagram feedback@giggabpodcast.com Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List The post Stop Winging It: Dial In Your Show with Clicks, Setlists, Insurance, and Gig Prep – Gig Gab 527 appeared first on Gig Gab.

    59 min
  7. Touring Brains: Boundaries, Burnout, and Being OK, with Courtney and Paul Klimson

    MAR 23

    Touring Brains: Boundaries, Burnout, and Being OK, with Courtney and Paul Klimson

    You see how life on the road quietly rewires your brain, from grief and burnout to decision fatigue and STC (Sleepy, Tired, and Crabby), and how Courtney and Paul built The Roadie Clinic to give crews a place to tell their story and get real help. Through flights, heat‑canceled shows, and jumps from Fallon to Timberlake, John Legend, Drake, and beyond, you learn to Always Be Performing for your own mental health with boundaries, support systems, and even AI to protect your headspace. You’re handed concrete ways to care for yourself and your people: snow policies and “last chance to say no” moments, non‑negotiable laundry time, color‑coded calendars that lower stress, and simple communication habits that keep relationships from snapping under pressure. By the end, you’re invited to treat your brain like your most critical piece of touring gear—and to build a crew culture where dignity, respect, and mental health are baked into every gig.​ 00:00:00 Gig Gab 526 – Monday, March 23rd, 2026 March 23rd: National Puppy Day Guest co-hosts: Courtney Klimson and Paul Klimson 00:01:43 Choosing Niles, Michigan for The Roadie Clinic 2019: From living in NYC to “the middle of nowhere” Michigan (but it’s right near an airport) With lots of puppies! 00:04:05 The Roadie Clinic and the whole Human Experience After some family tragedies, Courtney joined Paul on a European leg of the Timberlake tour to support him through the grief 00:07:56 Hottest Day in Central Park doing a show for John Legend And Paul winds up with a sprained ankle but the show must go on…until it’s canceled for the heat! Then off to Sicily the next day… and Courtney joins again! 00:13:24 On the flights, Courtney 00:15:40 “The Show Must Go On” Institute a snow policy 00:17:40 And so exists The Roadie Clinic Remote assistance: tell me your story, how can I help? Works closely with MusiCares RoadieDocRx Decision Fatigue can sometimes be solved by AI 00:26:30 SPONSOR: Squarespace. Check out https://www.squarespace.com/GIGGAB to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code GIGGAB. 00:28:03 Where are you going today, Paul? John Legend to Timberlake to Drake Multi-colored calendars to save the marriage…and the business 00:30:18 From being the monitor/foldback engineer at Fallon to meeting lots of bands …and managers. “Protect the brand” worked to develop relationships 00:32:55 What Gets the Gig Done? What can I do best that serves the team? Scovill’s Back Lounge 00:37:02 The @ Rule of Texting STC = Sleepy Tired and Crabby 00:39:38 Is this the last opportunity I have to say “no”? 00:43:55 Laundry time matters! 00:45:26 Studying Roadie Brains A lot of Parkinsons, PTSD, Strokes From Fallon to Timberlake 00:47:15 Tricks of being efficient with engineers Step one: Communicate the Input List and Stage Plot 00:50:43 Paul Klimson’s Talkback System 00:54:00 We’re going to win because we’re efficient and we care about humans Dignity and Respect Superbowl Halftime Show – Minneapolis Jimmy Fallon Show … and SNL How are you using AI? 00:57:14 Gig Gab 526 Outtro Follow Paul and Courtney Klimson @TheRoadieClinic Contact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagram feedback@giggabpodcast.com Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List The post Touring Brains: Boundaries, Burnout, and Being OK, with Courtney and Paul Klimson – Gig Gab 526 appeared first on Gig Gab.

