This week on Gig Gab, you’re diving deep with Mike Schulte of The Pork Tornadoes as he joins Dave Hamilton to share real-world insights on making your gigs—and your band—better. You’ll get actionable tips on using splitter snakes without frying your gear, plus a no-nonsense breakdown of how standing (or not) while singing can shape your stage presence. Mike and Dave even toss in their take on Chino Moreno and Jon Anderson’s contrasting styles. Spoiler alert: stress-free gigs start with smart planning and solid gear choices.
But the real gold? The grind. You’ll learn how Mike’s band leveled up by building superfans one at a time, saying no to the wrong bandmates, and turning every show into an unmissable event. It’s not about overnight success—it’s about showing up relentlessly, setting reachable goals, and knowing when to pull back in saturated markets. Whether you’re running the engine or riding shotgun, remember: Always Be Performing.


00:00:00 Gig Gab 483 – Monday, March 26th, 2025

May 26th: World Dracula Day (and Memorial Day)
Guest co-host: Mike Schulte from Pork Tornadoes


00:02:00 Hung Up On A Dream: The Zombies Documentary
00:07:24 Singing vs. Standing when playing

Chino Moreno of Deftones
Aaron Lewis of Staind
Jon Anderson
Gary Cherone


00:11:13 Using a splitter snake

Mackie DL32S
PRORECK 16-Channel Split Snake (5ft x 15ft)


00:23:13 Tips for using split snakes

Mike Hart from Seismic-Using Phantom Power with a Splitter Snake
Reverse from FOH for a talkback channel
CBI EarSplitter Split Snake


00:27:26 Making gig life (and life, in general!) low-stress!
00:29:05 SPONSOR: Rock-N-Roller. Replace 8 different carts with one: dolly, hand truck, short bed, long bed, flat bed, you got it! Code GIGGAB20 saves you 20% on all carts.
00:30:48 SPONSOR: Cash App. Download Cash App Today: https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/0oq3t78w. Add GIGGAB to your profile, send someone $5 within 14 days, and get $10 back!  #CashAppPod *Referral Reward Disclaimer: As a Cash App partner, I may earn a commission when you sign up for a Cash App account.
00:32:12 How do I level-up my band? Ok, how did Mike and Pork Tornadoes level up?

PLEASE DON’T LOOK at Urban Dictionary’s definition of a pork tornado
“Small moves, Ellie. Small moves.”
The show we’re playing is the only show that matters.
Befriend people before/after the show.
Build YOUR 2,000 superfans…one at a time.
It’s a grind!
Bullheaded Persistence
The number one reason: we got the right four people in place.
Kick out the people who are wrong.


00:46:58 Knowing your place

GigSalad’s Mark Steiner joins this week’s Gig Gab to trace his wild ride from stage actor to CEO, revealing how a children’s theater gig and a teddy bear business ultimately led to launching the go-to platform for booking live talent. You’ll hear how a “happy accident” turned into a company that helps 110,000+ performers get paid. From the Glenn Miller Orchestra to building Steiner Talent to launching GigSalad in a kitchen in 2004, Mark shares the gritty path of growth—connecting the dots in reverse, just like Steve Jobs said.
You’ll walk away with real-world tips to boost your band’s visibility: polish your promo kit, prioritize quality over quantity, and treat GigSalad like your own personal booking agent—with built-in SEO and coaching tools. Whether you’re gigging every weekend or dreaming bigger, there’s room for you. Because at the end of the day, the mission is simple: help you do what you love. And remember—Always Be Performing.


00:00:00 Gig Gab 482 – Monday, May 19th, 2025

May 19th: National Devil’s Food Cake Day
Guest co-host: Mark Steiner, cofounder and CEO of GigSalad


00:01:59 Starting with the children’s rendition of Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson haha
00:03:51 From Actor to Craftee
00:07:10 Connecting the dots going backwards
00:09:08 The immediate and long-term benefits of practice
00:10:47 Happy Accident leads to GigSalad

First business: Rainbow Friends Teddy Bear
Then spent 7 years as a talent agent, mostly booking the Glenn Miller Orchestra
Which led to SteinerTalent.com, and was immediately contacted by local/regional bookings


00:16:29 Let’s start a directory to match up talent with gigs

2007 was GigSalad’s official launch, with beta starting in 2004


00:19:59 Steve and Mark decide in 2007 to make GigSalad into a fulltime concern

Moving out of the kitchen!


