After The Gig

In this episode, Jesse discusses the often overlooked but crucial aspect of musicians' lives—side hustles. Sharing his personal experiences from bartending to delivering packages during the pandemic, Jesse highlights the importance of having flexible side jobs to sustain a career in music. He emphasizes that there's no shame in having secondary jobs and encourages all aspiring artists to find side gigs that complement their artistic pursuits until they can make music their full-time profession. Learn about the emotional journey, valuable skills gained, and the balance needed to thrive as a musician. After the Gig is a reader-supported publication. To support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Newsletter: https://jessehumphrey.substack.com/ Youtube! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6AhUzWzyCrTgffuNlTjLG3jEmj5h4pmZ 00:00 Introduction and Purpose 01:00 The Necessity of Side Hustles 01:18 Personal Journey: From Boston to Bartending 04:15 Pandemic Pivot: Amazon Logistics 08:12 Balancing Music and Side Gigs 14:37 Choosing the Right Side Hustle 18:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Get full access to After the Gig at jessehumphrey.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Jesse explores the deep passion and relentless drive behind playing music. Drawing parallels between music and hitting a perfect golf shot, we delve into the joy of playing an instrument or having a musical conversation with fellow musicians. The episode touches on the importance of connecting with your music, the audience, and the struggles young musicians face. We discuss the dangers of comparing oneself to others and emphasize measuring personal growth. The discussion also includes insights on parenting, the significance of not stifling creativity in children, and the journey of perseverance and practice in achieving success. This episode is a deep dive into the world of music, connection, and personal growth. The After the Gig podcast is moving to Substack! There shouldn’t be any change to how you view, or listen to the show, but we will now be using Substack as our new hosting site! The show will remain the same on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and anywhere else you listen to After the Gig. The video version is also still available on YouTube, which I highly recommend! Please reach out to afterthegigpod@gmail.com for any question or concerns! Music from the episode: Outro: “Chemical” by Jesse Humphrey Newsletter: Youtube! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6AhUzWzyCrTgffuNlTjLG3jEmj5h4pmZ Support the Podcast on Patreon! Patreon.com/afterthegig All links right here!! https://linktr.ee/jessehumphrey EMAIL US! afterthegigpod@gmail.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/afterthegig/ @afterthegig 00:00 Introduction: The Passion for Music 01:31 The Magic of Mastery: Golf and Drumming 02:09 Musical Conversations and Connections 03:16 Challenges and Perseverance in Music 07:22 The Flow State and Creative Process 09:15 Avoiding Comparisons and Self-Improvement 15:03 Podcast Updates and Personal Reflections 19:15 Impact of Words on Young Minds 28:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Get full access to After the Gig at jessehumphrey.substack.com/subscribe

2025 Grammy Highlights & Super Bowl Controversy: Kendrick Lamar's Bold Statement   In this episode of 'After the Gig,' Jesse delves deep into the 2025 Grammy performances, featuring reactions to standout artists like Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, Lizzo, and more. He also discusses the much-talked-about Super Bowl halftime show by Kendrick Lamar, which sparked significant controversy due to its direct jabs at Drake and the inclusion of Serena Williams. Additionally, Jesse touches on poignant topics like the devastating California wildfires and the Grammy tribute to LA's first responders. From riveting performances to thought-provoking commentary, join us for a thorough exploration of the highs and lows of these major music events.   Newsletter:  https://jessehumphrey.substack.com/   Youtube! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6AhUzWzyCrTgffuNlTjLG3jEmj5h4pmZ   Support the Podcast on Patreon!  Patreon.com/afterthegig   All links right here!! https://linktr.ee/jessehumphrey   EMAIL US! afterthegigpod@gmail.com   Instagram https://www.instagram.com/afterthegig/ @afterthegig   00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:54 Dua Lipa's Stellar Performance 01:20 Anita and Billie Eilish: A Mixed Bag 03:51 Lizzo's Controversies and Performances 06:20 Benson Boone's Crowd-Pleasing Act 07:36 Sabrina Carpenter's Fun and Levity 10:45 Teddy Swims and Other Notable Performances 13:32 Cynthia Erivo's Tribute and Lady Gaga's Polarizing Act 17:44 Shakira and the Impact of Wildfires 23:54 Babyface's Disrespect and the Super Bowl Halftime Show 26:43 Kendrick Lamar's Controversial Super Bowl Performance 35:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

