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.
Episode #62 Increase Your Engagement on Facebook
Are you struggling to get engagement on Facebook, even with thousands of followers? It’s not just the algorithm— it's possible your content might be the real problem! In this episode, we dive deep into understanding what sells and what flops on Facebook, and what you can do to improve your engagement.
Learn why Facebook’s organic reach is as low as 1.41%, and discover how to make your posts stand out by focusing on what your audience really wants: interactive, relatable content. Get actionable tips on creating engaging posts, asking for feedback, and making content that people will actually respond to. Stop worrying about the algorithm and start creating content that connects!
Whether you're a musician, a small business owner, or just someone looking to improve their social media presence, this epsiode will help you optimize your Facebook strategy for better results.
👉 Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more creative tips!
#facebookengagment #socialmediastrategy #contentcreation #facebookalgorithm #socialmediamarketing #creatortips #engagementhacks #facebookgrowth
Episode #61 Brandon Valentine: Executive Director of the CPMHOF
Visit my Youtube Channel at https://www.YouTube.com/@SoloMusicDave for the video to this episode.
In this episode of the podcast, I had a chance to chat with Brandon Valentine. Brandon is the founder and executive director of the Central Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame. Brandon shed light on the Hall of Fame's short and long-term goals, how it supports local musicians, and the impact of their youth programs. He also provides clarity on the Central Pennsylvania Music Awards, answering some tough questions about the evaluation process and what it takes to be recognized. Whether you're a musician, fan of local music, or just curious about the arts scene in Central Pennsylvania, this conversation offers a deep dive into the heart of the local music community. Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube to stay up to date on future releases and guest episodes!
Episode #60 Why I HATE Taylor Guitars – $600 Martin vs. $2000 Taylor: Shocking Comparison!
Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/hiD5Ps9cAN4
Ever wondered if Taylor Guitars really live up to the hype? As a professional gigging musician, I decided to put them to the ultimate test in a side-by-side comparison with a $600 Martin guitar. In this episode, I’m revealing everything you need to know about Taylor’s craftsmanship, materials, and specs—plus the surprising reasons why I can’t stand them! 😤
In this detailed breakdown, you'll see how the $2,000 Taylor stacks up against a much more affordable Martin, and trust me—there are some shocking discoveries! From build quality to tonewoods and even playability, I dug deep into the specs to reveal the truth about what you’re really paying for.
If you’re considering investing in a Taylor, or if you’re just curious about what sets it apart from other brands, you won’t want to miss this! Get ready to learn things about Taylor guitars that will completely change your perspective. 🎸🔥
🔍 Listen to discover: • The hidden truth about Taylor’s materials 🧐 • What makes their build quality different from other premium brands • Why a $600 Martin could be a better choice than a $2,000 Taylor • My personal experience as a pro musician on stage
Trust me, this is a comparison that will make you rethink everything you know about Taylor guitars. Stick around till the end for the shocking conclusion! 👀
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you don’t miss future guitar breakdowns! 🔔
#TaylorGuitars #MartinGuitar #GuitarComparison #GuitarReview #ProMusician #GuitarGear #GuitarTone #TaylorVsMartin #MusicGear #GuitarSpecs #TaylorHate
Episode #59 How Frank Persico Grew His YouTube Channel From 300 to 30K+
In this episode of the podcast, host Dave Gates sits down with Frank Persico, a NYC-based solo musician and YouTuber. Frank shares his incredible journey of growing his YouTube channel from just 300 to over 30,000 subscribers! He discusses the challenges and rewards of being a solo musician, the do’s and don’ts of YouTube growth, and the most important strategies for expanding your channel. They dive deep into what it’s like being a musician in NYC, Frank’s passion for helping other solo artists, and what he enjoys most about being a YouTube personality.
Plus, they cover a variety of topics, including how to stay motivated, engage with your audience, and turn your passion for music into a successful online presence.
If you're a solo musician or aspiring YouTuber, this episode is packed with valuable tips and insights that can help you on your journey!
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more content on music, YouTube growth, and musician tips!
