The Unstarving Musician: Recent Episodes
Roberto R Hernandez
The Unstarving Musician features weekly interviews with independent musicians, songwriters, producers, and music industry professionals who share their experience and expertise on recording, touring, marketing, the business of music, and more. This is all intended to help you, the independent DIY music artists create a sustainable and profitable music career.
Dan Scott lives at the intersection of creativity, law, and financial freedom. Equal parts artist, strategist, and advisor, he has spent his career helping creatives build lives where their work, money, and purpose actually align. He started his career with a law firm and then discovered the world of private practice. But then… he realized his true calling was helping individuals and families navigate the deeper questions around creativity, wealth, identity, and legacy. In 2015, he founded Scott Law, where he developed a modern approach to legacy planning focused not just on protecting assets, but also on protecting creative ownership, cultural impact, and long-term freedom.
That philosophy eventually evolved into Spotlight Advisory Group, where Dan expanded beyond legal counsel into holistic management and advisory for creative entrepreneurs. Spotlight works with musicians, artists, actors, founders, and independent creators to help them build sustainable careers through ownership, financial systems, brand strategy, intellectual property, and long-term vision.
Dan covers a lot in this episode, perhaps most importantly, the budgeting insight to build your annual budget from historical cash flow data, treat wins as exceptions rather than the new norm, and stay conservative on forecasting. He also covers the importance of focusing on ownership of everything from day one, and the fact that common-law copyright provides initial protection but formal registration provides proof of ownership and administrative teeth.
This conversation is partly about estate-planning-for-artists. But it's largely about planning your life with purpose so that you can wake up every day to make art and music.
Find Dan at spotlightadvisorygroup.com, where you'll also find all of his socials and contact info, as well as a blog where he writes about many of the concepts we touch on in this conversation.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support at UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor
This episode was brought to you by Podcast Startup. Ready to launch your podcast or take it to the next level? Podcast Startup gives you the frameworks, systems, and insider knowledge to build a show that actually grows your audience and serves your goals.
Whether you're just getting started or looking to improve your existing podcast, you'll get actionable strategies on equipment selection, content planning, audience building, and sustainable production workflows—without the overwhelm.
Learn more at UnstarvingMusician.com/PodcastStartup. Join podcasters who are building shows that last.
Resources The Unstarving Musician's Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
For show notes and episode a list of past episodes, please visit UnstarvingMusician.com.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Most independent artists walk away from a live show with whatever the ticket sales and merch table produced. Cody DeLong has spent more than a decade helping artists find what's left on the table, and it turns out there's quite a bit.
Cody is the CEO and co-founder of Sound Rink, a live-music technology company focused on VIP experiences, artist pre-sales, and direct-to-fan commerce. He started his career booking shows for punk and emo bands, co-founded Armada Merch, and built Sound Rink into a platform that helps artists of all sizes capture more revenue from their live shows — and own the fan data that makes future shows more profitable.
In this conversation, Cody breaks down how independent artists can start capturing fan data and earning incremental revenue from live shows, even before they're running VIP packages. He explains what a superfan actually looks like in practice, why most artists don't own the data from their own ticket sales, and how to build the kind of direct fan relationships that pay off across an entire career — not just one tour.
Cody also gets into why pre-sale ticketing is the right entry point for most independent artists, what needs to be in place before a VIP offering makes sense, and where artists leave money on the table when they do run one. He covers what label deals can do to a mailing list, why an artist who only tours once a year may have more leverage than they think, and why building a mailing list is still the most important thing an artist can do right now.
For show notes and episode a list of past episodes, please visit UnstarvingMusician.com.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support at UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor
This episode was brought to you by Podcast Startup. Ready to launch your podcast or take it to the next level? Podcast Startup gives you the frameworks, systems, and insider knowledge to build a show that actually grows your audience and serves your goals.
Whether you're just getting started or looking to improve your existing podcast, you'll get actionable strategies on equipment selection, content planning, audience building, and sustainable production workflows—without the overwhelm.
Learn more at UnstarvingMusician.com/PodcastStartup. Join podcasters who are building shows that last.
Resources The Unstarving Musician's Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Lynz Crichton makes her fourth appearance on The Unstarving Musician. She's a singer-songwriter based in Nottingham, England, and the creator of Music Marketing Method, a program that helps independent musicians build audience, monetize their work, and sustain a career on their own terms.
This conversation started with an email. Lynz had shared the story of a working musician who'd begun drafting a goodbye message for his website. Not because he couldn't play and not because the songs weren't good. It was because everything around the music had worn him out. Lynz drew a line between weariness and failure that stuck with me, and I asked her to dig into it for this episode.
We get into the difference between weariness and failure, the Power Hour service Lynz uses to diagnose what's actually in someone's way, why the real problem is almost always mindset and the business side rather than the music itself, and the rare case where quitting really might be the right call. We also talk about what she's seeing across the hundreds of musicians she works with, what's changed since the pandemic-era launch of Music Marketing Method, why owning your email list matters more than ever in 2026, and what going deeper with a small audience looks like in the age of AI.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support at UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor
This episode was brought to you by Podcast Startup. Ready to launch your podcast or take it to the next level? Podcast Startup gives you the frameworks, systems, and insider knowledge to build a show that actually grows your audience and serves your goals.
Whether you're just getting started or looking to improve your existing podcast, you'll get actionable strategies on equipment selection, content planning, audience building, and sustainable production workflows—without the overwhelm.
Learn more at UnstarvingMusician.com/PodcastStartup. Join podcasters who are building shows that last.
Resources The Unstarving Musician's Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
For show notes and episode a list of past episodes, please visit UnstarvingMusician.com.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
After nearly 16 years at Atlantic Records (the last six as President of A&R) Pete Ganbarg has a clearer view than almost anyone of what separates artists who break through from artists who don't. In this conversation, he shares what that view looks like in 2026, when the barrier to entry for releasing music has collapsed and the bar for being heard has never been higher.
Pete unpacks the working principles behind a career that includes A&R credits on Santana's Supernatural, the Hamilton cast album, and Twenty One Pilots, plus publishing credits on Miley Cyrus's "Flowers" and Alex Warren's "Ordinary." But the substance of this conversation isn't the credit list — it's what he's learned to listen for, what he tells his students at Berklee and NYU, and what he wishes more independent artists understood about the work.
Topics covered in this conversation include: the "megaphone" mindset behind major-label promotion, the hard math of who makes it and who doesn't, the only opinion that matters in music, A&R'ing yourself when no executive will, and more.
Pete Ganbarg is CEO of Pure Tone Music and host of Rock School Podcast.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support at UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor
This episode was brought to you by Podcast Startup. Ready to launch your podcast or take it to the next level? Podcast Startup gives you the frameworks, systems, and insider knowledge to build a show that actually grows your audience and serves your goals.
Whether you're just getting started or looking to improve your existing podcast, you'll get actionable strategies on equipment selection, content planning, audience building, and sustainable production workflows—without the overwhelm.
Learn more at UnstarvingMusician.com/PodcastStartup. Join podcasters who are building shows that last.
Resources The Unstarving Musician's Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
For show notes and episode a list of past episodes, please visit UnstarvingMusician.com.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
What does it look like to build a recording career so busy you don't have time to market it — and do it entirely without computers?
Terry Carleton returns to share what's happened in the two-plus years since his first appearance: a solo album seven years in the making, the completion of his work on the Vince Guaraldi Charlie Brown remix series, and a closer look at how his all-analog, DAW-less production approach actually works in practice — and where it's headed.
Terry walks through the making of Ric Shah and the Sandcrabs (From Jupiter), including a title track written as a tribute to his late high school bandmate Mike Perlitch, and how he reconstructed lost guitar tracks recorded by Camel's Andy Latimer using AI audio separation tools — a process he discovered through a Rick Beato video on the making of the Beatles' "Now and Then." He also shares how collaboration works at this level: Andy Latimer, bassist Michael Manring, and Grammy-winning composer Michael Silversher all appear on the album, and Terry explains why that kind of participation has become more accessible in the past decade.
Topics we cover include:
- The DAW-less, all-analog studio workflow — what it enables, what it costs, and what's changing
- Writing a tribute song in someone else's musical voice
- Using AI audio separation (Lalal.ai) to reconstruct lost session tracks
- How remote collaboration with high-caliber musicians has evolved
- The Vince Guaraldi Charlie Brown remix project — what came out and what's next
- Why constraints (no undo, no recall) can make a producer a better listener
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com for show notes.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support at UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor
This episode was brought to you by Podcast Startup.
Ready to launch your podcast or take it to the next level? Podcast Startup gives you the frameworks, systems, and insider knowledge to build a show that actually grows your audience and serves your goals.
Whether you're just getting started or looking to improve your existing podcast, you'll get actionable strategies on equipment selection, content planning, audience building, and sustainable production workflows—without the overwhelm.
Learn more at UnstarvingMusician.com/PodcastStartup. Join podcasters who are building shows that last.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Most music theory education is built for nineteen-year-olds in a conservatory. If you're a working musician who's been gigging for years on ear, feel, and a handful of chord shapes, that path doesn't fit your life — and it doesn't have to.
In this deep-dive, Robonzo breaks down a four-part framework for adult musicians who want to finally crack music theory and reading without quitting their job, abandoning their gigs, or pretending they're starting from zero. The framework comes from a conversation with drummer, vocalist, and podcaster Dave Hamilton from way back in Episode 13 — and it's the cleanest, most adult-friendly roadmap Robonzo has come across.
The episode covers why piano is the right tool for the job (even if it isn't your instrument), how chord construction and the 1-4-5 unlock most of popular music, why guitar chord charts make brilliant practice material, and the concrete revenue case for learning to read music as a working musician.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support at UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor
This episode was brought to you by Podcast Startup.
Ready to launch your podcast or take it to the next level? Podcast Startup gives you the frameworks, systems, and insider knowledge to build a show that actually grows your audience and serves your goals.
Whether you're just getting started or looking to improve your existing podcast, you'll get actionable strategies on equipment selection, content planning, audience building, and sustainable production workflows—without the overwhelm.
Learn more at UnstarvingMusician.com/PodcastStartup. Join podcasters who are building shows that last.
Resources The Unstarving Musician's Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Most musicians think of wedding and corporate gig work as a compromise — something you do until your "real" music career takes off. Cory Wade flipped that script. As a vocalist and band leader with Hank Lane Music in New York, Cory has built a sustainable income through high-end event entertainment that funds his home studio, his original music, and a life in one of the most expensive cities on the planet.
In this conversation, Cory shares how the Hank Lane model actually works from the inside — what it takes to get in, how to stay in, and how the compensation structure progresses from entry-level to band leader. He breaks down the seasonal income model (busy season, dead season, and why the off-season is prime time for original music), the mindset shift that separates musicians who thrive in event work from those who burn out, and the step-by-step approach he used to build a fully functional home studio from live performance income.
Cory also gets candid about navigating identity after America's Next Top Model, the 8-9 year hiatus from releasing original music, and why he now sees event entertainment — what he calls "unsung hero music" — as a genuine artistic calling rather than a day job.
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com for links to things mentioned in this episode.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support at UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor
This episode was brought to you by Podcast Startup.
Ready to launch your podcast or take it to the next level? Podcast Startup gives you the frameworks, systems, and insider knowledge to build a show that actually grows your audience and serves your goals.
Whether you're just getting started or looking to improve your existing podcast, you'll get actionable strategies on equipment selection, content planning, audience building, and sustainable production workflows—without the overwhelm.
Learn more at UnstarvingMusician.com/PodcastStartup. Join podcasters who are building shows that last.
Resources The Unstarving Musician's Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Most independent musicians are competing for the same shrinking pool of venue slots, hoping someone books them. House concerts flip that model entirely — and the artists who've figured this out aren't just playing more shows. They're making more money, building deeper connections with audiences, and owning the entire experience.
This episode presents a framework built from five conversations on The Unstarving Musician, including singer-songwriter Tom Meny, Amy Killingsworth of Amy & Gary's House Concerts, touring artist Shannon Curtis, Nicole Wagner (Austin-based singer-songwriter), and an earlier solo episode dedicated to this topic. Together, these conversations form a complete operational picture — from why house concerts outperform venues on every measurable metric to exactly how to build your own touring circuit without a booker, a bouncer, or a bartender.
You'll come away understanding what makes these events work, how to break into the scene, what hosts actually need from performing artists, how to build your own audience instead of borrowing one, and the economics that make this model worth pursuing.
The market doesn't find you. You build it.
For show notes, visit UnstarvingMusician.com
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Most independent musicians trying to break into sync licensing are focused on the wrong problem. They're concerned about mix quality, metadata, and whether their instrumental version is ready. And those things matter. But according to Chris SD, founder of Sync Songwriter, they're not what's standing between your music and a placement in film or television. The real barrier is access — and access comes from relationships, not submissions.
Chris built his reputation over years of networking, conferences, phone calls, and showing up in person — and once literally taking a music supervisor to a beach picnic. Those relationships are now the foundation of what he offers his students: not just sync education, but direct introductions to the gatekeepers who make placement decisions. Two of his students had five songs placed in Anora, the film that won multiple Oscars in 2025. His take on how that happened is straightforward — they had relationships with the supervisor, and theirs was the right music for the project.
In this conversation, Chris shares what sync-ready actually means (and why production is the easier part of the problem), why writing for your fans beats writing for sync every time, how he built trust with music supervisors that now extends to his students, and why AI's impact on the sync landscape isn't as dire as many independent artists fear.
Show notes for this episode at UnstarvingMusician.com.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support at UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor
This episode was brought to you by Podcast Startup.
Ready to launch your podcast or take it to the next level? Podcast Startup gives you the frameworks, systems, and insider knowledge to build a show that actually grows your audience and serves your goals.
Whether you're just getting started or looking to improve your existing podcast, you'll get actionable strategies on equipment selection, content planning, audience building, and sustainable production workflows—without the overwhelm.
Learn more at UnstarvingMusician.com/PodcastStartup. Join podcasters who are building shows that last.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Independent musicians with loyal fanbases are leaving significant revenue on the table by treating physical products as afterthoughts. Vinyl, CDs, and cassettes aren't nostalgia plays—they're strategic revenue channels when approached with the same rigor labels apply to streaming campaigns.
Thom Skarzynski is the founder of Happiness Marketing, a physical-first music strategy consultancy. Tom has twenty years of industry experience, including roles at Epic Records, Spotify, and Atlantic Music Group. He helped deliver campaigns like the one supporting the Twenty One Pilots' album Clancy, which sold 143,000 units in its first week (streaming alone would have generated ~28K). The following year, Thome helped their album Breach sell nearly 170,000 physical units out of 200,000 total first-week sales.
In this conversation, Thom breaks down the economics of physical products at an independent scale, how to forecast demand, manage manufacturing risk, price strategically, and design packaging that fans actually want to own. He explains why direct-to-consumer isn't just a transactional layer but an operating system for fandom, and why shipping generic packages with no personal touch leaves both money and loyalty on the table.
Find Thom and his work at happiness.llc.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support at UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor
This episode was brought to you by Podcast Startup.
Ready to launch your podcast or take it to the next level? Podcast Startup gives you the frameworks, systems, and insider knowledge to build a show that actually grows your audience and serves your goals.
Whether you're just getting started or looking to improve your existing podcast, you'll get actionable strategies on equipment selection, content planning, audience building, and sustainable production workflows—without the overwhelm.
Learn more at UnstarvingMusician.com/PodcastStartup. Join podcasters who are building shows that last.
Resources The Unstarving Musician's Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Most independent artists treat venue booking like throwing darts in the dark—mass outreach with generic pitches, hoping something sticks. Christal Hector, founder of TuneHatch and member of the National Independent Venue Association's Industry Affairs Committee, explains what actually happens on the other side of that email.
TuneHatch was built venues-first, solving venue problems before creating artist tools. That origin gives Christal an insider perspective most artists never get: what venues actually look for when evaluating artists, what makes them say yes to a show, and what behaviors separate artists who get booked repeatedly from those who struggle.
In this conversation, we dig into the frameworks behind successful booking and touring. You'll learn the venue's mental checklist when an artist reaches out, what proof points actually matter beyond social media followers, how to approach booking systematically instead of randomly, and what makes touring financially and energetically sustainable.
Find links to things mentioned in this episode at UnstarvingMusician.com
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support at UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor
This episode was brought to you by Podcast Startup.
Ready to launch your podcast or take it to the next level? Podcast Startup gives you the frameworks, systems, and insider knowledge to build a show that actually grows your audience and serves your goals.
Whether you're just getting started or looking to improve your existing podcast, you'll get actionable strategies on equipment selection, content planning, audience building, and sustainable production workflows—without the overwhelm.
Learn more at UnstarvingMusician.com/PodcastStartup. Join podcasters who are building shows that last.
Resources The Unstarving Musician's Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Most musicians dream of stability. Johnny Thirkell built a 50-year career with David Bowie, Paul McCartney, George Michael, and The Who - starting from colliery bands and working men's clubs in the North East.
This isn't about talent. It's about the business systems that keep session musicians working for decades while others struggle after a few years.
Johnny shares the relationship-building frameworks that get you in the room with major artists, the professional standards that ensure callbacks, and the economic strategies that survive massive industry changes - from the 1970s studio system to today's remote recording reality.
Whether you're building a session career or any sustainable music business, the principles are the same: systematic relationship management, clear professional standards, and strategic adaptation to industry shifts.
Topics covered:
- How session musicians actually get hired by major artists
- The relationship maintenance framework that creates repeat clients over decades
- Pricing strategies for session work
- Professional studio standards that ensure callbacks
- Adapting to 50 years of technology and industry changes
- Why "Blown It!!" became a book instead of staying as stories
- Career longevity principles that transfer to independent artists
Show Notes
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support at UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor
This episode was brought to you by Podcast Startup.
Ready to launch your podcast or take it to the next level? Podcast Startup gives you the frameworks, systems, and insider knowledge to build a show that actually grows your audience and serves your goals.
Whether you're just getting started or looking to improve your existing podcast, you'll get actionable strategies on equipment selection, content planning, audience building, and sustainable production workflows—without the overwhelm.
Learn more at UnstarvingMusician.com/PodcastStartup. Join podcasters who are building shows that last.
Resources The Unstarving Musician's Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
What if the best business decision you could make is accepting your music is "unmarketable"? Not in the sense that nobody wants it—but that it won't compete for Spotify playlists alongside mainstream artists.
This episode breaks down the economics of niche markets for independent musicians. How rejecting the streaming-everywhere model can actually generate more revenue. How owning your niche creates competitive advantages algorithm-dependent artists will never have. And the framework for deciding which platforms actually serve your music versus which ones waste your time for pennies.
Drawing on insights from multi-instrumentalist Abe Partridge, we explore the deliberate choice some artists make: keeping certain projects off major streaming platforms because the economics don't work—and focusing instead on direct sales, live performance, and owned audience relationships.
Topics covered:
- The streaming paradox for niche artists (why being everywhere means being nowhere)
- How to evaluate whether streaming platforms serve your music
- Revenue comparison: streaming vs. direct sales vs. live performance
- Abe Partridge's strategic approach to platform selection
- Owning your niche vs. competing with the entire music industry
- The role of professional representation in niche careers
- Framework for making strategic distribution decisions
- Building direct sales infrastructure (physical and digital)
- Creating owned audience relationships independent of algorithms
- When to abandon streaming entirely vs. selective streaming
- This isn't about being anti-streaming—it's about being strategic. Understanding where your music fits in the market and building your business model around that reality instead of fighting it.
Show Notes at UnstarvingMusician.com.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support at UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor
This episode was brought to you by Podcast Startup.
Ready to launch your podcast or take it to the next level? Podcast Startup gives you the frameworks, systems, and insider knowledge to build a show that actually grows your audience and serves your goals.
Whether you're just getting started or looking to improve your existing podcast, you'll get actionable strategies on equipment selection, content planning, audience building, and sustainable production workflows—without the overwhelm.
Learn more at UnstarvingMusician.com/PodcastStartup. Join podcasters who are building shows that last.
Resources The Unstarving Musician's Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Most independent artists release their albums everywhere immediately—Spotify, Apple Music, every streaming platform. But what if that's backwards?
Ezra Vancil sold his last album exclusively to his email list for an entire year before releasing it to streaming platforms. His new album? He's using a hybrid approach: limited streaming presence while keeping the full album direct-only.
The math is stark. One direct sale at $10 nets you $8-10 after platform fees. To earn that same amount from streaming, you need 20,000-25,000 plays. If your average listener streams your 10-song album twice—that's 20 streams per person—you need 1,000-1,250 listeners to equal one direct sale.
This episode breaks down the pre-streaming revenue model: how to capture direct sales from your email list first, then add streaming revenue second. You'll learn the hybrid access strategy, pricing frameworks for digital and physical products, and the step-by-step implementation process for 3-month, 6-month, or 12-month pre-streaming windows.
Topics covered:
- Why streaming-first leaves money on the table from fans ready to pay directly
- The four-component framework: email list foundation, pre-release window, hybrid access, direct sales mechanism
- How Ezra's monthly singles strategy creates discovery while protecting direct revenue
- The 8-step implementation process from email list foundation to streaming transition
- Pricing strategy for digital albums, physical products, and deluxe bundles
- When to transition from direct-only to full streaming availability
If you have an email list—even 100-200 engaged people—this strategy can generate significantly more revenue than releasing to streaming platforms first.
Links to related episodes and things mentioned in this episode.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support at UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor
This episode was brought to you by Podcast Startup.
Ready to launch your podcast or take it to the next level? Podcast Startup gives you the frameworks, systems, and insider knowledge to build a show that actually grows your audience and serves your goals.
Whether you're just getting started or looking to improve your existing podcast, you'll get actionable strategies on equipment selection, content planning, audience building, and sustainable production workflows—without the overwhelm.
Learn more at UnstarvingMusician.com/PodcastStartup. Join podcasters who are building shows that last.
Resources The Unstarving Musician's Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Welcome to 2026. In the last episode, I shared what I'm grateful for and the personal questions I'm sitting with. Today, I'm sharing the strategic side: what I learned in 2025 that changed how I work.
Six concrete lessons from running this podcast and newsletter, plus 300+ conversations with independent musicians and creative professionals. Some of these lessons were uncomfortable. Some contradicted what I thought I knew. A few are still unresolved—I'm learning in real-time.
If you're trying to build something sustainable as a musician or creative professional, there's value in seeing what worked, what didn't, and what I'm still figuring out.
Topics Covered:
- Newsletter-first architecture: Why the newsletter became the business and the podcast became newsletter growth infrastructure
- How better questions in guest submission forms filter for quality and save time
- Why systems don't kill creativity—they enable it by removing decision fatigue
- Content gating creates better value through a clear hierarchy (free vs. premium)
- Guest quality compounds; guest quantity doesn't—one excellent guest beats three mediocre ones
- The tension between strategic thinking and creative joy, and the warning signs to watch for
- The shift from SEO optimization to conversion optimization in episode descriptions
- What "sustainable" actually means when building a creative business
This is the first episode of 2026. If you're balancing creative work with business thinking, wondering how to structure systems without losing spontaneity, or defining what success looks like on your own terms, this episode is for you.
Scheduling Note: Next episode will be in three weeks (buffer break for content creation). After that, we resume the normal every-two-weeks schedule.
Show notes at UnstarvingMusician.com.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support at UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor
This episode was brought to you by Podcast Startup.
Ready to launch your podcast or take it to the next level? Podcast Startup gives you the frameworks, systems, and insider knowledge to build a show that actually grows your audience and serves your goals.
Whether you're just getting started or looking to improve your existing podcast, you'll get actionable strategies on equipment selection, content planning, audience building, and sustainable production workflows—without the overwhelm.
Learn more at UnstarvingMusician.com/PodcastStartup. Join podcasters who are building shows that last.
Resources The Unstarving Musician's Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Every year, I write up a gratitude list. This year, the list came easily - but it's mixed with what I'm learning, because growth and gratitude feel connected right now.
In this holiday edition, I share what I'm grateful for in 2025: 31 years of marriage, the Unstarving Musician community, my health, and the accidental connections that turned into real relationships. But I also talk about the harder questions I'm sitting with about work, stress management, and what "making it" actually means.
If you're dealing with the tension between strategic thinking and creative joy, wondering if you should quit your day job, or trying to define success on your own terms rather than social media's terms - this episode is for you.
Topics Covered:
- Why day jobs might be the smartest path for most musicians
- The cost of strategic thinking (and when it becomes exhausting)
- Redefining "making it" - still creating in 5 years, not burned out, not broke
- The question of celebrating versus numbing stress
- What the "mystery of the quotient" means for finding your tribe
- Health, sustainability, and the choices that compound over time
- How loss clarifies gratitude
This is the last episode of 2025. The next episode drops on January 2nd of the new year. Happy holidays, and thank you for being part of this community!
Show notes at UnstarvingMusician.com
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support at UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor
This episode was brought to you by Podcast Startup.
Ready to launch your podcast or take it to the next level? Podcast Startup gives you the frameworks, systems, and insider knowledge to build a show that actually grows your audience and serves your goals.
Whether you're just getting started or looking to improve your existing podcast, you'll get actionable strategies on equipment selection, content planning, audience building, and sustainable production workflows—without the overwhelm.
Learn more at UnstarvingMusician.com/PodcastStartup. Join podcasters who are building shows that last.
Resources The Unstarving Musician's Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Most independent artists have thousands of dollars in unclaimed royalties sitting in four separate collection systems—and a four-year window to recover this money before it's redistributed to major labels.
In this episode, I break down the systematic framework for conducting a personal royalty audit. You'll discover why being registered with ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC isn't enough, and learn about the three additional systems most artists don't know exist: SoundExchange for digital performance royalties, publishing administration services for worldwide mechanical collection, and the Mechanical Licensing Collective for streaming platform royalties.
I'll walk you through the five-step implementation process: auditing your current registrations, gathering documentation, registering with missing systems, claiming historical royalties, and creating an ongoing management system to prevent future losses.
This framework builds on insights from music business educator Amani Roberts in Episode 339, where he reveals how artists consistently leave money on the table through incomplete registrations and missing split sheet documentation.
Topics Covered:
- The four registration systems required to collect all your royalties
- How unclaimed royalties are redistributed to major labels after four years
- How to verify you're registered correctly with your PRO (writer AND publisher sides)
- SoundExchange registration for Pandora, iHeartRadio, and SiriusXM royalties
- Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) free registration process
- When publishing administration services are worth the cost
- Split sheet documentation as the foundation for royalty collection
- Metadata management across all four systems
- Common mistakes that cause royalties to go unclaimed
- Step-by-step audit process with time estimates
- Creating an ongoing system to prevent future unclaimed royalties
December is the perfect time for this year-end financial cleanup—start recovering money you've already earned.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support at UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor
This episode was brought to you by Podcast Startup.
Ready to launch your podcast or take it to the next level? Podcast Startup gives you the frameworks, systems, and insider knowledge to build a show that actually grows your audience and serves your goals.
Whether you're just getting started or looking to improve your existing podcast, you'll get actionable strategies on equipment selection, content planning, audience building, and sustainable production workflows—without the overwhelm.
Learn more at UnstarvingMusician.com/PodcastStartup. Join podcasters who are building shows that last.
Resources Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to find resources and links to things mentioned in this episode.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Instagram, X/Twitter, and Bluesky
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Independent musicians leave significant money on the table—not from lack of talent, but from unclaimed royalties and overlooked revenue streams. Amani Roberts, music business educator and author of the USA Today bestseller "The Quiet Storm," reveals the specific registration gaps costing artists thousands of dollars annually.
In this conversation, Amani breaks down the four major royalty collection systems most artists fail to use properly: PRO registration for public performance royalties, SoundExchange for digital performance royalties, publishing royalties through services like Songtrust, and the Mechanical Licensing Collective. He explains how unclaimed royalties eventually get redistributed to major labels based on market share—money that independent artists could be collecting themselves.
Beyond royalty recovery, Amani shares his framework for building a private and corporate event business that can generate 5-10x more revenue than traditional bar gigs. He details the specific industry associations to join (MPI, PCMA, SITE), how to price yourself for corporate events, and the contract elements that differ from venue bookings.
Our conversation also covers email list-building strategies that convert social media followers into owned audience assets, how book publishing creates revenue opportunities beyond book sales, and why direct fan-to-artist platforms should be every musician's first 90-day priority.
Key Insights from This Episode The Four Unclaimed Royalty Streams: Independent artists commonly miss public performance royalties (PROs), digital performance royalties (SoundExchange), publishing royalties (Songtrust), and mechanical royalties (Mechanical Licensing Collective). Unclaimed royalties eventually get redistributed to major labels—money independent artists should be collecting.
Royalty Recovery: Artists can recover unclaimed royalties going back up to four years. Proper metadata management and identical information across all platforms are critical for successful collection.
The Streaming Misconception: The biggest misconception is believing streaming is where most royalties come from. Mechanical, public performance, and publishing royalties represent more significant opportunities that are frequently overlooked.
Private and Corporate Event Revenue: Private and corporate events can generate 5-10x more revenue than bar gigs. Break in by joining event planning associations like Meeting Professionals International (MPI), Professional Conference Management Association (PCMA), and Society for Incentive Travel Executives (SITE). Volunteer at local chapters to build relationships with planners.
Corporate Event Pricing: Ask about the budget upfront, research past hires, and price based on your worth with flexibility. Always require deposits and negotiate hotel stays, parking, meals, and written/video testimonials in contracts.
Email List Monetization: Email lists are owned media (social is rented space). Revenue generation can begin with 50 subscribers. Use lead magnets like acoustic song versions and tools like MiniChat to automate conversions.
Book Publishing Strategy: Books rarely generate significant income from sales, but can increase speaking fees, create performance opportunities at events, and enhance rates for services. View publishing as paid marketing for your broader business.
90-Day Priority: Launch a direct fan-to-artist platform like Patreon with a compelling lead magnet for fast revenue impact.
Sustainable Revenue Model: Target 30% from performance, 30-35% from direct-to-fan, 20% from merchandise, 15% from private events.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support at UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor
This episode was brought to you by Podcast Startup.
Ready to launch your podcast or take it to the next level? Podcast Startup gives you the frameworks, systems, and insider knowledge to build a show that actually grows your audience and serves your goals.
Whether you're just getting started or looking to improve your existing podcast, you'll get actionable strategies on equipment selection, content planning, audience building, and sustainable production workflows—without the overwhelm.
Learn more at UnstarvingMusician.com/PodcastStartup. Join podcasters who are building shows that last.
Resources The Unstarving Musician's Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
🔗 Shownotes for this episode
Pardon the Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Distribution partnerships can make or break an independent music career, but most artists don't understand what separates a good deal from a bad one. Jesse Flores, VP of Artist and Label Partnerships at Intercept Music and former Senior Director at Virgin Music Group, shares insider knowledge from over 20 years negotiating deals with major artists and independent labels.
In this conversation, Jesse reveals the specific factors distributors evaluate when considering partnerships, the most common contract mistakes artists make (including the advance trap that costs artists future revenue), and what actually moves the needle for independent artists in 2025. He explains why having a team and release plan matters more than just great music, how to optimize your streaming profiles to attract partnerships, and why listening to your distribution partner's advice is the most overlooked strategy for success.
Whether you're self-distributing and considering a partnership or already working with a distributor, Jesse's insights on deal structures, streaming economics, and strategic planning will help you make smarter business decisions.
Topics covered:
- What distributors actually evaluate beyond your music
- The advance mistake that costs artists future revenue
- Distribution deal vs. label deal: Critical differences
- Which contract terms you can negotiate (and which you can't)
- Why releasing too quickly without a plan hurts your career
- How to optimize streaming profiles to attract partnerships
- Marketing tactics that actually work in 2025 (hint: not just playlists)
- International distribution strategy: Regional rollout vs. global release
- What artists consistently underinvest in that impacts partnership success
- The power shift between artists and labels in the streaming era
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support at UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor
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This episode was brought to you by Podcast Startup.
Ready to launch your podcast or take it to the next level? Podcast Startup gives you the frameworks, systems, and insider knowledge to build a show that actually grows your audience and serves your goals.
Whether you're just getting started or looking to improve your existing podcast, you'll get actionable strategies on equipment selection, content planning, audience building, and sustainable production workflows—without the overwhelm.
Learn more at UnstarvingMusician.com/PodcastStartup. Join podcasters who are building shows that last.
Mentioned in this Episode Visit the show notes for this episode at UnstarvingMusician.com for links to things mentioned in this episode.
Resources The Unstarving Musician's Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
After 10 years with the same band and launching his own label, Ezra Vancil has learned that sustainable music careers require business systems—not just passion. In this conversation, he reveals the productivity frameworks he's borrowed from his marketing day job and how they've transformed both his creative output and family dynamics.
→ Liner Notes Insider subscribers get Ezra's complete "Music Career as Business System" framework + his pre-release strategy that sold an album for a full year before streaming.
Key Topics Discussed
- The "fear as compass" approach that guides his creative decisions
- Why he sold his last album direct for a year before streaming (and the revenue impact)
- How business systems thinking improved his relationships with band members and family
- His 5am-8am creative routine that produced a 14-month double album while working full-time
- The house concert preparation framework that turns parties into professional events
Previous Episodes with Ezra Keeping Your Side of the Street Clean–Ezra Vancil (Ep 182)
A Hidden Album Collection Discovery–Ezra Vancil (Ep 42)
The Mystery of The Flounder – Cozi Anda Flounder (Ep 231)
On Top Of The World – Ezra Vancil Interviews Robonzo About Debut Single (Ep 187)
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support at UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor
This episode was brought to you by Podcast Startup.
Ready to launch your podcast or take it to the next level? Podcast Startup gives you the frameworks, systems, and insider knowledge to build a show that actually grows your audience and serves your goals.
Whether you're just getting started or looking to improve your existing podcast, you'll get actionable strategies on equipment selection, content planning, audience building, and sustainable production workflows—without the overwhelm.
Learn more at UnstarvingMusician.com/PodcastStartup. Join podcasters who are building shows that last.
Also Mentioned in this Episode Backline Mental Health & Wellness Resources for Music Industry Professionals
Celebrate Recovery
332 Eli Lev – Spiritual Growth: From 250 Shows to Finding Sacred Space in Music
Kid Andersen on Greaseland Studios, Playing The Blues, Musicianship and Music Ed (Ep 003)
Kid Andersen On TrueFire TV and His Forthcoming Album (Ep 110)
House Concert Tours & Community – Shannon Curtis
No Booker, No Bouncer, No Bartender: How I Made $25K On A 2-Month House Concert Tour, by Shannon Curtis
Resources The Unstarving Musician's Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Can your community become a creative collaborator without turning your art into committee-designed mediocrity? In this solo episode, I explore proven frameworks for involving your audience in the creative process while maintaining complete artistic control.
You’ll discover how Amanda Palmer uses early-stage feedback on Patreon to gather emotional responses (not technical critiques), how British singer-songwriter Lynz Crichton turned her entire EP creation into a 90-day collaborative project with her email and social media communities, and how Imogen Heap invited fans to contribute raw materials—sound samples and personal stories—that she transformed into finished songs.
I break down practical approaches you can test: the Preview-and-Pivot Framework (used by Luke Combs for “Forever After All”), constraint-based collaboration methods, and systems for turning fan-generated content into strategic assets rather than distractions.
This episode also covers the critical boundaries every artist needs: establishing what’s open for feedback versus what’s locked, retaining veto power over all input, and knowing when to ignore community resistance entirely as you evolve artistically.
Whether you’re considering a model like Patreon, building an email list, or just wondering how to get useful feedback without compromising your vision, this episode provides actionable frameworks for sustainable creative collaboration.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support at UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com/LinerNotes. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentioned in this Episode Songwriting with a Deadline–Lynz Crichton (Episode 49)
What a Tease: Why Song Previews Became Crucial In Modern Music
How Imogen Heap invited fans to contribute raw materials for her album Sparks
333 How to Build, Name, and Nurture Your Creative Community
Palmer Patreon Subscriber Guide
Signup for Liner Notes
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Music revenue diversification is essential for independent artists, but how do you actually monetize your community of superfans? This follow-up to episode 333's community-building strategies explores the practical side of turning deep fan relationships into sustainable income that goes beyond streaming pennies.
Emerging direct-to-fan platforms like MySeat (highlighted by Dave Cool, formerly of Bandzoogle) allow artists to create branded mobile apps with multiple revenue streams - subscriptions, merchandise, live events, auctions, and exclusive content. Real case studies break down the revenue psychology of membership-based fan relationships and run realistic math on converting followers into paying subscribers.
But this isn't just another "build it and they will come" episode. Kevin Kelly's sobering follow-up research to his famous "1000 True Fans" theory reveals uncomfortable truths, including ambient musician Robert Rich's brutally honest financial breakdown of three decades pursuing direct fan support. The reality check considers platform risks, time costs, creative constraints, and why most successful direct-to-fan artists still need traditional exposure first to build music revenue.
Balancing optimism with realism, this episode explores genuine opportunities while setting appropriate expectations for what "success" in direct fan monetization actually looks like. Whether you're considering app platforms, subscription models, or other community revenue strategies, you'll discover how to approach these opportunities as part of a diversified career strategy rather than a complete solution.
Recommended for independent artists looking to reduce streaming dependence while exploring new music revenue opportunities and understanding the real challenges of direct fan monetization.
Key Topics:
- Direct-to-fan mobile app platforms and business models
- Revenue psychology: consumption vs. membership
- Real financial case studies and conversion math
- Platform ownership vs. algorithm dependence
- Kevin Kelly's "1000 True Fans" follow-up research
- Robert Rich's 30-year direct fan experience
- Implementation strategies and cautionary considerations
- Diversified income approaches for sustainable careers
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support at UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com/LinerNotes. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Mentioned in this Episode MySeat Media
1,000 True Fans
The Case Against 1,000 True Fans
The Reality of Depending on True Fans
How to Build, Name, and Nurture Your Creative Community (Unstarving Musician episode 333)
Eli Lev – Spiritual Growth: From 250 Shows to Finding Sacred Space in Music (Unstarving Musician episode 332)
JR Richards – Dishwalla, His Tenth Album Forthcoming, Email Marketing, List Building, E-Commerce, Touring (Unstarving Musician episode 284)
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
As a musician podcaster who has built multiple successful shows over the past decade, Bree Noble represents what's possible when artists embrace podcasting as both a creative outlet and business tool. In this conversation, she shares her evolution from recording in her kitchen to becoming a recognized industry authority featured in Forbes.
Bree reveals the technical and logistical challenges she faced transitioning from Women of Substance streaming radio to becoming the speaking host of a podcast. She discusses why she wishes she'd front-loaded more episodes before launching and shares practical strategies such as having set interview questions ready and using scheduling tools like Acuity.
Our discussion covers her journey through multiple iterations of her shows, from Women of Substance to Female Entrepreneur Musician to the current Profitable Musician Show rebrand in 2020. Bree explains how AI tools have transformed her workflow and why episode swaps and collaboration episodes are particularly effective strategies for musician podcasts.
For musicians considering podcasting, Bree offers frameworks for determining whether podcasting suits your situation while warning against underestimating the consistency required to build an audience. She shares how podcasting deepened her relationships with listeners and created networking opportunities that traditional music marketing approaches never provided.
Whether you're exploring podcasting as a new creative outlet or looking to establish authority in your field, this episode provides actionable insights from someone who has successfully navigated every stage of podcast development while maintaining her identity as a musician and entrepreneur.
No one finds starting a podcast easy without a comprehensive roadmap. As fate would have it, I've created a complete roadmap in a course called Podcast Startup. The course covers everything from equipment selection to testing video with gear you already have. Find details at UnstarvingMusician.com/PodcastStartup.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support at UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com/LinerNotes. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentioned in this Episode Female Entrepreneur Musician
Podcast Startup
Bree Noble on Women of Substance Radio, Going Pro and Making Money
A Profitable Musician Summit–Bree Noble
Profitable Musician Summit 2019–Bree Noble (Ep 98)
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Most independent artists focus on building an audience, but the real power lies in developing a creative community. In this episode, I delve into the psychology behind transforming casual followers into passionate community members who view themselves as part of something larger.
Drawing insights from my recent interview with singer-songwriter Eli Lev and his "Levitators" community, I break down the key differences between audience building and creative community development. You'll discover why community names matter more than you think, how to move beyond social media performance theater, and practical strategies for creating authentic engagement that serves both you and your supporters.
I examine successful creative community examples from Trekkies to Swifties, revealing what makes certain community names stick while others fall flat. The episode also covers three core engagement strategies: collaborative content creation, meaningful interaction over metrics, and service orientation that benefits everyone involved.
This episode provides a four-step action plan for building a creative community. Because in today's music industry, success isn't measured by how many people know your name, but by how many people are better off because they found your work.
Recommended for independent musicians, content creators, and artists looking to create meaningful connections around their creative work.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support at UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com/LinerNotes. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Mentioned in this Episode Robonzo.com
"1,000 True Fans" by Kevin Kelly
332 Eli Lev – Spiritual Growth: From 250 Shows to Finding Sacred Space in Music
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Spiritual growth takes many forms for independent musicians. Folk artist Eli Lev has woven together influences from Jewish upbringing, Buddhism, and Navajo teachings into a unique artistic journey that took him through 250 shows last year alone.
In this third appearance on the podcast, Eli opens up about the realities of intensive touring, the "entry and exit friction" that comes with constant travel, and how he maintains spiritual and personal well-being while building his Levatators community. We discuss this and his upcoming "Past Lives" EP, as well as his live video for "Where We Come From," shot in a restored 1765 log home on Maryland's Trial Run Farm.
Rather than saving the tough questions for the end, we flip the script and start with what's really slowing him down and the pain he's willing to embrace for his art. Eli shares insights on working with multiple producers, the evolution from his completed Four Directions project to this new spiritual exploration, and how his exposure to diverse faiths influences both his songwriting and his approach to building authentic community with fans.
Whether you're interested in tour sustainability, expressing personal themes in your music, or looking to build deeper connections with your audience, Eli's journey from teaching on the Navajo Nation to becoming a full-time touring artist offers practical wisdom and philosophical depth.
Key Topics:
- Managing the physical and emotional toll of 250+ shows annually
- Weaving diverse spiritual influences into cohesive songwriting
- Building the Levatators fan community through authentic connection
- Working with multiple producers across different projects
- The "entry and exit friction" of intensive touring
- Creating meaningful music videos in historic locations
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support at UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor. check out one of our affiliates below.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com/LinerNotes. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Libsyn Podcast Hosting Kit – Email Marketing for Musicians
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Musical listening is the secret that separates professional-sounding bands from technically correct but disconnected performances. This episode explores blues guitarist Kid Andersen's "50% rule" and why listening should consume at least half of your mental bandwidth while playing.
You'll discover the technical mastery paradox that traps countless musicians, practical strategies for developing dual awareness between your performance and your bandmates, and advanced applications, including how rhythm sections use listening skills to lead without taking over. We'll also delve into genre-specific listening approaches for jazz, rock, and acoustic settings, as well as how to read the room and respond to audience energy in real-time.
The episode concludes by addressing a challenge many independent musicians face: staying current with industry trends without burning out or sacrificing actual practice time. Learn curation strategies and practical boundaries that protect your creative focus while keeping you informed and current.
Whether you're struggling to lock in with your rhythm section, missing dynamic cues during performances, or feeling overwhelmed by information overload, this episode provides actionable insights for developing the listening skills that transform good musicians into truly musical collaborators.
Key topics covered:
- Kid Andersen's 50% mental bandwidth rule for musical listening
- The technical mastery paradox and cognitive load management
- Practical exercises for developing dual awareness while playing
- Advanced rhythm section leadership through listening
- Genre-specific listening strategies for different musical styles
- Reading room energy and supporting struggling bandmates
- Managing information overload without sacrificing musical growth
Enjoy this episode wherever fine podcasts are found. 🎧
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support at UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com/LinerNotes. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
AI visual production is revolutionizing how independent artists create and present their work, and Steve Pasieka (Skulk the Hulking) is creating visual art at the forefront of this transformation. In this episode, Steve shares how he evolved from live performance art and noise rock to creating a multimedia project that seamlessly blends music, AI-generated visuals, and storytelling.
We explore Steve's unique background in hardcore music and comedy improv, and how these seemingly different worlds inform his creative process. Steve discusses his pivot during the pandemic from live shows to digital content creation, including the development of his fictional video podcast and the birth of his visual art practice using AI tools.
Whether you're intimidated by AI music production or curious about expanding your artistic reach beyond traditional music, Steve offers practical insights on incorporating new technologies while maintaining creative authenticity. He shares the specific AI tools he uses, the communities that helped him learn, and how he harnesses the quirks and obstacles of these technologies to fuel his creativity.
This conversation provides valuable perspective for any independent artist looking to explore the intersection of music, technology, and multimedia storytelling in today's evolving creative landscape.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support at UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com/LinerNotes. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Legal mashups and studio management are critical skills that can make or break an independent music career. In this episode, George Ajjan (The ajjancy) shares his systematic approach to creating and distributing mashup covers within legal boundaries, plus his proven strategies for efficient studio sessions and sustainable creative scheduling.
George explains the complex world of music copyright, explaining the legal differences between covers, remixes, and mashups. He reveals how YouTube's Content ID system creates a "safe harbor" for mashup covers and shares his real-world experience navigating copyright holders and clearance challenges.
We also dive deep into studio management, where George explains his preparation process, how he scouts and works with session musicians, and why being over-prepared is still never enough. His batching approach to recording has created a 2-3 year backlog of releasable material including original compositions.
For independent artists struggling to balance creativity with business realities, George offers practical frameworks for long-term creative scheduling, weekly content strategies, and adapting to the changing landscape of independent music. Whether you're interested in exploring mashup covers, maximizing your studio efficiency, or building sustainable creative practices, this conversation provides actionable insights you can implement immediately.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support at UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com/LinerNotes. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Multi-art creativity takes center stage in this conversation with Christian DeWild, a Folsom, California-based artist who seamlessly juggles music, literature, and visual art while working for an electrical contractor. Christian has just released his first single of 2025, "By Your Side," recorded on his analog Tascam system and he's the author of two published books including "Dead Flowers: Let's Get Married On Halloween" and "Some Days Are Ashes: Poems, Limericks, and Illustrations."
In this episode, we explore Christian's unique approach to balancing multiple creative disciplines, his experience with self-publishing books, and the challenges that come with it. We discuss his obsessive relationship with art projects, his philosophical contemplations about creativity within the finite nature of life, and his active role in Folsom's blues scene.
Christian shares insights about the importance of face-to-face networking for securing gigs, his transition to releasing only singles rather than full albums, and the varying timelines he experiences when finishing songs. Whether you're a multi-disciplinary artist or looking to expand your creative practice beyond music, this conversation offers perspectives on maintaining authenticity while pursuing diverse artistic passions.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support at UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com/LinerNotes. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Game composition opportunities have transformed dramatically in recent years, creating new pathways for musicians to enter the video game industry. In this episode, I reconnect with Timothy Reid, a guitarist-turned-video game composer based in Osaka, Japan, for his second appearance on the show since our 2021 conversation.
Timothy shares his journey from session guitarist to working at a major AAA game studio, and how recent industry layoffs led to what he calls "the best thing that could have happened" – discovering the world of indie game development. We explore the creative differences between large studio structures and freelance composition work, the learning curve of adaptive music and sound design, and how traditional musicianship skills translate to the gaming industry.
Whether you're a musician curious about video game composition or interested in navigating career transitions in creative fields, Timothy's insights offer valuable perspective on finding new opportunities within industry upheaval.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support at UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com/LinerNotes. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Music funding has been transformative for Anmara, with the Virginia-based singer-songwriter securing over $150,000 through grants, crowdfunding, and her recent Chrome City Records deal. In this episode, Anmara shares her approach to financing her music career, from winning a prestigious $75,000 House Artist Grant in 2014 to successfully building albums via Patreon pre-orders.
We explore her evolution from dreamy ambient folk toward pop as Chrome City Records invests in exploring her pop star potential, plus her DIY strategies for creating professional music videos and photo shoots on minimal budgets. Anmara compares crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter versus Patreon, discusses receiving multiple grants from Prescott College, and shares the healthy habits that fuel her continuous creative output.
From charting on iTunes’ top 100 singer-songwriter albums to touring Europe and the West Coast, Anmara opens up about imposter syndrome, today’s changing music consumption landscape, and her mission to touch lives through her music and newsletter. She also discusses essential self-care practices for show days.
This conversation offers insights and inspiration for independent musicians seeking diverse revenue streams – whether through grants, crowdfunding, or label partnerships – while building sustainable careers on their own terms.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support at UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com/LinerNotes. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
This music collaboration episode features the return of Tracee Perrin discussing her creative partnerships in Nashville and the release of her 2024 EP "The Clearing." Tracee shares insights about her upcoming single "Seasons Change" with Lauren Anderson and how their collaborative mini-tour succeeded through effective merchandise strategies. We explore the parallels between marriage and musical partnerships, techniques for maintaining vocal health while touring, and the creative process behind their joint content creation. Tracee reflects on embracing artistic challenges and her fear of not fulfilling her creative potential. Whether you're an independent musician looking to expand your collaborative projects or seeking practical touring advice, this conversation offers valuable lessons from an artist thriving in Nashville's competitive music scene.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support at UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com/LinerNotes. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Resources Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
Kit – Email Marketing for Musicians – Email marketing and audience building software that helps musicians like you turn your passion into a full-time career by connecting you to your fans faster. Start a free trial.
The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
More Resources for musicians
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Touring strategy, recording, and collaboration are at the heart of this conversation with independent music artist Abe Partridge. Fresh from recording with Steve Shelley of Sonic Youth, Abe shares his journey on the road since 2017, including performing with Matthew Sweet and recently signing with a booking agent. We explore his Alabama Astronaut podcast documenting the undocumented folk music of serpent-handling churches in Appalachia, and discuss practical approaches for planning shows, building industry relationships, and creating sustainable revenue through live performances rather than streaming. Gain valuable insights on navigating the music business as an independent artist who's found his unique path to success.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support at UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com/LinerNotes. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
In this episode, we explore Canadian immigration essentials for touring musicians with expert Maggie Stewart, a Los Angeles-based immigration lawyer with 15 years of experience specializing in Canadian immigration law. Discover crucial information about navigating criminal conviction waivers, work permit requirements, and visa processes for performing in Canada. Maggie shares valuable insights on border crossing best practices and insurance considerations that every touring artist should know. We also touch on the Canadian arts and festival scene.
Whether you’re a musician, manager, crew member, or agent planning performances in Canada, this conversation provides actionable legal guidance to ensure your international tours proceed without immigration complications.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support at UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com/LinerNotes. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Creative storytelling bridges worlds in this special episode where I speak with acclaimed Mexican novelist Sofía Segovia, author of the internationally celebrated book "The Murmur of Bees." Our conversation explores the fascinating parallels between writing novels and creating music - from creative discipline and narrative techniques to building an international audience and adapting to changing industries.
This interview had personal significance as Segovia's novel is set in Linares, Mexico. Linares was the birthplace of my father in 1922, creating a powerful connection that became even more meaningful after my recent journey to Mexican citizenship. Segovia shares insights from her evolution as a ghostwriter to an acclaimed international author, how she balances creative output with teaching writing workshops, and her experience bringing Mexican stories to global audiences.
Whether you are a musician, writer, or creative entrepreneur, you'll find valuable wisdom in Segovia's journey about the universal elements that help creative work resonate across cultural boundaries. Don't miss our thought-provoking conversation about creative processes, audience building, and the bridges between literary and musical storytelling.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support at UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com/LinerNotes. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Effective video promotion strategies can transform an independent artist’s career, as demonstrated by Hip Video Promo founder Andy Gesner in this informative conversation. With 25 years of experience connecting musicians to audiences through visual content, Andy shares the tactics behind breakthrough successes like Johnny Cash’s “Hurt” and The Lumineers’ “Ho Hey” videos that propelled these artists to new heights of recognition.
From his studio in South River, New Jersey, Andy reveals what truly matters in today’s digital landscape: authentic engagement over vanity metrics, consistent content creation schedules, and leveraging the right platforms for your genre and audience. You’ll learn practical approaches to video promotion that work for independent artists at every career stage.
This episode unpacks:
- How visual storytelling can create deeper connections with potential fans
- The evolution of music video distribution from MTV to streaming platforms
- Methods for measuring true engagement versus superficial view counts
- Practical ways to showcase your authentic personality through visual media
Whether you’re planning your first music video or looking to enhance your visual marketing strategy, Andy’s insights provide a roadmap for making your visual identity work harder for your music career.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support at UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com/LinerNotes. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Musician health strategies are essential tools for navigating the complex web of personal and professional relationships that can make or break long-term success in the music industry. This episode explores the unique relationship dynamics that musicians face, where the lines between personal and professional connections often blur in ways both enriching and challenging.
Drawing from our Liner Notes Insider three-part series, we examine how to build effective support networks that understand the musician lifestyle, manage the guilt and obligations that come with creative careers, and implement practical self-care routines that sustain creativity. We also discuss how to recognize burnout warning signs and challenge the industry's "push through" mentality that has traditionally made taking necessary breaks difficult.
Whether you're dealing with band dynamics, family expectations, or maintaining connections while on tour, this episode offers actionable strategies for setting boundaries, communicating effectively, and remembering that your worth isn't tied to others' investments in you. Plus, we share valuable mental health resources specifically designed for music industry professionals.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support at UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com/LinerNotes. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
This episode explores musician well-being and challenges the persistent "suffering artist" myth. Drawing from recent examples of successful artists like Lizzy McAlpine and Ashe, Robonzo examines how prioritizing mental health leads to sustainable music careers rather than limiting them.
Discover practical strategies for setting boundaries, managing performance demands, and creating sustainable touring schedules that protect your creative energy. Learn why being transparent about mental health challenges can actually strengthen fan relationships rather than damage them.
Whether you're a touring musician, recording artist, or industry professional, this episode provides actionable insights for maintaining well-being while pursuing musical success. Subscribe to Liner Notes for more industry insights and join Liner Notes Insider for exclusive deep dives into building a sustainable music career.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support at UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com/LinerNotes. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Music business fundamentals can make or break an artist's career sustainability. In this episode, we break down essential legal and financial practices that help independent musicians protect their work and build sustainable careers. From copyright registration and performance contracts to accounting basics and tax planning, we provide actionable steps for managing the business side of music while staying focused on creativity. Learn how to establish proper documentation, maximize royalty collection, and implement smart financial tracking that will serve your music career for years to come.
Episode links & resources
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Tour planning requires careful strategy and execution for independent musicians to succeed on the road. In this episode, I share key insights from Liner Notes Insider on venue selection, tour management, fan engagement, and revenue optimization. Learn practical approaches to building sustainable tours and get a glimpse of the exclusive content available to Liner Notes Insider subscribers. Whether planning your first tour or looking to improve your touring game, this episode delivers actionable tips for the independent touring musician.
Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes Find links to related episodes and various things mentioned in this episode at UnstarvingMusician.com.
