I'll be back with more conversations with local cover band musicians real soon! Until then I'm going to sneak in an unrelated conversation here. Although stand up comedy and live music are close cousins who share the same challenges and goals... managing drunks and avoiding requests from said drunks. I recently took a cruise with my family on Royal…

I sat down with the larger-than-life frontman of New England's favorite party band, The Fools, to talk about the band's nearly 50-year history, their induction into the New England Music Hall of Fame this coming summer and a possible documentary spanning the history of this beloved band of fools. If you would like to contribute to the bands Kicksta…

There's alot we don't know about one of our most beloved local musician, Jay Tulio. So Bill and I sat down and dug deep into the mysterous past of Jay. Enjoy! Please like the DQYDJ Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DontQuitYourDayJobThePodcast If you'd like to be a guest or would like to comment on something you heard on the podcast or have a …

I've been playing a bulk of my musical career with Justin Redden. We started an acoustic duo about 13 or 14 years ago, formed a couple bands together... The Abe Froman Project, We're Going Streaking, Fringe Benefits and a few one-offs and, of course, our current project with Bill and Fitch... The Pub Kings. We spend a lot of time talking about beer…

Jimi Parmenter, bassist and boom bringer of Wicked West, talks about the woes of finding good music in the flyover states, stage signals and knowing when to get involved in the band's business and when to just be the guy who brings the boom. Please like the DQYDJ Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DontQuitYourDayJobThePodcast If you'd like to b…

Billy's back! Bill Donavan, bass player extraordinaire for The Pub Kings and Garden of Hedon hangs out for a bit after a PK practice for drinks and conversation about Super Bowl parties, tequila and all things cover band related. We also give you a sneak peak at the 2024 Party For The Pantry happening at GlenPharmer Distillery in Franklin on March …

Lizzie Leis from Project Alice and Electric Aces sits down with me to talk about managing multiple projects, her vocal beginnings in opera and guilty pleasures. Enjoy! Please like the DQYDJ Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DontQuitYourDayJobThePodcast If you'd like to be a guest or would like to comment on something you heard on the podcast o…

Steve Witschel is the man behind Cover Band Central, a place where cover band musicians can gather to network, pick the brains of their peers, ask for advice and complain about iPads on the stage. CBC's Facebook Group is 90+ thousand members strong and has become an industry standard from research and information on all things cover band related. W…

Be pro, get treated like a pro. Mike Schulte is a member a midwestern powerhouse of a cover band called The Pork Tornados. One of their YouTube videos (of a cover song, mind you) is nearly at 9 million views! But they worked hard to gain this notoriety and Mike shares his journey through this whirlwind (or tornado) of a success. Please like the DQY…

On this totally awesome epidode of DQYDJ I sit down to talk with Tom Feeley from the 80s tribute Slam Trans-Am about the greatest decade to pay tribute to. Please like the DQYDJ Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DontQuitYourDayJobThePodcast If you'd like to be a guest or would like to comment on something you heard on the podcast or have a top…

David Rak is a local solo acoustic artist, Billy is a local shredder for hire. Both are a part of my new country band project, Keg Kickers. Get to know the boys in the band in this episode of DQYDJ! Please like the DQYDJ Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DontQuitYourDayJobThePodcast If you'd like to be a guest or would like to comment on somet…

Rich Teter is back to discuss gigging as a solo artist after years of heading up Teter Todders, local music, manscaping and his complicated relationship with Keith Richards. Please like the DQYDJ Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DontQuitYourDayJobThePodcast If you'd like to be a guest or would like to comment on something you heard on the pod…

Bill Donovan is back! It's Thanksgiving and on this episode we give thanks to holiday gigs, whiskey, successful bands with multiple singers, bandmates and more. Please like the DQYDJ Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DontQuitYourDayJobThePodcast If you'd like to be a guest or would like to comment on something you heard on the podcast or have …

I made a new friend again today! Laura May currently fronts an acoustic fourpiece and Laura May Band (what a crazy coincidence). We had a great time talking and laughing about music, my nuerotic tendencies, original music and more! Please like the DQYDJ Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DontQuitYourDayJobThePodcast If you'd like to be a guest …

This week I chat with solo and doo acoustic musician Matt Bureau from Columbia, CT. Enjoy! Please like the DQYDJ Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DontQuitYourDayJobThePodcast If you'd like to be a guest or would like to comment on something you heard on the podcast or have a topic suggestion, drop me a note at raywmrc@gmail.com Please subscri…

This week I chat with solo acoustic artist Matt Brodeur about looping, booking and TiVo. Enjoy! Please like the DQYDJ Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DontQuitYourDayJobThePodcast If you'd like to be a guest or would like to comment on something you heard on the podcast or have a topic suggestion, drop me a note at raywmrc@gmail.com Please su…

Another episode that's a bit outside the box but 100% relatable. Jeff Belanger is an author, lecturer and researcher of the unkknown. He's also my partner on the New England Legends Podcast. Jeff and I talk about his speaking engagements and how they relate to what we deal with as local musicians. We discuss, in depth, performance and promotions. E…

