Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast

<img width="750" height="750" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/de-feedback-devin-sheets-gg524.jpg?fit=750%2C750&amp;ssl=1" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="De-Feedback plugin for working musicians – live sound feedback control with Devin Sheets - Gig Gab 524" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/de-feedback-devin-sheets-gg524.jpg?w=3000&amp;ssl=1 3000w, https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/de-feedback-devin-sheets-gg524.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/de-feedback-devin-sheets-gg524.jpg?resize=1024%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/de-feedback-devin-sheets-gg524.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/de-feedback-devin-sheets-gg524.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/de-feedback-devin-sheets-gg524.jpg?resize=1536%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/de-feedback-devin-sheets-gg524.jpg?resize=2048%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/de-feedback-devin-sheets-gg524.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/de-feedback-devin-sheets-gg524.jpg?resize=50%2C50&amp;ssl=1 50w, https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/de-feedback-devin-sheets-gg524.jpg?w=2250&amp;ssl=1 2250w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /><div> <p>You’re invited into a legacy family audio business that refused to accept “good enough” on feedback control and instead chased the impossible: a truly zero‑latency, AI‑driven way to push your PA louder without squeals. You follow Devin Sheets from growing up on sound gigs to roaming European stages, then back home to build De‑Feedback plugin for working musicians, <a href="https://www.giggabpodcast.com/2026/01/05/robert-scovill-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-gg515/">a live sound feedback plugin</a> and on‑the‑fly impulse‑response generator that listens like a seasoned engineer: separating human voice, room reverb, background noise, and feedback in real time so you can grab at least 6 dB more gain before things start to howl. Along the way you see how NAMM sparked the idea, how inverse impulse responses and probability math beat old EQ and gate tricks, and how “homebrew AI” meant sneaking into every empty church at 3 a.m. just to teach the model what real rooms actually sound like.</p> <p>You also learn how to think like a modern working musician: using social media to find the right AI programmers across the world, leaning on LLMs to translate, collaborate, and even rate contractor work so you can move faster without losing control. You come away knowing you can drop a dedicated De‑Feedback box or plugin into almost any rig, from churches to touring consoles to tiny clubs, take it with you even when someone else is behind the board, and quietly stack the deck in your favor. In the end, it’s a roadmap for how you run your own gigs and career: stay curious, embrace new tools, protect your sound, and Always Be Performing.<span aria-label="Edit Post “Gig Gab 524 with Devin Sheets” ‹ Gig Gab — WordPress" data-state="closed"></span></p> <p><span class="embed-youtube" style="text-align:center; display: block;"><iframe class="youtube-player" width="750" height="422" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/J6CvF3CZ36M?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox"></iframe></span></p> </div> <ul> <li aria-level="1">00:00:00 <a href="https://www.giggabpodcast.com/">Gig Gab</a> 524 &#8211; Monday, <a href="https://nationaltoday.com/march-9">March 9th</a>, 2026 <ul> <li aria-level="1">March 9th: <a href="https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/national-meatball-day-march-9">National Meatball Day</a></li> <li aria-level="1">Guest co-host: <a href="https://www.giggabpodcast.com/tag/devin-sheets/">Devin Sheets</a> from <a href="https://www.alphalabsaudio.com/">Alpha Labs</a></li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:02:12 Let’s Grow this Legacy Family Business <ul> <li aria-level="1">Grew up doing sound</li> <li aria-level="1">Also a musician</li> <li aria-level="1">Lived in Europe</li> <li aria-level="1">Then came back and said, “let’s grow this family business!”</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:03:44 We haven’t “just solved” this feedback problem <ul> <li aria-level="1">Went to NAMM for the first time, and was inspired</li> <li aria-level="1">There are automated EQ-based or gate-based systems</li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://waves.alzt.net/195yRB">PSE plugin from Waves</a></li> <li aria-level="1">5045 for feedback</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:04:57 Why isn’t there a “<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balanced_audio">balanced audio</a>”-type solution for Feedback <ul> <li aria-level="1">Balanced Audio fixes hums and it just works.</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:08:24 NAMM is a great inspiration…and it inspired Devin and his team to seek a feedback plugin solution <ul> <li aria-level="1">People get entrenched</li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.tone3000.com/guides/impulse-responses">Inverse Impulse Response methodology</a></li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:12:35 Training the AI to listen for three things: human voice, reverb, and feedback <ul> <li aria-level="1">Created a de-reverb algorithm and went beyond that</li> <li aria-level="1">A probability calculation does the math</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:16:05 Truly zero latency for the plugin <ul> <li aria-level="1">Workflow latency remains</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:19:32 I don’t have any coding or AI background, but I have a gut feeling AI will fix this feedback problem <ul> <li aria-level="1">Others: It’s harder than you think</li> <li aria-level="1">Devin: I knew that it needed to happen</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:20:58 Finding an AI programmer who was interested in doing <ul> <li aria-level="1">Experimented with some programmers, failed, learned some things!