Resources and Special Deals The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Home recording doesn't require a professional studio - it requires understanding fundamentals, making smart choices about gear, and focusing on performance quality. In this episode, I share my journey from basic podcast recording to producing music, including practical tips on choosing your first DAW, selecting an audio interface, and setting up your recording space. You'll learn about essential gear, common connectivity issues, and how to manage the learning curve without getting overwhelmed. Whether you're a drummer looking to record your kit or a musician wanting to capture your ideas, this guide will help you start your home recording journey with confidence. I also share real-world examples from recording my own singles and hundreds of podcast episodes, along with budget-friendly solutions for beginners.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Book marketing takes center stage in part two of my conversation with independent musician and author Tony Harrah. He breaks down his mathematical approach to sales strategy, sharing insights on reaching target audiences without traditional industry gatekeepers. From his decision to self-narrate audio books to his perspective on working with publicists and labels, Tony offers practical wisdom for creative entrepreneurs.
This continuation of last week's discussion explores the current state of music, his marketing plans for his latest releases, and the launch of TheGreasyHedonist.com as his creative hub. Catch his album "Unicorns" on Soundcloud and discover how he's applying independent music principles to his expanding artistic portfolio.
Please enjoy this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever podcasts are found.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers. Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Independent musician and author Tony Harrah shares his lyrical poetry journey across the music and literary worlds. In this first of two parts, Tony discusses his realization that marketing books mirrors marketing music, detailing his experiences building writer groups (much like starting his blues jams) and developing grassroots promotional strategies. We explore his evolution from musician to author with works like "Boxing With God" and "Asking For a Playground Push, But Got a Schoolyard Shove," while discussing the arts' recovery in a post-pandemic landscape.
Since our last conversation in 2019, following the unexpected loss of his wife, Tony has navigated remarkable transitions - both personal and professional. Now remarried, he brings unique insights into building creative communities and finding new pathways to connect with audiences.
Stay tuned for part two next week, where we'll explore Tony's observations on the current state of music, his marketing strategies for his latest book, thoughts on working with industry professionals, and his decision to narrate his audiobooks. Plus, we'll get a preview of his upcoming platform, TheGreasyHedonist.com.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Music marketing doesn't have to be perfect to be effective. Join host Robonzo as he challenges traditional promotion methods and reveals why your unpolished, real moments might be your greatest marketing asset. Learn practical strategies for Instagram Stories, Reels, and Posts, plus discover the untapped potential of LinkedIn for booking gigs. With personal anecdotes and actionable insights, this episode shows how embracing authenticity can lead to deeper audience connections and better engagement. From the 70-20-10 content rule to building genuine relationships in your local music community, you'll gain practical tools to market your music more effectively while staying true to yourself.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
In this powerful return appearance, singer-songwriter Chris Taylor (episodes 65, 97) joins us for a deeply personal conversation as part of a storytellers series. A creative force in constant motion, Chris opens up about his journey while preparing to release an exciting new collection of music.
Our discussion weaves through themes of artistic comparison, trust in creative instincts, and a transformative experience opening for Six Pence None The Richer. Chris shares intimate stories from his youth in San Antonio's bible belt, including his complex relationship with his father and the circumstances that led to this challenging chapter of his life.
We also explore Chris's latest projects, including a mini autobiographical documentary and previews of his upcoming musical release. His natural gift for storytelling and boundless creativity shine throughout this candid and inspiring conversation about survival, self-discovery, and the healing power of artistic expression.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes Secrets of Creativity–Chris Taylor (Ep97)
Creating Music to Discover Who He Is – Chris Taylor
Sixpence None the Richer
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Let's face it - most musicians didn't pick up their instruments because they love spreadsheets or numbers. In this practical musician finance episode, we break down the often-intimidating topic of financial management into actionable, musician-friendly steps. Learn how to build a financial safety net that will give you more freedom to make music, including proven strategies for multiple revenue streams, simple budgeting techniques, and essential musician-finance practices that won't make your head spin.
Whether you're a full-time musician or working toward it, these straightforward financial tips will help you build a more sustainable music career. Plus, discover why having a backup plan is just as important as having a backup amp (or bass drum pedal). Time to get financially savvy without sacrificing your creative spirit!
Key Topics: Musician finance, revenue streams, budgeting basics, accounting for creatives
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
This deep-dive episode explores how independent musicians can effectively balance their creative output with various revenue streams. From live shows and streaming to licensing and teaching, I break down the business focus and creative aspects of each income source. Learn practical strategies for time management, tools for productivity, and real-world examples from artists like Shannon Curtis, Bradford Loomis, and Dean Johanesen. Whether building a sustainable career or managing a passion project, discover actionable steps to maintain your artistic fulfillment while achieving financial stability. Based on insights from Liner Notes, this episode provides a comprehensive framework for integrating your creative and business mindsets.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions, Links, and Related Episodes Automation Tips for Working With Audio and Video Files, by Anna B. Yang
Shannon Curtis – House Concerts, Building Connections, Community, Release Strategy And Her 2018 Album “Both At The Same Time” (Rewind Series Ep 243)
Building Community–Shannon Curtis and Jamie Hill (Ep 168)
Writing Music With Preparedness In Mind–Bradford Loomis (Ep 220)
Cutting Out the Music Business Middleman–Bradford & Kimberly Loomis
Circus Swing and the Transformation of Dean Johanesen
Dean Johanesen – Album Artwork, Song Reference Files, Record Release Mode, Balancing Creative Time, Arc Of A Thematic Album, Writing Press Releases, Release Campaign Framework, Heightened Creativity, Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival (Ep 246)
Lessons Learned for the Modern Freelancer—Mike Volkin (Episode 27 of the Morning Tempo podcast on YouTube)
Live Streamed Shows In Isolation —Dean Johanesen Part 2 (Ep 156)
The Obstacle Is The Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph, by Ryan Holiday
The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles, by Steven Pressfield
Kit – Email Marketing for Musicians
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Ever feel like you're juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle when it comes to balancing your music career? This episode dives into the wild world of being an independent musician-slash-solopreneur. It explores the age-old question: Can you be both a creative genius and a business whiz simultaneously? (Spoiler alert: You totally can!)
Get ready to unpack the challenges and surprising rewards of wearing both the artist and entrepreneur hats. Discover strategies for switching between your creative and business brains without getting whiplash. Plus, learn how to use your business smarts to fuel your creativity – mind-blowing, right?
Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your music journey, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you nail that tricky balance between making killer music and running a kick-ass business. So grab your headphones, and get ready to turn that tug-of-war between creativity and business into a harmonious duet!
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Julieta Heredia – Fin Del Mundo, A YouTube Performance That’s Changing Everything, The Evolution Of Live Shows, The Message In Their Music, And The Writing Process #264
Unstarving Musician podcast playlist on YouTube
308 Wearing All the Hats: A Guide to Balancing Your Music Career
Liner Notes (recent edition)
Crowd Sponsor (Suppport The Unstarving Musician)
Our Tip Jar
Tim Ferriss Show: Productivity Tactics – Two Approaches I Personally Use to Reset, Get Unstuck, and Focus on the Right Things
New Gods Part 2, by Robonzo & Peter Rand
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Hey musicians! It's Robonzo here, and I've got a fresh episode for you that's all about the juggling act we call being an independent musician. In this episode, I'm diving deep into the challenges we face as music artists, marketers, managers, and producers all at once.
I'm sharing real talk about the constant chase for education and income in our ever-changing industry. We'll explore how to find balance in this crazy journey, tackling everything from time management to the art of focusing on one task at a time. And yes, we'll chat about how AI is shaking things up too!
I've got some solid productivity tips that I think you'll find super helpful. Plus, we'll look at when it might be time to outsource some of those hats you wear. Trust me, it's a game-changer when done right!
Whether you're just starting or you've been in the game for years, this episode is packed with strategies to help you navigate the solopreneur side of being a musician. So grab your headphones, and let's figure out how to keep all these plates spinning together!
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Links, Mentions, and Related Episodes Liner Notes, the email newsletter from Robonzo and The Unstarving Musician
New Gods Part 2, by Robonzo & Peter Rand
Productivity tools, resources, and strategies from Anna B. Yang
How to Hire Fractional Help as a Solopreneur by Anna B. Yang
292 Terry Carleton – Remixing Vince Guaraldi Peanuts Cartoon Soundtracks, Bones & Knives Recording Studios, Meeting the Mendelson’s, and the Arc Of Terry’s Music Career
285 Johnny Burgin (Rewind) – Chicago Blues, Music Festivals, The Magic Of The Stage, Pinetop Perkins
279 Alyssa Trahan – Moving to Nashville, Sound Engineering, Endorsements, Sponsors, Crowdfunding, Marketing, Merch, and the Biggest Lesson She’d Learned in Nashville
251 Drew Ryder Smith – Website Platforms, Nashville, Texas Ties, Growing Up In Tennessee, Pneumonia, Songwriting Vocationally, Touring, Recording, The Origins Of Robonzo, And Legendary Drummers
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
In this episode, host Robonzo engages in a rich conversation with friend and musician Joe Patterson, diving deep into the intricacies of music careers, passion projects, sync licensing, and more.
Key highlights:
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Career Transitions: Explore Joe's journey of returning to music after a successful career in another field. He candidly discusses the challenges and rewards of returning to his musical passions.
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Passion Projects and Band Dynamics: Joe shares valuable insights on finding the right players for passion projects, discussing his secret for successful musical collaboration.
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Sync Libraries: Joe shares his recent experiences and challenges entering the world of sync licensing.
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The Solo Artist's Journey: Joe and Robonzo discuss the challenges of managing all aspects of music production and promotion as a solo artist and the changes we've seen over the past 20 years.
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Changing Roster in One of Robonzo's Bands: Robonzo soundboards a recent experience involving roster changes in a band he works with in Querétaro.
This episode offers practical advice and inspiring stories for musicians at all stages of their careers. Whether you're considering a return to music, exploring sync opportunities, or navigating the challenges of solo artistry, Joe's experiences provide valuable lessons and encouragement.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Links to Mentions and Related Episodes Liner Notes, the email newsletter from Robonzo and The Unstarving Musician
New Gods Part 2 (Instrumental Mix), by Robonzo & Peter Rand
Fiddle Joe Patterson – FiddleJoe.com
Rubén Blades
Circus Swing and the Transformation of Dean Johanesen
Being A Successful Gigging Musician – Jared Judge (Ep 225)
Watch Panama (Joe's cycling videos)
John “Kiko” Carney on Going Full Time, Working with Joe Cocker, and His Quest for Orchestration
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
In this episode, we dive deeper into the world of touring for independent musicians. Whether planning your first mini-tour or looking to elevate your existing tour game, this episode is your comprehensive guide to life on the road.
Key topics covered:
- Strategic Tour Planning: Learn how to create a balanced schedule mixing different venue types for maximum impact and profitability.
- Effective Promotion: Discover multi-platform social media strategies and the power of pre-sale discounts and VIP packages.
- Branding Your Tour: Understand the importance of giving your tour a unique identity to generate buzz.
- On-Tour Strategies: From updating setlists between cities to prioritizing mental health and fan engagement.
- Financial Considerations: Exploring sponsorships and digital content monetization to boost touring revenue.
Packed with practical tips, this episode covers everything from leveraging local media and influencers to maximizing merchandising opportunities. We also discuss the importance of taking care of your band and venue staff, and how to use simple technology to improve your performances.
Whether you're a seasoned road warrior or just starting, this episode offers valuable insights to make your touring experience more successful and profitable. Don't miss out on this essential guide to mastering the art of touring!
Bonus: FREE downloadable touring guide and a curated list of recommended reading for even more in-depth coverage.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Links, Mentions and Related Episodes UnstarvingMuscician.com
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
In this episode of The Unstarving Musician, I speak with Tara Brueske, a seasoned musician, composer, and educator. Tara shares her experiences from early days of playing and composing to her current role as an active educator in voice, piano, performance, and gig acquisition.
The conversation covers:
- Tara's new book, "20 Must Have Booking Tips Every Musician Needs"
- Making connections via social media
- Strategies for getting gigs and developing educational products
- Insights on finding an audience for educational content
- Segmenting and serving supporters and customers
- Email list engagement and paid social media advertising
- Collaborative partnerships with content creators
- Practical tips for musicians, including vocal techniques
Whether you're an aspiring musician looking to book more gigs or an established artist interested in diversifying into education, this episode offers valuable insights to help make your music journey easier and more profitable.
Visit TaraBrueske.com to learn more about Tara's work and offerings.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
In this episode, I'm diving deep into the world of tracking and collecting music royalties on YouTube. As an independent musician myself, I know how complex and often confusing this topic can be. That's why I'm breaking down YouTube's intricate royalty system for you, from the basics to advanced aspects. I'll walk you through:
- The four types of YouTube royalties and how to collect them
- Requirements for joining the YouTube Partner Program
- The crucial role of Content ID in protecting your intellectual property
- Strategies to maximize your YouTube earnings
- Common misconceptions about YouTube royalties
Whether you're just starting out or looking to optimize your existing YouTube presence, this episode provides actionable insights to help you turn your music videos into a reliable income stream. Discover how to navigate YouTube's royalty landscape and tap into your music's earning potential.
Plus, get access to a FREE companion guide with a detailed action plan and valuable resources. Don't miss this opportunity to transform your YouTube channel from a promotional tool into a hidden payday for your music career.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode is powered by Podcast Startup Podcast Startup is a program designed for new podcasters. Did you know that most podcasts don’t make it past their first few episodes? That’s right, they start, they stall, and then they die. Sustaining a podcast ain’t easy. Lack of planning and misaligned expectations are a recipe for a fast burnout and fade-out for podcasters. This is exactly what Podcast Startup was designed to help with.
Start your podcast the right way with Podcast Startup! Visit UnstarvingMusician.com/PodcastStartup to learn more and to download a FREE Podcast Startup tip sheet.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Recommended Reading Robonzo on Apple Music
Episode Companion/Resource Guide (FREE download)
Facebook Music Monetization
How Much Does Facebook Pay Per Music Stream
What's the difference between YouTube Music and YouTube Content ID?
What is YouTube's Content Management System (CMS)?
The Digital Music Royalties Landscape
How Artists Get Paid From YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and the Rest with Jamie Dee Hart
A musician’s guide to YouTube Royalties
How to Earn ASCAP Royalties for Your Music on YouTube
YouTube Creator Academy
YouTube Copyright Center
YouTube Partner Program overview
Content ID information
YouTube Creator Insider channel
New Gods Part 2 by Robonzo (Theme Music for The Unstarving Musician)
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
This episode of The Unstarving Musician explores how independent musicians can effectively use donations as a viable income stream. The conversation covers:
- The historical precedent and modern relevance of fan support
- Crafting compelling donation requests
- Popular donation platforms and payment options
- Creating a dedicated donation page
- Offering incentives to encourage support
- Tips for successful crowdfunding campaigns
Whether you're just starting out or looking to diversify your income, this episode provides practical strategies to engage your fanbase and help sustain your musical journey through donations. Learn how to communicate your needs, maintain transparency, and build stronger connections with your audience while supporting your artistic endeavors.
Get the FREE companion download for this episode!
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes FREE episode companion download
House Concert Tours & Community – Shannon Curtis
288 Johnny Burgin – Queretaro Mexico, The Queretablues Festival, His Guitar Masterclass And YouTube Channel, Moving to Memphis, Leaving Chicago, And His Forthcoming Album
We Are All Musicians Now – Zack O’Malley Greenburg (Ep 226)
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
This episode dives into the complex world of music composition, master recording ownership, royalties, and income opportunities for independent musicians.
- Discover the benefits of owning your compositions and the importance of master recording ownership in protecting your creative work.
- Learn essential tips for navigating the music industry, from Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) to mechanical royalties and synchronization fees.
- Understand how songwriters earn income from public performances, reproductions, and visual mediums.
The discussion covers the primary income sources for master recordings and emphasizes the importance of signing up with organizations like SoundExchange and a PRO to collect your well-deserved royalties. Further, I cover mechanical royalties for master recordings, components of the collection process, synchronization licensing for both composition and master recording owners, and the role of PROs in paying royalties to songwriters and publishers.
Join me as I unravel the music composition and master recording ownership, and royalties, empowering independent musicians to protect their creative works and maximize their income potential.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes Episode 278 Kayana – Drip Release Strategy, Self Forgiveness, Dating, a Short Film Commission, and a Creative Retreat that Gave Her the Theme and Outline for Her Forthcoming Album
Unraveled by Kayana
The Rain Song - Led Zeppelin cover by Chiara Kilchling
Starry Messenger: Cosmic Perspectives on Civilization by Neil deGrasse Tyson
Unstarving Musician Mug
How to License Your Music as a DIY Musician
Music Publishing 101: How To Make Money With Your Music
Owning Your Master Recording: All You Need to Know
A beginner’s guide to performing rights organizations (PROs)
Leading by Example: How Taylor Swift Has Spotlighted Musician Rights and Ownership
Music Fairness Action Campaign Launches With Support Of Dionne Warwick
SoundExchange
BMI
ASCAP
SESAC
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Songwriting and selling merch at shows were topics of a recent edition of Liner Notes. As I dip my toes back into the waters of writing original material, I looked up the tips du jour to see if I could find some worth sharing. I found a few interesting tips and added a couple of less common thoughts.
Selling merch has been on the top of my mind in recent months, so I thought I'd include a continuation of episode 299, in which I discussed selling music and merch. I haven't made a lot of merch sales at shows, as most of my shows have been as a supporting musician and often in cover bands. I have, however, had the opportunity to work with several original artists, taking note of what works for them.
I've begun venturing into doing my original material at shows and thinking of merch opportunities for original acts and cover bands. These observations and personal ventures led me to include, in this episode, recommendations for selling more merch at your shows. These tips will help you maximize revenue from merchandise sales at your shows.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes Songwriting Tips: 10 Techniques for Writing Memorable Songs
How to Write a Song | 12 Songwriting Tips from the Pros
Simple Songwriting Guide: How to Write a Song in 5 Steps
How to Sell Merch and Music at Shows Without Being ‘Sales-y’
4 Foolproof Ways to Sell More Merch at Your Shows
Liner Notes: Songwriting and selling more merch at shows 🎶
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Finding podcast guest appearance opportunities is a cost-effective way to promote your music, share your ideas, attract new fans, and build meaningful connections. It's also a great way to practice for live radio interviews.
In this episode, I cover getting started, how to screen podcasts, giving podcast hosts what they want and need from guests, crafting a compelling guest pitch, being prepared for your interview, the importance of familiarity with the show format, post-interview tips, and more.
You can apply the principles discussed in this episode to interview prospecting for radio, blogs, and YouTube. Pretty awesome, right? If you need something for your press page, podcast interviews are a great addition.
Find a bonus download for crafting the perfect guest pitch email in the "Mentioned in this Episode" section below.
Please enjoy this final episode of The Unstarving Musician.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentioned in this Episode Share "Best Guest Pitch Email (Bonus PDF download - Free)
Podcast Startup
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
The 2023 Unstarving Musician listener survey indicated that many Unstraving Musician listeners and Liner Notes subscribers were interested in learning more about selling merch and music and how to do it better. Music royalties are a long game, and most musicians won't earn much in royalties in the beginning. An alternative is direct-to-fan music sales. Physical merch and VIP packs are viable means of generating additional revenue for musicians. Furthermore, merch sales can be a way to deepen relationships with your fan base. It can be an opportunity to create new and better experiences for your audience.
This podcast episode focuses on physical merch ideas that connect with fans, drop-shipping, on-demand merchandise, crowd-funding and merch ideas, pre-selling, personalized merch, VIP packs, seasonal merch, and more.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes Printful Custom Print On Demand
Hello Merch Band Merch
Kunaki CDs, Blurays, Vinyl Records
288 Johnny Burgin – Queretaro Mexico, The Queretablues Festival, His Guitar Masterclass And YouTube Channel, Moving to Memphis, Leaving Chicago, And His Forthcoming Album
285 Johnny Burgin (Rewind) – Chicago Blues, Music Festivals, The Magic Of The Stage, Pinetop Perkins
Listening for That Phrase—Johnny Burgin Part 2 (Ep 138)
Lynz Crichton’s Music Marketing Method (Ep 215)
Songwriting with a Deadline–Lynz Crichton (Ep 49)
Lynz Crichton on Building a Clan, Learning the Business, Songwriting, and Recording (Ep 14)
Alicia Van Sant – Happiness And Longevity Of The Wag, Singing Better In Heels, Performing Music Of The Beatles, Blue Bottles And Copper Coins, Making Merch With The Cricut, The Moody Blues, Star Trek, And Lord Of The Rings #266
The Cricut Maker Cutting Machine
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
This episode is about how musicians can create gigs. I have written much about finding and booking better gigs, but my perspective has expanded since I started the podcast. If you'd like to read about how I started finding and booking gigs consistently, check out The Unstarving Musician's Guide To Getting Paid Gigs.
This episode is inspired a strategy fellow musician Arlene Paculan (featured in episode 112) shared with me and how it has applied to my world. Arlene shared the idea of creating gigs. Her approach lead to Arline performing regularly and winning music awards. I cover details of Arlene's strategy, first-hand experience creating gigs, house concerts, open jams, gig swaps, awards events, volunteering, press kits, online booking resources, and more.
I know from experience that the strategies discussed in this episode can help musicians create gigs. Hopefully the discussion will inspire you to create gigs. If you have experience creating gigs, contact me. I'd love to hear your story.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes Arlene Paculan – Community and the Power of Connection (Ep 112)
285 Johnny Burgin (Rewind) – Chicago Blues, Music Festivals, The Magic Of The Stage, Pinetop Perkins
Listening For That Phrase— Johnny Burgin (Part 2) (Ep 138)
Why Musicians Shouldn’t Have a Cell Phone on Stage – Rockin’ Johnny Burgin (Ep 31)
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Whether your art is in music or some other realm, leveraging your email list is paramount. Email marketing is a topic near and dear to my heart.
Once you have an established email list, the easiest way to leverage it is by sending regular emails to subscribers. They are your supporters, after all. Begin by considering how often you will send emails. In my experience, this can be a challenging commitment to meet, but you can change the frequency if you initially over commit. Consistency is key. Subscribers will lose interest in you and possibly even forget about you if your emails are irregular or infrequent.
This episode covers getting started, planning ahead with an editorial content calendar, email topic examples, the anatomy of newsletter emails, why email works so well for creating deep connection with supporters, the peril of relying on social media alone, how your email list can help you make money, ConvertKit as an email platform for audience building, and more.
Please enjoy this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever podcasts are found.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes Editorial content calendar template
ConvertKit
Contact Robonzo at The Unstarving Musician
Build an Email List, Build a Fan Base, Make Money with Your Art
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
In May 2018, Julia A. Miller became the CEO & President of Delmark Records LLC. That same year, Delmark Records LLC purchased Delmark, the oldest continuously operating jazz and blues independent record label in the United States. Delmark was founded in St. Louis, Missouri in 1953. Julia and company celebrated Delmark's 70th anniversary by releasing a 70th Blues Anthology and a forthcoming 70th Jazz Anthology.
In this conversation, Julia shares with me her background in music and academia, the evolution of Delmark's business model, how labels can serve as a business partner, how musicians can best leverage their labels for business, the challenges Delmark faces as a medium size international business, the role of labels in music publishing, pre and misconceptions faced by women business executives, the value of networking for women in business, the next 5 years, and more.
Please enjoy my conversation with Julia A. Miller of Delmark Records.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes Delmark Records
Blues and News interview with Julia (video)
Lawyers for the Creative Arts
285 Johnny Burgin (Rewind) – Chicago Blues, Music Festivals, The Magic Of The Stage, Pinetop Perkins
Listening for That Phrase—Johnny Burgin Part 2 (Ep 138)
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Tracee Perrin is a graduate of the Musicians Institute (MI) in Hollywood, where she learned how to produce and engineer her own music. In 2010 Tracee was accepted into the ASCAP Lester Sill Songwriters Workshop, an experience she says reinforced her desire to build a career in music. Tracee has its roots in the Los Angeles, but now lives in Nashville. She has a new single out called "Poison In The Water," that will be part of a forthcoming EP, her first body of work in over 10 years.
We talk about the evolution of her new single Poison In The Water, Nashville's population explosion, her So Far Sounds performances, her experience in musical theater, self care for the voice, her 2024 release plans and strategy. I also ask Tracee what slows her down the most and what inspires her.
You can find Traccee's music at TraceePerrinMusic.com music and TraceePerrinMusic on Facebook and Instagram.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Athxna is a Nashville-based, New Orleans-raised R&B pop singer who started her musical journey on piano at age five. She has a new release coming very soon, recording sessions in her home town of New Orleans, and plans to release more music this year. Athxna has a new sync contract, which she attributes to pursuing a music business education and career. She works for an all female PR firm based in Nashville and has a bachelor's degree in music industry. Athxna is methodically designing a life and career within the music business.
We talk about her upcoming recording projects, her new sync contract, working in the music business, why she moved to Nashville, blues music, fashion and style, social media and more.
You can find links to Athxna's work and social media at AthxnaOfficial.com. Please enjoy my conversation with Athxna.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes AthxnaOfficial.com
Electric Wizard
Fredo Bang
285 Johnny Burgin (Rewind) – Chicago Blues, Music Festivals, The Magic Of The Stage, Pinetop Perkins
Jessica Rabbit
Frann Fine (The Nanny)
285 Johnny Burgin (Rewind) – Chicago Blues, Music Festivals, The Magic Of The Stage, Pinetop Perkins
276 JJ Lovegrove – A New Album with Minus Cube, a Forthcoming Complimentary Film, Identifying as a Performer, Fighting the Spotify Algorithm, and Deep Connections on Twitter
Secrets of Creativity–Chris Taylor (Ep97)
Radio WigWam
JJ Lovegrove on Bandcamp
Chris Taylor & Love Coma Live
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Ady Parzentny of Hit The Road Studio has recorded with a mobile studio in the desert of Morocco, and has audio mixing and production course content on PromixAcademy.com. Ady says he does what he does to make the world a better place by helping people make good records, go on tour, and do what they love.
As a Mixing Engineer & Music Producer, Ady works with Musicians World Wide in Pop, Rock, Jazz, and World Music Fusions. Ady works with world-class musicians like Nani Vazana that hit #10 on the European World Music Charts, Mehdi Nassouli, and Karim Ziad, who plays with bands like Snarky Puppy.
Our conversation leads me to believe that Ady's a lovely human being, an impression that I'm confident you'll agree with. In this conversation, Ady and I talk about home recording, production mentoring, drum recording technique, morocco, recording in less-than-ideal conditions, Ady's YouTube channel, the history of mobile recording, the arc of Ady's recording career, business coaching, Social inequality and Misconceptions, and more.
Please enjoy my conversation with Ady Parzentny of Hit The Road Studio.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes Hit The Road Music Studio
@HitTheRoadMusicStudio YouTube channel
Location Recording with EVO 16 and @HitTheRoadMusicStudio (video)
Nani Vazana
ProMix Academy
Liner Notes: Open distribution platforms 101
New Bandzoogle EPK plan (Promo code ROBONZO)
Dean Johanesen – Album Artwork, Song Reference Files, Record Release Mode, Balancing Creative Time, Arc Of A Thematic Album, Writing Press Releases, Release Campaign Framework, Heightened Creativity, Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival (Ep 246)
290 Lars Deutsch – Boum Dans L’Espace, Collecting Sounds, Retro Sci-Fi, the Slightly Out of Tune, Storytelling Effect of Weirdness & Humor, AI in Music, Thinking Less
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Terry Carleton of Bones & Knives Recording Studio has recorded music for major TV shows, indy films, commercials for radio, and, in some cases, has led to helping clients procure major record deals.
Terry studied classical, jazz, and composition on full scholarship. Playing in bands for the better part of 40 years. Has played live with many notables, including rockabilly legend Link Wray, pop and gospel vocalist Maria Muldaur, and jazz B3 icon Tony Monaco. As a member of Daddy-O, Terry helped back The Drifters, The Coasters, The Platters, The Marvelettes, Al Wilson, and Motown pioneer Mary Wells, to name a few. Terry has also recorded drums for Giraffe, Kevin Gilbert, Robert Ferris, and the British Progressive rock band Camel and continues to co-write songs with their frontman, Andy Latimer. He's performed with The Beach Boys' Al Jardine, Johnny Lee, Norton Buffalo, Jewel Akens, and Carey Ott, whose recordings from Bones and Knives have been featured on TV shows like "Grey's Anatomy" and "Unnecessary Roughness."
Most recently, Terry was commissioned by Sean Mendelson, whose dad is the late-great Lee Mendelson, the original producer of the iconic Peanuts Cartoons, to remix over 150 original Vince Guaraldi recordings from his Charlie Brown cartoon soundtracks, most recent being A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (50th Anniversary Edition).
We talk about his work on the Vince Guaraldi / Charlie Brown recordings, Bones & Knives Recording Studios, His Collection of odd instruments, meeting the Mendelsons, the arc of Terry's career, and more.
Learn more about Terry's studio and career at BonesAndKnives.com.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes BonesAndKnives.com
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (50th Anniversary Edition)
Alabama Song by The Doors
The Starving Musician
Undercover Blues w/Johnny Burgin (video playlist)
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Jennifer Roig Francoli is a violinist, coach for musicians, and Creator of The Art of Freedom Method for Conscious Living and Masterful Artistry. She's had multiple solo appearances at Carnegie Hall and with orchestras such as the Pittsburgh and Berlin Symphony Orchestras. Jennifer is also a former Associate concertmaster and soloist for the Grammy-Award winning baroque ensemble Apollo's Fire, former faculty at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati and Xavier University, a prize-winning medical researcher on Alexander Technique for surgeons published, and founder of The Alexander Technique Guild of Ohio.
Jennifer now helps musicians overcome physical and emotional obstacles to a joyful, successful musical life. Students of her private and group coaching programs learn how to free themselves from pain, tension, and performance anxiety, so they can enjoy doing what they love with ease.
Jennifer played professionally at a high level and at an early age. She gave up playing violin to pursue spiritual practices and raise a family. Aspects of physical pain and creative void crept into her life. She eventually discovered Alexander Technique, became an instructor and practitioner, and rediscovered her love of violin. She has a new book, "Make Great Music with Ease: The Secret to Smarter Practice, Confident Performance, and Living a Happier Life." We talk about her book, self publishing, attributing challenge to her personal turnaround, teaching Alexander Technique, musician taboo of admitting pain, getting stuck, fear, courage, performance anxiety, thinking less, over-doing, and more.
Please enjoy my conversation with Jennifer Roig Francoli.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes ArtOfFreedom.com
Making Maroon 5, Losing It All, and Finding Recovery – Ryan Dusick (Ep 238)
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
LA-based producer Lars Deutsch recently released a whimsical album called “Boum Dans L’Espace." He also created a series of short videos for the project, inspired by his appreciation for early sci-fi and the slightly out-of-tune.
Lars is a two-time Emmy winner whose bio reads like this:
"He went from heavy metal guitarist to singer, to songwriter, to a Masters in classical composition, to international performances of his classical works, to lecturing in composition and audio production to scoring three hundred films/commercials that have collected over one hundred awards."
Lars' commercial work has been featured in everything from Toyota ads to Stephen King’s “The Passenger." You can also hear about his work and working with him in episode 216, featuring singer-songwriter Amiena.
Lars and I discuss his new release and video shorts, collecting sounds, retro sci-fi inspirations, the charm of slightly out of tune, the storytelling effect of weirdness & humor, using socials for fun rather than promotion, thoughts on AI in music, artist development, Dolby Atmos, and the biohacking perspective of thinking less.
Please enjoy my conversation with Lars Deutsch.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes Lars Deutsch
Boum Dans L’Espace @boum_dans_l_espace on Instagram
Artist Development And Struggles Of The Emerging Artists – Lars Deutsch (Ep 204)
Recognizing And Defeating A Creative Rut – Amiena (Ep 216)
Tru Def
Ed Wood (movie)
New Gods Part 2
Magic Mind (Use discount code TUM20 to get up to 50% off!)
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Miss Velvet channels vocal styles like Janis Joplin and Robert Plant into a unique sound that comes through loud and clear on her new solo album "Traveler." The New York native has performed in over 100 cities worldwide, including an opening tour for George Clinton. She's entered a new stage in life and career as a mother with a changed outlook on life and a fresh sense of style. Miss Velvet is well known for her sense of fashion and performance style, making her a throwback gift to rock & roll.
We talk about her new solo album "Traveler," childhood In New York, touring with George Clinton, meditation, working with producer Esjay Jones, fashion inspiration, Led Zeppelin, and more. Learn more about Miss Velvet at OfficialMissVelvet.com.
Please enjoy my conversation with Miss Velvet.
Support the Unstarving Musician
The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode of the was sponsored by Magic Mind. I struggle to keep my energy level steady, especially in the afternoon. I love coffee, but try not to drink it after 10:30 in the morning. Consistently creating new podcast episodes, subscriber emails, videos and new music requires a lot of focus. Thank goodness I found Magic Mind! I've decided it's the perfect afternoon fix for my energy/focus needs.
Magic Mind has a short list of high quality ingredients that will intrigue and likely help you. I think Matcha may be the difference maker for me. Matcha is basically nature’s extended-release version of caffeine. I really like the taste of Magic Mind, and I felt good after taking it. I encourage you to check it out, especially if you struggle to stay focused some days.
Starting in January, you will find it in Sprouts Farmers Market stores across the country. If you have a Sprouts store nearby, get down there and grab a few bottles to try. After you’re hooked, you can get a subscription w/up to 50% off w/my discount code.
Visit MagicMind.com/tum and use discount code TUM20 to get up to 50% off!
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes OfficialMissVelvet.com
Janis Joplin "Summertime" (Live -1969 video)
Jaime Wyatt
Tara Brach
Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach
Esjay Jones
MagicMind.com/tum
The Unstarving Musician Store
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Johnny Burgin has been making waves in the U.S. and abroad as a blues player entrenched in the Chicago blues style. He has performed and recorded with blues legends like Tail Dragger, Sam Lay, Billy Boy Arnold, and Pinetop Perkins. Johnny made a name for himself in the late 90s in Chicagoland blues clubs, a record deal with Delmark, and several European tours. He plays on average more than 200 shows a year, which is why he has such an appreciation for the stage, audiences, and other blues players.
I performed with Johnny in and around Queretaro last month, the pinnacle of which was a headlining performance at the Queretablues Festival. This week I received a message from Johnny to ask what I thought about doing some shows with him in Mexico City, so to be continued (possibly).
We recorded this conversation at the end of a busy ten days here in Queretaro while enjoying cervezas Bohemia, after which we went out for local cuisine. Johnny was feeling a little off and his last morning with us here in Queretaro, I think he was just experiencing a bit of exhaustion or perhaps still acclimating to our altitude. I've since gathered he made it home feeling great. Johnny is a lot of fun to perform and hang with. He's still showing me the ropes of Chicago blues, which is an exercise in restraint from my improvisational ways. But it's also an education in nuance.
We talk about Queretaro Mexico, The Queretablues Festival, his guitar masterclass (at the Queretablues Festival), his YouTube channel, moving to Memphis, leaving Chicago, and his forthcoming album. Please enjoy my tipsy conversation with Johnny Burgin.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
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Mentions and Related Episodes 285 Johnny Burgin (Rewind) – Chicago Blues, Music Festivals, The Magic Of The Stage, Pinetop Perkins
Johnny Burgin - Live from San Miguel de Allende, Mexico (Soundcloud)
Sunset Theater Presents: Johnny Burgin Live and Remastered! (Video)
Set Lusting Bruce: The Bruce Springsteen Fan Podcast (Feat. Robonzo)
ConvertKit – Create a deeper connection w/fans by reaching them directly in their inbox
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Andy McCluskey is a founding member and lead vocalist of OMD (aka Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark). His band has sold over 40 million records worldwide. They are electronic synth pioneers and one of Britains' best-loved pop groups. OMD conquered the United States with their 1986 hit, "If You Leave" from the Pretty In Pink soundtrack. They have also achieved 12 top 20 hits on the UK Singles Chart and three top 20 hits on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Following the celebration of their 40th anniversary last year, OMD have released their first new studio album since the 2017 release of The Punishment Of Luxury, a record entitled Bauhaus Staircase. The new album dropped on October 27th, 2023. The press release says Bauhaus Staircase is OMD's most explicitly political record; however Andy tells me that art and politics have always been at the forefront of their songwriting themes.
Like many artists, Andy rediscovered his creativity, thanks to the boredom of lockdown. We talk about this, plus their new album, the band's stunning new music videos, memories of the first OMD gig, art, politics, OMD's participation in the forthcoming Dark Waves Festival, Liverpool F.C., and the longevity of his voice.
It was a great pleasure speaking with Andy. Our time went too fast, but what can we do. He's very busy with interviews, concerts and various media projects.
Find the new album and all things OMD at omd.uk.com. Please enjoy my conversation with Andy McCluskey of OMD.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes OMD.UK.com
Darker Wave Festival
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
My guests, Chris Raspante and Jesse Spradlin, are The Vintage Yell. Chris appeared in episode 2 and episode 186 of The Unstarving Musician, which are among the most popular for the podcast. Chris and Jesse joined forces to form The Vintage Yell somewhat recently and have a lot of new music coming soon. You can find their new single "Goin' On Swinging" at TheVintageYell.com.
Jesse, Chris and I had a great conversation. I especially enjoyed their discussion of The Vintage Yell launch party and their coming-out strategy. We also discuss working together as a new band, writing and recording new music, release strategy, Mesquite Street Records, and more.
On a side note, Chris performed on, recorded and mastered my singles "On Top Of The World" and "New Gods Part 2." You can hear both songs at Robonzo.com. He is a talented guy, as is his new bandmate Jesse Spradlin.
Here's me talking with Chris and Jesse of The Vintage Yell.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes TheVintageYell.com
Lucky Beats Good Sometimes – Chris Raspante Rewind
Guitarist and Studio Engineer In Demand–Chris Raspante (Ep 186)
Mesquite St. Records
Landin Spradlin
On Top Of The World (feat. Chris Raspante)
New Gods Part 2 (feat. Chris Raspante)
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
This is a rewind episode featuring blues guitarist Johnny Burgin. What is a rewind episode? It's a previously published episode, one of my favorites, and one that I think merits re-publishing. I give these episodes a fresh edit, which means you will find it even more enjoyable from a listening perspective.
Johnny Burgin, the coast-to-coast (intercontinental) Chicago blues man, first appeared in episode 31 back in December of 2017. We performed a house concert on February 11 2020 at Tranquilo Retreat in Panama. He's coming to Querétaro to perform the 9th annual Querétablues Festival, which you can find on Facebook @BluesFestQro. I have the honor of being part of his band for the festival. We'll also do some private shows and one secret show while he's here.
My conversation with Johnny was truly great. I'm so happy I re-listened to it for this special rewind edition. Johnny is the real deal where blues guitar is concerned. We discuss his history as a musician, and his philosophy on blues, music, and the stage. We also talk about some of his international tour adventures, relationships with blues players in Chicago, Silicon Valley, and around the world, Pinetop Perkins, the Chicago Blues Festival, and more.
Find Johnny's upcoming tour dates and music at JohnnyBurgin.com. Please enjoy this rewind conversation with Johnny Burgin.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes JohnnyBurgin.com
Robonzo w/Johnny Burgin at the Quéretablues Festival
New Gods Part 2 (Unstarving Musician theme track)
Johnny Burgin's first appearance on The Unstarving Musician (episode 31)
Listening for That Phrase—Johnny Burgin Part 2 (Ep 138)
Spooky Mugs
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
One of the best voices in rock has been used to describe J.R. Richards. He's the original singer of Dishwalla, one of my favorite bands to emerge in the 90s. Richards has sold millions of records, written some chart-topping hits and has toured globally. Perhaps his most noteworthy accomplishment was writing "Counting Blue Cars," which he performed and recorded with Dishwalla. That song won the Billboard "Rock Song of the Year" award in 1996 and two ASCAP awards for "Song of The Year" in 1997 and 1998.
Richards has also recorded a few solo albums and is on the cusp of releasing his next album, the 10th in his career. I only recently became acquainted with his solo work because I was looking for an acoustic cover of "Counting Blue Cars" for an acoustic 80s/90s covers project. I found an acoustic version, but when I saw the singer on that acoustic version, it occurred to me that it wasn't the original guy. Down the rabbit hole, I went. I don't know who the new singer is. He's good, but I'm definitely partial to Richards' voice. So I found his solo work, website and lots of other info about him that I never knew. I loved Dishwalla, but I'm not what you'd call a super fan. I lost track of the band after they stopped releasing new stuff.
But I am a big fan, so I was stoked when JR agreed to an interview. Speaking with him was kinda weird. The time passed so quickly! I spend most of our time nerding out with him about e-commerce, the importance of email lists and other topics I typically pursue on the podcast. I ended up with several questions that we never got to. The other thing is that he's a 'normal' person, a dad and husband; a very talented normal person, but just a guy.
I don't know what I expected, but I enjoyed speaking with him. Richards is as kind and humble as any other indie musician I've ever had on the podcast. We talked about Dishwalla, his forthcoming record, email marketing, e-commerce, touring, adapting to changes in music, Spotify Discovery Mode, SOME of his work as a producer, what he's got cooking in the near future, and more.
Find everything JR is up to at JRRrichardsMusic.com. Please enjoy my conversation with JR Richards, the original singer of Dishwalla.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes Links for this episode on UnstarvingMusician.com
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Susan Rogers teaches Music Production and Engineering at The Berklee College of Music (Berklee Online). She holds a doctorate in psychology from McGill University, where she studied music cognition and psychoacoustics. Her research focuses on auditory memory, the perception of musical signals, and the influence of musical training on auditory development.
For two decades before her science career, Rogers was one of the few women known for her work as a record producer, engineer, mixer, and audio electronics technician. Susan's career highlights include years (1983–1988) as a staff engineer for recording artist Prince, also working with Barenaked Ladies, David Byrne, Tricky, and Tevin Campbell.
My guest relations advisor sent me an NPR interview with Susan in which she talks about her book "This Is What It Sounds Like: What The Music You Love Says About You." After learning about the book and her career, I invited Susan to the podcast, and she graciously accepted.
My research for this interview involved checking out some of Susan's other interviews. I noticed she always gets guestions about Prince. Leading up to the interview, I figured she'd talked about Prince ad nauseam, but then I realized she loves discussing this part of her career. She feels lucky to have worked with Prince and wants to help keep his legacy alive. Even so, I didn't want to focus too much on Prince, but I did plan one Prince-question, so we did talk about him.
We also talk about the neuroscience of music preferences, analyzing the techniques of Frank Sinatra, the progression of production approaches, leaving the music business for academia, working with Barenaked Ladies, how music functions for listeners today, and much more.
Learn more about the book "This Is What It Sounds Like," by Dr Susan Rogers at ThisIsWhatItSoundsLike.com.
Please enjoy my conversation with Susan Rogers.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes What draws us to the music we love? A new book breaks it down (WBUR, Here & Now - interview)
This Is What It Sounds Like by Susan Rogers
Prince Engineer Susan Rogers: THE INTERVIEW. Live From Sunset Sound
Musical anhedonia
Sam Phillips
Frank: The Voice, by James Kaplan
Stunt, album by Barenaked Ladies
Tennyson
King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Rory Kenny is a co-founder and CEO of Loudly, a platform that helps create AI-generated music in seconds for your videos, social channels, advertising media, podcasts, apps, and more. It's 100% royalty-free and easy to use.
Every sound on Loudly is human-made and restructured as samples, loops, and stems. Loudly allows users to download stems from AI-generated tracks and use them in their projects on their DAW of choice. The predominantly web-based app rolled out about five months ago as I record this episode intro. We talk about the product roll-out, Rory's inspiration for co-founding Loudly, the company roadmap, business challenges, use cases, the Loudly mobile app, finding the ideal team members, copyright, the future of music and AI, and more.
No matter what you think about AI, this conversation and the trends that will follow are well worth our time and attention. If you have follow-up questions, I know Rory is open to hearing from you, and you can certainly send your questions to me. I'd be happy to follow up with Rory on your behalf.
Check out Loudly at Loudly.com. Please enjoy my conversation with Rory Kenny of Loudly on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other audio platforms.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes Loudly.com
Rory on LinkedIn
Suzanne Vega
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Garry Peterson is a founding member and drummer of The Guess Who. Garry has been making music for over six decades. Garry also performed with Bachman Turner Overdrive, during their support of the Van Halen 5150 Tour, a show I attended long ago. He has to his credit fifteen albums that have charted on the Billboard 200, fourteen singles that have charted on Billboard’s Top 40, including two #1’s, three Gold Singles, and three Gold Albums as certified by RIAA.
Garry plays drums on their new album Plein D' Amour and plans to record on the next Guess Who album. He still tours with the band, which promoted me to tell him that he is practically a Rolling Stone. He reminded me that he his music career started around the same time as The Stones. We discuss his long career, the new Guess Who album, the band history, his drum gear, facts versus fiction about The Guess Who, Garry's advice to young players, and more.
I thoroughly enjoyed speaking with Garry. He is such a nice guy. We experienced some connectivity issues that resulted in a slightly lower audio quality than I strive to provide you with, but I'm confident that you will still get a great deal of enjoyment and value from our conversation.
Hear the new album by The Guess Who at TheGuessWho.com and music services everywhere. Here is me talking with Garry Peterson of The Guess Who.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes The Guess Who
Bachman Turner Overdrive
Randy Bachman
Who Can It Be Now (Reimagined) by Cleo Alexandra
John Templeman – Music Roots In Ohio, Touring Post Pandemic, Favorite Music News Sources, Concert Ticket Prices, Change Driven Marketing, Artist Contributions To Their Own Success, Jib Machine Records #260
Chrome Deluxe
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Nichole Wagner has a new album titled Plastic Flowers coming soon. The Austin-based songwriter released her first album in 2018. Her music is blends soulful country-rock with funky Americana sounds. She comes from the small town of Louviers, Colorado, studied Journalism at Arizona State University, eventually landing in Austin. We talk about this, plus rebooting her Patreon, a college correspondent gig with Spin Magazine, drive by poetry, perceived roadblocks to writing music and learning to play guitar, house concerts, birthday show July 2023, a couple of favorite songwriters, love of stationary, and mutual acquaintances.
You can find all things Nichole Wagner at NicholeWagnerMusic.com. Please enjoy our conversation on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all the other podcast places.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes NicholeWagnerMusic.com
Patty Griffin
Nancy Griffith
Rory Sutherland, Tetragrammaton with Rick Rubin
Creating Music to Discover Who He Is – Chris Taylor
Secrets of Creativity–Chris Taylor (Ep97)
271 Brian Wolff – New EP “The Golden Age,” The Value of Open Mics, Social Marketing, Mental Health Awareness, Economics of Music Tours, Songwriter Rounds, EPs or Albums
Inspiration, Kickstarter and Trust – Jana Pochop
Jan Klose
Chris Taylor Heroes to Zeroes
That Universal Song by Eli Lev
Playa Serena by Fiddle Joe Patterson (video)
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Alyssa Trahan is the featured artist in this Rewind episode. What's a Rewind episode? It's a previously published episode, one of my favorites and merits re-publishing. I also give these episodes a fresh edit, which means you will find it even more enjoyable from a listening perspective.
Nashville based singer songwriter Alyssa Trahan first appeared in episode 18 (2017), which is remarkable because the depth of our conversation rivals anything I've done to date, as do the accomplishments Alyssa had made at her then age of 22.
Topics covered in our conversation include why she moved to Nashville from Rochester NY, her latest single (at the time), sound engineering, endorsements, sponsors, crowdfunding, her education, gigs that pay the bills, business and marketing, merch, and the biggest lesson she'd learned to date.
Find all things Alyssa Trahan at AlyssaTrahan.com.
Please enjoy this conversation with me and Alyssa Trahan.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes Alyssa Trahan on Recording, Sponsorships, Merchandising, Marketing, and Getting to Nashville (Ep 18)
Alyssa Trahan Responds To Unstarving Musician Survey (Ep 191)
Nashville, Songwriting, Periscope and Spiders–Mira Goto (Ep 12)
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
New York City based singer and multi-instrumentalist Kayana recently dropped a new single and has more on the way. Kayana is an emerging music artist who fuses pop, R&B and afro-beat with trap-like production style. The music of her forthcoming album delve into personal matters of family, romance and self acceptance.
We talk about her latest single, drip release strategy, her manager, finding a producer through collaboration, balancing a full-time job with music, performing frequency, finding her musical lane, how a creative retreat lead to the theme and outline of her forthcoming album, self-forgiveness and dating advice, a short film commission gig, and more.
Find all things Kayana at KayanaMusic.com. Please enjoy my conversation with Kayana.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes KayanaMusic.com
Making It Happen For Yourself—Camellia Akhamie Kies (Ep 150)
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
My guest is singer, songwriter, producer Sam J Garfield. He has a new self-produced single out called "Monster." Sam is an actor turned sound engineer and music producer. He's now leaning into songwriting and releasing his own music.
Sam is taking a break from a very long stretch of working nonstop. Apparently he was working so to an extent that people around him were concerned. But Sam's young, learning that life's not only about working all the time. He also seems to be learning a lot about himself.
He shares a lot of reflection and introspection, and I think he's working things out. We also talk about his new song "Monsters," finding therapy in Monsters (the single), getting started as a sound engineer, how to he attracts opportunity as a producer, and more.
My favorite part of our conversation is toward the end, where he tells me how he attracts opportunities as a producer. He's young, yet old-school. This part of our conversation serves as a great reminder that old-school works.
Find all things Sam J Garfield on Instagram @SamJGarfield.
Please enjoy my conversation with Sam J Garfield on Apple Podcasts and all the other podcast places.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes Sam J Garfield - Monsters (Official Music Video)
Sam's Linktree
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
JJ Lovegrove refers to herself as the dark dream pop sidekick to Minus Cube. The Nottingham, England-based songwriter has a new collaboration with Minus Cube, which dropped very recently. You can check it out on Bandcamp and other music platforms.
The new album is titled "The Lines We Leave Behind" and is Lovegrove's first full-length album. She previously released a series of singles and the EP "things Only THE daRk knows," much of which was in collaboration with Minus Cube.
In this conversation, JJ (aka Judi) talks about her new album and the forthcoming complimentary film, navigating untruths and loss, the changed landscape of touring, identifying as a performer first, the deep connections she's made on Twitter (X), fighting the Spotify algorithm, and more.
Judi is so much fun to speak to and she has the voice of a dark angel. Find all of JJ Lovegrove's music and more at JJLovegrove.com.
Enjoy my conversation with JJ Lovegrove on Apple Podcasts and all the other podcast places.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes JJ Lovegrove.com
JJ Lovegrove on Bandcamp
The Lines Between
214 JJ Lovegrove - Cracking the codes of social media and playlists
273 Minus Cube – Capturing Recording Studio Processes, Maintaining the Joy of Making Music, Ongoing Journey of Learning Production, Recording Studio Setup, Collaborating with JJ Lovegrove
JJ Lovegrove with Minus Cube on The Cut Music Podcast
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Worth Weaver is a guitarist for the Wilmington, North Carolina-based rock band alltheprettythings. Worth is also a producer and an experienced touring guitarist, working with the bands He Is Legend and Thousand Foot Krutch.
He loves music and he loves music production. He in fact lives and breathes music. When he's not producing, recording, and playing, he works sound gear at the music company Mojo Tone with one of his bandmates.
Alltheprettythings had recently released a single called I Want You Back when Worth and I recorded this conversation. And they have an album coming soon. We talk about all this, and working remotely as a band, latest single I Want You Back, forthcoming album, embracing EMO, the formation of alltheprettythings, genre-fication (EMO), musical influences, learning the studio, and all the changes in recording technology, the heaviness of his band, Trent Reznor, Rick Ruben, Glyn Johns, working hard on socials and being ok with it, day gig w/Mojo Tone, and more.
Learn more about Worth and his band at Alltheprettythingsofficial.com.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes Alltheprettythingsofficial.com
Mark Frigo, Nashville Multi-Platinum Mixer / Engineer
Beau Burchell, Producer Mixer Engineer Composer
Jamie King Audio
The Secret History of the Beatles’ ‘Let It Be’ – Glyn Johns on Rolling Stone Music Now podcast
Trent Reznor on Tetragrammaton with Rick Rubin
Producer Howard Benson
Mojo Tone
41 Singer Songwriter Joe George – Reverb and Whiskey (or Iced Tea)
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
David Lane teaches piano, composition, and music theory. He's composed over 100 concert works, and several films, and has been the arranger for several dozen works. David is scheduled to serve as Vice President of the Winston-Salem Piano Teachers Association starting in the summer of 2023 and currently is the Chair of Composition and Theory for the North Carolina Music Teachers Association. As an instructor, David specializes in teaching piano to adult beginners, teaching music theory to all ages, and offering some conventional as well as non-conventional approaches to learning composition.
He hosts two podcasts, one called The Musician Tool Kit with David Lane and another called Life In The Pit, on which he explores the work of theater musicians. The Musician Tool Kit podcast is a vehicle through which David shares the theme that musicianship is passion and various topics related to musician development.
We talk about his podcasts, his discovery of music composition, collaboration, teaching, and podcasting. Additional topics of conversation include David's self-perception as an accidental musician, his unorthodox career path, the value of supporting other musicians, and aligning core values with one's career path.
Find David's work at DavidLaneMusic.com. Please enjoy my conversation with David Lane.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes DavidLaneMusic.com
Ultimate Guide to Logic Pro 10.7 YouTube series
The Musician Toolkit with David Lane
Life in the Pit
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Minus Cube is a songwriter and studio engineer. He's had a busy year in 2023 mixing and producing five singles and an album. Much of that work was in collaboration with friend and fellow music artist JJ Lovegrove.
Minus Cube and I had a long and pleasant conversation, covering his busy year, capturing studio processes, maintaining a sense of enjoyment in music, the occasional struggle to stay excited, reinventing his creative output, his production learning journey, collaborating with JJ Lovegrove, playing drums, solo works, his recording setup, and his outlook for the rest of the year.
Find the music of Minus Cube on Bandcamp at MinusCube.Bandcamp.com. Please enjoy my conversation with Minus Cube.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes MinusCube.Bandcamp.com
JJ Lovegrove
214 JJ Lovegrove – Cracking of Social Media and Playlists
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
My guest Max Frye fronts the band Lost Hearts. He and his bandmates have a pop sensibility with a big rock sound.
Max comes across as humble and grounded, possibly because he's worked with many musicians who are more experienced than himself. This is an experience we share.
Lost Hearts formed earlier this year and thus consider themselves a very new band. At their core, the band members are working musicians that have played in plenty of cover and tribute bands. They now perform and tour as an original band, although they still mix in some of their favorite covers.
In this episode, Max shares the story of how the band came to be, and their early days of songwriting together. We also talk about the band's recent interview on Izzy Presley's Another FN Podcast, which brought them to the attention of heavy metal champion and broadcaster Eddie Trunk, performing unreleased music, his views on pop and big choruses, release strategy, their record label search, lessons learned as a working musician, merch, the upcoming Lost Hearts performance at the Tacos & Tequila Festival in Lubbock Texas, and working toward the next level.
