Guides

Practical guides for gigging musicians.

Workflow tips, library organization, and gig-day prep — written from real experience playing cover gigs with a KaraokeVersion-based rig.

These guides are tool-agnostic first, product-mentioning second. You can apply everything here with nothing but Finder and a text editor — BTM just automates the parts that turn into maintenance chores as your library grows.

New guides are added as I run into problems worth solving. If there's a workflow question you want answered, let me know.

Guide · 10 min read

How to organize your KaraokeVersion library on Mac

Folder structure File naming Key & BPM tagging Setlists Backup

The 6-step system I wish I'd had when my library crossed 100 tracks. Audit what you have, pick a folder structure that scales, standardize file names, tag key and BPM, build reusable setlists, and back it all up. Works for libraries from 50 to 2,000+ tracks.

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Guide · 12 min read

How to key-shift a KaraokeVersion track (without ruining the mix)

Pitch shift Algorithm choice Stems vs. mixed Re-balancing Naming

A working musician's 6-step guide to changing the key of a KV backing track without muddy bass, chipmunk vocals, or smeared drums. Decide if you really need to shift, pick the right algorithm, work from stems when you have them, re-balance the mix, and save the new version with a clear name.

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Guide · 14 min read

Cover band gig-day checklist for Mac

Pre-gig prep Packing list Signal chain Panic plan Post-gig debrief

The 6-moment runbook for solo/duo acts and cover bands running backing tracks from a Mac laptop. Day-before prep, the go-bag, line-check routine, setlist staging, a tiered panic plan for when the laptop crashes mid-set, and the 2-minute post-gig debrief that compounds into a tighter set every week.

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More guides in progress. Got a workflow question you want answered? Tell me what to write next.

Want this automated?

Everything in these guides can be done by hand. BTM is the free Mac app that does it for you — built specifically for KaraokeVersion users.

Download BTM Free →