</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:21:09 Social Media to the rescue! <ul> <li aria-level="1">Late 2023: Devin found a group of AI programmers who would be interested</li> <li aria-level="1">Sending large amounts of money to China…it’s a risk!</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:26:30 At 3am, a text message: I think I’ve done it. <ul> <li aria-level="1">Devin immediately started testing it himself</li> <li aria-level="1">“It seemed to work.”</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:27:17 Installing De-Feedback in Churches</li> <li aria-level="1">Sponsors <ul> <li aria-level="1">00:30:57 SPONSOR: <a href="https://claude.ai/giggab">Claude.ai</a> – Ready to tackle bigger problems? Sign up for Claude today, which includes access to Claude Cowork, too, when you visit <a href="https://claude.ai/giggab">Claude.ai/giggab</a></li> <li aria-level="1">00:32:43 SPONSOR: <a href="https://squarespace.com/GIGGAB">Squarespace</a>. Check out <a href="https://www.squarespace.com/GIGGAB">https://www.squarespace.com/GIGGAB</a> to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code GIGGAB.</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:34:20 What is an <a href="https://www.roomeqwizard.com/help/help_en-GB/html/impulseresponse.html">impulse response</a>? <ul> <li aria-level="1">Impulse Response: An audio picture of how the room sounds</li> <li aria-level="1">Popping balloons in a room/environment and recording the sound is a common approach for creating impulse responses</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:38:33 De-Feedback is an on-the-fly IR generator <ul> <li aria-level="1">…and analyzer that’s trained on the human voice, room reverb, background noise…and feedback</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:41:55 Finding the right programmers was the key <ul> <li aria-level="1">…in addition to actually having the idea and the bullheaded persistence to make it happen.</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:44:46 Mind-melding was necessary <ul> <li aria-level="1">And LLMs helped with translation!</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:48:39 Using AI to make it possible to collaborate with other humans</li> <li aria-level="1">00:50:03 Using an LLM to rate the work of your contractors and employees</li> <li aria-level="1">00:51:54 How do we get <a href="https://www.defeedback.ai/">De-Feedback</a> into the hands of working musicians <ul> <li aria-level="1">US$499 for the De-Feedback plugin</li> <li aria-level="1">VST3 or AU plugin</li> <li aria-level="1">A higher-end Windows laptop can likely run it on its own</li> <li aria-level="1">Apple’s Core Audio tech makes it difficult, but they’re working on it.</li> <li aria-level="1">De-Feedback also sells a perfectly-tuned headless computer to do this</li> <li aria-level="1">Alpha Labs tried tons of interfaces that the Focusrite Scarlett keeps glitches out of the mix</li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.waves.com/hardware/superrack-livebox">Waves SuperRack LiveBox</a></li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">01:01:37 Where do we expand? <ul> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.allen-heath.com/hardware/">Allen &amp; Heath mixers</a>?</li> <li aria-level="1">Midas/Behringer mixers?</li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/alphasound.tech/posts/paul-j-falcone-pictured-using-de-feedback-v1-on-tour-with-mariah-carey-world-cla/963448705825747/">Paul Falcone, mixing Mariah Carey, wanted to use it!</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.giggabpodcast.com/2026/01/05/robert-scovill-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-gg515/">Robert Scovill talking Rock Hall on Gig Gab</a></li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">01:05:18 Homebrew AI! <ul> <li aria-level="1">Training EVERY room he could find</li> <li aria-level="1">“Can you let me into your empty church at 3am?” – To record IR to then train the data set for De-Feeback</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">01:07:25 Creating your own AI model</li> <li aria-level="1">01:08:13 What’s the future look like? <ul> <li aria-level="1">Acquisition? Demands for security? – Planning for it all</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">01:09:26 You can get this and bring it with you to gigs where someone else is doing sound <ul> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.alphalabsaudio.com/defeedback/">De-Feedback Option 1</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0FM63CPCT/giggab-20">Allen &amp; Heath Qu-5</a>’s Feedback Eliminator</li> <li aria-level="1">De-Feedback gets at least as 6dB more gain before feedback</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">01:17:46 Gig Gab 524 Outtro <ul> <li aria-level="1">Follow <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/devinsheets/">Devin Sheets</a> <ul> <li aria-level="1">And <a href="https://www.alphalabsaudio.com/">Alpha Labs</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/alphasound.tech/">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/alpha.sound/">Instagram</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3yGW2IbCPw">YouTube for Alpha Labs</a></li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">Contact Gig Gab! <ul> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/giggabpodcast/">@GigGabPodcast on Instagram</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.giggabpodcast.com/subscribe-to-podcast/">Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.giggabpodcast.com/2026/03/09/de-feedback-plugin-for-working-musicians-more-gain-less-feedback-gig-gab-524-with-devin-sheets/">De-Feedback Plugin for Working Musicians: More Gain, Less Feedback – Gig Gab 524 with Devin Sheets</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.giggabpodcast.com">Gig Gab</a>.</p>

