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  • Booking Smarter, Singing Harder: Demetri Papanicolau on Gig Life
    2025/12/15
    You follow Demetri Papanicolau’s winding path from Fidelity financial consultant to full-time booking agent and working musician, discovering how taking risks, saying yes to scary gigs, and learning from every stage moment shaped his career. You hear how singing AC/DC and Zeppelin in high school, drilling Beatles harmonies, and navigating the evolution from originals to covers built the chops he still relies on today. As you ride through stories of surprise band formations, COVID-era pivots, and the birth of Rotten Apple, you’re reminded that you must Always Be Performing, even when the gig you expected turns into something entirely different. You also step inside Demetri’s world at Notso Costley Productions, where booking is equal parts diplomacy, coaching, and reading the room. He breaks down what venues actually want, what musicians consistently get wrong, and how reliability wins more than draw. You learn how he balances the needs of solos, duos, trios, and full bands; why non-verbal communication and a good hang matter; how to build an EPK that gets you on a roster; and what happens when rates rise across the scene. Through it all, Demetri shows how being both booker and performer lets him guide bands and venues toward smoother nights, stronger partnerships, and gigs that keep everyone coming back. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 512 – Monday, December 15th, 2025 December 15th: National Cupcake DayGuest co-host: Demetri Papanicolau from Notso Costley Productions NAMM coming up! GG Coverage Sponsor: Ultimate Ears Pro! 00:02:19 From Fidelity Financial Consultant to Acquiring and running a Booking Agency Josh Logan, local to New Hampshire, did Rock Star Supernova and then The VoiceAnd then…Demetri wins the Black Brimmer’s Rock Star ManchVegasDoors opened! 00:05:33 Singing AC/DC and Zeppelin in high school to vocal lessons00:06:06 Learning harmonies by singing The Beatles00:07:32 Playing in an original band that became a cover band00:10:05 Learning while not playing…big ears! Submitted to America’s Got Talent 00:13:39 Taking new gigs even when they scare the heck out of you A Josh Logan cancelation leads to a band formation to sub! 00:16:02 It’s not about the gigs you take, it’s also about the gigs you don’t take Be selective! 00:17:17 Alice and Chains becomes the thread to the story00:18:51 COVID derails (and delays) some gigs…oh how we remember! October and November, 2020When an acoustic duo gig turns into a full band on stageRotten Apple forms! A tribute to Alice and Chains 00:22:28 Always performing with passion …and perfection!Developing that non-verbal communication 00:28:22 Bonding as harmony singers When you find that magic formula with someone, stick with it! 00:33:41 Putting the time in for continuous growth Maintaining beginner’s mind 00:34:07 Finding those right partners where it’s a good hang When your FOH Jim Roese, FOH with Fuel, Melissa Etheridge, and also Rotten Apple 00:37:44 Running a booking agency Working for both the venue and the performerHaving a roster of musicians: solos, duos, trios, full bandsBeing in the performer’s shoes helps Demetri be a coach to bands AND venues to ensure smooth sailing 00:42:48 Reading the room goes a long00:44:15 Demetri’s advice for making it work (or not work) To get on the roster: Have a good EPK and promo kitOnce you’re on: responsiveness, being available, managing your schedule 00:46:24 Demetri’s biggest juggling act: adapting to last-minute changes The time Casual Gravity cancelled last minute!Reliability is huge 00:54:17 Venue feedback Draw isn’t always the most important thingBe a pro on the mic. Represent the venue.Play the right songs.Keeping the venues happy allows Demetri to book his roster of performers 00:57:43 Raising rates for the performer New rates for 2025$230-$250 for solo (from $170-$200 three years ago)$450-$500 for duo$660-$700 for trio$700-$1,000 for bands (or more for A-List prices)Balancing rates between performers and venues, ensuring everyone is profitable 01:05:03 Carrying on Paul Costley’s legacy and tradition with Nosto Costley Productions Took a voluntary buyout package from Fidelity to make the time to acquire the agency12/31/2021 was the day Demetri took over…and stopped cutting his hair 01:09:20 Gig Gab 512 Outtro Follow Demetri Papanicolau Notso Costley ProductionsOn IG @DemetriPapanicolau Contact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagramfeedback@giggabpodcast.comSign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List The post Booking Smarter, Singing Harder: Demetri Papanicolau on Gig Life — Gig Gab 512 appeared first on Gig Gab.