City Winery's $25 Minimum: A Deep Dive into the New Policy and Its Impact   In this episode, we explore City Winery's recent decision to implement a $25 minimum on food and beverage sales for concertgoers at their venues. Jesse shares personal thoughts and insights on the policy, its potential impact on patrons, and the reasons behind this move, including the desire to support artists by giving them a larger share of ticket sales. By reading an email from City Winery's CEO, we get an inside look at the motivations behind the new policy. Jesse also discusses broader issues affecting live music venues, such as the challenges of booking talent, managing unpredictable ticket sales, and ensuring quality service. Additionally, the episode touches on how similar venues have navigated financial challenges and offers a balanced perspective on the implications of the policy for both artists and patrons.   Newsletter:  https://jessehumphrey.substack.com/   Youtube! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6AhUzWzyCrTgffuNlTjLG3jEmj5h4pmZ   Support the Podcast on Patreon!  Patreon.com/afterthegig   All links right here!! https://linktr.ee/jessehumphrey   EMAIL US! afterthegigpod@gmail.com   Instagram https://www.instagram.com/afterthegig/ @afterthegig     00:00 Introduction to City Winery's New Policy 01:16 Personal Experience with Minimum Spend Policies 02:38 Reading the CEO's Email 05:00 Analyzing the Email and Menu Changes 06:22 Challenges Faced by City Winery 09:02 Impact on Artists and Venues 11:07 Case Study: Rockwood Music Hall 15:42 Balancing Acts and Business Models 18:14 Potential Solutions and Final Thoughts 25:09 Service Quality and Final Wrap-Up

Join Jesse as he drives through blizzard conditions from Providence to Boston, reminiscing about the days commuting to the Berklee College of Music. Jesse catches up with, drummer and Berklee professor Jonathan Ulman, as they discuss their careers, share inspiring stories, and reflect on the music industry. Don’t miss this engaging conversation that touches on the importance of humility, the life of touring musicians, and the role of mentorship. This episode also sheds light on the current challenges in Los Angeles due to devastating fires and includes ways to support the affected communities.   Show links   Music from the show: "Thruple Shuffle" by Uncle Bronco   Newsletter:  https://jessehumphrey.substack.com/   Youtube! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6AhUzWzyCrTgffuNlTjLG3jEmj5h4pmZ   All links right here!! https://linktr.ee/jessehumphrey   EMAIL US! afterthegigpod@gmail.com   Instagram https://www.instagram.com/afterthegig/ @afterthegig   Support Steve and Jess as they recover from the loss of their home in Los Angeles : https://gofund.me/11876fcf   00:00 Winter Commute to Berklee College of Music 01:06 Revisiting Berklee After 14 Years 01:22 Insights from the Newsletter 03:05 Arriving at Berklee and Finding Parking 05:33 Podcast with Jonathan Allman Begins 15:53 Balancing Passion and Profession 16:36 The Importance of Professionalism in Music 31:05 Learning from Industry Legends 36:11 The Role of Social Media in Music Careers 37:07 Reflections on Musical Growth and Simplicity 43:30 Navigating Criticism and Staying Positive 44:41 Morning Coffee Ritual 44:55 Challenges of Being a Drummer 48:23 Inspiring the Next Generation 52:21 Tour Life and Its Struggles 54:20 Perspective on Success 01:07:43 Meeting Eddie Vedder 01:22:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This week on the podcast I talk about the New England Music Awards, Health on the Road, and Productivity as an artist.  Make sure you subscribe to the newsletter, and check out the links below. Enjoy   Music from the show: "Thruple Shuffle"   Newsletter:  https://jessehumphrey.substack.com/   Youtube! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6AhUzWzyCrTgffuNlTjLG3jEmj5h4pmZ   All links right here!! https://linktr.ee/jessehumphrey   EMAIL US! afterthegigpod@gmail.com   Instagram https://www.instagram.com/afterthegig/ @afterthegig

