Published by Coverband Confidential
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.
Listen on Apple PodcastsThis week, Adam recaps a nearly perfect live band karaoke night, including a packed room, a prospective wedding client who actually showed up, singing with his dad, and a sound engineer powering through a broken foot. The guys also introduce a new look back at this week in Cover Band Confidential history before abandoning the planned topic entirely to address Fender CEO Bud Cole’s comparison of cover bands to “analog AI.” It is an analogy that manages to misunderstand cover musicians, generative AI, copyright, royalties, musicianship, and a significant portion of Fender’s own customer base all at once. Adam and Dan break down why performing an existing song is not remotely the same as generating content from uncredited source material, how working bands help sustain the music economy, and why Fender probably should not diminish the musicians buying its instruments. Cover bands are not artificial intelligence. We are actual intelligence. Most of us, anyway. Episode Links: - Block Parties, Bombshells, and Bloody Knuckles- 08-01-25 - Music, Politics (and the art of keeping your mouth shut)- 07-25-24 - The Three Things You Need To Succeed- 07-27-23 - Weaponizing The Audience's Nostalgia- 07-28-22 - The Magic Word 07-29-2021 - Nick Niespodziani of Yacht Rock Revue ( Vulture Article this week ) 07-2020 - 061 (Running your Band like a Business)- 07-29-19 - 018 (Finding bandmates and building relationships with venues) 07-26-2018 Sweetwater Affilate Link: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/xJE4rk BACTrack Affiliate Link: https://www.bactrack.com/coverbandconfidential MaestroDMX (10% off discount link): https://maestrodmx.com/discount/DISCOUNT4CBC?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fmaestrodmx Blank Contracts & Riders: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/performance-contracts Backing Track Resources: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/backing-track-resources Thank you so much for tuning in! If you want to help be sure to like, subscribe and share with your friends! BANDLEADER RESOURCES: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/links Consider supporting us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/coverbandconfidential
Every working musician eventually has the post-gig drive home where they wonder, “Can I keep doing this?” But are you actually done with music—or are you exhausted by the schedule, the load-ins, the late nights, the weather cancellations, the band management and everything else surrounding the hour you spend onstage? This week, Adam and Dan try to separate burnout from genuinely no longer wanting the musician lifestyle. They discuss how resentment toward the logistics can bury your love of performing, why taking a weekend off cannot fix a dysfunctional band, and how your identity as “the music person” can make stepping back feel like failure. Dan also opens up about his extended break from gigging after foot surgery, the difficulty of rebuilding momentum and the possibility that returning to music may not mean rebuilding the exact same version of his old band. Also discussed: * Adam’s epic backstage hang at the Chicago and Styx show * Adam’s new Behringer Flow 8 solo setup with Jamzone * Automating live band karaoke with BandLeader and AbleSet * The “good music, good money, good people” test * Rediscovering music without trying to monetize it * When stepping away is healthier—and more professional—than staying * Dan accepts a six-week challenge to get back into a room and make some noise The better question may not be, “Should I quit?” It may be: What exactly am I tired of—and would I still want this if that part changed? ---------------------------------------- Thank you so much for tuning in! If you want to help be sure to like, subscribe and share with your friends! BANDLEADER RESOURCES: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/links Follow us on Instagram! @coverbandconfidential @adampatrickjohnson @danraymusician If you have any questions please email at: Coverbandconfidential@gmail.com Consider supporting us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/coverbandconfidential Or buy us a cup of coffee! paypal.me/cbconfidential And for more info check out www.coverbandconfidential.com
Adam arrives at this week’s episode suffering from meat sweats and a pair of thoroughly abused shins. Dan is helping his daughter learn bass, Adam’s son has discovered what a $3,500 Dingwall feels like, and Chicago bassist Eric Baines would really like Adam to learn how to sight-read. Then we get into the considerably less wholesome subject of musicians getting hurt at work. After Adam took a fall backstage at a July 4th event, we asked the Cover Band Central community for their worst gig-injury stories. Nearly 600 responses revealed everything from cuts and bad backs to electrocution, heat illness, collapsing equipment, crowd violence and musicians attempting to finish sets during medical emergencies. We sort those stories into the hazards musicians may be able to mitigate themselves