Playing in a band is quite a bit different than any other job. There are things that you can get away with that you aren't able to if you're punching a time clock or working in an office. However, that doesn't mean you're immune from getting the boot if you're...
Articles - Tips & Tricks
5 Reasons Why Musicians Should Be Using Facebook Live Right Now
Unless you’ve been living completely off the grid for the last six months, you know that internet behemoth Facebook launched its Live function for all to use anytime they choose. The social media leader is aggressively promoting this feature through numerous...
10 Tips for Playing a Cover Song
Although I've never counted, I can guess with confidence that I've learned and played well over a thousand different cover songs in my career. I have a specific system that has developed over time that has proven effective for me in maintaining a career as a...
Common Mistakes Musicians Make With YouTube Videos…and How To Fix Them
You Tube is the third most popular website in the world, and the fourth most popular in the United States, behind only Amazon (3), Facebook (2), and Google at the top slot – according to Alexa.com. More than 1 billion unique users visit You Tube every month....
10 Perks of Playing in a Wedding Band
When I started Cover Band Central, I had played in almost every variation of a cover band. I've worked extensively in classic rock bands, had long stints in a couple of blues bands, gigged with an all female dance outfit, played with party bands at casinos and...
16 Tips For Musicians On How To Learn Songs Quickly, Easily, and Effectively
I was recently offered a gig with a well-known, hard-working cover band on the Gulf Coast of the U.S. and had to learn their song list quickly. While the task of picking up 60+ new tunes in about two weeks was somewhat overwhelming, I realized during the process that...
10 Tips for Musicians on How To Be an Effective Band Leader
When you are in charge of a group of people, there are several responsibilities that fall on your shoulders. If you've never been in a management position or haven't had any business training, this can be a challenging endeavor. The truth is that it's really not all...
14 Tips on How to be Successful as a Musician in a Working Band
“I want to make more money!” This is the predominant concern that I hear from most working musicians – and with good reason. The rate of pay for bands that play in bars, clubs and pubs hasn’t changed much over the last 10, 20, even 30 years in some cases. In the...
Stuff You Should Say on the Mic When Your Band is Performing on Stage
If you're fortunate enough to be a musician that gets to work in public, there is some business to take care of during your show. In general, it's the lead vocalist that communicates with the crowd, but anyone in the band with access to a microphone can participate. A...
Glossary of Common Words and Phrases Used by Working Musicians
If you've ever been around a musician, you know that they have a language all their own. If you are a musician, you'll be familiar with many of these real-world terms below. This glossary is a work in progress, as people constantly come up with new ways to say things,...
Latest Posts
“Seven Nation Army” The White Stripes cover by Yubaba—Video of the Week 01/17/22
There have been times when a cover of a song ends up being better than the original. In my travels and my years with CBC, I've come across it occasionally, but not too often. Each time, however, it lights me up. A familiar tune is interpreted in a whole new way, and I...
“Bridge Over Troubled Water” Simon & Garfunkel cover by James Peach—Video of the Week 01/10/22
We're always on the lookout for something new and different here at CBC, and fortunately for us this showed up in our inbox. Our interest was piqued when the sender stated that this cover was performed all acapella by him alone. Then we watched the video, and...
Whatever It Takes — A Musician’s Journey Through the Storm
The following was originally written in 2000—a year after the actual event. It was first penned as a series of e-mails to a friend, and then later compiled as a story. It has since been edited for continuity, but the spirit remains intact. This occurred over the...
“Mama, I’m Coming Home” Ozzy Osbourne cover by Larkin Poe — Video of the Week 05/17/21
It's still amazes me that I continue to discover "new" artists that have an extensive catalog of songs, but I've never heard of them before. With a ton of music loving friends on my news feed, once in a while someone will post a video that immediately gets my...
“Going To California” Led Zeppelin Cover by Pino Farina – Video of the Week 05/03/21
There's something more genuine about music played by a single person with just a guitar and vocal. Without drums, bass, keys, and loud volume, there's nowhere to hide. Every note needs to be played and sung with care.We came across our selection this week though not...
Musician - All Day, Every Day
Show the world what you do and who you are with the Cover Band Central “MUSICIAN” T-Shirt. Available in unisex sizes S thru 3XL!