<img width="750" height="750" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/festival-gigs-sxsw-survival-gg523.jpg?fit=750%2C750&amp;ssl=1" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Musician hauling gear past a festival stage crowd, illustrating Gig Gab 523 about festival gigs and SXSW survival tips for musicians and attendees." style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/festival-gigs-sxsw-survival-gg523.jpg?w=3000&amp;ssl=1 3000w, https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/festival-gigs-sxsw-survival-gg523.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/festival-gigs-sxsw-survival-gg523.jpg?resize=1024%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/festival-gigs-sxsw-survival-gg523.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/festival-gigs-sxsw-survival-gg523.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/festival-gigs-sxsw-survival-gg523.jpg?resize=1536%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/festival-gigs-sxsw-survival-gg523.jpg?resize=2048%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/festival-gigs-sxsw-survival-gg523.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/festival-gigs-sxsw-survival-gg523.jpg?resize=50%2C50&amp;ssl=1 50w, https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/festival-gigs-sxsw-survival-gg523.jpg?w=2250&amp;ssl=1 2250w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /><div class="prose dark:prose-invert inline leading-relaxed break-words min-w-0 [word-break:break-word] prose-strong:font-bold [&amp;_&gt;*:first-child]:mt-0 [&amp;_&gt;*:last-child]:mb-0"> <p class="my-2 [&amp;+p]:mt-4 [&amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2">You get dropped into a two-show day where you’re juggling festival chaos, a paramedic emergency during set change, and a mysteriously mudded-out bass that turns out to be a rogue low‑pass filter at 90 Hz, all while keeping the gig on the rails because you Always Be Performing.</p> <p class="my-2 [&amp;+p]:mt-4 [&amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2">Then you pivot into first‑timer survival tactics for attending SXSW: locking in reservations weeks out, over‑planning so you can gleefully abandon those plans, and treating the whole thing as a marathon and a sprint while your calendar app becomes your best friend&#8230;and your worst enemy.</p> <p class="my-2 [&amp;+p]:mt-4 [&amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2">Throughout it all, you’re thinking like a pro: dialing in efficient monitor setups for festival stages, dealing with sketchy solder joints on a microphone (or is that a mic cable issue?), staying sane amid SXSW security, and never underestimating the power of great brisket, BBQ, and a solid spot to reset your brain. You’ll also get the practical stuff no one tells you: what to wear, why you always keep your badge on you, and how finding a seasoned SXSW Sherpa can save your week (and your feet) before you ever hit your first line.</p> <h1 class="my-2 [&amp;+p]:mt-4 [&amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2"><span class="inline-flex" aria-label="Edit Post “Gig Gab 523 with Devin Sheets” ‹ Gig Gab — WordPress" data-state="closed">​<span>From Festival Gigs to SXSW: Essential Survival Tips for Musicians and Attendees</span></span></h1> <p><span class="embed-youtube" style="text-align:center; display: block;"><iframe class="youtube-player" width="750" height="422" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ls4HOeVDPmM?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox"></iframe></span></p> </div> <ul> <li aria-level="1">00:00:00 <a href="https://www.giggabpodcast.com/">Gig Gab</a> 523 &#8211; Monday, <a href="https://nationaltoday.com/march-2">March 2nd</a>, 2026 <ul> <li aria-level="1">March 2nd: <a href="https://nationaltoday.com/international-rescue-cat-day/">International Rescue Cat Day</a></li> <li aria-level="1">Guest co-host: <a href="https://www.giggabpodcast.com/tag/lisa-hamilton/">Lisa Hamilton</a></li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:01:41 Two Show Day for Dave <ul> <li aria-level="1">First gig, Bitter Pill &#8211; Festival <ul> <li aria-level="1">And there was a paramedic</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">Bitter Pill: It’s Rock and Roll… It’s Rockabilly… It’s Blues… I don’t know!</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:10:43 Second gig &#8211; somehow the bass got a low-pass filter set at 90hZ! <ul> <li aria-level="1">Problem solved, gig a success!</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:18:23 SPONSOR: <a href="https://gusto.com/giggab">Gusto</a>. Get three months free when you run your first payroll when you start at <a href="https://gusto.com/giggab">https://gusto.com/giggab</a></li> <li aria-level="1">00:20:00 Attending SXSW for the first time</li> <li aria-level="1">00:25:45 Learning how to manage SXSW</li> <li aria-level="1">00:27:30 SXXpress passes become Reservations <ul> <li aria-level="1">And now they’re 3-weeks out instead of 2 days!