Best Stu McCarthy Podcasts (2025)

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Live Music, Live Mix: The Magic and the Math 1:14:31

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7h ago1:14:31

1:14:31

You know that moment when a gig just clicks — when everyone on stage suddenly realizes it’s more than just a show? That’s where this episode starts. You’ll hear how saying “yes” to new gigs can lead to unexpected magic, how the right players bring out the best in each other, and why being open to unfamiliar styles can change everything. Then the co…

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Tangents, Tracks, and Tenacity with Adam Moskowitz 1:21:38

7d ago1:21:38

1:21:38

In this episode, you’ll join Dave and returning guest co-host Adam Moskowitz, Chief Groove Officer of VAM Band, as they dive headfirst into the world of nanny tracks, first-gig chaos, and future-proofing your sound. From building tracks in Reaper to rehearsing smarter—not longer—you’ll learn how technology can help you bring your band’s best show t…

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Sound Better, Gig Smarter: Tools, Tips, and Gear That Work 58:34

14d ago58:34

58:34

In this solo hang, you dig into the real tools that keep your sound clean and your gigs tight. You’ll learn how to tame noisy tracks with the Accusonus ERA bundle, Waves Clarity Vx, and iZotope RX, plus a few quick tricks from SoundDesk to make your mixes shine. Then it’s time to talk ears—Huberman-style—with magnesium and NAC tips for keeping your…

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Laughs, Life, and Lessons with James "Diamond" Williams from The Ohio Players 48:20

22d ago48:20

48:20

This week, you’re sitting down with funk legend James “Diamond” Williams from The Ohio Players! From his jazz roots and early gigs at age 14 to shaping the groove of “Love Rollercoaster” and “Fire,” Diamond shares how precision, persistence, and passion built one of the most iconic sounds in funk. You’ll hear stories of wild recording schedules, la…

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Beyond The Stage: How Band Summits Change Everything 59:07

26d ago59:07

59:07

Mike Schulte returns to Gig Gab for a deep dive into the conversations that make bands stronger. You’ll explore how band summits—those intentional moments to step away from gigs and just talk—can reset your focus, rebuild trust, and make your group operate like a real team. From redefining what success looks like to refining how you plan your shows…

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Beyond the CV: From the UK to the US - Real Talk for Job Seekers | With Tatyana Arbouzova | Ep.13 26:42

21d ago26:42

26:42

🎙️ Beyond the CV: From the UK to the US - Real Talk for Job Seekers | With Tatyana Arbouzova | Ep.13 Two voices. Two perspectives. One mission: cutting through the noise of today’s job market. In this episode, myself and Tatyana Arbouzova go across the pond to compare what’s really happening in tech hiring on both sides of the Atlantic. Is the US j…

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The Power of the Page: Inside Cover Band Central’s Massive Reach with Steve Witschel 1:15:01

1M ago1:15:01

1:15:01

You’re diving into the power of persistence and adaptability in this episode of Gig Gab with guest co-host Steve Witschel. From building and moderating a 132,000-member Cover Band Central group to navigating Facebook’s monetization chaos with the nearly-1,000,000-member Facebook page, Steve shares how he transformed challenges into content gold. Yo…

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Engineering‑Led Quality: The End of Dedicated QA? | With Michael Kitchen | Ep.12 41:13

1M ago41:13

41:13

Engineering‑Led Quality: The End of Dedicated QA? | With Michael Kitchen | Ep.12 - is live! This one’s a big one - I’m joined by Michael Kitchen, Engineering Manager, for a deep dive into how projects are delivered when engineering takes the lead on quality. We explore: Are dedicated QA roles becoming a thing of the past? How engineering‑led qualit…

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From Load-In to Bus Call: A Tech’s Life on the Big Time Rush Tour with Stephen Kramer Glickman 1:15:36

1M ago1:15:36

1:15:36

Justin Scheidling takes us inside a day in the life of a touring tech, supporting the bands of Stephen Kramer Glickman and Katelyn Tarver on the Big Time Rush tour, from load-in to bus call. From labeling every cable and packing “JustInCase” bags to handling the curveballs of show days, you get the raw look at how a pro keeps the gig rolling. You’l…

