Episode #65 Performing at Funerals + Other Gigging Tips w/ Jason Carst

On this episode of the Solo Musician Podcast, Dave Gates sits down for another chat with Jason Carst, a live looping artist from Harrisburg, PA. Jason shares stories from his journey as a solo musician, revealing the tips and tricks that have helped him thrive in the world of live performance.

From live-streaming every show to his thoughts on the Central Pennsylvania music scene, Jason opens up about his dedication to connecting with fans and his passion for performance. Whether you’re a solo musician, live looping enthusiast, or just curious about gigging, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice you won’t want to miss!

Episode #64 Be A Better Hypocrite

In a world that values consistency and staying true to your beliefs, the idea of being a hypocrite might sound strange—or even wrong. But what if I told you that being a hypocrite could actually be a powerful tool for personal growth and progress? In this episode, we explore how embracing moments of contradiction can lead to transformation, new perspectives, and a deeper understanding of ourselves. Learn how to use your contradictions as stepping stones to success and self-improvement. Ready to rethink what it means to be a hypocrite? Listen now and unlock the unexpected benefits of change!

#PersonalGrowth #SelfImprovement #Hypocrisy #LifeProgress #ChangeIsGood

Episode #63 On the Road with Cobrette Bardole: Guitarist, Tour Manager, and the Life Behind the Music

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!