Podcast Episode Summary: Playing in a Band - Part One

Introduction

In this episode, Katherine chats with Dave, a guitarist who’s been playing since the age of fourteen. With experience in eight different bands, Dave gives Katherine (and listeners) a deep dive into the real-life dynamics of playing in a band. Ranging from managing multiple projects to the highs and lows of live performances, this episode uncovers what it’s really like to be part of a band. If you're a musician yourself or if you're writing about a character in a band, or just curious, you’ll walk away with fresh insights into the world of live music.

Ready to rock? Let’s dive in!

Here's the link to this specific podcast episode on my website. Listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other major platforms!

TIMESTAMPS

00:02:21 What is in the fridge of a guy who plays in a cover band?

00:04:23 How does one divide your time amongst one band, let alone two?

00:04:27 How is that for your schedule and working a full-time job?

00:08:18 Are there pros and cons to the cover band in which you can, you know, you know what the sounds are gonna be like.

00:08:34 Is there any sort of downside to having both things going on at the same time?

00:12:28 What is it like as the entertainer aspect of playing in the cover band?

00:12:34 What is it like playing to the audience in that way?

00:15:23 What makes a great night?

00:17:21 What's a clean tone?

00:23:07 What does it mean to be tone-oriented?

00:25:57 A word from our sponsor.

00:26:32 What's a bad night?

00:27:51 How do you down tune?

00:32:09 How long were these tours?

00:35:05 Do you feel the high adrenaline, you know, during the show?

00:35:09 Do you feel the low sort of post show?

00:35:14 What are the emotions that you've had to come to terms with when playing as you do?

00:41:22 What's the difference between what you show them and what you're not ready to, you just want to keep it to yourself.

00:43:59 Do you find yourself becoming friends with people that understand kind of the social culture of playing in a band, that when you're away, it will take you some time to process once you're back from a tour.

00:44:18 Do you kind of have to be with friends with people that are also in bands or in bands adjacent?

00:53:47 So what's this community like?

00:54:09 Have you acquired this knowledge through all of this playing that you've done?

00:54:15 Have you acquired this knowledge specifically because Paper Covers Rock is a 90s band, and you kind of have to know the history?

00:56:50 What was it like to tell your parents?

Key Takeaways:

1. Being a musician is seriously about balance

Dave talks a lot about managing multiple bands, a full-time job, and life in general. As someone who writes (and juggles multiple projects), it’s easy to see how this mirrors the balancing act that creatives face every day. Time management is everything, whether you're on stage or behind a keyboard.

2. The emotional highs and lows are real—and they’re part of the process

There’s this raw honesty in Dave’s story about the rush of performing and the inevitable crash after. It’s not just about the performance; it’s about navigating the feelings that come with putting so much of yourself out there. As a writer, it’s the same—whether it’s the joy of completing a draft or the exhaustion after a big project, the emotions are real, and learning how to deal with them is key.

3. Community is everything

Whether it’s other musicians who understand the grind or bandmates who become like family, Dave’s story is a reminder that creative life isn’t just about the work—it’s about the people who get it. I think we all need that connection, whether we’re writing a novel or recording an album.

4. It’s the small moments that make it worth it

For Dave, it’s the moments when the crowd is vibing, or when the band hits just the right note together. As a writer, it’s those small wins—like finding the perfect phrase or getting feedback from a reader—that keep you going. Success doesn’t always come in big bursts; it’s in those quiet, satisfying moments when everything clicks.

Editor’s Note:

As a writer, there’s something really fascinating about peeling back the layers of what it’s like to be part of a band. This episode is exactly that—it’s an honest, behind-the-scenes look into the life of a musician. And, I’ll admit, it’s one of those episodes that made me want to keep listening just to hear more about the balance between creativity, chaos, and connection that comes with being in a band. Dave’s experience gives us a peek into the emotional and logistical sides of band life—juggling multiple projects, the adrenaline of live shows, and that post-performance crash we’ve all heard about.

It’s easy to imagine the “rockstar life” from the outside, but Dave makes it clear that there’s more to it than the cool persona—it’s about managing people, expectations, and most of all, your own energy. As someone who writes about people’s stories, I’m always on the lookout for that blend of truth and vulnerability, and this episode definitely delivers.

If you’ve ever been curious about what it’s like to balance the thrill of the stage with the everyday grind, or even what happens when a show goes bad, this episode really pulls you into that world. And, if you’re a fellow creative, there’s so much to take away about the emotional side of performing and how it connects to what we do as writers, artists, and creators.

But don’t get too comfortable! Part Two promises to go even deeper, and we’ll be exploring more of Dave’s journey through the lens of his musical knowledge and personal growth. So, stick around, because this conversation is far from over!

Links & Resources:

• Check out Jackson and the Poolsharks on their website, Spotify, Apple Music, and Instagram.

• More info on down-tuning your guitar? Check out this guide.

• Listen to Part Two from the "Playing in a Band" series here.

Keep the music alive,

Katherine Arkady