Cover Band Confidential's Podcast

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A podcast for musicians of all backgrounds to learn how to run your music career like a business! Whether you're a weekend warrior or a hired gun; whether you play cover songs or originals, Cover Band Confidential is your weekly source on how to make GOOD money playing music!

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Recent Reviews
  • Bacid
    Helpful tips
    I enjoy listening to this podcast because it is giving me interesting and useful tips. I play in a music school cover band cover band. the tips they give have helped me learn how to play better with other players and think about how to play and entertain better win we take our band out of the schoolhouse and play at venues. There are many more dynamics to playing than striking notes on your instrument. The audience is looking for engagement, enthusiasm, energy, and much more that must be considered and I’ve learned a lot of that from this podcast.
  • Adam_z_music
    This is not a review of the podcast
    This is not a review of the podcast (which is quite good). It’s a review of the insanely cheap Patreon membership. If you listen to this podcast for free you will, no doubt, benefit from incredible insights, ideas and discussions that make you a better bandleader or band member. But the real secret is joining the Patreon. I did, and I’m so grateful to have 24/7 access in Slack to a hundred of the most thoughtful and innovative cover band musicians across the country. Trust me, you owe it to yourself, your bandmates, and your audiences to become a part of this community. —Adam from “You’ve Got 90s”, New York and New Jersey’s 1990s cover band experience
  • Underdogs Band
    CBC is simply awesome!
    Adam and Dan are the best! Just a couple of down to earth guys that know their stuff when it comes to the world of running a successful band. I love listening to and learning from their insight, sage-like wisdom, and sense of humor. From a fellow gear head, the gear reviews are great too. I’ve been a regular listener on YouTube for quite awhile now, and just signed up on Patreon because I appreciate what you guys are doing! Keep up the good work.
  • Beatnik Bohemian
    The Nuts and Bolts
    Well done gentlemen. I enjoy how you strike a balance between gear and people (and sometimes people with gear or those who should not be trusted with gear). It is good to hear that many of our individual experiences are not so unique and when working with folks we tend to encounter similar situations both positive and not so positive. I enjoy hearing your takes on working with people and even the descriptions of those you should not re-hire. I also enjoy the rig talks because who does not love gear and technology. And it is nice to have the two balanced so the podcast does not devolve into a sociology/psychology or parapsychology experiment nor a mobious strip of tech talk. Keep it up. It makes the ride to gigs on Friday fun. Pax. Beatnik Guitar player for Kameron Ross, Liquid Chicken Combo, the Party Hardy Band, and anyone else who needs a picker or singer.
  • Dizoich
    Prime cover band resource (and entertaining)
    As a first-time leader of a cover band (Rogue Elements out of Houston, TX) this podcast is full of amazing wisdom. It’s like Adam and Dan made all the mistakes so that I don’t have to 😉! There is gear talk, plus tales from Adam and Dan’s latest shows, but the best part of the show is the in-depth review of practical topics relevant to leading and being part of a cover band. I especially liked the show on set-list-ology (the art/science of creating a great set list). Looking forward to many more great tips and fun episodes from these guys as I grow my own band.
  • dhciebw
    Great resource!
    Dan and Adam are down-to-earth, fun, engaging, and full of advice based on real, current, and relevant experiences. This podcast is such a great resource for musicians everywhere! -Chris from Wild Front Tears (Dayton, Ohio)
  • Dave C 11235
    A must listen for cover bands
    This podcast is beyond great. As a founder of a still-new pop punk/emo cover band in Cleveland called Taking Off Monday, this pod has been invaluable to help our group think through the myriad issues and considerations faced by a new band. Adam and Dan are both entertaining and relatable, and do a great job breaking down topics into digestible content. Love it! PS: do more drum-focused content please! Dave Carlson Drummer for Taking Off Monday
  • JoeFan
    I’m late to the game, but awesome!
    I can’t believe it took me so long to find this, but now I’m addicted to the show! It’s amazing! A great resource for gigging musicians like me. It’s nice to hear about new gear, new ideas, and because misery loves company, to hear the occasional horror story! Take a listen, you won’t be sorry! —Dean
  • SlashBites
    Awesome.
    These guys are not only entertaining but also informative. I could have used this pod ten years ago when I was still doing covers.
