If you’ve ever been in a band, you probably already know this truth: playing music and running sound are two completely different disciplines. One is about listening inward—locking in with the rhythm, tuning into the melody, breathing together as a band. The other is about listening outward—balancing levels, shaping tone, watching the room, and making sure everyone out front hears what they’re supposed to hear.
Most working musicians end up wearing both hats (special thanks to you, Joe!).
Load in, set up the PA, run cables, dial in monitors, try to soundcheck quickly, then switch gears and actually play the show. It’s a lot. And while it’s a skill you learn out of necessity, it’s never quite the same as having someone whose only job that night is sound.
When there’s a dedicated sound person, something magical happens. The band can relax a little. We don’t have to worry if the fiddle is buried, if the vocals are feeding back, or if the room changed once it filled with people. We can just…play. Listen to each other. Take chances. Enjoy the music the way it’s meant to be played.
Those gigs are a gift—and we’re lucky enough to have one of those this week. This Friday, we’re playing at Foam Brewers in Burlington, and they’ll be handling sound for us. That means good ears in the room, a great system, and a space that already understands how live music should feel. For us, it’s one of those nights where we get to focus fully on what we love most: playing tunes together and sharing them with a room full of people.
So if you’re coming out Friday, know that there’s a lot happening behind the scenes—someone thinking about balance while we think about groove. Two different crafts working together toward the same goal: a solid night of music.
We hope you’ll join us at Foam on Friday, from 8-10pm. Good tunes, good beer, and a night where everyone gets to do what they do best. 🍻🎻
Session Obsession 