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    1 時間 11 分
  • From Hiatus to 250K Streams: The Gale Bird Story with Sean Monahan
    2025/12/08
    Sean Monahan from Gale Bird joins Dave Hamilton to walk you through their path of being successful working musicians in an original band. You follow Gale Bird’s path from college songwriting to a 13-year hiatus and a full-tilt return that finally landed Gale Bird on a label. You hear how the band treats music as both passion and business, blending Sean’s production chops with Joshua’s marketing instincts to create songs that connect. You get reminded that “overnight success” takes decades, and that everyone who hires you is thinking in terms of return. Failure, lineup changes, stalled gigs… they’re not roadblocks, folks, they’re prep for the next shot. That’s where you lean into the mindset: Always Be Performing. You also learn how the label helps identify the songs that will land, how playlist strategy works, and how Gale Bird built a digital identity alongside their live-show firepower. You dig into their content engine, daily-posting experiments, AI reels, and the push to film everything. Collaboration becomes a skill, not an accident, and you see how respecting different strengths keeps the whole machine running. Gear Gab rounds it out with a bit of a wishlist: Kempers, custom Teles, splitter snakes, and the stress test of soundcheck when tech goes sideways. Press play and enjoy! 00:00:00 Gig Gab 511 – Monday, December 8th, 2025 December 8th: Pretend to be a Time Traveler dayGuest co-host: Sean Monahan from Gale Bird 00:01:50 Went to two different schools together Met in college, started writing songs, doing some local touringThen a 13-year break after college while they started familiesAnd then, two years ago, you got the band back together! 00:03:19 Signed to a label00:05:11 A Passion that’s also very much a business Producing art that is digested by as many people as possibleSean’s been a full-time musician since collegeLearned all the right production techniquesMet all the right peopleHiring the right engineer and session musicians for the albumJoshua has been in sales and marketing as his careerAnd also understands aesthetics and marketing… and is Sean’s co-songwriter 00:07:57 The label saw *people* they could invest in, and also liked their sound Holy City MusicOvernight success takes twenty years 00:10:07 This is the entertainment business! Whomever hires you is thinking about dollar signsThey need to see the return, and as a musician you have to understand that 00:13:21 Failure prepares you for what’s next Sometimes a gig ends 00:15:54 250,000 streams in one year!00:16:56 The Label helps Staying in touch with Playlisters and other avenues like radio, too 00:19:38 Getting on Playlists Label says, “write 20 songs, we’ll pick one or two” when we analyze what will perform the best on the streamersOne side of the business: live shows full of rock and feels and merch and all thatThe other side: the digital side. People need to have a representation of the band that’s unique to them.The label is the expert for the digital side, knowing how to identify the songs that will land on the streamersTurns out we land in the “country” genre, so we’ll add a banjo to a song (for example).Roses by Gale Bird is a perfect example 00:24:25 SPONSOR: Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at rula.com/giggab #rulapod00:26:12 Creating a social media system for your band An experiment: post every day for 2 months and see what happensLesson learned: go heavy for a shorter period of timeAlways be thinking about future content. Film, film, filmAI ReelsA/B testing 00:33:31 Creating side businesses to funnel and fuel Gale Bird00:35:00 Learning to collaborate on your own songs “The better a songwriter is at collaboration, the more successful they’ll be” 00:36:48 The Gale Bird formula Can play as a duo or a full band or anything in between. 00:38:39 Respecting skillsets Sean shines in the studio: plays all the instruments except drumsJoshua shines on stage: sings, plays acoustic guitar, and has excellent stage presence 00:44:05 …and managing pride00:44:27 Gear Gab00:44:56 Fender and Guitar Center collaborated on a custom telecaster00:46:32 Sean went to a Kemper rig Wishlist: Kemper StageHipshot B-Bender 00:48:25 Behringer Wing Rack Mackie DL32SPRORECK Splitter Snakes 00:54:12 The stress of tech issues at soundcheck00:57:10 Gig Gab 511 Outtro Follow Gale Bird On IG @GaleBirdMusic Contact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagramfeedback@giggabpodcast.comSign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List The post From Hiatus to 250K Streams: The Gale Bird Story with Sean Monahan — Gig Gab 511 appeared first on Gig Gab.
