Cover Band Confidential's Podcast

This week we tackle the sticky situation of ditching gigs for better-paying ones - is it ever cool to bail on a booked show? 

Join Adam and Dan on a wild ride in this episode where they spill the tea on everything cover band-related. From a gnarly story about a bassist's run-in with a model airplane, to sifting through the latest gear that won't break the bank (hello, Phenyx Pro wireless setups and Ed Sheeran's game-changing loop pedals!), they've got it all covered.

Whether you're here for the gear, the giggles, or the guidance, Adam and Dan are serving up the insider info you need to rock out without selling out.

Phenyx Pro Mic: https://amzn.to/3T6FRZD

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Coverbandconfidential@gmail.com

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Or buy me a cup of coffee!

paypal.me/cbconfidential

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www.coverbandconfidential.com

This week we follow on from the conversation last week about how to save Set One. We asked you to tell us your show opening tunes and BOY did you deliver! Musicians from across the globe chime in with their experiences and selections, ranging from 'Bad Moon Rising' by the Creedence Clearwater Revival to 'Don't Bring Me Down' by ELO, among others. 

Keep it coming! What song do you usually open shows with? coverbandconfidential@gmail.com 

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Coverbandconfidential@gmail.com

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We all know the story. "It takes the room a while to warm up." So you load Set One with your mid-tempo downers and save your bangers for later in the night. But does it have to be that way? What song do you start a show with, and what do you do with the energy after that? This week the boys dig into the question: Is there a way to save the first set?


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How many of us hang on to hope when it's clear there is none? This week Adam tells the punchline of the tale he set up last week of shifting negotiators, ghosting clients, and things going exactly the way they seemed like they were. And it makes Dan think about how it's going onboarding his new bassist--it could have gone wrong in many many ways, but he had a good feeling and it's panning out.

How about you? Are you a gut-truster or a second-guesser? Let us know how that's all going for you at coverbandconfidential@gmail.com!


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This week Adam and Dan  express frustration over the difficulty in finding chord charts for certain pop songs due to artists or their publishers blocking access to them on popular music tutorial sites. Despite these obstacles, the hosts encourage listeners to use other resources and enhance their skills in learning songs by ear.

00:05 Introduction and Casual Banter
02:22 Exploring Genre Flipping and Cover Song Interpretations
05:03 Navigating Booking Challenges and Event Planning
05:15 Appreciating Reviews and Community Engagement
05:52 Dealing with Event Setup and Timing Constraints
13:59 Exploring Song Learning Challenges and Solutions
18:05 Challenges of Learning New Songs
18:54 Examples of Unavailable Charts
19:36 The Impact of Unavailability 
21:22 The Inconvenience of Learning Songs
25:36 The Importance of Making Songs Easy to Learn
28:05 The Role of the Audience in Song Learning
31:17 Thanks! Support the Show!

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@coverbandconfidential

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If you have any questions please email at:

Coverbandconfidential@gmail.com

Consider supporting me on Patreon! www.patreon.com/coverbandconfidential

Or buy me a cup of coffee!

paypal.me/cbconfidential

And for more info check out 

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In this episode Adam and Dan discuss their respective trips to Disney World and NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants). 

Adam covers the highlights of his NAMM experience, such as the meetings with representatives from various music gear companies, unique discoveries like 3D printed guitar pedal toppers, and affordable gear from brands like Ibanez. They discuss the changing landscape of NAMM as major companies like Fender and Gibson sat out this year, making room for smaller, lesser-known companies. They also appreciate the Patreon community for their support that made Adam’s trip to NAMM possible.

Rockit Music Gear: https://rockitmusicgear.shop/collections/3d-prints/products/guitar-pedal-pedal-79042

00:05 Introduction and Personal Updates
01:38 Reviews!
02:13 NAMM Experience and Insights
06:02 Impressions from the Mackie and NU-X Booths
14:01 Headless Guitars and Extended Range Instruments
14:33 Big Brands Missing and the Rise of Import Companies
15:20 Discovering Affordable and Quality Guitars
17:41 Networking and Meeting Online Contacts in Real Life
18:33 The Unexpected Recognition
19:53 The Fun and Challenges of Attending the Event
20:48 The Unique Offerings of Rockit Music Gear
23:02 Reflecting on the NAMM Experience
24:58 Shoutouts and Acknowledgements
25:25 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

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@coverbandconfidential

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If you have any questions please email at:

Coverbandconfidential@gmail.com

Consider supporting me on Patreon! www.patreon.com/coverbandconfidential

Or buy me a cup of coffee!

paypal.me/cbconfidential

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In this episode of the Cover Band Confidential Podcast, Adam and Dan discuss strategies and opportunities for cover band musicians. 