</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:33:21 Reserving things in advance</li> <li aria-level="1">00:37:25 It’s all about planning in advance <ul> <li aria-level="1">And then throwing away your plans and making a series of Sophie’s Choices</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:39:24 It’s a marathon…and a sprint</li> <li aria-level="1">00:39:42 Managing the Calendar</li> <li aria-level="1">00:43:39 With the App</li> <li aria-level="1">00:48:43 Managing your monitor needs with efficiency at festival gigs</li> <li aria-level="1">00:52:51 Security at SXSW</li> <li aria-level="1">00:58:15 Luke Warm Solder Joint on the Microphone <ul> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://heilsound.com/product/pr-40/?srsltid=AfmBOooKglp7I2q6YAD7UU1409hdObkmhMIYLE4M4goSvjD-VYUjzc6w">Heil PR-40</a></li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:58:57 Eat good food! <ul> <li aria-level="1">Brisket and BBQ</li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.eastsidecafeaustin.com/">Eastside Cafe in Austin</a></li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">01:01:11 What should I wear?</li> <li aria-level="1">01:06:36 Find a SXSW Sherpa!</li> <li aria-level="1">01:07:58 Finding your badge?</li> <li aria-level="1">01:08:59 Always have your badge with you</li> <li aria-level="1">01:11:38 Gig Gab 523 Outtro <ul> <li aria-level="1">Contact Gig Gab! <ul> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/giggabpodcast/">@GigGabPodcast on Instagram</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.giggabpodcast.com/subscribe-to-podcast/">Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.giggabpodcast.com/2026/03/02/festival-gigs-sxsw-survival-tips-gg523/">From Festival Gigs to SXSW: Survival Tips for Musicians and Attendees — Gig Gab 523 with Lisa Hamilton</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.giggabpodcast.com">Gig Gab</a>.</p>

<img width="750" height="750" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/02/kaitlyn-raitz-eric-church-grammys-gg522.jpg?fit=750%2C750&amp;ssl=1" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="From the Eric Church Tour to the Grammys: On the Bus with Cellist Kaitlyn Raitz – Gig Gab 522 episode image" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/02/kaitlyn-raitz-eric-church-grammys-gg522.jpg?w=3000&amp;ssl=1 3000w, https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/02/kaitlyn-raitz-eric-church-grammys-gg522.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/02/kaitlyn-raitz-eric-church-grammys-gg522.jpg?resize=1024%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/02/kaitlyn-raitz-eric-church-grammys-gg522.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/02/kaitlyn-raitz-eric-church-grammys-gg522.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/02/kaitlyn-raitz-eric-church-grammys-gg522.jpg?resize=1536%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/02/kaitlyn-raitz-eric-church-grammys-gg522.jpg?resize=2048%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/02/kaitlyn-raitz-eric-church-grammys-gg522.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/02/kaitlyn-raitz-eric-church-grammys-gg522.jpg?resize=50%2C50&amp;ssl=1 50w, https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/02/kaitlyn-raitz-eric-church-grammys-gg522.jpg?w=2250&amp;ssl=1 2250w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /><p>You’re riding along with Kaitlyn Raitz as she breaks down the real mechanics of touring at scale: staying human on a bus, finding tiny routines that keep you sane, and surviving the sleep math when you’re one of twelve buses on a massive run. Then it’s straight into the onstage reality of modern country arena production: 24 musicians, a full string quartet, choir, and horns, plus the challenge of making strings translate in a loud arena. You get the practical gear-and-tech layer too: DPA mics and pickups, dynamic EQ, managing cello loudness, and how tools like ToneDexter fit into keeping tone consistent when the room is working against you.</p> <p>You also get the career side, unfiltered: how the Eric Church gig happened through the Nashville relationship web, why being excellent and easy to be around matters, and why “Nashville is a ten-year town” if you want longevity. Kaitlyn’s stories span arranging and learning charts mid-tour from iPads, to the whiplash of getting a Grammy call with barely any runway, to recording in LA and wondering how anyone actually functions there. The episode closes with the mindset and performance skills that keep pros durable: protecting your brain and nervous system, flipping a stage persona on and off, and the practical win of transitioning to IEMs for a cellist when monitors are run well. Bottom line: this is how you keep your craft sharp, your head steady, and your show consistent night after night. Always Be Performing.​</p> <p><span class="embed-youtube" style="text-align:center; display: block;"><iframe loading="lazy" class="youtube-player" width="750" height="422" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZL-0FValdU4?