Tangents, Tracks, and Tenacity with Adam Moskowitz

In this episode, you’ll join Dave and returning guest co-host Adam Moskowitz, Chief Groove Officer of VAM Band, as they dive headfirst into the world of nanny tracks, first-gig chaos, and future-proofing your sound. From building tracks in Reaper to rehearsing smarter—not longer—you’ll learn how technology can help you bring your band’s best show to the stage fast. Then, it’s all about mindset: dealing with last-minute cancellations, navigating new players, and keeping your cool when the curveballs fly. Whether you’re warming up your voice with R.E.M. or re-negotiating pay on a sub gig, this episode reminds you that gigging is equal parts art, attitude, and adaptability. Keep your groove steady and—Always Be Performing. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 507 – Monday, November 10th, 2025 November 10th: International Accounting Day Guest co-host: Adam Moskowitz, Chief Groove Officer of VAM Band 00:01:46 The Benefits of Nanny Tracks and Invisible Conductors Arrangement and Lyrics are the two big hurdles Nanny tracks can get you out of the rehearsal room FAST We play new songs at every show! 25 new songs in 2025 00:06:03 Playing a new song for the first time in front of a crowd 00:10:41 Building the backing tracks Download from Karaoke-Version and load into Reaper (Adam’s DAW of choice) Snap the audio to the “grid” using the click provided by Karaoke Version. Then set stretch markers at the beginning of each measure, so then I can stretch the tempo and everything stays in tune and in time 00:13:42 Filling in … with a blind drummer! A sub from six months ago called and asked Adam to sub in HIS band Negotiating the right pay to ensure you don’t lose money “The band didn’t provide a setlist…so I built one!” When subbing: check the band’s YouTube to see what keys they play in 00:20:40 SPONSOR: Surfshark. Go to https://surfshark.com/giggab4 or use code giggab4 at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! 00:22:49 What’s your vocal warmup routine? Dave sings: R.E.M.’s Finest Worksong (twice) Optional: Spin Doctors “A Pocket Full Of Kryptonite” Adam does scales: “Men’s Vocal Warmup – 5 Minutes” 00:28:01 Create a pre-show ritual Warm up your brain, your body, and set your intentions Leave your baggage behind, focus on bringing joy and having fun 00:29:49 Avoiding Cancellations with a System Cover bands that operate like original bands: rare, and coveted! Not all bands can do that. 00:34:02 What happens with 24-hour notice when your singer cancels…and you have a brand-new drummer? Be like water…go with the flow! Using tracks as a supporting layer. 00:41:30 What are you trying to do with your band? Define your band’s intention. For Adam and VAM Band: create something that’s future-proof In VAM Band, you need to understand the value of playing the spaces 00:43:58 Learn what is best in an off-stage conversation (versus on-stage) The singer who said, “I hate playing this song” on stage doesn’t get re-hired Curating positive energy on stage 00:50:33 Setting the expectation with your bandmates up front gives you scalability If you tell people that not everyone is on every gig, then it’s easy! 00:57:00 Future-proofing like a Broadway show 00:58:56 Are we in the golden age of music Suno now allows you to upload audio and then create a cover version of the audio 01:08:14 Adam’s sound engineer gig tomorrow: six microphones, five hours, $900 Adam gets the sound gig by doing sound for his band 01:08:56 How to communicate your band’s sound to a FOH engineer How can I help you know our band? FOH engineers can drastically alter the way your band sounds Put band/sound crib notes on the stage plot 01:18:05 Gig Gab 507 Outtro Follow Adam Moskowitz @adammoskowitzmusic Contact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagram [email protected] Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List The post Tangents, Tracks, and Tenacity — Gig Gab 507 appeared first on Gig Gab.