Welcome to That’s My Gig!
That’s My Gig is a resource that empowers musicians to think, to grow, to lead, and to create successful careers for themselves. Here you can find real answers to questions about the business of becoming a professional from professionals. We feature exclusive interviews and articles directly from musicians, major artists, record label executives, managers, production crew, producers, songwriters, booking agents and more. Make sure you “Like” us on Facebook and “Follow” on Twitter & Instagram, so you can stay updated on our latest articles, special features, and music industry news.
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The Tour Journal
New ‘Tour Journal’ Webisode Series | Guitarist, Derek Williams
In this exclusive TMG webisode series, Derek Williams takes you along with him on a 2014 tour for a major label artist. Get an inside peak at what tour life is really like while learning about the gear they use, how to prepare for gigs, and how they make the most of down time on the road. Watch it now!
Special Features
Special Feature Pod Cast | Chasing Tone
The Wampler Pedals Team interviews Jake Owen Guitarist and TMG CEO/Co-Founder, Derek Williams, to get the low-down on everything from tour life to tone. Watch Full Video…
Special Feature Interview | Brian Wampler, Owner and CEO of Wampler Pedals
In this Special Feature, That’s My Gig hung out with Brian Wampler of Wampler Pedals to discuss how he started his pedal company, how being a guitarist first and foremost influences his effects designs, and his advice to people interested in a career in the music business. Plus, he shreds for us! Watch Full Video…
Career Insight and Advice From the Pros
Top 5 Ways to Avoid Getting Eaten Alive at An Audition
So, you got the chops, you got the drive, and you’d drop everything to load up all your gear and head to an audition for a major artist… hell, maybe even a minor artist. And, you should- auditions don’t come up nearly as often as you’d think. Walking into an audition can feel like an episode of the ubiquitous television show, Shark Tank. So, here goes a guide that parallels Shark Tank fails to gig auditions, which will help you navigate the “waters” safely at your next big audition for a gig. Read More…
Breaking Barriers in the Music Biz | How to Really Stand Out at Auditions and in Life
Every time a working artist, pro side musician, or industry exec. steps into a rehearsal studio or local venue, aspiring musicians should embrace that time as a unique opportunity. These people are naturally equipped with real insight to securing employment. They are a special breed of educator… exactly the kind of teacher That’s My Gig has recruited to lend advice to future pro musicians like you. Inevitably, what surfaces as the truth on how to get a gig goes WAY BEYOND music theory or technique. Read More…
How Bad Do You Want It? [A Guide to Chasing Your Dreams in Music]
Many of you made a resolution to become a better player and get yourself one step closer to getting the gig you want this year. I’m talking about really doing it, not just talking about doing it! If you are ready to lay out a clear-cut plan for yourself with goals, deadlines, and anything else you can think of that will help you achieve your dream, here are some words of advice, based on Brian Bonds’ experiences in the music business (pro guitarist Florida Georgia Line, Chase Rice, Chely Wright). Read More…
Artist Interview | Whitney Duncan: Nashville Star Gives Realistic Advice to Aspiring Artists & Musicians
Whitney Duncan’s tenacity and hard work continue to pay off. As a writer, her original music has been featured in the movie Footloose, on Danielle Bradbury’s recent debut album, and on Kenny Rogers’ 42 Ultimate Hits album. As an artist, she’s had several songs on U.S. Country Charts, including her fun and flirty hit, “Skinny Dippin”. TMG caught up with Whitney as she returned home from racing around the world on The Amazing Race, to get her advice on how to keep up in the world of the Music Business Race. Read More…
Navigating La La Land | Indie Artist, Alexx Calise, Shares Her Advice on Getting Major Song Placements & Surviving L.A.
