The Hidden Work of Fun: Systems for Working Musicians with Richard Page

You love the music, but being a working musician comes with friction, and this episode tackles it head-on. You dig into the real difference between tribute bands and celebration projects, how to prep when multiple gigs stack up fast, and why anxiety creeps in when preparation gets sloppy. You explore how much rehearsal is enough, when studio versions help versus live recordings, and why fun disappears when expectations are unclear. The big takeaway is simple: intention matters. When you walk into rehearsal with a plan, a personal worklist, and shared expectations, you protect your energy and stay focused on what matters most. That focus is how you keep growing while Always Be Performing.

From rehearsals to gig day, you learn how systems save your sanity. You hear why rehearsal recordings only work if someone is actually assigned to listen, how shared calendars prevent chaos, and why group texts quietly sabotage bands. You break down practical tools for managing gigs, promotion, and communication, from punchlist spreadsheets to task masters who own the details. You even get into tech expectations for bandmates and why alignment matters more than gear. The message is clear: externalize the details, reduce decision fatigue, and free your head to show up present, prepared, and confident on stage.

00:00:00 Gig Gab 514 – Monday, December 29th, 2025
- December 29th: Tick Tock Day
- Guest co-host: Richard Page
00:02:03 Richard’s got some tribute shows happening
- The difference between a tribute band and a celebration project
- Pure Petty, Hot Atlanta, Remedy at Ardmore Music Hall
- Rocks This Way
00:06:07 Dave’s got three different shows to learn and play in 2 weeks
- The anxiety of preparing for too many gigs at once
- When prepping celebration shows, do you do all studio? Some live?
00:24:33 SPONSOR: Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at rula.com/giggab #rulapod
00:26:19 NAMM coming up!
- GG Coverage Sponsor: Ultimate Ears Pro!
00:26:55 Being a working musician comes with a lot of friction to have fun
00:28:48 Setting rehearsal intention
- Have a plan!
- Be careful of repeating songs and consuming time
- Set expectations. Ensure everyone arrives on the same page.
- Keep a “personal worklist” note going on your phone during rehearsals
00:33:41 Maximizing rehearsal recordings
- Rotate between band-members for listening to rehearsal recordings
- You inspect what you expect!
00:38:49 Scheduling rehearsals
- Use a Google Calendar
00:42:36 Inter-band communication
- Group Messages…SUCK (especially now with RCS, that was supposed to fix it)
- You’ve gotta have a task-master!
- WheresTheGig.com
- BandHelper
00:50:46 Creating a Spreadsheet punchlist for gigs
- Keeps you from forgetting the Facebook event, the mailer, etc
- Using BandsInTown for Artists
00:55:55 Tech requirements for new band members
- Green Bubble Prejudice!
01:02:12 Three iPads
- Stage Ninja Clamp for iPad
- forScore
01:10:17 Gig Gab 514 Outtro
- Follow Richard Page on Facebook
- Contact Gig Gab!