Rephonic
Artwork for Cover Band Confidential's Podcast

Cover Band Confidential's Podcast (Music Business, Gigging Tips & Making Money as a Musician)

Coverband Confidential
Audience Engagement
Cover Bands
Music Industry
Live Band Karaoke
NAMM
80s Music
Live Performance
Patreon
Band Dynamics
Live Music
Musician Myths
Live Music Performance
Starting a Band
Taylor Swift
Marketing Strategies
Music Performance
Branding
Band Management
Artificial Intelligence
Performance

Cover Band Confidential is the podcast for working musicians, bandleaders, and gigging players who want to make more money, book better gigs, build stronger bands, and run their music career like a business.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes449Founded9 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Music CommentaryMusic

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for Cover Band Confidential's Podcast

Latest Episodes

A listener in Scotland asked us for an episode about keyboard players.

There was only one problem: this is a podcast hosted by two guitar players.

So rather than confidently making things up for an hour, we called in Brandon Patrick of The Flannel ... more

The soundboard was dripping water. Apparently, the band was still supposed to play.

Mike Schulte of The Pork Tornadoes and the Confused Breakfast podcast joins Dan with a gig story that stands out after roughly 1,300 shows—and for all the wrong reas... more

You crushed your first gig. The venue wants you back. Now how do you get the OTHER venues to answer your emails?

This week, a listener’s success story turns into a practical guide to booking your cover band. After building The Riffbillyz from the gr... more

YouTube

Most gigs aren’t life-changing. They’re work.

You load in, fix whatever isn’t working, play the songs, collect the check, and eventually escape through a commercial kitchen.

But every once in a while, the band locks in, the crowd gives everything b... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Similar Podcasts

People also subscribe to these shows.

Recent Guests

Brandon Patrick
Keyboard player, The Flannel Pajamas
The Flannel Pajamas
Episode: Episode 448: The Keyboard Player Episode: Gear, Parts, Patches & Playing Nice With Guitarists
Jesse Erdheim
Industrial-organizational psychologist and lead singer of a Durham-area classic rock cover band
Independent consultant; author-to-be
Episode: Episode 443: A Psychologist Explains Why Bands Are So Dysfunctional (with Dr. Jesse Erdheim)
Eric Baines
Multi-instrumentalist, producer, touring artist based near Nashville; bass player for Chicago; podcaster
Episode: Episode 423: How Eric Baines Went from Wedding Bands & Disneyland to Playing Bass for Chicago
Scott Uhl
Multi-instrumentalist, YouTuber, gear reviewer
UHL Music / 90% 90s
Episode: Episode 422: What Working Musicians Actually Need (with Scott Uhl)
Mike Schulte
Guest musician from The Pork Tornadoes
The Pork Tornadoes
Episode: Episode 418: ChatGPT Roasted Our Band’s Set List: What Working Musicians Can Learn
John Pizz
Member of the band Mean Machine and experienced musician.
Mean Machine
Episode: Episode 405: Playing the Jersey Shore: Gig Stories and Working Musician Lessons With John Pizz
Aiden Fisher
Guitarist known for his performance in the 'Stranger Things' series
Episode: Episode 403: Stranger Things, Nostalgia, and Why Retro Music Culture Still Works
Tori Smith
Co-founder and owner of Black Box Prompters
Black Box Prompters
Episode: Episode 380: Interview with Tory Smith of Black Box Prompters
Mark Frederickson
Member of a beginner cover band, sharing his journey and experiences in forming the band.
Episode: Episode 374: From Zero to Gig: Coaching a Brand-New Cover Band (with Mark Frederickson)

Hosts

Adam Johnson
Host of the show and central figure in discussing gear, business, and band leadership.
Dan Ray
Co-host focusing on practical guidance, audience engagement, and real-world band dynamics.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 209 ratings
  • My. Kirkatoa

    Great podcast for working (or want to be working) musicians. 30 years of playing and really wish this resource was available when we started. Keep it up gentlemen.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Humble Kirk
    United Statesa month ago
  • Great Insights

    I love that this podcast doesn’t just go into the lives of a couple of band members, but it is actually useful in applicable in my own band. The topics are fresh and cover a lot of ground as well.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    OwenITGuy
    United Statesa month ago
  • Valuable Guidance

    I've played in multiple cover bands around Dallas for years, and Cover Band Confidential has been an invaluable resource. Dan and Adam's honest discussions about the realities of being in a working band have helped me navigate difficult decisions and avoid common pitfalls. Their insights have given me the confidence to pursue projects that are better aligned with my goals. If you're serious about playing in a cover band, this podcast is a must-listen.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    RobertBassDFW
    United States2 months ago
  • Whelp… it finally happened.

    I’ve listened to so many episodes that I recently dreamed I was actually ON the show…

    So, why not finally review it?

    These guys know what’s up when it comes to making a living as a cover band musician. It’s always refreshing when you find others that are on the same journey (and page) with you. Do yourself a favor: heed their words and suck less.