Please enjoy my conversation with Max Frye.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
This episode was powered by Podcast Startup
If you feel you need a little help getting your podcast started, Podcast Startup is for you. Podcast Startup is a program designed for new podcasters. Did you know that most podcasts don’t make it past their first few episodes? That’s right, they start, they stall, and then they die. Sustaining a podcast ain’t easy. It’s a commitment. Lack of planning and misaligned expectations are a recipe for fast burnout and fade-out for podcasters. This is exactly the kind of thing Podcast Startup was designed to help with.
If you’re intrigued if you want to start a podcast the right way, go to UnstarvingMusician.com/PodcastStartup to learn more.
Mentions and Related Episodes LostHeartsBand.com
Izzy Presley Interview w/Max Frye & Victor Adriel of Lost Hearts
Eddie Trunk
#236 Lara Price – It’s Really All About Networking
#4 Lara Price – Humble Beginnings and Mean Business in Austin – Lara Price
#260 John Templeman – Music Roots In Ohio, Touring Post Pandemic, Favorite Music News Sources, Concert Ticket Prices, Change Driven Marketing, Artist Contributions To Their Own Success, Jib Machine Records
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Brian Wolff is a five-time guest of The Unstarving Musician podcast. Brian has also appeared in episodes 55, 119, 192, and 197.
His band, Brian Wolff & The Howlers, has a new EP called The Golden Age. Wolff and his band draw on influences from classic rock, 90’s alternative, and blues. His music features big guitars, pop rhythms, and introspective lyrics.
In this conversation, we talk about The Golden Age EP, the value of open mics, social marketing, mental health awareness, the economics of music tours, songwriter rounds, EPs versus albums, and how he rediscovered creativity in the recording studio.
Find Brian Wolff and his music at BrianWolffMusic.com. Please enjoy my conversation with Brian Wolff.
Support the Unstarving Musician
The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes BrianWolffMusic.com
From performing with a high energy rock band to live streaming as a solo artist – Brian Wolff (Ep 197)
Brian Wolff Responds To Unstarving Musician Survey (Ep 192)
Giving Back to Austin’s Youth–Brian Wolff (Ep 119)
Touring, Podcasting and Rocking with Fair City Fire–Brian Wolff (Ep 55)
SIMS Foundation of Austin
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Grant Tilbury Jaiswal is Head of Artist Success at Openstage. He's formerly the Artist Relations and A&R guy with Trackd, the collaboration platform that lets musicians record, collaborate and share their musical creations, all from an iOS device.
Openstage helps artists, labels, and music managers efficiently develop and scale their core audience and business, giving artists tools and insights to understand who their fans are, and giving fans great experiences with artists they love.
Grant joined Openstage in June of 2022 but has worked in the artist management and representation side music business for well over ten years. This episode marks Grant's third appearance on the Unstarving Musician. In this episode, our conversation offers insight into what Openstage is all about and some practical advice and examples of how to grow and engage a fanbase.
Grant and I also discuss some fascinating Openstage artist case studies, engagement benchmarks and advice for music artists and artist managers, building fan loyalty, and more.
Learn more about Openstage at Openstage.live. Please enjoy my conversation with Grant Tilbury Jaiswal of Openstage.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
This episode is powered by Podcast Startup
If you feel you need a little help getting your podcast started, Podcast Startup is for you. Podcast Startup is a program designed for new podcasters. Did you know that most podcasts don't make it past their first few episodes. That's right, they start, they stall, and then they die. Sustaining a podcast ain't easy. It's a commitment. Lack of planning and misaligned expectations are a recipe for a fast burnout and fadeout for podcasters. This is exactly the kind of thing Podcast Startup was designed to help with.
If you're intrigued, if you want to start a podcast the right way, go to UnstarvingMusician.com/PodcastStartup to learn more.
Mentions and Related Episodes OpenStage.Live
The Wombats
Only The Poets
Pendulum.com
Lewis Capaldi
Collaboration, Music Discovery and Trackd Music–Grant Tilbury-Jaiswal (Ep 194)
Emerging Collaboration Tools Could Bring Life to New Music Genres – Grant Tilbury, Trackd (Ep 174)
Record Anywhere With Great Results–Markus K (Ep 176)
Music Collaboration App Trackd Changed Her Life – Rachel Hearnden (Ep 175)
The Art of Collaboration–Otto (Ep 181)
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Frank Salazar is the creative mind and talent behind a project called Spigots. He is a long-time friend and former bandmate from my days in Dallas-Fort Worth. The friendship is still going strong, despite my many relocations. He's been playing guitar for at least as long as I've been playing drums (forever).
Frank has worked as a full-time gigging musician, studio engineer, and sound designer. His current gig is as a technology manager for Reel FX Animation Studios, which has created animation for every major studio plus originals.
Frank's son Ian Salazar was the featured guest in episode 77 of this podcast.
Frank has a new single out called "Save Yourself," which he records under the moniker of Spigots (spelled with an exclamation point). He is working his way up to a full-length album, release date TBD. In this conversation, we talk about his forthcoming concept album, the evolution of Frank's creativity, his problem with not being a singer, his studio recording hardware and software toolkit, and why he still makes music.
Find the music of Spigots on Bandcamp at spigots.bandcamp.com. If you need more Frank, you can also find him on Instagram @EdmundBurgundy. Please enjoy my conversation with Frank Salazar.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes Spigots on Bandcamp
@EdmundBurgundy on Instagram
Blackadder
Logic Pro
Apogee Duet 3 USB Audio Interface
Audio-Technica AT2020 XLR Microphone
AKG Pro Audio C414 XLII Microphone
Brainworx bx_rockrack on Plugin Alliance
Soothe2 by Oeksound
Spiff by Oeksound
Kompoz.com
The Evolution of Music Collaboration–Raf Fiol of Kompoz (Ep 171)
A Musician with Over 800 Tracks on Kompoz–Peter Rand (Ep 177)
Online Courses, Self-Publishing and Consistent Content—Ariane Cap (Ep 141)
Writing, Recording, and Finding Balance – Ian Salazar
Robonzo w/Lluvia Azul at Moser Café KULTUR
Unstarving Musician Listener Survey 2023 Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
My guest Ariane Paras is a coach for music artists and industry professionals. After working in the music business for 15 years, and as a result of a lot of stress, late nights (and way too many hangovers), Ariane says she is very aware of the realities of the industry behind the scenes. Witnessing the work-hard/party-hard lifestyle and watching so many artists and colleagues struggle or burnout, she decided she wanted to help change things. Her way of helping was to create coaching programs that help music artists and industry professionals feel clear, balanced, and confident about themselves and their future.
Ariane says she always wanted to work in the music industry and has, in dream jobs, working for British labels and programming the Razzmatazz club in Barcelona. She supposes life looked like a big party from the outside and that she ought to be happy. Her work actually lead to chronic exhaustion, dissatisfaction, quitting jobs, relocating twice, and eventual professional crisis. Then she became highly interested in personal development, eventually committing to her own self-work. Ariane has trained with the Coaches Training Institute to become a life coach so she could help others on their journeys.
On a somewhat personal note, Ariane is a self-admitted big fan of Phil Collins (so am I). We talk about this, that dream-jobs don't equal happiness, burnout, and the importance of finding joy, confidence, and happiness.
Learn more about Ariane at Olympiacoaching.com and on Instagram @olympiacoaching.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentioned in this Episodes OlympiaCoaching.com
New Gods Part 2 (Anniversary Cut) Music Video
Robonzo Shows
Podcast Startup
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Alicia Van Sant, founding member and lead singer of The Wag, is my guest for this episode. Alicia's bandmate Joshua Van Ness introduced us. Joshua was featured in episodes 257 and 134. Alicia and I had a great time talking. She loves to laugh and comes across as a genuinly pleasant and fine human being. The Wag has been going over 20 years, so cheers to Alicia and The Wag! These days, they have the luxury of being choosey about the shows they play, and Alicia says they're really busy, all the time.
The Wag recently released a new album called "Blue Bottles And Copper Coins." They are about to perform a Beatles tribute show on July 14, 2023, and they have a tour coming up in the U.K. Find all their tour dates at TheWagBand.com/Shows.
In this conversation, Alicia and I talk about the happiness and longevity of The Wag, singing better in heels, performing music of The Beatles, "Blue Bottles And Copper Coins," Making Merch with the Cricut, The Moody Blues, Star Trek, And Lord Of The Rings. Yes, Alicia is a sci-fi nerd. So am I.
Please enjoy my conversation with Alicia Van Sant of The Wag.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes TheWagBand.com
Joshua Van Ness – Marketing A New Release, Endorsements, The Wag’s Mixed Business Model, Merchandising, And Social Marketing (Ep 257)
Building An Intentional Music Career—Joshua Van Ness (Ep 134)
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Cranston Dean is my guest for this episode. Cranston is a New Jersey native whose music draws from Americana, folk, jazz, country, blues, pop, and soul. He sees songwriting and performing as a way to translate and transform the human condition into beautiful works of art.
Cranston's solo tours have taken him throughout the Mid-Atlantic to Nashville and north through New England to the coast of Maine. In the summer of 2017, he supported his fourth studio album, "High Beams," with a tour spanning Chicago, Minnesota, Washington, Oregon, California, and Colorado. The album was named one of New Jersey music's 17 best albums of 2017 by New Jersey Advance Media (NJ.com)
Educated at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia as a jazz pianist, Cranston is the 2017 & 2016 Asbury Park Music Award winner as Top Male Acoustic Act, and the winner of the 2015 Asbury Park Music Award as Top Multi-Instrumentalist, so yeah, he's pretty talented.
Cranston has an album release show at Asbury Lanes on May 28th (Northern Town), which dropped on his birthday this past May 11th.
Cranston and I talk about the small-town life and jazz influences in his music, the recording of "Northern Town," how he got his start in songwriting, the value of open mic performance, recording studio lessons that helped him record from home.
Please enjoy my conversation with Cranston Dean.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes CranstonDean.com
Clutch Cabin
Mercury Brothers
Working Musician Podcast 175 w/Robonzo
Julieta Heredia – Fin Del Mundo, A YouTube Performance That’s Changing Everything, The Evolution Of Live Shows, The Message In Their Music, And The Writing Process #264
KEXP YouTube Performance by Fin del Mundo
Joshua Van Ness – Marketing A New Release, Endorsements, The Wag’s Mixed Business Model, Merchandising, And Social Marketing (Ep 257)
Building An Intentional Music Career—Joshua Van Ness (Ep 134)
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Julieta Heredia is a founding member and guitarist of Fin del Mundo. The band is from Buenos Aires, with roots in the southernmost region of Patagonia. The music of Fin del Mundo uses melodies, lyrics, and instrumental passages to combine indie sounds with nuances of emotional post-rock. Their first songs were released in April 2020 and became the soundtrack for their days in isolation (the pandemic lockdown). The band says their second release explores directions that prove the "end of the world" is also the beginning of a new stage.
In this conversation, Julieta shares memories of her youth, the start-up of Fin del Mundo, the YouTube performance that's taking the band to new heights, the evolution of their live shows, post-pandemic release promotion, bigger shows ahead, the messages of their music, and the band's writing process.
Fin del Mundo appears to be riding a new wave of music. I hope you'll support them by following and buying their music so they can make their way to North America soon. Please enjoy my conversation with Julieta Heredia of Fin Del Mundo.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes KEXP YouTube Performance by Fin del Mundo
@lasfindelmundo on Instagram
The Working Musician podcast interview with Robonzo
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
My guest in this episode is alternative/nu-punk artist Krosst Out. His latest song, This The New Shit, drops on May 12th, 2023. The single is the first of many to come from rap-rocker Krosst Out with the announcement of his forthcoming album I Had A Dream I Didn’t Have Eyes.
The first time we spoke was in March 2018, when Krosst Out had recently released his first album. That conversation was for Unstarving Musician episode 43. Today K.O. claims he's grown as a songwriter, performer, and music artist. He also says his latest release is the perfect introductory track to his new sound and a new era in his music.
We talk about this, his new sound, collaborations and his collaboration wishlist, introspection of his lyrics, tour plans, rethinking the music business, unconventional release strategy, and more.
Find Krosst Out online at KrosstOutMusic.com. Please enjoy my conversation with Krosst Out.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes Listener Survey 2023
Tiny Dancer Performed by Robonzo w/September Smith
KrosstOutMusic.com
From Piano Lessons to Rap Rock Fusion–Krosst Out (Ep 43)
Tetragrammaton with Rick Rubin
Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera
CapCut Video Editor
David Guetta says the future of music is in AI
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Guitarist, composer, and recording artist David Pedrick has earned accolades from critics and audiences alike for his work in recording and performance. David has played and recorded jazz, classical, rock, ambient, and more. His live performance credits also run the gamut from jazz clubs to concert halls. He has also performed for guitar societies, concert series, musical theater productions, and music festivals throughout the United States.
As a recording artist, David has received international acclaim. His music has aired on numerous radio stations, including All Things Considered, Celtic Connections, Celtic Heartbeat, Classical 24, Colors of Jazz, and The Intimate Guitar. David's music has also played on ABC, NBC, Fox Broadcasting Company, National Public Radio, Public Radio International, the British Broadcasting Corporation, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, and the documentary JFK: The Case for Conspiracy.
As a music educator, David is an active guitar teacher and clinician. He frequently gives masterclasses, lectures, and workshops for professional and community music organizations, colleges, universities, private schools, and public school districts. As an in-demand studio session performer, David regularly works with production houses, recording studios, and media company clients in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. He is also the host creator of a great podcast called Working Musician's Podcast, which you can find in all the podcast places.
David and I discuss the Working Musician podcast, the balance between creative vision and career demands, financial reasons to control publishing, The Beatles, Rush, and more.
You can read David's entire bio at DavidPedrick.com/bio. Please enjoy my conversation with David Pedrick.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes David Pedrick.com
Working Musician Podcast #170 w/Áine Minogue
Joe Pass
Madison Cunningham
Patty PerShayla
Daisy Jones & The Six
Tiny Dancer Performed by Robonzo w/September Smith
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Kelda Williams is known professionally as Keldamuzik (aka Diva). She is an American music artist, actress, TV host, and producer. Born in the Bay Area of California, she is known for her hit singles Queen for A Night and Thirsty. Both songsare on her 4th studio album, Diva TV (2010).
After honing her craft as a music artist, Kelda expanded her brand into different areas of the entertainment industry. She's dabbled in pop and dance, but Kelda is best known as a hip-hop artist. Kelda has also produced and hosted TV shows and produced films. She's also had an acting career and now runs her own entertainment company Digz Media Group. Suffice it to say, Kelda is into a lot of things.
In this episode, we talk about the hip hop and rap scenes of Oakland, child acting, the birth of Keldamuzik, merch, fashion, modeling, speaking gigs, sync placements, creative processes, content strategy, building a press portfolio, explicit lyrics in rap, and her social media jam.
Please enjoy my conversation with Keldamuzik (aka Diva).
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes Keldamuzik.com
5 Advices from Keldamuzik if You’re a New Artist
Truth Be Told (Netflix Series)
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
My guest for this episode is John Templeman of Jib Machine Records. His label focuses mainly on rock but started as a punk label and has featured metal acts. John is a multi-instrumentalist musician and includes some of his work among the Jib Machine roster.
John started Jib Machine Records in 2004. The label has released over 60 records, initially focused on local talent in and around Cleveland, Ohio. Jib Machine has since expanded its reach internationally. John also founded 13 Recordings, a production operation specializing in sonic ferocity. He’s become one of the most recognizable faces in the Cleveland underground and is known as a label owner who cares deeply about the musicians on his roster. John also cares deeply about the future of recorded and live music in Ohio and beyond.
In this conversation, John and I talk about his musical roots in Ohio, touring post-pandemic, his favorite music news sources, concert ticket prices, change-driven marketing, Jib Machine Records, artist contributions to their success, and more. Please enjoy my conversation with John Templeman of Jib Machine Records.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes JibMachine.com
Feedback on all things Unstarving Musician
New Gods Part 2 by Robonzo (episode theme track)
Listener Survey 2023
Mike Onesko's Renegade Rock | Episode 0149 | John Templeman
Ari's Take
Loudwire
The Pit
Electric Stick Records
Hip Video Promo
Cleo Alexandra
Daisy Jones & The Six
Headquarters, The Monkeys
The F Models
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Welcome to another rewind episode of the Unstarving Musician. What is a rewind episode? It is an abridged version of a prior episode, intended to hone in on something I found particularly interesting and worthy of repackaging. This rewind features Daniel Stidham of Raid The Quarry, a modern rock band out of Raleigh, NC.
Daniel Stidham first appeared on the Unstarving Musician in May of 2019. As a side note, while reviewing our first conversation, I noticed it was in need of additional editing. I actually laughed out loud at one part, which I saved as an Easter egg ending for this episode. So I've re-edited our conversation from 2019. If you like this rewind version, press pause and find our first conversation in episode 132. But you'll have to hear the end of this episode for the mentioned Easter egg.
Back to this version of my talk with Daniel Stidham of Raid The Quarry. Here are the topics I pulled from our 2019 conversation. Daniel and I talk about his band's then record label, the marketing minds in Raid The Quarry, their release strategy, co-writing, the music business of hard rock, audience development, making videos, and the release supporting activity Daniel and his bandmates did for their 2019 release.
It looks like Daniel and Raid The Quarry released another album in 2022, which sounds quite good. Find all the places to listen at RaidTheQuarry.com.
Please enjoy this rewind edition of my 2019 conversation with Daniel Stidham of Raid The Quarry.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes RaidTheQuarry.com
The New Music Industry Podcast
Album Release Strategy–Daniel Stidham of Raid the Quarry (Ep 102)
Kickstarter, PR, and Making Good Music – Jenna and Daniel Watters (Ep93)
A Hidden Album Collection Discovery And Making Videos – Ezra Vancil (Ep 42)
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
This rewind episode features author and music journalist Zack O’Malley Greenburg. What is a rewind episode? It is an abridged version of a prior episode, intended to hone in on something I found particularly interesting and worthy of repackaging.
This rewind comes from episode 226 of the podcast. Zack is also the featured guest of episode 149. He writes a great deal about the music business within the hip hop celebrity world. He says in the introduction of his forthcoming book, We Are All Musicians Now, "Artists are canaries in the coal mine of modern business, experiencing seismic tech disruptions years before those in other industries."
In this rewind edition of our conversation, Zack and I discuss the relationship between indie artists and fans, the rise of the super fan, NFTs, teachings from hip hop, and rising significance of intellectual property. While NFTs and intellectual property may seem a bit esoteric in the world of independent music, Zack relate them to not only independent music, but the possible futures of music and art.
See the show notes for links to Zack's prior appearances on the podcast or simply visit UnstarvingMusician.com and search Zack O'Malley Greenburg. Please enjoy this rewind version of my conversation with Zack O'Malley Greenburg.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes We Are All Musicians Now – Zack O’Malley Greenburg (Ep 226)
How Creators Can Become Owners—Zack O’Malley Greenburg (Ep 149)
Zack O’Malley Greenburg on Substack
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Joshua Van Ness first appeared on the Unstarving Musician in episode 134. He is a singer, songwriter, guitarist, drummer and native of New Jersey. Joshua has performed with many bands and as a solo artist, but for the last eight years he has been a member of The Wag.
Joshua has strong sentiment for The Wag. The band's music is very upbeat and positive, which Joshua says he had a hard time with in the beginning of their relationship. This was a dark time for Joshua, but The Wag was there for his journey toward lighter days.
The Wag is releasing a new EP called Blue Bottles and Copper Coins. You can catch their Album release and 25th anniversary show at The Strand Theater in Lakewood, New Jersey. Tickets are available at TheWagBand.com.
Whether performing in local establishments or opening for national acts like Jason Mraz, Rick Springfield, Gavin DeGraw, Phillip Phillips, John Cafferty, Peter Tork, and Jefferson Starship, you are guaranteed a class-A performance filled with catchy melodies, beautiful harmonies, and exciting showmanship. The Wag has a residency gig at The Coffee House in Edison, New Jersey. The band has done regional and international tours in England, Canada, and Japan. The Wag has also added an acoustic set to their repertoire, further diversifying their sound and allowing them to reach a larger audience.
The Wag also performs tribute shows. They're more than just an original band, they are true working band.
Joshua is also about to embark on his first tour in the UK, with The Wag. He is one of these guys that is not only talented, he looks cool when he's on stage. He also has a great speaking voice. If you're listening Joshua, and I hope you are, maybe you should host a podcast.
In this conversation Joshua and I talk marketing the new Wag release, endorsements, the Wag's mixed business model, merchandising, social marketing, and much more.
Check out their music, merch and tour dates at TheWagBand.com. Please enjoy my conversation with Joshua Van Ness.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes TheWagBand.com
These Boots Are Made For Walkin'
Collision Drum Sticks
JoshuaVanNess.com
Cricut Printer
Building An Intentional Music Career—Joshua Van Ness (Ep 134)
Gig Gab Podcast - The show for working musicians
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Carter Ray is described as a cinematic raconteur, colorful, charismatic, and entertaining.
He recently released a single called Forever Plus One (Feb. 10, 2023), which is a cross-genre, EDM inspired ballad, a declaration of unity to span a lifetime.
In 2014, Carter began documenting his transition from female to male, on the internet, in hopes of raising awareness and to help spread a message of love, validity, and the belief that no dream is too big, a message he badly needed growing up. He is now the first trans male to host his own night, “Heavenly Bodies,” at The Church at The Abbey in West Hollywood, showcasing incredible trans talent and representing the community in a very elevated way.
With an award for best drama at the QueerX LA Film Festival for his debut short film The Change Up, over 500,000 social media followers, and thousands of music streams, Carter is a beacon of light and an influential advocate for the LGBQ+ community.
In our conversation, Carter and I talk about how acting led to his accidental start in music, headlining Gay Pride 2022, his monthly showcase in West Hollywood, his latest single, the inspiration for his first film, his merch ideas, and tips on getting better gigs, social media marketing, and content creation, and much more.
Super nice guy! I enjoyed learning about his journey.
Please enjoy my conversation with Carter Ray.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes CarterRay.com
Fia Nyxx – PR, Marketing, Common Indie Artist Struggles, Video Collaboration, Release Strategy, Recording Studio Lessons, Confidence Through Repetition, And Theatrical Performance (Ep 244)
Blackbird performed by Robonzo & Eduardo Hallar (video)
How to Use Logic Pro X: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners by SoundWow.com
Writing and Recording Music for the First Time in Years
GigGabPodcast.com
Dave Hamilton on Music Theory, Home Recording, The Business of Music, and Divas (Ep 13)
Paul Kent Talks The Houserockers, Gig Gab, Relationships, and Music Collaboration (Ep 9)
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
My guest for this episode is Shilpa Ananth. Shilpa is an Indian vocalist, songwriter, and performing artist based between the US and the UAE.
Her sound fuses the dreamy landscapes of South India with Soul, Jazz, and Electronic influences. Shilpa brings together 3 of the oldest Indian languages - Tamil, Malayalam, and Hindi - with English, creating a sound that transcends borders and cultures.
After graduating with honors from Berklee College of Music, Shilpa released her debut EP "Indian Soul." Shilpa has recorded and performed with Grammy award-winning composers A.R.Rahman, Bobby McFerrin, Bill Whalen, Chandrika Tandon, and Javier Limon's Original Quartet.
She has also toured extensively with Serbian female vocal group ROSA, The Berklee Indian Ensemble, Women of the World, and the Bollywood Boulevard musical production, performing at several prestigious venues around the US, such as Boston Symphony Hall, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Apollo Theatre, NJPAC, Wolf Trap, and The John F. Kennedy Center, to name a few.
Shilpa is a featured vocalist on the recently Grammy-nominated album "ONA," by Thana Alexa. She was a recipient of the award for Best Independent Artist at the Blue Rhymez Entertainment Honorary Awards 2020.
Shilpa is also a recipient of the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA), Women's Fund for Media, Music and Theatre 2020, and the 2020 Music Grantee for the Café Royal Cultural Foundation, New York.
Shilpa is currently completing her second EP of original music titled "Reproduction," set to release in fall 2023. Her latest single "The Search" will be featured on the forthcoming EP and can be heard on popular music platforms.
In this conversation, we talk about Shilpa's pandemic-driven departure from New York, overcoming struggles to find success, teaching at The Berklee College of Music in Abu Dhabi, how a new song emerged from inspiration in hard times, finding calm, getting mileage out of our music releases, and best advice for singers.
Please enjoy my conversation with Shilpa Ananth.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes ShilpaAnanth.com
Shilpa Ananth feature in Rolling Stone India
The Search, by Shilpa Ananth (video)
Shilpa's 3 Easy vocal warm-ups post on Instagram
The Search, by Shilpa Ananth
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
At age six, my guest Wowashwow was writing her first original songs which led to an early career as the lead guitarist and singer of a punk rock band. This led to a tour where she opened for The Ramones’ drummer, Marky Ramone, and recorded her first album under the direction of punk rock icon, Steve Albini. At age 18, Wowashwow moved to NYC and discovered the underground hip-hop and ballroom scene. This would heavily influence her approach to songwriting, stage performance, and overall lifestyle. An activist in the Cannabis industry, she has been breaking the stigma of cannabis consumption, promoting her vision through music, social media, and popular podcasts including the OG Podcast, Blunt Blowin’ Mama, and now The Unstarving Musician.
Now based in Los Angeles, she’s opened for Snoop Dog and Travis Barker, appeared at the Soul Train Awards 2022, charted #115 on the Hot300 List, and has been featured in SXSW Pop, Earmilk, Divine Magazine, Shoutout Atlanta, Artist on the Rise, Upcoming 100, Rap Fiesta, and on Dash Radio for We Found New Music.
In this conversation we talk about the origins of the name Wowashwow, the humor in her music, her latest single Class Enrollment and forthcoming album The Algorithm, effects of social algorithms on indie music artists, self-improvement through self-competition, transitioning from punk to hip hop, vulnerability and connecting with her audience, cannabis advocacy, and fashion inspirations
Speaking with her was a delight and a lot of fun. I hope you enjoy my conversation with liquid-ecstasy pop-hop artist Wowashwow.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes Wowashwow.com
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
This episode featuring Tom Many originally aired in June 2019.
This is a rewind edition, in which I've edited the conversation to be more succinct and somewhat more relevant. Tom has appeared in two episodes of this podcast. In his first appearance, Tom and I spoke about house concerts. This was the beginning of my interest in house concerts and as fate would have it, I was able to do my first in February 2020. You know what happened in March of that year. You may, or may not, know that I've relocated since then and am thus reestablishing myself in a new music community. As such, I hope to do more house concerts soon.
Since this podcast first began, episodes have been more heavily edited, offering you a better listening experience. In the early days, I had an attitude of low / no editing. If you go back and listen to the original version of this episode, you'll notice the difference. In any case, I hope you'll enjoy this Rewind edition of my conversation with Tom Many.
In this conversation, Tom and I talk about the Austin music scene, the Singer Songwriter With Tom Meny podcast, rejection, writers' slump, songwriting groups, songwriting advice from Cindi Lauper and Shannon Curtis, email marketing, getting paid, and more.
Please enjoy.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes.
Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
This episode was powered by The Gigging Musician Podcast. Host Jared Judge says that playing music for live audiences is one of the most rewarding things on the planet. On his podcast, Jared dissects everything that goes into being a successful gigging musician. Hear it at www.GiggingMusicianPodcast.com or wherever you get your podcasts.
Mentions and Related Episodes Facing Rejection and Staying Creative–Songwriter Tom Meny (Ep 107)
Singer Songwriter With Tom Many
The Best Advice Cyndi Lauper Ever Got (video)
Class Enrollment by Wowashwow (video)
Being A Successful Gigging Musician – Jared Judge (Ep 225)
Getting Paid for What You Are Worth with The Unstarving Musician - Robonzo
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
My guests for this episode are the film-scoring duo Ryan Miller and Jay Lifton. Ryan is a founding member and the lead singer of Guster, who recently celebrated their 31st consecutive year of touring and recording. He has scored over 15 feature films and has worked with directors Colin Trevorrow, Jordan Vogt-Roberts, Lake Bell, and Zoe Lister-Jones.
Jay Lifton is a Brooklyn-based composer who has worked with Alicia Silverstone, Kirsten Smith, Sean Baker, Paul Feig, and Errol Morris. He somewhat recently scored an episode of This American Life as well as the documentary RABBLE ROUSERS, which is about the forces behind NYC gentrification and urban displacement.
Both Ryan and Jay have great resumes for their work in film and commercials. The pair teamed up to score Reese Witherspoon’s film "Something from Tiffany's", which premiered this past holiday season on Prime Video. The film follows the story of a woman as her life gets upended when an engagement ring that was for someone else leads her to the person she's meant to be with. I watched the trailer and was struck by how beautiful it looked. Then, of course, I noticed the music.
We talk about "Something from Tiffany's," Guster, their respective journies toward film scoring, the value of attending film festivals, music in video games, and more.
Please enjoy my conversation with Ryan Miller and Jay Lifton.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
This episode was powered by The Gigging Musician Podcast. Host Jared Judge says that playing music for live audiences is one of the most rewarding things on the planet. On his podcast, Jared dissects everything that goes into being a successful gigging musician. Hear it at www.GiggingMusicianPodcast.com or wherever you get your podcasts.
Mentions and Related Episodes JayLifton.com
Stephanie Economou's soundtrack to Valhalla's Dawn of Ragnarök
Guster
@Guster on Twitter
Axis, film by Aisha Tyler
Silversun Pickups
Lost And Gone Forever by Guster
Teaching Music Production Online—Liz Cirelli Part 2 (Ep 151)
Where Financial Fear, Elusive Fame, and Abundance Collide – Liz Cirelli
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
My guest for this episode is a country singer-songwriter, Drew Ryder Smith. He just released three new singles, which were delayed because of a dilemma caused by the many other Drew Smiths on streaming platforms and elsewhere. But the songs are out now and they sound great!
The recording quality of this episode is quite good. Drew clearly had a nice home setup and his speaking voice is as good as it gets.
Drew has been a professional songwriter for about ten years but has recently decided to return to the life of touring and releasing songs as a solo artist. His work has been recorded in many countries including the US, Canada, Ireland, Germany, and Australia, by legends like Merle Haggard, Randy Houser, Rob Snyder, Jason Charles Miller, Kevin Denney, John Schneider, and Australian-Canadian country singer Gord Bamford.
Before becoming a full-time songwriter for a publishing house, Drew had it going on as a touring musician. He'd opened for Don Williams, Big & Rich, Lee Brice, and Lady A. He also opened for Merle Haggard at the Ryman Auditorium with industry executives, John Prine, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, and Keith Urban in the audience. He is the owner of Gray Sound Recording, working as a producer and senior mixing engineer, and the creator of The Before You Record Course.
Drew released a song called Exes in September of 2022, which was one of the 15 most added songs for digital radio for multiple weeks following its release. He just dropped three new songs titled The Bottom Of It, Call Me Back, and Don't Wake Me Up. We talk about these songs plus: website platforms (he's used them all), his home base of Nashville, his ties to Fort Worth Texas, growing up in Tennessee, pneumonia, songwriting vocationally, touring, recording, the origins of "Robonzo", some of our favorite legendary drummers, and more.
We spent quite a bit of time on pneumonia and Covid, but I only left some of that in the final edit. We may have digressed before ever touching on a music-related discussion. However, I think it was somewhat therapeutic for us both.
Please enjoy my conversation with Drew Ryder Smith.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by The Gigging Musician Podcast. Host Jared Judge says that playing music for live audiences is one of the most rewarding things on the planet. On his podcast, Jared dissects everything that goes into being a successful gigging musician. Hear it at www.GiggingMusicianPodcast.com or wherever you get your podcasts.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes DrewRyderSmith.com
ACM Awards
CMA Awards
Drew's Behind the Scenes studio vocal effect
Drew's latest releases and socials
Being A Successful Gigging Musician – Jared Judge (Ep 225)
Getting Paid for What You Are Worth - Robonzo on The Gigging Musician Podcast
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Stacey Bedford, CEO of Bandzoogle is my guest for this special episode number 250. She didn't know this would be our 250th episode when we spoke, but we had a great conversation.
Stacey shoes the news of Bandzoogle's recent milestone of surpassing $100 million in commission-free sales of music, merch, and tickets through their websites. We also talk about bees, skeleton humor and how we came to be in this universe, the significance of Bandzoogle's last five years, lessons learned since her humble beginnings in customer service at Bandzoogle, her current passions, the value of unplugging, public speaking, her best advice to creative artists and musicians, the importance of a website for musicians, relevant success stories) and more.
Please enjoy my conversation with Stacey Bedford of Bandzoogle.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes StaceyBedford.com
Bandzoogle.com
Salt Fat Acid Heat
You Can Do Anything, Magic Skeleton!: Monster Motivations to Move Your Butt and Get You to Do the Thing, by Chuck Wendig (Author), Natalie Metzger (Illustrator)
Wednesday Comedy Series on Netflix
David Crosby
The Many Ways Musicians Are Adapting To Change–Dave Cool (Ep 185)
Options for Musicians Amidst Uncertain Times – Dave Cool (Ep 142)
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
My guest for this episode is Dariann Leigh. She is described as red carpet glam and camo in a tree stand, big city beauty with small town humility.
“As a kid,” Leigh says, “I remember closing my eyes, plugging my headphones in and listening to tracks that ended up being the theme songs to my daydreams. I want to be that artist for someone else."
Here's what people are saying about Dariann's voice and stage presence.
"Big voice!" "I book anthems singers all year long, Dariann Leigh is the best-hands down!!!" –Jon Praska GM of CJHL Norskies
"Stage presence and vocals will have you melting! Wonderful to work with!!" –Jeff Kroll, Marshall County Talent Fair Board
We spoke during the holiday season and Dariann was looking forward to celebrating family. In this conversation we talk about her newest songs, pursuits in pop among country artists, creating a sound, songwriting and journaling, documenting lyrics & hooks, how theatre has influenced her, being a solo artist, her many media features, her new year release strategy and much more.
I hope you enjoy our conversation.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes. Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes DariannLeigh.com
Dean Johanesen – Album Artwork, Song Reference Files, Record Release Mode, Balancing Creative Time, Arc Of A Thematic Album, Writing Press Releases, Release Campaign Framework, Heightened Creativity, Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival (Ep 246)
Live Streamed Shows In Isolation —Dean Johanesen Part 2 (Ep 156)
Circus Swing and the Transformation of Dean Johanesen
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
This is the final installment of the Unstarving Musician websites for musician series. I decided to call this one "Everything Else." You can find links to the first four episodes in the series in the show notes for this episode at UnstaringMusician.com, episode 248.
Choosing A Theme
We'll begin with choosing a theme. Look for a theme with a design layout that supports your brand and vibe. The theme should be a fit with your music, while supporting your goals. Your theme needs to look good without compromising usability and simplicity.
The menu layout should be easy for visitors to navigate.
A menu located at the top is always good, and locating it on the side is okay too. Sub menus should be easy to find. And it all needs to be easy to read. Not everyone has 20/20 vision!
Your theme should allow for easy content creation and layout
And it should be or have:
- Easy to customize
- A responsive design (mobile friendly)
- Updated regularly
- Features you need
- Good ratings and reviews
- An active support team
- Optimized for search (SEO)
A popular theme provider for WordPress is themeforest.net. I encourage you to also consider a Wordpress core themes, if you do in fact choose Wordpress as a platform.
Site Content
Homepage content is arguably the most important, as it will be your most visited page. Begin by defining your purpose. The objective of the copy should support the goals of your music business. Example goals include:
- Sell merch or services
- Build traffic to increase revenue
- Attract new fans
- Generate leads
- Attract subscribers and build a community
Understand Your Target Audience
As you write copy, consider that it should hook prospective fans and supporters. You want to get into their mindset by thinking about these questions.
- Who are the people coming to your site? Are they fans, supporters, venues, talent buyers, venues?
- What problems do they want to solve?
- What search terms would they use to find music sites like yours?
By writing in the ways that your visitors speak and search, you can start building up a relationship of trust. If you answer their specific questions or solve their problem, they may become your loyal audience.
Know Your Competitors
In the musician world, knowing your competitors can be thought of as “know your peers.” See what other artists in and around your genre are doing, and take note of what appears to be working for them. Borrow ideas and find inspiration in knowing your competition and peers.
Lessons from the business world
Search your main genre, product, service, or topic in Google. Discover which sites are ranking, and investigate what they are doing.
- What is the primary thing they offer? And how are they offering it?
- What type of content do they use on their main pages (success stories, videos, statistics)?
- What audience are they targeting?
Hook Your Readers from the First Line
You have 15 seconds or less to capture your site visitor's interest. If you manage to do this this, your next challenge is to get them to stay on the site. You can start your copy with some exciting news or data, a one-sentence story or a question. Make sure people are hungry for more content after reading your site introduction.
Make Your Copy Scannable
Your site layout is important. Most people skim read, so ensure that the text is easily scannable for them. Include headers, bulleted and numbered lists, descriptive subheadings and white space between paragraphs.
Help Readers Navigate
There are multiple ways that audiences find web content. It could be from a post shared on social media, via links on other websites, via a marketing email or through a search engine results page.
People who find out about your website might not be that familiar with your brand or music, but they will appreciate a website that's clear in what it offers. Use relevant links for further details in your copy.
Prominently display links to your social media accounts on your website to create connection between your brand and site visitors. I recommend including social links on every page of your website, or at least on your home, contact and about pages. People may leave your site, but they may become your social media followers and return to the site later.
Talk to Readers as You Would a Friend
Create a bond between your brand and the client using techniques like these:
- Use an active voice sentence structure like “You can book us for your private event” instead of “Our band can be booked for private events.” The passive voice is relevant when you want to sound more formal; in other cases, use the active voice to sound more personal.
- Address your readers directly with “you," “we” to speak from the point of view of a company (or band), and “I” for an individual voice.
- Write in Layman's Terms
Keep your copy concise and simple. Research from The Literacy Project (sadly) tells us that the average American reads at 7th to 8th-grade level. By using simple language, you're more likely to help readers understand and remember more of what they read on your site.
Use short sentences to help communicate your message clearly.
Limit the use of adverbs and adjectives to keep sentences short and snappy.
Avoid industry jargon. Not all readers are experts, so replace professional terminology with simpler alternatives and use hyperlinks to other articles to provide additional information. Proof read your copy to avoid spelling and grammatical errors.
Encourage Readers with a Call-To-Action (CTA)
The purpose of your web copy is to encourage some kind of action. Perhaps you want visitors to make a purchase, subscribe or join your mailing list. By including a clear call to action using words like “Join,” “Sign Up,” “Get a Call,” “Subscribe,” “Watch,” and “Learn More” you can help to initiate the desired action.
Demonstrate that your CTA is worth it. A good strategy is to include some proof to back up statements you have made about your products or services. This might be through success stories, original research data, customer testimonials, press releases, awards, a relevant expert’s biography, or partnerships. Your site visitors and subscribers will also appreciate freebies like free music downloads or some type of useful and hard to find information.
Add Visuals
People remember only 20% of what they read, but 80% of what they see and do. You can help site visitors process info by including infographics, pictures, graphs or videos in your copy. This will also help grab their attention.
Optimize for Search Engines
You aim to produce copy which will be valuable to site visitors and help them to make decisions. Here are some need-to-know basics of SEO (search engine optimization).
- Include keywords in headlines and sub-headers
- Add your primary keyword to the title and H1 (primary heading)
- Included 5-10 additional keywords to subheadings and body text
- Include metadata by describing specific images, links and pages in 1-2 sentences
- Make your URLs readable to help your readers to understand what’s inside the page
- Add relevant and helpful links to encourage visitors to stay on your website
- Optimize your visual content by adding alt tags to images and by resizing them
- Keep Your Website Fresh and Up to Date
- Refresh your content from regularly by adding new relevant information
Monitor the performance of your copy. Underperforming copy may need more examples, tips, and practical details. Repurpose your content by trying different formats, such as video and incorporating it into your website. Optimize internal linking. Add links pointing to new articles and blog posts with related topics
Core Elements Recap & Reminders
These are core elements that should be part of your site content.
- Logo
- Header image
- Artist bio
- Mailing list sign-up form
- Music samples
- Professional photo(s)
- Video
- News & upcoming shows
- Social media icons
- Ways for fans to support you (i.e. tips, subscription, purchases, etc.)
- Add an online store
- A well organized navigation menu
Email Forms & Incentives
“Email remains an essential way to communicate with your most invested fans. Grow your list of contacts by adding a sign-up form to your Home and Contact pages. Make sure to collect those emails as a concrete way to reach people with your newsletters.” – Bandzoogle
“The most successful musicians have learned that email marketing is one of the most valuable tools a musician or band can have.” –ConvertKit
First, start a list. If you've been collecting emails at shows or for venues, use them. Start with a spreadsheet, as they can be easily uploaded to any email service.
Your fans want to connect with you. If someone joins your email list, they’re officially super fans. They want to hear from you. They didn't sign up to hate your or delete your emails. :) They might not know they're super fans until you give them a reason to subscribe.
Ways to get fans to join your email list
- Trade a free song for their email address
- Offer a one-time discount on merch
- Add a pop-up form to your website with an offer to send a discount code for your online store
- Have email list exclusives like ticket pre-sales
- Always make big announcements to your email subscribers first
- Email is an owned—not rented—relationship
The fans you have on your social media profiles are essentially rentals. Social media companies can and will completely throttle your reach, requiring you to pay to get posts in front of your fans’ eyes. The bigger your following gets, the smaller percentage of fans who see your posts–unless you pay to boost them.
Compare this to email marketing. Every time you send an email to someone’s list, you’re almost guaranteed that they will get that email in their inbox. Unlike social marketing, email marketing lets you own the relationship with your audience.
It’s easier than ever to use email marketing software. These days, email providers like ConvertKit make every element of email marketing—from getting new subscribers to converting sales relatively easy. For example, if you wanted to only send emails to certain geographic regions, you used to have to create spreadsheets and lists with different subscribers. Not anymore. Email service providers include geo-data, giving you a better idea of where your subscribers are actually located.
If you’re into automating things (and you should be), you can now automate an album release cycle with the click of a button. Automation takes something that’s a huge process—like promoting an album before its release date—and automates a huge chunk of the work for you. Totally worth the time investment to set up.
Your email list offers revenue opportunities
Here are some ways to make money through your email list.
Tips
If you’re still recording your album and don’t yet have merch to sell, you can still make money via tips. You can use a third-party service like Buy Me a Coffee, Venmo, or CashApp. Or you can ask your fans to send tips directly through ConvertKit’s Tip Jar.
You can add a tip jar wherever you want to collect tips from fans. Here are a few ideas:
• Social media profiles and bios • Email footers • Website pop-ups or animation • Link page feature
Record and merch sales
Your email list should be part of your album release strategy, but you needn’t stop promoting your record once it's out. You can continue to promote your album through your email list—even selling digital copies directly through ConvertKit.
Fan club subscriptions
You can create fan club subscriptions with Bandzoogle or ConvertKit. Fan clubs are a tried-and-true method of wrangling your biggest supporters to not only support you regularly, but also build a long-lasting relationship with them. Through digital subscriptions, you can set multiple tiers with different support levels, much like Patreon.
Ticket sales
Ticket sales are where having a big email list really helps. If you have a large and diverse email list on a service like ConverKit, you most likely have useful geo-data. This means that when fans open your emails, you'll have a good idea of their location, meaning you can send them emails tailored to the shows closest to them without giving the rest of your list a case of FOMO.
Raise money to record your album
These days, bands can go directly to their fans to crowdfund their albums, and you can do the same on Bandzoogle, ConvertKit and many other platforms.
Selling Music Merch and More
If you have the right product, you can create significant additional income. Start creating products by first developing your brand identity. Do your best to create strong brand identity that provides a unique way of identifying with fans.
When brainstorming merch concepts, think about:
• What are you trying to communicate through your merch? • What do you want people to remember about it? • How do you want your fans to feel when wearing, using or displaying it?
Create high-quality merch by ensuring your photos, designs and marketing are up to date and on brand. Your merch company can likely provide some high-quality photos for use these on your site. I can't stress enough the important of making your merch look high-quality and professional. Printful is one company that helps artists design, print and ship merch and they integrate will with Bandzoogle and Wordpress. They have on-demand service, so that you only pay when you have orders. Printful can also print and ship everything under your artist brand with custom labels and other branding options.
Look to other artists for inspiration on how to promote your merchandise, and make your merch accessible to your fans. Merch doesn't need to start and end with tees and hoodies. Be creative and culturally relevant. It’s not all about profit. Do your best to produce things that are relevant to your audience.
Set Up Shop
Choose an eCommerce platform that suits your niche, and build your merch store. Your e-commerce options include Shopify, Woocommerce for Wordpress, Bandzoogle, Bandcamp, ConvertKit and more. Link your store to your social media. Link your merch on your streaming profile (e.g. Spotify profile). Some streaming services allow you to sell merchandise directly to fans.
SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
This is a big topic, so try not to get overwhelmed. Just take this part, one bite at a time.
Research keywords, such as popular artists or hits, that fans might use to search for your music. After finding the keywords, use them in the metadata on your website and content. Include synonyms of the keywords to cover the variety of search terms that your fans are likely to use. You can use tools like Google analytics and Spotify for artists to prime your content.
Optimize your website
• Meta descriptions help internet users to get an idea of the type of music you create. • Title tags are the headlines that the search engine will find when users search for content. • Headers are titles that separate different sections of a post on your website.
Update your website frequently, as Google crawlers prioritize unique content when ranking webpages. This could include posting snippets on different issues and linking to new songs on YouTube. Use a reputable website hosting company. This will help your site speed. The hosting company you choose should guarantee 99.9% uptime.
Enhance fan engagement
Keyword optimization should involve creating content that enhances fan engagement. One way of doing this is by updating your site with the latest and greatest content related to your brand. Create new pages for every event and new music releases. Your site should be optimized for all searches related to events and music.
Optimize for mobile–this is important! The good news is that most platforms handle the heavy lifting in this area. Just make sure that all the content can load quickly on mobile devices.
Create Backlinks
Backlink is an SEO term, and is a powerful way of improving the rankings of your site. You can generate backlinks by making guest posts on popular music sites and by soliciting mentions from social media, YouTubers and even venues where you perform. One strategy I use for this podcast is asking guests to link to their episode and embed their episode on their website.
Create a YouTube channel
YouTube is second only to Google in terms of search queries, so it helps to have a strong presence on this channel. A YouTube channel will attract fans to your curated content and direct them to your affiliated sites. YouTube has tools to help you optimize your channel. Create YouTube playlists. Google favors channels with playlists.
SEO music marketing is a long-term commitment. Digital marketing for musicians can be a daunting task. Take it one bite at a time, and you can always hire a digital marketing agency to optimize your content.
Launch
The key to a successful and effective launch is to get the word out so people know about it! Here are five website launch announcement ideas:
Announcing your launch date and time on social media
• A countdown is a great hype element! • Give your followers plenty of notice, so they can plan on joining the party! • Give fans and followers behind-the-scenes images and sneak peeks • Create buzz by sharing photos and teasers about the new website
Share details about the process and plant seeds about the launch long before you release specific details. Invite your followers to stay tuned for announcements.
Keep the conversation going and generate as much hype and anticipation as possible before your site goes live. Another great way is to create hype and engagement is to send people to your site before launching, with a coming soon page that captures their emails and creates intrigue. This is also a great spot to have a countdown clock. A coming soon page will also help by giving you a way to bring attention to it on your social channels, while ensuring everything is still private until launch day.
Blog about it and have a freebie or giveaway
Launching your new website is not only about teasing, but also creating valuable content, and a freebie is a great addition to your launch and get people interacting with your content. You can create a blog post about your new website launch (really tell the story of the process) and have a freebie or giveaway as an add-on to get people on board with following you and not just visiting for the launch to never come back. You can also use this opportunity to promote products that you plan to release when your site is live!
Send an email to past venues and customers
Reach out to past venues and customers to let them know about the new website and all the cool stuff you have planned with it. They’re likely to appreciate the update. You might even renew a relationship in the process. If any of these people are influencers or have complimentary audiences, you can ask them to share the news of your website launch.
Continuity and Maintenance
Websites require fresh content. The also require maintenance. These facts are important to search-ability and user experience of your website. Fortunately, the maintenance part can be greatly automated. Most hosting platforms offer full automation of site maintenance. The primary facets of maintenance and continuity are security, software updates, backups and link checking. There are other nuances, but these are among core areas that you should pay close attention. Maintenance on a self-hosted Wordpress site will require more hands on planning than if you use a platform like Bandzoogle or Squarespace.
Content requires you, the creator. Sometimes this can feel unfortunate, but then again you are a creator. :) The key to consistent content creation is planning, and the best tool I can think of for this is a content calendar. I use a Google sheet and Trello recommend for this. However you do it, it’s important that you have a means of capturing ideas and planning out your content.
Planning can include drafting social posts, scheduling music release content and outlining articles. When it comes to capturing ideas, you can do this in a physical notebook or on your phone. What you don’t want to do is come up with a great idea during a walk or in the middle of the night, only to forget the idea. So write it down! Or dictate it with your phones voice recorder. You can add it to your content calendar later.
The best advice I can offer here is to NOT launch it and forget it. Nothing good will come of that.
Have questions about any of this. Feel free to contact me. Find all my contact details here.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes Choosing A Website
Selecting the perfect theme
Building the perfect homepage for your band website
Band website complete checklist
Writing awesome website content
Email marketing for musicians
Musicians email marketing with ConvertKit
Guide to merch for music artists
Selling merch
Bandzoogle's guide to selling band merch
10 SEO tips for musicians
6 ways to promote your music
SEO for musicians
SEO checklist
Successful website launch ideas
Trello
ThemeForest
Bandzoogle
Printful
ConverKit
Why Do I Need A Musician Website? (Ep 237)
Free vs Paid Hosting For Musician Websites (Ep 239)
Choosing A Domain For Your Musician Website (Ep 241)
Choosing A Platform For Your Musician Website (Ep 242)
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Nashville-based country artist Charlie Berry launched his solo career with the release of his first single at the beginning of 2021. Berry produces his own recordings, highlighting his combined talents as a vocalist, songwriter, and instrumentalist. I agree wholeheartedly with this from his bio.
Berry is carried by his strong grounding voice, smart songwriting and skill as a producer. Charlie’s compositions are catchy and relatable.
His influences span multiple genres including Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, and Fleetwood Mac. But Charlie hasn’t always been a country artist. He started out playing punk rock back in his home state of Texas and still draws inspiration from the energy of that music. Originally from Dallas, Berry moved to Nashville to immerse himself in the world of country music and has spent the past decade learning the craft of songwriting from the source. After a 7-year run as the singer of country trio Mockingbird Sun, Berry decided to embark on the journey of carving out a solo career for himself. With the release of his single “Whiskey Take It Easy” in January 2021 Berry established his place in modern country. He writes thoughtful lyrics akin to singer-songwriters of the 90s and combines that with production styles of modern country and pop.
Based on our conversation, Charlie seems to have found his groove in Nashville and I'm sure he welcomes country super stardom, should that day come. In the meantime he's doubled down on songwriting.
We talk about songwriting, plus Spotify streaming numbers, the creative process, booking shows, productivity and routine, studio production (and lessons therein), advice for singers, and advice for surviving Nashville.
Please enjoy my conversation with Charlie Berry.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes CharlieBerryMusic.com
Chris Raspante on Serendipity, Networking, Reputation, Nashville, and The Wonders of Today’s Talent (Ep 2)
Crossing Paths with Jace Everett
Alyssa Trahan on Recording, Sponsorships, Merchandising, Marketing, and Getting to Nashville
Nashville, Songwriting, Periscope and Spiders–Mira Goto
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
My guest for this episode, Dean Johanesen, first appeared on the podcast in July of 2018. This is his third feature on the Unstarving Musician. He has a new album called Cautionary Tales, which is out Feb 3, 2023. This date is also the anniversary of the release of King King (1933). Dean says that this release seems to fit his style perfectly with its influence of swing music ala Django Reinhardt, The Squirrel Nut Zippers, Louis Jordan etc.
With a sonic palette that dips into speakeasy-era Americana, and swingin' Hot Club jazz doused in circus tent hues, the New York-native has made his home in many parts of the United States. Dean's mother delivered motor homes when he was young and the family traveled around listening to a wide range of artists. Hearing everything from Led Zeppelin to Simon and Garfunkel, classic country to Broadway Musicals. That provided the soundtrack of Dean's youth and heavily influenced Dean's interests musically.
In 2013, Dean released his first solo record focused on the storyteller songwriting format. Meanwhile, a recent passion for Hot Club jazz music in the vein of Django Reinhardt put him on a musical path of telling new stories of old times. Non-fictional characters from the '20s and '30s – circus performers, the sideshow, prohibition, the war of currents (Tesla vs. Edison) all inform Dean's writing. These stories are projected against a backdrop of uptempo jazz in a style Dean has coined "Circus Swing."
In this conversation we talk about mutual acquaintances, the Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival, Album Artwork Development, Song Reference Files, Journals, Record Release Mode, Balancing Creative Time, The Arc Of Writing A Thematic Album, Writing Press Releases, Framework Of Release Campaign, Heightened Creativity Of Songwriters Festivals and more.
"Dean is simultaneously a throwback to an era of gypsy jazz and circuses while pointing the way to what will always be timely" - Steve Huntington, Sirius/XM Radio Margaritaville
You can find all things Dean Johanesen, including stories and songs from his forthcoming album, Cautionary Tales at DeanJohanesen.com. We had a real nice time catching up and I think it was a really good conversation, that I hope you will enjoy.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentioned in this Episode DeanJohanesen.com
Mo Meta Blues: The World According to QuestLove
Nick Nace
Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
My guest for this episode is Marlee XX, the multi-hyphenate musical artist (vocalist - songwriter - DJ - producer) hailing from Washington, DC. She's a powerhouse entertainer who has honed a distinctive style, sonically versatile and fluid in genre.
Marlee is busy creating crossover-ready pop songs having just released the singles Frequency and Only One, at the time of our conversation. Her resume is solid. She and her former band Marlee In the Mixx held a two year at Indulj On U Street in D.C and performed in venues across the US, including Afropunk’s Battle of the Bands, SOB’s in New York City, and Hollywood’s Whisky a Go-Go. The band also toured internationally as co-headliners at the Essence of Seoul festival in Seoul, South Korea.
In 2017 she launched her solo career with the release of a track called Shift, that landed licensing deals with TVOne, The Hype (HBO) and The Come Up (Hulu/Freeform,). It's around this time that she also became a representative at “Girls Make Beats,'' an organization empowering the next generation of female music producers, DJs and audio engineers. Marlee has been featured in World Wide Waves, Black Music Month, The Washington Post, Voyage LA.
Marlee's bio states that she's a renowned as a fearless fashionista, unapologetic in her self-expression and bold personal style, and calls her a convergence of punk, street and fantasy.
