I've been asked to sit in with a band I helped found in 2021. It was started as a duo then expended to 4 piece. Drums, bass, rhythm, and lead. I was lead, the band leader added another lead guitar for some reason. I left the outfit. I co-wrote two songs and the front man has offered me a chance to sit in on the studio recordings of those two songs. I have no idea what this all entails. Anyone with experience?

First up, apologies for being a bit quiet in here lately. I've had a ridiculous number of gigs, videos to make, and just to make things interesting, I've been battling a chest infection as well. Apparently my body has decided that 29 years of gigging isn't enough punishment. 😂 Anyway, something happened the other day that got me thinking, and I'd love to hear how the rest of you handle this. I turned up to a gig, ready to work, only to discover I'd been double booked. Two entertainers, one venue, one timeslot. So I got sent home. My agent has told me he'll invoice the venue for the full fee, which I completely agree with. If the venue makes the mistake, the musician shouldn't be the one losing money. We've kept the date available, turned down other potential work, travelled to the gig and fulfilled our side of the agreement. But here's where it gets interesting. What happens when it's the AGENT who makes the mistake? In the 29 years I've worked with my agent, I've been double booked quite a few times. And not once have I asked him for a cancellation fee. To be fair, he's never offered one either. Part of me thinks I've been far too accommodating over the years. But another part of me has always looked at the bigger picture. This is someone who provides me with a lot of work, and I've never wanted to damage a good working relationship over one lost gig. Then again, if I made a mistake that cost someone else several hundred dollars, I'd expect to take responsibility for it. Maybe I'm too nice. Or maybe it's just a case of playing the long game and knowing which battles are worth fighting. And perhaps there's a reasonable compromise here. Rather than expecting the agent to pay the FULL gig fee out of their own pocket, what about a cancellation fee? Maybe 50% of the agreed amount? That way the musician isn't left completely out of pocket, but the agent isn't being punished quite so heavily for what might have been an honest mistake. So here's my question to the group:

Hey gang! I have a new gig coming up on September 18th. I have never played there before and I would appreciate some feedback on my tentative set list (attached). The gig is at a B-B-Q restaurant which also has a bar. Currently they only have music sporadically. I will definitely be the most "rocky" act that they have had. I was curious how familiar you are with the songs on my list. It is primarily classic rock with a few country sprinkled in. Thanks in advance!

I'm thinking about organising a live group chat here on Skool and wanted to see if there's enough interest. Nothing too structured for the first one. Just a chance for us to actually meet each other, have a chat and talk about anything related to live gigging. Ask questions, swap stories, share ideas, complain about venues... all the important professional development stuff. 😂 If there's enough interest, I'll find a day and time that hopefully works for most people. So, who'd be up for it? Give me a YES below and let me know roughly where in the world you are so I can work around the different time zones. 👍

I am curios. I just sing into a mic through a PA with no effects. The mixer has a simple EQ and I basically set it centre. I did look at one of those harmoniser type peddles but it relied on having a guitar input to work out the harmonics. Too complex for me. Any of you use a simple effects peddle that just adds a little depth to the vocals?