When the skies open and the gig’s a wash, how do you keep the energy alive? Mike Schulte joins Dave Hamilton to break down how The Pork Tornadoes handled a rainout, what happens when the audience doesn’t get the memo, and why your contract better say who’s in charge. From chaotic “throw and go” setups to must-do line checks, this episode reminds you that you’re not just playing music—you’re leading a production. Always Be Performing means preparing like a pro, even when the show gets messy.
You’ll dive deep into the power of in-ears (spoiler: “best decision we ever made”), the delicate art of song arrangements, and why understanding the assignment matters more than raw talent. Plus, practical tips for turning fans into superfans—one drumstick, comment reply, and authentic connection at a time. If you want your audience to show up for you, you’ve got to show up for them first.
- 00:00:00 Gig Gab 490 – Monday, July 14th, 2025
- 00:01:32 Guest co-host: Mike Schulte from Pork Tornadoes
- 00:05:28 Mike and The Pork Tornadoes had to deal with a rainout!
- This is a team effort…but someone needs to tell that to the crowd (and the organizers).
- You can’t negotiate with alcohol
- 00:16:06 When you know better, Exercise the authority in your contract (and make sure you put that authority in your contract!)
- 00:18:06 Sometimes that means you do a non-soundchecked “throw and go” gig
- But…NEVER skip line checks!
- 00:23:22 It’s time to sing the benefits of in-ears vs. monitor wedges
- “It was the best decision we ever made”
- 00:29:13 SPONSOR: Gig Performer is a plugin host, an audio mixer, a backing tracks player, and more that gives you real-time control…live. Visit GigPerformer.com/GigGab for 10% off.
- 00:31:02 PODCAST: The Excellent 80s Rewind. Each episode revisits a specific week from the greatest decade in pop music, revisiting the songs AND throwing in fact and stories to dig deep. wave80hits.com
- 00:32:11 Navigating song choices and arrangements in your band
- Being in a band is an intricate relationship
- “I need you to understand the assignment more than I need you to be really good at your instrument.”
- 00:51:30 Review: Soundbrenner Wave – $99 universal fit IEMs
- 00:58:02 Tips/systems for engaging with EVERY fan (and building your base of superfans)
- First, once you get a superfan, ALWAYS acknowledge them at every gig
- At the end of every gig, find someone who was engaged all night, and give them a guitar pick or a drumstick
- Respond to every Facebook comment
- Reverse the situation: Put yourself in the mindset of being a superfan (of another group)
- Create the ability for those superfans to feel more special than everyone else
- He’s the Rhombus King!
- 01:11:45 Gig Gab 490 Outtro
The post He’s The Rhombus King! — Gig Gab 490 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Dave Hamilton, a seasoned tech enthusiast, podcaster, and publisher, has dedicated the past three decades to aiding computer users globally. Known for his insightful advice and valuable product recommendations on the Mac Geek Gab podcast, Dave also enjoys an esteemed reputation as the founder of BackBeat Media, a network of fiercely independent publishers. His online publishing journey took off with The Mac Observer, an acclaimed Apple news site he co-founded in 1998 and led to its successful acquisition in 2021.
Beyond his tech-savvy persona, Dave embraces a vibrant life filled with music and family in the New Hampshire seacoast. He passionately performs with bands Bitter Pill and Fling, among other musical projects, creating a harmonic balance between his love for technology and music. Alongside his wife, Lisa, he raised their two children amidst this symphony of innovation, passion, and independent spirit, showcasing the power of embracing one's interests and using them to make a meaningful impact in the world.