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    59 分
  • Gig Wisdom & Scheduled Fun Time with Matt Musty of Train
    2025/12/01
    Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look with Train’s drummer Matt Musty and host Dave Hamilton as they dive deep into gig wisdom, touring tips, and pro gear secrets. Learn why being on time, managing your role smartly, and balancing music, money, and the hang is essential for a successful music career. From handling days off and staying rested on the road to mastering in-ear monitors with creative mic setups, this episode is packed with actionable advice every touring musician needs. Always Be Performing with fresh insights that keep you inspired and ready for every show. Discover how Matt approaches touring with diplomacy, band dynamics, and staying connected to home life while on the road. Explore favorite microphones for perfect in-ear sound, how to avoid a sterile IEM mix, and the importance of scheduled fun time to keep social media engaging. Whether you’re a musician, live sound enthusiast, or fan of the tour life, this episode offers a masterclass in professionalism and passion to elevate your musical journey and keep your performance sharp night after night. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 510 – Monday, December 1st, 2025 December 1st: National Peppermint Bark DayGuest co-host: Matt Musty 00:02:22 Train continues to level up Train at Royal Albert HallTrain at Grand Ole Opry 00:03:40 Waking up the singer ten minutes before the gig!00:06:10 Gig Advice from Musty: Be On Time00:08:46 I’m not ever the guy who hangs around My job’s done 00:10:09 Managing your opinion00:11:16 The long game of diplomacy is the key to a successful career The gig philosophy, 2 out of 3 aint bad: MusicMoneyHang 00:15:51 Days off are tough on the band and crew00:18:26 The risk of hanging out with your road-hosts after the gig Prioritizing sleep on the road 00:23:42 The Zen of the connection between you and your gear The no-soundcheck days 00:28:48 PODCAST: Album Archives. Count down The Top 300 Albums of All Time — one record at a time — with Album Archives | The Vault of Music History.00:29:46 IEM Talk! Sometimes a broken sealIdeas for avoiding a sterile IEM mix Matt put a “crotch mic in place: a Beyer M160 underneath the snare to grab the sound of the kit and put it through some reverb with compression AFTER the reverbAudience MicsAdding reverb to the drums and vocal mics Play every song like it’s the first time. Be inspired! 00:41:39 Finding the right microphones to capture your instrument for your in-ears Transparent mics like the Earthworks ETHOS on guitar amps or the Earthworks SR20-Gen2 on drum overheads 00:44:37 Favorite snare drum mics Beyerdynamic M201Telefunken M80Earthworks DM17 00:49:31 The short version of the Earthworks story00:51:15 Keeping a connection to home while on the road00:52:30 Enjoying the spoils of a high-level tour00:56:42 Being recognized for your job00:59:10 A quick social media discussion Scheduled Fun TimeGaby from Crush Management 01:02:48 Gig Gab 510 Outtro Find Matt Musty On IG @MattMusty Contact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagramfeedback@giggabpodcast.comSign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List The post Gig Wisdom & Scheduled Fun Time with Matt Musty of Train — Gig Gab 510 appeared first on Gig Gab.