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The Gary Gang Chronicles: Rebranding Manual Testing | With Gary Hawkes | Ep.11 29:55

1M ago29:55

29:55

The Gary Gang Chronicles: Rebranding Manual Testing | With Gary Hawkes | Ep.11 Two Garys. One name. Zero idea how we got here - but we’re owning it. In this episode, we dive head‑first into rebranding manual testing for the modern era: how to ditch outdated perceptions, highlight its strategic value, and show why it still has a place alongside auto…

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Indie Music Mastery: Marketing, Email, and AI with Jack McCarthy 1:04:10

2M ago1:04:10

1:04:10

Jack McCarthy joins you on Gig Gab to dig into the real business of music, how to grow attention, capture it, and convert it into lasting fan relationships. You’ll learn why the right material works, how to transform inspiration into your own content, and why audio quality matters less than energy when you’re trying to make fans say, “who is this b…

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Calories, Controversies, and Connections — 500 Episodes Later 1:13:03

2M ago1:13:03

1:13:03

By Dave Hamilton & Friends

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Stu Dias and The Ephemeral Sea Turtles 1:27:36

2M ago1:27:36

1:27:36

This week on Gig Gab, you’ll dive into the wild, creative energy of Stu Dias, creator of Diaspora Radio, co-founder of Soggy Po Boys, and more, sitting in with Dave Hamilton. You’ll hear how albums, once carefully crafted statements, inspired Stu’s pandemic-born project to breathe new life into full-length records on stage. From Taylor Swift’s trac…

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Garages Beats & Test Suites | Automation, Connected TV & FX Digital | With Martin Tyler | Ep.10 32:04

2M ago32:04

32:04

🎧 Garages Beats & Test Suites | Automation, Connected TV & FX Digital - Episode 10 is live! This one’s special - I’m joined by Martin Tyler, Head of Test at FX Digital, for a proper deep dive into Connected TV, automation, and how the test landscape is evolving. We talk real about how testing’s changed, what’s working (and what’s not), and why hiri…

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Always Be Recording...with Brad Madix 1:33:05

2M ago1:33:05

1:33:05

You’re revolutionizing live audio in ways that seemed impossible just a few years ago. Brad Madix joins Dave Hamilton to break down how you can now mix a 186-channel concert in ATMOS from thousands of miles away with only 125ms latency, using nothing more than the public internet and cloud services. Whether you’re handling a seven-minute festival c…

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Keith Murray on The Chaos, Comedy, and Heart Behind We Are Scientists 1:07:19

3M ago1:07:19

1:07:19

Keith Murray from We Are Scientists joins you this week for a sharp, hilarious, and revealing ride. From joking about being background extras in cult films to the story of meeting Chris Cain at a Dawson’s Creek viewing party, you’re reminded that sometimes saying yes to everything really can lead to magic. Keith reflects on 20 years of With Love an…

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When Your Band Replaces You… and How to Replace Them Back 51:12

3M ago51:12

51:12

This week, you’ll hear how Paul Kent is clocking an impressive 160 gigs this year while navigating the realities of new bands, new towns, and the politics of live music scenes. From the sting of finding out your band might replace you, to turning that around with a “sub for a sub” mindset, Paul shares what it’s like to balance loyalty, opportunity,…

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She Codes Quality: Women in Tech Speak Up | With Nataliia Burmei | Ep.9 38:01

3M ago38:01

38:01

She Codes Quality: Women in Tech Speak Up | With Nataliia Burmei This one’s special - I sat down with the amazing Nataliia Burmei to talk all things Women in Tech, leadership, and the ongoing shift from QA to QE. We go in on how the role of QA has evolved into something way more strategic — it’s not just about testing anymore. It’s coaching dev tea…

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Band Chemistry and Collaboration: Lessons with The Coffis Brothers 1:13:02

