Cover Band Confidential's Podcast

In this episode, Adam and Dan dive into the ups and downs of forming and leading a successful band, using the struggles of a listener named Luke as a case study. 

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%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

In this episode, Adam and Dan discuss their recent travels, highlighting their experiences during an unexpected ice storm and a trip to Disney. 

Adam then dives into the recent NAMM show, sharing insights on standout instruments, pedals, and gear that caught his eye. 

Highlights include the innovative offerings from Traveler Guitar, Rip Custom Guitars, and Epiphone's latest inspired by line. 

He also mentions utilitarian tools from companies like B-Beat and Behringer that could streamline live shows for musicians. 

Tune in for all the gear talk you can handle  and check out the full version on YouTube for all the videos! 

NAMM HOUSE GIVEAWAY: https://www.sweetwater.com/shop/namm-house/

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

Most bands treat gigs like tech rehearsals—and that’s backwards. 

In this episode, Adam and Dan break down five practical strategies (plus a bonus) to run tech rehearsals that actually improve your show instead of wasting time. From planning and setup to testing, automation, and contingency planning, this is a blueprint for smoother gigs and less stress.

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

In this episode,, Dan and I get a little uncomfortable—in a good way.

We break down 10 leadership mistakes band leaders are making without even realizing it, and yeah… we’ve both been guilty of more than a few of them.

We talk about why avoiding hard conversations doesn’t “keep the peace,” how assuming everyone in your band wants the same thing is a recipe for resentment, and why over-explaining decisions can quietly undermine your leadership. 

We also dig into the trap of doing everything yourself, protecting the wrong people, and forgetting that—like it or not—a band is also a product, not just a group of friends hanging out.

This isn’t theory. It’s all stuff we’ve lived through: blown gigs, awkward conversations we should’ve had sooner, and lessons learned the hard way. If you’re running a band (or thinking about it), this episode is part reality check, part therapy session, and part “ouch… I needed that.”

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

What’s **actually in** for musicians in 2026—and what needs to die already?

In this episode, we break down the most **controversial music industry debates** facing working musicians today. From **shorts on stage** to **autotune on live vocals**, **backing tracks**, **silent stages**, and **iPads for lyrics**, we give real-world, gig-tested opinions instead of internet theory.

This isn’t about “right vs wrong.” It’s about what **works in real venues, real gigs, and real budgets**.

### Topics Covered:

* Shorts on stage: acceptable or unforgivable?
* Silent stages, in-ear monitors, and e-drums
* Backing tracks and modern live production
* Using iPads for lyrics and charts on stage
* Autotune on live vocals (subtle vs obvious)
* Cover bands changing vs honoring original arrangements
* Playing tracks without telling the audience
* Sunglasses on stage (day, night, inside… whatever)
* Using the same setlist every show
* Gear demos with no criticism
* “I bought this with my own money” disclaimers
* YouTube thumbnail faces (and why creators WON'T stop using them)

If you’re a **working musician**, **cover band**, **worship player**, **gigging guitarist**, or **music content creator**, this episode tackles the arguments you see every day in Facebook groups, comment sections, and group chats.

🎸 Agree or disagree—drop a comment and tell us which take you think is dead wrong.
📩 Got a hot topic we missed? Email: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])

40-Watt Podcast Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/40-watt-podcast/id1539810265?i=1000743477565 

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