  • VinnyDrummer12
    Covering all your bases
    Pun intended…there is so much more to being in a cover band than just showing up and playing. Adam and Dan do a remarkable job of bringing attention to the fine details of being a professional musician in addition to being an efficient band leader as well. I particularly like when the guys revisit topics, as there is always something new to consider in this business. The conversations are real, humorous, and sometimes quite poignant. It makes you feel like you are part of the discussion with two of your friends. Thanks for everything! Vinny Savoia of Crystal Baller - Phoenix, AZ
  • Cascabell
    Required Listening for Cover Bands
    Adam and Dan have put together a treasure trove of information about the trials and tribulations of trying to traverse the traditional cover band world. Pay attention. You’ll learn a ton. My band “Catawampus” plays in The Hudson Valley of New York and we’ve learned valuable information from listening to these guys. I’ve now almost listened to all of them as I drive to and from rehearsals (not practice!) and share my insights with my fellow band mates. Gentlemen, I’d love to hear a discussion about stage banter between song breaks such as band introductions, social networking, selling merchandise, thanking the venue and the audience, etc. What do you make sure to include and when to do them over the course of a two or three hour gig. Keep up the good work! Catawampus_band on IG and Catawampus on Facebook
  • ksensei
    Great sensible discussions
    Adam and Dan do a great job picking topics and discussing them. As a member of a popular Tom Petty tribute band out of Massachusetts (Petty Larceny), a lot of what they talk about is very relevant. I’d love a discussion of differences between cover and tribute bands. There are pros and cons to both. Thanks guys!
  • scrappod
    This show is fan-dam-tastic!
    Love the show guys! I found you guys by accident and am neck deep trying to catch up. I started playing guitar and then bass a few years ago and accidentally joined a band as the bass player last summer. The entire summer was a summer of fun firsts to me and my band (the Evan carter band) just released our first three songs this month. We play a lot of covers as we are building our own songs but I’d love to hear a few more discussions on what a new musician has no clue about until they experience it. Maybe a discussion about hitting a recording studio. Keep it up guys!!!!
  • bass player steve
    A working musician podcast for real working musicians
    I love this podcast!!!!
  • LaneMilesMusic
    Essential content for those who gig
    I found the coverband confidential podcast a couple of weeks ago and have been listening to past episodes all most every day since. As a gigging musician i find the content extremely useful and the shared experience of Adam and Dan to be spot on with experiences i have had myself. I love all the advice and tips to help make our lives and experiences easier. Thanks again. Lane Miles @LaneMilesMusic
  • allanplaysguitar
    Great for Gigging Musicians
    Great podcast if you are restarting to gig, as I am, or am a seasoned vet looking for some inspiration and tips. They guys do a great job of explaining lessons learned and bringing interesting perspectives to the craft. Highly reccomend.
  • Missed The Messenger
    A must listen for anyone in the ‘gigging musician’ world!
    Found this pod a little while ago and have basically gone back and listened from the start. Let me say this: I have been active in the cover band world for over 20 years and playing in bands almost 30. I work in Live sound/event and show production (sound, lights, video/LED walls, etc…) for a living and play in a band called ‘Second Echo presents Class of 95’ (Second Echo is the singer’s original project, for live gigs I play either bass or R gtr as needed and we added a cover side to it because, you know, money… we are a 90’s Rock cover band) and I have my own original project ‘Missed the Messenger’ here in Vegas. I’ve always ended up managing the bands I’m in, and/or doing sound while playing and singing - I’ve really enjoyed listening to this pod and while some might think ‘been there, done that…’ The information and scenarios on the show are extremely helpful and I really appreciate the two different hosts having some differing thoughts, but joining in helpful conversations about the topic. I regularly chime in on the Facebook group, usually when the discussion has been about sound-specific stuff (As a professional in the industry, sometimes I think the hobbyist language can leave room for misinterpretation and I’d prefer to speak in specifics so that noobs are not led astray) and would love to chat on the show! I wait each week for the Spotify ‘blue dot’ to appear so I can enjoy another episode, usually on my way to a gig around Vegas (We do Live band Karaoke on Fridays on the strip and I mix a band on Wednesday nights at a different venue on the strip) and I really enjoy Adams videos/TIK TOKs and Dan’s no-muss-no-fuss approach. Keep up the good work! Had to come over to Apple pods to follow and review because Spotify doesn’t give you the option. Worth the effort.
