Episodes

  • Episode 30 "Kool & The Gig"

    Episode 30 "Kool & The Gig"
    Sep 19 2026
    A last-minute opening slot for Kool & the Gang, a wind-battered drum gig in Livermore, and a brutal reminder of how fragile a working band’s calendar can be — this episode is a backstage look at what it really takes to stay booked, sound great, and keep your cool when everything is moving at once. Jaque and Kyle break down the chaos and thrill of a packed performance day, from stepping onto a huge free concert stage in South San Francisco with subs in the lineup to making split-second setlist decisions under a hard cutoff. They get into the reality of playing as pros in high-pressure rooms, where trust, preparation, timing, and reading the room matter just as much as the songs themselves.You’ll hear the thinking behind building a set for the widest possible crowd without leaning too campy, why certain songs make the cut and others don’t, and how tracks, charts, and arrangement changes can save a performance — or nearly derail it. They also share what it feels like to battle stage fright in the middle of a set, then experience a side-stage validation moment from Kool & the Gang’s singer that makes the whole day feel unreal. Kyle also unpacks the details of jumping from Mercy and the Heartbeats to Salvage Title, including the preparation, charting, tempo notes, and why he loves playing drum gigs that demand real musicality. Between the two shows, the conversation goes deep on musicianship, professionalism, and the small moments that separate a good gig from a great one. Then the episode shifts into the business side that bands rarely talk about honestly: preferred vendor lists, venue politics, noise complaints, client cancellations, and the constant pressure of protecting future bookings. If you’re a musician, event planner, or anyone trying to build a creative business without losing your mind, this is one of those episodes that feels equal parts cathartic and useful.Perfect for listeners who love live music, behind-the-scenes band stories, and the real-world hustle of making a creative career work without sacrificing the joy.
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    58 mins
  • Ep 29 Subpar Subs, Spats & Brass

    Ep 29 Subpar Subs, Spats & Brass
    Aug 21 2026
    A brutal Fourth of July slot, a fake-it-till-you-make-it sub disaster, and the wild satisfaction of watching a crowd finally get exactly what your band does. Jaque pulls back the curtain on the summer gigs that tested Mercy and the Heartbeats, the wedding request chaos that turned into a masterclass in survival, and the family-fueled Capitola show that made “Heartbeat Nation” feel real. If you play in a working band, book events, or just love the behind-the-scenes drama of live music, this one is packed with the kind of stories you only hear after the stage lights go down. From an opening set where the audience was still stuck in the security line, to a wedding where a sub literally pretended to play sax, to a perfectly timed family turnout in matching “I’m with the band” shirts, the episode swings from frustration to gratitude fast. You’ll hear how Jaque and Kyle navigate: * opening slots versus headline slots at public events * what goes wrong when soundcheck time gets squeezed to nothing * the difference between a prepared sub and one who clearly didn’t do the homework * why wedding setlists can become a puzzle of must-plays, medleys, and last-minute cuts * how a single perfect crowd can erase the burnout from a brutal stretch of gigs They also break down the reality of being a couple who runs a band, runs a household, raises a kid, and still has to show up with energy when they are tired, stressed, and overloaded. The result is candid, funny, and surprisingly moving - especially when Kyle describes what it feels like to look out and see an entire family, a whole community, and a growing fan base showing up for the music. And if you want the full spectrum of the episode, there’s also a concert recap from Melissa Etheridge and Wynonna at Mountain Winery, plus a classic guilty-pleasure music card that sends the conversation into pure nostalgia. This is essential listening if you love live music, event-band life, or the messy, human side of making a band work. It’s equal parts candid debrief, gig war story, and love letter to the people who keep showing up.
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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • Ep 28 Trust The Setlist

    Ep 28 Trust The Setlist
    Jun 26 2026
    You think most band members secretly wish they'd ditch the set list and just vibe. Or do they?… Join Jaque and Kyle AKA Mercy and The Manz, co band leaders/husband and wife team as they peel back the curtain on gig chaos— adding new songs, missing cues, and the art of staying sane behind the mic. From muddy sound checks at city concerts to surprising audience antics, this episode is the backstage pass you've been waiting for. You'll discover: How band dynamics and setlist strategy can make or break a gig The real reason why requests are the band’s least favorite feature (hint: it’s not just about playing what people want) The inside scoop on subbing, in-ear monitors, and why every musician should build their own monitor system Why your favorite cover band isn’t just playing notes—it's a mental and emotional marathon The importance of owning your stage, even when fans get a little too close for comfort We break down the chaos, the comedy, and the camaraderie of gig life—the stuff no one tells you. If you're a musician, a live music fan, or just someone who loves a good story about surviving and thriving on stage, this episode’s for you. Perfect for music lovers who want the inside scoop or performers needing a dose of reality (and humor). This isn’t just about music—it's about resilience, relationships, and why doing your best isn't always perfect, but always worth it. Join us—because whether you're on stage or in the crowd, you’re part of the story.
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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • Ep 27 Commit to the Bit