Apparently, The Hives requested cover bands to help meet the demand for their music by playing concerts in their respective cities. 

Is this the beginning of bands franchising themselves on a wider scale? 

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Coverbandconfidential@gmail.com

Consider supporting me on Patreon! www.patreon.com/coverbandconfidential

Or buy me a cup of coffee!

paypal.me/cbconfidential

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This week the fellas discuss that strategic (vs. the tactical) aspects of the gig booking game. What's the long play? How do you shape your year? What's the brand value you're going to deliver to make your re-hire a no brainer for a booker?


NU-X Mighty Plug- https://amzn.to/3SmQXdR

Curvd Earplug-: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C9R47H5N?ref=t_ac_view_request_product_image&campaignId=amzn1.campaign.1ZCPRIFZJ4L0W&linkCode=tr1&tag=adampatrick0b-20&linkId=amzn1.campaign.1ZCPRIFZJ4L0W_1705502539437
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This week the fellas contemplate the whys and wherefores of The Smashing Pumpkin's recent open audition call for guitarists. Why would they do that? What are they getting? Is it something you should do?

Opinions will vary. Here's ours!

Recess Drink for Dry January: https://amzn.to/3NTlKwr (affiliate)


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Coverbandconfidential@gmail.com

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This week after the usual pleasantries, yer boyz talk about BOIR! That's right, those of you operating small businesses in the US will need to do the new Beneficial Ownership Information Report--or face STEEP consequences! 

Adam walks you through what it took to do it. Not that much, it turns out, once you're over a certain learning curve. And as always, we're here to flatten the curve, and keep you out of the clink!

File your BOIR here: https://boiefiling.fincen.gov/fileboir

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Coverbandconfidential@gmail.com

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Or buy me a cup of coffee!

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This week Adam and Dan reflect on the year 2023. They talk about the remarkable growth they experienced with an increase in downloads, plays, and overall reach. They also discuss how the shift in their band line-up has opened up new possibilities. Plans for the upcoming year are also touched upon, indicating a more focused approach. They remind viewers about new tax reporting requirements for LLCs 


00:00 Introduction and Christmas Recap
00:32 Holiday Concert Experience
01:35 Microphone Discussion
02:22 Christmas Surprise: Disney Trip
05:32 Gear Talk: LG's StanByMe Go
08:24 New Reporting Requirements for LLCs
10:28 Podcast Reviews and Listener Engagement
12:20 Reflecting on the Year's Stats
12:47 Podcast and YouTube Performance Review
13:26 Challenges and Successes in Podcasting
15:28 Boosting Website Traffic and Engagement
17:39 Growth in the Patreon Community
18:03 Planning for the Future: Strategies and Goals
18:32 Most Listened Podcast Episodes
20:04 Feedback and Future Directions
23:22 New Projects and Resolutions
28:06 Looking Forward to NAMM and New Partnerships
29:07 Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead

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@coverbandconfidential

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If you have any questions please email at:

Coverbandconfidential@gmail.com

Consider supporting me on Patreon! www.patreon.com/coverbandconfidential

Or buy me a cup of coffee!

paypal.me/cbconfidential

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This week Adam and Dan respond to an email inquiry from a listener, Brian, curious about why people choose to be in cover bands instead of making original music. We explore the different types of satisfaction derived from being in either a cover or original band, and how the interaction with the crowd, the creative process, and the economic realities form the crux of why most musicians opt for cover bands. They further discuss this phenomenon in light of their own experiences and underscore how even cover bands require significant creativity to adapt songs to a specific band or instrumentation.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
00:11 Recap of Recent Gigs and Experiences
00:57 Challenges and Rewards of Performing in Small Spaces
01:37 Reflections on the Year's Performances
02:21 The Unforgettable Bartender Incident
03:48 Sharing Experiences from Corporate Acoustic Shows
06:27 Exploring New Songs and Styles
07:53 Listener Review and Contest Update
09:15 Discussion on Original vs Cover Bands
22:41 Exploring the Creative Aspects of Cover Bands
25:37 Conclusion and Contact Information

