Coverband Confidential's Podcast

This week Adam and Dan catch up on gigs, gear, and the weird life of being a musician. Check out the highlights below and jump to what interests you!

This week, Adam and Dan dive deep into the wild world of live band karaoke. From gig recaps to stopping pullout knobs (get your mind out of the gutter!), these guys cover it all. Hear about the ups, the downs, and the hilarious mishaps that come with running a live band karaoke event. They discuss systems, share insider stories, and give shoutouts to listeners who've reached out. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to share a mic with a stranger belting out 'What's Up' by 4 Non Blondes, you won't want to miss this one!MaestroDMX (10% off discount link): https://maestrodmx.com/discount/DISCOUNT4CBC?redirect=%2Fproducts%2FmaestrodmxBOTH Lighting 360 Tubes (Use “DISCOUNT4CBC” to save 5%): https://bothlightingusa.com/collections/all-products/products/360-tubes-copyBlank 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 t

In this episode, Adam  and Dan dive deep into the challenges and strategies of balancing original and cover songs in the context of your band. Does it make sense to split up your brand to avoid confusion in the marketplace?  Why or why not? You get the idea. Highlights include:-Adam’s birthday and live band karaoke adventures-The pros and cons of mixing originals and covers in your setlist-How to market your band for success-Listener Q&A on business hours, gear, and community engagement-Fun stories about iconic songs, family music moments, and the power of band brandingMaestroDMX (10% off discount link): https://maestrodmx.com/discount/DISCOUNT4CBC?redirect=%2Fproducts%2FmaestrodmxBOTH Lighting 360 Tubes (Use “DISCOUNT4CBC” to save 5%): https://bothlightingusa.com/collections/all-products/products/360-tubes-copyBlank Contracts & Riders: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/performance-contractsBacking Track Resources: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/backing-track-resourcesThank you

Welcome to the Cover Band Confidential Podcast—where the gigs are wild, the tech is cursed, and the only guarantee is a good story!This week, Adam and Dan survive everything from $11,000 plugins on sale for $70 (oops, Guitar Center!) to wireless mics with stage fright and crowds so small you can name them all. We spill the beans on band drama, tech fails, and how to keep rocking when your audience is just the bartender and your drummer’s mom.Laugh, cringe, and maybe learn a thing or two about keeping your cool when the universe throws a cymbal at your head. Got your own gig disaster? Drop it in the comments!Share with your musician friends and remember: if you can’t laugh at your own trainwreck, someone else will. Rock on!

This week we’re spilling the tea on one of the wildest gigs we’ve ever landed — playing the official afterparty for **Teddy Swims’ sold-out Atlanta show**.Amber jumps in to help us unpack the chaos: setting up in a self-proclaimed “professional dive bar,” running live-band karaoke for Teddy’s crew, dodging AV nightmares, and getting very specific instructions on who *not* to hand a mic to.Highlights include:* Exposure bucks in real life.* On-stage Chinese water torture.* QR code karaoke chaos.* Roadies, backup singers, and VIPs gone wild.* The moment our kids became our biggest hype team.It was equal parts surreal, stressful, and unforgettable — and now you get the whole story.Plus: quick gear talk on the new Antares AutoTune Head Rush VX5, and why sometimes you play for “exposure bucks” and the memories.Short on sleep, long on stories—hit play for laughs, lessons, and pure cover band chaos!MaestroDMX (10% off discount link): https://maestrodmx.com/discount/DISCOUNT4CBC?redirect=%2Fproducts%2FmaestrodmxBOTH L

Ever wondered what it’s like to get a last-minute call to play for a Grammy-nominated artist? In this episode, Adam shares the wild story behind a big deal gig, and then the guys break down the top 10 dos and don’ts for musicians who get hired for high-profile eventsEpisode Highlights:-The craziest DM Adam ever received-New gear: Headrush vocal pedal with Antares Autotune-How to act (and NOT act) when playing for celebrities-10 essential rules for musicians at high-profile gigs-Celebrating 5,000 subs & 1.5 million views!

Adam and Dan are back with a jam-packed episode! Adam’s stirring up YouTube with hot takes on expensive guitars, 3D-printing his way through gear upgrades, and juggling a family birthday-palooza. Dan returns to the stage after six months, battling nerves, allergies, and a barstool—then nails some high notes and even throws in a little Sinatra.You’ll also get: Fruity Pebbles taste tests, Stranger Things setlist planning, custom picks, and the eternal Squier vs. Fender debate. There’s tech drama, community shoutouts, and plenty of "nothing is working" technical glitches. If you want the unfiltered scoop—plus a few laughs at our expense—this one’s for you. Thanks for being part of the CBC family and supporting the madness!— Adam & DanMaestroDMX (10% off discount link): https://maestrodmx.com/discount/DISCOUNT4CBC?redirect=%2Fproducts%2FmaestrodmxBOTH Lighting 360 Tubes (Use “DISCOUNT4CBC” to save 5%): https://bothlightingusa.com/collections/all-products/products/360-tubes-copyBlank Contracts & Riders: ht