and the dangers created by venues, promoters, production companies and unsafe working conditions. Along the way, we ask why musicians are so willing to prioritize finishing the set over their own health—and why legitimate workplace injuries are so often repackaged as funny gig war stories. Also discussed: • The difficulty of explaining skills stored in muscle memory • Expensive instruments and irresponsible parenting • Load-in being harder than the actual performance • The alarming absence of first-aid and safety planning • Knowing when “the show must go on” has gone too far • Stage falls, risers and unmarked hazards • The dreaded electrified microphone • Outdoor shows with no shade or heat plan • Security failures and unwanted people onstage • The role of contracts, insurance and collective bargaining Resources for working bands: coverbandconfidential.com/links
This week, Adam and Dan recap a Fourth of July gig in Newnan, GA—heat, big municipal-event logistics, a few new/old songs, and lingering monitor gremlins—then pivot into a bigger industry issue: a Bloomberg article arguing a real “fun shortage,” with fewer places to hang out and higher costs, hurting venues and performance opportunities. But this isn’t just another “venues are closing and everything is terrible” conversation. The bigger question is whether there are fewer gigs… or just fewer easy gigs. If bars, clubs, and casual hangout spots are disappearing, bands have to rethink how they create opportunities. That means better marketing, clearer branding, stronger promo assets, faster communication, and finding ways to turn “a gig” into an actual event people want to leave the house for. We also get into public gigs, private events, DIY scenes, themed shows, and why the bands that can reliably create fun may be the ones that survive the shift. Topics include: – Why “extra” spending is usually the first thing to go – What bands can do instead of waiting on venues and promoters – Whether the market is worse, different, or just harder to fake your way through Is having fun actually harder than it used to be? Are you seeing fewer gigs in your market? Or are the opportunities just moving somewhere else? Let us know: coverbandconfidential@gmail.com Sweetwater Affilate Link: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/xJE4rk BACTrack Affiliate Link: https://www.bactrack.com/coverbandconfidential MaestroDMX (10% off discount link): https://maestrodmx.com/discount/DISCOUNT4CBC?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fmaestrodmx Blank Contracts & Riders: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/performance-contracts Backing Track Resources: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/backing-track-resources 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/coverbandconfidential Follow us on Instagram! @coverbandconfidential @adampatrickjohnson @danraymusician Consider supporting us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/coverbandconfidential Or buy us a cup of coffee! paypal.me/cbconfidential And for more info check out www.coverbandconfidential.com cover band confidential, cover bands, working musicians, band business, live music venues, fewer gigs, bar gigs, private events, gigging musician, live music business, booking gigs, band marketing, how to get more gigs, music venues closing, live entertainment, event bands, wedding bands, corporate bands, musician podcast, cover band podcast, fun shortage, Bloomberg fun shortage, bands getting gigs, DIY music scene, local music venues
Dan is joined by honorary co-host Mike Schulte for a loose, funny, and surprisingly useful conversation about what happens when cover bands stop getting treated like “just the local guys” and start operating like the professional entertainment businesses they actually are. Mike shares the long-game story of a hometown festival, a shady gatekeeper, years of being told to play for “exposure,” and the eventual full-circle moment of returning to that same town to play for 10,000 people on a proper stage with proper production. From there, the conversation turns into a bigger discussion about building a real following: why being good is only the starting line, how fans become regulars, why personality matters as much as polish, and how bands can create moments people actually want to come back for. Also: kitchen renovation horror stories, hidden house weirdness, horror movies, Mike Flanagan, kids discovering music, and a few current songs that are absolutely destroying in live sets. This one is about playing the long game, staying human, and remembering that the audience connects with people—not just perfect performances. Check out Mike's podcast! https://confusedbreakfast.com/ Sweetwater Affilate Link: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/xJE4rk BACTrack Affiliate Link: https://www.bactrack.com/coverbandconfidential MaestroDMX (10% off discount link): https://maestrodmx.com/discount/DISCOUNT4CBC?