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@coverbandconfidential

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@danraymusician

If you have any questions please email at:

Coverbandconfidential@gmail.com

Consider supporting me on Patreon! www.patreon.com/coverbandconfidential

Or buy me a cup of coffee!

paypal.me/cbconfidential

And for more info check out 

www.coverbandconfidential.com

A Lesson in Stress and Forgetting Things

This week Adam and Dan discuss their recent experiences with gigs and events. 

Adam recounts attending a comedy show, while Dan narrates a frazzled experience at a weekend gig, which taught him a profound lesson in dealing with stress and the importance of triple-checking things before leaving. 

Don’t forget to register for the Bright Switch Giveaway! Sign up closes at midnight on Friday, December 15th!
https://kingsumo.com/g/mdo6l3/cover-band-confidential-giveaway-rock-stock-pedals-bright-switch/k6njxk4?#

00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdotes
00:11 Recent Gigs and Experiences
02:00 Upcoming Events and Plans
02:14 Reflections on Work-Life Balance
04:21 Exciting Developments and Future Prospects
04:38 Giveaway Announcement and Patreon Promotion
05:36 Review Reading and Discussion
07:41 Recap of Previous Corporate Christmas Party
08:05 Recent Christmas Party Experience
09:15 Dan's Frazzled Gig Story
15:55 Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts

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@coverbandconfidential

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If you have any questions please email at:

Coverbandconfidential@gmail.com

Consider supporting me on Patreon! www.patreon.com/coverbandconfidential

Or buy me a cup of coffee!

paypal.me/cbconfidential

And for more info check out 

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Hey guys RockStock announced the giveaway on Friday and while the link was in last week's notes I wanted to be sure everyone knew about it.  

Here's the link: https://kingsumo.com/g/mdo6l3/cover-band-confidential-giveaway-rock-stock-pedals-bright-switch/k6njxk4?

Every task completed increases your chance of winning!

This week we have a special spousal visitor: Mrs Adam herself, Amber Johnson! Been a minute since we've had Amber's input on the show, so it's great to have her back. This week we talk about the annual holiday gig that Amber is part of, without Adam but with a whole bunch of players who are a regular project of their own. What's it like onboarding their material? Coming in to nail a show that's "someone else's"? 

Enter here to win a BrightSwitch from Rock Stock Pedals!
https://kingsumo.com/g/mdo6l3/cover-band-confidential-giveaway-rock-stock-pedals-bright-switch

--

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@coverbandconfidential

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If you have any questions please email at:

Coverbandconfidential@gmail.com

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Or buy me a cup of coffee!

paypal.me/cbconfidential

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www.coverbandconfidential.com

Friends, we've reached a milestone. 300 episodes! Here's to 300 more! Thanks for hanging with us, and we're glad you seem to have been enjoying it it as much as we enjoy making it!

This week the boys recap the learnings and growth of the last five-and-change years (yeah, really!), talk about the Big Ideas to celebrate #300, none of which happened, and talk big talks about the future of this pod.


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@coverbandconfidential

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If you have any questions please email at:

Coverbandconfidential@gmail.com

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Or buy me a cup of coffee!

paypal.me/cbconfidential

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We know. Musicians are hard to shop for. So in honor of Black Friday we're revising and updating our list of great gifts for musicians, and adding a few things you should stay away from. (Those shirts: WHY.)

(HERE is the following list as a blog post, suitable for sharing with anyone you hope gives you good stuff this year!)

