Want to move from background bar sets to premium, repeat bookings? Americana artist Steve Boucher breaks down how he built a calendar of corporate, wedding, and listening-room gigs—plus the guitar tone & setlist strategies that keep clients calling.
What you’ll learn (fast, practical takeaways): • From bars to premium: using residencies and word-of-mouth to unlock higher-value shows (and say “no” more often). • Where the work is: PGA receptions, DC rooftops, Annapolis Boat Show, beach venues, house concerts—how each one books differently. • Repertoire that wins: why ~600 songs matters, pre-planning vs on-the-fly requests, and creating sing-along moments. • Listening rooms vs restaurants: designing shows for attention, not ambience—and how to become the night’s “anchor.” • Gear that sounds like you: K&K Pure Mini, simple DI/Bose chain, and when to add an all-in-one board (compression, verb, boost). • Guitar talk that clients notice: Adirondack spruce tops, torrified builds, and why this translates to feel + projection. • Service mindset: MC duties, using your PA for speeches, and setting the vibe that makes events run smoother.
Enjoyed the episode? Follow the show on Podbean, and leave a rating/review on Apple Podcasts. Have a takeaway or question? Drop a Podbean comment or DM us on Instagram.
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Connect with Steve Boucher & Boucher Guitars STEVE BOUCHER — OFFICIAL & SOCIAL Website: https://steveboucher.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevebouchermusic/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SteveBoucherMusic/
BOUCHER GUITARS — OFFICIAL & SOCIAL Website (EN): https://boucherguitars.com/ Website (FR): https://guitareboucher.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boucherguitars/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guitaresboucher/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCDcr-KKfbOr43tez5CyBsOg
Support The Shift with Mike & Joe Website: www.theshiftwithmikeandjoe.com Donate: https://www.theshiftwithmikeandjoe.com/giving-page-2-1 YouTube: @TheShiftwithMikeandJoe Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574975860350 Instagram: @theshiftwithmikeandjoe TikTok: @theshiftwithmikea Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-shift-with-mike-joe/id1813198065 Podbean: joer7.podbean.com
Image & Sound Media (Joe) Website: imagesoundmedia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094021747690 Instagram: @imageandsoundmedia TikTok: @imagesoundmedia YouTube: @imagesoundmedia
Joe Bryan Music Website: joebryanmusic.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550810556745 Instagram: @joebryanmusic TikTok: @joebryanmusic
Kent Island Academy of Music (Mike) Facebook: @kentislandacademyofmusic Google Map: KIAOM on Google
Michael Waskey Music Website: michaelwaskey.com Facebook: @michaelwaskeymusic Instagram: @michaelwaskeymusic
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Podcast Production Gear • Main Camera (Wide Shot): Nikon Zf + Voigtländer 40mm f/1.2 • Joe (Close-Up): Sony FX3 + Sony 70–200mm f/2.8 GM II • Mike (Close-Up): Sony A7 IV + Sony 135mm f/1.8 GM • Guest (Close-Up): Sony A7C II + Sigma 85mm f/1.4 Art • Main Audio: Shure SM7B (Joe & Mike) • Guest Audio: Neumann clone kit mic • Interface: Focusrite Scarlett 18i18 • Audio Software: Reaper • Video Editing: DaVinci Resolve Studio • Lighting: Amaran 100x & 200x softboxes + Amaran tube lights
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