Colors, Concepts, and Creativity with Jon McCormack

Are you a musician struggling to find your niche in the ever-evolving music scene? Gig Gab’s latest episode dives deep into the world of musical diversity and the power of embracing multiple genres.

Host Dave Hamilton welcomes guest Jon McCormack, a versatile guitarist and songwriter known for his work with bands like Wizzardess, Museum of Science, Fly Spinach Fly, and Bitter Pill. Jon shares his journey from being a cover band snob to embracing the joy of playing diverse music styles.

The episode explores the concept of the “hyphen era” in music, where genres blend and musicians find success in unexpected places. Jon and Dave discuss the importance of challenging oneself creatively, from concept albums to theatrical productions, and how these experiences shape a musician’s career.

Listeners will gain insights into balancing original music with cover bands, the value of visual elements in live performances, and the evolving definition of success in the music industry. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this episode reminds us to “Always Be Performing” and embrace the diverse opportunities in music.

Ready to expand your musical horizons? Press play on this inspiring episode of Gig Gab and discover how embracing diversity can elevate your musical journey.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 465 – Monday, January 20, 2025
  • January 20th: National Cheese Lover’s Day
• 00:02:08 Guest co-host: Jon McCormack from Wizzardess, Museum of Science, Fly Spinach Fly, Paintbox, Wheel of Awesome, Camarojuana, Order of Thieves, and Bitter Pill (among others!)
• 00:02:53 You don’t just listen to one thing!
  • Growing up with Disco to The Beatles to The Beach Boys and Paul Simon and Cat Stevens and World Music
  • Growing up with original bands being the norm
• 00:05:32 The 90s were the hyphen era
  • Ska-Funk
  • Funk-Jazz
• 00:09:09 Creating cover bands when you’re a cover band snob
  • Turns out being in a cover band is fun
  • The fun-to-work ratio is … more fun in a cover band!
  • A one-off gig pretending to be an eighties hair-metal band: Camarojuana
  • Spyder Von Manhadyn
• 00:14:48 The Power of a Persona
  • MC Food Court
• 00:15:47 Wearing a costume is permission
• 00:17:50 SPONSOR: HelloBand, a fan engagement app that connects you with your fans while you’re on stage making it simple and effective to bring your live shows to the next level. GIGGAB20 gets you 20% off!
• 00:19:40 What covers were you learning as a kid?
  • Rush, Yes, King Crimson… then Living Colour and other funk stuff
  • And then came Van Halen and other eighties metal stuff
• 00:20:21 Taking lessons from the right people
  • Randy Armstrong
  • John Cutrone
• 00:25:07 In Danger of Being Discovered
  • Thanks to Gravity
  • Fly Spinach Fly
  • Say Zuzu
• 00:27:17 Wheel Of Awesome at a local, small bar… is still great!
  • A hang. A community.
  • It’s all about being engaged
• 00:31:48 Dave played Whole Lotta Love
• 00:38:11 Back to hyphens: Paintbox, a concept album about paint colors
  • And then it became a musical!
• 00:44:17 Gig Gab Outtro
  • Follow Jon McCormack on Instagram
  • Contact Gig Gab!
  • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
  • [email protected]
  • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

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