Adam’s still losing fights with doors, Dan’s house is held together by hope and 19th-century plumbing, and both are here to remind you: being a musician is mostly about surviving DIY disasters and playing gigs for people who aren’t listening.This week: Adam’s “door saga” leaves him bruised and tool-less (thanks, kids), while Dan’s back on stage post-surgery, dreaming of gigs where the audience outnumbers the band. Adam’s latest gym gig? Let’s just say the kettlebells got more applause.The big question: What’s your perfect gig? For Adam, it’s a Stranger Things block party (with a real cast guitarist, no less). For Dan, it’s rocking the Fourth of July in a sea of people. For  Mike? A corporate gig that pays big and ends before lunch. The moral: The perfect gig is the one that fits your band—and maybe gets you home before rush hour.Bonus: Adam’s dropping a Patreon bombshell, and there’s a discount code for custom guitar picks. Because nothing says “rock star” like handing out your own merch.Tell us your dream gi

This week on the pod, Adam and Dan are back in the saddle for a classic meatballs-style episode—light on the structure, heavy on the sauce.First up, Adam finally built his own RJ45 audio snake! It’s official: he’s the kind of guy who owns a punch tool and knows how to use it. We dive into what that means, how it works, and why you might want to DIY your own cables too. Spoiler alert: it’s cheaper, easier than expected, and makes you feel very powerful.Then we get into auditions—when to pre-screen, how to test prep vs. bluff, and why personality matters as much as chops. Whether you’re a dictator or just the guy who set up the rehearsal room, we’ve got practical advice for building a team that actually gels.Also in this episode:-Dan’s easing back into acoustic gigs post-surgery-Adam’s mystery gig is stirring up conspiracy theories-A PRS-Les Paul Jr. trade loop finally closes-The Billy Joel doc on Max is three hours long and barely gets into the '80s-K-Pop Demon Hunters on Netflix absolutely rules (Adam cried)-

Welcome to the Cover Band Confidential podcast! Adam and Dan kick off this episode with a deep dive into the challenges of leading a cover band, dealing with flaky band members, and the importance of having a clear band leader. They also explore the latest tech adventures, including vibe coding with Chat GPT and experimenting with audio over Cat6. Listen in for a classic analogy that compares dealing with unprepared bandmates to handling Brussel sprouts from the '50s. Plus, find out about their big gig opportunity and their thoughts on 3D printing for music gear. Don’t miss the discussion on how to handle band politics and keep your cover band running smoothly!MaestroDMX (10% off discount link): https://maestrodmx.com/discount/DISCOUNT4CBC?redirect=%2Fproducts%2FmaestrodmxBOTH Lighting 360 Tubes (Use “DISCOUNT4CBC” to save 5%): https://bothlightingusa.com/collections/all-products/products/360-tubes-copyBlank Contracts & Riders: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/performance-contractsBacking Track

In this week’s bite-sized-but-beefy episode, Adam and Dan dig into a fun little thought experiment: If you weren’t playing your current role in your band… what would you play instead? A surprising number of bandleaders in our Patreon community dream of swapping their front-and-center duties for a backline spot—and let’s be honest, we kinda get it.From the romanticized lives of bass players and drummers (spoiler: not as chill as they look) to the hard realities of load-in, leadership, and showing up late without consequence, we unpack the psychological and practical trade-offs of switching roles in your band. We also dig into how being a multi-instrumentalist or doubling as a front-of-house tech makes you better at your main gig.Oh—and we roast bass players. Lovingly. Because we are them. Sometimes.Topics Covered:Why bandleaders fantasize about being sidemenThe great drummer delusion: is sitting down actually easier?Subbing on bass: heroic or horrifying?FOH techs as secret weapon gig ninjasHow learning other r

In this episode of the Cover Band Confidential podcast,  Adam and Dan dive into various categories of songs that cover band musicians commonly despise playing but perform nonetheless due to their popularity and effectiveness in live settings. They explore songs categorized as overplayed, repetitive, cheesy, cringe-worthy, too slow, and surprisingly, too difficult to play. The episode includes listener input gathered through surveys and discusses how these songs, despite being loathed by musicians, remain crowd favorites. The hosts also share personal anecdotes and insights on balancing the band's preferences with audience demands.MaestroDMX (10% off discount link): https://maestrodmx.com/discount/DISCOUNT4CBC?redirect=%2Fproducts%2FmaestrodmxBOTH Lighting 360 Tubes (Use “DISCOUNT4CBC” to save 5%): https://bothlightingusa.com/collections/all-products/products/360-tubes-copyBlank Contracts & Riders: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/performance-contractsBacking Track Resources: https://www.coverba

This week's episode covers Adam's AMAZING 80's prom gig, Dan's road trip, and why we're not completely sold on the new Helix Stadium release from Line 6. All this and more on your favorite podcast for cover band musicians and band leaders!Juan Jusino- www.juanjusino.comArni's YT- https://youtube.com/@arnieitthvad?si=-hr0HqprZ1nbGdZX  Song Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FY7LWWBMaestroDMX (10% off discount link): https://maestrodmx.com/discount/DISCOUNT4CBC?redirect=%2Fproducts%2FmaestrodmxBOTH Lighting 360 Tubes (Use “DISCOUNT4CBC” to save 5%): https://bothlightingusa.com/collections/all-products/products/360-tubes-copyBlank 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/coverbandconfidentialFo

