Solo Musician Podcast

Author: Dave Gates

A weekly discussion of ALL THINGS solo musician and live music from the perspective of a professional solo musician.
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Language: en

Genres: Music, Music Commentary

Contact email: Get it

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iPads, AI, and Integrity: Are Modern Musicians Cutting Corners or Evolving?
Tuesday, 25 November, 2025

In this candid solo episode, host Dave Gates dives into a fiery social-media post from local musician Zach King, who recently took aim at performers using iPads onstage and AI-generated flyers to promote their gigs. Zach’s post—equal parts frustration and tough love—called out what he sees as laziness and a lack of artistic respect in today’s music scene. Dave explores the conversation from both angles: - Why Zach has a point about authenticity, supporting fellow artists, and the value of putting real creative effort into your craft and promo. - Why the other side matters too, including accessibility, modern workflow realities, and the idea that using tools doesn’t automatically make a musician less committed or less “real.” It’s a nuanced look at artistry, practicality, and where the line really is between cutting corners and keeping up with the times. Whether you swear by paper charts or swear by your tablet, this episode asks the bigger questions about what it means to be a musician in 2025.