In this conversation Marlee talks about growing up in D.C., her latest releases, how being a DJ helped her serve the voices of other women, becoming a producer, style, life as a solo artist, learning the business of music, sync licensing, stage fright, her love of chicken & rice, and more.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes MarleeXX.com
Mo Meta Blues: The World According to Questlove
SoundBetter.com
Girls Make Beats
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
My guest Fia Nyxx is considered stylistically as somewhere in between Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Toni Braxton. She embraces a theatrical approach to her music and experimental clash of genres.
Fia is also seen as a Hollywood glam-star, garnished with a rockstar twist. On her latest release Red Umbrella, she unleashes a masterful vision for storytelling. The album attempts to connect the dots along a path less traveled, embracing strength through vulnerability, devine-femininity, spiritual awakening, sexual liberation and a love story.
Fia recorded her first album, Everything Girl, at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, AL. under the musical direction of Will McFarlane (Etta James, Bonnie Raitt, Bobby "Blue" Bland) and Brian Malouf (Michael Jackson, Queen, Madonna), and features players from the iconic Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, 'The Swampers.' She has toured the U.S. and Asia, and has been featured on the back cover of Billboard Magazine, Rolling Stone, CelebMix, Music Connection, Elicit Magazine, Prelude Press, Buzz Music, The Hype Magazine among other publications.
That is the abbreviated version of her bio from FiaNyxx.com.
Earlier this year, she did an impressive video for the single Escape, with dancer/choreographer Bobby Newberry (Danity Kane, Pussycat Dolls, Missy Elliot). In this conversation we talk about that video, plus PR, marketing, common indie artist struggles, release strategy, recording studio lessons, building confidence through repetition, and theatrical performance.
I believe Fia was suffering from allergies or possibly a cold when we spoke. Fia, I hope you're all better now. Please enjoy this conversation with me and singer, songwriter, performer Fia Nyxx.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes FiaNyxx.com
Fame Studios
BobbyNewberry.com
Escape Official Music Video - Bobby Newberry / Fia Nyxx / Sam J Garfield
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
This episode features singer songwriter and queen of house concerts Shannon Curtis. It's another installment of the Unstarving Musician rewind series where I showcase a past interview. And I've re-edited and remastered the episode for your listening pleasure. :)
This conversation is so good! We talk about Shannon's journey into house concert tours, plus:
- How house concerts upped her game in terms of building connections and community
- Her book on house concerts
- Her then latest album Both At The Same Time
- Her release strategy and more
This is one of the conversations I come back to over and over, for reflection and learning. I recommend you take notes, as there is so much you can apply to your music journey. Listening back to this interview brings back fond memories. It was that fun for me. Shannon and her partner Jamie are truly good people.
Please enjoy this very special rewind episode.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes ShannonCurtis.net
No Booker, No Bouncer, No Bartender: How I Made $25K On A 2-Month House Concert Tour, by Shannon Curtis
House Concert Tours & Community – Shannon Curtis
Building Community–Shannon Curtis and Jamie Hill (Ep 168)
Dynamics, Creative Recording And Getting Gigs – Mike Dawson Rewind (Ep 234)
Lucky Beats Good Sometimes – Chris Raspante Rewind (Ep 235)
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
To help you choose a platform for your musician website, I offer this shortlist of my preferred platforms. This list includes WordPress (.org and .com), Bandzoogle, Wix and Squarespace. Each of these platforms features a content management system (CMS) that makes building a musician website easier than ever. There are a few other popular options, so you’re by no means limited to my shortlist.
Choosing a website platform should start with knowing your goals, so consider writing them down. You probably want to have a blog section, photo gallery, store for selling merch, contact page, an email signup form, music section and an electronic press kit (EPK). With this in mind, your goals may be to promote your brand, grow your email list, sell your music and merch, up your professional image and/or to promote upcoming performances. This is the stuff you want to think about before you begin setting up your website.
Important considerations Ease of use You definitely want site visitors to easily find what they’re looking for, whether it’s your latest music or upcoming performances. Your site should be both easy to build and easy to use. The platforms discussed in this episode excel in these areas. As the site designer, you’ll need to consider how much time you want to invest in learning how to customize your musician website. So ease of use applies to both you (the site designer) and your visitors.
Pricing Most musicians I know are on a budget. Even if you’re rocking it, so to speak, you surely have a budget of some sort. All the mentioned featured in this episode are affordable, some a bit more than others.
Design & features Whichever platform you choose, make sure it supports your goals.
Support There will come a time when you need help, either because you’re learning or because something has gone wrong. Choose a platform that’s known for quality customer support.
Ownership & portability You may choose a platform and then one day decide you want to switch to another. Maybe you initially chose Wordpress, because you were attracted to the idea of learning the world of website design therein. But then maybe you realize you bit of more than you can chew and now you want to switch to a platform that requires less time to learn. There are several reasons that might warrant switching platforms, therefore it’s important to make sure that you can and that you can do so without restrictions. Check the terms that dictate taking your website content elsewhere.
The pros and cons Wordpress (Wordpress.org) Wordpress is considered by many to be the best website builder software to start a website without hiring a developer or coding from scratch.
It’s considered to be a self-hosted option and you can choose from a plethora of website hosts.
It’s a free open source website builder that gives you full ownership of your website without any third-party control, and it gives you maximum privacy.
Pros
Gives you complete control on every aspect of your website and online presence.
It can be used to build any kind of website.
There are thousands of high quality pre-made WordPress themes (templates) that you can use for your website’s design.
Provides drag-and-drop page builder options, which allow you to easily create your own custom website (no coding needed).
Gives you access to more than 59,000 free WordPress plugins. Plugins are like apps for WordPress that let you add additional features and functionality to your website such as a shopping cart, contact forms, Google Analytics, photo gallery, social media tools, live chat, etc. Plugins make it easy for you to integrate your website with popular business tools, so you can automate and streamline various recurring operations.
Website builder is fully translated in over 75+ languages, and it allows you easily create multilingual websites.
Comes with robust SEO tools that search engines love, which ensures your website will do better with rankings in search engines.
Cons
You will have to manage your own website, which means you will need to familiarize yourself with a new system, although this can be automated. This learning curve is easily overcome by most users, but it can feel a bit difficult in the beginning.
You will also have to keep up with WordPress updates, plugin updates, and create website backups. This too can be automated by your WordPress hosting provider.
Bandzoogle Built by musicians, for musicians, there are no coding skills required here. Bandzoogle has drag and drop visual editor for customizing layouts, editing and rearrange your website content on the fly. Add images, text, and other features to your page in one or two clicks.
Easy template switching
Change website templates at any time without affecting content, and save your custom designs for later.
Bandzoogle and other platforms of its kind have taken the approach of limiting options, which can be a good thing in that it can keep you from getting overwhelmed. This can also keep you from mucking up your site.
But wait… there’s more.
EPK preset layouts
Easily create a professional electronic press kit to share with media and industry.
Connects with musician services you already use to make building and managing your website easier.
Features selling tools made to help you earn more revenue as an artist. These tools enable you to sell music, merch, tickets, subscriptions and crowdfunding directly to fans, commission free.
Bandzoogle has built in promotional and marketing features for email, SEO and socials.
Pros
Performance and Speed
Bandzoogle has a cloud infrastructure and is built to provide high performance for heavy design websites. It has the ability to quickly render video and graphics.
E-Commerce ready
The basic plan supports most of the rudimentary features required for a music website. All the plans have support for e-commerce.
Built-in mailing list
Supports a mailing list for up to 100 fan subscribers with the basic plan. You can quickly connect with your fans using their mailing list feature.
I’m not crazy about mailing list features that are built-in. They are convenient, but more advanced email marketers will want to include a service such as my favorite ConvertKit or something like MailChimp. But if you want to keep it simple, this built-in feature is fine.
Press kits and more
Each plan supports Electronic press kits and has SSL security. The more advanced plan has loads of additional features.
Advanced features
Some of the features included are video headers, inventory tracking, sound scan reporting, album pre-orders and many more.
Trial period
Every plan comes with a 30-day free trial.
Insights
Provides a lot of data insights with effective reporting which can render interactive data analysis. The system also provides location targeting, with which you can target fans in specific locations with customized email.
Cons
Add-ons
Custom email inboxes are not part of the plans. Email hosting has a separate pricing of $14.95/year.
None of the plans support multi websites. Multi-site has a separate pricing for which you need to get in touch with their account specialist.
Not as flexible for design due to a small (ish) number of template options.
Wix (just the cons) Mobile loading speeds
Although they’ve made huge strides in improving loading speeds (something that hasn’t gone unnoticed by Google), mobile speeds still need a bit of work as of this episode. Many of their templates rely on graphics and media to look good, hence there's sometimes a compromise between aesthetics and performance.
Templates can’t be changed easily
Once you have chosen your initial Wix template, you can’t switch to a completely new one. While you can certainly change the design within the template, it’s not possible to pick an entirely new one.
Squarespace (just the cons) No phone support
Upgrading from Squarespace version 7.0 to 7.1 requires a site rebuild. This will surely be resolved with future version updates.
No free plan available
Wordpress.com (just the cons) You are NOT allowed to sell ads on your website. High traffic sites can apply for their advertising program called WordAds, which requires a revenue share with Wordpress.com. Premium and Business plan users can use WordAds right away.
You cannot upload plugins. Business plan users can install from a selection of compatible plugins ($300 / year). WordPress.com VIP program lets you install plugins, but starts at $5000 per month.
You cannot upload custom themes. Free plan users can only install from the limited free themes collection. Premium and business plan users can also select premium themes. There are limited customization options with the free version. Premium and Business plan users can use custom CSS.
You are restricted to their stats. You cannot add Google Analytics or install any other powerful tracking platform. Business plan users can install Google Analytics.
You cannot build membership websites on WordPress.com.
I hope you find this episode helpful in choosing the right platform for your musician website. Last, but not lease, shout out to these site for providing most of the information used in this episode.
WP Beginner – How to Choose the Best Website Builder
Bandzoogle – Features & design
HostingPill – Hosting Reviews (Bandzoogle)
ToolTester – Pros and Cons of the Wix Website Builder
Forbes.com – Squarespace review
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes Mo Meta Blues: The World According to Questlove
The Roots
Day of the Dead in Mexico
Wordpress.org
Bandzoogle.com
Wix.com
Squarespace.com
Wordpress.com
Why Do I Need A Musician Website? (Ep 237)
Free vs Paid Hosting For Musician Websites (Ep 239)
Choosing A Domain For Your Musician Website (Ep 241)
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
The task of choosing a domain for your musician website is an important one.
Shout out to Dreamhost for this great blog post, which was used as the information primary source for this episode.
See the latest deals from Dreamhost to save now and support the Unstarving Musician in the process.
Choosing a Top Level Domain Extension Choose top level domain (TLD) extension carefully. Among all the TLDs, .com is a popular choice and often seen as the gold standard. However, it’s not the end of the world if .com is taken. There are other increasingly common ones to choose from, such as .band and .hiphop.
Incorporate Targeted Keywords Search engines like Google use your domain name to understand what your site is about and to help determine search rankings. Therefore, it’s essential to include keywords if and where possible. Google keyword planner is a great tool for this step.
Make Sure Your Domain is Easy to Pronounce and Spell You want your domain name to be original and memorable, but be mindful that novelty isn’t always a good thing. If you modify the spelling of a common word just to get a .com extension (or simply to be cute), you will very easily confuse your audience.
An example of this would be DogTrainer.com is taken, so you choose Doggtrainer.com (using double “g”).
People can easily miss the double "g" and end up on the non-related site. The double lettter is easy to miss, but not so easy for people to remember the double “g.”
While word-of-mouth advertising is powerful, it only works when people can actually pronounce your domain. This also makes the name easier to remember, increasing the odds that people will visit and pass the site along to their networks.
Examples:
Some domain names that are not as easy to spell are eidos.com, submit-me.net, and hisel.com. In particular, hyphenated domain names are often problematic. The natural tendency is to pronounce the name as if it were not hyphenated.
Avoid Hyphens and Doubled Letters Using hyphens may seem like a creative way to get the domain name you want, but they’re tough to express verbally (imagine yourself saying “dash” or “hyphen” out loud). They also make the domain more difficult to type. This can create a poor User Experience (UX) from the start, leaving a user frustrated. Even worse, they may give up entirely and end up on someone else’s website.
While there are exceptions, when you’re brainstorming domain name ideas, it’s best to avoid anything that isn’t a letter. This includes replacing letters with numbers, which make the name a lot easier for people to mistype.
The same goes for doubled letters (as just mentioned in the Dogg example)– it’s asking for typos. Doubled letters are hard to read and even harder to type correctly. If mistakes happen often enough, you may end up with someone typo-squatting and stealing your traffic.
Keep Your Domain Name Short There are several reasons short domains work better. First, they’re easier to remember and faster to type. Therefore, they are more likely to support a positive UX.
This is especially important as more and more people are browsing the internet on mobile devices. A short domain name means fewer opportunities for mobile users to get blindsided by autocorrect.
Stay Unique and On Brand A unique domain name can help your website stand out and potentially help you avoid legal trouble. It can also contribute to your marketing efforts. In fact, if your site represents a larger brand, you would be wise to consider your domain name as you’re creating the brand name itself.
Pick a Domain Name That’s Flexible Your domain name is one area where you don’t want to put yourself into a box. While you should be specific enough to attract an audience, you don’t want to be so precise that there’s no room for your website to grow.
For example, “shutter.photography” might be perfect for a photography blog. However, if you decide to write about other art forms in the future, you’ll be stuck with an inaccurate domain name.
Use a Domain Name Generator Chances are you’ve brainstormed a list of potential domain names by now. You may have even thought of the ideal one. However, sometimes your perfect domain name might not be available.
Once again, there’s no need to panic. You can always get creative and slightly modify your domain. If you’re having trouble finding inspiration, you can use a domain name generator like Domain Wheel.
Check the Domain History You might have your sights set on a completely fresh domain name. However, there’s also a possibility that the domain you’d like to purchase had a previous owner.
It’s best to investigate the domain’s history as this could affect your site’s search engine rankings. There are a few tools you can use to check on past owners, such as Wayback Machine and Whoxy.
This can be very useful information. For instance, you wouldn’t want to buy a domain name that was previously running an unethical business, as it might hurt your reputation.
Research Social Media Handles If you have plans to engage with your visitors or customers, chances are you’ll want to create social media accounts that are linked to your domain name and website. Therefore, it’s wise to check your preferred social media sites to see if your domain name is available in handle form. Alternatively, you can check to see if a variation of your domain name is available.
If you’re not planning to use too many different social media networks, you can easily do this manually. However, if you want a bit of help, Namecheckr.com is a great way to see all available social media handles at a glance.
This handy tool can provide you with useful information about trademarks. It can also help you manage dozens of social media accounts.
Don’t Miss Out on a Deal The reality is that no matter how big or small your business is, you likely have a budget. What’s more, if you’re launching a small business or you’re self-employed, it’s probably pretty tight.
Domain prices can vary depending on how popular an option is perceived to be. In most cases, your chosen domain will qualify for a low introductory price. In other cases, your desired domain could be considered “Premium” and go for hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars.
If you think you’ve stumbled across a “premium” domain at a deep discount, don’t hesitate to act!
Protect Your Brand with Multiple Domains Even if you manage to snag a coveted .com address, you might consider purchasing other TLD variations and setting up redirects. You can even go a step further and buy common misspellings of your domain name — that way, you’re not missing out on traffic lost due to “user error.”
You can apply this strategy to social media as well. Even if you don’t think you’ll use Twitter, you might want to grab a decent handle if one is available. That way, you’ll be ready if you ever decide to tweet, and you’ll prevent anyone else from taking that username.
Conclusion It's easy to overlook some of the steps involved in choosing a domain name for your musician website, but it's definitely a task worthy of careful planning. The process may seem cumbersome, but I'm here to help you. If you have doubts or questions, feel free to ping me via email or social media.
Good luck choosing your musician website domain name!
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
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Mentions and Related Episodes How to Choose the Right Domain Name (blog post by Dreamhost
See the latest deals from Dreamhost
Google keyword planner
Typo squatting
Domain Wheel domain name generator
Wayback Machine
Whoxy
NameCheckr.com
New Gods Part 2, by Robonzo & Peter Rand (music video)
Subscribe to Robonzo's artist YouTube channel
Free vs Paid Hosting For Musician Websites (Ep 239)
Why Do I Need A Musician Website? (Ep 237)
New Gods Part 2 Co-Writer Peter Rand (Ep 205)
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Jann Klose says that performing is the best music career momentum builder. He also says performing at this level is the hardest thing to do. Jann is an award-winning singer-songwriter, who has released six albums and two EPs. He was raised in Kenya, South Africa, Germany and the United States. His newest singles, Sugar My, Love You the Most and Pilot Light, have accumulated over five million streams across all platforms. Love You the Most is part of the soundtrack to the Amazon film Married Young and broke Top 40 radio in the United States, peaking at #49.
Jann is an ambassador for Desmond Tutu's TutuDesk campaign and Brick by Brick Uganda. He is the singing voice of Tim Buckley in the movie Greetings from Tim Buckley (Universal). His songs have been heard on the Grammy® nominated Healthy Food For Thought compilation, MTV Cribs and the movies Dead Broke (Warner Bros) featuring Paul Sorvino and One Little Finger alongside Quincy Jones, Siedah Garrett and Julian Lennon. He has performed as an actor and singer in touring companies of Broadway musicals, including Jesus Christ Superstar, Jekyll and Hyde, and The Who's Tommy, as well as made for TV movies, voice overs and commercials.
In 2020, Jann launched his podcast, Making Sound with Jann Klose. Recent episodes have featured industry legends like Annie Haslam of Renaissance, Frank Bello of Anthrax and Simon Kirke of Bad Company.
Jann tours year round in North America, Europe, Africa and Asia, and has opened for and collaborated with a wide range of artists including Pat Benatar, John Oates of Hall and Oates, Suzanne Vega, Rosanne Cash, Paula Cole among many others.
In this conversation we talk about the influences of his youth, his singles Sugar My and The Kite, building a following in the U.S. and abroad, thoughts on maintaining music career momentum, the value of inspiring others, his Making Sound Podcast and more.
You can learn more about Jann at JannKlose.com.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes.
Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I've spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You'll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It's free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
Mentioned in this Episode JannKlose.com
Making Sound podcast
SongKick
Bandsintown
TuTu Desk
Brick by Brick Uganda
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Podcast Startup – The podcast learning platform for creative voices
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Should you go with free vs. paid hosting for your musician website, and what's the difference? The second in a multi-part series on musician websites.
Hear the first in the series here: Why Do I Need A Musician Website? (Ep 237)
There's not much upside in free website hosting for your musician website. As the saying goes, nothing in life is free, you always pay in the end. This is certainly true for free website hosting. Let's go down the list of drawbacks. But first, a quick shout out to Quora contributor Harry-Jones-740 who provided source and reference matter for this episode.
Ads Ads are a huge drawback with free web hosting plans. Hosting companies spends money on the resources and the technology required for hosting. Since they don't recoup that money in fees from free hosting plans, they use ads to generate revenue. You get nothing from this ad generated revenue. I understand and appreciate this business model, but these ads aren’t likely to align with your brand and image.
Shared branding Many free website providers use your website as a way to promote their brand, which could mean including their logo somewhere on your website. They're also likely to include their name in your URL, meaning that your website address will look something like youraddress.theiraddress.com.
This type of website URL won't be memorable to your site visitors, nor will it help your brand or discoverability. If they can’t remember your site URL, site visitors are unlikely to ever return to your website.
Lack of customer support If the free website hosting company isn't getting any revenue from you, they’re unlikely to provide quality support. Chances are in fact about 0% that you'll receive quality support with a free website plan. But if they do provide support, it will be minimal and won't involve access to real people.
Limited pages and features You'll need to provide a considerable amount of good content to create a quality musician website. Free web hosting plans typically limit the number of pages per website, which can be a hindrance to your site content and design.
Additional features typically required paid upgrades. What’s free about that?
Limited bandwidth Free website hosting also typically often comes with a big limit on bandwidth. That means your site will likely be slow to load, which will be a turnoff to your site visitors.
No backups This is really bad. Continuity and uptime depend on backups. Say you accidentally break your website or that it's broken by malware. A backup may be your only chance of restoring the website. Otherwise you could find your self rebuilding from scratch after several hours or days of downtime.
Free websites sites always use shared servers This means your website is sharing a server with several others, which can create security and/or performance issues. If another website on your shared server introduces malware, guess what? Your site is at risk of suffering.
Shared servers aren’t all bad, but having the option to be on a private server or a VPS (virtual private server) is a definite plus for security and performance (i.e. faster loading web pages).
In summary Free hosting exists so that companies can promote their brand and generate revenue with content created by you. If you want to promote your music business and brand seriously, you should stay away from free web hosting.
Although I recommend you simply wait until you can go the paid route, there are paths to go from free to paid hosting. So if I haven't convinced to start with a paid website hosting plan, it would behoove you to go with a reputable host, like Wix or Wordpress.com (the for-profit implementation of the open-source software found at WordPress.org).
Having a website is part of the long game that is the business of your music. Don't be discouraged if you're not getting thousands of visitors per day in the first 2 months. It's unlikely to happen. There is a lot to creating a great website and building strong visitor traffic, a topic for another episode in this series.
Shout out to Quora.com user Harry-Jones-740 who provided the source and reference matter for this episode.
Thanks for tuning in!
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This episode is powered by Liner Notes
If you'd like to learn with I'm learning from the musicians and industry pros I've spoken with for the Unstarving Musician (there have been over 200), sign up for Liner Notes. It's an email newsletter from yours truly (Robonzo, host of the Unstarving Musician), in which I share some of the best knowledge gems I've garnered from my conversations I've had with music artists and music industry professionals.
You'll also find out about upcoming podcast episodes, as well as occasional Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It's free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
Mentioned in this Episode Quora contributor Harry-Jones-740
Why Do I Need A Musician Website? (Ep 237)
New Gods Part 2 by Robonzo (music video)
Alan Cross has seen the future of music and says it’s all about ‘Web3’ and the metaverse
Lucky Beats Good Sometimes – Chris Raspante Rewind (Ep 235)
Guitarist and Studio Engineer In Demand–Chris Raspante (Ep 186)
A Musician with Over 800 Tracks on Kompoz–Peter Rand (Ep 177)
New Gods Part 2 Co-Writer Peter Rand (Ep 205)
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Podcast Startup – The podcast learning platform for creative voices
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
My guest for this episode is Ryan Dusick. Ryan is the founding drummer of Maroon 5, an Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, and author of Harder to Breathe: A Memoir of Making Maroon 5, Losing It All, and Finding Recovery (out November 2022).
In 1994, Ryan Dusick joined friends Adam Levine, Jesse Carmichael, and Mickey Madden to form the band Kara's Flowers. They released the album The Fourth World in '97. Following the termination of their record deal, the band went on hiatus and everyone went their separate ways.
In 2001, Dusick reunited with Levine, Madden and Carmichael. They were joined by former Square guitarist James Valentine. The group changed their name to Maroon 5 and set to work writing new songs for what would become the award winning album Songs About Jane.
The band scored several hit singles, was named Best New Artist at the 47th Grammy Awards and in 2006 won the Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group, with Vocal for the live version of This Love.
Ryan is now releasing an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at his journey from the highs of international superstardom to the depths of addiction, anxiety, chronic injury, and depression. His book Harder to Breathe chronicles Ryan’s remarkable recovery and his transition from the music industry to professional counseling where he’s helped hundreds of clients overcome mental and physical health challenges.
He is indeed a true success story and wholly dedicated to sharing the message that recovery is not only achievable but that life after addiction can yield incredible results. I so enjoyed speaking with him about his music journey and renewed outlook on life.
You can find Ryan on Instagram @ryan_michael_dusick.
Please enjoy!
This episode is brought to you by the Morning Tempo podcast, a podcast on which yours truly attempts to explore the intersection between busines and creativity.
This month's featured "Best Of" episode is a conversation with me and author Angie K. Love.
Hear this and other Morning Tempo episodes on Apple Podcasts.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
Mentioned in this Episode Ben Bella Books
Harder to Breathe: A Memoir of Making Maroon 5, Losing It All, and Finding Recovery by Ryan Dusick
Kara's Flowers
New Gods Part 2 by Robonzo (music video)
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Podcast Startup – The podcast learning platform for creative voices
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
The title of this episode is Why do I need a musician website? This is a question I hear in my head anytime I encounter musicians who don't have a website. These same musicians and bands typically use social media as their only means of online presence and marketing. Sometimes they have an email list, other times not.
The topics covering the reasons you need a website, actually applies to any business or entrepreneurial venture. They also apply to just about any thematic idea or concept that you share exclusively on social media. More on that momentarily.
As a side note, I'll use the words 'musician' and 'band' interchangeably, as this applies to both.
I'd like to acknowledge Bandzoogle and their blog article 10 reasons why you need a website. This well written article covers all of the important points I share in this episode.
A music website tells industry professionals that you take your music seriously. These industry professionals include venues, PR agencies, labels, talent buyers, media outlets, and fans. Your music website is also a space that you own and control, unlike social media platforms where you (we) are the product.
Have you ever heard stories about people running a business or community exclusively on a popular
social media platform, only to have the whole thing dismantled by algorithm changes? I have. I've sadly heard more than one of these stories.
You own the experience with a musician or band website, because you create and completely control the content therin. Everything about you is in one place, which makes it easy for industry pros and fans to help promote your music. Your website also helps music pros and supporters understand who you are as a musician.
A website enables you to create a unique brand that will showcase your vibe and personality, and it’s significantly more permanent than anything you can possibly do on social media.
As I recorded this episode, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are great platforms to promote your band and your music, but they are all subject you to changes in algorithms and even buy-outs that can have a devastating impact on your music endeavors. Owning a musician website means that you aren't at the mercy of paid posts or low organic reach. You can direct anybody to your website at any time. Remmeber–not everyone uses social media, but will be able to see and interact with your website.
A website can be designed in any way you can imagine. This means you can show your band's unique personality, without the confines of a feed or a restricted number of characters.
A musician website can be based on your latest album artwork, or set to a visual tone that reflects the vibe of your music. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination. And you can get as personal as you would on social media with blog posts, photos and exclusive offers. Compelling content that shows off your music is the reason fans will keep returning.
You can also use your website to sell music and merch (merchandise) directly to fans. As you begin to build or grow your fanbase, you can and should include merch and music to your website. I recommendn that you also include an EPK (electronic press kit) on your website. Count on booking agents and promoters will check out your website before booking you for a show. Use this to your advantage by showcasing your best work and including your most recent music and videos in an EPK on your website. You can also use an EPK to garner press for an upcoming release or for radio station outreach.
A musician website is great for organic SEO (search engine optimization). You can do a number of things that will make your website search friendly, and much of this is what I consider low-hanging fruit. That's the easy stuff that just about anyone can do, such as adding text that mentions your artist/band name and your latest music, and choosing a custom domain based on your band name.
Google and other popular search engines will match your band keywords (album titles, tracks, band members, etc) to your website, which makes your site search friendly. Having your music website come up in top search results gives it more authority than a social media account.
A musician website is also one of the best vehicles for building your email list, and reaching fans by email is still one of the best ways to create direct-to-fan connections. You can offer a free track download in exchange for an email address to build momentum with your list. Keeping in touch regularly by email is also an excellent way to promote upcoming releases, tour dates, crowdfunding campaigns, new videos and more.
A website allows you to gain insight into fan data. Go as deep as your heart desires with website metrics, so that you can tailor your marketing efforts. There are third party tools abound for this.
You truly do have complete control with a website, where the exact opposite is true with social media. Your website is your very own online hub for posting and curating content. Create a website that personifies your sound and speaks to your audience. You can also use your website to create real relationships with your fans and take them along the journey as you release your next single single, showcase your next music video, or announce upcoming performances and tours.
If you're serious about your music, you’ll want to invest in a website. It truly can be a one-stop shop on the web for your music, bio, merch, press kit and more. A website will boost your professionalism with music industry pros and fans, all within your own unique design.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
Mentioned in this Episode 10 reasons why you need a music website (Bandzoogle article)
New Gods Part 2 (new video by Robonzo)
Rick Beato on the Theory of Popular Music
S.G. Goodman
WTF podcast episode w/S.G. Goodman
Dark Waters
Related Episodes Lucky Beats Good Sometimes – Chris Raspante Rewind (Ep 235)
Guitarist and Studio Engineer In Demand–Chris Raspante (Ep 186)
A Musician with Over 800 Tracks on Kompoz–Peter Rand (Ep 177)
New Gods Part 2 Co-Writer Peter Rand (Ep 205)
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Podcast Startup – The podcast learning platform for creative voices
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Robonzo (Roberto R Hernandez)
In this episode Lara Price and I discuss the hosting jams, why jams make you a better musician and why they help you get gigs. We also talk about how acoustic performances are great for otherwise electric only bands and artists, how music education helped her develop a common language among musicians, and what it means to work with the right label. Lara also shares networking advice for the shy musicians among us and a few great marketing tips and reminders.
This is the third installment of my new Rewind episodes, in which I revisit past conversations for a deeper dive into the tips, hacks and insights they offered. I hope you're enjoying them, because they've proven to be a lot of work. But they've been very fun too. I'll likely rotate some new interviews back into the show very soon. I'm starting to miss them. :)
Lara and I met around 2001 at a blues jam she was running at JJ's Blues (now known as JJ's Lounge) in San Jose, California. She says there was a lot of learning going on at that moment in time. Lara was using the jam to get her own band ready to do shows and she wholeheartedly believes jam sessions make us better musicians.
This is such a Timely topic for me, having recently moved to a new city in a new country and finding myself starting over. Lara made some very helpful points about jams and networking. She also offers advice for running a jam and for attending jams, adding that running one can be difficult if you're not organized. I was reminded that setting jammers up to win, while entertaining the regulars is super important.
Lara points out that jams can be extremely helpful in getting gigs. When you're around your own tribe, as you are at a jam, you can share your challenges, seek advice and get support. "It's really all about the networking," says Lara. Most of the musicians Lara works with to this day are lifelong friends she met at jams.
I asked Lara about her then new album I Mean Business, a project that began in peril, but ultimately delivered big wins and a memorable experience. Lara took advantage of what looked like a bad situation and sought out a producer in Kid Andersen of Greaseland Studio. Guess where they met? At a jam. Kid was the first producer she'd ever had and things couldn't have gone better.
I also asked Lara why she thought that some musicians don't venture into the world of acoustic performance. We continue with Lara's reflection on her music education, her thoughts on working with labels, embracing accolades and the networking opportunities that come with them. Our discussion concludes with Lara's tips on marketing and this memorable quote.
"Don't let people say that you can't do something... I mean, I'm a Vietnamese person singing blues." –Lara Price.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com for links related to this episode.
This episode is powered by Podcast Startup, the learning platform for creators with a voice. Podcast Startup covers tech, production, editing, marketing and more. I know what it feels like to be slowed down by challenges revolving around fear, procrastination and tech, yet I’ve recorded and published over 260 podcast episodes.
To learn more about Podcast Startup and to get free podcasting startup tips right to your inbox, go to UnstarvingMusician.com/PodcastStartup.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career. Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
Mentioned in this Episode Humble Beginnings and Mean Business in Austin–Lara Price (Ep 4)
Today’s Indie Musician—Lara Price (Ep 166)
Starting Over in Austin–Lara Price (Ep 47)
On Top of The World–Lara Price Interviews Robonzo About Debut Single (Ep 188)
Kid Andersen on Greaseland Studios, Playing The Blues, Musicianship and Music Ed (Ep 3)
Creating Music to Discover Who He Is – Chris Taylor
Secrets of Creativity–Chris Taylor (Ep97)
Eric Clapton Unplugged
We Are – new track from Spigots
Lovers, Thieves, Fools + Pretenders by Chris Taylor
Cherry Moon – New video by Ezra Vancil
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Podcast Startup – The podcast learning platform for creative voices
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com/Podcasts for related links, episode transcripts and past guests.
Sign up for the Unstarving Musician email newsletter at UnstarvingMusician.com
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
This episode features musician and recording engineer Chris Raspante. It's a second look at our conversation recorded in May of 2017. It's a rewind episode, in which I dig deeper into past conversations. It's also an attempt to uncover insights that were perhaps lost in our collective note taking. This is intended to better serve you and the rest of the professional music community.
Hear the very first rewind episode featuring Mike Dawson.
Chris has worked with many well known Nashville artists including Travis Tritt, the Dixie Chicks and Stan Lynch among others. His successes stem from a leap of faith, putting in the work, playing the long game and a little luck.
The conversation begins with how Chris got his start in Nashville as a recording engineer and session player. It's a discussion on how be became sought after engineer and player. Chis was invited in the late 90s to visit and work with friend and professional songwriter Jon Christopher Davis. The invitation was specifically to work with Davis on song writing demos and to meet people in the Nashville scene. Chris took Davis up on the invitation and commuted between Dallas-Fort Worth and Nashville for over a year. He was almost immediately invoicing Davis' record label for recording work. Chris reflects on this time as a period as his slow but sure entry into the Nashville music business. Referrals eventually began to come his way, increasing his visibility and income.
Chris also reflects on the changes that occurred during his time in Nashville and the man y changes that have happened since. He describes the landscape of music and work as very competitive. He also recalls overcoming objections that came at him for using a home studio setup. Recording in a home studio wasn't yet a thing, but it soon would be. Chris shares details of the studio setup and recording methods he was using, methods that would eventually become common in recording.
Tagging along for sessions with Davis lead to meeting people in the business and opportunities to make studio contributions. People in the business started asking for Chris. He says he was doing all this by the seat of his pants, but I suspect it was more intuitive than he gives credit.
Then a stroke of luck happened when Chris was invited to join Jace Everett to perform on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Chris had worked with Jace on the recording of a song called Bad Things, which caught the interest of the Tonight Show. That same song would also catch the interest of HBO and would eventually become the theme song for the hit series True Blood. Chris says he was the only non a-list player to work in the those album session, an opportunity he attributes to his friendship and working relationship with Jace Everett. He also says it was all a lucky fluke that the Everett was picked up by the Tonight Show and True Blood, but even more so that he and several others were taken along for the ride.
As we discuss the significance of being an indie musician, Chris noted that the industry was changing dramatically every couple of years. This pace of change has obviously continued since. But it was the internet that changed everything in Chris' memory. The internet shifted the focus from music sales to live shows and fanbase development. The album became a glorified business card for everything else artists do, a reality that's still true today. On the upside of all these changes, Chris feels that the live music industry flourished.
As we discuss marketing himself, Chris states simply that networking and reputation are everything in music. He adds that if you're nice, fun, dependable and prepared, good things will happen. After re listening to our conversation, I decided that he could add humility to this list. Chris has plenty of it.
Hear my full conversation with Chris recorded in May of 2017.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
Mentioned in this Episode Jace Everett - Bad Things (Official Video)
Mike Dawson on Gigging, Studio Gear, Music Ed, Early Music Influences, Marketing, and YouTube (Ep 1)
Chris Raspante on Serendipity, Networking, Reputation, Nashville, and The Wonders of Today’s Talent (Ep 002)
Making Music with an Open Heart and Mind – Jon Christopher Davis
Crossing Paths with Jace Everett
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com for links related to this episode.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career. Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Podcast Startup – The podcast learning platform for creative voices
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com/Podcasts for related links, episode transcripts and past guests.
Sign up for the Unstarving Musician email newsletter at UnstarvingMusician.com
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
This episode features Mike Dawson on dynamics, creative recording, getting gigs and more. It’s the first ever rewind episode of the Unstarving Musician, based on episode one of the podcast. In rewind episodes I’m digging deep into past conversations to further mine insights. The hope is that I’ll uncover insights that were perhaps lost in our collective note taking. This is of course intended to serve music professionals like you.
Mike is the former managing editor at Modern Drummer Magazine. He is now Chief Creative Officer at Drum Factory Direct. He's also host of the Drum Candy podcast, described as the definitive podcast for gear-obsessed drummers. His education includes a Masters in Music Performance from University of the Arts Philadelphia, music studies at West Virginia University and many years of high school band. His education is a relevant part of our conversation, and I believe very relevant to who he is professionally.
Mike has had a great career performing in the music business, in part thanks to his education. But don't be discouraged if you lack formal music education. Mike also says that among his peers, about half are self-taught.
I am in fact self-taught and have always been able to play when, where and with whom I want. And that comes with the other part of being like Mike, the part that involves keeping relationships alive and working on your craft.
Mike and I also discuss dynamics, something I learned thanks to the bit of formal education that I do have. Mike shares about the importance his education had on dynamics and why it matters. The skill of dynamics seems to be lost on lots of otherwise good musicians–drummers especially. All musicians benefit from developing good dynamics and by learning how to lead a band in dynamic changes. It’s hard to find musicians who can play quietly and with a good sense of dynamics. So give yourself a leg-up by working on your dynamics and on leading other musicians dynamic changes.
Mike also talks about his passion for anything that’s authentic and emotional. He was working on a few different projects of varying styles when we spoke. These varied projects presented challenges that Mike really enjoyed at the time. I’m sure he still pursuing a wide variety of passion projects today. This speaks to the value of being a diverse musician and being open to trying new things for the sake of a challenge, and for the sake of personal growth in your art. Diversity and discipline have allowed Mike to work in a wide range professional gigs.
Mike and I also cover his passion for recording and experimentation in the studio. He loves the art of recording. It’s even become his morning meditation of exploration and creative practice. This practice allows him to create something new almost daily. Mike shares his recipe for nurturing and leveraging his creativity. One important aspect of Mike’s mornings is that he looked at the limits of his schedule and made the decision to work in early morning creative time. It’s Mike’s way of starting the day in a creatively productive way.
Other topics we discuss include his self-care routine, marketing, social media trolls and business tips.
Find Mike on Instagram @MikeDawsonDrums.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
Mentioned in this Episode Visit UnstarvingMusician.com for links related to this episode.
This episode is powered by Podcast Startup, the learning platform for creators with a voice. Podcast Startup covers tech, production, editing, marketing and more. I know what it feels like to be slowed down by challenges revolving around fear, procrastination and tech, yet I’ve recorded and published over 260 podcast episodes.
To learn more about Podcast Startup and to get free podcasting startup tips right to your inbox, go to UnstarvingMusician.com/PodcastStartup.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career. Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Podcast Startup – The podcast learning platform for creative voices
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com/Podcasts for related links, episode transcripts and past guests.
Sign up for the Unstarving Musician email newsletter at UnstarvingMusician.com
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Fabiana Claure is a concert pianist and educator who has created a business around her music and artistic sides. Teaching others how to do the same is her passion. Fabiana resides in the U.S., but has also lived in Bolivia and Cuba. She says that living abroad has given her a helpful global perspective toward music, entrepreneurship and education. She founded The Musician’s Profit Umbrella® business mentorship program for musicians. Fabiana was also Founder and Director of the Music Business and Entrepreneurship program at the University of North Texas, which is not far from my hometown of Fort Worth. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance degree with cognates in Music Business and Entertainment Industries from the University of Miami. She received a master's a from Southern Methodist University and a bachelor's from College of Charleston. Her credentials run deep in education, music performance and entrepreneurship. You can learn more about her street cred at fabianaclaure.com.
In this conversation...
In this conversation Fabiana and I discuss living and growing up abroad, her adventures in education and as faculty at North Texas University, the concept of aligning artistic, personal, and professional strengths into a unified sense of identity, her Musician’s Profit Umbrella mentorship program, creating a business while staying true to one's artistic side, and more.
Fabiana periodically runs an online master class, in which you can get an idea of what she and The Musician’s Profit Umbrella are all about. I encourage you to learn more about that at fabianaclaure.com.
Please enjoy my conversation with Fabiana Claure.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
Mentioned in this Episode Visit UnstarvingMusician.com for links related to this episode.
This episode is powered by Podcast Startup, the learning platform for creators with a voice. Podcast Startup covers tech, production, editing, marketing and more. I know what it feels like to be slowed down by challenges revolving around fear, procrastination and tech, yet I’ve recorded and published over 260 podcast episodes.
To learn more about Podcast Startup and to get free podcasting startup tips right to your inbox, go to UnstarvingMusician.com/PodcastStartup.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career. Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Podcast Startup – The podcast learning platform for creative voices
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com/Podcasts for related links, episode transcripts and past guests.
Sign up for the Unstarving Musician email newsletter at UnstarvingMusician.com
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Kevin Breuner of CD Baby joins me in this episode to discuss music distribution, education for the DIY musician, his journey with CD Baby, his band Small Town Poets, and the DIY Musician podcast.
CD Baby started out as a place where musicians could circumvent the middleman by selling music CDs direct to fans. It has since evolved into an artist-services platform that helps independent musicians to distribute, promote, and monetize their music outside of the major-label system.
Kevin recently celebrated 16 years with CD Baby. When he joined the company, his job was to talking artists. Now he's SVP of Engagement and Education. Kevin also started DIY Musician podcast and he's part of the team that heads up the DIY Music Conference, which returns in August 2022, following a hiatus that was driven by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In this conversation, Kevin and I talk about remote work, the return of his band Small Town Poets, CD Baby (of course), education overwhelm that indie artists face, recent changes in the music industry, music distribution and more.
Follow Kevin on Instagram @KBreuner.
Hear the DIY Musician Podcast at Podcast.CDBaby.com.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
Mentioned in this Episode Visit UnstarvingMusician.com for links related to this episode.
This episode is powered by Podcast Startup, the learning platform for creators with a voice. Podcast Startup covers tech, production, editing, marketing and more. I know what it feels like to be slowed down by challenges revolving around fear, procrastination and tech, yet I’ve recorded and published over 260 podcast episodes.
To learn more about Podcast Startup and to get free podcasting startup tips right to your inbox, go to UnstarvingMusician.com/PodcastStartup.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career. Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Podcast Startup – The podcast learning platform for creative voices
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com/Podcasts for related links, episode transcripts and past guests.
Sign up for the Unstarving Musician email newsletter at UnstarvingMusician.com
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
My conversations with Cozi and Ezra Vancil did not reveal the mystery of the flounder that is Cozi Anda Flounder. I assume that Ezra is the flounder, but they weren't exactly forthcoming about the meaning of the flounder. Ezra implied that the band has vowed never to speak of the flounder. The duo are the founding members of Cozi Anda Flounder. In this episode, I speak with Cozi and Ezra in two separate conversations, which were originally intended to be two separate episodes. My first conversation is with Cozi Vancil, the young and sultry voice of Cozi Anda Flounder.
Ezra has also appeared in episodes 42, 182 and 187 (links below).
They had recently released their first EP called The Place, when Cozi and I spoke. Cozi had previously tracked vocals on and cowrote a song called Parables, which was on Ezra's Family Songbook album.
Cozi is the second teenager I've interviewed for this podcast, the other being Radio Disney artist Samantha LaPorta (ep 26). I confess that I find teenagers challenging as an interviewer. I enjoy speaking with them and always have, but I've decided there's a slightly different skill set needed to get the good questions in with teenagers. That's what I've decided and I'm going to solicit advice on how to ask better questions of any future teenage guests. Cozi is an interesting and delightful person. I just felt like I could have done better. I don't know. We had fun nonetheless, or I did anyway.
In this conversation w/CoziIn this conversation Cozi and I talk about songwriting, her music influences, working with her dad Ezra, learning the ropes of the music business, growing as a vocalist and songwriter, and a wee bit more.
This episode marks is Ezra's fourth appearance on the Unstarving Musician. One of those episodes was Ezra interviewing me about my debut single On Top Of The World, which I've not mentioned in a while. Yes, I've written and recorded a couple of tunes.
You can find links to my music on your music platform of choice by visiting Robonzo.com.
Ezra's a lot of fun to speak with, so our chat ultra casual.
In this conversation w/Ezra
In this conversation Ezra and I talk about Cozi Anda Flounder, his various other projects, funding his music projects, At Home Records (Ezra's label), separation between artist and label, marketing as an artist, the 90s movement, the evolution of Cozi, live shows, nerves, preparation, falling down, his new studio, the next Cozi Anda Flounder album, and more, more, more.
You can hear Cozi Anda Flounder wherever fine music is found and at CoziAndaFlounder.com.
Please enjoy my conversations with Cozi and Ezra of Cozi Anda Flounder.
Bandzoogle adds built-in Smart Links and Landing Pages for musicians
Music website platform Bandzoogle has added a built-in Smart Links feature as well as custom Landing pages to their suite of tools for musicians.
The new Smart Links feature allow musicians to easily sell albums and singles directly to their fans commission-free, and link to their music on popular streaming platforms all from a single mobile-friendly page on their own website.
Bandzoogle has also added Landing pages for musicians. These Landing pages can be customized to reflect the goal of their marketing campaign, from selling album pre-orders, offering limited edition merchandise, selling tickets, or building their mailing list.
Learn more at Bandzoogle.com and Use promo code “robonzo” to get 15% off the first year of any subscription.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
Mentioned in this Episode CoziAndaFlounder.com
Ezra Vancil
The Place
First Aid Kit
Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese
Tom Petty Somewhere You Feel Free
Gypsy Tree
Related Episodes A Hidden Album Collection Discovery–Ezra Vancil (Ep 42)
Keeping Your Side of the Street Clean–Ezra Vancil (Ep 182)
On Top Of The World – Ezra Vancil Interviews Robonzo About Debut Single (Ep 187)
Terry LaPorta On Being Parent and Manager of Teen Pop Star & Radio Disney Artist Samantha LaPorta (Ep 26)
This episode is powered by Podcast Startup, the learning platform for creators with a voice.
Podcast Startup covers tech, production, editing, marketing and more. I know what it feels like to be slowed down by challenges revolving around fear, procrastination and tech, yet I’ve recorded and published over 260 podcast episodes.
To learn more about Podcast Startup and to get free podcasting startup tips right to your inbox, go to UnstarvingMusician.com/PodcastStartup.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career. Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Podcast Startup – The podcast learning platform for creative voices
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com/Podcasts for related links, episode transcripts and past guests.
Sign up for the Unstarving Musician email newsletter at UnstarvingMusician.com
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Stick to your guns and your vision is what Harrison Marcello of the rock band TEMPT recommends to young bands. This, he says, helps bands stay ready for whatever projects may come their way.
He’s a founding member, guitarist and one of the songwriters in TEMPT. The New York City based band has a love for the old school 80s rock sound, which I believe gives them a melodic and pop sensibility. TEMPT reminded me of Def Leppard upon first listen. The band’s younger audiences likely hear them as fresh and new, from a genre perspective. Old guys like me think, “Cool, that sounds familiar. I like it.” Harrison and I remarkably have very similar tastes and experiences with rock music.
In our conversation Harrison and I talk about TEMPT’s forthcoming album, their single Living Dangerous, featuring DOROTHY, creating content specifically for fans, business strategy, the formation of TEMPT, their big takeaway from the pandemic, and more.
You can learn more about Harrison and his band TEMPT at TemptBand.com. Please enjoy my conversation with Harrison Marcello of TEMPT.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
Mentioned in this Episode Related Episodes This episode is powered by Podcast Startup, the learning platform for creators with a voice. Podcast Startup covers tech, production, editing, marketing and more. I know what it feels like to be slowed down by challenges revolving around fear, procrastination and tech, yet I’ve recorded and published over 260 podcast episodes.
To learn more about Podcast Startup and to get free podcasting startup tips right to your inbox, go to UnstarvingMusician.com/PodcastStartup.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career. Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Podcast Startup – The podcast learning platform for creative voices
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com/Podcasts for related links, episode transcripts and past guests.
Sign up for the Unstarving Musician email newsletter at UnstarvingMusician.com
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Peter Wilson and his bandmates in Four Trips Ahead have been showing up again and again to build a following around their music.
The New York based hard rock band punched their way through the pandemic by releasing new music and preparing for the return of live music.
In this conversation we talk about Peter's vinyl collection, his band's journey into self producing, comparisons and genres used to describe the band's music, radio expectations for hard rock, Peter's interest in reaching latin markets, generating income during the pandemic, and more.
Peter and Four Trips Ahead have been at it since 2003. One of their latest releases is an EP called Remnants, which can be find on all the popular music platforms.
Learn more about the band and their music at FourTripsAhead.com. Please enjoy my conversation with Peter Wilson of Four Trips Ahead.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
Mentioned in this Episode FourTripsAhead.com This episode is powered by Podcast Startup, the learning platform for creators with a voice. Podcast Startup covers tech, production, editing, marketing and more. I know what it feels like to be slowed down by challenges revolving around fear, procrastination and tech, yet I’ve recorded and published over 260 podcast episodes.
To learn more about Podcast Startup and to get free podcasting startup tips right to your inbox, go to UnstarvingMusician.com/PodcastStartup.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career. Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Podcast Startup – The podcast learning platform for creative voices
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com/Podcasts for related links, episode transcripts and past guests.
Sign up for the Unstarving Musician email newsletter at UnstarvingMusician.com
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
The secret to writing and recording songs to completion is something that Marc Dold wants to share with all musicians. He is a songwriter, platinum-selling producer, Apple certified Logic Instructor and indie artist known as Mawk Phoenix. This is Marc’s 3rd appearance on the podcast. Celebrating The Wins And Struggles Along The Way—Mawk Phoenix (Ep 131)
Today’s Indie Musician—Mawk Phoenix (Ep 165) Marc was living in Malta, but had relocated to nearby Gozo when we spoke for this episode. If you’re like me you may need a clue as to where these places are. They are islands in the central Mediterranean between Sicily and the North African coast.
Marc and I reconnected as he was finishing up a course called Musical Architects, which he describes as a practical workshop that teaches how to write, arrange, record, produce, mix and finalize a song. Marc has produced and re-mixed for more than 50 major artists such as Nelly Furtado, Luis Fonsi, Paul van Dyk, Peter Gabriel, En Vogue, Alice Cooper, Cindi Lauper, Luther Vandross, Erasure, and many more, leading to several top 5 Billboard Hits including 2 #1 Hits. Needless to say, he’s qualified to teach you and me how to get it done. Topics of discussion… We talk a about his upcoming album and he asks me about my experience recording songs (my first two singles). Also discussed: Marc’s Musical Architects course, getting stuck in the recording process, how he starts his days with deep work in mind, and house concerts. On the topic of Deep Work, Marc mentions a book he was then reading called Deep Work by Cal Newport. Since our conversation for this episode, I heard an interview with the author on the Tim Ferris Show, one of my favorite podcasts. I have since added Deep Work to my reading list. Cal Newport has his own podcast, which I’m now enjoying (link in the show notes below).
Please enjoy this conversation with me and Marc Dold.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
Mentioned in this Episode Musical Architects course by Marc
Marc on Instagram
MawkPhoenix.com
Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport
Deep Questions podcast with Cal Newport
Related Episodes Celebrating The Wins And Struggles Along The Way—Mawk Phoenix (Ep 131)
Today’s Indie Musician—Mawk Phoenix (Ep 165)
This episode is powered by Podcast Startup, the learning platform for creators with a voice. Podcast Startup covers tech, production, editing, marketing and more. I know what it feels like to be slowed down by challenges revolving around fear, procrastination and tech, yet I’ve recorded and published over 260 podcast episodes.
To learn more about Podcast Startup and to get free podcasting startup tips right to your inbox, go to UnstarvingMusician.com/PodcastStartup.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career. Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Podcast Startup – The podcast learning platform for creative voices
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com/Podcasts for related links, episode transcripts and past guests.
Sign up for the Unstarving Musician email newsletter at UnstarvingMusician.com
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Leave voice feedback on Robonzo’s Speakpipe page
David Andrew Wiebe thinks about creativity, music, entrepreneurship and leadership in everything he does. He is a musician, composer and published author with three best sellers. Among his books is the 2022 edition of The Music Entrepreneur Code, which David says is more ninja than its predecessor. He is also the host/creator of The New Music Industry Podcast, and he wants to share what he knows with musicians that want to get ahead.
Hear David Andrew Wiebe in his first appearance on the Unstarving Musician (Ep 132).
In this conversation we discuss his Elite Players: All Access Pass project, mindset, confidence, incremental success tracking, re prioritizing milestones, his forthcoming album, the leadership program in which he participates, and the updated more ninja Music Entrepreneur Code book.
Hear the continuation of our conversation on The New Music Industry Podcast with David Andrew Wiebe.
Find all things David Andrew Wiebe at MusiceEntrepreneurHQ.com
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers. Learn how you can offer your support.
Visit our Crowd Sponsor page
Mentioned in this Episode Music Entrepreneur HQ
Elite Players: All Access Pass
The Music Entrepreneur Code – 2022 Edition (pre-orders)
Sahakarini
Team, Management, and Leadership Program
Do The Hard Thing First—David Andrew Wiebe (Ep 132)
Growth – Robonzo of The Unstarving Musician (New Music Industry Podcast interview)
Stay in touch! Leave voice feedback on Robonzo’s Speakpipe page
This episode is powered by Podcast Startup, the learning platform for creators with a voice. Podcast Startup covers tech, production, editing, marketing and more. I know what it feels like to be slowed down by challenges revolving around fear, procrastination and tech, yet I’ve recorded and published over 260 podcast episodes.
To learn more about Podcast Startup and to get free podcasting startup tips right to your inbox, go to UnstarvingMusician.com/PodcastStartup.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career. Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Podcast Startup – The podcast learning platform for creative voices
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com/Podcasts for related links, episode transcripts and past guests.
Sign up for the Unstarving Musician email newsletter at UnstarvingMusician.com
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Zack O'Malley Greenburg is working on a new book project called We Are All Musicians Now. He calls artists canaries in the coal mine of modern business. Zack has written a a few books on hip hop, which include the Jay-Z biography Empire State of Mind and A-List Angels: How a Band of Actors, Artists and Athletes Hacked Silicon Valley. He was a senior editor at Forbes for about ten years. He has also written for the Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair, Los Angeles Times, Variety, Billboard, Vibe, Sports Illustrated and several other big and noteworthy publications. Lending even more legitimacy to his knowledge, Zack has profiled the likes of Jay-Z, P Diddy and Dr Dre throughout his career. This is Zack's second appearance on the Unstarving Musician. He first appeared in episode episode 149 back in May of 2020. In this conversation we cover his move from Forbes to Substack, his book We Are All Musicians Now, his Substack, niche writing, the exodus from big media outlets, the relationship between indie artists & super fans, the rise of the super fan, NFTs, teachings from hip hop, intellectual property and more. Find Zack at ZogBlog.co and ZogBlog on Twitter.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers. Learn how you can offer your support.
Visit our Crowd Sponsor page
Mentioned in this Episode Zack O'Malley Greenburg on Substack
ZOGreenburg.com
Empire State of Mind: How Jay Z Went from Street Corner to Corner Office by Zack O'Malley Greenburg
A-List Angels: How a Band of Actors, Artists, and Athletes Hacked Silicon Valley by Zack O'Malley Greenburg
Dr Mari Gabriella
The New Music Industry Podcast / Music Entrepreneur HQ
Related Episodes How Creators Can Become Owners—Zack O’Malley Greenburg (Ep 149)
Do The Hard Thing First—David Andrew Wiebe (Ep 132)
Robonzo on episode 259 of The New Music Industry Podcast – Growth
Robonzo on episode 164 of The New Music Industry Podcast – How to be a Happy & Profitable Live Performer
This episode is powered by Podcast Startup, the learning platform for creators with a voice. Podcast Startup covers tech, production, editing, marketing and more. I know what it feels like to be slowed down by challenges revolving around fear, procrastination and tech, yet I’ve recorded and published over 260 podcast episodes.