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    1 時間 4 分
  • Inside Brian Wilson, The Beach Boys, and The Beatles with David Leaf
    2025/11/24
    You drop into this episode walking side-by-side with David Leaf as he revisits the moments that shaped his life around Brian Wilson’s genius. You hear how Brian needed unconditional connection to create, how Leaf found himself driving tour vans, sitting in private Sinatra rehearsals, and realizing he had to earn his place in those rooms. From LA trips with legends to the spark that made him pack up, move west, and chase Brian’s story head-on, you feel the lesson hit hard: keep moving forward and Always Be Performing. You also get a front-row view into the musical engine behind Brian Wilson’s world. Leaf breaks down the jazz-rooted harmonies, the devotion of Brian’s touring band, and the emotional work that helped Brian reclaim his confidence. You learn how Pet Sounds floored Lennon and McCartney, why Paul might be the biggest Beatles fan alive, and why Leaf argues Brian deserves solo induction into the Rock Hall. Along the way, you’re guided through The Reel Beatles class, the making of Smile, and the books that document it all, leaving you with the sense that loving music isn’t passive… it’s a craft you show up for every day. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 509 – Monday, November 24th, 2025 November 24th: Celebrate Your Unique Talent DayGuest co-host: David Leaf 00:02:16 Brian Wilson calls… I need “friends” in the room. Brian Wilson needed to be loved unconditionallyDavid drove for the tourThe Beach Boys and The California Myth (re-released as God Only Knows) 00:07:20 First Trip to LA…with Nelson Riddle and Frank Sinatra And there’s a Sinatra classic right in front of himDavid Leaf and the TwigsGetting a private concert from Frank Sinatra and had the thought: “this is where I want to be. What do I need to do to earn my spot in this room?”The BeeGeesJimmy WebbHerb AlpertThe Reel BeatlesDocs that Rock class by David Leaf 00:11:04 In college he became obsessed with Brian Wilson00:11:50 The band for Brian’s 1999-2000 tour, Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE The band was devoted to recreating the moments 00:12:24 If you’re obsessed with Brian Wilson, why dont you do something about it Why don’t I move to California, meet Brian Wilson, and write a book about him and help him finish SMiLEMy parents told me I was special, and I believed them. 00:13:58 Walked up to Dennis Wilson and told him he was going to write a book about his brother Lesson: Keep moving forward! 00:15:37 Brian and I were friends00:16:33 Brian loved to do casual singing Singing along to the oldies with Brian WilsonGoing to the Church of Brian Wilson 00:19:08 His musicians gave him the unconditional love he needed to play this music …and eventually release SmileBrian Wilson saw Wild Honey… “If I had this group back in the 1960s, I could have taken Smile on the road!” 00:22:47 The technical complexities of Brian Wilson’s harmonies Brian came from jazz 00:25:42 Brian Wilson’s relationship with Sir Paul McCartney When Pet Sounds came out, John and Paul told him how much they loved the albumRecording Artists were Song Monkeys in the old days 00:29:08 SPONSOR: Surfshark. Go to https://surfshark.com/giggab4 or use code giggab at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN!00:31:29 SPONSOR: Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/giggab #rulapod00:33:29 Brian Wilson singing Brian Wilson00:38:45 Brian Wilson had initial confidence, and then it was beaten out of him00:39:44 Managing The Pressure of First Fame Finally, Brian: “I have emotional security”Tips for Avoiding Internal Pressure 00:46:03 Meet The Reel Beatles, a 10-week class Guests: Peter Asher, Michael Lyndsay-Hogg, Peter Jackson 00:51:39 Paul McCartney is the world’s biggest Beatles Fan00:53:36 Brian Wilson Brian Wilson And the Story of SMiLEDavid Leaf posits that Brian Wilson should be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist 00:56:32 David’s Books SMiLE: The Rise fall and Ressurection of Brian WilsonThe Beach Boys and the California Myth 00:57:58 The candor captured Brian Wilson, Live at The Roxy01:00:59 Gig Gab 509 Outtro Find David Leaf At LeafProd.com Contact Gig Gab!@GigGabPodcast on Instagramfeedback@giggabpodcast.comSign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List The post Inside Brian Wilson, The Beach Boys, and The Beatles with David Leaf — Gig Gab 509 appeared first on Gig Gab.