This week on the podcast I talk about the New England Music Awards, Health on the Road, and Productivity as an artist.  Make sure you subscribe to the newsletter, and check out the links below. Enjoy   Music from the show: "Thruple Shuffle"   Newsletter:  https://jessehumphrey.substack.com/   Youtube! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6AhUzWzyCrTgffuNlTjLG3jEmj5h4pmZ   All links right here!! https://linktr.ee/jessehumphrey   EMAIL US! afterthegigpod@gmail.com   Instagram https://www.instagram.com/afterthegig/ @afterthegig

Ed Valauskas is a Boston legend.  He's played with everyone, and produced some of the cities best musical exports from the comfy confines of Q division studios in Cambridge, MA.  Ed and I met back when my former band Love in Stockholm recorded our 3rd release "Hold Back the Sun". You can listen to that here: https://open.spotify.com/album/669ssJgNDfL41GIIBg5Rw5?si=mnTRnlNRRKSFLLLIehaAJQ   Ed is the musical director of the Hot Stove Cool Music event that happens every year in Boston.  It was started by Baseball hall of fame journalist Peter Gammons, and features an impressive roster of Boston sports heros that come together to play music.  Ed talks all about it in our chat as well as many other things! Enjoy   So you want the lowdown, opinions, and advice of a professional that highlights the real ways to make it work as a musician from 20 years of experience?  Then subscribe to the After the Gig newsletter!!  https://jessehumphrey.substack.com/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/afterthegig   Youtube! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6AhUzWzyCrTgffuNlTjLG3jEmj5h4pmZ   All links right here!! https://linktr.ee/jessehumphrey   EMAIL US! afterthegigpod@gmail.com   Instagram https://www.instagram.com/afterthegig/ @afterthegig

Today on the podcast I have the great Pat Murphy of Gaelic Storm.  The band was founded by Pat in 1996 and was featured in the record setting, blockbuster movie (one of the biggest films ever made) “Titanic”.  From then, they went on to a record deal and decades as a staple in the Irish music community.  Go to their website for tour dates.  You will not want to miss them when they come to your town!  Pat is one of my favorite people I’ve met in the music industry (and in general) and I hope you enjoy our chat half as much as I did.  Enjoy!   So you want the lowdown, opinions, and advice of a professional that highlights the real ways to make it work as a musician from 20 years of experience?  Then subscribe to the After the Gig newsletter!!  https://jessehumphrey.substack.com/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/afterthegig   All links right here!! https://linktr.ee/jessehumphrey   EMAIL US! afterthegigpod@gmail.com   Instagram https://www.instagram.com/afterthegig/ @afterthegig

Today on the podcast I have my buddy Sean Quackenbush.  Sean is the Grammy-winning sound engineer for Brandi Carlisle, and various others.  Sean and I met and worked together on a tour with Stephen Kellogg, and having him on the show has been a long time coming.  Sean talks about his experience with mix recordings, the Grammys, touring stories, and lot more.  Enjoy!   To get more out of the After the Gig universe, sign up for the weekly newsletter here! https://jessehumphrey.substack.com/p/after-the-gig-newsletter-a80   https://www.facebook.com/groups/afterthegig   All links right here!! https://linktr.ee/jessehumphrey   EMAIL US! afterthegigpod@gmail.com   Instagram https://www.instagram.com/afterthegig/ @afterthegig