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox"></iframe></span></p> <ul> <li aria-level="1">00:00:00 <a href="https://www.giggabpodcast.com/">Gig Gab</a> 522 &#8211; Monday, <a href="https://nationaltoday.com/february-23">February 23rd</a>, 2026 <ul> <li aria-level="1">February 23rd: <a href="https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/curling-is-cool-day/">Curling Is Cool Day</a></li> <li aria-level="1">Guest co-host: <a href="https://www.giggabpodcast.com/tag/kaitlyn-raitz">Kaitlyn Raitz</a></li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:01:55 Protein and Joy on the bus</li> <li aria-level="1">00:02:14 Passing the time productively on the bus…and on the tour <ul> <li aria-level="1">Swimming</li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://swimply.com/">Swimply</a> OR <a href="http://placestoswim.com/">PlacesToSwim.com</a></li> <li aria-level="1">Thrifting</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:05:53 Sleeping on the bus! <ul> <li aria-level="1">Twelve tour busses on this tour</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:07:26 24 Musicians on stage <ul> <li aria-level="1">String Quartet</li> <li aria-level="1">8-Person Choir</li> <li aria-level="1">Horn/Woodwind Quartet</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:09:45 Micing a string quartet in an arena <ul> <li aria-level="1">DPA Mics AND pickups</li> <li aria-level="1">Dynamic EQ</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:14:47 Cellos and Loudness <ul> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://audiosprockets.com/tonedexter/">ToneDexter</a></li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:18:50 Writing, arranging and learning charts mid-tour! <ul> <li aria-level="1">Reading from iPads</li> <li aria-level="1">Eleanor Denning, String Lead and Arranger on the Eric Church Tour</li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.bitterpillband.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopAlHib8YWpiRLp8AHtwRXcrPe0HBxJGru9jkVAESybvwor_itP">Bitter Pill</a> has a cellist, too!</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:21:33 Getting the Eric Church gig <ul> <li aria-level="1">Sub list for the Nashville Symphony</li> <li aria-level="1">Everything in Nashville is relationship-based</li> <li aria-level="1">Be good at what you do, and also be a pleasant person that people want to be around</li> <li aria-level="1">Nashville is a ten-year town</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:25:07 SPONSOR: <a href="https://squarespace.com/GIGGAB">Squarespace</a>. Check out <a href="https://www.squarespace.com/GIGGAB">https://www.squarespace.com/GIGGAB</a> to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code GIGGAB.</li> <li aria-level="1">00:26:55 You played on the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grammy_Awards">Grammy</a>’s? <ul> <li aria-level="1">Used to play with Brandy Clark, and occasionally gets a one-off gig call still.</li> <li aria-level="1">AND, a week-and-a-half before the Grammy’s, the call came in</li> <li aria-level="1">Do you want to play the Grammy’s with me?</li> <li aria-level="1">Kaitlyn has questions for LA-denizens: <ul> <li aria-level="1">How do you live in LA?</li> <li aria-level="1">Do you see people that you know?</li> <li aria-level="1">Do you take public transportation?</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">Recorded at <a href="https://www.sunsetsound.com/">Sunset Sounds in LA</a></li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:33:05 Protecting your brain and nervous system <ul> <li aria-level="1">Take on a persona <ul> <li aria-level="1">“You are Kaitlyn Motherfucking Raitz”</li> <li aria-level="1">“We are bad bitches, we have earned this”</li> <li aria-level="1">Gary Cherone is the master of turning the stage persona on AND OFF</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">Let the lights blind you</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:40:25 Transitioning to IEMs <ul> <li aria-level="1">It’s great for a cellist!</li> <li aria-level="1">IEMs are better than having to use bone conduction</li> <li aria-level="1">Kaitlyn’s IEM mix &#8211; she hears the band</li> <li aria-level="1">It comes down to who’s running monitors</li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://pro.ultimateears.com/products/ue-7-pro?srsltid=AfmBOoq47Qj6UstxaPOt7e6t5umBgi8JbpUCDyku9N84hu_5fCgH_CuS">Ultimate Ears UE7 Pros IEMs</a></li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:47:06 <a href="https://www.kaitlynraitz.com/listen">Kaitlyn Raitz’s Music</a></li> <li aria-level="1">00:48:52 Gig Gab 522 Outtro <ul> <li aria-level="1">Follow <a href="https://www.kaitlynraitz.com/">Kaitlyn Raitz</a> <ul> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/kraitz/?hl=en">On Instagram</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/KaitlynRaitzCellist/">On Facebook</a></li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">Contact Gig Gab! <ul> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/giggabpodcast/">@GigGabPodcast on Instagram</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.giggabpodcast.com/subscribe-to-podcast/">Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>The post <a href="https://www.giggabpodcast.com/2026/02/23/eric-church-grammys-cellist-kaitlyn-raitz-gg522/">From the Eric Church Tour to the Grammys: On the Bus with Cellist Kaitlyn Raitz – Gig Gab 522</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.giggabpodcast.com">Gig Gab</a>.</p>

<img width="750" height="750" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/02/cbc-dan-ray-test-rehearse-gg521.jpg?fit=750%2C750&amp;ssl=1" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Cover Band Confidential’s Dan Ray: Test the Market, Then Rehearse – Gig Gab 521" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/02/cbc-dan-ray-test-rehearse-gg521.jpg?w=3000&amp;ssl=1 3000w, https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/02/cbc-dan-ray-test-rehearse-gg521.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/02/cbc-dan-ray-test-rehearse-gg521.jpg?resize=1024%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/02/cbc-dan-ray-test-rehearse-gg521.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/02/cbc-dan-ray-test-rehearse-gg521.