To learn more about Podcast Startup and to get free podcasting startup tips right to your inbox, go to UnstarvingMusician.com/PodcastStartup.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career. Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Podcast Startup – The podcast learning platform for creative voices
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com/Podcasts for related links, episode transcripts and past guests.
Sign up for the Unstarving Musician email newsletter at UnstarvingMusician.com
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Robonzo (Roberto R Hernandez)
Jared Judge is dissecting everything that goes into being a successful gigging musician. He’s doing this on his Gigging Musician Podcast, in his book Gigging Secrets: The Underground Playbook to Making A Living Performing and with his music business app BookLive.
We think very much alike about gigging and Jared’s story is great. He graduated from music school with a Bachelors in Music Education and a Masters in Orchestral Conducting.
After graduation the advice given to Jared by his music school was to go out get auditions. Jared was ready to get to work as a musician and conductor. Auditions unfortunately proved to not be the best path forward.
Guess what Jared ended up doing? He took business classes and doing he says that doing so was game changing. Now he’s making it a good income as a gigging musician and is building a real business around his music.
In this conversation we cover private event opportunities, how Jared got his start in private events, marketing yourself as a musician, selling yourself as a musician, treating your music like a business, Jared’s book Gigging Secrets and his music business app BookLive.
I really enjoyed this conversation and have a feeling Jared and I will be keeping in touch with one another.
Find Jared on Facebook and Instagram (@jaredjudge) to learn more about how he’s dissecting everything that goes into being a successful gigging musician.
Please enjoy my conversation with Jared Judge.
Support the Unstarving Musician
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Visit our Crowd Sponsor page
Mentioned in this Episode
BookLive app for musicians
Gigging Secrets: The Underground Playbook to Making A Living Performing
Jared on Instagram
How to Earn More Per Gig (Gigging Musician podcast episode)
Related Episodes
Gig Gab Podcast Interviews Roberto
Paul Kent Talks The Houserockers, Gig Gab, Relationships, and Music Collaboration
Dave Hamilton on Music Theory, Home Recording, The Business of Music, and Divas
This episode is powered by Podcast Startup, the learning platform for creators with a voice.
Podcast Startup covers tech, production, editing, marketing and more. I know what it feels like to be slowed down by challenges revolving around fear, procrastination and tech, yet I’ve recorded and published over 260 podcast episodes.
To learn more about Podcast Startup and to get free podcasting startup tips right to your inbox, go to UnstarvingMusician.com/PodcastStartup.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com/Podcasts for related links, episode transcripts and past guests.
Sign up for the Unstarving Musician email newsletter at UnstarvingMusician.com
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Ori Winokur is Head of Music at Artlist, a stock music licensing company that was in 2021 named one of the hottest startups in Tel Aviv by WIRED. Stock music isn't for everyone. The concept may in fact be a turn off for many musicians. This episode may change some minds.
Artlist’s platform provides users with straightforward licensing agreements and AI-powered recommendations. Ori has two decades of experience as a producer and is an expert on copyright and royalties, tech trends and innovation in the recording space, A&R, and digital distribution. Ori and Artlist are dedicated to building the a music library using songs by independent musicians. The also claim to be dedicated to compensating musicians fairly for their contributions.
The Unstarving Musician is made possible through the generosity of its listeners. If you love the podcast, please visit UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor to learn about options for offering your support.
Ori helped established a production house and full-service record label within the platform called Artlist Original.
Discussed in this episode:
- Stock music as an outlet for indie musicians
- Artist retention of rights in the AL world of stock music world
- The royalty models at Artlist and the industry
- The evolution of the music creator ecosystem
- How big brands are using Artlist
- Artlist's revenue model
- The artist submission process
Learn more about Artlist at Artlist.io.
Please enjoy my conversation with Ori Winokur of Artlist.
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com/Podcasts for related links, episode transcripts and past guests.
Sign up for the Unstarving Musician email newsletter at UnstarvingMusician.com
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Singer songwriter Seth King found that success on TikTok was good, until it wasn’t. When we connected he had over 180K followers on the videocentric social network. Seth was taken by surprise with his TikTok success, but he embraced it. Today he's more focused on new music releases and Spotify. With over 300K plays on Spotify, Seth is planning a 13-song album release in the New Year. This will follow his 2021 EP and singles releases.
Seth is a traveling musician and was based in Bali, Indonesia when we spoke for this episode. He actually quit music at the age of 21 to pursue journalism and film. He was working in film when TikTok helped him rediscover his love for music.
Going into this interview, I was interested in learning about Seth's experience with TikTok. Our conversation unfolds in unexpected and interesting ways, but he shares a great deal of music marketing tips and insights.
Among the topics we covered are:
- How performing has played into his decision to leave Bali
- How success on TikTok was good, until it wasn't
- The regional nature of TikTok
- Going from about 200K to 10K streams by shifting focus from TikTok to play-listing
- How PR companies can leave you with no connections of your own
- Avoiding the loneliness that can result from working as a solo artist
While I forgot to ask Seth how he would genre-fy himself, I've decided he's a pop artist. He has a great voice and clearly loves all aspects of making music. He also loves playing live, in-real-life for true listening audiences.
Find all things Seth King online on his LinkTree @SethKingMusic.
Support the Unstarving Musician
The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers. Learn how you can offer your support.
Visit our Crowd Sponsor page
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com/Podcasts for related links, episode transcripts and past guests.
Sign up for the Unstarving Musician email newsletter at UnstarvingMusician.com
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
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Michael Gilbride of telco has translated perfectionism and passion into his latest release please come home. He joins me to talk about his musical perfectionism, getting a late start on his music endeavors, and how not to have fun while making an EP. These are all themes with which I can relate. This is our second conversation for the podcast.
Hear our first conversation in episode 198.
Most of our conversation for this episode felt like we were pissing and moaning about how hard it is to make, publish and promote music. We’re actually breaking down the range of emotions that independent musicians can experience while recording, publishing and releasing music.
Michael has relocated to New York City since we last spoke, where he now has a dedicated home studio. It’s here that he plans to continue translating his perfectionist and passion filled persona into music. He certainly channeled this and a lot of other emotions into his EP please come home.
Michael has a side hustle gig in recording and mastering and is now self producing with a newfound level of confidence. Yet he’s sure he’ll listen back to his new EP when he’s working on the next one, and decide that it this one’s crap. This is quite funny to me, but I totally get it. Michael recognizes the importance of having fun while making music and art. He and I are both optimistic that he’ll find have a little more fun with his next recording project.
You can find all of Michael’s music at telcomusic.com.
Please enjoy this conversation with and Michael Gilbride!
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers. Learn how you can offer your support.
Visit our Crowd Sponsor page
Mentioned in this Episode TelcoMusic.com
Mastering.com
Best 45 Musician Podcasts According to Feedspot
Related Episodes Music As Therapy–Michael Gilbride (Ep 198)
This episode is powered by Podcast Startup, the learning platform for creators with a voice. Podcast Startup covers tech, production, editing, marketing and more. I know what it feels like to be slowed down by challenges revolving around fear, procrastination and tech, yet I’ve recorded and published over 260 podcast episodes.
To learn more about Podcast Startup and to get free podcasting startup tips right to your inbox, go to UnstarvingMusician.com/PodcastStartup.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career. Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com/Podcasts for related links, episode transcripts and past guests.
Sign up for the Unstarving Musician email newsletter at UnstarvingMusician.com
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
UK music artist Otto found excitement over the press coverage for his summer release “Amelia.” There was a noteworthy moment leading up to this excitement. Otto caught the attention of Eurythmics co founder Dave Stewart. Otto had been holed up in his historic post office apartment when we last spoke, but the solitude allowed Otto to do a good deal of songwriting and recording. In this conversation Otto details his excitement over the press coverage for “Amelia,” which included an interview with BBC Radio presenter Janice Long and the attention he received from various BBC Radio outlets. We also had a laugh about his love/hate relationship with social media. Yes he still does his own social media posts. Please enjoy!
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for indie musicians looking to grow their music career but don’t know. Learn more!
This episode was powered by Podcast Startup, helping new podcasters overcome the obstacles that stem from tech, marketing, editing and more. Learn More about Podcast Startup!
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers. Learn how you can offer your support.
Visit our Crowd Sponsor page
Mentioned in this Episode Amelia (video)
iGoByOtto.com
Trackd
The Gigging Musician Podcast with Jared Judge
Related Episodes Collaboration, Music Discovery and Trackd Music–Grant Tilbury-Jaiswal (Ep 194)
Emerging Collaboration Tools Could Bring Life to New Music Genres – Grant Tilbury, Trackd (Ep 174)
Record Anywhere With Great Results–Markus K (Ep 176)
Music Collaboration App Trackd Changed Her Life – Rachel Hearnden (Ep 175)
The Art of Collaboration–Otto (Ep 181)
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Podcast Startup – The podcast learning platform for creative voices
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
More Resources for musicians
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com/Podcasts for related links, episode transcripts and past guests.
Sign up for the Unstarving Musician email newsletter at UnstarvingMusician.com
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Bradford Loomis has a 2019 song release called "Tried To Love A Woman." It was written as a compliment to his prior release "Righteous Kind." That song was placed in the movie Still Water, featuring Matt Damon. Rock isn't Bradford's main thing, although he admits that he likes rock. He in fact tries to include at least one rock song on each of his albums. His primary style is more that of a folk singer-songwriter.
"Tried To Love A Woman" was written with a sense of anticipation and preparedness in mind. Bradford anticipated and prepared for a possible spike in interest for his rock songs following the Still Water placement. Anticipation and preparedness are common themes in our conversation. Bradford anticipated and prepared for the unexpected when he decided to up his game in video and live streaming. He is also anticipating and preparing for future tours by thinking and planning more strategically. We talk about this, doing voice-over work, managing live performance in the pandemic age, DIY subscription based patron offers, e-commerce options, and more.
Bradford's music career continues to grow with and around the industry and the times. He's making things happen with his unique mindset of anticipation and preparedness. I believe this will continue to be reflected in his music, whether folk or rock. Please enjoy my conversation with Bradford Loomis.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers. Learn how you can offer your support.
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Mentioned in this Episode BradfordLoomis.com
Still Water with Matt Damon
Tried To Love A Woman by Bradford Loomis
Related Episodes Cutting Out the Music Business Middleman–Bradford & Kimberly Loomis
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for indie musicians looking to grow their music career but don’t know. Learn more!
This episode was powered by Podcast Startup, helping new podcasters overcome the obstacles that stem from tech, marketing, editing and more. Learn More about Podcast Startup!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com/Podcasts for related links, episode transcripts and past guests.
Sign up for the Unstarving Musician email newsletter at UnstarvingMusician.com
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Brooksie Wells is amplifying female voices over 50, including her own. She and I met in a thing called Music Marketing Method.
I’ve mentioned Music Marketing Method on the podcast before. It’s a program designed to help musicians find our fan base, grow our audience and make a consistent income with our creativity.
Learn more about Music Marketing Method
Brooksie has had a rich music career. She has a new release called Stops Time, which you can find on all the popular digital platforms. Her first big break came when she was signed by a big name with Warner Chappell at the tender age of 19. That big name was Bobby Darin. Unfortunately Darin died before Brooksie’s career had any momentum. Darin’s passing left Brooksie without a sponsor and thus her big break came to a sudden end. This did not stop Brooksie from continued work in music. She took a detour into the world of children’s music and then into raising a family. She eventually returned to the world of adult pop music starting a new chapter in her career.
In this episode we talk about her early days in music, managing tough circumstance, how she’s adapting to the ever changing music business and where she plans to move next.
Brooksie refers to herself as a little old lady, but she has as much drive as any young artist I’ve spoken with on the podcast. She has a wealth of experience and a big personality on her side. These character traits along with acting as co-host for a podcast called She’s Not Done Yet are helping Brooksie amplify voices of over 50, including her own.
You can find Brooksie’s work at BrooksieWells.com. This was a really fun conversation. Hope you enjoy as much as I did.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers. Learn how you can offer your support.
Visit our Crowd Sponsor page
Mentioned in this Episode BrooksieWells.com
Album review for In My Pocket, by Alan Cackett
She’s Not Done Yet podcast
Related Episodes Lynz Crichton’s Music Marketing Method (Ep 215)
Songwriting with a Deadline–Lynz Crichton (Ep 49)
Lynz Crichton on Building a Clan, Learning the Business, Songwriting, and Recording (Ep 14)
Cracking the codes of social media and playlists – JJ Lovegrove (Ep 214)
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for indie musicians looking to grow their music career but don’t know. Learn more!
This episode was powered by Podcast Startup, helping new podcasters overcome the obstacles that stem from tech, marketing, editing and more. Learn More about Podcast Startup!
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
No Booker, No Bouncer, No Bartender: How I Made $25K On A 2-Month House Concert Tour, by Shannon Curtis
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
ConvertKit for Musicians
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com/Podcasts for related links, episode transcripts and past guests.
Sign up for the Unstarving Musician email newsletter at UnstarvingMusician.com
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Andrew Chris' music explores influences that range from 60s guitar rock to modern hip hop. His list of early musical influences read very much like mine. Yet he's no less than 20 years younger than me. When I asked about his infatuation with artists like Hendrix, Zeppelin and Ten Years After, he gave the expected answer–his dad turned him on to them. The only difference in our early music tastes is how we listened. Andrew shuffled his music on an MP3 player. I listened to mine on vinyl, 8-track and cassettes. Old school.
Our influences have since diverged. This is understandable given our difference in age and general exposure to music. However, we share a love acoustic drums, guitars and rock.
Andrew and I had a great conversation about his latest releases, including a single called Floatin' and an album titled Studio Rat, his studies in film, a video series creation dedicated to the evolution of fuzz tone, and more.
He started creating music at a young age and thus has a good deal of unreleased work. I told him I was envious. Our conversation gave me inspiration and hope for making more music of my own.
Please enjoy my conversation with Andrew Chris
This episode is powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for indie musicians looking to grow their music career but don’t know. Learn more!
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers. Learn how you can offer your support.
Visit our Crowd Sponsor page
Mentioned in this Episode Andrew Chris on the Web
Evolution of Fuzz
Anika Nilles
Joe Joe Rabbit on IMDB
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com/Podcasts for related links, episode transcripts and past guests.
Sign up for the Unstarving Musician email newsletter at UnstarvingMusician.com
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Ryan Rosoff is making music for friendship and legacy. His band Little King explores the intersection of metal and prog rock. They have a new album out called Amuse De Q, now streaming just about everywhere. We talk about his travels, his roots in the Seattle sound of the 90s, music as a career outside of a career, leaving a legacy, practicing music and life for motivation, meditation, venturing into the world of TikTok and more. Ryan reminded me that the limitations of our time and existence are worth daily contemplation. I found our conversation and his outlook on life and music to be inspiring.
Please enjoy my conversation with Ryan Rosoff of Little King.
This episode is powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for indie musicians looking to grow their music career but don’t know. Learn more!
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers. Learn how you can offer your support.
Mentioned in this Episode Related Episodes Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
No Booker, No Bouncer, No Bartender: How I Made $25K On A 2-Month House Concert Tour, by Shannon Curtis
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
ConvertKit for Musicians
More Resources for musicians
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. *Thanks for your support!*
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com/Podcasts for related links, episode transcripts and past guests.
Sign up for the Unstarving Musician email newsletter at UnstarvingMusician.com
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Recording artist Amiena joins the podcast to talk about defeating a creative rut, her latest release, the stories behind her lyrics, changing producers, touring and working with producer Lars Deutsch (the good, the bad and the ugly).
Amiena and I were introduced by producer Lars Deutsch, who was featured in episode 204 of the Unstarving Musician. At the time of this conversation, Amiena and Lars were looking forward to the release of a 4th single from her upcoming album. Her first three singles for the album include the songs Halo, Flare and The Great Escape. All three songs are fantastic, as are the videos that accompanied them.
Amiena and I also discuss the ups and downs of releasing singles, religion and her music, the revelation that she was in a creative rut and unhappy with her then recent recordings, the challenge of switching producers, and how making music feels at times a lot cheaper than hiring a professional therapist. Her professional therapist comment was said in jest of course. Nothing beats quality therapy when and where quality therapy is needed.
Please enjoy this conversation with Amiena.
This episode is powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for indie musicians looking to grow their music career but don’t know.
Learn more!
New Music
Unstarving Musician friends Chris Taylor, Michael Gilbride and Peter Rand have new music out. These guys are all talented. If you’d like to check out their new music, see the show notes for this episode in your podcast app or UnstarvingMusician.com/podcast.
Support the Unstarving Musician
The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers. Learn how you can offer your support.
Visit our Crowd Sponsor page
Mentioned in this Episode
Amiena.com
Halo video
Flare video
Great Escape video
The Murmur of Bees
New Music by Michael Gilbride and Telco
New music by Chris Taylor
New music by Peter Rand
Related Episode
Artist Development And Struggles Of The Emerging Artists – Lars Deutsch (Ep 204)
Secrets of Creativity–Chris Taylor (Ep97)
A Musician with Over 800 Tracks on Kompoz–Peter Rand (Ep 177)
Music As Therapy–Michael Gilbride (Ep 198)
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com/Podcasts for related links, episode transcripts and past guests.
Sign up for the Unstarving Musician email newsletter at UnstarvingMusician.com
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Lynz Crichton is the creator of Music Marketing Method, a program that shows musicians how to make money with their music. She is also a friend and mentor to me. I am part of the student body that is her Music Marketing Method program.
Lynz believes that generating an income with music doesn’t have to be about just playing live. She first appeared on this podcast in 2017, when she estimates her Twitter following was about 5,000 followers. Lynz’s Twitter following is now at about 32k. She knows how to grow an audience on social media. Her music career was in fact build online. Today she’s making money in many different ways. This is part of what she teaches in Music Marketing Method.
Lynz has a background in education. I’m sure this is part of what makes her so good at disseminating information and explaining otherwise complicated topics. Some of the areas covered in Music Marketing Method include audience growth on social media, email list growth, live streaming, remote session work, Patreon, crowdfunding, endorsements, YouTube and much more. Students are also given access to biweekly Q & A / hive-mind sessions. Lynz also runs a private Facebook group that provides support and community for students.
Please enjoy this episode and my conversation with Lynz Crichton.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers. Learn how you can offer your support.
Among the many ways you can support the UM podcast is by joining Music Marketing Method via our Crowd Sponsor page.
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor to learn more!
Mentioned in this Episode LynzCrichton.com
Brooksie Wells
Related Episodes Cracking the codes of social media and playlists – JJ Lovegrove (Ep 214)
Songwriting with a Deadline–Lynz Crichton (Ep 49)
Lynz Crichton on Building a Clan, Learning the Business, Songwriting, and Recording (Ep 14)
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
No Booker, No Bouncer, No Bartender: How I Made $25K On A 2-Month House Concert Tour, by Shannon Curtis
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
ConvertKit for Musicians
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
This episode was powered by Bandzoogle. From garage bands to Grammy winners, Bandzoogle powers the websites for thousands of musicians around the world.
Plans start at just $8.29/month, which includes hosting and your own free custom domain name. Go to Bandzoogle.com to start your 30 day free trial. Use promo code “robonzo” to get 15% off the first year of any subscription.
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com/Podcasts for related links, episode transcripts and past guests.
Sign up for the Unstarving Musician email newsletter at UnstarvingMusician.com
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
JJ Lovegrove is breaking the codes of social media and playlists and discovering lots of new friends followers in the process.
JJ Lovegrove is cracking the codes of social media and Spotify playists. We discuss this and much more in our conversation for the podcast.
Among the topics we cover are our shared experience within Lynz Crichton's Music Marketing Method program and the beautiful connections we can make through conversation on social media. JJ used to view social media as an unpleasant place. We also discuss JJ's life of performing, events that prompted her to leave music, her return to music, what she learned from her exit and reentry, and the wonders Spotify playlists.
JJ has a sultry voice and hypnotic songwriting style. Dig deep enough and you may find a couple of her primary influences, Kate Bush and U2's The Edge. Listen to her music first time and you'll want to turn it up.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers. Learn how you can offer your support.
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Mentioned in this Episode JJ Lovegrove
Lynz Crichton
Minus Cube
Related Episodes Songwriting with a Deadline–Lynz Crichton (Ep 49)
Lynz Crichton on Building a Clan, Learning the Business, Songwriting, and Recording (Ep 14)
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
No Booker, No Bouncer, No Bartender: How I Made $25K On A 2-Month House Concert Tour, by Shannon Curtis
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
ConvertKit for Musicians
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
This episode was powered by Bandzoogle. From garage bands to Grammy winners, Bandzoogle powers the websites for thousands of musicians around the world.
Plans start at just $8.29/month, which includes hosting and your own free custom domain name. Go to Bandzoogle.com to start your 30 day free trial. Use promo code “robonzo” to get 15% off the first year of any subscription.
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com/Podcasts for related links, episode transcripts and past guests.
Sign up for the Unstarving Musician email newsletter at UnstarvingMusician.com
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
A good EPK will make your website inviting to music supervisors, talent buyers, bloggers and podcasters.
This episode is based on a most informative blog post by our friends at Bandzoogle, the all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music. Here's the blog post.
The 8 things that should be in every band's electronic press kit
We all hope fans will visit our website, sign up for our email list and buy our music. Another important category of prospective site visitors includes music supervisors, talent buyers, podcasters and bloggers. These are your promoters and this is where an EPK (electronic press kit) comes in handy.
An EPK can also by thought of as a promotional package or media kit. It provides a great way to promote yourself to radio, industry pros, and venue bookers by giving them everything they need on one page of your website. As the Bandzoogle blog post points out, you want your EPK to showcase your music career and tell your story. Everything you include on your EPK page should focus on this.
Bio Your EPK arguably starts with your bio. This is your introduction slash elevator pitch in two or three sentences. But it's more than this. Consider the varying needs of bookers, festivals and PR pros. You want to accommodate each of them by having different versions that vary in word count. To quote Bandzoogle, you want an elevator pitch (1-2 sentences), a short bio (1 paragraph), a medium bio (2+ paragraphs) and a long bio (4+ paragraphs). These versions can be all on-page or downloadable (or both). There are a variety of ways to display content like this. You can be creative, but make it all easily accessible.
Photos Next, you'll need promotional photos. Display them in a way that makes them easy to download and consider the various sizes needed by different visitor types. Your photos should be usable for both print and online promotional use. Offer a variety of photos. Include band shots along with an action shot or two that conveys your style of music. If you’re promoting a new album to music reviewers, include album artwork and photos that are on brand with your music. Also include vertical and horizontal plus a black and white options. Square images or easily cropped portrait images and landscape (wide) images will also help promoters, venues and bloggers cover all the bases for social posts.
Music This is the place to showcase your most popular tracks. Include a music player that's playable on-page as well as streaming links. Music supervisors may want a quick listen. Others may want to see how your faring on streaming services. Include written descriptions of your songs and your music style. Reviewers and bloggers may want to write up something about your style and will appreciate any ideas that give them good writing prompts.
Video Include a few videos on your EPK page. Festival organizers and venues sometimes embed videos to feature artists on their websites. This can serve to help festivals and venues promote upcoming shows. Adding descriptive content about your videos can drive promoters to take a closer listen, so describe the music within your videos.
Press and reviews You can help media tell your story by sharing your existing media coverage. Reviews that talk up your live shows and music are also useful to media outlets. This could get you more shows and more media coverage. Keep reviews short and to the point, so that your EPK readers can easily and quickly scan the page.
Highlights and achievements This is the place for awards, radio play, streaming success and noteworthy tours or festivals you've been part of
As Bandzoogle says, this is the place to build buzz around you and your music.
Social media links Social links should be included on every page of your site, but make them extra easy to find on your EPK, especially the ones on which your active and growing.
Contact information This is the place for a clean looking contact form and any phone numbers you want to make available. If you have a team, include contact info for each of these folks too.
In summary, think of your EPK as a snapshot of you, your band and your latest music or project summed up on a single page. Building out a band EPK with these elements will help you book more gigs. A solid EPK will also make it easier for media and industry to promote your music. Make sure to update your press kit regularly as your career moves forward.
You can use one of Bandzoogle's awesome EPK templates to make it happen. Go to Bandzoogle.com and use promo code ROBONZO to get 15% off your first year of any plan.
And be sure to check out their blog post.
The 8 things that should be in every band's electronic press kit
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers. Learn how you can offer your support.
Visit our Crowd Sponsor page
Mentioned in this Episode Rolling Stones Tribute to Charlie Watts
The 8 things that should be in every band's electronic press kit
Related Episodes The Many Ways Musicians Are Adapting To Change–Dave Cool (Ep 185)
Options for Musicians Amidst Uncertain Times – Dave Cool (Ep 142)
The Adaptability of Startup Culture—Stacey Bedford, Bandzoogle (Morning Tempo podcast also hosted by Robonzo)
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
No Booker, No Bouncer, No Bartender: How I Made $25K On A 2-Month House Concert Tour, by Shannon Curtis
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
ConvertKit for Musicians
More Resources for musicians
Disclosure Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. *Thanks for your support!*
This episode is brought to you by Bandzoogle. From garage bands to Grammy winners, Bandzoogle powers the websites for thousands of musicians around the world.
Plans start at just $8.29/month, which includes hosting and your own free custom domain name. Go to Bandzoogle.com to start your 30 day free trial. Use promo code “robonzo” to get 15% off the first year of any subscription.
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com/Podcasts for related links, episode transcripts and past guests.
Sign up for the Unstarving Musician email newsletter at UnstarvingMusician.com
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Gabriel Sanchez is the founder, lead singer and principal songwriter for the modern rock band Hope Darling. We’re mutual friends of Bruce Wawrzyniak of Now Hear This Entertainment. In fact Bruce introduced us.
When Gabriel and I spoke, Hope Darling had been confirmed as the headliner of Rock The Park on July 1 of 2021 at Curtis Hixon Park in downtown Tampa, Florida. They had also recently headlined a sold out show in Lakeland, Florida. In 2020 Hope Darling was a winning finalist for the Jack Daniels and iHeart Radio National Battle of the Bands. They also performed at South By Southwest in March of 2019. At one point they’d even open up at the 97 Next Next Big Thing concert. The band has also performed at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tampa.
Hope Darling was in the studio finishing up a five song EP that was planned for release in late spring or early summer. They had a song placement in Spike Lee’s She’s Got A Habit series on Netflix. Their success story also includes a nomination by TouchTunes as a national breakout band. That means Hope Darling can be heard on any TouchTunes jukebox around the U.S. Plus Gabriel Sanchez was a winning finalist in the rock category for the song Lifeline in last year’s John Lennon Songwriting Competition. We talked about all of this and Gabriel’s sentiment that his band never comes in first place. He says they’re always a runner up. I think he’s okay with that. Second place ain’t so bad. Just ask Adam Lambert.
Checkout the music of Hope Darling at HopeDarling.com.
Please enjoy this conversation with me and Gabriel Sanchez of Hope Darling.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers. Learn how you can offer your support.
Visit our Crowd Sponsor page
Mentioned in this Episode Now Hear This Entertainment
Hope Darling on the web
Effective Use of Digital Media for Musicians—Bruce Wawrzyniak (Ep 125)
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com/Podcasts for related links, episode transcripts and past guests.
Sign up for the Unstarving Musician email newsletter at UnstarvingMusician.com
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Heidi Webster is a pop singer songwriter, podcaster and business owner bent on positivity. She recently released her 5th single called Neon. The single has a well produced video featuring Heidi doing dance moves in glitter and glam.
Heidi kicked off her solo endeavor during the pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, she was having fun performing in Vegas and dinner clubs as part of a re-imagined Rat Pack vocal ensemble called Lady Luck. She has also since launched the music media production company LightOn Creative. Heidi is also co creator of Pink Lemonade Stand, a podcast that puts a positive spin on life. We discussed the positive nature of her music, her podcast and outlook on life ad nauseam. I told her that her level of positivity makes me sick. But I was kidding–totally. Like she said, if you’re into that kind of thing, she and her Pink Lemonade Stand co host Nicole Kaplan are there to give you a boost.
I certainly got a boost speaking with Heidi. We discuss release strategy, strategic brand partnerships, charitable work, sync, connecting with the music we make, and more.
Please enjoy my conversation with the positively cheerful Heidi Webster.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers. Learn how you can offer your support.
Visit our Crowd Sponsor page
Mentioned in this Episode HeidiWebster.com
IF Publicity
The Lady Luck Group
Pink Lemonade Stand podcast
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com/Podcasts for related links, episode transcripts and past guests.
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Nineteen year old Edwrds has been writing, recording and self-producing music since 2016. We recorded this interview in May 20, 2021 the day before his single Look was released. To celebrate the release, we published an unedited video version of our conversation on May 21st.
Hear and see our full conversation on the Unstarving Musician YouTube channel.
Edwrds’ music is a blend of hip hop and rap that he playfully calls bipolar vibes. This is a reference to his personal struggles with mental wellness. His focus is to be a voice for those who feel they are not heard. He wants to let those people know that they’re not alone.
Topics we cover in this conversation include his latest single Look, his upcoming 2021 summer tour, and mental wellness. We also touch on his interests in making the world a better place, helping people in need, and serving his community of direct supporters.
Edwrds has a process for digging deeper into himself through his music. It’s a process that sometimes occurs while he’s actively writing. He says the process has helped him become who he is as a person and music artist. Edwrds has already experienced ups and downs as a recording artist. I can only imagine the challenge of being a young music maker of his generation.
Edwrds was kind enough to elaborate on his personal struggles with mental wellness. This is a topic I try to talk about often on this podcast. My hope is that by doing so we can help anyone suffering mental wellness challenges. We’re in this together, as Edwrds reminds us. It’s okay to not be okay.
Edwrds gives much of the credit for his success to his family. He’s a very nice young man who genuinely wants to affect positive change in the world.
Please enjoy!
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers. Learn how you can offer your support.
Visit our Crowd Sponsor page
Mentioned in this Episode Edwrds.net
@Edwrds999 on Instagram
NamiWalks.org
Prince’s 2007 Super Bowl performance
Related Episodes Full interview with Edwrds on Unstarving Musician YouTube channel (uncut, unedited)
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com/Podcasts for related links, episode transcripts and past guests.
Sign up for the Unstarving Musician email newsletter at UnstarvingMusician.com
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
In this episode Tanya Winch and I meander through her journey in music, art and life. She and I are mutually acquainted with Brian Wolff. Brian is a musician and host of the Greetings From Wherever, a podcast about artistic inspiration and the creative process. Thanks to Brian for recommending I feature Tanya on this podcast.
My conversation with Tanya is extra casual. I had a very nice time getting to know her. We chat about her single Cupid, her vinyl collection, her day job, her beginnings in LA, the making of the video for Cupid and Tanya’s release strategy. We also talk about why I started the Unstarving Musician podcast. This leads us into conversation about The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs.
Tanya plays guitar and piano, she teaches music for guitar, piano and voice. I’m pretty sure she owns a pair of tap shoes. She’s high energy and yet she shares a moment of humility and vulnerability that I left in the episode for you to hear. This was so I could say, she’s totally worthy, and so are you. Whatever it is you’re feeling unworthy of, stop that. As a fan of the podcast once said to me, accept whatever good things life brings and embrace it.
Please enjoy my conversation with Tanya Winch.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers. Learn how you can offer your support.
Visit our Crowd Sponsor page
Mentioned in this Episode TanyaWinch.com
14 podcasts musicians should be listening to in 2021
YouTube live stream of this episode (uncut/unedited)
Greetings From Wherever Episode 20- Tanya Winch (Songwriting)
Related Episodes A Hidden Album Collection Discovery–Ezra Vancil (Ep 42)
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com/Podcasts for related links, episode transcripts and past guests.
Sign up for the Unstarving Musician email newsletter at UnstarvingMusician.com
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
My guest Anna Larson shares her passion for music, story telling and beauty for this episode. I found her in my email inbox one day not long ago. She sent me a textbook perfect pitch asking if I’d be interested in having her on the podcast. We talk about that email and more.
Anna has been playing piano since childhood, graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a music degree, is a piano teacher, and has a background in theater production, sound, lighting, and performing. She’s recently taken to growing her knowledge for the marketing aspects of music. We drill down on why she champions her email list over Facebook and how she sees marketing as an essential aspect of her art and the sharing of beauty.
Anna also explains her enjoyment of merging video with music. She gives a great example in her approach to the video creation and recording process used for her recent release Cocoon. I really enjoyed this part of our conversation, finding it both relatable and inspiring.
I believe that Anna considers herself a writer above all else, and that her writing is a standalone gift that she merges with music and media.
Support the Unstarving Musician
The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers. Learn how you can offer your support.
Visit our Crowd Sponsor page
Mentioned in this Episode AnnaLarsonMusic.com
Pond5 Royalty-Free Stock Video and Music Library
A Hidden Album Collection Discovery–Ezra Vancil (Ep 42)
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
ConvertKit for Musicians
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
No Booker, No Bouncer, No Bartender: How I Made $25K On A 2-Month House Concert Tour, by Shannon Curtis
More Resources for Musicians
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com/Podcasts for related links, episode transcripts and past guests.
Sign up for the Unstarving Musician email newsletter at UnstarvingMusician.com
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Roopa Mahadevan is a leading Indian classical vocalist and crossover artist in the South Asian diaspora. She's normally based out of New York City, but had temporarily relocated to San Jose, California during the pandemic. She has roots in the South San Francisco Bay Area, so the move was an easy one. Roopa collaborates with a myriad of artists in jazz, world music, and R&B/soul genres. She also performs full-length Carnatic vocal concerts and accompanies some of the world's leading South Asian dancer/choreographers.
We spoke about her then newish album Roopa In Six Yards: A Carnatic Playlist by Roopa Mahadevan. She shares her desire to do more albums with her crossover group Roopa In Flux and all the trepidation that comes with doing something new and different. We also chat about our mutual acquaintance with Bollywood blues artist Aki Kumar, who has appeared on this podcast three times.
Find links to most everything discussed in the show notes for this episode.
Find Roopa at RoopaMahadevan.com
There's a bit of cutting room floor chit chat at the very end of the episode, post credits. Hope you'll stick around for that. And I hope you enjoy my conversation with Roopa Mahadevan.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers. Learn how you can offer your support.
Visit our Crowd Sponsor page
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com/Podcasts for related links, episode transcripts and past guests.
Sign up for the Unstarving Musician email newsletter at UnstarvingMusician.com
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
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Mentioned in this Episode RoopaMahadevan.com
Roopa on Patreon
Bijayini Satpathy on Instagram
Kitka Women's Vocal Ensemble
Related Episodes Aki Kumar Signs With Sony Music India (Ep 118)
Bollywood Blues Man Aki Kumar on Gratitude, Humility, and Band Dynamics (Ep 113)
Aki Kumar on Chicago Blues, Bollywood Blues, Harmonica, and Performing (Ep 23)
Unlocking The Voice Within—Kelly Atkins (Ep 145)
Justin Paul breaks down the history and evolution of DJ music and culture in this episode. He is a friend and business partner of producer musician David Franz, who was featured in episode 203.
Justin himself is an educator and consultant in the music space. He's worked in A&R, music production, television and as a performing DJ. I asked him a number of questions about the DJ world, confessing that I know little about it. What he shared was an insightful look at the history and evolution of DJ music and culture. Justin also talks about his particular brand and style of music and why he fell in love with the DJ world. He restored my faith in musicianship by sharing that he prefers to include live instrumentation in his music.
There's an easter egg segment at the end of the episode, after all the credits and signing off. Hope you'll stick around for that too. Please enjoy this conversation with me and Justin Paul.
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com/Podcasts for related links, episode transcripts and past guests. Sign up for the Unstarving Musician email newsletter at UnstarvingMusician.com
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Peter Rand is the co-writer of my latest release New Gods Part 2. He is also a two time offender on the podcast, first appearing in episode 177.
Hear New Gods Part 2
Peter is a member of the collaboration platform Kompoz having contributed over 800 tracks. When I signed up for Kompoz last year, his track New Gods was among the first I heard. At that time it was keyboards only. I contributed a drum track via Kompoz and eventually asked Peter if we could create a private collaboration to be published by yours truly. He agreed and New Gods Part 2 was born.
In this Interview Peter and I talk about the early stages of New Gods Part 2, the contributions made by bassist Steve Strom, guitarist/audio engineer Chris Raspante and myself, the evolution of the cover art and more. We also discuss my thoughts on releasing early demos exclusively for Robonzo Insiders.
Please enjoy my conversation with Peter Rand.
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com/Podcasts for related links, episode transcripts and past guests.
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@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
LA based producer Lars Deutsch shares his thoughts on artist development and the typical struggles of emerging artists. We're acquainted by way of mutual friends at SoundStorming, the musician/fan collaboration app for iPhone. At the time of our conversation in February of this year 2021, Lars was excited about an artist he'd been working with. That artist is Amiena.
Our conversation was well timed on the heels of another artist development related episode with Davis Franz (episode 203). My discussion with Lars touches on the artist development world, his own broad career, struggles of the emerging artist, audio branding, sync licensing, what to consider before engaging an artist development company, and more.
Easter Egg After concluding the interview Lars shared more thoughts on the business of artist development We were still recording and I decided to let this part of our conversation be bit of bonus material. It's good stuff, so listen to the very end past the episode credits. You'll be glad you did.
Check out Robonzo's new single New Gods Part 2 at Robonzo.com
Mentioned in this Episode LarsDeutsch.net
Lars on Behance
'Halo' by Amiena
SoundStorming
Online Collaboration And The Always-On Music Industry–SoundStorming (Ep 173)
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com/Podcasts for related links, episode transcripts and past guests.
Sign up for the Unstarving Musician email newsletter at UnstarvingMusician.com
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
In this episode I speak with David Franz, founder at Underground Sun, about career advice for musicians, productivity shame, how to best market yourself as a musician, and staying creative in crazy times like these. We also mention his biz partner Justin Paul, who will be featured in an upcoming episode of this podcast.
David is also an instructor/content manager for LinkedIn Music Education (formerly Lynda.com), author of books on ProTools and home studio recording, videographer, and musician about to release his first album. At the time we spoke (Feb 2021), final tracks for his debut album had been sent for mixing. David will be an important case study for Underground Sun, as this is his first ever solo album. The album is planned for release this Fall of 2021. It was very fun to talk about his release, because at the time we spoke, I'd recently released my first ever single and was working on releasing my second.
Our time speaking went fast. He's super fun to chat with. Hopefully we'll be back in touch soon. Please enjoy this conversation with me and David Franz.
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com/Podcasts for related links, episode transcripts and past guests.
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@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
British guitarist and composer Timothy Reid found a creative outlet in online collaboration during the pandemic. He found this podcast on his daily train commute in Osaka Japan. Lucky me (and you). He and I share the common threads of Kompoz.com and Peter Rand, who is a prolific member of the collaboration website Kompoz. Like me, Timothy was drawn to one of Peter’s compositions and has since recorded music with him. Timothy has also recorded with several other artists on and off of Kompoz. Our initial conversations leading up to this interview were about Timothy’s enjoyment of this podcast, which was heartwarming to hear.
Peter Rand co-wrote my latest release ‘New Gods Part 2,’ which dropped last Friday May 28th 2021. This means you can stream, purchase and or download it on most of the popular music services. Find direct links to some of those platforms on my website Robonzo.com. New Gods Part Two is my personal homage to Zeppelin, Genesis and prog rock with a little social commentary. I hope you’ll check it out, share it, download it and maybe add it to one of your playlists.
Timothy and I talk at length about his collaborations on Kompoz.com, how Kompoz collaborations helped him during the pandemic, his past and more recent work, and his musician life in general. Both Timothy and Peter Rand are prolific and versatile writers. You can find them both on Kompoz.com. You can also find Timothy at TomothyReid.com. See the uncut video version of this conversation on YouTube (link below).
I hope you enjoy my chat with Timothy as much as I did.
Audio Note I recorded the intro and mid-roll for this episode in a hotel room using the Trackd Music app for iPhone. My usual usual microphone and audio interface setup didn’t make their way into my suitcase. Trackd Music to the rescue. I could have used my iPhone voice recorder, but Trackd Music is built for making sonic sense of a room, wherever you are.
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com/Podcasts for related links, episode transcripts and past guests.
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@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Helene Jæger has an intriguing outlook on writing music and lyrics relying on the conscious and unconscious awareness plus intuition. She leans on stream of consciousness writing methods to create music under the moniker of Holy Boy. Helene was born and raised in Norway, completed much of her education in England and has been based in Los Angeles since 2016. At the time of this conversation, she had recently released a single covering The Doors classic ‘Riders On The Storm.’ It was to be part of a collection released as a debut album in 2020. Helene made the decision to wait, in light of the pandemic and its impact on the music business. We speak about this plus her writing methods, the music of her childhood, L.A., her band, plans for live streaming, and the future of that unreleased album.
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com for related links, episode transcripts and more.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter and Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Multifaceted drummer Mike Dawson has refocused his career on studio work, teaching, visual arts and of course drum gear. Prior to the pandemic, he was a gigging machine, managing editor at Modern Drummer Magazine, and co host of the Modern Drummer Podcast With Mike And Mike. He’s more recently become Chief Creative Officer at Drum Factory Direct, which as the name might imply is all about drum gear, including just about every tiny part imaginable. Mike’s return to the Unstarving Musician was as much an opportunity for me to get caught up on all his recent life changes as it was an opportunity to celebrate episode 200 the Unstarving Musician. Mike also appears in episodes 1, 25 and 50 of this podcast, all three of which are among the our most popular episodes. In this conversation Mike and I talk about his increased involvement with the visual aspects of his work in music and drums. We also talk about recording, the details of his new gig at Drum Factory Direct, the future of upcoming events, a new podcast he was working on when we recorded this conversation, my drum kit, which has taken a climate beating here in Panama, his new home base of Pittsburgh, and re-prioritizing life. We also laugh a lot. That happens quite a bit here on the Unstarving Musician, laughing. Please enjoy my conversation with Mike Dawson.
Please visit UnstarvingMusician.com for related links and episode transcript.
To stay in touch, find me on Twitter and Instagram @robonzodrummer.
Create, cultivate and connect are words that carry special meaning for Joy Ike. They are the basis for a music coaching and mentoring program she calls Cultivators. Her professional background in PR and marketing enables Joy to offer unique perspective to the emerging artists with whom she works. She’s also a freelance writer, which includes articles and blog posts for Bandzoogle. We recorded this conversation in late December of last year 2020, at which time I was on the cusp of releasing my first single ‘On Top Of The World.’ It was the perfect time to ask what she sees in artists who are better at getting their work out into the world. Her response to this line of questioning wasn’t exactly what I expected, yet it was enlightening. Also in this conversation, I attempt to understand what got her from publishing and PR to music artist and ultimately to artist consultant. We also discuss her strict childhood, house concerts, zoom concerts, her single Wearing Love (new at the time of our conversation), her percussive musicality and more. Joy is herself a very talented singer musician. I love her voice in fact. Check out her work at JoyIke.com.
Please visit UnstarvingMusician.com for related links and episode transcript.
If you'd like to reach out and say hi, you can find me on Twitter and Instagram @robonzodrummer.
Michael Gilbride somewhat recently released his debut EP 'my name is not kaiser' and the single 'Say Hello,' from that EP. The animated video for 'Say Hello,' which you can find at telcomusic.com or the show notes for this episode, is amazing. Michael and I discuss the animators behind the 'Say Hello' video, the stories behind the telco project, his biggest challenges writing and recording the EP, and how music became therapy for his OCD.
At the time of our conversation, he had another single on the way. That song 'Minus Nine' was released on January 8th of this year 2021, which coincided with my first ever single release. He was apologetic about this, but I thought it was awesome. I just finally listened to 'Minus Nine,' and it's great. Michael's music has a great pop sensibility.
I had a laugh at his mild preoccupation with aging out of music at 25. I'm old enough to be his dad, but we didn't get into that. Please enjoy.
Please visit UnstarvingMusician.com for related links and episode transcript.
If you'd like to reach out and say hi, you can find me on Twitter and Instagram @robonzodrummer.
Brian Wolff returns to the Unstarving Musician to discuss his transition from performing with a high energy rock band into live streaming as a solo artist, plus the changes that have brought him to a new chapter of his music career. We also discuss his live streaming setup, Patreon, nurturing his creativity through writing things down more often, the terrifying moment of doing his first live stream performance, including the absence of in-person feedback and his Greetings From Wherever podcast.
You can hear me in episode 15 of Greetings From Wherever.
This is Brian's fourth appearance on the Unstarving Musician. We met on the socials sometime in 2018, and I really enjoy speaking with him. I had the pleasure of spending time with him in Austin back in 2018. Great guy! I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.
Please visit UnstarvingMusician.com for related links and episode transcript.
If you'd like to reach out and say hi, you can find me on Twitter and Instagram @robonzodrummer.
Sylvia Rose Novak joins me for a round-two conversation from the great outdoors of Alabama. There are lots of birds and nature sounds in the background, which I think add to the experience of our chat. We recorded back in November of last year 2020. I asked about her then latest release Bad Luck, but she was hard at work on her next release. We talk about the forthcoming album too.
In this conversation, Sylvia and I talk about her departure from folk to rock and her push toward a harder rock sound. She also shares her personal experience living with ADHD and bipolar disorder. I ask her about her many tattoos, how she gets out of her own head, and why she thinks some musicians struggle to get the gigs that they really want.
Sylvia told me her forthcoming album has a punk rock sensibility. While that may be an oxymoron, I totally get it. The Unstarving Musician is all about independent music and doing what we love as musicians; so do your thing Sylvia Rose and have fun doing it. I hope to one day see Sylvia and her band play live.
Please enjoy my conversation with Sylvia Rose Novak.
Please visit UnstarvingMusician.com for related links and episode transcript.
If you'd like to reach out and say hi, you can find me on Twitter and Instagram @robonzodrummer.
Since 1990 Reverend Raven has opened for B.B King, Gatemouth Brown, Pinetop Perkins, the Koko Taylor Band, Junior Wells, the Fabulous Thunderbirds, Tommy Castro among many others. He and I are acquainted by way of mutual friend The Worldwide West Side Guitar Man Johnny Burgin. Reverend and Johnny have been pals since '99.
We recorded our conversation in November of 2020, during which time I had asked several former guests for their thoughts on personal branding. Johnny Burgin was among those asked and in his reply, Johnny suggested I speak with Reverend.
We had a great conversation about his growing up on the South Side of Chicago, how his stint in the Navy helped him find success with Reverend Raven And The Chain Smoking Alter Boys, how he acquired so many amazing testimonials for the band, life since the pandemic, his predictions for the coming year, and some of the questions I've been asking as research for the 2nd edition of the Unstarving Musician's Guide to Getting Paid Gigs. And a wee bit more.
Please visit UnstarvingMusician.com for related links and episode transcript.
If you'd like to reach out and say hi, you can find me on Twitter and Instagram @robonzodrummer.
At the center of collaboration and music discovery is Trackd Music and Grant Tilbury-Jaiswal. Grant is head of Artist Relations and A&R for Trident Cloud Limited and Trackd Music. Trackd is a recording and collaborative platform for iPhone that is changing the way many musicians create and share music.
In this conversation, Grant shares his thoughts on the latest version of Trackd, the art of attracting and retaining fans, the joy of music discovery, the demographic range of Trackd Music users, his weeky Facebook and Instagram lives with featured Trackd Music artists and more.
Most exciting to me personally is the fact that Trackd Music is featuring my latest song New Gods Part 2 in a streaming exclusive on their platform.
Please visit UnstarvingMusician.com for related links and episode transcript. If you'd like to reach out and say hi, you can find me on Twitter and Instagram @robonzodrummer.
Abe is extremely committed to the experience of recording records and playing live shows, because he loves connecting with people in the flesh. This is how he gets his music out into the world. In this second appearance for the podcast, Abe and I discuss pandemic driven changes in music, painting, the release of his latest single, what a good gig looks like to Abe, why performing live is so important to him, his subscription based art club, and our shared pandemic pessimism.
You can also hear Abe in episode 67 of the Unstarving Musician.
Our conversation is somber at times, given the impact of the pandemic, but I found myself giggling like a little girl throughout. There was so much laughing and giggling on my part, that I decided to edit some of my laughter out. It's not that Abe's comedic per say. I guess I was just that happy to be spending time with him. He's an inspiring artist and human being.
I'll likely post the uncut version of our conversation on the Unstarving Musician YouTube channel.
Please enjoy this conversation with a wee bit less laughter. 😁
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com for related links and episode transcript.
If you'd like to reach out to say hi, you can find me on Twitter and Instagram @robonzodrummer.
Brian Wolff returns to the Unstarving Musician to participate in the Unstarving Musician survey, in which I ask some of the best independent musicians I know questions about creativity, social media, live streaming, community building and more.
This is Brian's third appearance on the podcast, and I have a fourth interview with him in the can, so to speak. That interview will drop in late April or early May. Brian is a founding member of the Austin based rock band Fair City Fire, turned solo artist. Brian also has a new podcast called Greetings From Wherever, in which he interviews creatives about their creative endeavors. I checked it out, really like it and recommend you check it out too. It's available on all the audio platforms where podcasts are found. You'll even be able to hear me on an upcoming episode of Greetings From Wherever. Stay tuned for more on that.
You can also find out about Brian's music on Patreon @BrianWolfMusic. Please enjoy this conversation of survey questions with me and Brian Wolff.
Mentioned in this Episode Brian Wolff on Patreon
Greetings From Wherever Podcast
Touring, Podcasting and Rocking with Fair City Fire–Brian Wolff
Please visit UnstarvingMusician.com for related links and episode transcript.
If you'd like to reach out to say hi, you can find me on Twitter and Instagram @robonzodrummer.
Alyssa Trahan recently participated in a survey for the forthcoming second edition of The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs. I decided to conduct the surveys by phone and to make an episode of this particular conversation, because Alyssa’s responses are so insightful and inspiring. As a side note, Alyssa is is now an official two-timer, this being her second conversation with me for the podcast. The format is a little different, because I was conducting the interview based on survey questions. Consequently, I sound like I’m reading questions from a script, all while diligently taking notes. Kind of silly if you think about it, since we were recording. At the time, however, I didn’t know I’d end up using the conversation for a podcast episode. It turns out I’m using a few of the conversations I had for the survey as episode material. This was a particularly good conversation though. Alyssa is firing on all cylinders, in my humble opinion. There are of course things she could be doing better, which she admits; but she’s still killing it. Alyssa discusses some of the pandemic driven struggles she’s experienced over the past year. She shares several openly vulnerable moments, and this is one of the many things I love about her.
There was a ton of valuable stuff in this conversation. Possibly my favorite was what Alyssa had to say about new music release strategy as it relates to video and the importance of content in general.
Please enjoy this conversation with Alyssa Trahan.
Please visit UnstarvingMusician.com for related links and episode transcript.
If you'd like to reach out to say hi, you can find me on Twitter and Instagram @robonzodrummer.
Steven Keene says his songwriting routine has never resembled work. To the contrary, he’s always written in the moment and as inspiration strikes. Yet he’s had a consistent and prolific songwriting career.
Steven grew up in Brooklyn New York, and honed his skills in the Greenwich Village scene of the late 80s, early 90s alongside Beck and other noteworthies.
The day we spoke, he had a new single out. That single was called “Cause I Can’t Have You.” Since then, the full album “Them & Us” has been released.
Steven toured regularly for years, but in 2019 decided to focus on writing and recording. He says he’s had the pleasure and good fortune of doing so with players who have worked with the likes of Lenny Kravitz, Bon Jovi, and Springsteen.
He told me that Dylan his #1 influence. Steven has actually played with a few of members of Dylan’s Rolling Thunder Review tour and backing band.
I had to ask Steven about playing at CBGB. He did not disappoint, sharing stories of gigs at there and The Bottom Line in the 90’s, alongside Beck.
We talk about his songwriting methods and routines, as well as his sentiments on the state of music amidst the pandemic. Yet Steven is thrilled to be recording and like all of us, he looks forward to a time when the music business has reshaped itself.
Please enjoy…
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com for related links, episode transcript and more.
Johnnie Gilmore is a songwriter and bass player of virtuoso caliber. He honed his chops and stage craft in part as a street performer in his hometown of Boston. L.A. is now home for Johnnie. He has a great EP out called When You Come Home. In this episode we talk about how the EP came together amidst the pandemic.
Johnnie was brought to my attention by Zoe Sonnenberg (featured in episode 180). At the time of our conversation, Oct 2020, the pandemic was nearing its peak crisis status in the Los Angeles area, and his EP was newly released. He shares some of the ways in which this time period changed his career and life trajectory.
Hear Johnnie’s EP When You Come Home at JohnnieGilmore.com.
Johnnie also shares his recent experience going from performing live to taking requests on Instagram. It was on one of the Instagram request hours that Zoe Sonnenberg’s mom heard him play After the Gold Rush and consequently how Zoe learned of his work. Johnnie had also lost both of his grandparents to COVID on his mother’s side, at the time of our conversation, which lead us to discuss the oddity of dealing with loss during the pandemic.
The songs on When You Come Home were recorded in April and May of 2020, and were intended to be part of a full length album. Johnnie thought he would record that album in the fall of 2020, but as life changed so did Johnnie’s plans for this collection of songs.
Please enjoy this conversation with the me and the talented Johnny Gilmore.
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com for related links, episode transcript and more.
This episode features a conversation with singer-songwriter Lara Price. In this experimental episode, Lara interviews me about the release of On Top Of The World (out today, Friday January 8, 2021). Lara is an amazing singer, performer and songwriter, making this conversation a big honor for me. We met in San Jose, California some 18 years ago. Lara is currently based in Austin, Texas.
Our conversation includes some dissection of my new song plus: publishing, marketing, sync placement, collaboration, collaborating, the art of storytelling and creating a bridge. Lara also shares many of her experiences and thoughts on songwriting and publishing. This turned out to be an informative and inspiring conversation. I hope you enjoy!
Mentioned in this Episode On Top Of The World Tranquilo Retreat Synesthesia and the Evolution of SHAPESCENES–Chase Anderson/ Today’s Indie Musician—Lara Price (Ep 166) Starting Over in Austin–Lara Price Humble Beginnings and Mean Business in Austin – Lara Price (Ep 004)/ HumTap TuneCore Visit UnstarvingMusician.com for related links, episode transcript and more.
In this episode, Ezra Vancil interviews me about my forthcoming debut single On Top Of The World. We cover the history and process of my songwriting, using public proclamation as a source of accountability, various technical challenges I faced in writing and recording the song, the players involved, and the forthcoming video.
On Top Of The World drops January 8th, 2021. Download it for free at Robonzo.com.