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fmaestrodmx Blank Contracts & Riders: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/performance-contracts Backing Track Resources: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/backing-track-resources Thank you so much for tuning in! If you want to help be sure to like, subscribe and share with your friends! If you have any questions please email at: Coverbandconfidential@gmail.com Consider supporting us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/coverbandconfidential Or buy us a cup of coffee! paypal.me/cbconfidential And for more info check out www.coverbandconfidential.com cover band podcast, cover band tips, working musician podcast, live band advice, band business, how to grow a band following, local band advice, festival gigs, cover band festivals, booking festival gigs, band marketing, live music business, working cover band, professional cover band, band leader advice, music career advice, Mike Schulte, Pork Tornadoes, Cover Band Confidential, live performance tips, fan engagement, how bands build fans, band coaching, music business podcast #CoverBandConfidential #CoverBands #WorkingMusician #BandLife #LiveMusic #MusicBusiness #GigLife #BandAdvice #FestivalGigs #RockMoreSuckLess
What are the things bands really need to stop doing? Not the usual Facebook-group purity tests about backing tracks, iPads, shorts, tip jars, or whether Mustang Sally should be illegal. We’re talking about the stuff that actually makes bands harder to hire, harder to enjoy, and harder to take seriously. This week on Cover Band Confidential, Adam and Dan dig through nearly 1,000 responses to the question: “What’s something bands need to stop doing?” Then they filter the noise through the lens of working musicians who care about gigs, crowds, venues, and professionalism. We get into why bands should stop undercutting the market, leaving dead air between songs, looking unprepared on stage, dressing like the gig doesn’t matter, trash-talking other bands, noodling between songs, taking long breaks, overplaying, bringing low energy, and being way too loud. Plus, Adam recaps the first real-world run of the new AbleSet 3 setup for Live Band Karaoke, including custom canvas layouts, charts inside AbleSet, new songs added on the fly, and why the whole system might finally be dialed in. If you’re in a cover band, tribute band, bar band, wedding band, corporate band, or any working live music situation, this one is a useful gut check. Topics include: *Why “exposure gigs” hurt more than they help*How dead air kills momentum*Dressing for the gig you want*Why public band drama is never worth it*Why “turn down” is still good advice And a bunch more! Subscribe for more conversations about cover bands, working musicians, band leadership, live performance, and how to rock more and suck less. #CoverBandConfidential #CoverBand #WorkingMusician #LiveMusic #BandLife #GiggingMusician #CoverBandTips #BandLeader #MusicBusiness #LiveBand
When does a band actually need a manager? A listener asked a great question: “Why do I need a manager with a small local cover band doing maybe five gigs a year?” And the honest answer is: you probably don’t. In this episode, we talk through what a manager actually does, when management starts to make sense, and why most local cover bands are better off building systems, improving booking, tightening promo assets, or hiring help for specific tasks before giving someone a percentage of the band’s income. We also cover the difference between a manager and a booking agent, whether a manager overrides the band founder, what kind of money needs to be coming in before management makes sense, and the real signs that your band has enough momentum, complexity, and opportunity to justify bringing someone in. If you’re in a cover band, tribute band, wedding band, corporate band, or local working band trying to figure out how to grow without creating a small village of administrative sadness, this one is for you. Topics covered: What a band manager actually does Why small local bands usually don’t need management Manager vs. booking agent When admin work starts limiting band growth How much money a band needs before hiring a manager Whether a manager can override the band founder Why consistent demand matters Better first hires before a manager Cover band business systems that matter Ableset Discount Link: ableset.com/cbc All over Band Leader Links: coverbandconfidential.com/links Subscribe for more practical advice for cover band musicians and band leaders who want to rock more and suck less. #CoverBand #BandManager #MusicBusiness #WorkingMusician #BandLeader cover band manager, does my band need a manager, when should a band hire a manager, band manager explained, music business advice, cover band business, band leadership, booking agent vs manager, local band advice, working musician tips, tribute band business, wedding band business, corporate band gigs, how to run a band, band booking tips, band admin, band growth strategy, cover band confidential, band management, musician business advice