On this episode of After the Gig, Jesse sits down with the man behind the lens of the Sixth Man Cruises.  Will Byington is a photographer and all around amazing individual who shares his experience of photographing fast paced and demanding environments while out at sea.    To get more out of the After the Gig universe, sign up for the weekly newsletter here! https://jessehumphrey.substack.com/p/after-the-gig-newsletter-a80   https://www.facebook.com/groups/afterthegig   All links right here!! https://linktr.ee/jessehumphrey   EMAIL US! afterthegigpod@gmail.com   Instagram https://www.instagram.com/afterthegig/ @afterthegig

Here he is.  The world’s sweetest sound guy.  It’s Billy Ferguson… I truly love Billy, and you should too.  He’s a hard worker, a great sound guy, and all around spectacular human being.  Billy was the former sound guy for Red Wanting Blue, and Carbon Leaf.  He’s a former fire fighter, and now holds the position of sound guy at The Harvester performance center in Rocky Mount, VA (I accidentally said it was in Roanoke in the podcast intro).  This was a fantastic conversation and I hope you enjoy it too!   After the Gig has a NEWSLETTER!  It’s free to subscribe and you can find it in the link! https://jessehumphrey.substack.com/p/after-the-gig-newsletter   https://www.facebook.com/groups/afterthegig   All links right here!! https://linktr.ee/jessehumphrey   EMAIL US! afterthegigpod@gmail.com   Instagram https://www.instagram.com/afterthegig/ @afterthegig

In this episode of After The Gig, Jesse continues his conversation with Gavin Castleton. They delve into Gavin's album 'Pattern Breaker', his move back to Rhode Island, and the impacts on his music and work-life balance. They also discuss the significance of fan loyalty, the use of AI in creating album artwork, and rethinking ambition. Additionally, Jesse shares insights about his own musical journey and touches on themes of work and ambition in his latest single. Buy Gavin’s new album here! https://gavincastleton.bandcamp.com/album/pattern-breaker-2024   After the Gig has a NEWSLETTER!  It’s free to subscribe and you can find it in the link! https://jessehumphrey.substack.com/p/after-the-gig-newsletter   https://www.facebook.com/groups/afterthegig   All links right here!! https://linktr.ee/jessehumphrey   EMAIL US! afterthegigpod@gmail.com   Instagram https://www.instagram.com/afterthegig/ @afterthegig     00:00 Introduction and Show Overview 00:20 Newsletter and Patreon Community 01:13 Interview with Gavin Castleton Begins 01:16 Returning to Rhode Island 08:54 Fan Base and Creativity 18:38 AI and Artwork 27:59 Song 'Ambition' and Personal Reflections 33:46 Redirecting Ambition: The Song's Takeaway 34:39 The Balance of Personal and Relatable Content 35:04 AI Tools and Creative Experimentation 36:01 The Cynicism of AI Avatars 37:11 Ambition's Musical Journey 43:17 The Challenges of Mixing and Editing 51:10 Songwriting and Personal Reflection 54:57 Recording Process and Instrumentation 59:21 Woodworking and Personal Projects 01:01:34 Conclusion and Community Engagement

