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Cover Band Confidential's Podcast (Music Business, Gigging Tips & Making Money as a Musician)

Advertise on podcast: Cover Band Confidential's Podcast (Music Business, Gigging Tips & Making Money as a Musician)

Rating
★★★★★
4.8
from
91 reviews
This podcast has
427 episodes
Language
English
Explicit
No
Date created
2018/03/09
Latest episode
2026/04/24
Average duration
40 min.
Release period
7 days

Description

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.

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Rebuild Your Gig Rig From Scratch in 5 Days (Only $2,000) | Adam on the 40 Watt Podcast
2026/04/24
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)
Gig Recap and what Coachella can teach us
2026/04/17
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!
8 Reasons YOUR BAND can't book private gigs (and how to fix them)
2026/04/10
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 ampWe 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 GIGSWe 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 MATTERSThis 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
How Eric Baines Went from Wedding Bands & Disneyland to Playing Bass for Chicago
2026/04/03
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/@divebarrockstarhttps://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
What Working Musicians Actually Need (with Scott Uhl)
2026/03/27
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: [email protected] Consider supporting us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/coverbandconfidential
How to Get Back in Gigging Shape: Fitness Tips for Musicians
2026/03/20
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 → [email protected]🔗 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/coverbandconfidentialFollow us on Instagram!@coverbandconfidential@adampatrickjohnson@danraymusicianIf you have any questions please email at:[email protected] supporting us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/coverbandconfidentialOr buy us a cup of coffee!paypal.me/cbconfidentialAnd for more info check out www.coverbandconfidential.com
What to Do When You’re the Wrong Band for the Gig
2026/03/13
What happens when you realize… *you might be the wrong band for the gig?*In this episode of *Cover Band Confidential*, Adam shares a real situation his band is facing this week. A show that was booked *five months ago* suddenly took a turn when the client realized they expected a *70s band*, not an *80s band*.With the gig only *72 hours away*, the band has to decide:* Do they stick to their 80s show?* Do they pivot and try to match the audience?* Or do they find a compromise that keeps everyone happy?Adam and Dan break down how gig miscommunications happen, the role agents play in the process, and how bands can survive shows where the expectations and the reality don’t quite line up.They also share some classic gig horror stories, including dance gigs that turned out to be the *wrong kind of dancing entirely*.If you’ve ever played live music, chances are you’ve been in a situation like this.And if you haven’t yet… it’s probably coming.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%2FmaestrodmxBlank Contracts & Riders: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/performance-contractsBacking Track Resources: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/backing-track-resourcesThank 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/coverbandconfidentialFollow us on Instagram!@coverbandconfidential@adampatrickjohnson@danraymusicianIf you have any questions please email at:[email protected] supporting us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/coverbandconfidentialOr buy us a cup of coffee!paypal.me/cbconfidentialAnd for more info check out www.coverbandconfidential.com
How Musicians Should Use AI for Booking, Set Lists, and Band Admin
2026/03/06
Mike came back with receipts!After running his set list through AI last episode, he took the feedback, rewired his show, and played to 2,000 people — crowd went wild. That's the whole argument right there.From there, Adam and Dan dig into the AI conversation every cover band musician is quietly having: is it a tool or a threat? Turns out the answer is pretty much "neither, if you're doing it wrong." They break down how band leaders are already drowning in the operational stuff — booking, socials, follow-up emails — and how AI can quietly handle a chunk of that so you can save your brain for the actual show.Plus: a Facebook comment section implosion, a guy who AI-jihadist'd his way out of an opening slot, and the best  ⁨@ScottUhlMusic⁩ mic drop of all time.Links:-*Dolly Parton's America:* https://www.npr.org/podcasts/765024913/dolly-parton-s-america-*Sweetwater (Supports the show)*: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/3kA26B-*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-resourcesThank 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/coverbandconfidentialFollow us on Instagram!