Adam flies solo this week and delivers a full episode covering the 10 non-negotiable things every working cover band needs to stop treating as optional. From your website and promo video to contracts, pricing strategy, and communication — if you want to get paid real money and get invited back, these aren't extras. They're the gig. Adam also shares a band update, previews upcoming shows, talks upcoming gear reviews (Maestro DMX and AbleSet 3), and responds to a recent two-star review. 📧 Contact us: coverbandconfidential@gmail.com 🔗 Band contract template: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/performance-contracts 🔗 Bandzoogle affiliate link: https://bandzoogle.com/?memref=rab610 🔗 Insurance Canopy: https://www.insurancecanopy.com 🔗 OTHER ESSENTIAL BANDLEADER LINKS: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/links CoverBand #CoverBandLife #BandLeader #LiveMusic #CoverBandConfidential #MusicBusiness #BandAdvice #GigLife #WorkingMusician #MusicTips #BandBooking #EventEntertainment #LiveBandKaraoke #MusicMarketing #GigReady
Finding new musicians for your band sounds simple until your DMs turn into a crime scene. This week on Cover Band Confidential , Adam and Dan break down what actually goes into replacing a band member, filling a sub spot, or building a roster without losing your mind in the process. Adam is in the middle of this right now with Members Only as their longtime drummer transitions out of rotation, so this one is less “theoretical advice” and more “live footage from the hiring trenches.” We talk through the practical steps that make the search less painful: defining the role, being clear about the project, writing a specific audition post, asking for video early, using trusted referrals, being honest about money, filtering for availability, and auditioning people for the actual job they’ll be doing. Because finding the best player is not always the same thing as finding the right player. Also in this episode: Adam recaps a Midwest family trip through Chicago, Saugatuck, South Bend, Notre Dame, Wrigleyville, and Chicago Music Exchange The emotional danger of playing an $8,000 Les Paul that unfortunately feels worth it Dan previews a trip to Utah and Las Vegas, including a possible live band karaoke meetup at The Venetian Why “clear communication” is basically the whole episode The value of asking for audition video before wasting everyone’s time Why availability can matter as much as talent How to spot professional habits before someone is officially in the band Why a trial period protects both the band and the new player The terrifying concept of “musician icks” Finding band members is a slog, but you can make it less sloggy. And if you’re leading the project, the goal is not just to find a player. It’s to be the kind of band leader people actually want to work with. #CoverBandConfidential #CoverBandTips #WorkingMusician #BandLeader #GiggingMusician #CoverBand #LiveMusicBusiness #BandAuditions #MusicianLife #WeddingBand #CorporateBand #DrummerSearch #BandManagement #MusicPodcast #LiveBandTips cover band confidential, cover band podcast, working musician podcast, how to find musicians for a band, how to audition band members, finding a drummer, band audition tips, cover band tips, gigging musician advice, band leader advice, how to replace a band member, musician auditions, hiring musicians for a band, wedding band musicians, corporate band musicians, live band business, band management tips, how to run a cover band, professional musician habits, finding reliable musicians, musician availability, audition video for musicians, band rehearsal prep, cover band drummer, live music podcast
This week on Cover Band Confidential , Adam and Dan do a quick Memorial Day catch-up and break down the first live band karaoke show under Adam’s new "ATL LBK" brand. The gig had a lot going for it: a massive LED wall, custom motion backgrounds, ProPresenter handling the song list and visuals, AbleSet running lyrics, and Bandleader managing singer signups, payments, and queue management. Shockingly, a lot of the complicated stuff actually worked. But because this is live music, there were still some growing pains. We also get into escape room recommendations, a BBC show recommendation, new merch plans, the last Members Only gig with Nathan for a while, and why anything worth doing is apparently worth overdoing. If you’re a working musician, bandleader, or someone thinking about adding live band karaoke to your gig options, this episode is a useful look at what worked, what needs dialing in, and why the signup system and lyric system are probably the things you want working before anything else. Want to send us your gig red flags for a future episode? Email: coverbandconfidential@gmail.com Join the Cover Band Confidential community, Patreon, Slack, and more: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/links #CoverBandConfidential #LiveBandKaraoke #CoverBand #WorkingMusician #GiggingMusician #BandLeader #LiveMusic #ATLmusic #AtlantaBands #ProPresenter #AbleSet #BandGear #MusicBusiness live band karaoke, live karaoke band, cover band podcast, Cover Band Confidential, working musician podcast, gigging musician tips, bandleader advice, live music business, how to run live band karaoke, ATL LBK, Atlanta live band karaoke, karaoke with live band, ProPresenter live music, AbleSet lyrics, band signup system, live band set up, cover band tips, bar band gigs, private event band, live sound for bands, band routing problems, Behringer WING live sound, QR code song signup, band karaoke setup, audience participation gig, cover band business, musician podcast, live music podcast, gig recap, band tech setup, live vocal mixing, in ear monitors, band management, music business podcast