Exclusive Chat with Tim Lappin on His New Album 'Casual Male' In this episode of After the Gig, Jesse sits down with Tim Lappin to discuss his new album under the name Casual Male. They dive into the release strategy, the inspiration behind the songs, and the creative process involved. Tim shares insights on the importance of putting music out there, finding your audience, and connecting with fans. This episode also includes snippets of a few tracks from the upcoming album and a candid conversation about the challenges and rewards of being a solo artist. Don't miss out on Tim's singles and album releases, and tune in for some great banter and music industry wisdom.   After the Gig has a NEWSLETTER!  It’s free to subscribe and you can find it in the link! https://jessehumphrey.substack.com/p/after-the-gig-newsletter   https://www.facebook.com/groups/afterthegig   All links right here!! https://linktr.ee/jessehumphrey   EMAIL US! afterthegigpod@gmail.com   Instagram https://www.instagram.com/afterthegig/ @afterthegig     00:00 Introduction and Guest Announcement 00:06 Tim Lappin's New Album: Casual Male 00:22 Release Strategy and Audience Engagement 02:38 The Importance of Finding Your Audience 03:31 Personal Reflections and Songwriting Challenges 05:24 Engaging with Fans and Building a Community 09:29 Favorite Songs and Their Stories 22:20 Visual Concepts and Music Videos 27:13 Musical Evolution and Self-Reflection 29:23 Lessons from Berklee and Drumming Insights 32:00 Masterclasses and Influences 33:47 The Importance of Simplicity in Music 34:38 Balancing Creativity and Practicality 38:30 Navigating the Music Industry 45:31 The Role of Confidence and Leadership 49:16 Entertaining the Audience 53:10 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Releases

Perfectionism, Creativity, and Performance Realities: This episode dives deep into the life and work of Carbon Leaf's members, discussing topics like the meticulous detail that goes into their performances, dynamics within the band, and the balance between artistry and commercial demands. We explore the challenges of being a touring musician, perceptions around genre shifts, the significant impact of video content, and the personal side of artistic creativity. Plus, there are fun anecdotes and practical insights for artists navigating the music scene today.   After the Gig has a NEWSLETTER!  It’s free to subscribe and you can find it in the link! https://jessehumphrey.substack.com/p/after-the-gig-newsletter   https://www.facebook.com/groups/afterthegig   All links right here!! https://linktr.ee/jessehumphrey   EMAIL US! afterthegigpod@gmail.com   Instagram https://www.instagram.com/afterthegig/ @afterthegig   00:00 Introduction and Interview Setup 00:33 Perfectionism in the Band 04:00 Challenges of Touring Musicians 06:29 Creating Art vs. Commodity 08:54 Genre and Fan Expectations 15:22 Listener-Musician Relationship 23:24 Exploring Vancouver and Surroundings 24:31 Solo Shows vs. Band Shows 26:24 The Art of Cover Songs 29:06 The Importance of Video Content 33:59 Side Stage Perspective 38:03 The Life of a Musician 39:39 Connecting with Fans 41:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this After the Gig episode, Jesse sits down with the eclectic artist Gavin Castleton to discuss his latest album 'Pattern Breaker'. They delve into Gavin's belief in breaking creative and personal patterns, his experiences with using AI in music, and the importance of process in artistry. The episode also touches upon Gavin's personal anecdotes, like the chaos of live performances and the intricacies of working in the tech world. A must-listen for music enthusiasts and anyone interested in the intersection of technology and creativity.   Join the After the Gig community and support the podcast at www.Patreon.com/afterthegig   To receive the After the Gig newsletter subscribe here: https://jessehumphrey.substack.com/p/after-the-gig-newsletter-1a4   00:00 Introduction and Guest Announcement 00:54 AI in Music: Tools and Potential 02:06 Live Performance Mishaps 04:46 Collaborations and Connections 06:22 AI as a Creative Tool 11:18 The Future of AI and Creativity 16:47 The Value of Process in Art 22:23 Audiobooks vs. Traditional Reading 27:38 AI's Impact on Artistry and Originality 31:10 Practical Uses of AI in Creative Work 31:45 The Slippery Slope of AI in Art 33:49 Human Emotion and Artistic Expression 35:50 Generational Differences in Perceiving Reality 37:29 The Impact of AI on Youth and Society 38:06 Discussing Music and Creative Processes 41:44 Creating the Album 'Patternbreaker' 45:26 Collaborating with New Musicians 50:10 Final Thoughts and Reflections