@coverbandconfidential@adampatrickjohnson@danraymusicianIf you have any questions please email at:[email protected] supporting us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/coverbandconfidentialOr buy us a cup of coffee!paypal.me/cbconfidentialAnd for more info check out www.coverbandconfidential.comGear Used in this Video (Affiliate):Sony ZV-E10 Mirrorless Camera: https://amzn.to/3DBqtOyElgato Prompter: https://amzn.to/3X3IAq8 Shure SM7B: https://amzn.to/4dDCJx0 Elgato Stream Deck XL: https://amzn.to/3gKjhqiMagic Arm Camera Friction Mount: https://amzn.to/3SK5yNk00:00 Welcome & Catsup05:26 Giveaway and links07:42 Band logistics changes09:12 Conference cover band gig12:58 Setlist recap success15:04 Why talk about AI?19:23 AI as analyst tool21:27 Setlist As Data22:28 AI For Band Ops23:21 Avoid Soulless AI24:51 Prompting And Tools28:26 Booking Email Workflow30:17 AI As Bandmate36:47 Starter Setlist Prompt38:31 Anti AI Backlash39:45 Final Takeaways40:54 Community Call To Action43:25 Wrap And Sign Off
ChatGPT Roasted Our Band’s Set List: What Working Musicians Can Learn
2026/02/27
In this episode, we put a real band set list in front of ChatGPT and react to the results with Mike Schulte of The Pork Tornadoes. We break down what AI got right, what it completely missed, and what working musicians can actually learn about set list strategy, crowd flow, and song selection. If you’ve ever wondered whether AI can help your band build a better live show, this one gets into the good, the bad, and the gloriously stupid.This episode is for anyone who writes set lists, plays in multi-singer bands, or cares about how energy actually moves through a room. We get into emotional arcs, genre clustering, why fairness can kill momentum, and how to actually use AI as a creative tool instead of a gimmick.---### What we get into:* The closer debate: **Mr. Brightside** vs. **Lose Yourself*** Why “slow songs need runway”* BPM brick walls and mid-set energy crashes* Country clustering vs. demographic pinball* Engineering the perfect photo-op peak* The nuclear run and where your biggest weapons actually belong* Fairness vs. emotional inevitability in multi-singer bands* Using AI as a rut-buster (not a replacement for taste)There’s also a brief mid-episode emergency when Adam’s kid takes a headshot at recess. He’s fine. Scalp wounds just bleed like Tarantino directed them.If you build set lists for a living — or even just obsess over them — this one might mess with your philosophy a little.Protect the dance floor.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%2FmaestrodmxBlank Contracts & Riders: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/performance-contractsBacking Track Resources: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/backing-track-resourcesThank 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/coverbandconfidentialFollow us on Instagram!@coverbandconfidential@adampatrickjohnson@danraymusicianIf you have any questions please email at:[email protected] supporting us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/coverbandconfidentialOr buy us a cup of coffee!paypal.me/cbconfidentialAnd for more info check out www.coverbandconfidential.comGear Used in this Video (Affiliate):Sony ZV-E10 Mirrorless Camera: https://amzn.to/3DBqtOyElgato Prompter: https://amzn.to/3X3IAq8 Shure SM7B: https://amzn.to/4dDCJx0 Elgato Stream Deck XL: https://amzn.to/3gKjhqiMagic Arm Camera Friction Mount: https://amzn.to/3SK5yNk
Should You Fire an Injured Bandmate? Business vs Friendship in a Working Band
2026/02/20
What do you do when a bandmate gets hurt and the personal side of the situation starts colliding with the business side? In this episode, we talk through the real-world challenge of deciding whether to keep, replace, or move on from an injured singer while trying to protect both the friendship and the band. If you’ve ever had to make a hard call as a bandleader, this episode is all about leadership, loyalty, and the ugly reality of keeping a working band functional.We talk through:• Band leadership and hard conversations• Business vs friendship in a cover band• How to handle declining performance• Adding members vs firing someone• Compassion vs protecting your reputation• Real-world musician conflict resolutionIf you’re in a wedding band, corporate band, or long-running cover band, this is one of the toughest scenarios you’ll ever face.Drop your thoughts in the comments — what would YOU do?📩 Got a band problem you want us to [email protected]: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT9eLaV9h2eFf-wRT9U/Lyrically Correct: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT9eLa7GCGANC-py279/ MaestroDMX (10% off discount link): https://maestrodmx.com/discount/DISCOUNT4CBC?redirect=%2Fproducts%2FmaestrodmxBlank Contracts & Riders: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/performance-contractsBacking Track Resources: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/backing-track-resourcesThank 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/coverbandconfidentialFollow us on Instagram!