Our discussion covers themes common among creative individuals. Taking the leap from "wanting" to singing one's own music to actually writing and recording a song is one example. Ezra and I are both acquainted with brute forcing our way through certain aspects of the creative processes that apply writing and recording music. We're also familiar with the dilemma of knowing when we're done with a song, its lyrics and even specific parts. When is a song good enough? These are among the many things that can keep musicians from moving forward with writing and recording endeavors. Our conversation also explores the uncertainties, insecurities and obstacles.
This interview was put together as promotional piece for the song. Because Ezra is such a great songwriter and lovely human being, we were able to bounce between my experiences and his. The resulting conversation was helpful to me in many ways. I hope it will be equally so for you.
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com for related links, episode transcript and more.
My guest for this episode is multi-instrumentalist and studio engineer Chris Raspante. Prolific and in-demand as both performer and sound engineer, Chris is regularly solicited for hire on various music projects. In this conversation we discuss his return to performing live, the logistics of recording remotely, our work together on my song On Top Of The World, and why he thinks his phone is always ringing.
We recorded this conversation in October of 2020, during one of the peaks of the pandemic. While this is Chris' second appearance on the podcast, this is our third conversation. Our proper second conversation will be coming out in the future...as a third episode. Don't worry about it. If you want to get caught up with Chris, check out his first appearance.
Episode 2 with Chris Raspante
This was a happy hour conversation of sorts, as we recorded during the evening hours over a few beers. As I told Chris, we definitely need to chat more often. Can't wait to see him play live again when we can all travel safely. Maybe I'll even have an opportunity to sit in on drums.
"Doing a great job or trying to be good at what you do, being easy to work with and just being out there on people’s radars, that is always going to be the best advertisement for yourself." –Chris Raspante, Musician & Studio Engineer Mentioned in this Episode * Episode 2 with Chris Raspante * Making Music with an Open Heart and Mind – Jon Christopher Davis * Crossing Paths with Jace Everett * On Top Of The World
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com for related links, episode transcript and more.
Dave Cool of Bandzoogle returns for a second time on the Unstarving Musician. The last time he was on was episode 142, recorded on March 20th of this year at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dave is VP of Business Development at Bandzoogle. In this follow-up conversation we discuss a wide range of topics, including:
- The newish partnership between CD Baby and Bandzoogle
- Ways musicians around the world are adapting to change
- What Bandzoogle's data says about fan support
- Naming your price with a minimum price for online music sales
- The increased output of resource articles on the Bandzoogle blog
- Bandzoogle features including EPK templates and the free review of your site service
- Keeping live streams alive
Full disclosure: I'm a humble and honored affiliate of Bandzoogle, which means I make a wee bit of money if you purchase a plan using my promo code ROBONZO, which you can read more about below. Thank you for your support! Related to our conversation, my new song (and first ever single) is set for official release January 8th, 2021.
Preview my new song and download it for free on Robonzo.com
If you want to follow the saga of my release and become part of the Robonzo Collective by following me on the socials, @robonzodrummer on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Mentioned in this Episode * Bandzoogle * CD Baby * Enter the Haggis * Artist EPK Builder for Bands and Musicians | Press Kits | Bandzoogle * Website design inspiration: best electronic press kits * 5 creative quarantine hacks for album artwork * Six Skills All Indie Musicians Need Today - Forbes
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com for related links, episode transcript and more
My guest for this episode is Garret Laver of the trio Lucid Phase. The band's music style falls somewhere between roots, reggae, dub, jam, blues and world. He and his bandmates met at the Savannah College of Art & Design, Georgia, where they collectively studied film and sound design. They've put their studies to work for producing & marketing their music.
Garret and I spoke on the heels of their then new single release, Roots Enterprise. We talk about that, his bandmates, collaborators, recording, his writing process, and more.
Lucid Phase was well into a follow-up to their 2020 release, which is slated for release in 2021. These guys are somewhat new to the process of creating and publishing music, so the timing of our conversation is great, as I too am new to writing and publishing music. This is a great conversation with lots of takeaways.
Mentioned in this Episode * Lucid Phase Official Website * Sensi Trails Official Website * Nostradames_ on Instagram * Tatanka - The Moment * Dub Room Studio * Grizzly Peak Official Website
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com for related links, episode transcript and more
Blues guitarist, singer-songwriter Brian Young is a member of the Unstarving Musician community–the list. A while back, he reached out to check in with me. I’m always asking the community and you listeners how you’re doing. Like Ezra said last episode, music is a collaborative experience between community and musician and I feel that extends into what I'm doing here. Brian took time out to thank me and to share his own personal update. He shared with me that he’d lost his wife Becky of 43 years to cancer. Becky was also manager of his blues band.
Brian recently published the last album that he and Becky worked on with his band, Blues Station. In her honor he’s been donating a portion of the proceeds of his latest CD to Stand Up 2 Cancer. We talk about all of this, how and where he and Becky met, his surprising early influences, his life and music memories, the greatness of blues jams and some great songwriting advice.
Mentioned in this Episode * Becky and Brian Interpretation of the Blues * Listening for That Phrase—Johnny Burgin Part 2 (Ep 138) * Why Musicians Shouldn’t Have a Cell Phone on Stage – Rockin’ Johnny Burgin * Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C)
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com for related links, episode transcript and more.
Ezra Vancil joins me for his second feature on the podcast. I first spoke with him back in March of 2018 for episode 42 of the Unstarving Musician.
Listen to Ezra’s first appearance on the podcast
This conversation was sparked by an email exchange we had where Ezra mentioned an arduous trip to Florida for a festival he was performing during the onset of the pandemic. In that email, he also said he’d decided to throw in the towel on his music career. Thankfully, he changed his mind on and continues to make music.
In this conversation, we also discuss:
- Where he thought he was going next, and where he ended up following his travels to and from Florida
- His new album The Family Songbook, on which his daughter Cozy makes her recording debut
- His depression (bipolar), the changes in his life, and some of the tools he uses to cope
- His sentiments about live streaming
- A bit of tribute to a friend he recently lost, and something that friend recently did for him
- Subscription based fan support
- And much more...
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com for related links, episode transcript and more.
Singer, songwriter and producer Otto just released the new single Tell Me Something, produced by Dave Stewart. If that last name sounds familiar it might be because you know Stewart’s work with the Eurythmics or another of his high profile projects. Otto is based in Wales, but English by birth. I learned about him while researching the collaboration app Trackd. This was for an article I published on Forbes.com.
In this episode Otto shares his experience as a Trackd user, how he came to be involved with Dave Stewart, a big songwriting tip, and how he got one of his songs a-listed with BBC Radio in Wales. We talk about recording on the go, his agenda following a flurry of career elevating activity and much more. He also gives me a tour of his home studio. See the episode show notes for details and photos of his gear.
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com for related links, episode transcript and more.
Zoë Sonnenberg is a lifelong singer, frequent baker and a writer with a passion for supporting the performing arts. Relevant to this episode, she is also a PR professional with the agency Sacks & Co.
Zoë represents musicians and other types of artists. She and I have worked together to book some of her clients on this podcast, including Danielle Eva Schwob (Ep 147) and Evangeline Gentle (Ep 171).
With offices in LA, Nashville and New York, Sacks & Co has an international reputation for working with exceptionally talented individuals and organizations. Their clients include musicians, filmmakers, film producers, theater companies, arts presenters and entrepreneurial business ventures.
In this conversation, Zoë and I talk about how she got into the public relations business, what PR firms do for clients and what she looks for in a prospective client. Additionally, Zoë breaks down what a working relationship between her and the artists she represents looks like.
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com for related links, episode transcript and more.
Michael Sloan is the CEO of Streaming Promotions, a strategic streaming platform promotion company. Founded in 2015, Streaming Promotions works to increase their clients footprint on streaming services with music adoption and traction on streaming platforms, specifically Spotify.
Michael was recently quoted in Rolling Stone discussing competition for ear-time on Spotify. In our conversation, Michael explains why streaming promotion is important and explains the related ecosystem of Spotify playlists, artists, consumers and labels. He also gives insight into Spotify curated versus independently curated playlists, how Streaming Promotions identifies playlists that matter, how they find artists they want to work with, scams to avoid, and what artists should be asking as they look into this world of streaming promotions.
This "rewind" episode features Mike Dawson from his first appearance on the the Unstarving Musician, which was episode 1 of the podcast. Mike has also been featured in episodes 25, 50 and the "best of" episode 100. He is Managing Editor of Modern Drummer Magazine, a pro drummer, co-host of The Modern Drummer Podcast, and a music educator.
This remains one of my favorite Unstarving Musician and is among the most popular episodes of the podcast. Our conversation covers Mike's prolific hustle as a gigging and studio musician, family life, music education, his early music influences, business, marketing, YouTube and more.
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com for related links, episode transcript and more.
Peter Rand is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter who I met on the collaboration platform Kompoz. You may have noticed my recent obsession with collaboration apps as of late, in which case you'll know about this article that I contributed to Forbes.com.
These Three Collaboration Apps Are Changing The Way Music Is Created
Peter and I have collaborated on some of the over 800 projects he has posted on Kompoz. 800! That's amazing. Ten of his Kompoz collaborations were recently published in the public digital domain.
In this conversation, Peter provides a little insight into Kompoz, why we both like it and more.
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com for episode transcript and links to just about everything discussed in this episode.
Markus K is a blues fusion player and master looper who performs street concerts around the world. He’s also a user of the collaboration app Trackd, which he says allows him to record anywhere with great results. This is another in a series of episodes covering the online music collaboration space.
Read my article about music collaboration apps on Forbes.com
These Three Collaboration Apps Are Changing The Way Music Is Created
Markus has worked in a wide range of studios and claims he can’t say enough nice things about Trackd. He first learned about it through a friend. The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic prompted him to dig deep into the app and since then he’s published multiple singles recorded with Trackd.
In this conversation, we talk extensively about Trackd, street performing, Markus’ travels and more.
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com for related links, episode transcript and more.
This week Rachel Hearnden joins me for a conversation to talk about the collaboration app Trackd, of which she is a user and avid fan. A drummer at heart, Rachel is also a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter. It may sound corny, Rachel says, but Trackd has changed her life.
We talk about the many reasons she loves Trackd, how she uses the app, why she thinks other musicians should try it and much more. Our conversation is related to an article I recently wrote for Forbes.com, covering the online music collaboration space. Here’s a link to that article:
These Three Collaboration Apps Are Changing The Way Music Is Created
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com for related links, episode transcript and more.
This is the third in a multi-part series related to the world of online music collaboration, which has turned out to be much more than I expected. There are a number of truly innovative and interesting approaches happening. In this episode, I speak with Grant Tilbury of Trackd, the mobile app that allows musicians to capture and share ideas. Trackd is a collaboration platform and 8-track studio on your phone.
Grant and the team at Trackd believe a new set of tools emerging in the collaboration space could help music artists make money with their craft and bring life to new music genres. We talk about this, trends the Trackd team are watching, questions they want artists to help them answer, their philosophy and approach to this growing space of online collaboration and much more.
Mentioned in this Episode * Download Trackd Studio * Music at Long Distance – Online Creation and Collaboration Tools from Abbey Road Red * Writing and Recording Music – Article by Robonzo * These Three Collaboration Apps Are Changing The Way Music Is Created (Forbes.com article by Robonzo) * Dave Stewart Global Songwriting Collaboration
Related Episodes Online Collaboration And The Always-On Music Industry–SoundStorming (Ep 173)
The Evolution of Music Collaboration–Raf Fiol of Kompoz (Ep 171)
For full resources, show notes and episode transcripts go to UnstarvingMusician.com
This is the second in a multi-part series that covers the online music collaboration space. My guests this week, Alicia Rius and Arnau Bosch of SoundStorming, believe that online collaboration apps will feed the next iteration of the music industry and allow a new breed of fans to become part of the creative process. With fan engagement opportunities growing, online collaboration apps have the potential to help us re-imagine music discovery.
Alicia was featured in episode 153 of the podcast where we discussed the inception of SoundStorming. Her partner Arnau is a music creator and together they’re both passionate about what the SoundStorming team is building.
In this discussion we talk about who’s using their service, interesting trends on online collaboration, changes driven by the Covid crisis of 2020, the future of online collaboration and more.
For full resources, show notes and episode transcripts go to UnstarvingMusician.com
Scottish-Canadian singer-songwriter Evangeline Gentle is set to release a debut album three years in the making. In this episode, they talk about writing the new album during a period of deep self-doubt as well as the struggle to preserve the softness and tenderness within. We also discuss homophobia and misogyny in the music business, what it’s like being a queer person in the business, how the Covid crisis altered their path, the integration of Celtic folk music in their music, PR, indie record label representation and much more.
For full resources, show notes and episode transcripts go to UnstarvingMusician.com
My guest for this episode is Raf Fiol of Kompoz, the online collaboration platform for musicians. This is one of a five episode series that is related to an article I published for Forbes.com, which covers the online music collaboration space. I'm trying to better understand the different approaches and models within the space. Online collaboration and the trends therein are extremely fascinating to me. It is also something I encourage other musicians to look into.
I'm a Kompoz user/member, having recently signed up, and have already submitted my first collaboration track. Among the topics Raf and I discuss are the evolution of Kompoz as a platform and community, Raf's thoughts on the future of online collaboration, why he started Kompoz, who the platform is best suited for and much more.
For full resources, show notes and episode transcripts go to UnstarvingMusician.com
Meet musician-turned-entrepreneur Michael Walker, Founder of Modern Musician. His team's mission is to help other musicians supercharge their fan base and career. And Michael doesn't just talk the talk. He's tested the same grassroots techniques and three core principles that Modern Musician teaches. These techniques allow musicians to achieve sustainable success, and also helped Michael's band Paradise Fears make waves on the alternative charts of iTunes.
Michael and I discuss his music career, Paradise Fears, why and when artists come to Modern Musician for help, the process of identifying the ideal client profile, details on Modern Musician’s core principles and techniques, and much more. Michael also gives an impromptu live performance from his home studio.
Find episode transcript, show notes and resources at UnstarvingMusician.com
This episode's featured guests are Shannon Curtis and Jamie Hill. They're both alumni of this podcast, and were recently mentioned in my article Six Skills All Indie Musicians Need Today.
Shannon is the queen bee of house concerts in my world. She led me to learn more about the house concert scene and is the reason I played my very first house show earlier this year, with Johnny Burgin. Jamie is Shannon's producer and faithful partner.
My wife and I attended one of their virtual house shows earlier this week, which was more than just a music performance. Shannon and Jamie are working to create an immersive experience both musically and conversationally. This is all part of their devotion to the community that supports every facet of their music business and their lives beyond music. Shannon and Jamie are hosts of the Misfit Stars podcast, which is integral part of their community ecosystem.
Episode Highlights In this conversation we discuss:
- The Shannon Curtis 2020 Virtual House Concert Tour
- The process of adapting to and pivoting for Covid-19
- The structure and theme of their virtual house shows
- Recent changes that help them better serve their supporter community
- The framework of their new patronage model
- Their open-handed approach to everything they do
- Honoring the work we do with the words we use
- What Jamie wants for any artist he works with (as a producer)
For more resources and show notes go to UnstarvingMusician.com
Caleb Lovely is a multi-instrumentalist, incredibly talented and good looking to boot. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Caleb is growing his music career while occasionally working on an Alpaca farm - how cool is that?
We discuss how writing about happy times can be even more challenging than writing about traumatic events. Relationships are a key aspect to his music. We also geek out on all things home-studio, EQ tricks for drums, experimentation with sound and much more.
Episode Highlights We start by talking about his marriage of three years (10:00) and go on to discuss:
- (11:55) The hardest topic to write about
- (17:40) Growing up across 12 states
- (28:23) Top tips for EQ
- (42:25) How artists need to do it all
- (53:30) Getting involved with PR and entertainment groups
For full show notes and resources go to UnstarvingMusician.com
In our final installment of the Today’s Indie Musician series, my guest is Lara Price who I know from way back when in the San Francisco Bay Area. She has a new podcast called In The Trenches with Lara Price where she shares about her own mental health, interviews friends about the Black Lives Matter movement and more. Her latest album, I Mean Business, is so incredibly good and I hope you check it out.
We discuss my various theories on what it takes for indie musicians to have a thriving career. We talk about building community both online and in person, getting comfortable with technology, digital distribution and more.
Episode Highlights We start by talking about the need for a developed web presence (03:29) and go on to discuss:
- (06:00) Making use of the algorithm
- (14:30) Online tipping for online performances
- (20:50) Building community with exclusive content
- (25:40) The effect quarantine is having one some artists
- (31:47) Tips and tricks to get in front of more listeners
For more information and show notes go to UnstarvingMusician.com
This is the second installment of Today’s Indie Musician series in which ’m talking with former guests of the podcast to do deep dives on the industry, what’s happening during these wild times and where we see it going. These episodes were done as research I did for a Forbes.com article on the Six Skills All Indie Musicians Need Today.
Our guest today is Mawk Phoenix from episode 131. We discuss my various suppositions about the important elements an indie musician must master these days. I share my experience recording drums at home, which was fun to discuss with Mawk given his experience in production and sound engineering. Mawk’s long career gives him a unique perspective on the skills indie musicians need today.
Episode Highlights We start by talking about how artists need to be entrepreneurs (05:43) and go on to discuss:
- (08:40) Building a community versus followers
- (10:15) Re-inventing how we perform
- (17:40) Recording at home and digital distribution
- (22:44) Building a niche audience
Quotable The path is not to getting a deal anymore. The path is to creating your own business and your own branding.
–Mawk Phoenix
For full resources and show notes go to UnstarvingMusician.com
Today we launch a special series. I’m talking with former guests of the podcast to do deep dives on the industry, what’s happening during these wild times and where we see it going. We talk about our need to be increasingly savvy about branding and community building, how we can elevate live streaming, that platforms for online learning will be critical, recording at home and I also share my thoughts on how the arc of a music career is longer than it used to be.
Our guest today is Ariane Cap from episode 141. Ariane is an accomplished musician, touring artist, online educator, and has worked with some of the greats. In our first interview we talked about the development of her online courses, self-publishing music, and being consistent with content creation.
Episode Highlights We start by talking about how musicians need to have a solid following and web presence (09:09) and go on to discuss:
- (11:23) How uncertain times have changed live-streaming
- (16:09) Using new tools and technologies to build community
- (21:00) The surprising benefits of teaching virtually
- (25:13) Becoming savvy about digital distribution
For more resources and full show notes go to UnstarvingMusician.com
This episode is another installment of the Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs: How to Get Booked and Paid What You’re Worth Over and Over Again.
As I work on the second edition of The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs: How to Get Booked and Paid What You’re Worth Over and Over Again, I’m continuing to release the audio of the first edition. If you want to get a copy of the second edition as soon as it’s out, make sure to join the Unstarving Musician’s Community.
This chapter talks a lot about subbing and to make yourself an in-demand musician. While it very much depends on live music, which is a challenge during COVID-19, I want you to think about these strategies as they apply to the future.
If you think creatively you can apply the principles to live streaming, collaborating with venues and other artists, and subbing may even become the norm of the future.
Episode Highlights We start by talking about putting the word out to your inner circle (07:48) and go on to discuss:
- (08:55) Sample ads to land subbing gigs
- (11:00) Managing your busier than ever schedule
- (14:00) Tracking your Client Relationship Management (CRM)
- (17:50) Creating demand through networking
For more resources and full show notes go to UnstarvingMusician.com
Neil Schnell is one of my best pals in music. He shares some of my best memories of performing music in the Dallas-Fort Worth area of Texas. He has been making a living with his trio Velvet Love Box, though things have slowed down due to the Covid Crisis.
We talk about live streaming during the pandemic, accepting online tips, and how to make streaming work for you. He also talks about getting back into live gigs, despite mixed emotions. Neil is featured on a new release by our mutual friend, Lannie Flowers, called Home.
Episode Highlights We start by talking about a recent Facebook show (5:25) and go on to discuss:
- (12:30) Re-adjusting to a live audience
- (21:50) Mixed emotions of returning to “normal”
- (25:00) Streaming stage setup
- (30:30) Advice for those hesitant to live stream
- (44:20) Where live streaming will fit into the future
- (57:40) Branding and social media
For more resources and show notes go to UnstarvingMusician.com
This episode is another installment of the Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs:
How to Get Booked and Paid What You’re Worth Over and Over Again.
This is chapter 8, which focuses on building your personal brand and reputation.
I published the Unstarving Musician’s Guide just a little over three years ago, and it was a stand alone podcast. Now it is being dripped into episodes here on this podcast.
I’m working on the second edition - I’m just about done with the first pass and that feels good. I’ve learned a lot since starting this podcast, so I’ll be adding that to the book. My guests have shared much wisdom, social media has changed dramatically, and all of that will be referenced in the new edition of the book.
In the years leading up to the book being published I was subbing a lot in the San Francisco Bay Area, which influences part of the book. I’ll be referencing Camelia Akhamie Kies in this new edition, as she and I share an experience of being apartment dwelling drummers, though she’s even taken her drum kit to the beach.
If you’re part of the Unstarving Musician community you’ll be first to know when the new edition drops.
Episode Highlights We start by talking about how the quality of your performance is your best chance at a good first impression (08:30) and go on to discuss:
- (09:30) Practice, preparation and focus
- (10:40) Advice for ‘off’ nights
- (13:30) Being an apartment drummer
- (15:20) Doing a reputation check-in
- (17:40) Your brand and social media
- (22:00) An offline brand
For more resources and full show notes go to UnstarvingMusician.com
Matt James is the lead singer of a band called Blacktop Mojo. The band lives together in the same house - advantageous in a pandemic. They’ve been able to write music in self-isolation, live stream and they have a brand new EP called Static.
Blacktop Mojo is a regularly touring band and they frequent many festivals. We talk about the many considerations they’ll need to take when public gathering restrictions begin to ease.
Episode Highlights We start by talking about live stream collaborations (04:30) and go on to discuss:
- (09:50) Releasing albums instead of the single-release trend
- (18:20) The range of music styles at festivals
- (20:45) Adapting performances to the pandemic
- (32:45) The original band makeup
- (36:07) The role of a band manager
- (38:20) Our favorite music and non-music podcasts
- (47:00) Releasing albums on vinyl
For more show notes and resources go to UnstarvingMusician.com
Singer-songwriter Kate Schutt’s latest album is about her five-year journey caring for her mother while she was dying of cancer. We share the loss of a parent to cancer and talked about the grief that is happening during these isolated times.
Kate wrote a book about songwriting called The Ultimate Guide to Songwriting in which she shares how we all have a meaningful song within us and how to draw it out. For Kate, music has been a way to process and navigate hard moments in her life, and she hopes that by sharing this in song that it can be the conversation starter for others to connect.
Episode Highlights We start by talking about her ties to Canada (05:30) and go on to discuss:
- (12:30) Taking on a caregiver role
- (19:30) Keeping music alive while caring for her mother
- (26:40) Living in New York during the pandemic
- (36:00) Using music to discuss grief and loss
- (39:27) Her love of Tina Turner
- (53:50) The battle with self-criticism
For more resources and show notes go to UnstarvingMusician.com
Rebecca Loebe has been actively touring since 2010, which of course came to a pause during the pandemic. She had wisely been building a loyal fan base community on her own platforms and eventually on Patreon.
We talk about the benefits of her community focus, as well as her audio-engineering pursuits, her home studio, fun merchandising strategies, pandemic gardening and her appearance on The Voice singing Nirvana’s Come As You Are.
Episode Highlights We start by talking about how Rebecca started on Patreon (04:19) and go on to discuss:
- (10:30) The benefits of using Patreon
- (14:25) Her active touring schedule
- (20:00) Launching an album with no money for a marketing campaign
- (23:45) Pursuing and audio-engineering major
- (31:00) The evolution of Rebecca’s home studio
- (37:40) Creative merchandising
- (47:18) Letting go of the fear
For more resources and show notes go to UnstarvingMusician.com
Dave De Carion is a longtime friend from the San Francisco Bay area. He became a student musician of one of my bandmates and was soon leading his own cover band Severe Pleasure. Recently Dave got stuck in Hawaii given travel restrictions from the pandemic and has been looking at gig prospects on the island.
Dave markets to a great personal network, consistently books gigs for his band, and is always giving thought to how he can get even better gigs. We dive into tried and true marketing methods to stand out from all the other bands pitching to booking agents, why certain promotional materials work better than others, and the attitude of giving more than you get.
Episode Highlights We start by talking about recently getting stranded in Hawaii (08:10) and go on to discuss:
- (15:25) Learning bass later in life
- (22:00) Tips for distinguishing your band to venues
- (28:25) Pitching to booking agents
- (37:00) The future of the band following reopening
- (46:15) Giving more than you get
For full show notes and resources go to UnstarvingMusician.com
Dean Johanesen first appeared on the podcast almost 100 episodes ago. Dean is a regular performer, so this pandemic has hit him quite hard. Adjusting to the new normal, he pivoted into live stream performances, and I even caught a recent one on StageIt. As his hometown of Sarasota FL begins to reopen, we talk about the hard decision to return to gigging.
We have a conversation about how songwriting and idea tracking has evolved over the years, how he leverages technology, what you can do to improve a live stream performance and how to create memorable shows for your audience.
Episode Highlights We start by talking about whether his songwriting process has evolved since last we spoke (06:50) and go on to discuss:
- (11:00) Using Google Docs to capture lyric and chord charts
- (17:55) Live streaming shows during isolation
- (26:50) The pros and cons of Stageit vs. Facebook live
- (36:35) Tips to improve your live stream quality
- (39:33) Using Reverb Nation
- (51:05) Returning to live music in uncertain times
- (55:55) Creating visually memorable shows
For full show notes and resources go to UnstarvingMusician.com
Juno is an insanely talented guitarist and songwriter with her debut album called Help is Not on the Way. Having worked with some big names including Bruno Mars, Camila Cabello, Fifth Harmony, Erykah Badu, India Arie and more, this new album hits a very personal note.
We talk about how Juno had some preconceived notions of how an album should be in terms of songwriting and production, but our current challenging times threw all that out the window and it worked out for the better.
Episode Highlights We start by talking about the track Kitchen from her new album and its inspiration (05:00) and go on to discuss:
- (08:25) Using voice memos to track ideas and melodies
- (11:30) Finishing an album in quarantine
- (20:50) How the production of her album shifted
- (23:00) Social media as a diary
- (28:25) Teaching guitar over Skype
- (31:29) Her unexpected journey to becoming an artist
- (48:35) Not needing permission to create
For more resources and show notes go to UnstarvingMusician.com
Kendal Conrad has an impressive singing and songwriting resume for someone so young. Based in Nashville, Kendal has actively pursued gigs including singing the national anthem for MLB, NBA, MMA, NASCAR events and more. She’s had the opportunity to perform at the White House, opened for artists like Blake Shelton and Walker Hayes, and she may have sang a little duet with some guy named Keith Urban.
Kendal shares how she’s approaching the release of her music, particularly during these challenging times, and the difference between the number of songs she creates versus the ones that are distributed. We also talk about her love for a good romantic song, how a touch of pop can carry her through multiple genres, and our shared enjoyment of horror movies.
Episode Highlights We start by talking about the music scene in her hometown vs. Nashville (06:26) and go on to discuss:
- (11:20) The nostalgia of romance
- (19:15) Singing a duet with Keith Urban
- (25:50) Experimenting on Instagram
- (34:45) Her release strategy for singles
- (42:00) Distributing music
- (44:15) Our shared love of horror movies
- (48:00) Adapting to the current challenges
For more information and resources go to UnstarvingMusician.com
SoundStorming is trying to disrupt the system that is the music industry, specifically how and where artists share their music, and today I’m joined by one of the co-founders, Alicia Rius. The app allows artists to share their music with an ever-growing and supportive community from the very beginning of their creative journey.
Alicia and I talk about the inception of the idea, how it all works for the artist, the beauty of collaboration and discovery in today’s world of music, why we should be excited about the SoundStorming platform, how they plan to make money and where the rest of the industry plays into the SoundStorming picture.
The strategy is to roll it out in three phases. The first step is empowering the next generation of musicians with a streamlined, user-friendly platform that makes it easy and rewarding to network and collaborate with other artists. The second step will be to bring the professional community of established musicians, producers, A&R folks, etc. into the mix; people who can give well-needed advice and mentoring to emerging artists. The third step will be to open the doors to audiences so artists will be able to use the creative process as exclusive content to engage with fans and be discovered.
Episode Highlights We start by talking about her move to Los Angeles (04:28) and go on to discuss:
- (06:50)The genesis of Sound Storming
- (12:00) How Sound Storming works
- (23:55) Ways to improve audio recording
- (28:12) Building a brand new online community
- (37:41) Using the app to produce music
- (50:10) Collaborating with artists around the world
For full shownotes and resources go to UnstarvingMusician.com
Judy Rodman is joining us on the podcast for the third time. We wanted to talk about life for musicians during the pandemic. We talk about staying well, creating and learning, being useful to others and improving ourselves.
Judy wants to prepare us for the fact that a return to concerts and gigs will take a minimum of eighteen months to two years. She reminds us that we mustn't depend on a single source of income, and shares how artists can expand their skill set, create voice and music productions at home, and choose to see this time as an opportunity.
Episode Highlights We start by talking about her initial thoughts for musicians during this pandemic (05:40) and go on to discuss:
- (09:15) The mindset of the first versus the second album
- (13:10) Advice for artists who are struggling right now
- (18:38) Improving the quality of her online programs
- (22:46) The intricacies of voice-over work
- (31:35) Recording tracks at home
- (38:08) Microphone techniques
- (40:15) All Things Vocal podcast and what’s on the horizon
For full show notes and resources go to UnstarvingMusician.com
Today we welcome back producer, singer, songwriter, educator and wellness practitioner, Liz Cirelli. When we first spoke, Liz was very much in a growth phase, and now she’s got some exciting projects on the go, including the launch of The Cirelli School of Music.
I wanted to have her back so that we could talk about the team Liz has surrounded herself with to accomplish her goals, how she is using her skills in multiple areas, what music production looks like during COVID-19—to top it off Liz lives in Italy at the heart of this pandemic.
Episode Highlights
We start by talking about an update on the Art is Dead original soundtrack project (05:48) and go on to discuss:
- (10:32) Her recent collection of remixes
- (16:00) New work with Minski
- (27:40) Developing online communities on Patreon and FB
- (33:00) The Cirelli School of Music
- (44:00) What she will or won’t be doing differently because of COVID-19
Quotable
“Dance music for me is not just something that I listen to. It’s part of my soul and it really felt that way when I was working on the remix. It felt nourishing.”
—Liz Cirelli
For full show notes and resources go to UnstarvingMusician.com
Camellia Akhamie Kies, is an epic drummer and a new mom. She played drums throughout her entire pregnancy and Camellia is now a case study as there weren’t many, if any, expecting moms playing drums at her level during her pregnancy.
An Navy Veteran, Camellia played for the US Navy 7th Fleet band. She’s toured many countries in Asia and the Americas. She’s performed on national TV in the U.S., is a teacher and a composer, and she has a strong social media following.
We commiserate about how self-limiting talk is something she deals with. She also shares how she approaches writing new songs and we talk about how we are coping with COVID-19.
Episode Highlights
We start by talking about growing up in Germany (4:46) and go on to discuss:
- (12:36) The history of starting The Beach Drum Shed and Akhamie Music LLC
- (20:36) The meaning behind Akhamie’s name
- (23:50) Her strategic approach to growing her social following
- (32:15) How teaching and DJing are part of her life
- (36:50) Online teaching and what it looks like in her future
- (49:50) Her singles-release plan for the year
- (53:30) How COVID-19 changes production and performance
Quotable
“The timeline is gonna change, but I can make this happen by myself. For the most part, you can do it all yourself.”
—Camellia Akhamie Kies
For more resources and show notes go to UnstarvingMusican.com
Zack O’Malley Greenburgh is the author of A-List Angels: How a Band of Actors, Artists and Athletes Hacked Silicon Valley. Zack is the Senior Editor of Media & Entertainment at Forbes Magazine, where he started working straight out of college. He is the author of many Forbes cover stories including Ashton Kutcher, Katy Perry, Richard Branson, A-Rod and others.
A 2007 Forbes list of top earning rappers in the world spawned his career as an author, and his newest book offers lessons to all indie artists on how to maintain equity in your own work. It is a compelling read with many tangible lessons.
Episode Highlights
We start by talking about how he found his way to working at Forbes (04:50) and go on to discuss:
- (11:00) What led him to writing A-List Angels
- (19:04) The lessons for indie artists on retaining equity
- (25:25) Zack’s connection to music
- (30:05) Adjusting his career and book promotion to a COVID-19 landscape
- (35:10) Counter-programming in stressful times
Quotable
“A lot of people are intimidated to ask questions, but then people get into the spot of nodding your head and people assume you know what you’re talking about. Ask those questions that you think are dumb. Better that you get them out of the way early so that later you’re the expert.”
—Zack O’Malley Greenburg
For more resources and show notes go to UnstarvingMusician.com
Chloe Collins is a singer songwriter based in Nashville. She’s not your typical 19-year old. From New York, Chloe moved to Nashville in her early/mid teens to immerse herself in music and the Nashville scene. She’s a seasoned performer and recording artist having played some very noteworthy venues, including The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, the Opry City Stage and The Bitter End in New York, and the House of Blues in New Orleans.
Chloe is now learning how to be a performing artist amidst a pandemic. Although she built an amazing social following and community, she confesses that the whole live streaming thing is new and challenging. She anticipates that recording is about to become a challenge for her as well. It seems to me that she takes every challenge head on, with little fear.
Her latest release Didn’t Want You is an exploration in new sounds for Chloe and she is hoping to dive deeper with it in future recordings.
Episode Highlights
We start by talking about her vinyl collection (05:15) and go on to discuss:
- (10:10) Being a young performer in 21+ venues
- (12:25) Her experience at the Whiskey Jam and Nashville Tour Stop
- (18:11) Working with a publicity agency
- (19:40) Having her music featured in film and TV
- (27:20) How she is approaching performing during COVID-19
- (35:30) Putting your fears into perspective
- (40:02) Assembling a band and collaborative songwriting
Quotable
“Sing what you feel, write what you feel and the right show will come along.”—Chloe Collins
For full show notes and resources go to UnstarvingMusician.com
Danielle Eva Schwob is the artist behind Delanila. We spoke on the release day of her single, The Philosopher, part of the album Overloaded. Danielle is an accomplished musician, composer and is well-studied in music arts.
Originally from London, but based in the U.S., Danielle is a cross-genre composer creating pieces for concert works, film scores, experimental electro-rock. She believes strongly in collaboration and has worked with many well-known artists and projects.
In this interview we touch on her career leading up to her new album, lessons she’s learned, competitiveness in the industry, confronting limitations and much more.
Episode Highlights
We start by talking about the release of The Philosopher music video and go on to discuss:
- (11:10) When her composing gained traction
- (15:44) Finding like-minded collaborators
- (24:44) The experience as a Sundance Institute Composers Lab Fellow
- (33:21) The importance of sharing the creative struggles
- (45:12) How other people can help you push yourself
Quotable
“Be proactive in reaching out to people whose work you admire who are further up the ladder than you, but also really build relationships with other artists who are on their way up.”—Danielle Eva Schwob
“If you have an idea that seems a little out there and you’re not quite sure if you can pull it off, nine times out of ten you actually can. It’s just a case of sitting down and really working through it.”—Danielle Eva Schwob
For more resources and show notes go to UnstarvingMusician.com
My guest is Tara Simon, acclaimed vocalist and creator of Tara Simon Studios. In our pre-interview conversation I learned that Tara is really into analytics, and she should be–she’s doing really well on YouTube!
She wanted to be a singer, win a Grammy, and tour the world. Tara accomplished a lot along the way, including being recognized as a top finalist on the second season of the X Factor, and scoring the role of Serena Katz in a broadway audition for Fame.
We talk about life events that pushed Tara to change course. She is a woman with high standards for her business. Fans of her music won’t be left behind. Tara says she has recorded work of her own in the pipeline.
Episode Highlights We start by talking about a student named Peter who changed her life (06:01) and go on to discuss:
- (11:52) Her YouTube channel and their goal to under promise, over deliver
- (18:05) How she selects coaches for her team
- (28:44) Brick and mortar vs. online teaching
- (31:42) Her approach to online courses
- (39:00) Future plans for recording her own music
For more resources go to UnstarvingMusician.com
Kelly Atkins is an insanely diverse vocalist who juggles various projects and bands, not to mention her role as Deputy Director of Kitka, a world-renowned women’s vocal ensemble. She makes all of this work while balancing motherhood and community involvement. We talk about how musicians can piece together a full-time career through multiple avenues.
An active performer both nationally and internationally for over 20 years, Kelly is based in Marin County, part of the San Francisco Bay Area. Kelly has over fifteen years of experience as a commercial vocalist, arranger and songwriter and many of her works have been licensed for television and film.
Episode Highlights We start by talking about her various roles supporting Kitka (07:35) and go on to discuss:
- (14:57) Singing with 20 Minute Loop
- (21:10) Life as a musician mom
- (27:17) Her experience as a vocal coach
- (32:30) The market for vocal coaching and online teaching
- (46:30) Her advice for singers who want to have a thriving career
For full show notes and resources go to UnstarvingMusician.com
Kendall Rucks is highly influenced by the fashion and vibe of the 60s and 70s, has roots in 80s and 90s rock, and she loves LA. Inspired by Fiona Apple’s Tidal album, Kendall’s big goal is to create an album that tells a story, while balancing the current single release strategy that is successful in the current industry.
Kendall grew up in Florida, but now calls LA home as she works both as a solo artist and with her band, The Zodiac Mafia. Known for her powerful vocals, Kendall juggles multiple projects, infuses several genres and consciously works to create a strong brand identity.
Episode Highlights
We start by talking about her singles release strategy (05:09) and go on to discuss:
- (09:26) Her upcoming gig at Okeechobee Fest
- (13:10) The impact of a management company on her career
- (19:01) Advice for aspiring artists to get support
- (20:45) How to develop your brand identity
- (25:30) The origin of her appreciation for rock music
- (29:45) Her time at the Musicians Institute
Quotable
“You can be talented, you can have great music, but if you don’t have an identity that sets you apart from others you don’t have a product.”—Kendall Rucks (19:01)
For full show notes and resources go to UnstarvingMusician.com
Alonzo is a multi-talented artist. You may have first been introduced to him as part of Fatally Unique on season 6 of America’s Got Talent. A phenomenal dancer, Alonzo always had dreams of something more. Singing was his passion and so in 2013 his years of preparation led to a Craigslist ad that launched a tour across Asia.
Alonzo is a big believer that we need to rid ourselves of fear and take that first step into action. Living free of fear has led to Alonzo touring with the 4U Prince Symphony Tour, being a back up singer for Christina Aguilera, singing at some of the top nightclubs in Hollywood and much more. A singer, songwriter, dancer, choreographer and incredible performer, Alonzo is just getting started.
Episode Highlights We start by talking about his experience with Bsquared MGMT (4:50) and go on to talk about:
- The Prince tour and singing for Christina Aguilera (06:50)
- The inspiration for #freeoffear (13:10)
- His vision for a dance school and Fatally Unique (23:00)
- The Craigslist ad that changed the trajectory of his career (26:50)
- Challenges of touring overseas (33:30)
- What he’d like to improve with his vocals (48:15)
Key Points * Pursue your dreams unapologetically * Believe in yourself, the people who matter will follow * Take your voice to the gym, even when you don’t have shows
For full show notes and resources go to UnstarvingMusician.com
The novel Corona virus COVID-19 pandemic is reminding us that there are things musicians can do to hedge our income during uncertain times. Amidst the cancellation of shows, festivals and conferences, many musicians are feeling uncertain about the near term future. Dave Cool, VP of Business Development at Bandzoogle joins me for a conversation about different ways musicians can still generate income. We also discuss how he became part of the Bandzoogle team and why he recently wrote this blog post on how musicians can ask fans for support during the coronavirus pandemic. We go on to talk about the following: * The pay-what-you-want model * Pre-order campaigns * Alternative ways of doing house concerts * The importance of side hustles * Teaching online * How the pandemic is affecting Dave and his co-workers at Bandzoogle
For full show notes go to http://unstarvingmusician.com
Ariane Cap is a multi-instrumentalist, educator, author, blogger and composer. She has a very cool online educational website for learning bass, technique and theory. Ariane’s courses and webinars have built a loyal following and she focuses on consistent content creation to support her business.
Hailing from Austria, Ariane shares with us how self-publishing a book on bass techniques became very popular and helped launch her online business. In addition to being a musician and a business owner, Ariane is a certified NLP Practitioner with a passion for positive self-talk, developing habits that stick and leveling up when you’re ready.
Episode Highlights We start by talking about how she grew up in idyllic Austria (3:40) and we go on to discuss:
- What brought her to the U.S. (6:30)
- Self-publishing her book and how it led her to build a team (15.20)
- The importance of consistency with content and how she makes it happen (24:00)
- Advantages and disadvantages of SoundCloud (29:15)
- The catalyst for building her online business (36:20)
- Tiny habits and her journey with NLP (48:55)
Key Points * Create consistent content and employ batch work to get ahead * Surround yourself with people who enhance your work * Avoid the overwhelm of tools. Start small. Grow. Then level up.
For full show notes go to http://unstarvingmusician.com
My guest this week is singer-songwriter Megan Leigh. Megan recently went full-time with her music career time and we dig into how that transition has gone. Along the way we explore how she found the help and support she needed to start the journey, upped her game as a musician, discovered her songwriting process and found life on the road.
Megan grew up on a farm where she later converted a barn to hosting house shows and other events. This experience brought her into contact with local musicians which turned out to be the key ingredient to her musical journey. Throughout this episode you’ll hear Megan stress the importance of community and getting out of your comfort zone to push yourself creatively and find what works. We all come to music a different way and it’s through sharing that with our community, seeing what works for others and trying it, that we really grow ourselves.
Episode Highlights We start this week by talking about our mutual acquaintance and Megan’s collaborator, Eli Lev, before going into:
- Megan’s history hosting events and discovering her local scene
- Mediation and the effect it’s had on her life
- Her musical and songwriting history
- Her songwriting process and advice on that process
- The importance of community and the thoughts behind making the leap to full-time
Key Points * Figure out your own process within a community. Experiment. Figure out what works. * When the moment comes, commit to it. Let it blossom. * There’s never a perfect time to make the leap. You start when you start and you’ll get a clearer vision as you go forward.
For full show notes and more resources go to UnstarvingMusician.com
In this episode I take on a challenge from the Pat Flynn podcast and reached out to a number of administrators of Facebook Communities. There is real power in community, but it comes with a number of challenges as well. I made the ask of a number of community hosts to share their insights, challenges and the reason they love building and contributing to their respective online communities.
Many of them stepped up to the mic and that’s what we’ve compiled in this episode.
Episode Highlights Some of the top tips and insights include:
- Build the community you would want for yourself
- Groups provide more visibility than Pages on Facebook
- Post regularly and you’ll see interaction grow
- You get out of it what you put into it
For full show notes go to UnstarvingMusician.com
Maybe you know him from his years as Rockin’ Johnny Burgin. Maybe you know him by his new handle, The Worldwide West Side Guitar Man. Performing up to 250 shows a year in Europe, Japan and coast to coast in the US, it’s possible you’ve heard him and don’t even know it yet. If that’s the case, you’re in for a treat. Rejoining me on the podcast for the first time since his appearance at end of 2017, Johnny’s been around the world a couple times since then. He’s here to tell us about his travels, what it’s like to rebrand his name and what songwriting on the road is like.
Johnny grew up in Starkville MS and Greenville SC where he got the chance to see touring blues bands like Guitar Jr, Gatemouth Brown and Eddie Clearwater. He learned the basics of the guitar from his folk musician father and while he initially thought he’d grow up to be a writer it was music that called the tune of his life. A mainstay of the Chicago blues festival and European tour circuit, Johnny has headlined festivals all over the US. Over the years he’s developed from a blues guitar slinger and local blues hero into a fully-fledged singer, harmonica player, a dynamic and engaging bandleader, as well as a mature, seasoned player.
Episode Highlights We kick off this episode by going through Johnny’s last year of touring before diving into:
- The best and worst parts of long tours
- Rebranding
- Rituals and mindset to keep writing on the road
- Carving out time for risks on stage
- The road ahead for 2020
Key Points * Find time in the ordinary to create space to risk for the extraordinary. * Keep yourself open to the creative impulse. Ritual and habit works, but the beginning of a song can come at you at any time.
Quotable
"I keep my ears open. If I can get a good phrase then I’m halfway through a good song."
—Johnny Burgin
"If they paid money, then that’s going against taking chances. You really owe them your very best stuff. But you gotta carve out a bit of risk taking within the performance so you have something for your brain to work on for going forward, so you’re not just doing the same performance all the time. Because they wanna see that too. They wanna see you take a chance."
—Johnny Burgin
For more resources go to UnstarvingMusician.com Mentioned in this Episode * Johnny Burgin * Cat Head * Chicago: The Blues Legends Today! * No Border Blues from Johnny Burgin * Quique Gomez * Ariane Cap * Redwood Cafe * Blues Blast Magazine * Play Apple Podcasts with Alexa * Johnny Burgin - She's a Hit * Tranquilo Retreat * Coronado Concierge * Picasso Coronado
Related Episodes * Why Musicians Shouldn't Have a Phone on Stage—Rockin' Johnny Burgin (Ep 31)
A weekend warrior working musician hailing from the frozen tundra of Calgary, Alberta, guitarist Ron Klimek got his first taste of being part of a band on local television. This started him down the path of more bands, more opportunities, eventually leading him…here. With me. A neighbor, a friend, and now bandmate in our new endeavor, R2V, Ron sits down with me to test some new equipment and talk about how he got to where he is and what he sees in the miles ahead. Hope you enjoy.
Episode Highlights We start by talking about the new podcast set-up before digging into:
- The difference between the full-time and part-time musician
- Ron’s personal journey with music, from early days to the present
- Finding your voice and sharing that journey through social media and mentorship
- Influences
- Technology and the potential dehumanizing of music. The millennial whoop.
Key Points * There are many paths. You have to find your own. * As you go down your path, share what you’ve learned.
For more information and resources to to UnstarvingMusician.com
Angela Predhomme is a soulful singer, composer and musician. She strives to make music that can stand up to the best of the best, and it certainly does. Angela’s music has been featured in many well known film and TV productions, she has won many songwriting awards and has been recognized by Thrive Global as a rising star.
Angela has done the hard work of building community online and in person. We discuss her approach to attaining a 5-digit social media presence, focusing on the online music economy, and creating content that serves her listeners. Angela approaches her career like a portfolio - no one thing is the be all end all, not even social media, and I appreciate it.
Episode Highlights We start by talking about how she got into podcast advertising and working with a PR firm. We then go on to discuss:
- Producing her own ads
- Building a 5-digit social media following
- Licensing music to well-known film and TV companies
- Experimenting with live video
Key Points * Serve others first. Community comes from service. * Keep putting out content. Keep a schedule.
Quotable
“If something is really bothering you, just let it out so you can get over it and move forward.”
—Angela Predhomme
For full show notes and other resources go to UnstarvingMusician.com
Eli Lev, a return guest to the podcast, just released the 3rd in a 4 album project. He’ll wrap the project up with that 4th album in the later part of 2020. He’s incredibly inspirational, having done so much in the short span of his music career. He’s all about intentions. And I think he found love recently. You’ll hear more about that in our conversation.
Global citizen and neo-folk singer Eli Lev is making the world a smaller place, one song at a time. Eli pens hymns for everyday enlightenment—songs that resonate because they’re heartfelt, earthy, and offer wisdom culled from self-discovery.
As I recorded the podcast in December, I asked Eli what he was looking forward to in the New Year. Eli’s looking forward to talking about our climate, and what he sees as the big challenge of 2020. I think he feels that it’s now or never time. And he has what I consider to be a healthy attitude about the issue. I support him and our beautiful planet.
Episode Highlights We start by talking about his first kickstarter campaign and the unique way he organized it. We then go on to discuss:
- A content-focused approach to building community
- Developing his 4 album project
- Self-care in order to maintain momentum
- Embarking on a duo project with Megan Leigh
- Raising awareness and action on climate change
Key Points * Mind, body and spirit alignment supports your career * Make use of your superpower * Filter out the noise. Get responsible for yourself, your career and your planet.
Quotable
“In order to be as productive as I need to be, I need to spend enough time eating well, meditating, running, and taking time off as in time on to music .”
—Eli Lev
“The only way to give to others and to society is if we give to ourselves first.”
—Eli Lev
“The more often you connect with people and the deeper you connect with people, the stronger that community will be. You have to put yourself out there and share what’s going on for you as an artist.”
—Eli Lev
For more information and full show notes go to UnstarvingMusician.com
Joshua Van Ness is a singer-songwriter, guitarist, drummer and native of New Jersey. To say that he has diverse interests and talents would be putting it mildly. Joshua is a regularly gigging artist with 2019 racking in over 170 shows.
Joshua is intentional in how he carves his music career, keeping in mind that he has a day job and a family to add into the mix. We talk about the strategy behind his goal setting, how he goes about getting better gigs, better paying gigs, and gigs opening with some of his heroes.
Episode Highlights We start by talking about his 2019 milestones and achievements. We then go on to discuss:
- How endorsements have played into the growth of his career
- Balancing steady gigs, a day job and a family
- The importance of promoting your events & fellow musicians
- The business of working with multiple bands
- Goal setting for 2020
Key Points * Get intentional with your goals * Balance your enjoyment of the work and the business of making a reasonable income.
Quotable
“When it’s documented, it is there for you to check back on.How many things throughout the day do you not come back to because of other responsibilities? There’s something about it actually being in black and white where it’s always there to come back to as a constant reminder.”—Joshua Van Ness
“There’s a million things that go into being a working musician. [Social media] is just one of them and you have to balance it. It’s important to keep perspective.”—Joshua Van Ness
Visit UnstarvingMusican.com for more show notes on this and other episodes.
Judy Rodman is a return guest as well as an award winning vocal coach, recording artist, author, producer, singer-songwriter and more. I recently caught up with Judy in person in October and it was such a treat.
Judy shares some of the powerful lessons and tips from her recently published book Singing In The Studio which include specialized vocal techniques and insider tips to create quality productions. We even get to hear a clip of the track “Somethin’ Like That” from the album Here We Are by John and Judy Rodman.
We dive deep into technical ways to use your voice, incorporate your body, and create a variety of emotions for the benefit of your audience. Judy shares her take on how to get your music out into the world without compromising your income.
Episode Highlights We start by talking about how to assess pitch and go on to discuss:
- Playing with different forms of content (video courses, podcast, ebook, etc.)
- How to get more out of singers
- Exercises to create emotion in your vocals
- Making use of your entire body to create expressive music
- Understanding when and where to stream your music
Key Points * Know who you are talking to. It creates a richer listener experience. * Your body impacts your voice. Play around with it. * Find your ideal audience for your quality music.
Quotable
“When you’re singing in the studio, you’re always a time traveler. We’re singing to an audience that does not exist in the present moment.”—Judy Rodman
“You and I are saying these things to benefit the audience that we know is listening, but we’re not talking directly to them. There is a difference.”—Judy Rodman
“Use your eyes like the person is really in front of you. If you use your eyes, it’ll be like you’re right in front of them. Instead of thinking of something, do something.”—Judy Rodman
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com for more show notes on this and other episodes.
David Andrew Wiebe is not only a singer-songwriter, but also a music educator. He’s found a way to grow his music career and the business of his music through a project he calls Music Entrepreneur HQ. The website and podcast dedicated to this project provide resources and information for independent musicians.
His goal is to help musicians with booking better shows, music sales and streaming, digital marketing, licensing, placement, and making a better income. We talk about all of this, and how he weaves his own music into the picture, his personal experience with mastermind groups, personal development programs, and a whole lot more.
Episode Highlights We start by talking about David’s experience running a mastermind and go on to discuss:
- His approach to providing education for the entrepreneurial musician
- What musicians should spend their time on
- Staying creative
- Aiming for single channel communication
- Personal development for musicians
Key Points * Focus on your strengths and what matters most to you. * Above all, make good music. * Do the hard things first.
Quotable
“I’ve spent a lot of time creating things that I wanted to create, instead of investing significant resources into marketing it, getting the right landing page, the right colours and all that. Nothing wrong with that if that’s your passion - I need those people - but I create what I want to create.”
—David Andrew Wiebe“You know that thing that you’ve been putting off? The thing you’ve been meaning to do? The thing that’s giving you a pang in your gut? Yeah. Go and do that. The things that you’re often not doing, once you get them out of the way you’re free to enjoy your day.”
—David Andrew Wiebe
Full show notes at UnstarvingMusician.com
Give your feedback at UnstarvingMusician.com/feedback.
Marc Phoenix received a master’s degree in classical guitar and pedagogy from the University of Zurich. He also studied Jazz & songwriting at Berklee College of Music. Marc also spent a couple of decades as a producer in Los Angeles with compositions that would do well on radio and which were featured on Blood Diamond, Little Miss Sunshine, Sex & The City, Charmed, Scrubs, among others. He has produced a number of noteworthy artists including Celine Dion, Alice Cooper, Nelly Furtado, Enya and Peter Gabriel.
Marc has decided to focus on his own music and performing, which happened upon on YouTube. I believe that was a recording of the same track we’ll feature in this episode, which is from his debut solo release This is the Sound. He currently resides in Malta. A fellow expat.
We talk about one of the opportunities in today’s new music business, going from a studio based career to one of being an independent artist, and celebrating not only the small wins, but the struggles as well. I learn he got the nickname Mawk through friends who made fun of his accent and more.
Mawk’s fascinating music journey begins in Switzerland.
Episode Highlights We start by talking about what took Marc to Malta and go on to discuss:
- How Marc got into house concerts in L.A.
- Moving into electronic music and remixes of popular songs
- Learning to make the challenges enjoyable
- Dissecting the energy of desire
- YouTube videos to educate your audience
Key Points * Focus on micro-milestones and successes along the way. * Mindset is everything - learn how to adapt it as needed.
Quotable
“Build up slowly, be patient, celebrate little successes daily. It doesn’t matter where you are, even if you have number one hits, because you have to build up again and again.”
—Mawk Phoenix“You get better out of necessity.”
—Mawk Phoenix
This is the fourth installment of The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs. I’m reading from Chapter 7 of the book which is all about sales and marketing.
A lot of what I’m discussing includes what we know we should be doing, but are we doing it? Use this episode and its tips as a chance to refocus your marketing and sales efforts so that you can increase bookings, your booking fee, and build your audience.
Episode Highlights I start off by talking about how most musicians just want to focus on their music, but I share how we can make selling a little more enjoyable.
- Creating photo and video content on Facebook
- Sharing the load among band members
- How to build the right audience
- The value of print materials in a digital world
- Email marketing as the surest way to get in front of your followers
- Getting your bookings in writing
Key Points * Sales and marketing is a necessary part of getting gigs. * Quality over quantity always. You have limited time so make it worth it.
