Cover Band Confidential's Podcast

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%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

In this episode, Adam and Dan kick things off with a Christmas gear rundown, then dive into a 'Year in Review' segment for 2025. They chat about this year's game-changing gear purchases, reverb.com's most sold gear of 2025, and trends that have shaped the music scene. From the surprising dominance of fuzz pedals to the rise of modeling amps, and the ongoing love affair with classic guitar silhouettes, they cover it all. Plus, a breakdown of the podcast's growth stats, top episodes, and a peek into what made their YouTube blow up this year. Cheers to a fantastic year and here's to making next year even better! Stay tuned for exciting giveaways and more awesome content.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 Introduction and Holiday Recap01:44 Year in Review: Gear Highlights06:38 Reverb's Best Selling Gear of 202512:24 Guitar Trends and Popular Models15:05 Exploring Pedals and Amps15:28 The Shift to Modeling Amps17:19 Guitar Shapes and Practicality18:47 Year in Review: Episodes and Patreon19:50 Listener Statistics and Growth22:35 Top Episodes and Content Insights25:25 Reflecting on Podcast Journey29:38 Looking Ahead and Final Thoughts

Welcome back to the Cover Band Confidential podcast! 🎸 This week, Adam and Dan share some festive shenanigans in the lead-up to Christmas. 🎄 Adam kicks things off with some gig stories from the Basketball Team Christmas Spectacular World Tour in Athens, Georgia. 🏀 They also talk about staying at the music-centric Hotel Indigo, the unexpected competition with Stormy Daniels, and some holiday shopping adventures. Dan shares his own holiday prep stories, and we touch on some awesome gifts in the works, from La Cruet pots & pans to Apple Watches. 🎁 Thanks for sticking with us through over 400 episodes! Happy holidays to all—see you next year! 👋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

In this episode, Adam and Dan  discuss their holiday preparations, share personal anecdotes, and dive deep into band logistics for smoother operations. The main thrust of the episode is a detailed look at Taylor Swift's leadership approach during her ERAS tour, including her meticulous involvement in all aspects of the production. Adam and Dan relate these insights back to their experiences in managing their own bands. Tune in for a mix of  stories, practical advice, and a fascinating glimpse into one of the biggest tours in music history.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

This week, Adam and Dan dive into a mix of holiday gig stories, parenting wins, and gear talk. From the "Star Wars fans of bass guitar" to the unexpected joys of “Runaround Sue”, the guys cover it all.Episode Highlights: Hot Water Saga Continues: Dan gives an update on his broken water heater and the glorious shower he finally took at a friend's house. Plus, chimney repairs hit a snag. Adam's Sabbatical: Adam shares news about his upcoming 5-week work hiatus and the release of his latest video projects. Proud Dad Moment: Dan recaps his child's "spectacular" performance as Scar in The Lion King Jr. Savannah Shenanigans: Adam and Amber visit a burlesque show in Savannah that felt suspiciously like "adult show choir." Live Band Karaoke Report: Tech Upgrades: The band successfully tested the new "Band Leader" signup app (shoutout to Patron Ando!) and the "AbleSet" automated lyrics system. Hardwired is Better: A lesson learned about trusting WiFi for live lyrics—Ethernet cables to the rescue. The "Audibles": How the band handled on-the-spot requests for "Family Tradition," "Redneck Woman," and even "Baby Got Back." The Mechanical Reindeer: A wild story about a bespoke gingerbread house mechanical bull at a corporate holiday party. Gear Review & Parenting: Adam reviews a Vangoa pedalboard with built-in power and sound-reactive lights. He discusses setting up a rig for his son, who is getting serious about bass, and the potential for a future father-son rhythm section. Mentioned in this Episode: Band Leader App: The new signup system developed by patron Ando. AbleSet: The tool used for automated scrolling lyrics with Ableton Live. Vangoa: The pedalboard brand Adam is reviewing. Call to Action: Are you in a band with your kids? We want to hear your "Partridge Family" stories! Email us at [email protected] (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/cbconfidential