  • Yeti.Rider
    Great Podcast
    Woooh I finally caught up. 280 episodes in 3 months. Thanks Guys for this podcast. As a newbie to the music world it has helped and encouraged me with getting my first band going. I enjoy listening to gear talk, how to communicate with band members and expectations with each other, how to book gigs and market your band. Thanks for the Slack, it’s nice for someone like myself to feel like I can reach out to other bands and get insightful feedback on how to run a band and feel apart of a bigger community, everyone is so laid back and helpful. Thanks Adam and Dan
  • Dude in long johns
    Better than JRE
    As a truck driver I have more time that most for podcasts, and less time for everything else, which explains why I don’t do gigs. These guys are my number one go to cast because I am interested in playing live someday, and find the insight of Cover Band Confidential inspiring and entertaining. I imagine that a working musician would find this content amusing and valuable.
  • garwig
    Great tips (and commiseration)
    Hello, it’s Gary from Saloon No. 12 in southern California. I listen to this podcast weekly to get some ideas for new things to try and to hear the victories and defeats of these 2 working musicians. Very relatable and entertaining.
  • Jesse from Voodoo Lane
    Secret Weapon for cover band domination!
    I’ve been a weekly listener for a year or two now and I really enjoy this show! These guys give insanely relevant advice (for instance, I just filed for an LLC for our band last week and- Voila! this week’s episode is about forming a formal business entity!). I’ve been in cover bands off and on over the last twenty plus years and am currently in the best band I’ve been in yet. I’ve taken inspiration from many things I learned about on this podcast and implemented them into what we do! They can teach new dogs old tricks but even more impressively they can also teach us old dogs new tricks! Love it!! Keep up the great work!
  • dwmock79
    Entertaining and informative
    A bandmate sent me a link to an episode a few weeks back and I’ve been subscribed ever since. I’ve been a working cover musician for 20 years and I’ve picked up some helpful tips to improve my business and my bands live sound. Thanks for the good work, guys. Really appreciate it.
  • John Zaremba
    A must-listen for working bands
    Such a valuable resource. Every week, Dan and Adam give entertaining, clear-eyed and practical advice on how to work with clients, how to deal with the *many* personalities of musicians, which gear they find useful and so much more. A great pod by two guys who are good at what they do and who love doing it.
  • Rhino615
    A Must-Listen for Cover Bands of All Experience Levels
    I can't say enough good things about Cover Band Confidential! Adam and Dan have created an absolute gem of a podcast that caters to cover bands at every stage of their journey. From those just starting out to those who've been established for years, they provide a wealth of invaluable information that covers all aspects of the cover band world. One of the standout features of this podcast is the comprehensive approach taken by Adam and Dan. They leave no stone unturned as they delve into various topics, ensuring that cover bands have access to all the necessary information they need. Whether it's discussing the business side of things, sharing insights about gear, or providing tips on song selection, they truly cover it all. The attention to detail and depth of knowledge presented in each episode is commendable. Not only do they provide practical advice, but they also shed light on the often overlooked aspects of being in a cover band. Their discussions on band health, maintaining motivation, and navigating the challenges that can arise in this industry are incredibly insightful and inspiring. What sets Cover Band Confidential apart is the genuine passion and enthusiasm that Adam and Dan bring to each episode. Their love for cover bands is palpable, and it shines through in their engaging and lively conversations. It's evident that they genuinely want to see cover bands thrive and succeed, and their dedication to providing value to their listeners is truly commendable. Whether you're just starting out or have been in the cover band scene for years, Cover Band Confidential is an absolute must-listen. The wealth of knowledge and practical advice they offer can make a significant difference in your band's success. So grab your headphones and get ready to be informed, inspired, and entertained by this exceptional podcast. Trust me, you won't regret it! Keep up the fantastic work, Adam and Dan. You're making a real difference in the cover band community, and your podcast is a true gift to all aspiring and established cover bands out there.
  • Tone_Knee
    Excellent resource
    Valuable information for any band leader
  • Johnnypisano
    Want To Know A Secret?
    I have one person that I can talk with about my band (Jukebox Productions). She’s a competitor but we have built a relationship that allows us to share openly about our challenges, successes, pay, personnel problems, etc… Really anything (good or bad). It’s 100% confidential and counts as therapy. I can now add to that (small circle), this podcast. It is open, honest, self reflective, informative and funny. The conversation between these two is priceless. They put it out there and address the sometimes secret struggles that we bandleaders have. I love it. Thank you for doing this!
