You’re not alone if you’re running a click track on stage—more and more musicians are embracing it, and for good reason. This week on Gig Gab, Corey Manske joins Dave Hamilton to unpack how using a click can reduce stress, keep your band tight, and help you Always Be Performing. From essential stage gear like chapstick and a tape measure (you’ll get it), to the magic of “coopetition” among musicians, you’ll walk away with practical tools and mindset shifts. Corey shares how watching other players—and sometimes borrowing a rubber mallet—can lead to big breakthroughs.
But that’s just the beginning. You’ll hear how launching a Third Eye Blind tribute band taught Corey the power of planning, from finding the perfect frontman to handling contracts, stage plots, and backing tracks like a pro. Learn why tribute bands are dominating the venue scene and what it really means to “wear a disguise” on stage. You’ll also get into the nitty-gritty of tech setups—which apps might replace SoundCue, how to prep your tracks for any venue, and why slipping your sound engineer a $20 bill is a move worth making.
00:00:00
Gig Gab 487 – Monday,
June 23rd, 2025
June 9th:
National Detroit-Style Pizza Day
Guest co-host:
Corey Manske
00:01:39 Everyone’s using a click (some of the time)
00:08:02 Taking the stress off by using a click live
Kill Switch
00:14:51 Always be performing means always putting on a show!
00:17:00 Important gear to have on stage
Tape measure (drummer thing)
Chapstick
00:19:53 The value of Coopetition
00:22:15 Learning parts from other people
Mike Cosgrove at a NAMM party
SS Recognize
Rubber Mallet
00:26:31 Playing the parts your way…and comfortably
00:29:32 “Just don’t confuse the strippers, man”
Music is a shared art form…band, performers, audience
00:31:05 SPONSOR:
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00:32:27 The experience of starting a Third Eye Blind Tribute Band
Started a year ago
The demographic is 50/50 M/F
Find the right singer, and the right band
Cover band is playing dress-up, being in a tribute band is wearing a disguise
Previously subbed in a Smashing Pumpkins tribute for 4.5 years, which gave some information and contacts
Venues figured out that Tribute bands are where the money is
Developing the backing tracks
Corey became the manager
00:38:02 Becoming comfortable with doing the paperwork
Contracts
Hospitality Riders
Stage Plots
Details matter!
00:40:16 Using an iPad to trigger tracks, clicks, and more
SoundCue for iPad (non-existent)
Replacement option:
ShowOne for iPad
Other replacement options
We just need an audio player in a cart format!
00:52:09 The pre-production work so you can have the tracks live
Frst, decide what needs to be there