#FrankPersico #SoloMusician #YouTubeGrowth #NYCMusician #MusicTips #YouTubeForMusicians #DaveGatesPodcast #ContentCreation #MusicJourney
Episode #58 10 TIPS for enhancing your Open Mic experience
WATCH THE VIDEO AT: https://youtu.be/vvJ6yH46JK8
Are you nervous about your first music open mic or looking to improve your performance? In this episode, I’m sharing my Top 10 Tips for Attending a Music Open Mic, covering everything from how to prepare to what to do (and what not to do) to ensure you have an unforgettable experience!
Whether you’re a seasoned musician or a newbie, these tips will help you boost your confidence, connect with other musicians, and make the most of your open mic performance. Learn how to pick the right songs, handle performance anxiety, engage with the crowd, and avoid common mistakes that can derail your experience.
💡 What’s inside:
How to prepare and practice for an open mic
Do's and don'ts of performing at an open mic
Tips for engaging the audience and networking with other artists
How to handle nerves and stage fright like a pro
Don’t miss out on these essential tips that will help you stand out and enjoy your open mic experience!
🔔 Subscribe for more music tips, performance advice, and open mic hacks!
Episode #57 Modern Day Minstrel featuring Leo Disanto
Leo Disanto isn’t just a musician—he’s a storyteller at heart, a true artist with an unquenchable thirst for adventure. Hailing from the rolling hills of Central Pennsylvania, Leo’s journey has taken him far beyond the confines of his hometown. From the icy expanse of the Alaskan Tundra to the ancient monasteries nestled in the heights of the Himalayas, Leo has roamed the world, finding inspiration in the places few people venture. And in between, he’s crisscrossed the United States, seeking out the stories that music can tell, and the stories that only music can make you feel.
But what really sets Leo apart is not just the places he’s been, or the incredible experiences he’s had—it’s his way of connecting with people. He’s not just a performer, but a visionary, an entertainer whose spirit transcends the stage. Whether it’s a backyard jam session, a front porch gathering, or an impromptu set in a parking lot, Leo has a rare ability to make every space feel like a place of deep connection. Music lovers are drawn to him wherever he goes, and it’s easy to see why. Leo has a gift for making music not just something you hear, but something you live.
I often think of him as a modern-day minstrel, or a new-age troubadour, a wandering poet whose songs carry the weight of the world on their back, yet somehow feel light enough to dance to. There’s a richness to his words—both in their depth and in their simplicity—and an honesty that makes every song feel like it was written just for you.
In my conversation with Leo, we explored more than just what music can do for you; we delved into what performingmusic can do for others. What drives him to tell stories through song? How did he cultivate such an expansive vocabulary and a method of word selection that feels effortless but also profound? We chatted about what it’s like to play his music in other countries, and he even shared a little about the gear that brings his songs to life. We touched on his creative process, how he knows when a song is ready to be recorded, and what it’s like to share old songs alongside the new ones. And of course, we talked about his upcoming album, To Fly So Low, set to drop on Valentine’s Day 2025—a collection of songs that promises to be every bit as rich, heartfelt, and adventurous as the man himself.
This conversation was one of those that sticks with you, that lingers long after the last word has been spoken. I hope you find it as enjoyable and inspiring as I did.
And hey—if you’ve got ideas for guests I should feature on the podcast, I’d love to hear them! Drop me a line at solomusicianpodcast@gmail.com and let’s make it happen.
Episode #56 The Secret To Growth
Watch on YouTube at https://www.YouTube.com/DaveGatesMusic
In this powerful motivational podcast, discover how perseverance is the key to achieving your goals, no matter the challenges you face. Learn how to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success and unlock your true potential. With real-life examples and inspiring insights, this podcast will remind you that every setback is simply an opportunity to become a better version of yourself.
Whether you're chasing personal, professional, or fitness goals, perseverance is the secret to turning dreams into reality. Listen now to fuel your motivation and stay focused on your journey—because the only way to fail is to give up!
🔑 Key Takeaways:
How to stay motivated during tough times
Turning failures into growth opportunities
The importance of resilience in goal achievement
How to maintain focus and determination
#Motivation #Perseverance #AchieveYourGoals #OvercomeChallenges #SuccessMindset #NeverGiveUp #StayFocused #PersonalGrowth #GrowthMindset #FailureToSuccess