00:21:36 GigSalad needs mariachi bands
00:23:08 SPONSOR: Cash App. Download Cash App Today: https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/0oq3t78w  #CashAppPod *Referral Reward Disclaimer: As a Cash App partner, I may earn a commission when you sign up for a Cash App account.
00:24:38 What can bands do to better their marketability on GigSalad?

Have a promo kit. Photos, videos, bios.
It’s not about quantity as much as it is quality.
As a DIY marketplace, GigSalad’s rating system is the key
GigSalad offers coaching for those who want it.


00:27:36 Freemium Model … Similar to LinkedIn

But also VERY much willing to coach!


00:30:49 GigSalad Pricing and Protections
00:33:39 What’s next for GigSalad?
00:34:40 Is GigSalad right for your band?

Look around on the platform to see what’s happening in your area
It’s non-exclusive
We provide this platform to do something that they love. From pros to weekend warriors.
GigSalad does your SEO and Word of Mouth for you, in a sense


00:39:50 Who lists their talent on GigSalad?

Agents? Yes. ECE on Gig Gab

You’re about to get the roadmap from Luke and Will Mallett of The Mallett Brothers on what it really takes to make music a career. From playing 120 shows a year to building a loyal tribe of 2,000 superfans, the brothers break down how live gigs aren’t just part of the job—they are the job. You’ll hear how they’ve learned to follow the seasons, balance home life with relentless touring, and why collaborating with venues (and yes, printing real posters) still matters. The promo game keeps shifting—from glossy photos to viral reels—and these guys are always adapting to stay in the mix.
But don’t let the laid-back Maine vibe fool you—this is a music business. From slinging hats and 8-tracks to tracking ad spend and working their booking agent to tighten tour routes, the Malletts share the systems that keep them thriving. Growing up helping their folk-singer dad send out his mailing list taught them early that endurance matters more than luck. Whether you’re booking your own gigs or building a fan group online, your success hinges on one thing: Always Be Performing.


00:00:00 Gig Gab 481 – Monday, May 12th, 2025

May 12th: National Limerick Day
Guest co-host: Luke and Will Mallett from The Mallett Brothers


00:02:11 Twelve Years to Grocery Money

2,000 Superfans


The Live Show is The Key
00:04:17 Playing 120 Shows Per Year

Learned to move with the seasons
Sleep well, eat well


00:08:04 Balancing Home vs. Gigs
00:08:54 Creating a tour schedule on your own
00:12:09 Working with a booking agent to structure and route your gigs and tours

Lara Supan on Gig Gab


00:14:01 Collaborating with the venue on your promotion
00:15:58 The ever-changing promotion formula

The changes from photos to videos to reels


00:18:00 Tracking the success of your ads
00:21:37 Don’t Forget About Physical Posters

Venues love receiving actual posters


00:23:26 Then sell your posters at the gig!
00:27:27 Diversify…just like any other business!

What else can we sell?
Posters
Hats
CDs
Keychains
8-Tracks


00:29:33 This is the business of music
00:33:53 Watching Dad’s DIY Approach to Music Succeed

David Mallett, folk artist
Helping dad with the mailing list for his music business


00:37:00 Meeting Chuck Leavell, famous tree farmer (oh, and a keyboard player)

America’s Forrests with Chuck Leavell
Orono Brewing Company
Dogs and Horses… maybe Chuck?


00:43:49 Just…endure!

And then you become a staple in a category of success stories


00:46:52 Engaging with those 2,000 superfans

1,000 True Fans
Find out where on social media your fans are, then start a group
Build community
Failure is not an option


00:55:12 Gig Gab 481 Outtro

Follow The Mallett Brothers
Higher Up In The Hills from The Mallett Brothers<...

