This week you’ll hear how making the leap to in-ear monitors isn’t just swapping gear—it’s like learning a whole new instrument. You’ll pick up real-world tactics for keeping the band rolling when a member’s sick or injured, including the art of pulling in a last-minute sub. You’ll face the hard truth about whether the show really must go on and learn what to do when the FOH vanishes mid-gig. From hiring (and managing) your own sound engineer to turning your SuperFans into your band’s secret weapon, you’ll see how those relationships can shape your entire live experience. Always Be Performing means every choice you make—gear, people, or setlist—affects the show you deliver.
You’ll also dive into transforming every gig into a true show, thinking beyond the notes to the pacing, energy, and flow of the night. You’ll hear strategies for avoiding audience burnout, why proximity clauses matter, and how to survive the madness of back-to-back gigs with no breather in between. Plus, the essentials of dealing with unpredictable backlines, smart gear tips (like why a humble Lasko fan might be your MVP), and avoiding stereo/TRS mix-ups. It’s all about showing up prepared, performing with intention, and making sure every gig leaves its mark.


00:00:00 Gig Gab 493 – Monday, August 4th, 2025

August 4th: National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day
Guest co-host: Scott Smith


00:01:41 Using Alclair IEMs
00:04:27 Transitioning to IEMs is like learning an instrument
00:08:10 Adapting as a band with an injured/sick bandmate
00:11:29 The Show Must Go On…Must it?
00:12:44 Calling in a last-minute sub when in a pinch
00:15:13 When the FOH disappears
00:18:45 Adding a sound engineer to your band’s staff…the blessing and the curse
00:22:59 Recognizing, Thanking, AND Leveraging your SuperFans

Hiring a social media intern for your band
Having a SuperFan manage the entire VIP experience for paying fans
SuperFans are a huge asset for your band, nurture those relationships before you lose them


00:31:23 SPONSOR: Gig Performer is a plugin host, an audio mixer, a backing tracks player, and more that gives you real-time control…live. Visit GigPerformer.com/GigGab for 10% off.
00:33:03 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.
00:35:07 Making each gig a “show”

Don’t just play the gig, think about the setlist, think about the flow of the evening
“If you want attention in this band, you have to take it!”


00:42:02 Managing oversaturation

Proximity clauses


00:47:46 Playing two gigs in one day where the second one starts at the time the first one ends
00:54:47 Backlines for gigs
00:56:28 North County Band @ Press Room on August 15th
00:58:55 Gear Gab

Lasko 12” utility fan with outlets


01:01:34 Confusing stereo 1/4″ with TRS

Headphone jack to 1/4″ mono inputs


01:06:05 Gig Gab 493 Outtro

Follow Scott Smith

North County Band


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