Ryan Kairalla is an artist advocate, entertainment lawyer and host of the Break The Business Podcast. He leverages his background in law, business, education, and entertainment to enhance the careers independent music artists–and to pursue big ideas. With his network of partners, collaborators, mentors, and friends, Ryan brings people together to share helpful advice with music artists, content creators, and more.
We talk about his book, Break the Business: Declaring Your Independence and Achieving True Success in the Music Industry,which includes chapters on why you don’t want a record label, moving beyond the record label model and the sectors of your indie music empire. Ryan shares his thoughts on the shifts in the music industry and how indie artists can capitalize on them to propel their careers forward.
Episode Highlights We start by talking about Ryan’s experience in music contracts and how that shifted his focus to supporting indie artists. We go on to discuss:
- The ideal starting point for an indie musician
- Taking advantage of live streaming to build fan engagement
- Why musicians should get into podcasting (and how to do it)
- Performance Rights Organizations and how they work
- The value of acting or public speaking for musicians
Key Points * Everything you want to learn you can find for free or by asking for help. * Build a genuine connection with your fans. Be consistent both online and in person.
Quotable
“I have yet to read a record deal that I would advise a client to sign.”
—Ryan Kairalla“Podcasting offers content networking - building relationships with people in your industry by creating content that involves them.”
—Ryan Kairalla
“The music industry is shifting so much that musicians today are essentially influencers that happy to know how to carry a tune and play an Instagram. All the tools that an influencer uses - that’s what you need as an artist.”
—Ryan Kairalla
Chris Coles is the Founder of Musicians Unite, a community born out of the desire to support musicians of all ages, styles and skill levels together to help one another achieve their goals. Not only is it a group for musicians to share their challenges and successes, but it’s a place for them to learn from each other as well.
Chris is an avid drummer and percussionist. He holds a B.S. in Music Education and has played in groups ranging from funk to orchestra, rock to jazz and everything in between. Chris is passionate about supporting musicians to achieve their dreams, as well as crafting a community that listens to and implements the needs of its members.
In this episode we talk about overcoming burnout, being vs. doing, and surrounding yourself with the right people.
Episode Highlights We start by discussing how Musicians Unite was born and go on to discuss:
- Creating the community you wish you had
- Burnout that led to a multi-year break
- What’s up next for the Musicians Unite community
- The importance of networking with other musicians
- Making the process fun above all
Key Points * Listen to your membership. Build the product your members want in the format they prefer. * Connect with the right musicians who meet your goals. * Focus on what you can control.
For more information go to UnstarvingMusician.com
Frankie Raye is a powerhouse performer juggling over twenty shows a month. She is a singer-songwriter based out of Tampa, Florida. In 2019 Frankie launched her first album Brave. She has been recognized in several Best of the Bay categories including: singer, songwriter, vocalist, pop act - original, local band - original, cover band etc.
Frankie shares what it’s like to gig on a consistent basis, how she has leveraged working with an agency, her songwriting and creativity process, and much more. We also listen to her track Taking My Chances from her album Brave.
Episode Highlights We start by discussing Frankie’s nominations for the Best of the Bay Awards and go on to discuss:
- Working with an agency and the benefits it can provide
- The value of live performing
- Getting involved with the Tampa Bay Rays
- Tools Frankie uses to get in touch with her creativity
- Making time for songwriting
Key Points * Get someone in your corner who will support and challenge you. * The more you play, the more opportunities open up for you. Get in front of new people often.
For full show notes go to http://unstarvingmusician.com
Adam and Michael Scharff are longtime working musicians and music teachers. These days they’re in the world of virtual artist artist development. With a focus on mentoring artists, Adam and Michael offer a compliment of production, writing, recording services. Their podcast Mentoring for the Modern Day Musician features the advice and expertise of the Scharff brothers, designed to help music artists shorten the learning curve of navigating the rapidly changing music business.
Episode Highlights We start the interview with some ice-breakers where we discover that Adam learned Latin and that Michael’s first instrument was the violin. We go on to discuss:
- The origins of Mentoring for the Modern Musician
- Being easy to work with
- Focusing on live performances for success
- The pros and cons of a 360 label deal
- Focusing on why your audience cares about your music, message and brand
Key Points * Connect with your fans by treating them like real people - they are. * Figure out what it is about you that will make others come back to learn more.
Quotable
“The artists that stay are the artists that never really stop the [artist development] process.”
—Michael Scharff
“The superfan is gonna consume everything you have. They’re going to support you on Patreon.”
—Michael Scharff
“Fans are actually real human beings with wants and desires and needs and stories. They’re the ones you can count on to have a career, so it’s important to treat them like a real human.”
—Adam Scharff
“You have to be willing to unlearn something, then relearn it again.”
—Michael Scharff
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com for more on this and other episodes.
My guest today is Bruce Wawrzyniak of Now Hear This. We talk about PR, promotions, social media, websites, placements and a whole lot more.
I did a quick search for musician-focused podcasts and came across Now Hear This by our guest, Bruce Waryzyniak. His company has a focus on talent management, promotion and booking. He really knows his stuff, I learned so much during this episode. Bruce drops great tips and resources for indie musicians.
We just scraped the surface of all the topics, so we may just have to have Bruce back on the podcast.
Episode Highlights
We start by discussing one of his clients, Frankie Raye, who is doing twenty plus shows a month. We go on to discuss:
- Going beyond booking gigs and sharing who the artist is
- The value of a solid website
- Capturing your audience as opposed to one-way communication
- How to use LinkedIn to elevate your PR
- Creative song placements for artists
For more information related to this episode, head to UnstarvingMusician.com
This is a special announcement episode for Unstarving Musician gal pal Lindsay White and Lady Brain Presents. The conversation features Karyn Ann, who will be one of the performing artists for an upcoming Lady Brain Presents listening room event. (See press release below.) Karyn shares stories about networking on the road, and how new connections landed her a slot at this month’s Lady Brain Presents event.
Karyn’s voice is said to “beguile the most inattentive bar-goer.” Her singing and songwriting style draws comparisons to Bonnie Raitt, Carole King, Adele, and Brandi Carlile. She is a touring machine.
Lady Brain Presents Press Release Lady Brain Presents an intimate evening of music at the legendary Lestat’s featuring Rebekkah Darling, Karyn Ann, and Julia Sage
Tuesday, September 24, 2019 – On Wednesday, October 9, Lady Brain Presents will host their monthly community gathering at the legendary Lestat’s West listening room (3343 Adams Ave San Diego, CA 92116). This month’s showcase will feature original songwriting from local Lady Brain Collective members Rebekkah Darling and SDMA-nominated Julia Sage, as well as nationally touring artist Karyn Ann. The all ages event begins at 8pm, and cover is $10 at the door.
Lady Brain Presents organizer Lindsay White shared her thoughts on the importance of supporting and preserving the listening room experience:
“It’s a little jarring how we have all become so accustomed to drifting off into the mindless glow of virtual existence. Listening room concerts are a wonderful way for the community to reconnect and engage with local artists and the businesses who showcase them. These spaces are so healing, and these artists are so worthy of the community’s full attention.”
About the Musicians
Rebekkah Darling: Accompanied by Paul Tillery on upright bass and backing vocals, Rebekkah Darling plays primarily original blues, pop, and jazz tunes with a fun-loving ukulele twist.
Karyn Ann: This Portland, OR-based nationally touring artist draws comparisons to Bonnie Raitt, Carole King, Adele, and Brandi Carlile. Notable appearances include the legendary Bitter End in NYC, and the Women’s Redrock Music Festival alongside Emily Saliers of the Indigo Girls.
Julia Sage: Recently nominated for the Best New Artist SDMA alongside her band The Bad Hombres, Julia Sage inspires fans around the world with honest songwriting, raw performances, and distinct South Americana style.
For more information on Lady Brain Presents events, comp tickets, and/or artist interview inquiries, visit LadyBrainPresents.com
Mentioned in this Episode * Lindsay White * Rebekkah Darling * Karyn Ann * Julia Sage
Related Episodes * Community and Collaboration–Lindsay White (Ep 109) * Songwriting, Side Hustles and Gratitude – Lindsay White (Ep 71) * Managing Stage Fright with Perspective, a Conversation with Chris Avetta (Ep 111) * Facing Rejection and Staying Creative–Songwriter Tom Meny (Ep 107)
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com for more on this and other episodes.
My guest for this episode is LA-based musician, Miles Franco. We talk about balancing multiple projects and how he established himself after relocating from San Jose to LA.
Miles reminds me a little bit of myself. He gigs with a number of bands, he’s in demand. He’s balancing a day job, music, multiple bands and it’s not that easy. I was that way in the Dallas Fort Worth and Silicon Valley areas for sometimes. Miles, however, is spending his time focused on original projects.
Episode Highlights We begin by talking about the origin of his musical interests at age nine and go on to discuss:
- His first time playing SXSW, which helped him meet Paper Jackets
- Balancing a day job with his various gigs
- The various songs that have been big releases for his bands
- The evolution of All Good Things and licensing work that they do
- The challenges and benefits of finding external support
Key Points * Do good work, whether it’s at your day job or on stage * Get someone in your corner that is not in the band
Quotable
"There’s been a couple of times where you put the dream to rest and you say let’s look for a legitimate career. I’ve always had good jobs, but these days I’m taking a lot of time off to do great gigs."
—Miles Franco
"Don’t be spinning one plate."
—Miles Franco
Mentioned in this Episode * Gutter Daisies * Paper Jackets * All The Good Things * Red Jumpsuit Apparatus * Chrome Deluxe
Related Episodes * Connecting People, Organizing and Promoting Benefit Shows, and Chrome Deluxe – George Brandau (Ep 22) * Happiness in a Home Studio – Lance Harvill (Ep 73)
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com for more on this and other episodes.
Greg Wilnau, host of the Musician Monster podcast, joins me this episode. We talk about the Musician Monster website, which is a treasure trove of free resources, branding your music and making more money as a performing artist and more.
Greg Wilnau has been on my radar for quite some time. He is a working musician and a musician mentor. He’s all about helping other musicians make it and in Greg’s eyes making it doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with fame. He and I have a lot in common as you will hear, so I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.
Episode Highlights We begin by talking about his experience at the DIY Musician Conference and go on to discuss:
- The importance of mentors and how they affect your progression
- His 5-step plan to become self-sufficient
- His top suggestion to musicians wanting to make more money
- How he got involved with the Profitable Musician Summit
- Branding tips for musicians
- How to overcome plateaus in your business
- Collaborating with other musicians
3 Key Points 1. Transform your thinking and you’ll transform your business. 2. Focus on adding value. The money will come. 3. Get out of task-mode and focus on the overarching goal.
Quotable
“All the lessons that I learned becoming a musician (learning, practice, devotion and consistency), I applied those lessons to making money from my music. That’s what led me to making full-time income from my music. It was a mindset shift that changed everything.”
—Greg Wilnau, Musician Monster“The best way to stand out online is to reflect who you are in person to the designs and branding you put out there.”
—Greg Wilnau, Musician Monster“Any plateau I’ve overcome has only happened when I learned to think differently about the thing that was holding me back.”
—Greg Wilnau, Musician Monster
In this episode I speak with musician mindset coach and mentor Suz Paulinski of The Rock/Star Advocate. We talk about the DIY Musician Conference, her upcoming MusicPreneur Mindset Summit and the one thing she recommends to musicians who seek a better way. We also talk about her MusicPreneur podcast, on which I’m an upcoming guest.
Episode Highlights We begin by chatting about the DIY Musician Conference and go on to discuss:
- Understanding the music-preneur mindset
- How the MusicPreneur Summit originated
- What brings someone to hire a coach
- Creating sustainable habits and mindset shifts
- The Rock/Star Life Planning bundle
- Time management strategies
- Using creativity in all areas of music-making and entrepreneurship
3 Key Points 1. You will be more successful when you slow down and focus. 2. Mindset is key. You can learn to do activities, but make sure to master your mindset. 3. Create a sustainable business.
Quotable
“Even with a team, you’re still calling the shots. You still have to lead.”
—Suz Paulinski, The Rock/Star Advocate“People don’t do it because it’s eas; so what is the real reason that keeps you getting up every morning and going after it?”
—Suz Paulinski, The Rock/Star Advocate“We allow other people’s actions to dictate what we focus on rather than spending more time learning how to trust ourselves… You can only go down your own path.”
—Suz Paulinski, The Rock/Star Advocate
Mentioned in this Episode * The Rock/Star Advocate * DIY Musician Conference * MusicPreneur Podcast * MusicPreneur Mindset Summit
Related Episodes * Setting the Intention to Make Music Full Time – Eli Lev (Ep 70)
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Visit the Unstarving Musician Crowd Sponsor Page for more on supporting Visit UnstarvingMusician.com for more content related to this episode. MUSICIAN RESOURCES * The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo * BandZoogle– The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music * The Musician’s Profit Path: The 5-Stage Blueprint To Create Massive Growth In Your Fan Base and Sustainable Income For Your Music Career, by Bree Noble * No Booker, No Bouncer, No Bartender: How I Made $25K On A 2-Month House Concert Tour, by Shannon Curtis
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In this episode I speak with pianist, synthesist, producer, vocalist and songwriter Glasys. We talk about his immigration from Israel to Portland, Oregon, discovering a new local music scene, and the pivotal moments that lead to touring and recording with Todd Rundgren.
I discovered Glasys while listening to the Music Business Hacks podcast and related to his big move from Israel to Portland, and how that affects your music career. In my case that was from Texas to California, and ultimately to Panama.
We talk about how he grew his audiences through posting videos on Reddit, and more. We also listen to People from his latest album, Defective Humanity.
Episode Highlights Glasys and I start by talking about his two albums and the differences between creating them. We go on to discuss:
- How he came to work with Todd Rundgren
- The move from Israel to Portland, Oregon
- Diving into the open mic scene in a new city
- Growing his YouTube channel
- Common traits of successful artists
- Organizing a solo tour
- Experimenting with different instruments
- The technical details of creating your own videos (we discuss specific equipment)
- Collaborating with T-Pain
Key Points * Get out of your comfort zone. It’s important to try new things, ways to promote your music, styles, etc. * Find a balance and avoid burnout.
Quotable
“I get kind of bored if I stick to my comfort zone. I enjoy challenging myself. You have to challenge yourself just the right amount so it’s not too overwhelming.”
—Glasys“I think the art suffers if you just keep repeating yourself.” —Glasys
Mentioned in this Episode * Glasys Music * EP The Pressure * Defective Humanity * Glasys YouTube * Music Business Hacks * Glasys Interview on Music Business Hacks Podcast
Related Episodes * Music Career Growth, Podcasting and Activism 1- Simon Tam (Ep 116)
Pledge your support for Unstarving Musician on Patreon The Unstarving Musician is committed to sharing the best tips and information of other music professionals to help musicians do more of what they love – make music. Our weekly podcasts features in depth discussions with musicians and music space professionals discussing music creation, marketing, and business tips. All this is made possible by the contributions of individuals like you in our shared community who love making music.
Patreon is a bit like Kickstarter, but instead of culminating in one large project, it’s a way of crowdfunding ongoing creative endeavors. Patreon also serves as a community site where supporters can communicate and discuss new creations.
Visit the Unstarving Musician Crowd Sponsor Page for more on supporting MUSICIAN RESOURCES * The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo * BandZoogle– The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music * The Musician’s Profit Path: The 5-Stage Blueprint To Create Massive Growth In Your Fan Base and Sustainable Income For Your Music Career, by Bree Noble * No Booker, No Bouncer, No Bartender: How I Made $25K On A 2-Month House Concert Tour, by Shannon Curtis
Visit my Resources page for more musician resources. This episode is brought to you by Bandzoogle. From garage bands to Grammy winners, Bandzoogle powers the websites for thousands of musicians around the world.
Plans start at just $8.29/month, which includes hosting and your own free custom domain name. Go to Bandzoogle.com to start your 30 day free trial. Use promo code “robonzo” to get 15% off the first year of any subscription.
*Full Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase products using these links, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!
Brian Wolff of Fair City Fire is giving back to Austin’s youth as Community Engagement Coordinator with a nonprofit called Kids In a New Groove. In this episode we talk about how this work and the mission keeps him connected to his music, the release of his band’s new single Simple Stupid and much more.
Episode Highlights We start the episode by talking about Kids In a New Groove and go on to discuss:
- Shifting from mentoring to joining the Kids In a New Groove team
- The realities of foster care
- Balancing the mentor to mentee ratio
- What it takes to find the right mentor
- Changing up the songwriting process
- Promotional events and strategic partnerships
- The importance of caring for your mental health
Key Points 1. Avoid the jack of all trades mentality - create clear lanes for your team, especially a small team. 2. Leverage your network. 3. Quality above consistency.
Mentioned in this Episode * Kids In a New Groove * Fair City Fire * Simple Stupid Single * Too Damn Hot Event Aug 31 * The SIMS Foundation * Austin Detours * Say It Loud Podcast * Rhonda Patrick Podcast * Tips Concerts
Related Episodes Touring, Podcasting and Rocking with Fair City Fire - Brian Wolff (Ep 55)
Starting Over in Austin- Lara Price (Ep 47)
Lara Price on the San Jose Music Scene, Running Jam Bands, Tips for Jammers and I Mean Business (Ep 4)
Why DIY Recording is a Great Idea - Music Producer Mark Addison (Ep 99)
At The Intersection of Hard Work and Opportunity - Wendy Colonna (Ep 92)
MUSICIAN RESOURCES * The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo * BandZoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music * The Musician’s Profit Path: The 5-Stage Blueprint To Create Massive Growth In Your Fan Base and Sustainable Income For Your Music Career, by Bree Noble * No Booker, No Bouncer, No Bartender: How I Made $25K On A 2-Month House Concert Tour, by Shannon Curtis
Visit my Resources page for more musician resources.
Only a few episodes ago I was joined by Bollywood Blues artist, Aki Kumar. Aki had some exciting news at the time that was under wraps, so I wanted to have him back to announce his signing with Sony Music India and the release of his single Dilruba.
Episode Highlights We start by discussing the Sony Music India launch of his music video, and go on to discuss:
- How this opportunity has opened him up to a new yet familiar market
- The unusual nature of a Hindi artist in a Blues world
- How his relationship with Little Village Foundation has supported his career
- The reaction of his band members
- The universal language of blues and how that can increase your paid work
Mentioned in this Episode * Aki Kumar Website * Dilruba Music Video * Sony Music India YouTube Channel
Related Episodes * Why Musicians Shouldn’t Have a Cell Phone on Stage - Johnny Burgin (Ep 31) * Kid Andersen on TrueFire TV and His Forthcoming Album (Ep 110) * Mark Warner on The NightHawks, Performing, Recording & Rock & Roll (Ep 30) * Bollywood Blues Man Aki Kumar on Gratitude, Humility and Band Dynamics (Ep 113)
Pledge your support for Unstarving Musician on Patreon The Unstarving Musician is committed to sharing the best tips and information of other music professionals to help musicians do more of what they love – make music. Our weekly podcasts features in depth discussions with musicians and music space professionals discussing music creation, marketing, and business tips. All this is made possible by the contributions of individuals like you in our shared community who love making music.
Patreon is a bit like Kickstarter, but instead of culminating in one large project, it’s a way of crowdfunding ongoing creative endeavors. Patreon also serves as a community site where supporters can communicate and discuss new creations.
Visit the Unstarving Musician Crowd Sponsor Page for more on supporting MUSICIAN RESOURCES * The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo * BandZoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music * The Musician’s Profit Path: The 5-Stage Blueprint To Create Massive Growth In Your Fan Base and Sustainable Income For Your Music Career, by Bree Noble * No Booker, No Bouncer, No Bartender: How I Made $25K On A 2-Month House Concert Tour, by Shannon Curtis
Visit my Resources page for more musician resources. This episode is brought to you by Bandzoogle. From garage bands to Grammy winners, Bandzoogle powers the websites for thousands of musicians around the world.
Plans start at just $8.29/month, which includes hosting and your own free custom domain name. Go to Bandzoogle.com to start your 30 day free trial. Use promo code “robonzo” to get 15% off the first year of any subscription.
*Full Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase products using these links, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!
The artist known as My Name is Chapel releases a new single called Taxi Cab today. Chapel is also in the midst of producing and scoring his first film. We discuss this, his recent full-length album, the origins of his name, and more.
Episode Highlights We start by discussing our shared connection of previous guest Chris Avetta and go on to discuss:
- The process of producing his album Empire State
- How Amy Schumer inspired him
- The story behind his new single
- His love of vinyl
- The inspiration for his artist name
- His horror movie project
- Why music theory was never really his ‘thing’
Key Points * Inspiration can come from the most random places – just listen to it. * Embrace your multi-passionate nature.
Quotable
“I’ve always been a singer, but I’ve also been a class clown, too… obviously I’m serious when I’m singing a serious song, but afterwards I like to crack a joke.”
—My Name is Chapel
Mentioned in this Episode * My Name is Chapel * Chris Avetta * I Feel Pretty with Amy Schumer * SHEL * Kim Petras Halloween Album
Related Episodes * Managing Stage Fright with Perspective, a Conversation with Chris Avetta (Ep 111) * Community and Collaboration–Lindsay White (Ep 109) * Songwriting, Side Hustles and Gratitude – Lindsay White (Ep 71) * Songwriting and the Truth About Saying Yes–Hannah Holbrook (Ep 51)
Pledge your support for Unstarving Musician on Patreon The Unstarving Musician is committed to sharing the best tips and information of other music professionals to help musicians do more of what they love – make music. Our weekly podcasts features in depth discussions with musicians and music space professionals discussing music creation, marketing, and business tips. All this is made possible by the contributions of individuals like you in our shared community who love making music.
Patreon is a bit like Kickstarter, but instead of culminating in one large project, it’s a way of crowdfunding ongoing creative endeavors. Patreon also serves as a community site where supporters can communicate and discuss new creations.
Visit the Unstarving Musician Crowd Sponsor Page for more on supporting MUSICIAN RESOURCES * The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo * BandZoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music * The Musician’s Profit Path: The 5-Stage Blueprint To Create Massive Growth In Your Fan Base and Sustainable Income For Your Music Career, by Bree Noble * No Booker, No Bouncer, No Bartender: How I Made $25K On A 2-Month House Concert Tour, by Shannon Curtis
Visit my Resources page for more musician resources. This episode is brought to you by Bandzoogle. From garage bands to Grammy winners, Bandzoogle powers the websites for thousands of musicians around the world.
Plans start at just $8.29/month, which includes hosting and your own free custom domain name. Go to Bandzoogle.com to start your 30 day free trial. Use promo code “robonzo” to get 15% off the first year of any subscription.
*Full Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase products using these links, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!
In this dual interview episode, I speak with Simon Tam about all he’s doing for the music community through podcasting, public speaking and writing. We also talk about his activism and support for other artists. Then we switch seats and Simon interviews me for his Music Business Hacks podcast.
Episode Highlights We start the conversation by talking about Simon’s process for creating 300+ podcast episodes to date, and go on to discuss:
- His passion for the business side of music
- Representation of Asian Americans by Simon and The Slants
- The Supreme Court battle for his band’s name
- Simon’s suggestions on how art and business can successfully combine
- How and why Robonzo started his The Unstarving Musician podcast
- The joy of curating the expertise of musicians
- Creating moments of connection on stage as a musician
Key Points 1. If you’re persistent, strategic and consistent, you’ll see major growth in your music career. 2. Dress the part. Work on your craft. Serve the audience and your band members. 3. Community is key. Focus on building relationships.
Quotable
“You need to tackle the business side of things with the same level of creativity, the willingness to experiment, the willingness to know yourself. Your uniqueness. What makes you distinct?”
—Simon Tam“Begin with a vision of what you’d like, and then work out the steps to get there.”
—Simon Tam
Mentioned in this Episode * Simon Tam * The Slants * Music Business Hacks: The Daily Habits of the Self-Made Musician * Music Business Hacks Podcast * Matal v. Tam * DIY Musician Conference * Piezo * Ableton Live
Pledge your support for Unstarving Musician on Patreon The Unstarving Musician is committed to sharing the best tips and information of other music professionals to help musicians do more of what they love – make music. Our weekly podcasts features in depth discussions with musicians and music space professionals discussing music creation, marketing, and business tips. All this is made possible by the contributions of individuals like you in our shared community who love making music.
Please visit the Unstarving Musician Crowd Sponsor Page for more on supporting the podcast. MUSICIAN RESOURCES * The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo * BandZoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music * The Musician’s Profit Path: The 5-Stage Blueprint To Create Massive Growth In Your Fan Base and Sustainable Income For Your Music Career, by Bree Noble * No Booker, No Bouncer, No Bartender: How I Made $25K On A 2-Month House Concert Tour, by Shannon Curtis * Find more resources at UnstarvingMusician.com/resources
This episode is brought to you by Bandzoogle. From garage bands to Grammy winners, Bandzoogle powers the websites for thousands of musicians around the world.
Plans start at just $8.29/month, which includes hosting and your own free custom domain name. Go to Bandzoogle.com to start your 30 day free trial. Use promo code “robonzo” to get 15% off the first year of any subscription.
Full Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase products using these links, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!
My guest for this episode is multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Kofy Brown. We navigate the balancing act of her many projects, how she’s managed to stay in high demand, and what she’d say to younger players about creating an in demand and joyful music career.
Episode Highlights We start the episode by talking about her new album with Skip the Needle and how she got involved with The Little Village Foundation. We go on to talk about:
- How drums were new to her at the start of Skip the Needle
- Non-profit record labels and what that actually means
- The value of formal music theory
- Why it’s important not to limit yourself
- Areas in her career where she’s experiencing growth
- Her advice for young artists
Key Points 1. Make your experience creative and fun above all else. 2. Treat everyone the same. Be respectful, nice and courteous. 3. Slow it down. Believe that you’ll get where you want to go. Be kind to yourself.
Quotable
“Sometimes in your life it’s just struggle, struggle, struggle, work, work, work. At this particular moment I feel the ying and the yang. I’m rolling in the joy of it.”
—Kofy Brown, Singer, Songwriter, Multi Instrumentalist“For music, I could hear melody. I could listen to something and play it. It was good that I could do that, but it was bad because I didn’t have the discipline to learn music theory.”
—Kofy Brown, Singer, Songwriter, Multi Instrumentalist“This is the only life I’m going to have, so I want to fill it up to the brim.”
—Kofy Brown, Singer, Songwriter, Multi Instrumentalist“Trust in yourself. Be easy with yourself. In my twenties I pushed myself so hard. That can get you somewhere, but slow it down, have a little bit more patience, and trust that you will get it.”
—Kofy Brown, Singer, Songwriter, Multi Instrumentalist
Mentioned in this Episode * Kofy Brown * Skip the Needle and their August 17th event * Little Village Foundation * Unstarving Musician on Patreon * The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs * Marcelle Davies-Lashley
Related Episodes * Ep 110 – Kid Andersen on TrueFire TV and His Forthcoming Album
Pledge your support for Unstarving Musician on Patreon The Unstarving Musician is committed to sharing the best tips and information of other music professionals to help musicians do more of what they love – make music. Our weekly podcasts features in depth discussions with musicians and music space professionals discussing music creation, marketing, and business tips. All this is made possible by the contributions of individuals like you in our shared community who love making music.
MUSICIAN RESOURCES * The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo * BandZoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music * The Musician’s Profit Path: The 5-Stage Blueprint To Create Massive Growth In Your Fan Base and Sustainable Income For Your Music Career, by Bree Noble * No Booker, No Bouncer, No Bartender: How I Made $25K On A 2-Month House Concert Tour, by Shannon Curtis
Visit my Resources page for more musician resources. This episode is brought to you by Bandzoogle From garage bands to Grammy winners, Bandzoogle powers the websites for thousands of musicians around the world.
Plans start at just $8.29/month, which includes hosting and your own free custom domain name. Go to Bandzoogle.com to start your 30 day free trial. Use promo code “robonzo” to get 15% off the first year of any subscription.
*Full Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase products using these links, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!
This is the third installment and re-release of The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs. The episode is dedicated to chapters five and six, in which I discuss the importance of managing your gig schedule and boosting that revenue stream.
Episode Highlights Gaining control of your gig schedule, creating multiple sources of income, and increasing your demand are among the topics I explore in chapters five and six.
- How to carefully manage your schedule while working with multiple bands
- The various benefits of working with multiple bands
- How to share the marketing load
- Tips on how to meet and work with other musicians
- The right questions to ask when considering new venues
- The benefits of subbing and how to do it successfully
3 Key Points 1. Staying creative requires routine, discipline and practice.
2. Surround yourself with good musicians and be a nice person in return.
3. Everything is easier when you’re well practiced and good at your craft.
Quotable
“Every new musician you meet is a likely asset to your network. Being a nice person [to other musicians] will pay dividends.” –Robonzo, The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs
“If you want to fill your gig calendar, you’ll give yourself a huge advantage by having a good learning and practice routine. Take lessons and practice, practice, practice.”
–Robonzo, The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs“Build your confidence account by taking your playing seriously. It’ll help you get the good gigs and lots of them.”
–Robonzo, The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs
Mentioned in this Episode * House Concert Ambassador Tom Meny (Ep 54) * House Concert Tours & Community–Shannon Curtis (features full Q&A with Shannon)) * The Unstarving Musician Patreon Page * Balanced Breakfast Musicians Network * Bandzoogle
Related Episodes * The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs Chapters 1 & 2 (Ep 105) * The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs Chapters 3 & 4 (Ep 106)
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com for more content related to this episode.
Bollywood blues artist Aki Kumar sees gratitude and humility as key to managing his music career, creative challenges, band dynamics, and life. He returns to the podcast for a second round of depth conversation of this and more.
Episode Highlights We start by discussing his cameo in Solange and go on to talk about:
- San Jose and its influence on Aki’s career
- His love for the musicians he plays with
- How to manage occasional band conflicts
- Writing music in Hindi and the integration of ska
- Privilege and humility
- The drivers that keep him passionate about music
- How creativity feeds more creativity.
- Making time for songwriting and the challenges therein
3 Key Points 1. Practice humility. You could have a high flying moment followed by a stumble. Keep going. 2. Stretch yourself. Experiment with your music by mixing genres, languages, politics, etc. 3. Gratitude is key. Being on a stage with an appreciative audience is a privilege.
Shareable Quotes * “Once you have that musical bond, it makes music-making easy. Everyone is speaking the same language. Maybe with a slightly different accent, but the same language.” –Aki Kumar on creating strong band dynamics.
Mentioned in this Episode * Aki Kumar's Website * Aireene Espiritu & A Color-Coded Symphony * San Jose Summer Jazz Fest 2019 * Johnny Cat * Aki Goes to Bollywood * Charlie Musselwhite Band * El Amansa Guapo Pub Panameño * Little Village Foundation * Solanch
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com for Bonus Q&A Content
Singer songwriter Arlene Paculan is all about community. Whether it’s through creating empowering arts events or sharing how artists overcome adversity, she understands the power of connection and shares that talent. We talk about her latest album Home With You and the various events she creates through Let’s Make Good Productions.
Episode Highlights We begin by talking about the music scene in Mississauga, Canada, and go on to discuss:
- Her involvement with local arts organizations and their impact on her career
- The genesis of Let’s Make Good Productions
- Striving Artists and the creativity of success
- Questions to support overcoming adversity
- The balance of fans and haters and how to re-frame the hate
- Her preferred ways to promote events
- Bands she’ll cross the (Canadian-U.S.) border for
- Understanding how different people process music
3 Key Points 1. Start local. Create the foundation for your fan base in your own community, one person at a time. 2. Hold strong to your self-belief. Don’t let the comments of others pull you down. 3. Create your own opportunities. Find new places to play. Volunteer. Get out there.
Shareable Quotes
“You have to have a name in your own community first. My mom taught me that. Her career is different to mine, but she was right.” Arlene Paculan on growing your audience
“If we embody the truth of other people, how are we supposed to live our own lives?” Arlene Paculan
Mentioned in this Episode * Arlene Paculan Website * Our Lady Peace * Leave Me Alone (video) * Let’s Make Good Productions * Striving Artists on YouTube * Marilyn Monroe Towers * Mississauga Music Awards * Shannon Butcher * Jill Barber * Juno Fest * Evanescence
Related Episodes Episode 96 – Making the Arts Accessible to All – Benoit Glazer, Timicua Arts Foundation
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com for additional content related to this episode.
Singer songwriter Chris Avetta joins me for a conversation about stage fright, perspective, the business of music, and more. Chris had a lot going on when we spoke. She’d just released her new single Forest for the Trees, was set to perform Lady Brain Fest, and recently enrolled at the University of California at San Diego.
Episode Highlights We begin the episode by talking about Chris’ experience growing up in Tempe Arizona, and go on to discuss:
- How being a nanny has given her an extended family
- Her upcoming participation in Lady Brain Fest
- Injecting humor into live performances
- Managing stage fright
- Putting challenges into perspective
- What is and isn’t working for Chris on the business side of music
- A self-proclaimed unhealthy obsession with Harry Potter
3 Key Points 1. Everything is nothing. Gain perspective on your challenges. 2. Connect with your audience. Leave them feeling something. 3. It’s okay to bring yourself (emotions and all) to the stage.
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com for bonus content related to this episode.
Kid Andersen has so much going on these days including having landed among the ranks of master class presenters for TrueFire TV, the release of new recordings for the Little Village Foundation, and a new album that’s in the works.
Episode Highlights The episode begins with Kid’s recent work for TrueFire TV, and continues with:
- How he helps singers advance their skills (and improves his own skills in the process)
- Life as a producer and the current projects happening at Greaseland Studio
- Having confidence in your own skills
- The importance of pressure to creating his own albums
- Creating a metal album with Skip The Needle
- Being intentional with creating your sound
- Kid’s thoughts on record labels
3 Key Points 1. Albums involve so many people – surround yourself with the right ones. 2. Success is defined on your own terms. 3. Know the result you want to do before you do anything.
Tweetable Quotes
“It’s still daunting and intimidating to present your own creations and put it out there for everyone.” –Kid Andersen, Greaseland Studio
“When I listen back to something that we did that makes me excited, that transports me. That takes me to a better place. That’s success to me.”
–Kid Andersen, Greaseland Studio“You’ve got to take the same approach to singing as you take to playing an instrument.”
–Kid Andersen, Greaseland Studio
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com for additional content related to this episode.
Lindsay White and a musicians community called the Lady Brain Collective are supporting each another through teaching, knowledge sharing, and collaboration. We talk about the Lady Brain community, the upcoming Lady Brain Fest, Patreon, gratitude journaling, saying "no," and more.
Episode Highlights This is a return appearance by Lindsay. We begin by getting an update on her current projects, and go on to discuss:
- Her Game of Thrones songwriting competition
- Creating music for the San Diego Women’s March
- The growth of Lady Brain (the musicians community, events, the festival, etc.)
- How she balances life and her various projects
- The performer selection process for Lady Brain Fest
- Top tips for Patreon and community engagement
- How she finds time for creativity and self care
- Details of her work-in-progress book
3 Key Points 1. You can support one another and simultaneously succeed. 2. Find the people who value what you do and invest in that community. 3. The importance of self care and boundaries as an artist.
Tweetable Quotes
“There’s something about sitting in a room and making the time to share space with people who are going through the same kind of things as you are. They have a feel for how overwhelming it can be. There’s something uplifting about that in this world.” –Lindsay White on the Lady Brain membership.
“The ones that tend to find more success are the ones who are willing and do get out of their comfort zone.”
–Robonzo on advice from Artist Management Entrepreneur Jason Davis**“People would be amazed what just asking for support would do.” Jason Davis on artist sponsorship.
–Robonzo on advice from Artist Management Entrepreneur Jason Davis**“I’m trying to actively say no to things, even if I want to do them. I have to balance out my schedule and see if things realistically fit.”
–Lindsay White on carving out solid boundaries.
Mentioned in this Episode * Robonzo's Patreon Page * Unstarving Musician Crowd Sponsor * Lindsay White Music * Lady Brain Presents * Lindsay’s Patreon * Lady Brain Fest 2019 * Bandzoogle
Related Episodes * Episode 104 - Helping Music Artists Realize Their Dreams–Jason Davis * Episode 71 – Songwriting, Side Hustles and Gratitude – Lindsay White * Episode 60 – House Concert Host Amy Killingsworth
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com for bonus content related to this episode.
Staying creative and nurturing a music community is part of life on the road for Crystal and Pete Damore of Ordinary Elephant. This is their second appearance on the podcast, which was a great opportunity to talk about their recent Kickstarter campaign, their new album Honest, and more.
Episode Highlights In addition to finding out what they’ve been up to since our last talk, I also discuss the following with Crystal and Pete.
- The evolution of their life on the road
- The development of the upcoming Ordinary Elephant tour
- Their criteria for attending a conference
- How Crystal and Pete handle (or avoid) periods of writer’s block
- The benefits of writer’s groups and songwriting workshops
- How to build a community around your music
3 Key Points 1. Create a lifestyle (and tour) that works for you. 2. Give yourself the time you need to be creative and don’t feel guilty about it. 3. Take the time to build and nurture your community.
Tweetable Quotes
“Even if it doesn’t always feel like we’re writing [a great song], it keeps those mental muscles going. It keeps you in a habit.” – Pete Damore
“The mentality of you have to be busy to be productive – it’s not true.” – Crystal Damore
“As long as you keep learning, that’s a good way to fight becoming stagnant.” – Pete Damore
“Your email list is the only sure way that you know you’ll reach people.” – Crystal Damore
Mentioned in this Episode * Ordinary Elephant * Unstarving Musician Patreon page * Elyza Gilkyson * Technomadia.com * Becky Warren * Heather Pierson Acoustic Trio * AmericanaFest Nashville
Related Episodes Episode 59 – Life and Songwriting on the Road–Crystal & Pete Damore
Pledge support for Unstarving Musician on Patreon Patreon is a little like Kickstarter, but instead of culminating in one large project, it’s a way of crowdfunding ongoing creative endeavors. *Patreon also serves as a community site where supporters can communicate and discuss new creations.*
Become a Patron!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com for additional content related to this episode.
Singer songwriter Tom Meny knows a thing or two about facing rejection and staying creative. In this repeat engagement, Tom and I chat about this, his new podcast, and more.
Episode Highlights In Tom’s first appearance on the podcast, we talked at length about house concerts. This time round our conversation continues with Tom’s thoughts on:
- His forthcoming podcast
- Facing rejection as a musician
- On quitting your day job versus paying your bills
- Idea generation through writing a song every week
- Low-tech tips for growing your mailing list
- Increasing tips at live events
3 Key Points 1. Rejection is part of the process. It’s okay to grieve, but keep going. 2. Finish the bad songs; they get you to the great ones. 3. There are low-tech creative ways to grow your audience, your mailing list, and your revenue.
Tweetable Quotes * “When you’re getting a rejection, it is okay to grieve about it for a while. There’s no way to get past that, but just know that others are also experiencing it, and eventually you get something great.” –Tom Meny * “You write a hundred songs and four of them might be great. And so, you need to write another hundred to get another four, and that’s the way it works. It’s like going to the gym for the part of your brain that creates songs.” –Tom Meny
Mentioned in this Episode * Tom Meny Music * Singer Songwriter with Tom Meny podcast coming July 2019 * Love and Pay by Tom Meny (“Hours” is the featured song in this episode) * Art List – Licensed music for video use (annual fee!) * Bill Burr Podcast * Conan podcast * The Best Advice Cyndi Lauper Ever Got (video) * RodeCaster Pro * Unstarving Musician Patreon page * Shannon Curtis episode that talks about being consistent with writing * Texas American Festival and Concert
Related Episodes * Episode 65 – Creating Music to Discover Who He Is – Chris Taylor * Episode 97 – Secrets of Creativity–Chris Taylor * Episode 52 – Why musician Ray Prim has a day job, and loves it! * Episode 54 – House Concert Ambassador Tom Meny * Episode 76 – House Concert Tours & Community – Shannon Curtis
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com for bonus content related to this episode.
One the best ways to get good musician gigs is by building good relationships. The primary theme of this episode is relationships.
This is the second installment and re-release of The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs. This episode is dedicated to chapters three and four, which are among the first few podcast episodes I ever recorded.
I also share a big announcement. If you need a little help and guidance moving the proverbial needle in your musician journey, tune in! You’ll learn about a special offer related to the big announcement. Intrigued? Be sure to listen before June 30th, or check out the link in the MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE section below.
Episode Highlights (what you’ll learn) * Why I wrote The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs * My personal experience working with multiple bands — the good and bad * The benefits of building a positive relationship with your bandmates, audiences, and venues * The advantages of working with multiple bands * How to build a good relationship with the people around you * What a Russian guy taught me about schmoozing * How networking at wineries with my wife played into getting gigs
3 Key Points 1. Building good relationships with your bandmates, audiences, and venues pays big dividends toward getting good gigs. 2. Working with multiple bands is like hiring a sales team. It helps you build connections you can leverage for years. 3. Networking with other musicians and at venues will work in your favor. Schmooze and make some new friends!
Tweetable Quotes * Performing live offers a different kind of benefit from personal practice time and band practice. — Robonzo * Make your bandmates look good and you’ll always get the call for gigs. — Robonzo * Play [music] with people you respect and enjoy hanging out with and you’ll work well together. — Robonzo
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE * The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs * Special Offer on my new coaching program (Offer expires June 30, 2019.) * Partner4Leads Podcast * Bandzoogle – Use promo code ROBONZO to get 15% off the first year of any subscription
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com/podcasts for additional content related to this episode.
[Full Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase products using these links, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!]
This episode is a two chapter reading of The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs. These chapters were the first two podcast episodes I ever recorded.
(I’m reflecting on the original podcast for the book while visiting Greve, Italy. My wife and I are celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary.)
Also in this episode, I respond to listener emails that discuss finding the right musicians to work with, teaching music for the right reasons, and one regular listeners take on the podcast.
About the Book The book is based on my personal experience and time I’ve spent talking to other musicians. I wrote it to help other musicians do what I did for so many years.
While living and working as a musician in the Dallas/Fort Worth and San Francisco Bay Area markets, I enjoyed the ability to gig at will when, where, and with whom I wanted. I’ve mostly worked in cover bands as a part time musician, but I’ve also worked with many original artists. The principles presented in The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs are transferable to original artists, songwriters, full-time musicians, actors, visual artists, etc.
The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs was available as a stand alone podcast. Now it will be available here in a series of episodes dedicated to the book.
hese recordings and those of the 10 chapters that followed were my very first foray in to podcasting. I did them from one of our first abodes in Panama, in a space that had subpar acoustics. How did I make it sound as good as it did? I reconstructed a fort from my childhood. A tent really. The resulting sound was good. I do, however, find amusement in the sound of my narration voice. It’s a little dramatic.
I hope you enjoy this reading of chapters 1 and 2 of The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs.
Episode Highlights The episode begins with listener emails.
- Rick asks for suggestions that will get him the opportunity to play with people that don’t have a lot of baggage
- Rick also comments on my email about teaching online and teaching for the right reasons
- Dave comments on my interview with Notelle and my penchant for the take-away
Chapter one of this podcast version for the book is the Forward and Introduction. The highlights and sections include…
- My life outside of music
- Who should read this book (or listen to this podcast episode)
- A perspective on my music scene, past and present
Chapter two is all about getting paid. It covers the following topics.
- Finding the right venues
- Determining what you’re worth
- Negotiating
3 Key Points 1. If you’re facing challenges getting the gigs you want, I’m confident that you’ll find this book to be a good read. 2. It helps to be really good (and entertaining); but being a good band is only part of the formula. 3. Getting paid what you’re worth is an exercise in two things: asking for a booking at the right price, and knowing your market.
Tweetable Quotes * “It’s never too late to embrace and nurture the gifts that life gives us.” –Robonzo * “If you don’t have relationships with other bands and musicians in your area, start making friends.” –Robonzo * “If your band doesn’t draw a crowd, venues are not going to rebook you based on your stellar musicianship.” –Robonzo
I hope you enjoyed this podcast audio version of chapters one and two. Please visit UnstarvingMusician.com/book to learn more about the book and how to buy your copy.
Would you like to support the podcast? Join the UM community. Just go to UnstravingMusician.com and join right there on the homepage. If you’re an independent musician, you’ll be glad you joined, because I share stuff you can use in your music journey. It all comes from the combined experience of the hundreds of musicians I’ve talked to as part of the UM project. And it’s all free, just for being part of the community. Plus you’ll get tidbits about the latest episodes of this podcast.
Jason Davis loves helping music artists realize their dreams. He has founded several cutting edge entertainment companies including Radar Label Group (Jimmy Eat World, Plain White T’s, Neon Trees, The Unlikely Candidates), Awaken Records (Austin French), One One 7, Care For Kids, is the Co-President/Partner of Higher Level Booking Agency, and is an artist manager with First Company Management.
Jason began his music career as a songwriter. Our conversation was crazy informative. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Episode Highlights The episode begins with Jason discussing his transition from music artist to serial entrepreneur and manager of major artists. The conversation continues with:
- The difference between Higher Level Agency and First Company Management
- How Higher Level Agency connects speakers with clients
- Jason talks about “release strategies” and the importance of releasing the right music
- The relevance of streaming in the music industry
- Does representation help artists create their story
- The best income generating business for artists today
- What Jason thinks about Patreon
3 Key Points 1. Curating the right music is more important than the process of releasing and promoting songs. 2. Teamwork makes the dream work. A team is a vital part of an artist’s success. 3. It’s okay to ask for support. – You’ll never really know until you ask people for help.
Jason Davis loves helping music artists realize their dreams. He has founded several cutting edge entertainment companies including Radar Label Group (Jimmy Eat World, Plain White T’s, Neon Trees, The Unlikely Candidates), Awaken Records (Austin French), One One 7, Care For Kids, is the Co-President/Partner of Higher Level Booking Agency, and is an artist manager with First Company Management.
Jason began his music career as a songwriter. Our conversation was crazy informative. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Episode Highlights The episode begins with Jason discussing his transition from being an artist to an artist development professional. The conversation continues with:
- The difference between Higher Level Agency and First Company Management
- How Higher Level Agency connects speakers with clients
- Jason talks about “release strategies” and the importance of releasing the right music
- The relevance of streaming in the music industry
- Does representation help artists create their story
- The best income generating business for artists today
- What Jason thinks about Patreon
3 Key Points 1. Curating the right music is more important than the process of releasing and promoting songs. 2. Teamwork makes the dream work. A team is a vital part of an artist’s success. 3. It’s okay to ask for support. – You’ll never really know until you ask people for help.
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE * Sony Music * Higher Level Agency * First Company Management * Patreon * Amanda Palmer on the Tim Ferriss Show
- Sony Music
- Higher Level Agency
- First Company Management
- Patreon
- Amanda Palmer on the Tim Ferriss Show
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com for Bonus Content!
Glass Hamlet loves the songwriting aspect of music. His big challenge has been finding a community of fellow musicians and music industry mentors.
Glass is a native of Moscow, Russia. In the late 90’s he moved to New York where be began an education in design and the arts. He’s applied his education and creativity to the professional worlds of fashion, acting, modeling, photography, and now songwriting.
Episode Highlights The episode begins with Glass discussing how his creative career began, and how he transitioned into music. The conversation continues with his insights and views about…
- His struggles with building a tight-knit community of fellow musicians
- How his songwriting approach and musical style has changed over time
- Sharing the stories/meaning behind his songs at live performances
- His struggles with trying to find great models and mentors in the music industry
- Lessons that he’s learned from building engagement on social media
- The creative process behind the single “Too Much Love”
- How a difficult breakup inspired his upcoming album “Letters of an Anxious Avoidant”
- Using his music as a way to bring value to people
- His experience working with his PR Rep (Renee) and how it’s helped his career
3 Key Points 1. You don’t have to do it alone–build community and seek out mentors to help you on your journey as a musician 2. Use your music as a way to channel your experiences and bring value to others 3. Create a manifesto to better understand yourself and your direction in life
Tweetable Quotes * “When I transitioned completely into music, I knew that I couldn’t do it alone” – Glass * “When our hearts are suffering the most, we make the best art” – Glass * “The reason why people connect with art is because it sheds a new perspective or showcases solidarity of the human condition” – Glass
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE * Glass Hamlet’s Website * @glass_hamlet on Instagram * @glasshamlet on Facebook * Renee (PR Rep) * Music video for “Too Much Love” * Anna Diorio * Podcast w/ Crystal & Pete Damore (Ordinary Elephant) * “Writing Better Lyrics” by Pat Pattison * Podcast w/ Jana Pochop * Podcast w/ Bree Noble * Neil Gaiman (author) * Amanda Palmer * Attachment Theory (Wikipedia) * Tess Posner
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com for Bonus Content and Musician Resources
In this episode Daniel Stidham of Raid the Quarry discusses strategies for releasing a new album. His Raleigh North Carolina bansed band has just released their first full length album, Temporary Cemetery.
Episode Highlights The episode begins with Daniel Stidham discussing the launch of Raid the Quarry’s new album Temporary Cemetery. Our conversation continues with his thoughts on:
- Strategies for releasing a full album vs. an EP series, and balancing the advice of others
- The story behind the track “Ghost Town”
- The differences in promoting a second album compared to the first
- How Raid the Quarry collaborate to create songs
- Developing confidence in your own work, while being open to feedback
- The business of making money as a band
- Competing for listeners’ time and attention amidst changing music trends
- Strategic planning for expanding their audience, both in-person and online
3 Key Takeaways * Everyone brings different skills to the table – harness those skills. * Have confidence in your work. Be open to feedback. * It’s okay to be a weekend warrior. Learn, develop and grow.
Tweetable Quotes * “I’m learning how to speak drum.” –Raid the Quarry guitarist Daniel Stidham * “Just because I can write a song, doesn’t mean that I have all the answers or that I couldn’t benefit from someone else’s style and input.” –Daniel Stidham * “More than anything it takes confidence. You’ve got to be able to put something forth that’s not fully formed and not be afraid of having it shot down.” –Daniel Stidham
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE * Temporary Cemetery, Album by Raid the Quarry * Raid the Quarry * The Classic Crime * Crimson Moon Records * Priority One, EP by Raid the Quarry * @RaidtheQuarry Instagram * The Watters on the Unstarving Musician * Ezra Vancil on creating music videos * Raid the Creamery YouTube Playlist
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com for bonus content.
Nashville based singer songwriter Notelle recently made the move from longtime collaborator to solo artist. She’s known for heavy messy pop with an electronic edge.
In our conversation for this episode, Notelle is forthcoming with lessons she’s learning as a solo artist and advice that has served her well. She’s also forthcoming about her insecurities. We discuss imposter syndrome, leveraging uniqueness, the importance of work ethic, preparedness, and quality content.
At 27 Notelle had reservations about being an open book of emotions in her debut solo artist recordings. She's become just that, an open book of emotions. She's now embraces it, and it’s working for her.
Episode Highlights * Notelle starts by discussing her most recent work, and the challenges of openly sharing her story * She shares her experience working with Altru Creative and her amazing PR rep * Notelle talks about the struggle of opening up and not feeling special enough for people to hear her story * What motivated Notelle to start a solo career * Notelle shares some incredible insight for other artists that may be contemplating a solo career move * Notelle shares great advice she received from mentors * Notelle's strategy for the next few years, including how she'll release music * Notelle discusses how it feels to do collaborative work with other artists and DJ's
3 Key Points 1. Don’t be afraid to step out–realize that what you have is worth sharing 2. Write and create what you like 3. Be your unique you, and work hard!
Tweetable Quotes * “It doesn’t matter where you are on your perceived ladder of success or anybody else’s, everyone feels the exact same way.” – Notelle * “You, whoever you are, and whatever you have personality-wise, those are the biggest assets you have.” – Notelle * “Put your blinders on, and write what you like.” – Notelle
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE * Altru Creative * Notelle’s Website * @notellemusic on Facebook * @notellemusic on Instagram * Luma * DJ Nurko * Lane8
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com for bonus content related to this episode.
When I started the Unstarving Musician's podcast, I had no idea how rewarding it would be to speak with all of the talented music artists I've met and interviewed over the past few years. I wanted to do something a little different for the 100th episode. A best-of compilation seemed a fitting way to celebrate the podcast's journey over the last two years. The interview segments I chose to feature are based largely on listener downloads, and inspirational value to me personally.
It was tough choosing only four episodes to focus on when there are so many episodes that really stand out as among the most popular and personally inspirational. So I am pretty sure that there will be another best of sometime in the future.
I ultimately decided to go with these four contributors.
- Mark Wenner, frontman of The Nighthawks (featured in episode 30)
- Modern Drummer Magazine's Mike Dawson (featured in episode 1)
- Singer Lisa Leuschner Andersen (featured in episode 33)
- David Barrett, blues harmonica educator (featured in episode 28)
By the way, thank you for listening and thank you for supporting the podcast. It means everything to me! Mark Wenner The first featured guest is Mark Wenner, founding member and frontman of American blues/roots band The Nighthawks.
Conversation Highlights with Mark * Mark discusses his band's touring schedule, past and present. While I suggested that it looks like a busy schedule, Mark explains that it's nothing like it used to be. When the band was younger, it toured coast to coast. Today it's more focused on driving home after gigs and spending weekends with family. * Mark and I discuss labels, and he shares the many changes he's seen. Mark believes that they still have a place, but it's much different than in years past. He also speculates they'll continue to exist. * Mark shares a story of discovering a punk scene. He found a new generation that had built a complete network for touring and music distribution, completely independent of the "industry." * Mark explains that crossover to the mainstream eluded his band. He admits many of their peers had something The Nighthawks never quite figured out. * Mark reminisces on DC as the once epicenter of bluegrass, remembering bands like the Country Gentlemen and Seldom Scene. He then thought The Nighthawks could have developed a similar ecosystem. * Mark explains how opening for Muddy Waters tours created new opportunities and formed important relationships * Mark explains how relationships with the Fabulous Thunderbirds, George Thorogood and others came to be, and how they helped the Nighthawks grow their touring circuit.
Mike Dawson The second featured guest for this episode is Mike Dawson, Managing Editor at Modern Drummer Magazine, co-host of the Modern Drummer Podcast, and drummer-for-hire. He's one of the most creative guests I’ve had on the podcast.
Conversation Highlights with Mike * Mike talks about meeting and working with musicians who are formally educated versus self-taught or educated through private lessons * How dynamics and learning to play quietly at a young age has given Mike many opportunities. * Mike observes that drummers who can play quietly are hard to come by * Mike elaborates on projects he's passionate about * Mike talks about his love of recording, the art behind it, and how it lends to his content on YouTube, Instagram & Facebook * Mike shares his morning practice routine and how it benefits his playing * Mike shares his creative method and his goal to create without over-thinking * Mike sees his morning routines as a way of setting himself up for daily achievement * On the business of music, Mike discusses the importance of word-of-mouth, reputation, relationships, and professionalism * Life-lesson from Mike's father that have paid dividends in his music career
Lisa Leuschner Andersen The third featured guest of this episode is vocalist Lisa Leuschner Andersen. Lisa is a partner at the acclaimed Greaseland Studio. She was featured in seasons 2 and 3 of American Idol, and on Showtime at The Apollo.