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/02/cbc-dan-ray-test-rehearse-gg521.jpg?resize=1536%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/02/cbc-dan-ray-test-rehearse-gg521.jpg?resize=2048%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/02/cbc-dan-ray-test-rehearse-gg521.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/02/cbc-dan-ray-test-rehearse-gg521.jpg?resize=50%2C50&amp;ssl=1 50w, https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/02/cbc-dan-ray-test-rehearse-gg521.jpg?w=2250&amp;ssl=1 2250w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /><p class="p1">You kick off this week with Dan Ray by reframing failure as a tool, not a verdict. Instead of obsessing over the “vanity listen” after a gig or rehearsal, you do the check-in listen and extract the lesson. You learn to fail fast the right way by making small bets that generate real data quickly, including testing demand before you invest rehearsal time. That mindset carries into band direction changes and the leadership realities that come with them: different people want different levels of ownership, and the job is to be a benevolent dictator who listens widely but decides cleanly. You also get practical about managing public perception and egos, taking cues from bands that protected the brand by being intentional about roles and visibility.</p> <p class="p1">Then you dig into Dan’s origin stories and the nuts-and-bolts that keep working musicians moving: starting a band young, landing monthly gigs, and learning obvious-in-hindsight lessons like not running a vocal mic through a guitar amp. You hear how scrappy tools like a Tascam 4-track can solve real problems, why running a PA from the stage demands discipline, and why the room you rehearse in changes what you think you’re hearing. From there it gets wonderfully nerdy with quick hits that matter in real life, like using low-pass filters aggressively and remembering that time alignment starts with where sound sources physically live. You close in the feels with theater life and the emotional punch of closing night, a reminder that the tech and the business serve the same goal: show up ready, stay present, and Always Be Performing.</p> <p><span class="embed-youtube" style="text-align:center; display: block;"><iframe loading="lazy" class="youtube-player" width="750" height="422" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/03Z58x6t270?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox"></iframe></span></p> <ul> <li aria-level="1">00:00:00 <a href="https://www.giggabpodcast.com/">Gig Gab</a> 521 &#8211; Monday, <a href="https://nationaltoday.com/february-16">February 16th</a>, 2026 <ul> <li aria-level="1">February 16th: <a href="https://nationaltoday.com/national-rationalization-day/">National Rationalization Day</a></li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:02:08 Guest co-host: <a href="https://www.giggabpodcast.com/tag/dan-ray/">Dan Ray</a> <ul> <li aria-level="1">Last visit: July 19, 2020 for <a href="https://www.giggabpodcast.com/2020/07/19/giggab265-coverbandconfidential100/">GG 265 and CBC 100</a></li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:03:23 Having a productive relationship with failure <ul> <li aria-level="1">Failure can a lesson you lean into</li> <li aria-level="1">After gigs or rehearsals: the check-in listen vs. the vanity listen</li> <li aria-level="1">Fail fast the right way: “make a bet” by setting up something that you can quickly get data from</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:08:47 Transitioning a band’s direction <ul> <li aria-level="1">Dan’s Big in the 80s band</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:10:10 Test your market before committing too much <ul> <li aria-level="1">Book the gig before you rehearse the songs. Make sure there’s demand and interest. If not… move on! (You failed fast!)</li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/">Cover Band Confidential</a></li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:12:52 AI solves the blank page problem &#8211; use it often!</li> <li aria-level="1">00:14:28 Leading bands (and people) <ul> <li aria-level="1">Be ready for people who want to engage with different levels of ownership</li> <li aria-level="1">Learning how to be a benevolent dictator… but also learn to be the leader, and the decision-maker, the ultimate arbiter. Don’t do it in a vacuum, but I’ll be the last word.</li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://porktornadoes.com/">The Pork Tornadoes</a> are a democracy-ish. But decision-makers are pre-decided by a healthy division of labor.</li> <li aria-level="1">Learning to manage the public perception of your band (and your egos) like R.E.M. and RUSH did.</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:22:37 Do you name your band after yourself?</li> <li aria-level="1">My Thanks to Our Sponsors <ul> <li aria-level="1">00:25:09 SPONSOR: <a href="https://claude.ai/giggab">Claude.ai</a> – Ready to tackle bigger problems? Sign up for Claude today and get 50% off Claude Pro, which includes access to Claude Cowork, too, when you visit <a href="https://claude.ai/giggab">Claude.ai/giggab</a></li> <li aria-level="1">00:26:50 SPONSOR: <a href="https://factormeals.com/giggab50off">Factor</a>, America’s #1 Ready-To-Eat Meal Kit, can help you fuel up fast with flavorful and nutritious ready-to-eat meals delivered straight to your door. Visit <a href="https://factormeals.com/giggab50off">FactorMeals.com/giggab50off</a> and use code giggab50off for 50% off!</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:28:38 First kid in high school to start a band <ul> <li aria-level="1">Grew out of the school-run rock band</li> <li aria-level="1">Decided to play some originals and covers at home, and got a gig!