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    1 時間 3 分
  • Live Music, Live Mix: The Magic and the Math
    2025/11/17
    You know that moment when a gig just clicks — when everyone on stage suddenly realizes it’s more than just a show? That’s where this episode starts. You’ll hear how saying “yes” to new gigs can lead to unexpected magic, how the right players bring out the best in each other, and why being open to unfamiliar styles can change everything. Then the conversation gets gloriously geeky as Dave Hamilton and guest co-host Daniel East dive into using Waves plugins live, connecting your Mac to a console via Dante, and why automixing is almost—but not quite—ready for primetime. From heart to hardware, it’s all about finding balance between feel and finesse. Always Be Performing. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 508 – Monday, November 17th, 2025 November 17th: Odd Socks DayGuest co-host: Daniel East 00:01:24 Playing with Brit Drozda Had lunch with a guitar player friend, and the gig came together!First gig, three songs in, and everyone knew it was more-than-just-a-gig 00:07:08 Lesson: take gigs even if it’s not your style Don’t say no because you don’t think it’s your styleDon’t say no because you don’t (yet!) know the materialYou could be the missing piece of the puzzle that brings it to a completely different level 00:11:15 The magic that can just happen when the right people come together00:14:24 Nerding out about drumsticks. Of course! Dan is now endorsing Headhunters SticksVic Firth 5B Double Glaze 00:23:02 Pitch Slap Percussion Cajons00:26:03 SPONSOR: GigSalad. Always Be Performing means “Always Be Booking”, too. Head to GigSalad.com to create your free profile today! (and check out Gig Gab 482 with Mark Steiner from May, 2025, too!) 00:28:12 Waves plugins on any size gig…if you NEED it. Using a console with Dante, you can link via Ethernet to your MacBook Pro and use pluginsDan’s new favorite console: Yamaha DM3D ($2,000) consoleWaves Plugins to use when mixing live audio Waves SuperRack Performer ($99)Waves TRACT System Calibration ($399)Waves Feedback Hunter ($99.99)Waves Silk LIVE ($29.99)Waves F6 Dynamic EQWaves L4 Maximizer ($49.99)Waves Primary Source Expander ($39.99)Waves Tune Real-Time ($49.99)Waves Clarix LB (what Dave SHOULD have tested in GG 508!) 01:10:06 Automixing is coming, folks!01:11:16 Years ago, Robert Scovill taught Dan: pay attention.01:12:35 Gig Gab 508 Outtro Find Daniel East DanielEast.net@eastd and @themixdoctor Contact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagramfeedback@giggabpodcast.comSign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List The post Live Music, Live Mix: The Magic and the Math — Gig Gab 508 appeared first on Gig Gab.
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    1 時間 15 分
  • Tangents, Tracks, and Tenacity with Adam Moskowitz
    2025/11/10
    In this episode, you’ll join Dave and returning guest co-host Adam Moskowitz, Chief Groove Officer of VAM Band, as they dive headfirst into the world of nanny tracks, first-gig chaos, and future-proofing your sound. From building tracks in Reaper to rehearsing smarter—not longer—you’ll learn how technology can help you bring your band’s best show to the stage fast. Then, it’s all about mindset: dealing with last-minute cancellations, navigating new players, and keeping your cool when the curveballs fly. Whether you’re warming up your voice with R.E.M. or re-negotiating pay on a sub gig, this episode reminds you that gigging is equal parts art, attitude, and adaptability. Keep your groove steady and—Always Be Performing. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 507 – Monday, November 10th, 2025 November 10th: International Accounting DayGuest co-host: Adam Moskowitz, Chief Groove Officer of VAM Band 00:01:46 The Benefits of Nanny Tracks and Invisible Conductors Arrangement and Lyrics are the two big hurdlesNanny tracks can get you out of the rehearsal room FASTWe play new songs at every show! 25 new songs in 2025 00:06:03 Playing a new song for the first time in front of a crowd00:10:41 Building the backing tracks Download from Karaoke-Version and load into Reaper (Adam’s DAW of choice)Snap the audio to the “grid” using the click provided by Karaoke Version.Then set stretch markers at the beginning of each measure, so then I can stretch the tempo and everything stays in tune and in time 00:13:42 Filling in … with a blind drummer! A sub from six months ago called and asked Adam to sub in HIS bandNegotiating the right pay to ensure you don’t lose money“The band didn’t provide a setlist…so I built one!”When subbing: check the band’s YouTube to see what keys they play in 00:20:40 SPONSOR: Surfshark. Go to https://surfshark.com/giggab4 or use code giggab4 at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN!00:22:49 What’s your vocal warmup routine? Dave sings: R.E.M.’s Finest Worksong (twice)Optional: Spin Doctors “A Pocket Full Of Kryptonite” Adam does scales: “Men’s Vocal Warmup – 5 Minutes” 00:28:01 Create a pre-show ritual Warm up your brain, your body, and set your intentionsLeave your baggage behind, focus on bringing joy and having fun 00:29:49 Avoiding Cancellations with a System Cover bands that operate like original bands: rare, and coveted! Not all bands can do that. 00:34:02 What happens with 24-hour notice when your singer cancels…and you have a brand-new drummer? Be like water…go with the flow!Using tracks as a supporting layer. 