L.A’s entertainment business has been known for being a “dog-eat-dog” world. Only the strong survive, which is why we caught up with Indie Artist Alexx Calise, to find out how she has diverted the circling sharks and found her original songs placed on an array of television shows, such as Dance Moms, Dance Moms: Miami, Last Call With Carson Daly, The Voice, Audrina, Tough Love, NY Ink, Next, 10 on Top, One Tree Hill, Texas Women, and in the upcoming feature film, LA, I Hate You- starring Malcolm McDowell and William Forsythe. Read More…
Artist Interview | L.A. Pro Guitarist, Rafael Moreira, Shares How the Versatile Musician Wins
That’s My Gig asked pro L.A. guitarist, Rafael Moreira of Brazil, to share his success story on moving to L.A. and becoming a top touring guitarist for artists like Christina Aguilera and Pink, on creating and fronting his own band (Magnetico), as well as how he landed the gig as house guitarist for The Voice and American Idol. Check out this incredible interview to learn how Moreira ventured into versatility and became an L.A. virtuoso.
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From Chik’n Pick to Grip & Rip | Adam Shoenfeld Shares His Advice on Gear, Tone, and Sticking to Your Guns Stylistically
Not only did Adam Shoenfeld leave the east coast for the south to make that a dream his reality, but he also found great success as a session player, writer, and producer. His unique sound has landed him gigs playing on albums for artists like Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line, Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Jake Owen, and more. That’s My Gig caught up with Adam, between his busy tour dates with Tim McGraw, to find out how he broke into the world of country with ambitious fervor, and found the key to success. Read More…
Artist Interview | Grammy Award-Winning Producer, Andreao ‘Fanatic’ Heard is “The Prepared Opportunist”
Andreao ‘Fanatic’ Heard has talent, persistence, and versatility, which has lead him to become a Grammy Award-Winning producer. His production resume includes current artists like Ariana Grande and Willow Smith, and he has worked with a legendary roster of artists like Michael Jackson, Notorious B.I.G, Beyonce, and Will Smith. Read how he made it, and find words of wisdom so you can be prepared when opportunity comes knockin’. Read More…
Artist Interview | Ashley Purdy of the Black Veil Brides: ‘Behind the Veil’
Black Veil Brides have had No. 1 hits on iTunes’ Top Album Chart and the iTunes Rock Chart. They’ve also recently embarked on multi-continental tours and had song placements in major films. That’s My Gig was thrilled to catch up with BVB’s bass player and backup vocalist, Ashley Purdy, to find out how the band has made its way through the maze of a very calculated music industry, and how Ashley went from small town Missouri to being a part of the biggest thing in rock since Mötley Crüe. Read More…
Artist Interview | ‘No Overnight Success’, with Jason Aldean drummer Rich Redmond (part 1)
Rich Redmond, touring and session drummer for Jason Aldean, is one of the most in-demand drummers in the music industry. His credits include; Bryan Adams, Kelly Clarkson, Jewel, Ludacris, Barbara Mandrell, and more. TMG was honored to be able to catch up with Rich in between his busy touring and teaching schedule, to find out how he has achieved such diverse success as a musician. Read More...
Road Life Video Series – Survival Tips
That’s My Gig brings you Road Life 101. Ever wonder what life is really like for a major label musician out on the road? Check out our Survival Tips page to find inside information and road life survival tips from the pros.
#10 “How to Survive a Fly Date “
Derek Williams, guitarist for Jake Owen, gives his step by step approach to preparing for your next fly date gig. Watch Video…
#9 “Bill Vandiver, DIY Hair and Makeup for Television ”
Bill Vandiver, award show stylist (CMAs, ACAs, ACMs, AMAs, and Grammys) shares his advice on how to look your best on camera. Watch Video…
#8 “A Day in the Life of Jason Aldean Tour’s Drum Tech”
Jon Hull, drum tech for Rich Redmond (of Jason Aldean’s band), talks about how he prepares for a show day on a major tour. Watch Video…
#7 “Be a Good Boy Scout”
Rich Redmond, of Jason Aldean’s band, shares his Survival Tips on the Road: Be a Good Boy Scout: How to come to each gig fully prepared. Watch Video…
#6 “Love and Theft Pre Show Ritual”
Stephen Barker Liles, of Love and Theft, gets real before a show. Flat ironing hair, stretching on the tour bus, and more! Watch Video…
#5 “Noise Reduction Mod for Your Tour Bus”
Chris Torri, Production Manager, shares his Survival Tip with ThatsMyGig.com. Chris demonstrates how to damper the sound of the air compressor on the automatic doors on the tour bus using MacGuyver-like tactics with case foam and electrical tape. Watch Video…