Gig Gab - The Working Musicians' Podcast Dave Hamilton & Friends

This week on Gig Gab, Dave Hamilton welcomes guest cohost Adam Moskowitz from VAM Band, diving deep into the essence of musicianship and leadership. Adam shares his unique perspective on structuring your band life around personal commitments, showcasing how he manages the VAM Band. The discussion peels back the layers on how the “Bandleader Advantage” can help you book gigs that fit seamlessly into your lifestyle, emphasizing the VAM Jam life where every performance counts. They touch upon the enriching experience the ingenious MySet Request App, enhancing gig interaction and fulfilling audience expectations—because, remember, you should always be performing.

Further, they explore the transformative insights gained from legendary performances, like Phish’s iconic Baker’s Dozen in 2017, and how these experiences can redefine your band’s approach to live shows, making each one a unique spectacle. Lessons from music giants like Paul McCartney and Flea are dissected to inspire musicians to transcend everyday gig logistics. The conversation shifts to practical tips on navigating the industry and the critical importance of protecting your rate turf. They wrap up with a focus on building a community around your band and reveal the creative origins of the VAM Band’s name, blending personal connections with dynamic musical expression.



Press play and enjoy, folks!



00:00:00 Gig Gab 425 – Monday, April 15th, 2024



April 15th: World Art Day

Guest Co-host: Adam Moskowitz from VAM Band





00:02:00 Heading back to the Bass(ics)!

00:04:22 The Bandleader Advantage



Book around YOUR life

VAM Jam life





00:08:45 SXSW Martin Scorcese’s Shine a Light Film from SXSW 2008

00:11:02 MySet Request App

00:16:51 The Experience of Seeing Phish



The Baker’s Dozen in 2017

Phish Boston Cream night





00:21:37 Relating Phish’s Lessons to Your Band



Making Each Show Unique





00:26:48 Demolishing The Fourth Wall — And Pulling Teeth

00:33:44 Learning from McCartney



Paul McCartney

Flea

Family Man Aston Barrett

Transcending The Logistics of The Moment





\00:38:19 Doing Gigs as a Front of House engineer

00:40:41 Always Be…Prepared

00:45:02 Pick Up Gig…A Story!



Never Do Live Math

Private Stock Band

Digging into The Reserves

“Here’s our asking price. If for some reason that doesn’t work for you, let’s chat.”

“I want to make sure I pay everyone well.”

“We were paid [x] recently…Does That Work For You?”

Protecting Your Rate Turf





01:03:04 Building Your Band’s Community



Musical Skydiving





01:10:28 Where did the name “VAM Band” come from?



Vibrant Audio Magic

Vivid Amplified Melodies

Velocity Anthem Makers

Very Awesome Music

Family First: Vicky Adam Melina





01:14:31 Gig Gab 425 Outtro



Contact Adam Moskowitz & The VAM Band

Contact Gig Gab!



@GigGabPodcast on Instagram

Dive deep into the essence of live music production with insights from Dave Cook and Lewis Fawcett of Area 52 Studios joining Dave Hamilton on Gig Gab. As they navigate the intricacies of creating the perfect in-ear monitor mix for artists like Natalie Merchant, they emphasize the delicate balance between clarity and ambiance. Incorporating ambient mics and reverb, while not forgetting the foundational elements of a solid mix, Dave Cook reminds us that to truly captivate an audience, one must “Always Be Performing” with an impeccable sound.

Their discussion extends beyond the technical, touching on the human elements of touring and recording, from the crucial hospitality towards artists to the mixed emotions of touring without loved ones. Lewis Fawcett, with a background enriched by family connections to Spymob and NER*D, shares some sage advice!

From road essentials like a dual-voltage collapsible kettle for that necessary coffee to favorite microphones that capture every nuance of performance, this episode is a treasure trove for those looking to refine their live sound or studio recordings, while always keeping the audience’s experience at the forefront.





00:00:00 Gig Gab 424 – Monday, April 8th, 2024



April 8th: Step Into The Spotlight Day

Guest Co-hosts: Dave Cook and Lewis Fawcett from Area 52 Studios

Last time was June, 2020 for Gig Gab 258





00:03:03 Dave on Mixing Monitors for Natalie Merchant



George Cowan was FOH

Dreamland Recording Studios

Keep Your Courage (Natalie Merchant, 2023)





00:08:55 Building an IEM Mix



Compromise and Get What You Need To Do The Gig

Ambient Mics

Add Reverb

Start with a good-sounding mix

Extra Kick-and-Snare





00:21:12 Lewis Fawcett



Logic vs. ProTools

Sophomore at Cornell College





00:24:01 The importance of hospitality

00:28:25 Lewis is part of the family



Eric Fawcett from Spymob and N*E*R*D





00:31:08 From Spymob to Pharrell



SXSW – Pat from The Black Keys: “The first  rule when you have a band is don’t break up the band. That’s the only rule.“





00:36:42 The Grinds and Benefits of Touring



The Guilt of Being in Amazing Places Without Your Family





00:43:49 Road Necessities



A bicycle

Dual-voltage collapsable kettle (for coffee)





00:45:58 Favorite Microphones



Roswell Pro Audio

Mini K47 Microphone

Royer SF-24 and 122-R

Laurie Anderson (and Lou Reed)

Sennheiser 441-U

Pyle Drum Microphones
...