    Ep 27 Commit to the Bit
    Jun 10 2026
    We are back with strong opinions! Mercy AKA Jaque and The Manz AKA Kyle - These bandleaders/co life partners never lack for them! Most tribute bands are about as convincing as a plastic palm tree—until you see Jump, a Van Halen tribute from the Midwest that nails the vibe so hard, it’s practically the real deal. This episode, we dissect what makes a tribute act truly legendary—beyond just copying outfits and riffs. Think: attention to detail, authentic costumes, and a band that embodies the spirit, not just the song. We break down the secret sauce behind industry-leading tribute bands like Jump and Super Diamond, revealing why they’re the gold standard for authenticity and audience connection. We talk about how they craft their sets to feel like the real deal from start to finish, why wardrobe fitting is a thing, and the importance of embodying stage personas rather than just singing songs. Plus, we chat about the shift from impersonators to legit tribute acts, and how major artists might soon license their brands for tribute bands to avoid legal headaches. Ever wondered why tribute bands make bigger venues and attract serious crowds while local cover acts struggle? We explore the fine line between tribute and touring tribute—and why some bands hit a ceiling while others are blowing up. Plus, we get into the art of song choice, costume craftsmanship, and stage presence—because it’s more than just playing the hits. It’s about becoming the spirit of the artist, not just copying a look. We also do a little business relationship repair - it’s not always easy balancing work and play. This episode is perfect for musicians, tribute enthusiasts, or anyone who’s ever watched a cover band and thought, ‘Could they be the real thing?’ If you love a behind-the-scenes look at how legends are brought to life, or just want a solid reason to hit ‘play,’ this episode is your ticket. Get ready to appreciate tribute acts in a whole new way—and maybe even start dreaming about starting your own tribute act someday.
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    55 mins
  • Episode 26 Blown Away: Mom Guilt, Slow Changeovers & Wind Woes

    Episode 26 Blown Away: Mom Guilt, Slow Changeovers & Wind Woes
    May 29 2026
    Ever wonder what it's really like balancing the chaos of a band, family, and feeling like you're living a real-life episode of "Survivor"? Miss Mercy AKA Jaquelynn and The Manz - Kyle takes you on a hilarious ride through the highs and lows of concert chaos, last-minute gigs, and the unfiltered truth of living a musical life in the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area. This episode isn’t just about the music — it’s about the messy, beautiful chaos behind the scenes: grumpy sound crews, frantic stage changeovers, missed kids’ games, all the while pretending you’re in total control. Ha! Mercy and The Manz spill the tea on gig etiquette, the wild timing of rehearsals, and the secret weapon of performing for sound engineers — because if they like you, the show sounds better, and frankly, that’s all that matters. You’ll discover: why band members should treat load-ins like a game of Tetris, the surprising power of community in the local music scene, and how a perfect gig can make you forget all your professional and parenting woes — even if it’s windy enough to blow your voice away. Plus, hear how the Bay Area music community is more than just a crowd — it’s a family, a tribe, and sometimes a reality TV show... with poor lighting. Whether you’re a musician, a parent trying to keep all the balls in the air, or just someone craving stories with almost as much drama as your favorite Netflix series, this episode hits all the right notes — sometimes literally. Hit play and hang out with us for a little while. Perfect for anyone who’s ever set up sound gear, missed a kid’s game, or attended a gig just to see a friend’s face light up — because at the end of the day, it’s all about the community, the music, and showing up, no matter what chaos ensues.
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    1 hr and 20 mins
  • Ep 25 Can I Get Less Ego In The Mix?

    Ep 25 Can I Get Less Ego In The Mix?
    May 7 2026
    Oh the ego battles! Ever wonder what really goes down behind the scenes at gigs? It's not just about the music—it's about ego, elbowing for space, and the unspoken rules we all ignore until they come back and bite us in the bum! Mercy AKA Jaquelynn and The Manz AKA Kyle are here to assure you, we’re not always the hero of every story. Husband and wife team, in life, love and music, we love to debrief gig life and all that goes along with it. Jaque stepped in on a gig recently and drops some truth bombs about the unglamorous side of being a musician—like wrapping cables at the end of gigs (spoiler: she’s terrible at it). Kyle flew to Chicago for a recent Rock and Roll Team Building event and talks about how band dynamics, ego, and the constant struggle of balancing work and life shape our "normal." Turns out humility might be the most underrated skill in our gig world. That, and properly wrapping cables. Catch the full conversation here.
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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • Mini Mercy Episode! 1:1 with Mercy - What's In The Bag?

    Mini Mercy Episode! 1:1 with Mercy - What's In The Bag?
    Apr 29 2026
    Uh Oh… I said I wouldn’t do a solo episode… 🤭 EVER WONDER WHAT'S ACTUALLY IN A SINGER'S GIG BAG? SPOILER: IT’S BASICALLY A VOCAL FAIRY’S SURVIVAL KIT—AND YOU’LL WANT TO COPY THIS FOR YOUR NEXT SHOW! 🎤✨Drop a 🎶 if you're all about protecting your voice, or tag a singer friend who needs this. So, I carry a bunch of weird but wonderful stuff—salt, alcohol prep pads, sugar-free lozenges, even a nebulizer to stay hydrated. Why? Because vocal health is not optional when you're on stage. It’s like giving your voice a mini spa day between songs. 🧖‍♀️ 

And here’s some game changers: I use specialized tools like the Doctor Vox bottle and a singing straw—yes, it’s as fun as it sounds—and they actually help me warm up, stay mindful, and save my voice from burnout. Who knew blowing bubbles could be a gig essential? It's absolutely a conversation starter and don't get me started about the looks you may get from drivers on the road when they glance over at me with my tools, warning up in the passenger seat! LOL Worth thinking about: What’s your vocal must-have? Could a tiny tool make your singing smoother? STAY TUNED FOR MORE VOICE HACKS AND MY SECRET WEAPON FOR THOSE LONG GIG DAYS!
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    15 mins
  • SoCal Giveth and SoCal Taketh Away

    SoCal Giveth and SoCal Taketh Away
    Apr 20 2026
    We're back with another travel gig debrief with Rock and Roll Team Building. This time in sunny San Diego! Also- what happens behind the scenes when you have to make a personnel change? We end with a card pull from the Soundtrack Stories deck that takes us down memory lane and goes into how songs and artists have shaped our musical identity. Like and subscribe!
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    1 hr and 36 mins