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

A venue cancels the gig. The band loses the money, the promotional work, and sometimes the trust of the audience. Is that just part of being a working musician—or should venues be held to the same standard of professionalism we expect from performers?

We read a listener’s story about multiple canceled bookings, consider what a venue may be weighing, and talk through the real limits of “just get a contract” advice. Then we get practical about written confirmations, weather contingencies, cancellation fees, tracking venue patterns, and sharing reliable information with other musicians.

This episode also includes our Halloween and travel catch-up, a Maestro DMX 1.6 firmware update, CBC history, and a sponsor message from QMe Prompter.

QMe Prompter is a lyrics and chords app for working musicians, with voice following, backing tracks, stem mixing, MIDI cues, and Jam Mode. 
Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6756925805
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.qmeprompter.android

Subscribe for conversations about gigging, band leadership, and making a living as a working musician.

-------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 

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

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

YouTube chapters

0:00 Intro, Halloween, and travel plans
3:35 Maestro DMX firmware 1.6 and AI integration
5:35 This week in CBC history
7:35 Cue Me Prompter sponsor
9:19 The listener’s question: what about venues?
13:10 The cost of a canceled gig for the band
14:24 What does the venue lose?
15:40 The venue’s perspective and the first rainy show
18:16 Informal agreements and the leverage problem
19:41 What does “acting in kind” mean?
20:50 Dan’s story about a venue that didn’t pay
22:58 Retaliation, reputation, and protecting the audience
24:23 Practical steps when there’s no contract
25:39 Weather plans and cancellation terms
27:15 Track venue patterns and share facts
29:09 Price in the risk and renegotiate
30:28 Being reliable without being endlessly accommodating
32:19 What has worked in your market?
33:19 Building leverage and finding other ways to book
34:49 A final perspective on how common this really is
36:14 Partnering with a venue and setting the bar
36:37 Wrap-up

A musician cancelled less than an hour before a neighborhood concert. The event organizers called me, and because I happened to be off that night with my PA and lights still loaded, Amber and I were able to step in and play.

The show went on. That doesn’t mean the plan worked.

Last week, I talked about whether musicians owe each other a “bro code” after I watched a client’s event go sideways. This week, Dan and I pick up that thread: when does giving fellow musicians the benefit of the doubt turn into excusing bad business? Emergencies happen. But if you have to cancel, what responsibility do you have to help solve the problem—and how often are other musicians expected to rescue the gig?

We also catch up on the band’s possible return, gear, channel updates, and This Week in CBC History.

1 year ago So You Started a Band... Now What? (Interview with Mark Frederickson of Frozen Coyote) https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/coverbandconfidential/episodes/2025-10-30T17_00_00-07_00

2 years ago How ready is READY ENOUGH when starting a new project? https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/coverbandconfidential/episodes/2024-10-31T14_00_00-07_00

3 years ago How to violate the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 to get better paying gigs! https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/coverbandconfidential/episodes/2023-11-02T19_00_00-07_00

4 years ago Songs That are Harder Than They Seem https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/coverbandconfidential/episodes/2022-11-03T19_01_56-07_00

5 years ago The Only Constant is Change https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/coverbandconfidential/episodes/2021-11-04T18_57_27-07_00

6 years ago CBC #126 (Guitar Center Chap 11; How to get paid for not working) https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/coverbandconfidential/episodes/2020-10-29T18_33_31-07_00

7 years ago CBC #074 (Leadership) https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/coverbandconfidential/episodes/2019-10-31T03_27_06-07_00

8 years ago CBC Episode 029 (Interview with Mark Dannells of Yacht Rock Revue) https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/coverbandconfidential/episodes/2018-11-01T12_54_48-07_00

Have you ever had to save a gig at the last minute—or been the one who had to cancel? Tell us in the comments!

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

Cover Band Confidential, musicians, working musicians, gigging musician, musician professionalism, musician reliability, band business, last minute gig cancellation, substitute musician, bandleader advice, live music, event entertainment, music business, gig stories, live band, musician ethics

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A client looked at Adam during a private party and asked, “Did I get screwed?”

Adam’s band wasn’t performing—they couldn’t make the date with their core lineup. He was there in another vendor role when the replacement band’s night began to unravel. When he stepped in to help, he also had to decide where professional courtesy ended and honesty with the client began.