@coverbandconfidential@adampatrickjohnson@danraymusicianIf you have any questions please email at:[email protected] supporting us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/coverbandconfidentialOr buy us a cup of coffee!paypal.me/cbconfidentialAnd for more info check out www.coverbandconfidential.comGear Used in this Video (Affiliate):Sony ZV-E10 Mirrorless Camera: https://amzn.to/3DBqtOyElgato Prompter: https://amzn.to/3X3IAq8 Shure SM7B: https://amzn.to/4dDCJx0 Elgato Stream Deck XL: https://amzn.to/3gKjhqiMagic Arm Camera Friction Mount: https://amzn.to/3SK5yNk00:00 An Anonymous Email That Hits Close to Home00:51 Listener Story: Cover Band’s Singer Is Struggling to Perform02:07 First Reactions: Compassion vs. ‘Fix It or You’re Out’06:46 Accommodations That Could Save the Summer (Stool, Set Splits, Expectations)08:08 Health Reality Check: When Performing Might Need to Pause09:01 Community Takes: Intervention, Privilege, and Real Support14:08 Practical Contingency Plans: Add a Member, Change Roles, Keep Identity15:38 How to Have the Talk: Ditch the Ultimatum, Lead With Concern17:48 Protect the Friendship (and the Band): Fallout, Reputation, and Drama22:12 Wrap-Up: Write In, Tell Us What We Missed, and Good Luck
How Musicians Should Practice: Smarter Rehearsal and Practice Habits That Actually Work
2026/02/13
A lot of musicians spend years practicing without getting the kind of results they actually want onstage. In this episode, we break down the biggest mistakes players make when they practice, why repetition alone is not enough, and how to build practice habits that improve performance, confidence, and consistency. If you want your practice time to lead to better gigs instead of just better bedroom noodling, this episode will help straighten that out.NAMM HOUSE LINK: https://www.sweetwater.com/shop/namm-house/ MaestroDMX (10% off discount link): https://maestrodmx.com/discount/DISCOUNT4CBC?redirect=%2Fproducts%2FmaestrodmxBlank Contracts & Riders: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/performance-contractsBacking Track Resources: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/backing-track-resourcesThank 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/coverbandconfidentialFollow us on Instagram!@coverbandconfidential@adampatrickjohnson@danraymusicianIf you have any questions please email at:[email protected] supporting us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/coverbandconfidentialOr buy us a cup of coffee!paypal.me/cbconfidentialAnd for more info check out www.coverbandconfidential.comGear Used in this Video (Affiliate):Sony ZV-E10 Mirrorless Camera: https://amzn.to/3DBqtOyElgato Prompter: https://amzn.to/3X3IAq8 Shure SM7B: https://amzn.to/4dDCJx0 Elgato Stream Deck XL: https://amzn.to/3gKjhqiMagic Arm Camera Friction Mount: https://amzn.to/3SK5yNk
Why Bands Keep Losing Members and How to Build a Stable Lineup
2026/02/06
If your band keeps cycling through players, the problem is usually bigger than bad luck. In this episode, we break down the most common reasons bands struggle to keep a consistent lineup, from unclear expectations and poor communication to leadership problems and mismatched goals. If you want to build a more reliable band and stop living in permanent audition mode, this one gets right to the root of it.Luke, who runs a metal project called Elk Hunter, shares his issues with finding a committed guitarist and managing band dynamics. (https://open.spotify.com/artist/7GypVm2Y84fTp3wxJSjBpe) The guys give some solid advice on setting expectations, pre-screening potential band members, and figuring out what makes a gig attractive to new members. They also get real about the challenges of keeping a stable lineup. Tune in for a down-to-earth chat about band leadership, musician commitment, and more.MaestroDMX (10% off discount link): https://maestrodmx.com/discount/DISCOUNT4CBC?redirect=%2Fproducts%2FmaestrodmxBlank Contracts & Riders: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/performance-contractsBacking Track Resources: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/backing-track-resourcesThank 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/coverbandconfidentialFollow us on Instagram!@coverbandconfidential@adampatrickjohnson@danraymusicianIf you have any questions please email at:[email protected] supporting us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/coverbandconfidentialOr buy us a cup of coffee!paypal.me/cbconfidentialAnd for more info check out www.coverbandconfidential.comGear Used in this Video (Affiliate):Sony ZV-E10 Mirrorless Camera: https://amzn.to/3DBqtOyElgato Prompter: https://amzn.to/3X3IAq8 Shure SM7B: https://amzn.to/4dDCJx0 Elgato Stream Deck XL: https://amzn.to/3gKjhqiMagic Arm Camera Friction Mount: https://amzn.to/3SK5yNk
NAMM 2026 Recap: Best New Gear and Trends for Gigging Musicians
2026/01/30
