Stage Presence Newsletter - April 2025

Tim Pierce and Michael John Ahern, President of StompLight International, LLC, NAAM Show. Check out Tim and Rick's You Tube Video below!

This month we proudly introduce a Buckeye State's musical troubadour and StompLight Artist of the Month!

Brad Gaither

Brad Gaither

Cincinnati , OH 

StompLight April 2025 Artist of the Month

Brad received his first musical instrument when Santa delivered to him a baritone ukulele in first grade. He figured out enough chords on it and took a few lessons on it. In 1968 , 3rd grade, his dad figured out that he had the music gene ( Thank you, God ) and purchased a new Yamaha FG 180 , and again he took a few lessons. He hated lessons, never learned to actually read music, but was able to play by ear. He had a room in the house that his dad ( who was VERY un-musical )  put a drum kit , a saxophone, a standup bass and a record player. Brad gravitated to the bass for the most part. At age 14 he picked up an electric bass and he still gigs as a bass player in bands till this day.  His daytime career, marriage and fatherhood left no time for playing live , but always had a guitar sitting out to play with a few extra minutes to burn.

Only in 2019 did Brad decide he wanted to try to play solo acoustic to audiences, and got his start at a Kroger Beer and Wine bar near his house. These Kroger venues have been so successful and led to many other regular gigs at restaurants, breweries, wineries, weddings, Christmas parties, etc, where he now plays 1-3 nights per week. This made it possible to discontinue his day job -  ( some might refer to this as retirement) .  So thankful for given this gift, and the great friends made and followers that want to support him.  Brad is awkwardly having to come to terms with the reality that he is now a full time musician! Never saw that coming!

Brad's Links

You can find my current acoustic videos at Brad Gaither Music on both YouTube and Facebook.  Some of these are snippets of cover tunes I recorded in my basement as I was getting started ( pretty rough and amateurist ) and others on YouTube highlight some of the instrumentals that I wrote and recorded in a studio in Birmingham.

Trick of the Trade

No one ever said the music occupation is easy.  The main thing is getting gigs, and where I am now in Cincy, there are a slew of great players all vying for the same rooms.  Once I get a first shot, I get invited back, but getting that first shot can be frustrating.  I have a really nice tri-fold brochure with a photo of myself, song list, contact info and links that I hand out to anyone who wants it - you never know where it will end up.  It also important to get face-to-face with the decision makers - it's almost impossible to get them on the phone.  Dress nice! Be classy, not an unkempt starving artist. Play songs that people know and can sing along to!! When you receive a request for a tune you dont know, then tell them " I don't know it,  but I'll try butcher a piece of it for you!". Between sets I ALWAYS stay in the room and mingle with the crowd. Learn their names, so when they come back to see you you can call them by name when they walk in the next time! ( people LOVE hearing their names called in a crowd ! )

And my secret weapon?  I bought a $20 squeezy rubber chicken that howls loudly when squeezed and sits next to my tip jar!! Children and adults will hit that tip jar just to squeeze the chicken!!! And it gets a TON of laughs!! ( remember - we are entertainers! ) 

Favorite piece of gear

My favorite piece of gear is my custom, hand- built guitar that my incredibly generous wife commissioned for me as a wedding gift!  Made by luthier Chris Alvarado at Driftwood Guitars in the Florida panhandle, it is a work of art made with Brazilian rosewood and Adirondack spruce top, with a coral reef and diver inlayed into the fretboard. ( Visit Driftwoodguitars.com ) to check out some of his builds.  My gear is simple -  no pedals, Guitar to AER amp to EV Evolve 30 stick PA.  I will say I like using wireless mic and instrument rigs.

If I could have lunch with three musicians:  

Joe Walsh, Tommy Emmanuel and Chris Squire ( original bass player with Yes )  I'm buying!!

Thoughts and experience with StompLight

Who wants to play in a dark corner ( again) ? Not I! The mood difference the StompLight makes is obvious and remarkable. Light makes you visible to the audience as opposed to sitting in the shadows, and too often we musicians are just background music. The StompLight alone WILL make a POSITIVE difference of how a musician is perceived by the audience AND the venue hiring managers!  I've probably used it 200 times since purchasing, so when you figure the cost per gig, it's a bargain!!!  The more you use, the less expensive it gets!  If I lost mine, I'd turn around and immediately buy another one.

If you would like to be featured as a StompLight Artist of the Month and a StompLight StAy LiT! Flask recipient, send us an email with a picture of you holding your StompLight, a description what you are doing musically and a link to your musical universe. info@stomplight.com

To all the working musicians out there, pouring your hearts and souls into your craft, know that every note you play, every lyric you write, and every stage you grace leaves an imprint. The path of a musician isn't always paved in gold; it's often filled with long hours, tireless practice, and the vulnerability of sharing your deepest self with the world. Yet, within that dedication lies a profound power – the power to move, to connect, to inspire, and to create moments that resonate long after the final chord fades. Embrace the journey, the challenges, and the triumphs, for it is in the relentless pursuit of your passion that true artistry flourishes.

Never underestimate the impact you have. Your music can be a lifeline, a source of joy, a catalyst for change, or simply a comforting presence in someone's day. The world needs your unique voice, your individual perspective, and the beauty you bring forth from the silence. Keep honing your skills, keep sharing your gifts, and keep believing in the magic of music. Your dedication fuels the soundtrack of our lives, and for that, the world is eternally grateful. Keep playing on.

 See previous MJ's Words of Wisdom HERE 

 In each Stage Presence newsletter StompLight President and Music Professional Michael John Ahern offers up a dose of wisdom acquired from decades of songwriting, promotion, booking and performing around the world.

www.MJAmusic.com