00:41:30 What are you trying to do with your band? Define your band’s intention.For Adam and VAM Band: create something that’s future-proofIn VAM Band, you need to understand the value of playing the spaces 00:43:58 Learn what is best in an off-stage conversation (versus on-stage) The singer who said, “I hate playing this song” on stage doesn’t get re-hiredCurating positive energy on stage 00:50:33 Setting the expectation with your bandmates up front gives you scalability If you tell people that not everyone is on every gig, then it’s easy! 00:57:00 Future-proofing like a Broadway show00:58:56 Are we in the golden age of music Suno now allows you to upload audio and then create a cover version of the audio 01:08:14 Adam’s sound engineer gig tomorrow: six microphones, five hours, $900 Adam gets the sound gig by doing sound for his band 01:08:56 How to communicate your band’s sound to a FOH engineer How can I help you know our band?FOH engineers can drastically alter the way your band soundsPut band/sound crib notes on the stage plot 01:18:05 Gig Gab 507 Outtro Follow Adam Moskowitz @adammoskowitzmusic Contact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagramfeedback@giggabpodcast.comSign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List The post Tangents, Tracks, and Tenacity — Gig Gab 507 appeared first on Gig Gab.
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    1 時間 22 分
  • Sound Better, Gig Smarter: Tools, Tips, and Gear That Work
    2025/11/03
    In this solo hang, you dig into the real tools that keep your sound clean and your gigs tight. You’ll learn how to tame noisy tracks with the Accusonus ERA bundle, Waves Clarity Vx, and iZotope RX, plus a few quick tricks from SoundDesk to make your mixes shine. Then it’s time to talk ears—Huberman-style—with magnesium and NAC tips for keeping your hearing sharp long-term. Because if you can’t hear it, you can’t play it. Listener questions hit everything from cleaning your old Ultimate Ears to handling last-minute gig cancellations, balancing bar shows with private gigs, and keeping your band’s calendar under control. You’ll even pick up some practical gig wisdom—like the right way to tie up cables and hoses. Finally, gear gets its due with reviews of the Alesis Turbo Max electronic kit and Dark Matter DMA6 custom IEMs, plus hot takes on the Roland DrumLink, D’Addario Backline backpack, Zoom Q2n-4K, and microphone troubleshooting. It’s all about sharpening your setup, your sound, and your mindset—because you know the rule: Always Be Performing. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 506 – Monday, November 3rd, 2025 November 3rd: National Sandwich DayGuest co-host: You! 00:02:29 Cleaning Up Audio Accusonus ERA Bundle V6.2 – https://matthiasott.com/notes/free-audio-plugins-accusonus-era-6-bundleWaves Clarity Vx – https://waves.alzt.net/OePdWKiZotope RX11 Voice De-noise – https://www.izotope.com/en/products/rx/features/voice-de-noiseWaves NS1 – https://waves.alzt.net/4G4nqLSoundDesk 00:09:49 Hearing Health Huberman Hearing Health episode = Magnesium Glycinate + NAC for Dave. Sponsors 00:16:06 SPONSOR: Claude.ai – Ready to tackle bigger problems? Sign up for Claude today and get 50% off Claude Pro, which includes access to Claude Code, when you visit Claude.ai/giggab Listener Questions 00:19:08 Paul-How do I get my older pair of Ultimate Ears cleaned up?00:21:28 Terry-A club canceled on me, where can I find a boilerplate booking contract to use?00:24:51 Brian-Managing Band Member Availability00:27:10 John-How do I balance bar gigs and private bookings?00:32:49 Bill-Can you fold-tie extension cords or garden hoses, too? Gear Gab 00:36:09 Review: Alesis Turbo Max — All-In-One Beginner Electronic Drum Kit Launches Today00:40:00 Review: Dave’s new Dark Matter DMA6 BA 6 Custom IEMs Gear Gab (and tech help) 00:48:41 Lane-CSF-D’Addario Backline Gig Backpacks – https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0821Q4BT3/giggab-2000:50:54 Roland DrumLink Wireless System – https://www.roland.com/global/promos/drumlink/00:52:13 Pat-CSF-Zoom Q2n-4K video recorder – https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B07K114TFB/giggab-2000:53:44 Andy-492-Telefunken M80 Troubleshooting for that low-volume singer 00:57:41 Gig Gab 506 Outtro Contact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagramfeedback@giggabpodcast.comSign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List The post Sound Better, Gig Smarter: Tools, Tips, and Gear That Work — Gig Gab 506 appeared first on Gig Gab.