3M ago1:13:02

1:13:02

You’re in the room with The Coffis Brothers this week as Jamie and Kellen sit down with Dave to unpack the art of keeping a band tight—musically, emotionally, and logistically. From maintaining long-term chemistry with the same players to writing songs that leave space for bandmates to shape the vibe, you’ll hear how collaboration fuels creativity.…

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Backstreet Boys and Black Eyed Peas: How Keith Harris Balances Drumming, Directing, and Performing 45:33

3M ago45:33

45:33

On this week’s Gig Gab, you’re getting a masterclass in modern musicianship with Keith Harris, the drummer, producer, and musical director for the Black Eyed Peas. From behind the kit to behind the console, Keith walks you through the art of turning groove into leadership, showing how drummers often evolve into musical directors. He shares the hard…

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𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 | With Danny Stockwell | Ep.8 24:53

3M ago24:53

24:53

🎙️ "𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁"" The latest Talent Sessions Bytesize episode is now live - and this time I’m joined by the brilliant Danny Stockwell Talent Manager from FX Digital (someone I’ve known a while, and we’ve been meaning to do this for ages). We go deep into what’s really happening in today’s tech hiring…

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Live Show Mastery: IEMs, Gig Survival, and SuperFan Power 1:07:47

4M ago1:07:47

1:07:47

This week you’ll hear how making the leap to in-ear monitors isn’t just swapping gear—it’s like learning a whole new instrument. You’ll pick up real-world tactics for keeping the band rolling when a member’s sick or injured, including the art of pulling in a last-minute sub. You’ll face the hard truth about whether the show really must go on and le…

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The QA Hype Show & Quality Talks - TestBash Special Show | Gary Shannon, Rosie Sherry & Stu Day | Ep.7 48:48

3M ago48:48

48:48

This latest episode is a special collab between The QA Hype Show and Quality Talks, where we dive into all things TestBash - featuring none other than Rosie Sherry, CEO and Founder of the Ministry of Testing. Both myself and Stu Day (Quality Talks) will be heading to Brighton this October to take part, and let me tell you… this one’s shaping up to …

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That’s Not Gain, It’s Just a Hot Mic 55:15

4M ago55:15

55:15

Want to trigger backing tracks live from your iPad or iPhone? This episode of Gig Gab is your playbook. Dave walks you through listener-recommended apps like Stage Traxx 3, Go Button, and forScore for managing clicks and cues with precision. Whether you’re solo or in a band, these tools can keep your show tight. Plus, Gear Gab digs into smart stage…

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Aggressive Ambition: Dae Bogan’s Journey to The MLC 1:03:51

4M ago1:03:51

1:03:51

You think you understand music royalties? Think again. Dae Bogan from The MLC breaks it all down with Dave Hamilton on this week’s Gig Gab. From the ancient days of piano rolls to the tangled web of modern streaming, you’ll learn how mechanical royalties differ from performance rights and why most artists are leaving money on the table. The MLC—bor…

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He's The Rhombus King! 1:13:25

4M ago1:13:25

1:13:25

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 yo…

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In the Trenches – 6 Months of Building | With Neill McCarthy | Ep.6 41:17

4M ago41:17

41:17

🎙️ "In the Trenches - 6 Months of Building" is where startup reality meets raw conversation. Hosted by Gary and Neill, this series pulls back the curtain on their journey building businesses from scratch - six months in and still scrapping, learning, pivoting, and growing. Expect honest takes on the wins, the misfires, and the messy middle, with re…

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Tuning Up the Rockstars: Chinner's Roadie Chronicles (Vol. 1) 49:57

4M ago49:57

49:57

Ever wonder what it’s like to roll through the golden age of rock with the crew behind the legends? On this week’s Gig Gab, Chinner Winstead takes you backstage—from autograph sessions with Tom Petty to chaos-control on tour with Nantucket. You’ll trace the path from bar band to global tours with Lenny Kravitz, Phil Collins, Georgia Satellites, and…

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Crash Cymbals and Contracts: Billy Cuthrell’s Lesson in Music Business Success 1:20:53