In this solo episode, Adam talks about the musician’s “bro code”: don’t spread rumors or turn one bad gig into a permanent verdict on someone’s character—but don’t lie to the client or ask them to absorb the cost of someone else’s decisions.

This isn’t a takedown of substitute musicians. It’s a conversation about short-notice bookings, the responsibility that comes with accepting a gig, helping without becoming responsible for another vendor’s job, and telling the truth about what you personally witnessed.

Plus: a windy ’80s gig, a damaged light, a Costco guitar case, CBC’s YouTube milestone, NAMM plans, band coaching, and the new sponsorship program.

Where do you draw the line between having another musician’s back and being honest with the client? Leave a comment or email coverbandconfidential@gmail.com.

THIS WEEK IN CBC HISTORY: 

1 year ago 400 Episodes Later: Gear Trends, Gig Lessons, and What Musicians Need to Know in 2026 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/coverbandconfidential/episodes/2025-10-23T17_00_00-07_00

2 years ago Elder Emo Summit (Featuring Matt McGee of the Dom Telonges) https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/coverbandconfidential/episodes/2024-10-24T12_35_34-07_00

3 years ago What would you tell your younger self about being a musician? (Guest lecture at Louisiana Tech University) https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/coverbandconfidential/episodes/2023-10-26T19_00_00-07_00

4 years ago How To Get Paid More! https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/coverbandconfidential/episodes/2022-10-28T13_27_27-07_00

5 years ago Band Branding part One Billion https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/coverbandconfidential/episodes/2021-10-28T18_28_44-07_00

6 years ago CBC #125 (Locus of Control) https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/coverbandconfidential/episodes/2020-10-22T18_20_45-07_00

7 years ago CBC #073 (Listener Questions and Rolling With It) https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/coverbandconfidential/episodes/2019-10-23T19_10_45-07_00

8 years ago CBC Episode 028 (The Show Must Go Wrong) https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/coverbandconfidential/episodes/2018-10-25T10_20_46-07_00

#CoverBandConfidential #WorkingMusician #giggingmusician 

------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 

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

The Dial-Up Survivors are a new four-piece band playing ’90s and 2000s alt rock, pop punk, and emo. They joined Adam and Dan for a band coaching session about what it takes to get from the rehearsal room to regular gigs.

We talk about choosing a band leader, dividing up responsibilities, building a set that works for a general audience, and resisting the urge to launch with a niche concept show before you have an audience. We also get into rehearsal planning, social media when you don’t have much live footage, venue outreach, and what to expect when you’re playing with in-ears.

If you’re starting a cover band—or trying to get a new project out of the practice space—this one’s for you.

Topics covered:
* Naming a band leader and making responsibilities clear
* Building enough material for a full night
* Balancing crowd favorites with deeper cuts
* Using rehearsal footage to create content
* Finding the right venues and building relationships
* Making rehearsals count when schedules are tight
* Getting comfortable with in-ear monitors

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 

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

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

#musician #livemusic #band #coverband

A band leader needs a sub musician. 

You reply, “I’m your man.” Then they ask if you’re available—and you aren’t.

That’s one way to make yourself memorable.

This week, Adam and Dan break down five things that make it easier to hire you and call you back. Read the ad. Send relevant performance clips. Be clear about your availability. Show up prepared. And make the band’s night easier, not harder.

You don’t need a polished promo reel or a Netflix special. You need enough clear, relevant information to show a band leader what it would be like to work with you.

In this episode:
- Why a useful first reply can put you ahead of other applicants
- What to include when you respond to a gig ad
- How to share performance clips that actually show your ability
- Why “I’m willing to learn” and “I’ve done this before” aren’t the same thing
- How to confirm the full gig timeline and commitment
- What band leaders need to provide so subs can prepare
- Why being a good teammate can beat having flashier chops

Your assignment: Review your last response to a gig inquiry. Could the recipient tell whether you fit, whether you’re available, and where to hear you play without chasing you down?

What has a sub musician done that made you immediately want to hire them again—or move them to second call? Tell us in the comments or email coverbandconfidential@gmail.com.

Coaching: Want Adam and Dan’s feedback on your band? You can do a public coaching session for free, which becomes an episode of the show, or book a private paid session. Email coverbandconfidential@gmail.com to ask about either option.

Subscribe for more conversations about working cover bands, band leadership, and the business of being a musician.