</li> <li aria-level="1">The school librarian booked them monthly!</li> <li aria-level="1">Lesson: don’t put a vocal mic through the guitar amp</li> <li aria-level="1">Tascam 4-Track cassette recorder to use as a mixer</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:33:27 Dan Manages the PA from the stage <ul> <li aria-level="1">We rehearse in a 15&#215;20 indoor, climate-controlled storage unit</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:36:32 Quick Tip: Use Low Pass Filters on everything</li> <li aria-level="1">00:37:35 Time Alignment: A reminder that sound source locations matter <ul> <li aria-level="1">Check out the 16-minute mark of <a href="https://www.giggabpodcast.com/2024/05/13/nerding-out-live-sound-robert-scovill-gg429/">this episode with Robert Scovill</a> for more</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:40:36 Having theater kids <ul> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.stagelightstheater.com/">Stagelights in Greensboro, NC</a></li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:43:05 The emotions during closing night in musical theater</li> <li aria-level="1">00:50:12 Gig Gab 522 Outtro <ul> <li aria-level="1">Follow Dan Ray <ul> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/danraymusician/">@DanRayMusician</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.coverbandconfidential.com/">@CoverBandConfidential</a></li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">Contact Gig Gab! <ul> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/giggabpodcast/">@GigGabPodcast on Instagram</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.giggabpodcast.com/subscribe-to-podcast/">Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.giggabpodcast.com/2026/02/16/cover-band-confidential-dan-ray-test-then-rehearse-gg521/">Cover Band Confidential’s Dan Ray: Test the Market, Then Rehearse – Gig Gab 521</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.giggabpodcast.com">Gig Gab</a>.</p>

<img width="750" height="750" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/02/laura-whitmore-she-rocks-gg520.jpg?fit=750%2C750&amp;ssl=1" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Creating the Room You Want to Be In: Laura Whitmore and the She Rocks Story – Gig Gab 520 episode image" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/02/laura-whitmore-she-rocks-gg520.jpg?w=3000&amp;ssl=1 3000w, https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/02/laura-whitmore-she-rocks-gg520.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/02/laura-whitmore-she-rocks-gg520.jpg?resize=1024%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/02/laura-whitmore-she-rocks-gg520.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/02/laura-whitmore-she-rocks-gg520.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/02/laura-whitmore-she-rocks-gg520.jpg?resize=1536%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/02/laura-whitmore-she-rocks-gg520.jpg?resize=2048%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/02/laura-whitmore-she-rocks-gg520.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/02/laura-whitmore-she-rocks-gg520.jpg?resize=50%2C50&amp;ssl=1 50w, https://i0.wp.com/www.giggabpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/02/laura-whitmore-she-rocks-gg520.jpg?w=2250&amp;ssl=1 2250w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /><p class="p1">You jump into this episode balancing the reality of working gigs with the mindset that keeps musicians moving forward. From Dave&#8217;s recent experiences playing atypical rooms with Bitter Pill to cramming new material for Casual Gravity, you’re reminded that momentum matters even when the crowd is small. Always Be Performing is not about scale, it’s about consistency. That theme carries straight into the conversation with Laura Whitmore, whose career has been shaped by connecting people, creating opportunities, and knowing when to pull back just enough to build a sustainable life alongside the work.</p> <p class="p1">As Laura walks you through the birth and growth of the She Rocks Awards, you hear what it actually takes to build something lasting. It started small, grew through trust and partnerships, and evolved by treating the event like a show, with pacing, flow, and intention. You dig into what real visibility looks like, how to define success on your own terms, and why borrowed platforms are never enough to build a career. The takeaway is practical and clear: start with a big vision, set measurable goals, build community deliberately, and own your audience.</p> <p class="p1">This episode is a reminder that longevity comes from intention, preparation, and showing up with purpose, gig after gig.</p> <p><iframe loading="lazy" title="Creating the Room You Want to Be In: Laura Whitmore and the She Rocks Story – Gig Gab 520" width="750" height="422" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/l95yeMVU6f0?feature=oembed&#038;enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p> <ul> <li aria-level="1">00:00:00 <a href="https://www.giggabpodcast.com/">Gig Gab</a> 520 &#8211; Monday, <a href="https://nationaltoday.com/february-9">February 9th</a>, 2026 <ul> <li aria-level="1">February 9th: <a href="https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/national-pizza-day-february-9">National Pizza Day</a></li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:01:00 Dave’s Gig Updates <ul> <li aria-level="1">Playing atypical venues with <a href="https://www.bitterpillband.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoodgAn1DMSJbsVVYU-5R7B6YspjM6UbNDVPVGtUwP38dNa8pLbH">Bitter Pill</a></li> <li aria-level="1">Learning new songs with <a href="https://casualgravity.com/">Casual Gravity</a></li> <li aria-level="1">Always Be Performing…even for the small crowds!