If your band’s live setup feels more like organized chaos than controlled power, this episode’s for you. We’re diving into real-world band hacks that actually make a difference—from tightening up your IEM mixes with split snakes, to using a click track to start songs like a pro. You’ll also hear why phantom power isn’t the villain it’s made out to be, and how to get serious clarity from your kick drum without blowing the budget. Whether you’re rocking a basement bar or a big stage, this gear and workflow talk will level you up.
But it’s not just about sound—it’s about syncing your whole band’s flow. We cover practical tools like Google Calendar and BandHelper that take the headache out of scheduling rehearsals and gigs. Plus, you’ll get lessons learned from the madness of SXSW soundchecks, hydration tips for high-output sets, and a smart discussion about finding sponsors that actually fit your audience. As always, it’s about one thing: helping you Always Be Performing.


00:00:00 Gig Gab 480 – Monday, May 5th, 2025

May 5th: National Concert Day


00:01:48 John-Spotify audio levels are out of balance

DLH-Why we stopped putting Video on Spotify


00:04:05 n-Brian-Boundary Mics and Kick Drums

Behringer BA 19A


00:06:29 May Monorail and May Turbo Kick
00:10:42 feedback@giggabpodcast.com
00:17:54 Brad-Who is your band’s audience, and which sponsors would want to reach them?

The Rolling Stones went from Budweiser in 1989 to AARP in 2024…who’s right for YOUR band?


00:22:45 SPONSOR: Factor, America’s #1 Ready-To-Eat Meal Kit, can help you fuel up fast with flavorful and nutritious ready-to-eat meals delivered straight to your door. Visit FactorMeals.com/giggab50off and use code giggab50off for 50% off!
00:24:36 Scott-Hi Lyte cyclists hydration helps for strenuous gigs, too
00:27:19 Paul-Bring Back Bruce!
00:30:55 Drew-Phantom Power and Split Snakes Isn’t an Issue according to Dave Rat

Seismic Audio Split Snake


00:33:49 Using a Split Snake to Facilitate your IEM mix
00:36:38 Using a click to start songs

forScore


Gear Gab

00:41:55 What do you use as your gig bag?
00:42:38 Gear Gab-Optogate
00:44:34 LILY P4D
00:46:35 Mackie EM-89D – Handheld, Dynamic Vocal Mic for $49.99 with pouch, clip, & XLR Cable


SXSW

00:48:33 Lessons from SX. Watching so many bands soundcheck quick was immediately obvious at my next gig.
00:50:31 SXSW Official Comments on Changes to SXSW 2026 Schedule


00:52:18 Waves Free Plugin Pack with 9 awesome plugins

What’s it like going from drum tech to mixing stadium shows for legends? In this week’s Gig Gab, you join Scottie Baldwin and Dave Hamilton as they dive into the artistry behind live sound. From getting the call from Prince’s drummer to Sheila E nudging him toward sound, Scottie shares tricks like frequency gating and translating wild artist requests—think Gaga’s “lavender knife”—into killer mixes. You’ll get insight into how musicality trumps technicality, why mixing is more like managing real estate, and how to blend audience energy with screen-streaming perfection. Always Be Performing isn’t just a catchphrase—it’s a mindset Scottie lives onstage and behind the board.
You’ll walk away with tactical takeaways: define your audience avatar, teach your engineer with clarity, and keep a Dropbox of reference tracks. Whether you’re prepping a show for JJ Lin in Asia or working FOH like Scottie did for Prince, this episode is packed with practical wisdom. Learn why adding song titles to count-offs matters, why great gear relationships matter even more, and how timecode and iPads are redefining tour precision. There’s even a sharp take on Phish’s mixes and the culture gap in musicianship. Get in, geek out, and level up your live game.