  • ACY SG
    Solid Resource
    I'm just starting to dig into past episodes on this informative conversation between two upbeat professional musicians whose expertise has me considering aspects of improving my band (Whack Daddy Down, in Singapore) in ways I would not have thought of on my own. I dig the natural, relaxed personalities of Adam and Dan. They're not trying to crack up the audience, they don't clutter the show with dopey routines or annoying repetitive inside jokes. Just the useful stuff -- thanks fellas!
  • meant2makemusic
    Always Enjoyable, Fellas!
    Discovered y’all from the Cover Band FB group (which is about the only good thing from that group tbh). My husband and I are a cover duo (Gilly & the Girl) but I enjoy learning from you two for future band endeavor ideas. We live in Orlando but work a lot up in The Villages which is an hour away so a good podcast especially about music is always appreciated. We also bought a copy of your contract template which has been super helpful so far as we are doing more and more corporate/wedding gigs. Keep up the great work!
  • StringKong
    Doing the right things right
    I started listening in April 2022 (not coincidentally about the same time that my most recent band’s lead singer and guitarist moved out of state) and I became an instant fan. Adam and Dan’s podcast is filled with provocative topics relevant to any gigging musician and the weekly road-warrior stories from their lives as gigging musicians keeps me inspired as I’ve been working to start a new project. In my day job in software engineering, we often talk about doing things right versus doing the right things. In the podcast world, Adam and Dan have an uncanny knack for doing both. Thanks for the great material and keep it coming! -Ben H. in Austin, TX
  • cmosermusic
    When musicians lift each other up…
    Most of us are good at music. That’s why we’re in bands. But if you’re not as good at the business aspect of playing in a cover band, you need to listen to this podcast. So much good stuff here from gear to branding to logistics to mental health. This has quickly become my favorite podcast! I’m really thankful to Adam and Dan for being so generous with their advice, experiences, and time in a world where many musicians are too competitive to share their knowledge. As I get caught up on all their awesome content, I see that they have inspired a whole community of musicians to be more supportive of each other and rethink their attitudes about the business. Their parents did an awesome job raising sons who genuinely care about the success of others. Cheers to you both, and keep it going! Christine from Finding Molly
  • rjmbass76
    Top notch!
    I am a regular, avid listener. These guys know their stuff and the content is both entertaining and informative. If you’re a cover band musician this podcast is a must listen. Russ from the band Level Up in NJ 🤘
  • RobSharp72
    A Great Resource
    Whether you need to be challenged, need direction, encouragement, or a different perspective, this podcast is a great resource for the working musician. Dan and Adam approach the content with a wealth of professional experience, but also a sense of humor, humility, and openness to other perspectives. Glad they are developing an generous and positive community of cover bands and musicians. Rob Sharp of the Jukebox BOOMers.
  • RetroNerd STL
    Um and Ah
    Good content but the amount of “ahs” and “uns” is very distracting.
  • Matt Nielson
    A must listen if you’re a working musician
    Adam and Dan have done an amazing job shining light upon the working band business. If you’re a band leader or just want to be a better band member listen to this podcast. I would start at the first episode and work your way to the current stuff. These guys are genuine and have great advice for original and cover bands and even small business looking to enhance their product. Keep rocking Adam and let that hair flow Dan. Cheers, -Matt Nielson Matt Nielson & the WhiteHots
  • Doozle
    Fantastically awesome!!
    Two down to earth dudes talking about making your band better with great achievable advice. Always get pumped when the next episode hits my queue. Also, the show is now surrounded by a community in which cover band folks can bring their questions and ideas without fear of being judged by music snobs. My favorite pod, rock on guys. Charlie Mercy and Main
  • Fredellsworth
    Gear talk
    Hey guys, great work on this podcast. It’s so refreshing to listen to the two of you talk about all facets of what we do. Everything from marketing to a typical night at a gig. Also, it’s good that you sprinkle in a little bit of gear talk. Thank you for that! Actually… Anytime you want to add more gear talk that’s OK with me. Keep it coming and thank you thank you thank you
  • RealityStop
    Breath of fresh air 2
    Holy cr$& guys, clearly I fat-fingered the star review on my last review. So freakin sorry. If I could figure out a way to edit the dang thing I would but you guys are five stars all day!
