The Cover Band Central Podcast - podcast cover

The Cover Band Central Podcast

Steve Witschel
Veteran musicians Steve Witschel and Tony Bienert are here to inform, entertain, and delight you with all topics related to playing music in a cover band...and everything that comes with it!
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Episodes

The Cover Band Central Podcast #222 — Hall of Fame

Steve and Tony return to discuss venues advertising shows, what it was like in the old days, and the recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction ceremony. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 23, 202458 min

The Cover Band Central Podcast #220 - Let's Go, Radio!

As teased a couple of weeks ago, Steve announced that Cover Band Central radio is now getting started. The Indiegogo campaign has been launched here - https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/co... Tony dispenses some extra wisdom this week with some valuable life/musician lessons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 05, 20241 hr 1 min

The Cover Band Central Podcast #219 - Rain and Radio

Steve recounts his gigs from the past 2 weekends including some marathon sets. Meanwhile, Tony has to deal with monsoon rains at 2 outdoor gigs. Steve shows the new Cover Band Central t-shirt and teases a big new idea! Get a shirt here - https://www.etsy.com/shop/ZFactory Check out everything else on the website - www.coverbandcentral.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 21, 20241 hr 1 min

The Cover Band Central Podcast #216 - What are we celebrating today?

Steve and Tony discuss how every day is a celebration of something...and some of the subjects are very interesting! They also delve into the uniqueness of every gig versus falling into a routine. Go to www.checkiday.com to see what is celebrated every day! Website: www.coverbandcentral.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 29, 202450 min

Interview with music educator Vaughan Fleischfresser

Vaughan Fleischfresser is a music educator, saxophonist, and an active social media influencer from Scotland. We stumbled upon his Facebook Page, where he boasts 25k followers, and shares several inspirational posts per day about the importance of music education. Today we talk with him about his background, his current activities, and why he's so passionate about educating our younger generation through music. Check him out on the socials: https://www.facebook.com/VFleischfresser instagram.com/...

May 21, 202451 min

The Cover Band Central Podcast #214 - Mixin' it up

Due to Facebook's limitations on live streaming, the guys decided to record this week's episode without the live audience interaction. Topics discussed include Steve's early years of wanting to be a DJ, and how that helped him get comfortable filling in "dead air" on the mic on stage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 09, 202456 min

The Cover Band Central Podcast #213 - Music Education

Every musician has had some form of music education. Whether it be private lessons, classes in school, or learning on the job, how each musician obtains information is integral to their success. Steve and Tony discuss their experiences with their own music education - both with learning and teaching. Get the ebook - www.getemtotheshow.com Subscribe to the YouTube channel - / coverbandcentral Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 29, 202459 min

Interview with First to Eleven

First to Eleven is perhaps the single most ambitious and prolific cover band in the country. Their YouTube channel boasts hundreds of high-quality videos with a new clip posted every week. Just ahead of the band heading out on tour, we'll have a chat with founder and guitarist Ryan Krysiak and lead singer Audra Miller and talk about their creative process, their upcoming shows, what keeps the band motivated, and much more! https://www.firsttoeleven.com https://www.youtube.com/@FirstToEleven http...

Apr 04, 20241 hr 18 min

The Cover Band Central Podcast #212 - Silent Stages and A.I.

This past weekend, Steve went to see Geoff Tate (lead singer of Queensryche), and noticed that there were no amps on stage. The topic of IEMs and backing tracks comes up often in the Cover Band Central Group, so Steve and Tony weigh in on this growing trend. Also, the conversation starts with the wide use of A.I. and how it's affecting the art industry. Make more money! If you can take tips, sign up at https://app.mysetmusic.com/signup?code=CBC Get the ebook! - www.getemtotheshow.com Subscribe t...

Apr 03, 202459 min

The Cover Band Central Podcast #211 - Get 'em to the Show

One of the biggest challenges for musicians is knowing how to manage the confusing landscape of social media. Steve has written the blueprint for building your online audience and reaching the people who will actually support you and come see you play. Tony has read the ebook, and the two of them dig deeper into the wisdom shared. To get the ebook - www.getemtotheshow.com Take tips at your show? Get the best app who requests and tips on the market - https://app.mysetmusic.com/signup?code=CBC Get...

Mar 20, 202453 min

The Cover Band Central Podcast #210 - Checking in with the Group

The Cover Band Central Facebook Group is the most active and vibrant community of musicians on the internet. This episode, Steve and Tony check in on what people are posting and talking about, and add their own unique thoughts. Join the Group at www.facebook.com/groups/coverbandcentral Get the ebook - www.getemtotheshow.com Subscribe to our YouTube channel www.youtube.com/coverbandcentral Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 29, 20241 hr

The Cover Band Central Podcast #209 - TV Shows

Since American Idol debuted in 2002, music contest shows have become ubiquitous. In most cases, singers (and sometimes bands) vie in a competition to achieve stardom. Most don't see anything beyond a few minutes of screen time (if they even get that), but a select few have gone on to major success...all while performing covers to get there. Steve and Tony discuss this 21st century phenomenon and how it has affected the community at large. Get the ebook and level up your social media game - www.g...

Feb 21, 202453 min

The Cover Band Central Podcast #208 - If you're trying, you're doing great!

Nobody's perfect. Yes, that is a cliche', but when it comes to being a musician, it's important to remember this. From the kid jamming in his bedroom, to the multi-platinum rock stars, everyone makes mistakes, struggles with confidence, and sometimes wants to throw in the towel. Steve an Tony discuss this and more including Steve working at the Grammy Awards in 1991, this years' Grammys, and the amazing Netflix special "The Greatest Night in Pop." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphon...

