iPads, AI, and Integrity: Are Modern Musicians Cutting Corners or Evolving?
In this candid solo episode, host Dave Gates dives into a fiery social-media post from local musician Zach King, who recently took aim at performers using iPads onstage and AI-generated flyers to promote their gigs. Zach’s post—equal parts frustration and tough love—called out what he sees as laziness and a lack of artistic respect in today’s music scene.
Dave explores the conversation from both angles:
- Why Zach has a point about authenticity, supporting fellow artists, and the value of putting real creative effort into your craft and promo.
- Why the other side matters too, including accessibility, modern workflow realities, and the idea that using tools doesn’t automatically make a musician less committed or less “real.”
It’s a nuanced look at artistry, practicality, and where the line really is between cutting corners and keeping up with the times. Whether you swear by paper charts or swear by your tablet, this episode asks the bigger questions about what it means to be a musician in 2025.
20 Nov 2025
Thursday Thoughts: DISENGAGEMENT and Musical Make-up Sex
In this episode of the Solo Musician Podcast, host Dave Gates takes a vulnerable look at the slow, silent experience of losing touch with your creativity as a solo musician. There’s no big breaking point — just a gradual drift, until one day you realize you feel miles away from the music you used to love.
This episode seeks to unpack the emotional flatline that often follows: the numbness, the self-doubt, and the quiet questions that echo louder when you’re creating alone.
Do I even want this anymore?
Was I ever good enough?
Would anyone notice if I walked away?
Dave tries to reframe disengagement not as a failure but as information — a signal that something needs to shift, not stop. You’ll hear thoughtful guidance on gently reconnecting with your art, from rediscovering music as a listener to lowering your creative expectations and remembering what first lit the spark.
“Disengagement” is a reassuring reminder that creative seasons ebb and flow. If you’re feeling disconnected from your music, you’re not alone — and your return will be more powerful than you think.
11 Nov 2025
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.
Who has been a guest on Solo Musician Podcast
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Colin Alvarez
Sam
Deuce (Colin)
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.6 / 5
14 ratings
Spotify
4.5 / 5
15 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 47 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
75
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
50
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