In this episode, we recap NAMM 2026 and talk through the gear, trends, and industry takeaways that actually matter to working musicians. We cover standout products, the bigger patterns showing up across the show floor, and what these developments could mean for gigging players, cover bands, and everyday musicians trying to make smart gear decisions. If you want the useful version of a NAMM recap instead of a bunch of hype and booth glitter, start here.NAMM HOUSE GIVEAWAY: https://www.sweetwater.com/shop/namm-house/MaestroDMX (10% off discount link): https://maestrodmx.com/discount/DISCOUNT4CBC?redirect=%2Fproducts%2FmaestrodmxBlank Contracts & Riders: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/performance-contractsBacking Track Resources: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/backing-track-resourcesThank 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/coverbandconfidentialFollow us on Instagram!@coverbandconfidential@adampatrickjohnson@danraymusicianIf you have any questions please email at:[email protected] supporting us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/coverbandconfidentialOr buy us a cup of coffee!paypal.me/cbconfidentialAnd for more info check out www.coverbandconfidential.comGear Used in this Video (Affiliate):Sony ZV-E10 Mirrorless Camera: https://amzn.to/3DBqtOyElgato Prompter: https://amzn.to/3X3IAq8 Shure SM7B: https://amzn.to/4dDCJx0 Elgato Stream Deck XL: https://amzn.to/3gKjhqiMagic Arm Camera Friction Mount: https://amzn.to/3SK5yNk
How to Run a Tech Rehearsal for Your Band (5 Ways to Make It Count)
2026/01/23
A tech rehearsal should do a lot more than burn time and make everybody grumpy. In this episode, we break down five ways to run a band tech rehearsal that actually improves your live performance, tightens transitions, solves production issues, and gets everybody on the same page before the gig. If your band wants to sound more professional and avoid dumb preventable mistakes onstage, this is a big one. Topics Covered: - What tech rehearsals really are (and aren’t) - Why most bands skip them—and pay for it later - How to structure a productive tech rehearsal - Gain staging, monitors, and signal-chain fixes - Transitions, tracks, and automation - Practicing worst-case scenarios
10 Bandleader Mistakes That Hurt Your Band and Cost You Gigs
2026/01/16
Being the bandleader means more than calling songs and sending texts no one answers. In this episode, we go through ten common bandleader mistakes that damage morale, create confusion, and quietly make your band less professional in the eyes of venues, clients, and your own musicians. If you want to lead a stronger band, book better gigs, and stop stepping on rakes as a leader, this episode is for you. 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 If you have any questions please email at: [email protected] 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 Gear Used in this Video (Affiliate): Sony ZV-E10 Mirrorless Camera: https://amzn.to/3DBqtOy Elgato Prompter: https://amzn.to/3X3IAq8  Shure SM7B: https://amzn.to/4dDCJx0  Elgato Stream Deck XL: https://amzn.to/3gKjhqi Magic Arm Camera Friction Mount: https://amzn.to/3SK5yNk

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4.8 out of 5
91 reviews
★★★★★
Bishipjfk 2025/08/14
Great show!
First off, love the show, 5 stars! Adam & Dan provide really great and sensible advice for musicians who enjoy the craft of making music and playing l...
★★★★☆
Jensenbdbdbdn 2025/11/05
Something to look forward to
Long time listener. Great content for musicians. Can we hear a little less about Dan’s health problems?
★★★★★
Punkrhs2003 2025/05/02
Best Pod to Help All Bands!
I am in the cover band Taking Off Monday out of Cleveland, Ohio. I have been listening for more than a year and still working to get through the back ...
★★★★★
Bacid 2025/04/11
Helpful tips
I enjoy listening to this podcast because it is giving me interesting and useful tips. I play in a music school cover band cover band. the tips they g...
★★★★★
Adam_z_music 2025/04/04
This is not a review of the podcast
This is not a review of the podcast (which is quite good). It’s a review of the insanely cheap Patreon membership. If you listen to this podcast for f...
★★★★★
Jeff Lieby 2024/12/19
CBC is simply awesome!
Adam and Dan are the best! Just a couple of down to earth guys that know their stuff when it comes to the world of running a successful band. I love l...
★★★★★
Beatnik Bohemian 2024/11/14
The Nuts and Bolts
Well done gentlemen. I enjoy how you strike a balance between gear and people (and sometimes people with gear or those who should not be trusted with ...
★★★★★
Dizoich 2024/08/27
Prime cover band resource (and entertaining)
As a first-time leader of a cover band (Rogue Elements out of Houston, TX) this podcast is full of amazing wisdom. It’s like Adam and Dan made all the...
★★★★★
dhciebw 2024/08/10
Great resource!
Dan and Adam are down-to-earth, fun, engaging, and full of advice based on real, current, and relevant experiences. This podcast is such a great resou...
★★★★★
Dave C 11235 2024/07/25
A must listen for cover bands
This podcast is beyond great. As a founder of a still-new pop punk/emo cover band in Cleveland called Taking Off Monday, this pod has been invaluable ...
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