Feb 07, 202459 min

The Cover Band Central Podcast #207 - Does New Gear Make You Play Better?

We all love getting a shiny new piece of musical equipment. The old joke is that if you get new gear, you'll improve at your craft. But is there any truth to this? Steve and Tony explore this topic, along with anything else that comes up. Get the ebook! - www.getemtotheshow.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 31, 202457 min

The Cover Band Central Podcast #206 - We're Back!

After an extended leave, Steve and Tony are back to talk about all that's going on in the world of cover bands and musicians! They'll recap what's been going on in their respective careers since the last episode, and discuss random topics that come up. Join us! Check out the BRAND NEW website at www.coverbandcentral.com Get your copy of the ebook at www.getemtotheshow.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 24, 20241 hr 2 min

The Cover Band Central Podcast #205 - Teaching and Learning

Whether we are intentional or not, we as musicians are always learning and teaching. We absorb what happens when we play with others, and many of us give our advice joyfully to other players. Some of us though, who are looking to excel at what we do, seek guidance from those who are accomplished. Today, Steve and Tony discuss their experiences with learning and teaching through the years, the benefits of having an instructor, and delve into the brand new coaching program that Cover Band Central ...

Aug 30, 20231 hr 5 min

The Cover Band Central Podcast #204 - Embarrassing Moments

We've all been there. Something that completely humiliates you happens under the lights in front of many gazing eyes. Even the best of them have had an embarrassing moment on stage. This episode, we'll scroll through some of the events you were kind enough to admit. Available Now! A new micro-course ebook that helps you with promoting yourself on social media so that you get more people to your shows, and ultimately make more money. Get yours here - https://cbcentral.samcart.com/products/get-em-...

Aug 09, 20231 hr 4 min

The Cover Band Central Podcast #203 - Social Media

Like it or not, social media like Facebook, Instagram, and now Threads are an important part of the game in maintaining a working band. The most successful cover bands and artists of today have a presence on all of the major platforms...and provide content on a regular basis. Some of the older generation are reluctant to participate, but it's not going away any time soon. Subscribe to the Cover Band Central YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/coverbandcentral Learn more about your ad choices. Vis...

Jul 12, 20231 hr 3 min

The Cover Band Central Podcast #202 - Working on your craft

Any long time musician knows that in order to persevere, you need to constantly be practicing, studying, and improving. Ask any player if they've gotten as good as they can get, and most times they will answer "No." Being aware of this fact is important if you want to get work and make good money. Subscribe to the Cover Band Central YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/coverbandcentral Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 29, 20231 hr 4 min

The Cover Band Central Podcast #201 - The Importance of Lists

People make lists all of the time. Shopping lists, rankings, to-do lists, etc. But the importance of lists for musicians cannot be overstated. Being organized is primary for your success as a band or individual player. Steve and Tony discuss this...and much more! Subscribe to the Cover Band Central YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/coverbandcentral Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 08, 20231 hr 3 min

The Cover Band Central Podcast #200 - We made it!

200 hours. That's how much content we've provided with the Cover Band Central podcast. For this celebratory episode, we've brought in special guests who have been a huge part of the Cover Band Central journey from nearly the beginning. This round table discussion is full of memories, wisdom, tips, and laughs. Joining us on this episode are: Jeff Yonker aka Chonk - Silent Bark/Robots Attack/Website guru Dan Ray - The Clanky Lincolns/The New Strange/Cover Band Confidential Podcast Mike Shulte - Th...

May 24, 20231 hr 9 min

The Cover Band Central Podcast #199 - Managing the Band

It takes a lot of work to manage a band. You need focus, organizational skills, ability to delegate, diplomacy, motivation, and many other traits to be successful. Bands can get away with less, but the most successful ones have someone in charge that knows what they're doing. Subscribe to the Cover Band Central YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/coverbandcentral Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 10, 20231 hr 3 minEp. 199

The Cover Band Central Podcast #198 - It's our Birthday!

9 years ago today we had a clever idea of creating a home for musicians all over the world who play covers. Thus...the Cover Band Central Facebook Page was created. Now it has over 670,000 followers, and is on track to a million by early next year. Steve and Tony talk about the history and intention of CBC, and what the future holds. Subscribe to the Cover Band Central YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/coverbandcentral Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 26, 20231 hr 3 min

The Cover Band Central Podcast #197 - Play for the gig you want

You've likely heard the phrase "Dress for the job you want, not the job you have." That advice can be taken literally in the general workforce to better your chances of moving up the corporate ladder, but it's also a metaphor that attempts to motivate you to strive for more, and to do it in the present. It means—act as if you are in the place or position that you prefer even before you get there. This nugget of wisdom can also be applied to your musical life and goals. Using visualization and ac...

Apr 12, 20231 hr 5 min

The Cover Band Central Podcast #196 - Fans of Cover Bands

This podcast focuses on musicians and all that comes along with playing covers—either for fun or work. This week, Steve and Tony explore the other perspective...the cover band fan. What makes a person become a fan of a particular cover band, and what gets them coming back to shows and telling other people about them? The question was asked on the Cover Band Central Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/coverbandcentral), and there were many responses! Subscribe to the Cover Band Central YouTube channe...

Mar 29, 20231 hr 4 min

The Cover Band Central Podcast #195 - Advice you would give to a young musician

Some of us in the cover band scene have been at this for years—even decades. If we had an opportunity to do it all over again, what are some things we would change? More importantly, though, what advice can we give to younger musicians with our wealth of experience? Steve and Tony give their answers in this episode, as well as field comments from the live viewers. They also scroll through the post that was recently put up in the Cover Band Central Facebook Group (www.facebook.com/groups/coverban...

Mar 22, 20231 hr 5 min
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