Welcome back to the podcast for cover band musicians and bandleaders who don’t know when to quit, even when they’re soldering guitar guts 48 hours before a gig.Adam kicks things off with a PSA: don’t get sushi on a Monday. Unless your idea of a good time involves food poisoning and a spiritual cleanse via your bathroom floor.###

This week, Adam recounts an absolute **gig-nightmare scenario**: playback dropped, in-ears failed, subs cut out, and nobody knew why. From mystery malfunctions to last-minute workarounds, it's a crash course in what can go wrong—and how to stay professional when it does.Meanwhile, Dan shares the highs and hurdles of playing his first gig back post-Achilles surgery. From unexpected vocal compliments to near wipeouts at the pedalboard, it’s a reminder that returning to the stage takes more than just heart—it takes *balance* (literally).

Adam is holding down the fort solo in this special episode. With Dan on tour, Adam chats with Tory Smith, the co-founder of Black Box Prompters.Tory spills the beans on how he and a genius AI engineer cooked up the ultimate teleprompter for musicians. Discover how this game-changing gadget can keep your lyrics and chords in check, even during those last-minute song requests. With features like wireless syncing, customizable settings, and extreme durability, Black Box Prompters are nothing short of revolutionary. Whether you're rocking the bar scene or leveling up to corporate gigs, this episode has all the deets on making your performances smoother. Plus, hear about future innovations that promise to make rocking out even more epic. Don't miss it!DISCOUNT LINK (Save $100!) - https://blackboxprompter.com?coupon=discount4cbc MaestroDMX (10% off discount link): https://maestrodmx.com/discount/DISCOUNT4CBC?redirect=%2Fproducts%2FmaestrodmxBOTH Lighting 360 Tubes (Use “DISCOUNT4CBC” to save 5%): https://bothlighti

This week we’re keeping it light with a grab bag of hot takes straight from our Slack channel — because holiday gigs are frying our brains and y’all deserve something snackable.We’re talking:•Ray-Ban Meta's - new gig essential?• Is “Freebird” the new Rickroll?• How much time should really be between soundcheck and downbeat (spoiler: it’s not 30 minutes, Kevin).• Why the best critique comes wrapped in a compliment sandwich.• And a little love for our global Slack fam (what up, Australia

Why Being a Lead Singer Isn't As Hard As You ThinkIn this episode, we dive into a hot take about lead singers and their role in a band. Discussing their duties of internalizing and externalizing music, we compare the workload and challenges faced by lead vocalists versus accompanists and instrumentalists.Through personal anecdotes and metaphors like dance leading and following, the conversation explores the intricacies of performing arts and the importance of background roles. Join us as we unpack the nuances of being a lead singer and whether it truly requires more or less effort compared to supporting musicians.MaestroDMX (10% off discount link): https://maestrodmx.com/discount/DISCOUNT4CBC?redirect=%2Fproducts%2FmaestrodmxBOTH Lighting 360 Tubes (Use “DISCOUNT4CBC” to save 5%): https://bothlightingusa.com/collections/all-products/products/360-tubes-copyBlank Contracts & Riders: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/performance-contractsBacking Track Resources: https://www.coverbandconfidential.co

From freebie gigs to $10K+ stages, we're breaking down the different levels of musician pay-and what comes with each one. Whether you're gigging for beer or headlining high-dollar private events, there's a LOT more to compensation than just a number. Let's talk tiers, expectations, responsibilities, and what it really takes to move up the ladder. MaestroDMX (10% off discount link): https://maestrodmx.com/discount/DISCOUNT4CBC?redirect=%2Fproducts%2FmaestrodmxBOTH Lighting 360 Tubes (Use “DISCOUNT4CBC” to save 5%): https://bothlightingusa.com/collections/all-products/products/360-tubes-copyBlank 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

In this week's episode Adam and Dan  discuss the evolving challenges and strategies for maintaining success with a long-term project. Adam delves into a recent decline in inquiries and competition from a new band. The conversation covers the value of identifying unique selling propositions (USPs), the dynamics of managing band roles, the potential shift towards a 90s focus, and the prospect of leaning into live band karaoke. Tune in to gain insights on staying relevant, adapting to market changes, and continuously improving to keep your band operating at it's peak!MaestroDMX (10% off discount link): https://maestrodmx.com/discount/DISCOUNT4CBC?redirect=%2Fproducts%2FmaestrodmxBOTH Lighting 360 Tubes (Use “DISCOUNT4CBC” to save 5%): https://bothlightingusa.com/collections/all-products/products/360-tubes-copyBlank Contracts & Riders: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/performance-contractsBacking Track Resources: https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/store/backing-track-resourcesThank you so much f