This week on Gig Gab, you’ll dive into the wild, creative energy of Stu Dias, creator of Diaspora Radio, co-founder of Soggy Po Boys, and more, sitting in with Dave Hamilton. You’ll hear how albums, once carefully crafted statements, inspired Stu’s pandemic-born project to breathe new life into full-length records on stage. From Taylor Swift’s track order to Pink Floyd’s legendary flow, the talk turns to interpretation: should songs always evolve, or do they need their “rockin’ version” first, like Layla? Add in some debate over encores, the Sea Turtle attitude toward music scenes, and whether musicians actually want to see more bands on their night off, and you’ve got a ride that feels as lively as a late-night set.
The conversation moves into the grit of band dynamics…knowing when you’re the engine and when you’re the fuel, handling GB gigs without losing your soul, and making sure new people feel welcome in the scene. Stu and Dave dig into rhythm, habit, and the beauty of live art that’s gone the second it happens; ephemeral, like sea turtles drifting by. You’ll explore the 80% Rule, the risks of saying no too often, and what it really means to keep people calling. Along the way: George Clinton, Funkadelic, and the reminder that what you play matters far less than how you make people feel. Always Be Performing.
00:00:00
Gig Gab 499 – Monday,
September 15th, 2025
September 8th:
National Linguine Day
Guest co-host:
Stu Dias from
Diaspora Radio,
Soggy Po Boys, and More
00:03:35
Diaspora Radio came from Pandemic Thoughts
Sitting in the car with a buddy listening to albums… why not play them live?
People used to put a lot of time and care and passion into construction an album
Does that still happen? Does Taylor Swift care about running order?
Pink Floyd did. And so did other artists. And such… Diaspora Radio was born
00:09:19 No encores…
Except Lovelight with American Beauty
00:10:54 Band negotiations over songs
Should you do a different interpretation?
Layla’s second life as an acoustic version…but would it have happened without the original, rockin’ version first?
00:15:36 When you gig and have a night off… do you want to go see another band in another club?
00:16:08 Having a Sea Turtle attitude to approaching music
Every scene is different
00:21:45 Forming different bands for different projects
Each group of people have different strengths
00:23:54 Comparing New Hampshire seacoast to the New Orleans traditional jazz scene
The word “band” means a different thing
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00:29:02 The shame of playing cover music in the wrong scene
Playing GB (aka General Business) gigs
Don’t break up the band!
00:41:48 Taking a good scenario for granted
