The Gigging Musician Podcast

10 Episodes
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By: Jared Judge

Playing music for live audiences is one of the most rewarding things on the planet. In this podcast, we dissect everything that goes into being a successful gigging musician.

Get Featured on The Gigging Musician Podcast: Share Your Story & Amplify Your Reach!
Last Thursday at 7:00 PM

In this episode, Jared shares an exciting opportunity for musicians to feature on The Gigging Musician Podcast. Jared invites musicians to reach out and schedule a time to discuss their journey, gigs, and unique sound on the show. Not only will this interview give musicians a new platform to connect with fans, but it also offers SEO benefits with backlinks and more visibility online. Don’t miss this chance to share your music story and get professional insights on booking gigs, marketing, and more!


Landing High-Paying Gigs: Breaking $3K Solo Performances & Booking Holiday Shows
Last Tuesday at 7:00 PM

In this episode, Jared shares his latest success stories, including how he landed two of the highest-paid solo gigs of his career, including a $3,000 gig in Austin and a lucrative festival in Colorado. He dives into his booking strategies, gigging experiences, and how networking with event planners has propelled his career forward. Jared also discusses his game plan for securing holiday party gigs and reaching the six-figure milestone with Extreme Strings.


Navigating Gig Challenges and Maximizing Opportunities at High-End Events
10/31/2024

In this episode, Jared shares his experiences from a nonprofit fundraiser gala at an art gallery in Denver. Despite battling challenging acoustics and technical issues with his PA system, Jared reveals how he successfully adapted, connected with the audience, and even created a memorable moment for a couple considering booking him for their wedding. Along the way, Jared offers insights into how musicians can manage difficult gigs while still marketing themselves for future opportunities.


New Gear, Big Gigs, and Building Corporate Event Connections
10/29/2024

In this episode, Jared dives into the world of destination management companies (DMCs) and how they connect musicians to high-end corporate gigs. He shares his experience playing a corporate event in Denver and discusses the power of networking in the events industry. Jared also talks about upgrading his sound equipment to enhance his performances and provides a behind-the-scenes look at how he’s preparing for his biggest gig yet.


Building Relationships and Delivering Excellence at High-End Gigs
10/24/2024

In this episode, Jared shares the details of a unique grand opening gig at the Kimpton Hotel in Denver. He talks about how his involvement in a local events networking group led to the opportunity and how he negotiated the deal to benefit both his business and his personal life. Jared also covers how he handled the gig's setup, from choosing the right sound gear to crafting a seamless performance. Plus, he offers insights into his process of maintaining professionalism and making lasting connections with event planners.


Navigating Gig Challenges and Thriving Under Pressure
10/22/2024

In this episode, Jared shares the behind-the-scenes experience of a challenging gig at Cherokee Ranch and Castle. From unexpected weather to power outages, Jared recounts how he adapted to the situation, stayed calm under pressure, and turned a potentially stressful event into a five-star success. Listen in as Jared discusses handling last-minute changes, the importance of being prepared, and the invaluable lessons learned from years of gigging experience.


Facing Challenges in the Music Industry: Sponsorship Struggles and Breaking Through
10/17/2024

In this episode, Jared opens up about a frustrating experience with event sponsorship and the challenges musicians face when competing with larger agencies. He shares the emotional rollercoaster of losing a major opportunity, how he navigated the situation, and why it’s essential for musicians to persevere through the obstacles. Jared also discusses his recent DJing ambitions, his exciting corporate gigs, and strategies to keep moving forward even when the path isn’t easy.


Why Marketing is Key to Unlocking High-End Gigs for Musicians
10/15/2024

In this episode, Jared dives deep into the often-overlooked importance of marketing for musicians and debunks the myth that simply being a great musician is enough to land high-paying gigs. He shares his personal journey from skepticism to embracing marketing as the key to building his business, recounting his first encounters with marketing strategies and how they transformed his approach to booking gigs. Jared also explains how adopting marketing techniques can not only secure more gigs but can also help musicians reach their true potential.


Farmers Markets, First Gigs, and Staying Power: Building Connections Beyond the Stage
10/10/2024

In this episode, Jared reflects on his first-ever farmers market gig and how playing non-high-end gigs can still lead to exciting opportunities, networking, and even higher-paying clients. Jared also shares the lessons he learned from playing long hours, making unexpected connections, and managing technical challenges during performances. With new tools like a Jackery battery to power his PA system, Jared is excited about evolving his setup and strategy for future gigs. Plus, find out why he’s staying positive despite missing out on an industry award this time.


Adventures in Aspen: Wedding Gigs, Fair Performances, and Finding Your Niche
10/08/2024

In this episode, Jared shares his excitement about heading to Aspen for his first wedding gig in the mountains, discussing the challenges of long drives and balancing various music gigs. He recaps his experience playing at the Adams County Fair and how these performances can lead to future high-end bookings. Jared also talks about the importance of finding your musical niche and why the journey to success is all about persistence and passion.