Guest co-host Matt Gibson and Dave Hamilton dive into the essence of evolving as a musician in the digital age, discussing everything from the impact of social media followers to the intrinsic value of having a producer. Matt Gibson shares his journey, highlighting a significant moment where he lost a million followers, yet, underscoring the lesson of going where the attention is, as inspired by Gary Vee. The conversation moves towards understanding the power of reciprocity and why many artists find themselves financially strapped, citing Grant Cardone’s perspective on the starvation of artists. They challenge the notion that asking for money or help diminishes the value of one’s art, arguing instead that success is directly correlated to the effort invested.

Transitioning into the more practical aspects of music entrepreneurship, the discussion outlines actionable steps for building a band with a business mindset. From brainstorming a comprehensive task list to leveraging technology like ChatGPT for business development, the dialogue is rich with strategies for managing risk and optimizing band promotion on a budget. They detail a step-by-step guide on spending $500 effectively to promote a band’s song, emphasizing the importance of a solid online presence, engaging email marketing, and the innovative use of tracking pixels. Moreover, they advocate for adopting a ‘MrBeast Mode’ approach to promotion, suggesting the use of TikTok and Shopify to create a self-sustaining cycle of merchandising and music promotion.

Amidst these insights, they remind listeners of the Gig Gab mantra, “Always Be Performing,” reinforcing the idea that the journey from being financially dependent to a provider in the music industry is paved with relentless performance and strategic maneuvering.





00:00:00 Gig Gab 423 – Monday, April 1st, 2024



April 1st: National Trombone Players Day

Guest Co-host: Matt Gibson (originally on Gig Gab 41)





00:01:28 Gig Stories are Coming Back!

00:02:33 What it’s like to lose a million followers



Go Where the Attention Is! (says Gary Vee)

The Value of a Producer





00:07:43 The Power of Reciprocity

00:09:11 Why Artists Are Starving?



Grant Cardone – Why Artists Are Starving

Does asking for money (or help) dilute your art?

Draw a line from Broke to Billion

The only guarantee is if you don’t put in the work, you’ll stay at “broke”





00:17:52 Build a Task List



Brain Dump All The Things You’re Worried About Into a File

Then make ChatGPT a business development coach and feed it the list!





00:20:13 Crimson Symphony’s “Empty”



Drums: Gil Sharone

Producer: Scott Wilson, Saving Abel, Producer





00:21:54 Building a band with business brain

00:27:23 Know WHY you’re doing what you’re doing

00:32:28 Managing Risk and Money with your band

00:34:25 Workshop: Spending $500 to promote your band’s song. How?



Website (could be a DistroKid landing page)

Set up an email form

Get email list from Spotify

You’re in for a treat as Dave Hamilton sits down with Dallas Taylor, the maestro behind Twenty Thousand Hertz and Defacto Sound, exploring the intricate stories behind the world’s most iconic sounds. As they dive deep, Dallas shares his philosophy on respecting the audience, weaving in his journey of building an episode and the artistry involved in blending sound with narrative. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process, including insights from a special 20kHz episode where Dallas reveals his chops as a trumpet player and reflects on the essence of overcoming obstacles.

The conversation doesn’t stop there; Dallas and Dave take you on a sonic adventure from the halls of SXSW, discussing the Resynator movie and Nick Cave’s upcoming “Wild God” album, to the technical trenches of recording with Ludacris and micing up celebrities. It’s a deep dive into the convergence of art and commerce, unraveling the difference between a JOB and a JOY, and finding fulfillment in your craft. Whether you’re behind the mic, the mixer, or just a lover of sound, this episode is a masterclass in pursuing passion with purpose. Remember, no matter where you are or what you’re doing, “Always Be Performing.”





00:00:00 Gig Gab 422 – Monday, March 25th, 2024



March 19th: International Waffle Day

Special Guest: Dallas Taylor from Twenty Thousand Hertz and Defacto Sound





00:01:12 The stories behind the world’s most interesting and recognizable sounds

00:04:04 Respecting the Audience



SoundDesk





00:10:26 Building a 20kHz episode



ChatGPT

Buy Back Your Time

Loom for Video Training





00:19:35 Dallas, The Trumpet Player. 20kHz Episode 150: Breathe



The Obstacle Is The Way





00:28:42 SXSW: Resynator movie

00:37:00 SXSW: Nick Cave “Wild God” Album Listening Party @ Central Presbyterian Church

00:42:39 Recording a podcast with Ludacris

00:45:35 Micing up Celebrities

00:47:29 Blending Art and Commerce



The difference between a JOB and a JOY





00:51:05 Playing Piano for The Joy of It

00:52:31 Gig Gab 422 Outtro



Contact Dallas Taylor

Twenty Thousand Hertz

Defacto Sound

Contact Gig Gab!



feedback@giggabpodcast.com

Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

Diving deep into the heart of live performances, guest co-host Mike Schulte and Dave Hamilton kick things off with a critical eye on popular trends, emphasizing the unique appeal of embracing mainstream events and acts, illustrated by Diane Warren’s Relentless film at SXSW. The conversation swiftly moves into the nitty-gritty of music gigs, from the logistical challenges and rewards of fly-away gigs to negotiating tactics for musicians. The duo sheds light on the evolving landscape of live music, highlighting how bands at SXSW, like Richard Spaven and Winona Fighter, are increasingly relying on tracks to fill out their sound, underscoring the importance of adaptability in today’s music scene.

