Solo Musician Podcast

• Less Suck = More Gigs: The 2026 Strategy for Solo Musicians

  Booking gigs doesn’t have to be painful — or embarrassing. In this episode of The Solo Musician Podcast, we’re breaking down a no-BS, modern strategy for booking more shows in 2026. Learn how to build a gig-ready online presence, craft messages that actually get replies, and stop wasting so much of your time chasing the wrong outcomes. From open mics to the almighty follow-up, discover where the real opportunities are hiding this year. Whether you’re tired of unanswered emails or just want to fill your 2026 calendar with paying gigs, this episode will show you exactly how to stop sucking at booking gigs — and start performing as much as you want.

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• Knocking on Doors: Scouting New Venues Like a Solo Pro

  In this episode of The Solo Musician Podcast, host Dave Gates takes you behind the scenes of his first-ever trip to New York’s beautiful Finger Lakes region — a two-day, boots-on-the-ground mission to scout potential venues for his 2026 tour. With a HUGE shoutout to his friend John, Dave recounts the experience, the lakeside drives, and the 45 venues he visited around Keuka and Seneca Lakes — all part of the grind of booking gigs as an independent artist. You’ll hear how Dave approached each venue like a pro: walking in with confidence, starting genuine conversations, dropping a card (and sometimes a tip), and keeping notes in the parking lot after each stop. He shares his honest reflections on nerves, persistence, and people skills, plus key takeaways on what worked, what didn’t, and why the “don’t be annoying” mindset might just be your best business strategy. Stick around for bonus tips — including Dave’s Facebook group hack for finding venues in new regions — and get inspired to take your own music hustle on the road. Perfect for: Independent musicians, DIY bookers, and anyone curious what it really takes to get gigs when you’re a one-person operation.

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• Gigs, Gigs, and More Gigs *SOLO EPISODE*

  From historic taverns to open mics and hometown bars, this week was all about playing live and connecting with people through music. I’m talking about: • Penn’s Tavern — why I love historic venues and that tough-to-get booking convo with the owner. • Wednesday Open Mic — my most-viewed post ever, a full signup list, and a mix of mandolins, violins, and political songs. • Friday at Liquid Noise — hometown crowd energy, a glitchy request system, and those epic 2-hour sets. • Saturday at the Horn Pub — first pedalboard run, big crowd interaction, and the reminder that if you’re having fun, they are too. Plus: a quick rundown of my next adventure — scouting venues in the Finger Lakes. Hit play to hear the stories, the lessons, and the laughs behind a week full of gigs.

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• The Other Side of the Stage feat. Colin Alvarez

  Ever wonder what it’s really like to make a living as a solo musician? Dave Gates and Colin Alvarez get real about low pay, burnout, unreliable gigs, and the unseen grind behind the music.

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• Open Mics, Entertaining, and Why We Do It feat. Kevin Raubenstine

  This week's guest is Kevin Raubenstine. Kevin is a solo acoustic musician from the Lancaster, PA area. We chat about our similar experience with entry model Taylor guitars, what draws us to perform, the importance of open mics, the effect of the pandemic on live music, and a bunch of other music and non-music related topics in between. As always, thanks for listening, make sure to follow Kevin on all the things and share this podcast with your friends! For guest booking inquiries or suggestions, hit us up at [email protected]

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