    -KW (The Divines - Bham, AL)

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    kendrum1
    United States3 months ago
  • Great show, but several recent episodes have audio issues intermittently

    I want to listen because i like the info, but the robotic intermittent audio issues, or near complete silence episode issues make it too annoying to listen. Please fix so i can come back to listen to the rest. I checked my headphones on other podcasts and i dont have the audio issues i had with this show over several episodes.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Dubtastic69695@5&5&5&5&5
    United States5 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners praise the practical, down-to-earth advice for running bands as businesses.
Many comment on the valuable gear and live-performance tips and the supportive community around Patreon.
Seasoned musicians say the show provides real-world, actionable guidance and relatable stories.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Episode 434: Does Your Cover Band Actually Need a Manager?
Q: Why do I need a manager with a small local cover band doing maybe five gigs a year?
The hosts explain that managers are typically commission-based and valuable for handling admin, exploring strategic partnerships, and unlocking growth when there's enough demand, but they are not a cure-all; the decision hinges on actual demand, multiple revenue streams, and whether outsourcing would free up time for growth.
Episode 423: How Eric Baines Went from Wedding Bands & Disneyland to Playing Bass for Chicago
Q: What was your approach to breaking into major gigs and how did you land with Chicago?
Networking and versatility were key. A pivotal moment came from a friend in the Mad Tea Party casting, plus late-career connections and a long history of pro work in LA. The right combination of talent, timing, and relationships led to wide-ranging opportunities culminating in Chicago.
Episode 423: How Eric Baines Went from Wedding Bands & Disneyland to Playing Bass for Chicago
Q: How did you get into music in the first place and what inspired you to pick up an instrument?
Music was a given from childhood; my parents played guitar and sang, and I was always drawn to performance, which led me to pursue instruments and eventually study at Berklee before moving into various LA scene gigs.
Episode 416: How Musicians Should Practice: Smarter Rehearsal and Practice Habits That Actually Work
Q: If you were going to name a guitar skill that was like something you really baked your noodle over, what would it be for you?
The last sort of musical discovery involved making sure my bends stay in tune, as I was bending way past the note before realizing I needed to aim for a pitch and stay there.
Episode 402: Another Band Jacked Your Concept — Cry About It or Crush Them?
Q: How do you handle competition from another tribute band that seems to be copying your concept?
Engage professionally, analyze your competition, and focus on differentiating yourself while understanding market dynamics.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Cover Band Confidential's Podcast

What is Cover Band Confidential's Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Two hosts focus on the realities of running and growing a working cover-band or gigging musician career. Episodes frequently center on practical business fundamentals (pricing, contracts, inquiries, branding, and revenue diversification), gear and performance workflows, and the people dynamics behind bands (leadership, auditions, and subs). They also explore broader industry topics like AI in music, safety on tour, burnout, and strategies to adapt to volatile live markets, all while keeping a candid, story-driven style. The show stands out for blending actionable, evergreen guidance with real-world anecdotes, plus a strong emphasis on community building, live-gig economics, and a practical, boss-like approach to managing a band as a small b... more

Where can I find podcast stats for Cover Band Confidential's Podcast?

Rephonic provides a wide range of podcast stats for Cover Band Confidential's Podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the information that we could find in our comprehensive podcast database. See how many people listen to Cover Band Confidential's Podcast and access YouTube viewership numbers, download stats, audience demographics, chart rankings, ratings, reviews and more.

How many listeners does Cover Band Confidential's Podcast get?

Rephonic provides a full set of podcast information for four million podcasts, including the number of listeners. View further listenership figures for Cover Band Confidential's Podcast, including podcast download numbers and subscriber numbers, so you can make better decisions about which podcasts to sponsor or be a guest on. You will need to upgrade your account to access this premium data.

What are the audience demographics for Cover Band Confidential's Podcast?

Rephonic provides comprehensive predictive audience data for Cover Band Confidential's Podcast, including gender skew, age, country, political leaning, income, professions, education level, and interests. You can access these listener demographics by upgrading your account.

How many subscribers and views does Cover Band Confidential's Podcast have?

To see how many followers or subscribers Cover Band Confidential's Podcast has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to Cover Band Confidential's Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Cover Band Confidential's Podcast:

1. Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast
2. Know Your Gear Podcast
3. No Cover Charge Podcast
4. Dipped In Tone
5. Chasing Tone - Guitar Podcast About Gear, Effects, Amps and Tone

How many episodes of Cover Band Confidential's Podcast are there?

Cover Band Confidential's Podcast launched 9 years ago and published 449 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Cover Band Confidential's Podcast?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

Where can I see ratings and reviews for Cover Band Confidential's Podcast?

Rephonic pulls ratings and reviews for Cover Band Confidential's Podcast from multiple sources, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, and Podcast Addict.

View all the reviews in one place instead of visiting each platform individually and use this information to decide if a show is worth pitching or not.

How do I access podcast episode transcripts for Cover Band Confidential's Podcast?

Rephonic provides full transcripts for episodes of Cover Band Confidential's Podcast. Search within each transcript for your keywords, whether they be topics, brands or people, and figure out if it's worth pitching as a guest or sponsor. You can even set-up alerts to get notified when your keywords are mentioned.

What guests have appeared on Cover Band Confidential's Podcast?

Recent guests on Cover Band Confidential's Podcast include:

1. Brandon Patrick
2. Jesse Erdheim
3. Eric Baines
4. Scott Uhl
5. Mike Schulte
6. John Pizz
7. Aiden Fisher
8. Tori Smith

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

Find and pitch the right podcasts

We help savvy brands, marketers and PR professionals to find the right podcasts for any topic or niche. Get the data and contacts you need to pitch podcasts at scale and turn listeners into customers.
Try it free for 7 days