00:00:00 Gig Gab 479 – Monday, April 28th, 2025

April 28th: National Blueberry Pie Day
Guest co-host: Scottie Baldwin


00:01:39 Eddie Van Halen’s Jump guitar solo started it all…
00:02:38 Michael Bland, Prince’s drummer brings on a non-drummer as his drum tech
00:03:29 Sheila E says Scottie should do sound!
00:06:54 Scottie’s Trick for Drums: Frequency Gating

Always Be Musical


00:08:37 Gaga said make me sound like a lavender knife

Being a live sound producer
The value of the musicality
Understanding the purpose


00:12:07 Dissecting mix collision

Mixing is a real-estate game


00:16:18 Engineers mixing for a screen vs being an audience member
00:18:05 Working as a team with an artist
00:19:58 Prince wanted to make sure fans’ kids heard the lyrics
00:21:36 Not reading music was…a feature!
00:24:09 Learning the culture of the music you’re creating

Mixing the show for JJ Lin


00:27:05 Find an avatar that represents your audience
00:30:11 “Today, it’s my building”
00:32:49 Speaking Mandarin
00:35:10 Learning how to teach an engineer what you’re doing/wanting

Make three, easily-digestible bullet points
Name artists that you want to sound “like”
Use a Dropbox to share songs


00:41:25 Adding the name of the song to your count-offs

The Fray
Or just add the song


00:47:19 Have good relationships with your gear, the artist, and the material

Yamaha Rivage


00:48:36 Engaging with the crowd

Dave Hampton, Scottie’s Mentor


00:54:03 Being a Live Sound Engineer AND a Recording Engineer at the Same Time

Dave’s concerns about Phish being mixed for the stream and not for the room
One Night Alone…Live! – Scottie’s FOH mix


00:58:58 Cutting a record every night
01:03:43 Mixing Monitors
01:10:01 Prince’s monitors and his producer-brain
...

This week on Gig Gab, you’re in for a deep dive into the gigging grind with guest co-host Derek Patten from ECE, EastCoast Entertainment. You’ll learn exactly what makes a band bookable—from tight chops to killer promo, a sharp social presence, and professional polish. If you’re not posting on Instagram, you’re not even in the conversation. Whether your band’s been around for five years or five weeks, it’s all about how well you play, how tight you are, and how you present yourself. And yes, clients hear with their eyes first—so get those videos dialed in and wardrobes on point.
Derek pulls back the curtain on managing 7,000 gigs a year, choosing the right acts for the right events, and what separates the pros from the posers. Spoiler: the best bands stick together, manage their own schedules, and bring something real to the stage. Authenticity and consistency win. Want more gigs? Know your brand, know your strengths, and build from there. Whether it’s Eighties Night or bluegrass bliss, if you’re creating unforgettable moments, you’re doing it right. Always Be Performing.


00:00:00 Gig Gab 478 – Monday, April 21st, 2025
00:01:17 April 21st: National Tea Day

Slave to the Starbucks Machine – Venti Iced Coffee, Cream and Three Splenda for Derek
Throat Coat Tea


00:03:18 Guest co-host: Derek Patten from EastCoast Entertainment

6,500 to 7,000 dates per year


00:05:46 Providing Artist Development

A&R for a Cover Band


00:08:00 Working with Working Musicians
00:09:11 Office Jams!
00:10:21 What makes a band bookable for an agency like ECE?

Can you play?
What promo materials do you have already?
Clients hear with their eyes first!
Social media presence is HUGE
Advice: do something on instagram!
Did “my” wedding make your insta?


00:17:01 Does length of band’s existence matter?

How tight is your band?
How professional are you?


00:21:12 Fly under the radar and do your job
00:24:33 One band, two names!
00:29:26 Always Entertaining? You’re a candidate!
00:31:08 Guess what? Surprise! It’s Eighties Night!
00:32:06 Rock, Bluegrass, and Stairway to Heaven!
00:35:14 Creating Lifelong Memories

We are the soundtrack for the biggest party most people will ever throw for themselves


00:38:31 Selecting the right band for a client

Booking high-quality bands


00:42:52 Authenticity Matters
00:44:03 Managing Subs

Out most successful bands are bands where the same people play together all the time


00:48:43 The Revenue-Share Model

We work directly for the artists


00:55:07 Developing artists

Social Media Presence
Wardrobe
Promo Videos
Focus: what is the brand of your band, and how do we communicate that?
What is it that you do the best?
What is it that you want to do more of?


01:03:24 Managing schedules

…and more!
Band Manager (in the band) works with the Responsible Agent (at ECE) as their band champion!