5M ago1:20:53

1:20:53

Ever wonder how a skater punk becomes a music industry powerhouse? This week, Billy Cuthrell joins Dave Hamilton to share how his drumming journey kicked off with a Ludwig kit and a dose of Zeppelin, then scaled into creating a chain of four music schools and a million lessons taught annually. From being Music Inc. Magazine’s “Retail Doctor” to pio…

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Click Tracks, Tribute Acts, and $20 Hacks: Gig Smarts with Corey Manske 1:06:48

5M ago1:06:48

1:06:48

You’re not alone if you’re running a click track on stage—more and more musicians are embracing it, and for good reason. This week on Gig Gab, Corey Manske joins Dave Hamilton to unpack how using a click can reduce stress, keep your band tight, and help you Always Be Performing. From essential stage gear like chapstick and a tape measure (you’ll ge…

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Consistency is Key: P-Funk North's Road to Success 57:42

5M ago57:42

57:42

This week on Gig Gab, you’re diving deep with the (almost!) full crew from P-Funk North as they share what keeps their reggae funk machine moving. From twice-a-week rehearsals to the relentless grind of networking and playing out regularly, they prove that consistency and camaraderie build longevity. You’ll hear how rejection turns into rocket fuel…

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Sphere Sound Unpacked: Robert Scovill’s Deep Dive into Immersive Mixing 1:19:51

5M ago1:19:51

1:19:51

Step inside Sphere with Robert Scovill as he rejoins Dave on Gig Gab to dissect the art—and science—of immersive live sound. From his early days quad-mixing Rush to commanding 32 channels through Avid’s S6L with Meyer’s Spacemap Go, Scovill walks you through prepping for Sphere with simulators, Holoplot mapping, and object-based mixing. You’ll hear…

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Tour Prep, Gear Gab, and Stage Smarts with Buddy Gibbons 1:15:15

6M ago1:15:15

1:15:15

Buddy Gibbons returns to Gig Gab to share how he’s gearing up for a nostalgia-fueled tour with Stephen Glickman and the Big Time Rush fanbase. From rollerblading around Wembley to off-road RC cars for downtime, Buddy’s prepping body and mind for the grind. He and Dave dig into how playing without a click can feel naked, why RokTempo and Russian Dra…

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Sid Middlemass 1:30:11

6M ago1:30:11

1:30:11

Affectionally known as Scarem Sid, but to many he is known as Poppy Sid. Sid Middlemass is a close family friend, and I have always loved the banter with him, it was time to record this with him and boy can he tell a story or two from his 90+ years on this earth.By Sturat Media

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The Pork Tornadoes Playbook: Mike Schulte on Building a Successful Band 1:03:18

6M ago1:03:18

1:03:18

This week on Gig Gab, you’re diving deep with Mike Schulte of The Pork Tornadoes as he joins Dave Hamilton to share real-world insights on making your gigs—and your band—better. You’ll get actionable tips on using splitter snakes without frying your gear, plus a no-nonsense breakdown of how standing (or not) while singing can shape your stage prese…

1
Ken Jenkins 1:40:12

6M ago1:40:12

1:40:12

Ken Jenkins, well if there has been anyone that has tried his hand at anything in Australian Speedway, he is the man that has. Had an amazing chat with Ken, from his racing days to administration days and so much more.By Sturat Media

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Breaking Barriers: Oculus, the Metaverse, and the Diversity Disconnect | With Charmaine Short | Ep.5 36:07

6M ago36:07

36:07

Breaking Barriers: Oculus, the Metaverse, and the Diversity Disconnect join me, Gary Shannon, and Charmaine Short (Operational Test Manager at Fnality) take a critical look at how virtual reality and metaverse technologies are shaping the future - while still facing deep-rooted issues around inclusivity and representation. In this episode, we dive …

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The DIY Booking Revolution: GigSalad’s Impact on Musicians 48:03

6M ago48:03

48:03

GigSalad’s Mark Steiner joins this week’s Gig Gab to trace his wild ride from stage actor to CEO, revealing how a children’s theater gig and a teddy bear business ultimately led to launching the go-to platform for booking live talent. You’ll hear how a “happy accident” turned into a company that helps 110,000+ performers get paid. From the Glenn Mi…

