Ep. 70 Setting the Stage: Venue vs. Musician Expectations

Ep. 70 Setting the Stage: Venue vs. Musician Expectations
Solo Musician Podcast w/ Dave Gates

Shout-out to listener Laura for this week’s topic!

When booking a gig, both musicians and venues come to the table with a set of expectations—but do those expectations always align? In this episode of The Solo Musician Podcast, we dive into the crucial conversation of what artists expect from venues and what venues expect in return.

From fair compensation and professional treatment to promotion efforts and audience engagement, we break down the key points that both sides need to understand for a successful partnership.

We’ll cover:
✅ Why venues should promote performances as much as musicians do
✅ The importance of clear communication and mutual professionalism
✅ What makes a gig financially viable for both the artist and the venue
✅ How musicians can draw and retain audiences to keep venues thriving

Whether you're a seasoned performer or just stepping into the live music scene, this episode will help you navigate the gigging world with confidence and clarity.

Tune in now, and let’s bridge the gap between venues and musicians—one gig at a time! 🎵✨

Ep. 69 The Loss of Hook & Flask Still Works & Listener's Questions

Ep. 69 The Loss of Hook & Flask Still Works & Listener's Questions
Solo Musician Podcast w/Dave Gates

Hook & Flask Still Works in Carlisle, PA is closing. Whether you've never been there, or you're a regular attendee of their various nights of musical entertainment, in this episode I try to explain why Hook & Flask was such an anomaly. It was a white buffalo, or a red wolf if you will. It was the kind of place where you felt like family from the second you stepped through the doors.

For many musicians, myself included, it was home. It was the date on the calendar that you looked forward to most. It was the show that would make your heart beat a little faster because you knew it was going to be incredible.

Every. Single. Time.

It was a place for us to commune with each other, a place for good times and great friends, a place to escape the daunting world outside its roller door.

After I make my final plea for your attendance at my upcoming Hook & Flask show, I dive into some listener submitted topics and questions to round out the episode.

Thank you for being here, and I hope to see you at Hook & Flask on 3/22 7-10pm.

Ep. 68 Music Video Mastery: The Secrets Behind Promoting Hits with Andy Gesner

Ep. 68 Music Video Mastery: The Secrets Behind Promoting Hits with Andy Gesner
Solo Musician Podcast w/Dave Gates

In this episode of the Solo Musician Podcast, host Dave Gates sits down with Andy Gesner, the owner and president of Hip Video Promo, for an in-depth conversation about the world of music video promotion. Andy shares fascinating insights from his career, including his pivotal role in launching Johnny Cash’s iconic "Hurt" video.

As the music industry continues to evolve, they dive into what the music video landscape looks like in 2025, the power of Spotify and YouTube playlisting, and how social media has become the lifeblood of music promotion.

If you’re looking to up your promotional game, this episode is packed with tips, strategies, and stories that can help take your music career to the next level!

Episode #67 Central PA Music Awards 2025 RECAP w/Colin Alvarez

Ep.67 Central PA Music Awards 2025 RECAP w/Colin Alvarez
Solo Musician Podcast w/Dave Gates

Join host Dave Gates and special guest Colin Alvarez on this satirical episode of the Solo Musician Podcast as they dive deep into the highlights and comedic moments of their experience at the 2025 Central Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame Awards held at the American Music Theater on 3/5/2025!

The evening was full of unforgettable performances, community, and everyone sharing in a common love of music. It was a night that brought over 1000 people from many different areas under one roof to recognize the amazing music scene in Central PA. All things considered, it was a beautiful event, and we were really honored and excited to be a part of it.

That being said, there were a few standout moments and areas for improvement that left some people shaking their heads and audibly groaning in the theater. We try to recognize why those moments may not have come across to the attendees in the ways they were intended.

We also talk about the Solo Musician Podcast winning 2024's Local Music Podcast Of The Year award, which was a real surprise. While we poke fun at the bounty of mystical powers winning the award has provided, I truly do appreciate the recognition for all the hours and thought that goes into producing the podcast. I hope this podcast has an overall net benefit to the scene, and I really love connecting with and showcasing other musicians.