We're having a different conversation this week. Jim Balisle is a podcasting peer who covers country conversations with national, regional and local country artists. He's doing a lot of cool things in the field with more to come. Enjoy! Please like the DQYDJ Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DontQuitYourDayJobThePodcast If you'd like to be a g…

Great conversation with Joe Marino this week. He's a super interesting guy who has led an interesting life. We finally talked about music once we got past the radio discussion. Enjoy! Please like the DQYDJ Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DontQuitYourDayJobThePodcast If you'd like to be a guest or would like to comment on something you heard …

Fitch Proctor from The Pub Kings joins me once again for a little conversation and a little sauce. We talked about the need, as cover musicians, to squeeze your creative juices through original music from time to time. Please like the DQYDJ Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DontQuitYourDayJobThePodcast If you'd like to be a guest or would like…

My buddy Bill is back to talk about the return of The Local Music Social. You hear me talk about it on almost every episode and we are happy to announce that we are bringing back the original format to Devlin's Tavern in Bellingham starting on September 21st. Please like the DQYDJ Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DontQuitYourDayJobThePodcast …

Jeff, Wayne and Adam from wtfAlice talk about their new local cover band over smooth whiskey and conversation. Enjoy! Visit them at www.facebook.com/WTFAliceBand Please like the DQYDJ Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DontQuitYourDayJobThePodcast If you'd like to be a guest or would like to comment on something you heard on the podcast or have…

Happy Hairballs... Drew Carey is back! The company Drew works for, Ashdown Technologies, is now an official sponsor of DQYDJ! Thank you for the support. Drew plays out as a solo artist a few times a weeks and has a great handle on the ins and outs of the cover gig game. Enjoy! Please like the DQYDJ Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DontQuitYou…

Dan Rice is an up and coming local musician who has been gigging in our local area for around five years now. In this episode we get a great perspective from a youthful point of view about playing in a gigging cover band. Check out Dan's Facebook pages... https://www.facebook.com/thedanriceproject https://www.facebook.com/sofieanddanacousticduo Ple…

Lynn Gerrits started perfoming in bands just a few years back and now she's a part of three successful acts... The Verge, Gold Dust Refugee and Solace. She's got a great handle on the booking process. Great tips in this episode! Please like the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DontQuitYourDayJobThePodcast If you'd like to be a guest, drop me …

Carolyn Rae from Carolyn Rae and the Rumors is back to talk about important things concerning playing in a cover band like bladder control and close-dancers. Enjoy this highly ADHD-laden conversation! Please like the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DontQuitYourDayJobThePodcast If you'd like to be a guest, drop me a note at raywmrc@gmail.com …

Bill Donovan from The Pub Kings and Garden of Hedon is BACK to talk about original vs cover music, Cardi B, music socials and more! Please like the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DontQuitYourDayJobThePodcast If you'd like to be a guest, drop me a note at raywmrc@gmail.com Presented by... Ray's Automotive in Milford, MA Rubber Chicken Comics…

Christine and Don... the talent and the muscle. Christine plays the tunes and Don books the shows, promotes the gigs, carries the gear and manages the room at every show. It's an effective combination we don't see often and it's worked very well for them so far. Please like the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DontQuitYourDayJobThePodcast If …

Mike and Missy Maxfield have been married almost as long as they have been playing together. This local power couple heads up two acts (Mike and Missy Unplugged and The Missy Maxfield Project) so we had plenty to talk about including DIY parade performances and just saying no to unruly venue managers. Please like the Facebook page https://www.faceb…

Newcomer Brian Andersen talks about his first gig just a couple weeks ago, the importance of playing songs that fit his range and the advantages of being 6'9". Please like the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DontQuitYourDayJobThePodcast If you'd like to be a guest, drop me a note at raywmrc@gmail.com Presented by... The Looney Bin in Laconia…

Arguably one of the most successful gigging bands in our local area, Whiskey Church has been moving feet for over a decade. I caught up with Chris (bass) and Jed (guitar) about the state of local music, losing their lead singer in a crowd, song selection and vetos. Enjoy! Please like the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DontQuitYourDayJobTheP…

Brother Kerry and the Hoptones are a Blues Rock unit, primarily of friends from the great Metro West town of Hopkinton MA. Having performed and recorded with great New England blues players such as James Montgomery and Wolf Ginandes, Brother Kerry and the Hoptones are rapidly progressing in the Massachusetts Blues Rock scene. Please like the Facebo…

Sharon Reis from Easily Amused talks about all the roles she plays in her pop/rock/disco party band, her recent trip to Tennessee and connecting with the crowd. https://www.facebook.com/easilyamusedrocks Please like the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DontQuitYourDayJobThePodcast If you'd like to be a guest, drop me a note at raywmrc@gmail.c…

