In this episode, you’ll join Dave and returning guest co-host Adam Moskowitz, Chief Groove Officer of VAM Band, as they dive headfirst into the world of nanny tracks, first-gig chaos, and future-proofing your sound. From building tracks in Reaper to rehearsing smarter—not longer—you’ll learn how technology can help you bring your band’s best show to the stage fast.
Then, it’s all about mindset: dealing with last-minute cancellations, navigating new players, and keeping your cool when the curveballs fly. Whether you’re warming up your voice with R.E.M. or re-negotiating pay on a sub gig, this episode reminds you that gigging is equal parts art, attitude, and adaptability. Keep your groove steady and—Always Be Performing.
- 00:00:00 Gig Gab 507 – Monday, November 10th, 2025
- 00:01:46 The Benefits of Nanny Tracks and Invisible Conductors
- Arrangement and Lyrics are the two big hurdles
- Nanny tracks can get you out of the rehearsal room FAST
- We play new songs at every show! 25 new songs in 2025
- 00:06:03 Playing a new song for the first time in front of a crowd
- 00:10:41 Building the backing tracks
- Download from Karaoke-Version and load into Reaper (Adam’s DAW of choice)
- Snap the audio to the “grid” using the click provided by Karaoke Version.
- Then set stretch markers at the beginning of each measure, so then I can stretch the tempo and everything stays in tune and in time
- 00:13:42 Filling in … with a blind drummer!
- A sub from six months ago called and asked Adam to sub in HIS band
- Negotiating the right pay to ensure you don’t lose money
- “The band didn’t provide a setlist…so I built one!”
- When subbing: check the band’s YouTube to see what keys they play in
- 00:20:40 SPONSOR: Surfshark. Go to https://surfshark.com/giggab4 or use code giggab4 at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN!
- 00:22:49 What’s your vocal warmup routine?
- 00:28:01 Create a pre-show ritual
- Warm up your brain, your body, and set your intentions
- Leave your baggage behind, focus on bringing joy and having fun
- 00:29:49 Avoiding Cancellations with a System
- Cover bands that operate like original bands: rare, and coveted! Not all bands can do that.
- 00:34:02 What happens with 24-hour notice when your singer cancels…and you have a brand-new drummer?
- Be like water…go with the flow!
- Using tracks as a supporting layer.
- 00:41:30 What are you trying to do with your band?
- Define your band’s intention.
- For Adam and VAM Band: create something that’s future-proof
- In VAM Band, you need to understand the value of playing the spaces
- 00:43:58 Learn what is best in an off-stage conversation (versus on-stage)
- The singer who said, “I hate playing this song” on stage doesn’t get re-hired
- Curating positive energy on stage
- 00:50:33 Setting the expectation with your bandmates up front gives you scalability
- If you tell people that not everyone is on every gig, then it’s easy!
- 00:57:00 Future-proofing like a Broadway show
- 00:58:56 Are we in the golden age of music
- 01:08:14 Adam’s sound engineer gig tomorrow: six microphones, five hours, $900
- Adam gets the sound gig by doing sound for his band
- 01:08:56 How to communicate your band’s sound to a FOH engineer
- How can I help you know our band?
- FOH engineers can drastically alter the way your band sounds
- Put band/sound crib notes on the stage plot
- 01:18:05 Gig Gab 507 Outtro
- Follow Adam Moskowitz
- Contact Gig Gab!
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