Whether you missed the awards show or want to relive the magic through a comedic lens, tune in for insider insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and all the unforgettable highlights from the first few hours of the 2025 ceremony.

#centralpa #musicindustry #musicawards #localmusic #localmusicscene #musicpodcast #musiccommunity #satire #podcast #liveperformance

Episode #66 JAKE MACH on Writing Music, Gig Life, and New Music

Episode #66 JAKE MACH on Writing Music + Gig Life
Solo Musician Podcast w/ Dave Gates

Join Dave Gates on this exciting episode of the Solo Musician Podcast as he sits down with the incredibly talented Jake Mach, a singer-songwriter from Glen Rock, PA! In this candid conversation, Jake opens up about his passion for writing music, his approach to balancing original music vs. cover songs at local bars, and his involvement with the Glen Rock Carolers.

Jake also shares how his wife and manager, Mackenzie, plays a key role in keeping his calendar packed with gigs and opportunities. Plus, get the inside scoop on Jake’s upcoming single, "As A Rambler Goes," featuring Cody Tyler — a track you won’t want to miss!

If you're a fan of authentic music, indie artists, and behind-the-scenes stories, this episode is for you. Don’t forget to hit like, subscribe, and stay tuned for Jake’s new release!

#JakeMach #SoloMusicianPodcast #MusicJourney #IndieArtist #SingerSongwriter #AsARamblerGoes #MusicLife #BarGigs #OriginalMusic #CodyTyler #GlenRockPA #MusicManagement #NewMusicRelease #MusicPodcast

Episode #65 Performing at Funerals + Other Gigging Tips w/ Jason Carst

Episode #65 Performing at Funerals + Other Gigging Tips w/ Jason Carst
Solo Musician Podcast w/ Dave Gates

On this episode of the Solo Musician Podcast, Dave Gates sits down for another chat with Jason Carst, a live looping artist from Harrisburg, PA. Jason shares stories from his journey as a solo musician, revealing the tips and tricks that have helped him thrive in the world of live performance.

From live-streaming every show to his thoughts on the Central Pennsylvania music scene, Jason opens up about his dedication to connecting with fans and his passion for performance. Whether you’re a solo musician, live looping enthusiast, or just curious about gigging, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice you won’t want to miss!

Episode #64 Be A Better Hypocrite

Episode #64 Be A Better Hypocrite
Solo Musician Podcast w/Dave Gates

In a world that values consistency and staying true to your beliefs, the idea of being a hypocrite might sound strange—or even wrong. But what if I told you that being a hypocrite could actually be a powerful tool for personal growth and progress? In this episode, we explore how embracing moments of contradiction can lead to transformation, new perspectives, and a deeper understanding of ourselves. Learn how to use your contradictions as stepping stones to success and self-improvement. Ready to rethink what it means to be a hypocrite? Listen now and unlock the unexpected benefits of change!

#PersonalGrowth #SelfImprovement #Hypocrisy #LifeProgress #ChangeIsGood

Episode #63 On the Road with Cobrette Bardole: Guitarist, Tour Manager, and the Life Behind the Music

Episode #63 On the Road with Cobrette Bardole: Guitarist, Tour Manager, Life Behind the Music
Solo Musician Podcast w/Dave Gates

In this episode, we sit down with Cobrette Bardole, a powerhouse guitarist for Sink In and I Set My Friends On Fire, and the tour manager/front-of-house engineer for If Not For Me. Cobrette takes us behind the scenes of life on the road—balancing the highs of playing to packed houses and sharing original music with the hustle of managing a tour. From early mornings to late-night shows, we dive into what a typical day looks like both as a musician and a tour manager. Plus, Cobrette shares insights into the importance of performing rights organizations, and so much more. Whether you're a fan of the bands or just curious about life in the music industry, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about music, touring, and the dedication that goes into making it all happen.