</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:17:10 SPONSOR: <a href="https://squarespace.com/GIGGAB">Squarespace</a>. Check out <a href="https://www.squarespace.com/GIGGAB">https://www.squarespace.com/GIGGAB</a> to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code GIGGAB.</li> <li aria-level="1">00:18:34 Guest co-host: <a href="https://www.giggabpodcast.com/tag/laura-whitmore/">Laura Whitmore</a></li> <li aria-level="1">00:22:20 The love of connecting people and making things happen</li> <li aria-level="1">00:23:08 Pulling back a little…to have a life <ul> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/BackStoryEvents">Backstory in partnership with Guitar World and Parade</a></li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:26:28 The green room at The She Rocks Awards is the ultimate networking event!</li> <li aria-level="1">00:29:33 The Birth of the She Rocks Awards <ul> <li aria-level="1">Writing a women-in-music blog at Guitar World, realizing the women in music didn’t know each other… yet!</li> <li aria-level="1">Started as a breakfast (with sponsors…the cheapest meal of the day!). Orianthi performed, serendipitously.</li> <li aria-level="1">After two successful years, NAMM invited She Rocks into the event officially, and The Bangles performed.</li> <li aria-level="1">“You don’t really know what you’re capable of until you’re challenged and take that leap of faith.” &#8211; Laura Whitmore</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">2026 was the 14th year of She Rocks Awards. <ul> <li aria-level="1">170 She Rocks Awards have been presented in the last 14 years.</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:34:51 “Is this ever going to come together?” is scary <ul> <li aria-level="1">Reframe it with “how is this ever going to come together?”</li> <li aria-level="1">It takes a village, folks!</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:38:12 Having good partners helps</li> <li aria-level="1">00:38:59 Create the event for yourself as an audience member <ul> <li aria-level="1">That way you’ve got a stake in how it “feels” to attend, which means the audience is represented</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:41:16 Assembling the featured women <ul> <li aria-level="1">Nominations at <a href="http://thewimn.com/">TheWimn.com</a></li> <li aria-level="1">Crafting the arc of the night by slotting the right people at the right spot. It’s a show!</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:43:49 Managing the flow of the night <ul> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo1RK1XAtsxvkfByCC3r7h3BpVy67-0qv">She Rocks Awards YouTube Channel</a></li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:46:58 People whose names became known after they were on She Rocks <ul> <li aria-level="1">Queen Herby (as Amy Heidemann)</li> <li aria-level="1">Beaches</li> <li aria-level="1">PRS Guitars brings in the opening act, with a fantastic Artist Relations team</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:49:40 Defining valuable visibility <ul> <li aria-level="1">What’s your end goal?</li> <li aria-level="1">What are your metrics? What defines success?</li> <li aria-level="1">For your band, those might be: <ul> <li aria-level="1">Did I get contact information?</li> <li aria-level="1">Did I build on success that I had before?</li> <li aria-level="1">Did this exposure opportunity help me grow to a new place/level?</li> <li aria-level="1">Start with big vision, small goals</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:54:16 You don’t own social media platforms, so don’t leave your audience there. <ul> <li aria-level="1">Facebook used to let you message all your followers. Used to!</li> <li aria-level="1">If your audience is a subset of Facebook’s audience, that’s not your audience. Give them a reason to give you their email address.</li> <li aria-level="1">Gather those email addresses.</li> <li aria-level="1">Keep those pieces of paper – scan them! Spam laws might require you to prove it!</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">01:00:18 Gear Gab! <ul> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-whitmore-222a007">Laura Whitmore is Sr. VP of Marketing at Positive Grid</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.positivegrid.com/collections/smart-guitar-amplifiers">Spark practice amps</a> (with an app!)</li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.positivegrid.com/pages/bias-x">Project BIAS X</a> &#8211; Standalone or Plugin</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">01:07:36 Designing high-quality technology for a market with a budget</li> <li aria-level="1">01:13:02 Gig Gab 520 Outtro</li> <li aria-level="1">Follow Laura Whitmore <ul> <li aria-level="1">Check out <a href="http://thewimn.com/">TheWIMN.com</a> (sign up for the mailing list for free!</li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/laurabwhitmore/?hl=en">On Instagram</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurabwhitmore/">On LinkedIn</a></li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">Contact Gig Gab! <ul> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/giggabpodcast/">@GigGabPodcast on Instagram</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.giggabpodcast.com/subscribe-to-podcast/">Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>The post <a href="https://www.giggabpodcast.com/2026/02/09/laura-whitmore-she-rocks-story-gg520/">Creating the Room You Want to Be In: Laura Whitmore and the She Rocks Story – Gig Gab 520</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.giggabpodcast.com">Gig Gab</a>.</p>