Is your band accidentally making itself harder to book? This week on *Cover Band Confidential*, Adam and Dan break down *10 very fixable ways bands create friction for bookers, clients, venues, planners, and anyone else trying to give them money*. Because here’s the brutal truth: the best band does not always win. The easiest band to work with often does. We dig into the stuff that separates “pretty good bar band” from “professional event band that gets called back every year,” including: * Why slow responses make you look like you hate money * How bad promo can trap you at the level of gigs you already have * Why your website and social presence may be raising more questions than answers * The difference between being musically ready and operationally ready * Why pricing gets weird — and how to stop apologizing for your quote * How your setlist can either serve the room or sabotage the gig * Why relationship-building after the show matters more than most bands realize Plus, we catch up on 3D printing, live band karaoke prep, Jam Zone vs. Ableton/AbleSet, headless guitar string anxiety, Fender’s cease-and-desist drama, and why your band website probably still says copyright 2017. If you want to stop creating friction and start getting hired like a professional, this one’s for you. Get our free bandleader tools, templates, gear recommendations, insurance resources, and more here: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/links #CoverBandConfidential #CoverBands #WorkingMusicians #GiggingMusicians #BandBusiness #LiveMusic #BandLeader #EventBands #WeddingBands #CorporateBands #MusicBusiness #GigLife #MusicianTips #CoverBandTips #BandMarketing
Most musicians remember the obvious stuff: instruments, cables, strings, sticks, charts, and the gear required to actually play the gig. But what about everything else? This week on *Cover Band Confidential*, we’re building the *Musician’s EGC — Every Gig Carry list:* the non-musical gear that saves your gig, your sanity, your clothes, your car, and occasionally your dignity. We’re talking about the stuff working musicians learn to pack after years of getting burned: sunscreen, bug spray, trash bags, gaff tape, headlamps, air movers, battery packs, magic arms, first aid kits, doorstops, QR codes, breathalyzers, backup shirts, and all the other “why didn’t I bring that?” items that separate the prepared pros from the sweaty disaster goblins. If you play bars, private events, outdoor stages, corporate gigs, weddings, karaoke nights, festivals, patios, or any other vaguely hostile environment with questionable power and zero shade, this list is for you. Chinly Battery-Powered Wireless DMX: https://amzn.to/4wvGSNJ Full EGC List (Affiliate): https://www.amazon.com/shop/influencer-d417e12d/list/JIHAMNBAO68S?ref_=aipsflist BACTrack Exclusive Discount Store: https://www.bactrack.com/coverbandconfidential Also in this episode: * Adam’s upcoming 4th of July gig * Live band karaoke prep * Jam Zone testing * Wireless DMX updates * The return of Frozen Coyote accountability * Why gaffe tape is worth the money * Why an air mover beats a fan * Why every gigging musician should probably own a doorstop * And one truly brain-dead comment about in-ear monitors Need links, tools, discounts, and resources for working musicians? Check out: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/links Subscribe for more real-world advice for working musicians, bandleaders, and cover bands trying to make more money, look more professional, and suck less. #CoverBandConfidential #GiggingMusician #WorkingMusician #CoverBand #LiveMusic #BandLife #MusicGear #GigEssentials #EverydayCarry #MusicianEDC #MusicianTips #BandLeader #PrivateEvents #CorporateGigs #liveperformance
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.”
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
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)
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!
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 amp We 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 GIGS We 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 MATTERS This 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
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/@divebarrockstar https://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
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
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/coverbandconfidential Follow us on Instagram! @coverbandconfidential @adampatrickjohnson @danraymusician If you have any questions please email at: Coverbandconfidential@gmail.com Consider supporting us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/coverbandconfidential Or buy us a cup of coffee! paypal.me/cbconfidential And for more info check out www.coverbandconfidential.com