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The Mallett Brothers’ DIY Formula: 2,000 Superfans and 120 Shows a Year 58:30

6M ago58:30

58:30

You’re about to get the roadmap from Luke and Will Mallett of The Mallett Brothers on what it really takes to make music a career. From playing 120 shows a year to building a loyal tribe of 2,000 superfans, the brothers break down how live gigs aren’t just part of the job—they are the job. You’ll hear how they’ve learned to follow the seasons, bala…

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Real-World Band Hacks: IEM Mixes, Click Track Starts, and Calendar Control 57:53

7M ago57:53

57:53

If your band’s live setup feels more like organized chaos than controlled power, this episode’s for you. We’re diving into real-world band hacks that actually make a difference—from tightening up your IEM mixes with split snakes, to using a click track to start songs like a pro. You’ll also hear why phantom power isn’t the villain it’s made out to …

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From Prince to Gaga to JJ Lin: Scottie Baldwin's Audio Adventures 1:23:23

7M ago1:23:23

1:23:23

What’s it like going from drum tech to mixing stadium shows for legends? In this week’s Gig Gab, you join Scottie Baldwin and Dave Hamilton as they dive into the artistry behind live sound. From getting the call from Prince’s drummer to Sheila E nudging him toward sound, Scottie shares tricks like frequency gating and translating wild artist reques…

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Stu McCarthy 2:07:58

7M ago2:07:58

2:07:58

A special episode of Chatting With Sturat. After 29 years of commentary, Stu McCarthy has announced he's stepping back from his full-time commentary commitments. Colleague Brian Van De Wakker sat down with Stu for a special edition of the pod, to look back on his career and discuss what's next for the man known as 'Sturat'.…

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Is Your Band Bookable? ECE’s Checklist for Success 1:10:40

7M ago1:10:40

1:10:40

This week on Gig Gab, you’re in for a deep dive into the gigging grind with guest co-host Derek Patten from ECE, EastCoast Entertainment. You’ll learn exactly what makes a band bookable—from tight chops to killer promo, a sharp social presence, and professional polish. If you’re not posting on Instagram, you’re not even in the conversation. Whether…

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Monique Powell of Save Ferris: Ska, Struggles, and Sweet Comebacks 57:45

7M ago57:45

57:45

Monique Powell of Save Ferris joins you for a no-holds-barred dive into the grind, grit, and glory behind making a band thrive. From opera training to ska dreams, Monique shares how preparation and passion powered her transformation from “Mo Sing Song” to full-on band manager (and back again…and forth again). You’ll hear how she navigated shifting …

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The Vaultmeister’s Voice: Joe Travers on Zappa, Duran Duran, and the Power of Performance 1:09:08

7M ago1:09:08

1:09:08

This week, you’ll dive headfirst into the wild ride of Joe Travers’ drumming journey—from pounding out St. Patrick’s Day gigs to landing his dream job playing Zappa’s music. Joe shares how knowing exactly what you want—and fearlessly putting yourself out there—can open doors you never imagined. You’ll hear what it’s like grooving through complex Za…

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Nostalgia/Back to the 90s - Gary Shannon & Leigh Rathbone - Ep.4 1:08:49

7M ago1:08:49

1:08:49

🎙️ Nostalgia/Back to the 90s Join me, Gary Shannon, and Leigh Rathbone (Head of Test at Cavu) as we embark on a nostalgic journey through the evolution of testing tools and the rollercoaster ride of the QA market across the decades. In this special episode, we delve into the tools that defined the '90s, the challenges we conquered, and how the indu…

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Booking SXSW Like a Pro with Parker Woodland 55:06

8M ago55:06

55:06

Thinking about SXSW? Erin Walter and Keri Cinquina from Parker Woodland break it all down for you—from applying to playing like a pro. You’ll learn how to reach out to anyone and everyone to book your showcases, why hitting up radio stations and non-profits matters, and how to stack your SXSW week like a mini tour. Don’t skip the conference session…