    59 min
  8. From Wall Street Hacker to Music Mogul: Mike Grande’s Journey

    MAR 16

    From Wall Street Hacker to Music Mogul: Mike Grande’s Journey

    You get a front-row seat to how Michael Grande turned hard-won tech chops and late-night studio hacks into real music-business wins. From escaping NAMM chaos and leveraging smart PR and management, to transforming a throwaway “stupid idea” into Card Chords—an Amazon-topping guitar tool born from a Cricut, Guitar Center testing, and sheer persistence—you see how necessity, experimentation, and saying yes the first time landed him in Jimi Hendrix’s old bedroom at Electric Lady Studios, shredding in the lineage of Vai and Satriani, and inventing Tone Picks on the fly. Along the way, you’re reminded that when you know you’re right, you embrace it, protect your IP, and keep swinging big—whether that’s launching music schools, eyeing Shark Tank with a bold offer, or pivoting your career from Wall Street CTO and Certified Ethical Hacker to full-on guitar innovator. Then you’re pushed to rethink how you teach, lead, and build your own music brand. You learn why great schools and studios run on clear mission statements, strong unique selling propositions, and a coaching mindset that focuses on the student, not the curriculum—getting them hooked on the songs they actually want to play, then turning them toward what they need. You see how asking potential customers for their own answers, treating every audience like they matter, and showing up like a coach instead of a teacher all point to one core operating principle: you’re never off-duty, because you Always Be Performing—ALWAYS. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 525 – Monday, March 16th, 2026 March 16th: Freedom of Information Day Guest co-host: Michael Grande from Card Chords and more 00:02:14 Getting out of NAMM 00:03:10 Have a good PR guy! Christopher Buttner 00:04:15 Hey, NAMM: How high can I go? 00:06:09 Can you afford NOT to hire a manager? Or a PR person? Our Mistakes are Our Tuition – Business Brain 00:08:04 COVID Vaccines lead to Card Chords Mike was a (very successful) ​Certified Ethical Hacker & CTO on Wall Street 00:11:09 Dad – come up with an idea to teach people how to play guitar “That’s a stupid idea” – Ignore, and move on. Bought a Cricut machine, built the prototype and tested it on hundreds of guitars at Guitar Center Came out on December 21st, and became Amazon’s #1 Musical Accessories item within 30 days Also includes an eBook to teach out Beatles, Bon Jovi, Guns and Roses songs WITH Card Chords 00:16:35 Born of Necessity! 00:18:39 The birth of Tone Picks Story time: I didn’t bring a 12-string to Electric Lady Studios at 3am Taped two picks together to simulate a 12-string sound. 00:21:41 How did you get on the list of Electric Lady Studios session players? Mike was a shredder after Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, etc 00:22:27 Recording in Jimi Hendrix’s old bedroom at Electric Lady Studios! Say yes the first time! Sponsors 00:25:39 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/giggab50off and use code giggab50off for 50% off! 00:27:22 SPONSOR: Gusto. Get three months free when you run your first payroll when you start at https://gusto.com/giggab 00:28:51 Mike uses Gusto for his Music Schools! 00:30:33 Running music schools Mike’s Book: From Teacher to Coach: (And why you would NEVER want to be a Teacher) Taught private lessons, then students wanted more, so… Mike started The Staten Island School of Rock 00:33:37 Mike’s coaching methods are different Learning hands-on Getting students hooked on the songs you want to play THEN turn them around 00:34:42 You gotta be juiced about playing the songs Gig Gab 500 with Skylar and the drum coaching story 00:37:16 You need to have a mission statement Mike’s: “We build the confidence and self-esteem through music lessons” You need a Unique Selling Proposition! 00:39:30 Mike’s Unique Selling Proposition Never answer the question… ask the potential customer for the answer! 00:41:48 A teacher focuses on the curriculum, a coach focuses on the student 00:42:44 Mary Fanaro’s Rwanda Rocks Rwanda’s Minister of Education: The children of Rwanda don’t need teachers, they need coaches. 00:48:08 When you know you’re right, embrace it. 00:49:45 Always Be Performing…ALWAYS! 00:53:18 An audience wants to be treated 00:55:23 We’re always wearing 00:57:54 The Chinese stole Mike’s IP for Card Chords Mike’s got a new product that is in the running for Shark Tank Mike’s offer to Shark Tank will be: 20% of his company for $1 01:03:23 Gig Gab 525 Outtro Follow Michael Grande CardChords.com Contact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagram feedback@giggabpodcast.com Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List The post From Wall Street Hacker to Music Mogul: Michael Grande’s Journey – Gig Gab 525 appeared first on Gig Gab.

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Welcome to Gig Gab—the podcast sanctuary for working musicians and anyone fascinated by the vibrant, often unseen world behind every note played on stage. Whether you’re a musician, a member of the crew, or just someone who loves peeking behind the curtain to discover the secrets of live performances, you’ve found your tribe.

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