  • NRFG Von kleinstadt
    This podcast has something for even the most seasoned musicians doing covers
    Been listening since the beginning and pick up great tips every week for things to keep working at, and keeping an eye on how the market is changing. My bands have benefitted from Adam and Dan’s generosity with their time and experience in all things from gear to their abundance mindset, to improving the many non music aspects of cover band life. Thanks for everything guys!
  • and on bass...Jeff M.
    Useful info and fun conversations
    Been listening since early 2019 and the podcast continues to get even better. You can tell Adam and Dan are continuously trying to improve the show. The topics they cover provide some great advice to the cover band community. The conversation is always enjoyable and informative at the same time. If you're in a band, you should be listening to this show!
  • TimmyB80
    Excellent band podcast
    I started listening to these guys over the summer of ‘20 on a long road trip and got hooked immediately. If you’re in a band, or are even looking to start a band, give these guys a listen. They cover topics from band conception to success, advertising, fan interaction and much more. Now my only problem is catching up!
  • Bandy Dumbledore Batman
    If you’re in a band this is a must listen
    I play in a cover band and this my #1 weekly podcast. I’ve learned a lot listening to these dudes and it’s nice to hear the perspective from fellow coverbandies.
  • ConfusedBreakfastPodcast
    Hot takes
    I found this podcast about a year ago and have listened to every episode. They either validate thoughts that I already have or give me great new ideas to put into practice. If you are trying to take your band to the next level, look no further and hit the subscribe button. You will be happy you did. Kbye.
  • KaSmith81
    Witty and Helpful
    Dan and Adam want to see their listeners succeed at whatever level they play the cover band game at. If cover band life is your hobby or profession, this show has something for you.
  • jmp111181
    Love seeing knowledge shared!
    Too often musicians are only out for #1, and getting anyone to share a contact or talk ideas can be like pulling teeth. It’s great to hear y’all pass along knowledge and ideas. I can’t wait to get out of quarantine and play again, using some of the ideas this show has given me.
  • PRS6565
    Did you get the memo?
    Theirs a pandemic.. you aren’t playing anywhere for a long long time
  • bobpick68
    Adam is great! Dan? Insufferable.
    Not much more to say. Love Adam but Dan is just beyond terrible. Im hanging on hoping Dan moves on. Sorry just being honest.
  • Erock1MG
    People with bands
    Listen to this podcast. Real people in real bands with real issues. Lots of tips on how to move through the issues that are fairly common in all entertainment situations. These fellas do a great job. Keep up the good work, guys!
  • Itsphil85
    If you’re a band leader, then this is a must-listen!
    As a band leader I have to say, this is the best resource I’ve found for inspiration and valuable information. Adam and Dan are great hosts who are knowledgeable, passionate, and experienced. Well done!
  • Deece13
    Gracias
    I was a touring professional musician from the time I was 17 until about age 30. I went home to raise kids, no regrets. I’ve come back at age 45 and boy has the game changed. So much talent out here and I was wondering how could I separate myself from the herd? Thanks Dan and Adam. I’ve implemented several of your ideas and within a short time have found myself in the company of great, likeminded musicians. I co-founded a band and have been chugging along to forge a great brand that we can stand behind. Keep up the great work. I make no bones about how some of this has come to pass. I recommend you guys to every musician out on the road. There’s plenty of food out there it’s just a question of who’s hungriest. Thanks for feeding the masses.
  • daxkendall
    Great tips
    Stumpled upon this podcast a few weeks ago and binged about a dozen episodes. Me and a couple of friends have been doing a rock cover band thing off and on for the past 10 years as a hobby, playing a couple shows a year. These guys really spoke to me. Dans band sounds a little like my band and I like how Adam talks about the image he has been building for his band. I have tried applying several tips that I have picked up from them: bought a helix, talked to my band about creating a show rather than just playing a bunch of songs, took cover song ideas, etc. I have emailed them questions too and they are happy to respond. I started listening to their early episodes and in one they mentioned another popular band podcast and I am listening to that one too it's also great. Adam and Dan seem to share some of the same musical influences as me though so alot of their advice is more applicable to what I am doing. I feel like I had nowhere to turn to for advice and now it's like the floodgates have opened!
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