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    59 分
  • Laughs, Life, and Lessons with James "Diamond" Williams from The Ohio Players
    2025/10/27
    This week, you’re sitting down with funk legend James “Diamond” Williams from The Ohio Players! From his jazz roots and early gigs at age 14 to shaping the groove of “Love Rollercoaster” and “Fire,” Diamond shares how precision, persistence, and passion built one of the most iconic sounds in funk. You’ll hear stories of wild recording schedules, late-night gigs, and the unforgettable moment Stevie Wonder first heard “Fire.” Through it all, Diamond reminds you that love—and music—is truly a rollercoaster. Diamond also talks about what it takes to keep a band together, why preparation is everything, and how to push your career forward when no one else will. His message? Stay seated, stay belted, and enjoy the ride. Always Be Performing. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 505 – Monday, October 27th, 2025 October 27th: National Black Cat DayGuest co-host: James “Diamond” Williams 00:03:35 Syncopated grooves Jazz labs with his DadGigging with jazz standards at 14 years oldAll-City orchestraMiami UniversityMarching bandDrum and Bugle CorpsAll those influences 00:05:38 How did the drum fill intro for “I Want to Be Free” come together00:10:16 Love Rollercoaster was an intentional pop hit BTO was the “hit” band with Mercury when Ohio Players signedOhio Players told Mercury: “We need nothing from you but your money.”Came in with a gold 45 and left with a Platinum album 00:14:08 Crazy recording schedule Playing at the Red Onion in Buffalo, NY at night while recording in Chicago during the dayThey set a goal: “Let’s write three platinum albums in a row.” 00:16:01 Stevie Wonder hears “Fire” for the first timeSponsors 00:19:37 SPONSOR: GigSalad. Always Be Performing means “Always Be Booking”, too. Head to GigSalad.com to create your free profile today! (and check out Gig Gab 482 with Mark Steiner from May, 2025, too!) 00:21:12 SPONSOR: Surfshark. Go to https://surfshark.com/giggab4 or use code giggab4 at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! 00:22:42 “I Want To Be Free” – Midnight Special viral clip on Instagram Bands coveringRed Hot Chili Peppers cover Love RollercoasterD’AngeloTupac 00:24:47 The Ohio Players and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame induction 00:28:42 Keep pushing for your career… you are your best advocate00:32:42 Balancing strong personalities within a band Advice: Never stop! Ohio Players were a band 24/7Rehearsed five days a week Hearing “Me & Mrs. Jones” everywhere when starting on tour …and hearing “Skin Tight” the same way 00:37:43 It comes back to preparation! Diamond’s Father’s Lessons 00:39:00 What transpired between Funky Worm (gold 45) and Skin Tight (Platinum album)? The musicality Billy Beck and DiamondSugarfoot was always Sugarfoot: “he never came offstage” 00:43:28 Touring with technology decades ago00:45:24 Diamonds life advice: love is actually a rollercoaster Stay seated and belted, and enjoy the ride.Stay diligent, faithful, and positive. 00:47:16 Gig Gab 505 Outtro Follow Diamond at The Ohio Players Ohio Players Instagram Contact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagramfeedback@giggabpodcast.comSign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List The post Laughs, Life, and Lessons with James “Diamond” Williams from The Ohio Players – Gig Gab 505 appeared first on Gig Gab.
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    48 分