Stuff musicians DON’T WANT

Mahogany Thumb Piano https://www.uncommongoods.com/product/mahogany-thumb-piano 

Schecter Guitar Shirt: https://amzn.to/3SJ5EIU 

Actual Useful Things

Earasers earplugs- https://amzn.to/3kZESHw

(Loops, these days): https://amzn.to/49J5ozC 

Rock N Roller Micro Cart- https://amzn.to/2IVhgqS 

Whirlwind IMP-2 Direct Box- https://amzn.to/2Ht3cE5

BrightSwitch- https://amzn.to/40RQHXa

Guitar Straps- https://amzn.to/47jj6aO 

Dimarzio Clip Locks- https://amzn.to/46kkjNO

Rubber Strap Blocks: https://amzn.to/3Guu3L7

On Stage Mic Stand: https://amzn.to/3MPViDm 

Content:

iRIG USB Portable interface: https://amzn.to/47GiZWI

Magic Arm: https://amzn.to/3ujO6c9

Consumables

Ernie Ball Super Slinky 6 Pack*- https://amzn.to/370LXD1 

Drum Key 3 Pack- https://amzn.to/2UVWk5c

Duracell Procell AA 24 Pack- https://amzn.to/3nPBl0y

Duracell Procell 9V 12 Pack- https://amzn.to/3pRMyiN 

AA Charger and Batteries: https://amzn.to/47tqKPZ 

High-end fabric wrap Cables: https://amzn.to/47LdHJE 

Curveballs

Lasko Air Mover- https://amzn.to/36ZCyLL

Gaff Tape 4 Pack- https://amzn.to/3pW4bOE

Chefs Mat- https://amzn.to/3G7FKa5 

Audible: https://amzn.to/3MQBT59 

Velcro Cable Wraps: https://amzn.to/3utv7fq 

Cable Tester: https://amzn.to/40Lmxoa

Thank you so much for tuning in!  If you want to help be sure to like, subscribe and share with your friends!  

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@coverbandconfidential

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@danraymusician

If you have any questions please email at:

Coverbandconfidential@gmail.com

Consider supporting me on Patreon! www.patreon.com/coverbandconfidential

Or buy me a cup of coffee!

paypal.me/cbconfidential

And for more info check out 

www.coverbandconfidential.com

This week your boys Adam and Dan discuss the realities and uncertainties that bands often face. They share their recent experiences navigating ups and downs, including successful gigs and event cancellations due to low ticket sales. They discuss the possible reasons for fluctuations, including macroeconomic factors and demographic changes. They contemplate the importance of being adaptable, considering new plans such as diversifying their repertoire range. The episode is a front-row conversation about facing challenges, learning on the go, and innovating to stay relevant in the music industry.

00:05 Introduction 
00:36 Band Updates and Gig Experiences
03:38 Listener Reviews and Shoutouts
04:37 Gear Talk: Maestro DMX and MIDI Automation
11:16 Reflecting on Band Milestones and Challenges
19:20 Exploring New Band Directions and Material
22:10 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans


Thank you so much for tuning in!  If you want to help be sure to like, subscribe and share with your friends!  

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                linktr.ee/coverbandconfidential

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@coverbandconfidential

@adampatrickjohnson

@danraymusician

If you have any questions please email at:

Coverbandconfidential@gmail.com

Consider supporting me on Patreon! www.patreon.com/coverbandconfidential

Or buy me a cup of coffee!

paypal.me/cbconfidential

And for more info check out 

www.coverbandconfidential.com

Big week for lovers of good music things! First stop is at Daryl's house--the legendary music YouTube channel is back in business and you need to check it out. 

Even bigger news is the release of a brand new old Beatles tune! The guys go deep on the tech breakthroughs this took, the magical nature of the song and its video, what it implies for future "new old" songs from classic acts, and how much fun it is to just be a consumer of this stuff sometimes.



Thank you so much for tuning in!  If you want to help be sure to like, subscribe and share with your friends!  

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@coverbandconfidential

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@danraymusician

If you have any questions please email at:

Coverbandconfidential@gmail.com

Consider supporting me on Patreon! www.patreon.com/coverbandconfidential

Or buy me a cup of coffee!

paypal.me/cbconfidential

And for more info check out 

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This week's episode is a shorter take on a longer conversation lost to history (we're blaming Dan's COVID diagnosis).

In this episode we discuss how Dan's work experience at this day job made him question how musicians and venues are always trying to leverage available data to ensure they're getting the best deals, and how bands should be more open to talking about what they make per gig.

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

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@coverbandconfidential

@adampatrickjohnson

@danraymusician

If you have any questions please email at:

Coverbandconfidential@gmail.com

Consider supporting me on Patreon! www.patreon.com/coverbandconfidential

Or buy me a cup of coffee!

paypal.me/cbconfidential

And for more info check out 

www.coverbandconfidential.com