TMI with Laura - Dan O'Neil
TMI with Laura
Welcome to the first episode of TMI with Laura! For the first show, I sat down with my longtime friend and industry pro, Dan O'Neil (or as some call him, Borga or Danny). We went way back—think 2009—reminiscing about when we first crossed paths and how the music industry has changed over the years. Dan has done it all: he’s been a guitar tech and production manager for some of the biggest names out there, from Orianthi to Janet Jackson, and most recently, Bon Jovi. We got into what it really means to be a guitar tech versus a “roadie,” and Dan broke down what goes on behind the...
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Back in the High Life
TMI with Laura
It's been almost four years since I launched Song 43 from my flight to the NAMM show. Now, we've come full circle and its time to wind down this show and launch TMI with Laura! Join me as I talk about my latest trip to Anaheim and updates about Chameleon, and be sure to follow @tmiwithlaura so you get the news of when I get this new beast up and out!
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Embracing the Christmas Spirit Amidst Life's Challenges
TMI with Laura
In this episode, I talk about some of my favorite Christmas traditions, including hanging up holiday cards from friends and family. You'll also hear about a Stranger Things watch party, complete with themed food and reflections about the busy holiday and work season ahead. Additionally, you'll get to hear the joys of living with severe hip pain and the potential need for a hip replacement. But it's not all doom and gloom. I talk about self-care and joy, decorating with new garland and indulging in Christmas treats. 00:00 Holiday Cards and Family Traditions 00:27 Stranger Things Watch...
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Thanksgiving Reflections: From Song 43 to TMI
TMI with Laura
In this episode of Song 43, Laura returns after a long hiatus since April. She shares exciting news about her upcoming podcast 'TMI with Laura,' dedicated to the music industry, which will launch in January. She reflects on her journey with over a hundred episodes of Song 43 and reveals details about her new album 'Chameleon,' plans to release singles, and the involvement of collaborators Robbie Bronnimann and Mark Rahilly. The host discusses crowdfunding challenges, provides insights into the album mastering process, and talks about various upcoming shows and events, including a toy drive for...
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From Motown Medleys to Instagram Connections: Laura’s Eventful Week
TMI with Laura
Welcome back to Song 43! In this episode, Laura Clapp Davidson takes us behind the scenes of her whirlwind week celebrating Shure’s 100th anniversary in Chicago. From performing in three different bands—everything from Motown medleys to Spice Girls covers—to witnessing an incredible production team bring a four-hour show to life, Laura shares what it’s like to juggle creative pursuits, a full-time job, and mom life all at once. She also reflects on the magic of connecting with one of her favorite artists, Luca Fogale, and the small but mighty joys of community events like the Baldwin...
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Behind the Mic: Creating Every Day with Doc Rock and Laura Davidson
TMI with Laura
Join me as I sit down with the multi-talented Shawn 'Doc Rock' Boyd. Known for his dynamic career as an Army medic, DJ, and prolific content creator, Doc brings his unique perspective on creativity and purpose. Get ready to explore how he manages to stay driven and inspired, creating something new every day without fear of burnout. Plus, discover the fascinating world of foley artistry and its role in filmmaking. Tune in for an insightful conversation that promises to inspire and empower you to start your own creative journey, no matter where you are or what you do. Join us and learn how to...
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Balancing Act: Gigs, Goals, and Gratitude
TMI with Laura
In this episode of Song 43, I recount the past week's unexpected events, including a family illness and two successful performances. I reflect on my goals for generating steady income through music and digital products, and the obstacles I face. I also highlight upcoming shows and recent positives, like working with incredible musicians and attending On Air Fest. Balancing personal, career, and creative aspirations remains a theme throughout. Listeners are treated to a work-in-progress song, emphasizing my ongoing journey in creating music. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 00:35...
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On Air Fest Recap and Island Inspirations
TMI with Laura
🎙️ Song 43 Podcast: Episode 23 - On Air Fest, Island Adventures, & Family Tunes Welcome back to the Song 43 Podcast, where music meets life! In Episode 24, I dive into a whirlwind of experiences that have fueled my creative journey recently. On Air Fest Recap: Join me as I recount the incredible moments from On Air Fest, a gathering of music and audio content creators that left me inspired and energized. From thought-provoking panels to live performances, I'll share the highlights and takeaways that are shaping the future of our podcast and music community. St. Thomas Work Trip:...
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The Essence of 'Kind of'
TMI with Laura
Join Laura Clapp Davidson in Episode 101 of Song 43, where she shares her journey of balancing life as a mom, full-time worker, and creative artist. Discover her insights into leveraging digital platforms like TikTok for music success, considerations on launching a Patreon for creative freedom, and managing the multitude of resources available to modern creators. Get inspired by her personal stories and learn more about upcoming projects, including exciting collaborations and festival plans. Whether you're a creator or simply curious, this episode is packed with valuable lessons from real-life...
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100 Episodes Later: A Journey Through Creation and Balance
TMI with Laura
Celebrating 100 Episodes: Reflections, Travel Adventures, and the Realities of Mom Life In the 100th episode of Song 43, I look back on the journey of reaching this milestone while balancing motherhood and a full-time job. Fresh from attending PodFest and the NAMM show, I share insights and experiences from these back-to-back events. The episode delves into the logistics of travel, confrontation with political differences, and the impacts of COVID-19 seen through Grey’s Anatomy. Additionally, I get into family moments, such as attending my daughter's band performance, and...
info_outlineWelcome to the first episode of TMI with Laura! For the first show, I sat down with my longtime friend and industry pro, Dan O'Neil (or as some call him, Borga or Danny). We went way back—think 2009—reminiscing about when we first crossed paths and how the music industry has changed over the years. Dan has done it all: he’s been a guitar tech and production manager for some of the biggest names out there, from Orianthi to Janet Jackson, and most recently, Bon Jovi.
We got into what it really means to be a guitar tech versus a “roadie,” and Dan broke down what goes on behind the scenes—from making sure guitars are stage-ready and squeaky clean (plus the all-important towel and water service!) to the gnarly logistics and relentless schedules that come with being a production manager. You’ll hear hilarious road stories, get a peek at what it’s like to manage a sprawling tour crew, and find out what makes touring with legacy artists both challenging and rewarding.
We also talked about how COVID shook up the touring world, the organizations stepping up to help crew members, and the huge shift in attitudes among the road crew—the balance between paying your dues and creating a healthy work environment. Dan didn’t hold back with his advice for newcomers: keep your eyes and ears open, be humble, and respect those who’ve come before you.
If you’ve ever wondered who keeps your favorite shows running smoothly, or what really happens on the other side of the stage, this one’s for you—and it’s only part one! Stay tuned for part two where we’ll dig even deeper into life on the road.
Listen to Dan's Rockstar Roadie Podcast at https://rockstarroadiepodcast.com/!
Check out my Rockstar Roadie episode here.