01:08:39 Gig Gab 478 Outtro

Follow Derek Patten from EastCoast Entertainment

Monique Powell of Save Ferris joins you for a no-holds-barred dive into the grind, grit, and glory behind making a band thrive. From opera training to ska dreams, Monique shares how preparation and passion powered her transformation from “Mo Sing Song” to full-on band manager (and back again…and forth again). You’ll hear how she navigated shifting to external management, dealt with label fallout, and used setbacks as fuel—because when the machine breaks, you fix it or build your own. Her fight to save her voice wasn’t just personal—it became a mission driven by fans who refused to let go.
This episode’s packed with real talk on defining success, the chaos of tour-routing post-COVID, and the rollercoaster of fan engagement. Monique lays it all out: if you want to be in a successful band, be ready to sweat every detail—gear, gigs, and gut decisions. Whether it’s dodging in-ear disasters or facing your fears head-on, Monique reminds you that showing up matters most. So, lace up, lean in, and remember: Always Be Performing.


00:00:00 Gig Gab 477 – Monday, April 14th, 2025

April 14th: National Pecan Day
Guest co-host: Monique Powell from Save Ferris


00:02:37 Preparation matters!

Studying to be a opera singer
Why aren’t you in a band?


00:06:50 I really wanted to be in a ska band

The Shanties


00:08:30 From “Mo Sing Song” to “Mo Manage Band”

Save Ferris was a great band, I knew we were a great band
We’re a family, and I’m going to work as hard as I can to push us forward


00:13:49 Transitioning to external management

“I don’t know how to take us to the next level at this point.”


00:16:03 You’re outnumbered. Shut up and sing.
00:18:27 Getting the machine working!
00:20:52 Opportunity when your label drops you
00:22:11 Define success for yourself
00:24:21 No bank was going to give us Two Million Dollars
00:25:30 Fighting to Save her Singing Voice
00:27:36 I Let the Fans Dicate How Hard I was Going To Fight
00:29:20 Your greatest fear can be fuel

Business Brain, Dave’s other podcast


00:33:33 Now I fight for our fans
00:34:30 Life is like rollerskating
00:37:23 Get Dancing from Save Ferris on April 25th!

Learn the Choreography!


00:39:08 FAN ENGAGEMENT…It’s part of Always Being Performing!
00:42:31 Letting the fans be my compass
00:43:21 In-ears became a liability
00:46:26 LITFA
00:48:39 Touring with a monitor engineer
00:50:58 Tour-routing post-COVID

Headlining a tour is like throwing a birthday party and wondering how many people are going to show up


00:56:04 Gig Gab 477 Outtro

Follow Monique Powell and Save Ferris
Contact Gig Gab!

@GigGabPodcast on Instagram
feedback@giggabpodcast.com
Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

This week, you’ll dive headfirst into the wild ride of Joe Travers’ drumming journey—from pounding out St. Patrick’s Day gigs to landing his dream job playing Zappa’s music. Joe shares how knowing exactly what you want—and fearlessly putting yourself out there—can open doors you never imagined. You’ll hear what it’s like grooving through complex Zappa parts, blending genres, and finding your own voice behind the kit because, after all, your playing is your voice.
Joe keeps you in the pocket with tales of meeting heroes, becoming Zappa’s Vaultmeister, and holding it down with Duran Duran in massive arenas. You’ll get pro-level tips on clicks, IEM mixes, and why singing drummers need to dial it in just right. Plus, a rare glimpse at what it means to play for the music—and why sometimes, staying off social media is the smartest gig move. Stick around, because there’s only one way to approach this business: Always Be Performing.

00:00:00 Gig Gab 476 – Monday, April 7th, 2025

April 7th: National Beer Day
Guest co-host: Drummer and Vaultmeister Joe Travers


00:01:29 St. Patrick’s Day Gigs
00:05:30 Becoming a professional drummer

Loves playing different styles
Studied at Berklee College of Music in Boston (and built a network!)


00:08:00 Land in LA…and land the ultimate gig of my dreams

Gig with the Zappa brothers


00:09:30 Putting yourself out there with a clear idea of your desires

Be a good hang!
Have talent!
Put yourself in the right position and meet the right people


00:12:18 Your playing is your voice

Again…be a good hang!


