Monique Powell of Save Ferris: Ska, Struggles, and Sweet Comebacks

Monique Powell of Save Ferris joins you for a no-holds-barred dive into the grind, grit, and glory behind making a band thrive. From opera training to ska dreams, Monique shares how preparation and passion powered her transformation from “Mo Sing Song” to full-on band manager (and back again…and forth again). You’ll hear how she navigated shifting to external management, dealt with label fallout, and used setbacks as fuel—because when the machine breaks, you fix it or build your own. Her fight to save her voice wasn’t just personal—it became a mission driven by fans who refused to let go. This episode’s packed with real talk on defining success, the chaos of tour-routing post-COVID, and the rollercoaster of fan engagement. Monique lays it all out: if you want to be in a successful band, be ready to sweat every detail—gear, gigs, and gut decisions. Whether it’s dodging in-ear disasters or facing your fears head-on, Monique reminds you that showing up matters most. So, lace up, lean in, and remember: Always Be Performing. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 477 – Monday, April 14th, 2025 April 14th: National Pecan Day Guest co-host: Monique Powell from Save Ferris 00:02:37 Preparation matters! Studying to be a opera singer Why aren’t you in a band? 00:06:50 I really wanted to be in a ska band The Shanties 00:08:30 From “Mo Sing Song” to “Mo Manage Band” Save Ferris was a great band, I knew we were a great band We’re a family, and I’m going to work as hard as I can to push us forward 00:13:49 Transitioning to external management “I don’t know how to take us to the next level at this point.” 00:16:03 You’re outnumbered. Shut up and sing. 00:18:27 Getting the machine working! 00:20:52 Opportunity when your label drops you 00:22:11 Define success for yourself 00:24:21 No bank was going to give us Two Million Dollars 00:25:30 Fighting to Save her Singing Voice 00:27:36 I Let the Fans Dicate How Hard I was Going To Fight 00:29:20 Your greatest fear can be fuel Business Brain, Dave’s other podcast 00:33:33 Now I fight for our fans 00:34:30 Life is like rollerskating 00:37:23 Get Dancing from Save Ferris on April 25th! Learn the Choreography! 00:39:08 FAN ENGAGEMENT…It’s part of Always Being Performing! 00:42:31 Letting the fans be my compass 00:43:21 In-ears became a liability 00:46:26 LITFA 00:48:39 Touring with a monitor engineer 00:50:58 Tour-routing post-COVID Headlining a tour is like throwing a birthday party and wondering how many people are going to show up 00:56:04 Gig Gab 477 Outtro Follow Monique Powell and Save Ferris Contact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagram [email protected] Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List The post Monique Powell of Save Ferris: Ska, Struggles, and Sweet Comebacks — Gig Gab 477 appeared first on Gig Gab.