In this episode of After the Gig, Jesse sits down with Andrew Borstein. Known for his roles as the keyboard and trombone player in the Rhode Island based band Monty Are I.  They discuss Andrew's early inspirations, his transition from trombone to keyboard, and the pivotal moments that shaped his career. Andrew also shares behind-the-scenes stories from touring, his admiration for Rx Bandits, and the balance between his music and family life. Join the conversation for an insightful look at a musician's life both on and off the stage.   Join the After the Gig community and support the podcast at www.Patreon.com/afterthegig   To receive the After the Gig newsletter subscribe here: https://jessehumphrey.substack.com/p/after-the-gig-newsletter-1a4   00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:20 High School Memories and Musical Beginnings 02:40 Joining Monty R.I. and Early Band Experiences 07:37 College Years and Band Evolution 16:01 First Encounters with Rx Bandits 32:58 Balancing Music and Life 33:50 Challenges of Playing Trombone 35:22 Band Reunion Possibilities 42:31 Parenting and Music 46:08 Learning Trombone and Musical Skills 58:03 Deep Dive into Gavin Castleton's Music 01:03:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This episode of After the Gig features the wonderful Abbie Barrett.  Abbie is a Boston based singer/songwriter, and champion of the Boston music scene.   Your questions played a big role in this episode!  You can submit questions, and see who upcoming guests are by joining the After the Gig facebook group.  Enjoy!   After the Gig has a NEWSLETTER!  It’s free to subscribe and you can find it in the link! https://jessehumphrey.substack.com/p/after-the-gig-newsletter   https://www.facebook.com/groups/afterthegig   All links right here!! https://linktr.ee/jessehumphrey   Email the podcast! afterthegigpod@gmail.com   Instagram https://www.instagram.com/afterthegig/ @afterthegig   00:00 Introduction to the Show and Guest Abby Barrett 00:12 Diving into Abby Barrett's Music and Vocal Techniques 03:35 The Creative Process and Band Collaboration 05:25 Ed Velasquez's Impact on Abby's Music and the Boston Scene 08:30 Exploring the Recording Process and Studio Dynamics 10:35 Songwriting Inspirations and the Story Behind 'As I Wanted You' 13:17 Fan Questions: Engaging with the Audience 14:31 The Boston Music Scene: Challenges and Opportunities 20:15 Advice for Aspiring Musicians in a Crowded Market 22:06 Digging Deep: The Creative Process 22:16 Navigating the Music Scene: Challenges and Strategies 23:10 The Dynamics of Networking in Music 24:21 Breaking the Genre Barriers: A New Approach to Music Shows 25:43 The Debate: Genre Mixing in Live Music 30:09 Fashion and Identity on Stage 35:32 Revolutionizing Venue Experiences with Style 37:17 Supporting the Community and Upcoming Shows 38:16 Wrapping Up: The After the Gig Newsletter

Today on the show is the lovely Mark McCullough.  Mark plays bass in the Ohio rock band Red Wanting Blue.  Mark is one of the best people around and it's awesome that we finally got to sit down for a chat in his hometown of Columbus. Enjoy!   After the Gig has a NEWSLETTER!  It’s free to subscribe and you can find it in the link!  https://jessehumphrey.substack.com/p/after-the-gig-newsletter   All links right here!! https://linktr.ee/jessehumphrey   Email the podcast! afterthegigpod@gmail.com   Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jhumphreymusic/  https://www.instagram.com/afterthegig/ @jhumphreymusic  #ontourwithjhumps

This week on the show I have the wonderful Dan Rodriguez!  Dan is a singer/songwriter, producer, and homesteader that has the best hair of probably anyone you know.  It was lovely to sit and talk with him about literally anything and everything.  Enjoy the episode   After the Gig has a NEWSLETTER!  It’s free to subscribe and you can find it in the link!  https://jessehumphrey.substack.com/p/after-the-gig-newsletter   All links right here!! https://linktr.ee/jessehumphrey   Email the podcast! afterthegigpod@gmail.com   Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jhumphreymusic/  https://www.instagram.com/afterthegig/ @jhumphreymusic  #ontourwithjhumps