00:13:24 Playing Zappa’s Music – Grooving complex parts

Learn the funk stuff
Sing a Simple Song (Sly)
Learn to love whatever you’re playing
It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing!


00:17:31 Getting to know Zappa’s Music

Rykodisk in the 80s with Zappa releases


00:18:41 And then starting to play Zappa’s music in 2006

Immersion therapy!


00:22:23 All the styles blended into Frank’s music
00:24:27 Bozzio makes sense to Joe
00:26:42 SPONSOR: Factor, America’s #1 Ready-To-Eat Meal Kit, can help you fuel up fast with flavorful and nutritious ready-to-eat meals delivered straight to your door. Visit FactorMeals.com/giggab50off and use code giggab50off for 50% off!
00:28:19 Becoming the Vaultmeister

Turns out it’s good to be a nerd (a trusted nerd!)


00:32:56 Meeting a hero

Playing a gig with Z at Club Lingerie – First show, and Frank is in the audience!


00:36:17 “Frank wants to meet you”
00:37:56 Playing with Duran Duran in 1997

“Joe…it’s time.”


00:41:15 Play what the music is calling for
00:41:39 Playing arenas vs. smaller places

Duran Duran at Chicago House of Blues 1997
Soft ticket sales vs. hard ticket events


00:43:59 Playing to a click

…and playing with Frank on a video screen


00:47:21 What’s your perfect IEM mix have in it?

Audience Mics

Thinking about SXSW? Erin Walter and Keri Cinquina from Parker Woodland break it all down for you—from applying to playing like a pro. You’ll learn how to reach out to anyone and everyone to book your showcases, why hitting up radio stations and non-profits matters, and how to stack your SXSW week like a mini tour. Don’t skip the conference sessions—Sonic Guild Grants and mentor sessions can change your game (pro tip: show up for no-shows). And yes, tacos are essential tour fuel.
On stage or off, it’s all about connection. Whether you’re delivering like you’re playing to ten thousand or sharing roles within your band, Always Be Performing means engaging the crowd and your bandmates. Erin and Keri talk vocal coaching, singing drummers, and the gear that keeps it tight—including using a click track! They even dig into arranging songs for a power trio and making standout music videos. Because anything can happen at a gig… and you’ll be ready.


00:00:00 Gig Gab 475 – Monday, March 31st, 2025

March 31st: National Crayon Day
Guest co-hosts: Erin Walter and Keri Cinquina from Parker Woodland


00:01:50 Applying / Planning / Playing SXSW
00:02:53 The art of self-promotion
00:08:34 Deliver like you’re playing for ten thousand

Bringing people in and then keeping the people there
Always be Performing…and always be connecting with the crowd and your bandmates


00:12:32 Successfully booking SXSW

Contact ANYone who is involved with booking shows

Bands
Radio Stations
Non-profits


Making sure musicians get paid


00:15:57 Applying to Showcase at SXSW

Booking multiple shows at SXSW
It’s like planning a tour


00:17:45 Attending the conference as an artist

Don’t skip the sessions!
Sonic Guild Grants


00:20:51 Pro-tip: Go stand in line at Mentor Sessions and you can grab a no-show appointment!
00:22:21 SPONSOR: Mechanical Licensing Collective – Are you a songwriter, music publisher, or administrator? Every month, The MLC collects the streaming data and royalties from Spotify and Apple Music, matches the money to the creator who has earned it, and then pays out the royalties due. Visit TheMLC.com today to sign up!
00:23:34 Tacos are the fuel to a successful band
00:26:06 Long-standing musical collaborations
00:27:42 Divvying up roles in the band

Vocal coach


00:31:28 Singing drummers!

Heil PR-31BW
Gooseneck with a boom stand


00:35:19 Arranging Songs for a Power Trio

Parker Woodland covering Sir Duke
Bands covering Rebel Girl


00:41:56 There’s no Such Thing as Time — Parker Woodland
00:44:21 Create music videos!
00:45:18 Gear Gab & Playing to a Click

Tama SLR Bubinga Snare
Tama Rhythm Watch


00:50:32 Anything can happen at a gig!