Carolyn Rae returns for another conversationally chaotic chat. Check her band, Carolyn Rae and the Rumors, out at www.facebook.com/carolynrae.therumors Please like the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DontQuitYourDayJobThePodcast If you'd like to be a guest, drop me a note at raywmrc@gmail.com Presented by... The Looney Bin in Laconia, NH Rub…

My buddy Bill from The Pub Kings stops by to chat about original music and bands. Bill is a member of Garden of Hedon. Check them out wherever you get your music and at www.gardenofhedon.com. Please like the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DontQuitYourDayJobThePodcast If you'd like to be a guest, drop me a note at raywmrc@gmail.com Presented…

John Waite is a hustler, a singer/songwriter who does not wait for the approval of others. His DIY approach to songwriting and touring has allowed him to share his art with a multi-generational legion of fans freely with received credit where credit is due. I had the pleasure of chatting with John about his current work, songs that matter, Tina Tur…

Chris Seremetis is a killer songwriter, gutarist, artist and overall personality! Check out his bands Electric Aces (originals) and Eleven (covers) when you get a sec. We had a fun talk about whiskey, tequila, local music, promotions and more! Enjoy! Please like the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DontQuitYourDayJobThePodcast If you'd like t…

I have had the pleasure of playing with this week's guest in a couple projects over recent years. It took a little while for her to warm up to the idea of baring all on this show but she eventually agreed and we ended up having a great conversation about local music, the future of local music and keeping the memory of loved ones alive through music…

Carolyn Chaplin is back talking about crystals, We Are The World, Taylor Swift album titles (I couldn't name one) and everything, and anything, about local music. Follow Carolyn Rae and the Rumors @carolynrae.therumors Please like the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DontQuitYourDayJobThePodcast If you'd like to be a guest, drop me a note at …

No guest this week so I killed some time purusing through the Cover Band Central Facebook group looking for stuff to talk about. I killed an hour... that you'll never get back. Have fun! Please like the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DontQuitYourDayJobThePodcast If you'd like to be a guest, drop me a note at raywmrc@gmail.com Presented by..…

BONUS CONVERSATION! I spent a few minutes with The Voice Season 17 runnner-up Ricky Duran talking about his new album, playing his hometown of Worcester and what it's like behind the scenes of a reality competition show.Ray Auger

Drew Carey has come a long way from his metal days in the late 80s/early 90s. He has since traded in his double neck for an acoustic and plays solo gigs throughout the local area. Drew loves performing so much that he is willing to wake up early on Sunday mornings to play for a breakfast crowd at a poplular breakfast joint in Worcester. Follow Drew…

Tim Rice is a local photographer who has been a part of this local music scene as long as any of the rest of us. He's been shooting bands for the past 12+ years in front of the stage, behind the stage and even above the stage. Tim brings a different perspective to the local cover band scene. Enjoy! Follow Tim @timricephoto and at www.timricephoto.c…

Fitch from The Pub Kings joins me to talk about beer, booze, band dynamics, volume level, venue/band relationships and a whole bunch more. We drank some beer, we got honest and we laughed a whole bunch. Follow The Pub Kings @thepubkings and at www.thepubkings.com Please like the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DontQuitYourDayJobThePodcast If…

Justin and Bill from The Pub Kings return to discuss nothing AND everything. Favorite whiskey, when drinking gets out of hand at gigs, the origins of a great venue and more! Follow The Pub Kings @thepubkings and at www.thepubkings.com Please like the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DontQuitYourDayJobThePodcast If you'd like to be a guest, dr…

Chris Barber Day Job: Stick Puller Night Job: Acoustic Solo Cover Artist Chris Barber is one of those guys who I feel like I have known forever but only met a handful of times. We had a some laughs talking about stardard guest female vocalist songs, beer, unhappy audiences and stand up comedy. Enjoy! Please like the Facebook page https://www.facebo…

David Penza Day Job: IT Night Job: Acoustic Soloist and now rhythm and vocals in a new classic rock band! Dave is such a nice guy and he has a great story about how and when he started playing the guitar and gigging out. Enjoy the conversation, with a cold beer... we did!Ray Auger

March 15th, 2023 Matt Zajac is a good friend who is hustling around the local cover scene with his solo act and, from time to time, with his for-benefits-only band Charity Case. Matt is also a very talented original artist. His band, Garden of Hedon, is releasing a new album soon. Matt stopped by my morning show recently to talk about the album. Ch…

Brian Dollaway Day Job: Educator Night Job: Singer/Songwriter and Acoustic Solo Cover Artist Brian left the local area in search of his musical dreams about five years ago. He now writes, records and performs in one of my favorite places... Nashville, TN. Brian talks about the circus that is Broadway, the musical competition in town and playing in …

Rene Ann Day Job: Firefighter/Paramedic Night Job: Singer/Violinist/Guitarist in Rene Ann Band Duo Rene and I share a similar love for band promotion, song selection, website design, crowd interaction and Fireball! Great conversation with this powerhouse half of the Rene Ann Band Duo. Enjoy! https://www.facebook.com/SoLuckyDMBTribute Please like th…