Diving further, Dave and Mike explore the significance of technology in enhancing live performances, advocating for the game-changing impact of in-ears and splitter snakes. They also share insights into the prowess of drummers at SXSW, singling out performances by Richard Spaven, and give a nod to the cinematic portrayal of The Black Keys in their upcoming documentary. Amid discussions on the cohesion within bands and the unparalleled joy of being part of one, they remind us that, at its core, being in a band is about the shared experience of creating and enjoying music together. Through it all, the ethos of “Always Be Performing” rings true, serving as a mantra for musicians to live by, whether they’re navigating the complexities of modern gigs or celebrating the simple pleasure of playing music with others.





00:00:00 Gig Gab 421 – Tuesday, March 19th, 2024



March 19th: Tea for Two Tuesday

Guest Co-Host: Mike Schulte





00:01:06 South by So What… NO!!



Liking Things That Are Popular





00:04:06 Diane Warren: Relentless at SXSW

00:07:02 Fly-away gigs

00:11:06 “Do What You Would Normally Do”

00:13:51 Subs on Standby

00:20:44 Bands using tracks at SXSW: Richard Spaven (keys), Winona Fighter (keys), Michigander (keys), Cuffed Up (no bass), KVN (no drums!)

00:25:48 Cover band is just a way to play music



21 Pilots





00:27:50 Get Yourself In-ears and Splitter Snake

00:30:39 Drummers @ SXSW: Karin Ann’s drummer, & Richard Spaven

00:32:50 The Black Keys at SXSW



This is a Film About The Black Keys (Movie Review)





00:39:16 Keeping a band together

00:40:09 Teaching your kids

00:54:03 Being in a band is…so good!



This is your brain on music





00:58:30 Gig Gab 421 Outtro



Contact Mike Schulte

Confused Breakfast – The Pulp Fiction episode

The Pork Tornadoes

Contact Gig Gab!

feedback@giggabpodcast.com

Dive deep into insights that will resonate with every musician as guest co-host Chris Breen joins Dave Hamilton for this week’s Gig Gab.

They kick things off by riffing on the best songs for a prom-posal, suggesting tracks like “Wang Dang Doodle” and “Teen Town” to set the mood (really?). The conversation quickly shifts to the gritty realities of performing live, discussing what happens when a band member leaves the stage unexpectedly, sharing anecdotes from Chris’s experience with System 9, and even touching on more serious topics like dealing with Bell’s Palsy as a musician. They don’t shy away from discussing the need for adaptability on stage, highlighting the importance of taking lessons and finding innovative ways to capture your bandmates’ attention during flowing sets.

As the episode progresses, the duo delves into the peculiarities of dealing with temperamental bass players and the criticality of mastering the volume litmus test to keep your gigs harmonious. They offer practical advice on managing sound levels, with a humorous nod to the universal solution of musicians everywhere: duct tape, while also discussing more sophisticated solutions like XLR turnarounds and right-angle XLR connectors.

Throughout the episode, the underlying theme is clear: no matter the challenge, “Always Be Performing”. This mantra encapsulates the essence of their conversation, emphasizing the resilience, creativity, and passion required to thrive in the unpredictable world of live music performances.





00:00:00 Gig Gab 420 – Monday, March 11th, 2024



March 11th: National Prom-posal Day (and National Debunking Day)

Guest Co-host: Christopher Breen





00:01:27 Best Promposal Songs



Wang Dang Doodle

Teen Town





00:02:54 When a bandmember leaves the stage



System 9 (Chris’s Band)

It’s Break Time!

Making Eardrums…Rupture?!?





00:13:05 When you can’t play anymore



Bell’s Palsy

Boston brings on Fran Cosmo

Paul McCartney’s Voice





00:20:18 Take some lessons

00:23:13 Ways of getting people’s attention during flowing sets

00:30:59 Temperamental Bass Players

00:38:53 The Volume Litmus Test

00:42:10 Hi! Please, Turn it Down

00:50:33 So, other than duct tape…



XLR turnaround

XLR to ¼”

Right-angle XLR connector





00:58:13 Speaking of duct tape

01:00:03 Gig Gab 420 Outtro



Contact Chris Breen

ChrisBreen.com

Chris Breen on Mastodon

Contact Gig Gab!

feedback@giggabpodcast.com

Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List