Conversation Highlights with Lisa * Our conversation opens with how Lisa came to be a member of the Michael Jackson tribute band Foreverland * Lisa explains why her stint on American Idol got her started on the road to doing music full-time * Lisa talks about the fun and difficult parts of her American Idol appearances * Lisa shares her experience as a contestant on Showtime at the Apollo * Lisa discusses her contributions at Greaseland Studio as a vocal coach and singer * I ask her about also being a drummer, and she talks about the skill of challenge of singing while playing (drums) * Lisa and I discuss Bedtime Jams, a Facebook Live creation of Greaseland Studio and company
David Barrett The fourth and final guest of the episode is acclaimed music educator David Barrett. He was originally featured in episode 28. David founded the San Jose School of Blues and BluesHarmonica.com. He also holds the distinction of being the only guest to do a live performance for the podcast. That performance has been included in this episode.
Conversation Highlights with David * The conversation opens with David's admission that schools could have cared less about harmonica when he was in college * David explains his endless fascination for the harmonica * David shares the motivation and evolution behind the creation of the School of Blues * David shares a full-circle story involving local musicians and the School of Blues faculty * David explains his teaching philosophy * David tells me why he feels an obligation to create opportunities for all of his School of Blues students * David offers advice to others interested in starting a music school, sighting the importance of community and a nurturing environment * The interview closes with David playing a tune on the harmonica
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com for additional show notes and bonus content.
Mark Addison is a big fan of DIY recording, a seasoned music producer, songwriter, and co-creator of the iconic Tips Concerts series of Austin Texas.
Topics discussed in this episode
- Wendy Colonna and the history of Tips Concerts
- Why Mark loves DIY recording
- How he goes about selecting his work
- His collaboration recording project with Jana Pochop
- The many skills needed to succeed as an independent musician
- The one thing that makes Austin so unique
Show Notes at UnstarvingMusician.com
Co-creator of the Profitable Musician Summit Bree Noble makes her third appearance on the podcast. Bree is a singer, songwriter and educator. Her focus as an educator is on empowering musicians to take control of their careers.
Now in its 2nd year, Bree’s Profitable Musician Summit 2019 is an online conference that’s being held from April 22nd through May 1st, 2019. The intent of this virtual event is to provide step-by-step action plans to help musicians earn money, while retaining more of those earnings. This year’s Summit features over 30 music space experts presenting on various topics of interest.
Learn more at ProfitableMusicianSummit.com
[Full Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase products using these links, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!]
Additional show notes and bonus content at UnstarvingMusician.com
In this episode, singer songwriter Chris Taylor shares the secrets behind his creativity. He’s a multi-instrumentalist and visual artist with a creative energy that resembles a force of nature. He’s also a former guest of the podcast. You can hear his first interview in episode 65 – Creating Music to Discover Who He Is – Chris Taylor.
He has two recording projects in the works. One is a collaboration with producer Misty Jones. The other is the revival of his 90’s pet project Love Coma. Both are discussed in detail.
You can hear a track from his forthcoming album Lovers, Thieves, Fools and Pretenders at the conclusion of our conversation.
His motivations for making music and art are simple and pure. Creating his own rules to spark inspiration, Chris makes music and art to keep the voices of self-doubt at bay.
Advice for fellow creatives Chris offers this to fellow creatives.
- Don’t compare yourself to others
- Don’t look over your shoulder
- Just pickup your paintbrush or an instrument and make something
Your creations don’t have to be the best thing ever. But over time you’ll find past works you like. And instead of looking back on days of worry, you’ll look back and see art. Art that you created.
Show Notes at UnstarvingMusician.com
Benoit Glazer and the Timucua Arts Foundation believe that the visual and performing arts should be accessible to everyone. What started out as house concerts to fill a gap in his music loving heart, has become a mission to present and inspire great music and art in Central Florida. The Timucua Arts Foundation does this through performance and education.
Prior to the creation of the Timucua Arts Foundation, Benoit is perhaps best known for his work as conductor of Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba. He also happens to be an accomplished arranger, trumpet player, producer, and multi-instrumentalist.
Ben and wife Élaine Corriveau literally put everything they had into creating a home that is by all accounts, a truly impressive performing arts center. Ben half jokingly says they’ll never be able to retire as a result. In this episode, Benoit walks us through the story and some of the lessons learned along the way.
Ben and his wife Elaine have created something extraordinary. You hear the TedX version of their journey in this YouTube video.
Show notes at UnstarvingMusician.com
I had the pleasure of speaking with Tess Posner on International Women’s Day. This was especially cool, because she released a single to commemorate the day. That song is Supernova, which you will hear at the end of our conversation.
Tess has been singing since she was a teenager, but she just released her first album in late 2018. Her Supernova single is the follow-up, and an indication that we will see her as a prolific artist in the coming years.
She runs a non profit that aims to bring diversity into the technology field of AI. She does a good deal of public speaking and has a passion for social entrepreneurship. She also has a successful relationship with a PR rep that she hired on Upwork. She’s on the DIY path where much of her social media marketing is concerned, and she’s doing a great job.
Our conversation touches on her website platform of choice, Instagram, her music, activism, artificial intelligence, and more.
Show notes and bonus content at UnstarvingMusician.com
Creative block is a thing, but it doesn't have to be. In this episode, I share the one tactic for overcoming creative block practiced by most music artists I've interviewed for this podcast. I also share tips for getting out of your own head, which can help you get out of your own way.
I spoke with two indie artists earlier this week, each w ith unique situation. Both are on the cusp of big projects. Both want to move their careers forward. Both face obstacles.
Their challenges are slightly different, but in both cases–their standing in their own way. It's a common dilemma. I do it all the time. These conversations reminded me of the following.
- We need to get out of our own heads sometimes
- Creativity is less about inspiration than it is about discipline
Getting Out of Your Own Head
In the case of my two indie artist friends, accountability would be a huge help. Great places to find accountability are through coaching, mastermind groups, and songwriting groups. Each of these offers a slightly different approach to accountability, but all three offer an opportunity to get out of your own head. This naturally happens by virtue of interaction with peers and in some cases mentors. Adding accountability to the mix can also help establish, fine tune and achieve your career goals.
Sometimes the only thing needed to get out of our own head is human contact. Depending on your situation, volunteering for another artist that inspires you might be the solution.
Hear how Jana Pochop did exactly this to propel her own career and side-hustle as a social media consultant for musicians. Click here to listen to our conversation on the podcast.
Or maybe all you need is to attend or host an open mic or pro jam. These are fantastic places to connect with people who can help and inspire you. Maybe a songwriting group is your thing. Songwriting groups not only motivate and provide accountability, but they can help you develop some needed discipline. This takes me to my next point.
Creativity and Discipline
Also inspired by the aforementioned calls, creative writers block and creative procrastination. If you’re not feeling inspired, stop waiting to feel inspired. Waiting for inspiration is procrastination at its finest. Instead, be proactive. Set an appointment with yourself to write. This is exactly what artists like Shannon Curtis and Lynz Crichton do. Make an appointment to write something crappy. It’s the only way you’ll every write anything good. Ten good pages for every one good one, right. Use a notepad or your phones voice memo app for moments of inspiration.
A Daily Writing Practice
Make a daily routine of object writing every morning. Do this before you look at your devices, before you check your social media or email. Put pen to paper and write something free form for 10 to 20 minutes. Set a timer and don’t edit yourself. Pete and Crystal Damore of Ordinary Elephant turned me on to object writing. Read about it here, and listen to my conversation with the Damore's here. Pete and Crystal also talk about songwriting workshops.
Here's a video explanation of object writing by Sarah Crookall.
If you’re interested in or need a little help getting started with a mastermind group, songwriting group, or coaching, contact me. I'm willing and able to provide you with useful guidance.
Show notes and related episodes at UnstarvingMusician.com.
Jenna and Daniel Watters successfully met a $10k Kickstarter fundraising goal to support the release of their latest album. Most of that money was for a PR hire. In this episode, Jenna and Daniel share how and why their PR hire didn’t go well. We also discuss other efforts that went into promoting the release of their album The Watters, including their weekly Wednesdays with the Watters videos.
Life is exciting for Jenna and Daniel, as of the time of this recording. They’re expecting a baby boy. But is that slowing them down? Not yet. They’re working on music for their next album. Jenna even thinks they’ll have baby boy on tour with them in no time. A supportive family and their general outlook on life gives them a sense of freedom that not all music artists experience. They’re not preoccupied with money, but focused on making good music. Performing live with less frequency has actually helped them earn more.
Daniel and Jenna share other reflections on the business of their music and their creative processes. They are genrefied as Americana Rock & Soul. They’ve been recently performing as a jazz quartet. And they are apparently quite good at Fleetwood Mac covers. I couldn’t be more enamored with their talents and vibe. See what I mean by checking out their videos and latest album.
Show notes and bonus content at UnstarvingMusician.com
Wendy Colonna is a songwriter, performer, recording artist, yogi and mom. She’s also co-creator of Tips Concerts, one of the best known house concert series in Austin. This conversation garners insights from Wendy’s life coaching practice, her talks with music students of UTA, writing music for advertising, common myths about success in music, and more. The big takeaway? You never know where your hard work and relationships will intersect with opportunity.
Photo by Jeff Fassano
Show notes and bonus content at UnstarvingMusician.com/podcast
One of my favorite things about Louisa Hall's latest release Barista Boyfriend is its whimsy. She amplifies that whimsy in the videos created for album, but it doesn't stop there. Louisa also takes her whimsy to the stage for live performances.
In this conversation we explore her mindset for releasing Barista Boyfriend in digital and vinyl only (no CDs), relationships, media promotion, being oneself online, Bands in Town, Squarespace, her ideal band, and why drummers are so important.
Show notes and bonus content at UnstarvingMusician.com
Justin Trawick is the quintessential DIY musician, but he’s just about maxed out his abilities as a one-man army. Among his many projects are his band The Common Good, a podcast, and touring with a songwriter series. These and his other projects obviously require marketing, selling, planning, logistics, coordination, etc. Justin seems highly organized, and he is. But he sees himself as over-extended. In this episode we discuss the things he's doing to adapt,change, and grow.
Hear the track All the Places That I’ve Been by Justin and The Common Good at the end of our conversation. Justin’s Circus Life Podcast Circus Life was inspired by Justin’s memories of Love Line with Adam Carolla & Dr Drew, and radio personalities like Howard Stern. Justine is all about collaboration, so he originally created Circus Life with a friend. Today it’s a solo show that is among the many platforms on which Justin can engage with his audience. Not included in this episode is 10 to 15 minutes of Justin interviewing me about my decision to live the expat life in Panama. I smell a bonus episode for the morbidly curious. Read more at UnstarvingMusician.com.
Jana Pochop refers to herself as New Mexican and as a nerd. She’s a singer, songwriter, recording artist, performer, and social media consultant for other working musicians. Social media consulting came about through volunteering for another artist she admires (. That volunteer gig included working a march table, tour support, booking, and eventually social media. We discuss her love of marketing, her journey to Austin, various collaborations, her current (second) Kickstarter campaign, vlogging, and more. Jana was nearing the end of her second Kickstarter campaign when we recorded this interview. The campaign is for her forthcoming recording project. She’ll be doing said project with one of her all time favorite producer collaborators Daniel Barrett. I’m increasingly becoming a fan of songwriting groups, and was happy to learn that some of the songs for Jana's forthcoming release are the direct product of a songwriting group. Trust and Kickstarter incentives Jana recognizes the amount of trust backers of her Kickstarter campaign place in her. She brings this up as we discuss the thought process behind incentive awards. There was a moment of undeniable sincerity in her voice during this part of our chat. The incentives she created are somewhat common, the heartfelt care that went into them is extraordinary. On reaching fans When I asked about reaching fans, Jana said that she considers herself lucky to have grown up in a digital era. She adds that embracing tech and social media has been “amazing.” She doesn’t share the feeling of overwhelm that many musicians experience. Where social platforms are concerned, she recommends adopting and doing what feels authentic to you. Immediately acknowledging that the word “authentic” is overused these days, she mentions various sources of inspiration. I believe that college, blogs and Facebook collided at just the right moment for Jana. Then there are people like Casey Neistat and Gary Vaynerchuk who have inspired her. Reflecting on the early part of our conversation, she also found and still finds inspiration among her peers. That’s humility. Show notes and bonus content at UnstarvingMusician.com
Austin based musician Emmanuel Tomes is a singer songwriter of the blues and funk variety. His early inspirations came from Elliott Smith and Ben Harper. It was in fact Ben Harper who inspired him to start writing and recording original material. That inspiration took Emmanuel down the path of his first release October Skies, a project that began as a collaboration with his sister Elyssa. He unfortunately lost Elyssa to illness in 2016 before the project was finished. With a little time and perseverance, Emmanuel completed and released the EP project in 2018.
You’ll hear the track Welcome Sunshine from October Skies, at the end of this episode. He describes the making of October Skies as disorganized and not well planned. When I asked what he might do different on his next release, Emmanuel focused most on the idea of collaboration. As we discussed a forthcoming release further, Emmanuel admits that he’s not sure that an album or even an EP is what he’ll do. He and I go down the rabbit hole talking about the different ways in which he might release his next batch of songs, a common quandary in today’s music business.
In addition to discussing the eventual and inevitable release of October Skies, we touch on how he’ll manage his next recording project, why he’s not overly active on the social, and how songwriting challenges him personally.
I finished our conversation thinking to myself that Emmanuel is reserved by nature. A bit shy. Hopefully our chat left him thinking about how he’ll put his face and life out there for his fans, existing and yet to be discovered. The world definitely needs his music.
Emmanuel has a regular gig Charlie Brown’s in San Antonio, and gigs in and around Austin.
Show notes at UnstarvingMusician.com.
Bradford and Kimberly Loomis are of the dynamic duo, married couple variety. Kimberly is highly involved in Bradford's career. Among her contributions are tech support, photography, co-writing, and community management. Our conversation opens with how Bradford was thrust back into music following economic change and a job loss. It sounds like it’s turned out to be the best career choice that’s ever been forced upon him. 🙂 He has a weekly Facebook live broadcast on which he performs, conducts guest interviews, and interacts with his growing community. Bradford sees these broadcasts as a channel for supporting others, as much as he sees it as a place to share his music. Cutting out the middleman is a primary focus for the Loomis'. My favorite example is that they host their own subscription platform for patrons. This is in lieu of Patreon, a wildly popular platform for subscription based communities. They also created their own recording label. We discuss all of this plus their entrepreneurial take on the business of music, Bradford's music mastermind group, house shows (aka house concerts), how his partnership with Kimberly is making a difference in his career, and much more. SHOW NOTES * BradfordLoomis.com * LineageArtistry.com * Bradford's house concert resource page * Patronage without the Middleman (blog post by Kimberly Loomis) * Bradley on Instagram * Bradley on YouTube * Patreon.com * Shannon Curtis * Jamie Hill * Seattle Living Room Shows
RELATED EPISODES * Blues, Folk and Change–Tony Harrah * House Concert Tours & Community – Shannon Curtis * Life and Songwriting on the Road–Crystal & Pete Damore
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com for more episodes and bonus content.
Cam Gillette writes, sings, produces, and performs under the band name Smoke From All The Friction. He and his collaborators meld electronica, pop, and rock to create an elaborate sound with melodic sensibility.
Our conversation digs into Cam's approach to finding the perfect band members, working with production collaborators, keeping his own DIY approach in check, serving audiences at live shows, his quest to be himself on camera, music visualizers, and more.
SHOW NOTES * @smokefromallthefriction on Facebook and Instagram * After Effects * Magic Visuals * Big One Bitey Media
RELATED EPISODES * House Concert Tours & Community – Shannon Curtis * Producer, Musician, and Songwriter – Jamie Hill
Tony Harrah and I began our conversation for this episode "off-air." I asked about his website, which is powered by Bandzoogle. This question was for my own market research purposes. There are a couple of areas on his website site, which looks great by the way, that are "under construction." Given that I speak with so many DIY musicians, I was curious to know if he's perhaps struggling to keep up with the site. I learned that it has been a bit of challenge to update the website, but the reasons for this were not what I expected. Tony experienced a huge life changing event in 2017. He was kind enough to share this part of his story.
Much of our conversation was around how he has adapted to unforeseen changes that have impacted his music and family. Also mentioned at the top of our conversation is the fact that Tony has a publicist. We talk about how this came to be and the thought process behind choosing the right one. He also shares his thought process for crafting the emails he sent to prospective publicists.
"You’re not really so much selling your music, as you're selling yourself and who you are. They [the industry] aren’t going to be like, his music was great, but his email was too short. And they’re not going to be like, man his music is terrible, but I mean what a cover letter.” –Tony Harrah
Tony was coincidentally in the midst of a transition with his music, as life decided to throw him a major change. He began performing, writing and singing as a blues artist, but explains that lyrics became the primary focus of his music. With this realization, Tony has been methodically working to genre jump from blues to folk.
An Austin based songwriting group has also impacted Tony's music and life. He explains how the group has enriched his songwriting and his life. Songwriting groups are a recurring theme on this podcast. Having personally attended a writers workshop in recent weeks, I'm reminded that peer feedback in a creative environment can be game changing. I add this observation to encourage all songwriters to find and join a songwriters group. And if you're not a songwriter, try a writers workshop.
“I try to remember… We’re not promised anything. Nobody was ever promised tomorrow, or even the rest of today in fact." –Tony Harrah
[Full Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase products using these links, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!]
SHOW NOTES * TonyHarrah.com * Bandzoogle * Big Cartel * American Aquarium * Unhand the Monster Podcast * Tyler Childers
RELATED EPISODE Beauty in Music and Art – Abe Partridge
RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS * The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo * No Booker, No Bouncer, No Bartender: How I Made $25K On A 2-Month House Concert Tour, by Shannon Curtis
More resources for musicians
Jamie Hill is a producer, musician, and songwriter with a soft spot for vulnerable voices. To clarify, Jamie says he’s specifically interested in female voices, gay voices, trans voices, and brown voices. He also prefers socially conscious artists and art over entertainment.
He’s co host of the podcast Misfit Stars, along side his singing songwriting spouse Shannon Curtis. Jamie says the podcast is for their community. It’s also a vehicle for their career that involves Patreon and community-only episodes. As Jamie puts it, the more ways you give your community to support you, the more likely they are to support you.
“Not all art necessarily has to be money making endeavors. It’s still very important to do stuff, just because you believe in it, and because you want to signal boost it in the world.” –Jamie Hill
Where marketing is concerned, Jamie employs straight forward tactics for finding studio production clients and opportunity. He’s first and foremost all about creating art and sharing his creations. Jamie and his wife Shannon are fans of attending open mics, where he says they finds amazing artists and sometimes clients for his studio.
Jamie recommends writing a book if you want to sell something. His wife did just that with her book on how to make money in house concerts. This book has introduced Jamie and his wife to prospective clients and new friends. He’s currently writing a book of essays on how to create a better DIY artist career.
On a personal note, Jamie shares a story surrounding his sobriety.
This episode features a sample of Jamie’s production work, a song called Continental Divide (by Shannon Curtis).
[Full Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase products using these links, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!]
SHOW NOTES * **Department of Energy Management**
- Misfit Stars
- Blubrry
- Patreon
- The Gibbonses
- Deray McKesson
- @hilljam (Jamie on Facebook)
- Jamie’s SoundCloud playlists
RELATED EPISODES * Ep 76 – House Concert Tours & Community – Shannon Curtis * Ep 54 – House Concert Ambassador Tom Meny * Ep 31 – Why Musicians Shouldn’t Have a Cell Phone on Stage – Rockin’ Johnny Burgin * Ep 64 – Crossing Paths with Jace Everett
RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS * The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo * No Booker, No Bouncer, No Bartender: How I Made $25K On A 2-Month House Concert Tour, by Shannon Curtis
More resources for musicians
This is a short holiday message to say thanks, reflect on the good things that happened in 2018, plus a couple of announcements for the New Year 2019.
In gratitude...
SHOW NOTES * Jamie Hill * Partner4Leads * Conundrum by Groove Camp * Sweet Groovalicious Funk Machine (Brian Crumrine’s band) * House Concert Tours & Community – Shannon Curtis
RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS * The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo * Growth Farming the Seth Godin Way, a FREE ebook by D Grant Smith
More resources for musicians
Lexington Kentucky based songwriter Eric Bolander is a working musician and visual arts teacher. We were introduced by fellow songwriter and artist Abe Partridge, who has also been featured on this podcast.
Check out Abe’s episode
Eric is notably excited about a new relationship with Eastwood Records. Eastwood is working with Eric on the re-release of his 2017 album The Wind. There’s plenty to be excited about. The promotional activity for this re-release offers a potential boost for Eric’s music career.
Among the topics we discuss (not necessarily in this order) are self doubt, connecting with fans on a personal level, email list building, house shows (aka house concerts), the challenge of booking quality gigs, balancing fatherhood, teaching and music, marketing his music versus his visual art, and what he’s most challenged as a music artist today.
Hear Eric’s album title track song, The Wind at the end of our conversation Eric music juggling act also includes touring with a trio and a side-project rock band called Alcatraz Shakedown. He admits representation and a team would be nice, but Eric is clearly thankful for everything he has.
Please enjoy my conversation with Eric Bolander. If you do enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing to this podcast wherever you get your favorite podcasts.
Read bonus content related to this episode.
[Full Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase products using these links, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!]
SHOW NOTES * **EricBolander.com**
- Eric on SoundCloud
- Bruce Springsteen’s Devils & Dust
- John Moreland In the Throes
- Eastwood Records
- The Whiskey Riders
- Master Musicians Festival
- Sean Whiting
- Apples in Stereo
- Kickin’ It On The Creek
- Alcatraz Shakedown
- Beauty in Music and Art – Abe Partridge on The Unstarving Musician’s Podcast
RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS * The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo * Growth Farming the Seth Godin Way, a FREE ebook by D Grant Smith
More resources for musicians
San Antonio based singer songwriter Laura Marie and I were connected by way of mutual friend and former Unstarving Musician’s Podcast guest Chris Taylor. I’m very happy with the outcome of this episode! I always enjoy interviewing music artists for this podcast–always. However, sometimes I get a wee bit off-track. I often get lost in conversation. This is the result of having so much fun speaking with the artist I’m interviewing. In these instances it’s easy to lose sight of you the listener. I may not ask enough of the questions that matter. But I think this conversation with Laura stays on point with the Unstarving Musician mission of serving the indie music artist.
I’m 81 episodes in and still learning!
Laura has made a bit of money in licensing. She’s been a speaker for the Folk Alliance. Her songwriting process has evolved over the years. She’s pretty darn savvy about social media marketing, and has a list of accolades that could make up a tattoo sleeve. But best of all… She openly shares some of the mistakes she’s made.
Laura was also very open about very personal aspects of her life. She suffers from anxiety, and is a survivor of both sexual assault and a suicide attempt. This part of her life experience has made her a voice for mental and emotional well-being. These moving themes made this episode feel like a gift. It was an important conversation for me. I hope it will be for you too.
SHOW NOTES * Laura’s website * Laura’s Bandcamp page * Folk Alliance International * Madalyn Sklar & Go Girls Music * Amy & Gary’s House Concerts * Jason Mraz * Stones in Exile (documentary)
[Full Disclosure: Product links listed in the Show Notes and sections below may contain affiliate links. If you purchase using these links, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!]
RELATED EPISODES * Episode 73 – Happiness in a Home Studio – Lance Harvill * Episode 72 – Making Music with an Open Heart and Mind – Jon Christopher Davis * Episode 60 – House Concert Host Amy Killingsworth * Episode 71 – Songwriting, Side Hustles and Gratitude – Lindsay White * Episode 65 – Creating Music to Discover Who He Is – Chris Taylor
RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS * The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo * No Booker, No Bouncer, No Bartender: How I Made $25K On A 2-Month House Concert Tour, by Shannon Curtis * Growth Farming the Seth Godin Way, a FREE ebook by D Grant Smith
More resources for musicians
Singer songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Sylvia Rose Novak grew up in Opalika Alabama, a place I’d never heard of before our conversation. I asked her what it was like growing up in the South, and she said it was a little weird. I gathered from some reading that she didn’t exactly fit in. She’s still based in Alabama, so I know she didn’t and doesn’t find it a bad place. It’s her home.
By my own doing our conversation meanders into the personal. We talk about going from writing her first song to becoming a career musician, her decision to create a vinyl package for her latest release, bourbon, and something called squatching.
I particularly loved her reason for creating a vinyl option for the new ablum. She matter of factly told me that it was because she wanted to hear herself on vinyl. She admits that this sounds egotistical, but I totally get it. Wanting to hear oneself on vinyl and making it happen falls in the category of scratching ones own itch. I love that!
Where going pro is concerned, Sylvia Rose credits her support system. This is clearly a group of friends and family that includes her music community. She says that so many people have expressed their belief in her. The true importance of that realization is that she listens. She accepts the belief and confidence of those around her–all with gratitude. All of this didn’t happen by chance. She played fiddle for what she describes as everyone’s band. She also said she worked hard. In the process Sylvia Rose clearly grew confident in herself. Once she started writing and recording her own music, she knew that she had found her calling.
Read bonus content related to this episode.
SHOW NOTES * SylviaRoseNovak.com * Abe Partridge * Dripping Springs Songwriter Fest * The Bitter Southerner * Shonna Tucker * Drive By Truckers * Direct to Vinyl Sessions * Shannon Curtis * Tom Meny * Standard Deluxe * Wildflowers video
Disclosure (pardon the interruption): Products and books listed below may contain affiliate links. If you purchase using these links, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!
RELATED EPISODES * Beauty in Music and Art – Abe Partridge * Reverb and Whiskey (or Iced Tea)–Singer Songwriter Joe George * House Concert Tours & Community – Shannon Curtis * House Concert Ambassador Tom Meny
RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS * The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo * Growth Farming the Seth Godin Way, a FREE ebook by D Grant Smith
More resources for musicians
Vicki Ambinder is a Music Performance Coach and Artistic Consultant. She helps musicians and bands of all ages, experience levels and genres improve and enhance their live and studio performance skills. She also helps musicians and bands work toward their artistic goals.
Our conversation touches on details of what she provides for clients as a performance coach. She explains what artist development means in her world and gives insight her compassion based approach. Vicki draws from her personal and professional experience as a musician, producer, session singer, songwriter, and actor. She teaches master classes and workshops in live music performance for music conferences, festivals, music schools, musicians' organizations, music camps, and private groups around the country. This glimpse into Vicki's work offers musicians and performers much to think about.
I learned that Vicki is a big fan of The Beatles and George Martin, which endeared her to me right away. She also scored points with me for giving me permission to take a day off for the Thanksgiving holiday, a pause for this podcast. She tells me that giving permission is something she often does as a coach. I was and still am grateful for her gift of permission.
Disclosure (pardon the interruption): Products and books listed below may contain affiliate links. If you purchase using these links, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!
Read bonus content related to this episode.
SHOW NOTES * Vicki’s website * Giles Martin * Bree Noble * Lee Strasberg
RELATED EPISODE Episode 17 – Bree Noble on Women of Substance Radio, Going Pro and Making Money
PRODUCT MENTION The Beatles The White Album Super Deluxe Edition 6 CD
RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS * The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo * Growth Farming the Seth Godin Way, a FREE ebook by D Grant Smith
More resources for musicians
This short episode is a holiday message to all my my indie music artist friends, fans of live music, friends and family of Unstarving Musician's Podcast guests. It's also a way for me to take the week off in observance of Thanksgiving. I got permission from music performance coach Vicki Ambinder, who I interviewed this week. She’s a coach, and that’s what she does sometimes (gives permission). You’ll hear her in an upcoming episode. My gratitude and appreciation goes out to: Everyone who has contributed to the podcast Thanks and appreciation to my guests, editor, former band mates, members of the Unstarving Musician community, mastermind pals, and my loving wife. Everyone who has expressed interest in contributing And thanks all those who have reached out to me with interest in contributing. Even if we've not yet made it happen, you're part of what keeps me going.
The listener community
The podcast wouldn't mean nothing without you. You are the reason I do it week after week. The level of my gratitude for all of you is truly more than words can express.
Now is the time for holiday music Now that Thanksgiving has passed, you can officially listen to holiday music, right? Maybe you'd enjoy The Unstarving Musician’s Christmas Mix playlist on Spotify.
Happy holidays! Show Notes * Vicki Ambinder
* The Unstarving Musician’s Christmas Mix
Ian Salazar recently turned 21. He’s been playing guitar since he could hold one, probably starting around age six. He plays for two Dallas Fort Worth bands and does a bit of solo work. He’s also a recording engineer and producer, working from both his own home studio and Redwood Studio of Denton Texas. Needless to say, he’s in search of balance.
We’re acquainted by way of my friendship with his parents. His father is quite a musician and a former bandmate of mine. Our conversation was an opportunity for me to learn about the mindset and struggles of a budding artist in today’s crazy music business. It was also an opportunity for me to practice a bit of impromptu coaching (hopefully well received).
Making enough money is at the top of Ian’s list of struggles. I learned that he doesn’t take his solo work too seriously. I believe this a fear based thing. It’s the same fear that every artist, musician, or entrepreneur faces at one time or another–fear of rejection. Ian tells me it’s more about being the center of attention, something he doesn’t seem to feel worthy of. I expect he’ll get passed this in time.
My impression is that Ian and his bandmates are somewhat haphazardly marketing themselves. Also very common among experienced artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs. I know I’m guilty of the same haphazard approach on a couple of fronts. I expect this will also change for Ian in time. Hopefully he’ll take this thought away from listening back to our conversation.
No one is going to sell you or your music for you!
I know all too well how this goes. Many a DIY musician, artist, writer, and entrepreneur spends most of their waking moments thinking about marketing and community building. It can be draining, distracting at times. I believe that Ian can solve this dilemma by building a great email list and marketing himself to the world of house concerts.
I’m pulling for Ian. The world needs him to be a smashing success. And his time is now.
Read bonus content related to this episode.
Disclosure (pardon the interruption): Products and books listed below may contain affiliate links. If you purchase using these links, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!
SHOW NOTES * Ian Salazar * Redwood Studio * Acid Carousel * Majik Taylor * Majik Taylor on Instagram * Acid Carousel on Instagram * Buck Meek * Main at South Side * Radio Coffee * Midlake
RELATED EPISODES * Episode 76 – House Concert Tours & Community – Shannon Curtis * Episode 62 – Tapping into the House Concert Scene–Robonzo * Episode 60 – House Concert Host Amy Killingsworth * Episode 54 – House Concert Ambassador Tom Meny
RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS * No Booker, No Bouncer, No Bartender: How I Made $25K On A 2-Month House Concert Tour, by Shannon Curtis * The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo * Growth Farming the Seth Godin Way, a FREE ebook by D Grant Smith
More resources for musicians
Austin area native Ginger Leigh is a life long entertainer and performer. She comes from five generations of music biz professionals. Her music is a blend of gritty, sassy rock and blues goodness. In our conversation for this episode 75, Ginger and I talk about touring, marketing, recording, performing, giving and much more. Hear the title track of her latest release Hey Funky You at the end of this episode. Read bonus content related to this episode. SHOW NOTES * GLeigh.com * Ginger Leigh on YouTube * Mickey Jack Cones * That’s My Desire from Amazing * Love at the Stateside * Super Hero Kids * Concerts for Austin Charities * Sarah Dashew * Ginger and Sarah Band on Spotify
Disclosure (pardon the interruption): Products and books listed below may contain affiliate links. If you purchase using these links, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support! RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS * The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo * Growth Farming the Seth Godin Way, a FREE ebook by D Grant Smith
More resources for musicians
Shannon Curtis has made house concerts the anchor of her music career since 2011. She tried the traditional route of touring cafes, college shows, and clubs. Her assessment of that traditional route is that it was really a slog. Growth was slow. In 2011 that all changed when a fan invited her to perform in her living room for donations. Shannon told me that performance was a transformative and wonderful time. She also said that evening was filled with everything that drives her to create. Shannon had several West Coast shows booked at that time in 2011. Following that house show, she decided to email her list to see if anyone else was interested in hosting a house concert. One year into doing house concerts, she abandoned all those cafe, college, and club shows. She's now on her 7th house concert tour. In the process of doing these tours, her email address has grown exponentially. She's adamant that her email more than anything else has made the tours possible. Shannon's house concert tours are community driven. Shows are hosted by people who already know and support her music. She doesn’t play house concert hosts who host multiple shows a year. Her growing community members are the hosts of her house shows. Most of her new hosts are people who have attended one of her house concerts. Shannon admits to incorporating social media in her marketing, but her email does much more to help her stay connected with fans. She stays truly connected by sharing personal thoughts, opinions, and reactions to the world around her. Her community clearly loves this. For Shannon, it’s simply a way to create honest human connections. She refers to her fans as members and supporters of her community. She’s not crazy about the word fan, sighting that the word creates an artificial division. This is part of how she makes her community inclusive. This inclusiveness is how Shannon nurtures lasting relationships. Her latest release Both at the Same Time includes a companion book that Shannon calls a deeper dive and meditation on the album’s themes. Yet another example of Shannon’s quest create real community for her supporters. Shannon also shares insights into her Spotify windowing strategy, the business of house concerts, personal songs, merchandising, and of course connecting with her audiences at the shows.
Read bonus content related to this episode.
SHOW NOTES * ShannonCurtis.net * Tom Meny * Shawn Colvin * The Double Slit Experiment
RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS Disclosure (pardon the interruption): Products and books listed below may contain affiliate links. If you purchase using these links, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!
- No Booker, No Bouncer, No Bartender: How I Made $25K On A 2-Month House Concert Tour, by Shannon Curtis
- The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
- Growth Farming the Seth Godin Way, a FREE ebook by D Grant Smith
More resources for musicians
RELATED EPISODES * House Concert Host Amy Killingsworth * House Concert Ambassador Tom Meny * Tapping into the House Concert Scene–Robonzo
Lannie Flowers is one of my indie musician pals who resides in the Dallas Fort Worth area of Texas. In this second appearance for the podcast, Lannie discusses the long process of making his forthcoming album Home. The project has apparently been wrought with challenges. I had no idea this was the case when I invited him back to the podcast. In fact, I was surprised by the magnitude of obstacles, challenges, and frustrations that have come with the making of this album. The project is about eight years in the making, as of the time of this interview.
Among the challenges, the studio that Lannie is working with had a 3-month shutdown for renovations. The band he’s working includes a couple of the busiest performing musicians in Dallas/Fort Worth. Then there’s “life happens” type of stuff and a myriad of personal distractions. This has all made the scheduling of recording sessions a challenge. But there’s another challenge that caught my attention.
Lannie and his label decided it would be cool to release a song per month for free download, leading up to the release of Home. Great idea! I loved it, but then I gathered that none the free download songs are going to be on the new album Home. Wait…what? The free download tunes will not be on Lannie’s upcoming album. There have been eight songs in the free download campaign thus far. Great for fans! After giving it a little thought, I realized that this is another distraction for Lannie. He’s managing two separate recording projects, one for album and one for the free download campaign.
Get your hands on Lannie’s free download singles at SpyderPop.com There are other factors in play here. Lannie’s prior albums were mostly just Lannie. Now he’s recording with a 5-piece band, and thus regularly herding cats. I sensed Lannie’s frustration in our conversation, and I share that frustration. It’s one crux of many among creative people. Life can easily get in the way, if you let it. Bigger artists have gone through the same sh*t. The trick of course is how they and Lannie respond to the highs and lows of the situation. Another thing that helps is learning to “roll with it,” as Lannie says.
The good news is that Lannie is having fun. So goes the indie musician’s life. Life gets in the way. Life creates distractions. Lannie rolls with it, and releases a free download single a month.
You will hear one of the aforementioned singles at the end of this episode. It’s a tune called Where did All the Fun Go.
SHOW NOTES * Lannie on Facebook * Spyder Pop Records * Chris Church * Bill Lloyd * Foster & Lloyd * The Long Players * Velvet Love Box
RELATED EPISODES * Episode 73 – Happiness in a Home Studio – Lance Harvill * Episode 68 – An Album of Passion and Persistence – Danny Wilkerson * Episode 27 – Lannie Flowers on Being a Career Musician, Songwriting, Studio Work, and Awards * Episode 58 – The Austin Based Soul of Mingo Fishtrap–Roger Blevins Jr
RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS * The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo * Growth Farming the Seth Godin Way, a FREE ebook by D Grant Smith * Web Hosting by DreamHost * More Musician Resources (my Resources page)
Lance Harvill came onto my radar by way of his recent work with Rex Brown. Some of you will know Rex as a founding member of Pantera. Lance’s guitar work was featured on Brown’s 2017 solo release Smoke on This. He was also part of the ensuing tour. Lance and I both grew up in the Dallas Fort Worth area, but only recently became acquainted with one another.
I went into our conversation interested in learning more about Lance’s career. What we started with was how he met Pantera. He spoke at length about his friendship with Pantera guitarist Dime. This part of our conversation covers Lance’s earliest gigs, including opening shows for Pantera. It’s a time that traces back to when Pantera was honing their chops in the nightclub scene of Fort Worth, Texas.
Fast forward several years, and Lance would connect with Rex Brown for a project called Arms of the Sun. You won’t find anything by Arms of the Sun on iTunes or Spotify. You will, however, find Lance’s work on albums like Smoke on This. Most of his work resides in catalogues intended for use in film and TV. You can hear some of that work by checking out the show notes for this episode. Lance’s career and work all happens in his home studio, where he seems most content.
Arms of the Sun He’s likely going to release something new under the Arms of the Sun name in 2019. My hope is that this release will be made available to the general listening public. Lance says has no plans to tour or play gigs. I’m also hoping he has a change of heart about this. Perhaps we’ll even see him on the road again with The Rex Brown Band, or with co-conspirators of any forthcoming Arms of the Sun recordings.
In addition to saying a great deal about Pantera guitarist Dime and his friendship with Rex, Lance also shares a few words about writing music for film and TV, Nashville, country music, and Dallas, Texas.
At the end of this episode you’ll hear Lance’s guitar and vocal work on a track called Wasted Me from the Arms of the Sun sessions. When he sent me the track, I wasn’t sure if it was new or from the original project, so I asked Lance for the story behind the track. I’d like to preface his response by saying Lance’s kind words about our conversation, which I won’t bore you with here, reminded me of how fracking lucky I am to speak with people like him and all the other great guests I’ve had on this podcast. Thank you–all of you!
Here’s what Lance said about the track Wasted Me.
“It was on the Arms Of The Sun record. Rex on bass, John Luke Hebert (King Diamond, Chastain) on drums. This is one I had the music to but no lyrics or melody yet. Rex heard the instrumental and loved it, and we needed one more for the album. I went and wrote lyrics and melody in a pinch and this is what came out. It’s about personal suffering brought on by one’s self. Story of my life.”
SHOW NOTES * Lance Harvill on Facebook * Arms Of The Sun – Video Podcast 09/09/2018 * Blues on Fire * Epic Indie Anthems 2 * MI College of Contemporary Music * Rex Brown
RELATED EPISODES * Episode 15 – Lee Oskar * Reverb and Whiskey (or Iced Tea)–Singer Songwriter Joe George * Find Someone Who Believes In Your Music & Get a Good Lawyer–Rex Brown * Making Music with an Open Heart and Mind – Jon Christopher Davis
RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS * The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo * Growth Farming the Seth Godin Way, a FREE ebook by D Grant Smith
More resources for musicians
Jon Christopher Davis (aka JCD) is a Dallas-Fort Worth based music artist. He’s written songs for the likes of Dolly Parton, Timothy B. Schmit of the Eagles, Billy Ray Cyrus, and many other noteworthys. He’s recorded for Warner Brothers, Sony and MCA Records. He’s been featured on a number of major TV and cable networks. His discography includes work with Vince Gill, Stan Lynch (The Heartbreakers), and for producers who’ve worked with Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Prince, and Jonny Lang.
What's in a resume? Don’t let his resume fool you. The music industry has changed on JCD, as it has for everyone else. However, JCD figured out how to make a living with his music long ago. He still makes music like crazy, and he’s still very curious about the business. He's also genuinely interested to learn what’s going work next. Best of all, he loves the rock & roll.
Heart, mind and eyes wide open JCD is a fine example of what it takes to make it in music, and it’s not as complicated as you might think. That said, he’s clearly had his heart, mind and eyes wide open throughout his career. This openness has empowered him to see, pursue, and capitalize on opportunity. That and his talent.
SHOW NOTES * Jon Christopher Davis * Joe George * Ezra Vancil * Gig Gab Podcast * Say it Loud Podcast
RELATED EPISODES * Gig Gab Podcast Interviews Roberto * Robonzo Talks Music, Panama and Podcasting on The Say it Loud Podcast
RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS * The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo * Growth Farming the Seth Godin Way, a FREE ebook by D Grant Smith
More resources for musicians
You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll call your therapist. That is straight from Lindsay White’s bio. She’s a songwriting machine, who’s been recognized by the likes of the Teullride Bluegrass Festival, Kerrville Folk Festival, Guitar World, and American Songwriter Magazine. In our chat for this episode of the podcast, Lindsay shares that she’s had a life long thing with anxiety. I believe she leans into her anxiety. The result is great music fueled by genuine emotion. Lindsay also kindly discusses songwriting, a songwriters book club, her BFF producer, her desire to perform more festivals and tour smarter, boxing, basketball, journaling, her first two albums (released in 2010 and 2017), her forthcoming album (maybe out in 2019), rebranding herself as a solo-artist, insomnia, self-talk, hope, perspective, and healing.
Queen of the side hustle Lindsay jokingly refers to herself as the queen of side hustle. Not too unlike yours truly, she’s dabbled in several vocations. In Lindsay’s case, it’s a means of using her marketing talents to keep her music career alive. This topic speaks to the challenge of a musicians life.
Life, loss & love Lindsay is passionate about life, her past, loss, love, and the world around us. She’ll tell you she’s become a raging feminist in light of current events. Delightful and crazy talented are the words I think best describe her.
Featured track Hear Lindsay’s song Surrogate from her 2017 release Light Out at the end of this episode.
SHOW NOTES **LindsayWhite.com
Amy & Gary’s House Concerts
Lisa Sanders
Jeffrey Joe
Folk Alliance
Kerville Folk Festival
Teullride Bluegrass Festival
Guitar World
American Songwriter Magazine
Gig Gab Podcast
Say it Loud Podcast**
RELATED EPISODES House Concert Host Amy Killingsworth
Indie Label to Indie Mindset – Lisa Sanders
RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo Growth Farming the Seth Godin Way, a FREE ebook by D Grant Smith
More Resources
Setting the Intention to Make Music Full Time – Eli Lev My interview with Eli Lev was recording on Labor Day 2018, the US holiday that commemorates hard working Americans. I like to think it commemorates hard working people everywhere. Eli is definitely among the hard working. He’s working hard to figure out what it takes to be a full time musician. It appears he’s doing something right.
Eli introduced himself to me by way of Twitter. After listening to his work and looking at what he’s doing on social and the webs, I circled back to ask if he’d like to be a guest on the podcast. Around the time we met, he found this podcast and tells me that it’s been helpful for him to hear what other artists are doing and struggle with. That of course warms my heart.
He is genrefied as neo folk. He performs solo and with a 5 to 6 piece band called Fortunes Found. Eli says the band got it’s name because he feels so very fortunate to have found them. He also says the band is elevating his sound and songs through live performance. Eli is also finding success on Patreon, YouTube and Spotify, all of which we discuss in this conversation. He shares the details of a creative Spotify experiment that has garnered him more plays than anything that’s been prescribed by others. He also shares tips on getting started with Patreon, and how he got comfortable with the the camera by posting on YouTube.
He’s leveraging a small team of experts, growing his community, and doing things by setting intentions. Among his biggest intentions is to release four albums over the next four years. These albums will all be thematically connected by Eli’s interest in the four cardinal directions of the Navaho nation. The first one, All Roads East, was released in 2017. The next one will be released this November 2018.
Hear Eli’s latest single Chasing Daylight at the end of this episode.
Eli is well traveled, having spent time in Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, Isreal, Andora, Spain, France, and Mexico, among other places. His decision to become a full-time musician stems from time spent at a remote beach outside of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. It was on this beach that he first set the intention to focus his time and career on music. His fallback plan is to teach. Eli has a masters in language education; but he may not need that backup plan. His career is going well thus far, and most importantly–he’s happy.
SHOW NOTES * Eli-Lev.com * Eli Lev’s Patreon Page * Ross Barber-Smith and Electric Kiwi * CD Baby DIY Musician Podcast * Folk Friday on Eli’s YouTube Channel * Philip VanDusen on Partner4Leads Biz Podcast * Eli’s Patreon Page
RELATED EPISODES * Growth Hack Your Fan Base Using Indie Radio – D Grant Smith * The Austin Based Soul of Mingo Fishtrap–Roger Blevins Jr
Disclosure (pardon the interruption): Products listed below may contain affiliate links. If you purchase using these links, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS * The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo * Growth Farming the Seth Godin Way, a FREE ebook by D Grant Smith * Web Hosting by DreamHost * More Musician Resources (my Resources page)
PRODUCTS MENTIONED * Zoom H1 Handy Recorder * Zoom H5 4-Track Portable Recorder
Lisa Sanders (featured in episode 66) made reference to Jason Mraz when she talked about Lee Coulter. She said that the excitement around Lee is similar to the excitement everyone had about Jason Mraz when he first hit the local music scene in San Diego California. Lee is currently on a roll with a #1 single on iTunes in Australia and New Zealand. He’s also been featured on Sirius XM’s Coffee House channel, which dub him “the discovery of the year.” This is obviously an exciting time in Lee’s career, and things are actually going quite well.
Lee comes across as grounded and wise for his years, artistically and as a person. In our conversation, he talks about facing difficult times during the whirlwind ride that began with his Sirius XM’s Coffee House gig. While appearances were that he’d “made it,” he was actually going through a personal financial crisis. That has fortunately passed, but the experience clearly gave him perspective and is likely one of the reasons he exudes humility. Our conversation also covers the story of a very supportive super fan, balancing authenticity with professional appearances, the live video premier for We You Me, his work as a writer of children’s books, and more.
Lee is modest about his work, admitting to being over confident in past years. Yet he seems in touch with the fact that this is the plight of all music artists, and doesn’t take himself too seriously. He says he has trouble listening to his own music, but that he’s still proud of what he does. And why not? He’s having fun doing what he’s always wanted to do–make music.
SHOW NOTES * LeeCoulter.com * Lisa Sanders * Revie Jane * Dixie Maxwell
RELATED EPISODES * Indie Label to Indie Mindset – Lisa Sanders * Opinions About Being a Full Time Career Musician–Lisa Leuschner Andersen * House Concert Host Amy Killingsworth
RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS * The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo * Growth Farming the Seth Godin Way, a FREE ebook by D Grant Smith * Web Hosting by DreamHost * More Musician Resources (my Resources page)
All for his first solo album Danny Wilkerson isn’t exactly in the full-time game of music, but for the past five years he’s been busy writing and recording songs. He’s also been busy recruiting talent and fundraising, all for his first solo album Wilkerson. The album is a true culmination of passion and persistence.
Danny and I grew up in the same area, but are only recently acquainted, thanks to Lannie Flowers. Danny and Lannie are long time songwriting partners and former band mates. Danny’s music career is varied. He’s worked with several bands as a performing member and songwriter, and he’s been on the artist management side of the things with his own management company.
Lessons in the importance of relationships Danny’s life and career are a lesson in the importance of relationships. The production and recording roster for Wilkerson include singer songwriter and producer Bleu McAuley, Roger Joseph Manning Jr. (Jellyfish, Beck, Imperial Drag), Joe Sieders (The New Pornographers), and several other noteworthys. To top it all off, Wilkerson was mastered at Abbey Road by Miles Showell whose resume includes work with The Beatles, The Stones, The Who, The Police, and Queen.
Our conversation covers a bit of reminiscing, the making of Wilkerson, and the challenges he faced along the way. You can hear the track Let it Go Tonight from the album at the end of this episode. The full album is available on iTunes and DannyWilkerson.com.
SHOW NOTES * DannyWilkerson.com * IPO Festival * Bleu * Abbey Road * Say it Loud Podcast
RELATED EPISODES * Lannie Flowers on Being a Career Musician, Songwriting, Studio Work, and Awards * Chris Raspante on Serendipity, Networking, Reputation, and Nashville * Touring, Podcasting and Rocking with Fair City Fire–Brian Wolff * Why musician Ray Prim has a day job, and loves it! * Starting Over in Austin–Lara Price * Humble Beginnings and Mean Business in Austin–Lara Price
RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS * The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
* Growth Farming the Seth Godin Way, a FREE ebook by D Grant Smith
More resources for musicians
Abe Partridge discovered music when he first heard Nirvana’s Nevermind. His life would take a few interesting turns before he would begin sharing his music and art. Abe's life has varied from several years as a preacher to serving with the US Air Force. These experiences and a personal awakening have forever changed his life path and driven him to create art and music. He says he writes songs and paints for himself, because his work is a very personal reflection of life and who he is. However, Abe confesses he started creating music and art to bring beauty into the world. This was intended to counter parts of his life he views as hate filled and violent.
His life journey is fascinating and his success story inspiring. Abe is both humble and charming, but his songs and art can at times be haunting. Hear his song Colors from his latest album Cotton Fields and Blood for Days at the end of this episode.
Lisa Sanders was once signed with an indie label, which gave her the gift of an indie mindset. Her latest release Shiver is her eighth CD. She's worked alongside The Truckee Brothers, Lucinda Williams, Bonnie Rait, Al Green, BB King, and Babyface among others. Our conversation covers the San Diego music scene, touring, the thought process behind her career decisions, tips for fellow artists, her good friend and musical companion Brown Sugar, working to help the homeless, and more.
Her music is as soulful and delightful as her personality. Please enjoy.
SHOW NOTES LisaSanders.com
Lisa on Facebook
Jeff Berkley, Berkley Sound
Amy Killingsworth, Amy & Gary's House Concerts
Java Joe's
Lee Coulter
Ray Prim
Tom Meny
The Archies
Steve Wozniak
Signs of Humanity
Steph Johnson
The Epic, by Filmmaker Dustin Begovich
RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by RobonzoGrowth Farming the Seth Godin Way, a FREE ebook by D Grant Smith
More resources for musicians
Chris Taylor creates music and art like a madman. He's a man of a thousand faces in my eyes. Check out his website to see what I mean.
In this episode we talk about why he creates so prolifically, how he's connecting with fans, his latest release, upcoming projects, and much more. His latest album is an acoustic trip through his music catalogue, and a postcard of sorts to his fans. Then there's his artwork, which is as passion filled as his music.
When singer songwriter Dean Johanesen recommended I ask Chris to be on the podcast, he said this about him.
"He's one of the kindest people I have ever met, and probably the most inspired and inspiring as well."
Kind, inspired, and inspiring indeed.
SHOW NOTES ChrisTaylorWorld.com
Dean Johanesen
Misty Jones
Mitch Connell
DIY Musician’s Podcast Episode 212, Episode 213, and Episode 214
Female Entrepreneur Podcast – The State of Music Business Today with Bree Noble & Rick Barker
Instagram – Robonzo & Sami hiking a coffee farm in Boquete Panama
Tom Meny
Ray Prim
Related Episodes Circus Swing and the Transformation of Dean Johanesen
House Concert Host Amy Killingsworth
House Concert Ambassador Tom Meny
Why musician Ray Prim has a day job, and loves it!
RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo Growth Farming the Seth Godin Way, a FREE ebook by D Grant Smith
More resources for musicians
Jace Everett and I surely crossed paths in the 90's, a time when we both lived and played music in and around Fort Worth Texas. In fact, we both did some hanging out and performing at Bronco's Sports Bar. This is the same place at which I met Chris Raspante, and it was Chris who recommended I ask Jace to join me for an interview on the Unstarving Musician's Podcast. When I asked Jace how he and Chris knew one another, he playfully told me about playing in cover bands with Raspante, laughing about their quarrels over learning parts correctly. (band drama with a twist of OCD).
A Music Career Spanning Several Albums & Collaborations Jace now calls Nashville home. It's home to his family and a music career spanning several albums and collaborations, the most recent of which is the 2017 release, Dust & Dirt, a collaboration with producer and principle co writer Dan Cohen. He's also been touring with Tonic and does a corporate band gig with members of Better Than Ezra, Tonic and Sugar Ray. Oh... he also wrote a song called Bad Things for a little HBO series called True Blood. Dust & Dirt was released to little or no fan fare, according to Jace, a statement telling of how he views today's music business. The album was for the most part made in his attic studio with the help of Dan Cohen. The self-released project was accompanied by a handful of videos, which you can find on Jace's YouTube channel. In discussing his latest album, Jace reflected on signing with EMI Nashville in 2003, and the Sony record deal that followed. He says that he was paid $32k/year in exchange for ownership of his publishing and 12 new songs per year. In 2000 and the few years that followed, he feels that it was easy to get a record deal. Although his EMI publishing deal ended a year later, he's happy to say that he's still making a living in music. EMI and Sony apparently didn't see Jace as commercially friendly country artist. He doesn't perceive himself as a commercially friendly artist, but I believe this is in fact where his artistry lies, within the music and art that he loves.
Jace has a truly light heart about music and his career, making fun of the fact that some music artists have been grossly overpaid in recent decades. He suggests that the music industry was in a bubble that finally burst, but makes no bones about feeling lucky and grateful for the fact that he makes a living writing and performing songs.
Jace is working on a couple of recording projects, including a new Jace Everett album. He also explores his love of words and interesting people on a podcast called Nashville Later with Jace Everett.
SHOW NOTES JaceEverett.com
Chris Raspante
Bronco’s Sports Bar
Jon Christopher Davis
Dan Cohen
Ryan Hoyle
Tonic
Gin Blossoms
Vertical Horizon
Better Than Ezra
Nashville Later Podcast
RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo Growth Farming the Seth Godin Way, a FREE ebook by D Grant Smith
More resources for musicians
Mike Osborn and Music Marketing Music marketing is synonymous with the name Mike Osborn. He’s still figuring it out like so many other indie music artists, but Mike has always been heavily invested in how he markets his music and brand. This was evident when I heard him speak at a 2014 musician marketing event that I co-hosted in San Jose California. Mike showed up with notebooks containing marketing ideas and strategies that he’d implemented or was otherwise exploring. Much of Mike’s methods and strategies come from John Oszajca’s Music Marketing Manifesto, which has more recently become known as the full service agency Direct to Fan International (DTFI).
Beyond Music Marketing Mike and his Mike Osborn Band are a group of hard working musicians who work smart, but he wants to work even smarter. He acknowledges that diversification has been a key driver of success in his career, but now he’s looking at the long-term. This is not an easy game in Mike’s home of San Jose California, which is among the most expensive places one can live on this lonely planet. Like the rest of the working world, Mike wants to work a little less, to have freedom for time off, and to feel good about retirement. He never mentioned retirement, for the record, but I believe he’s practical and somewhat traditional. Sure he can play into old age, but there’s likely something beyond performing and recording for this Osborn.
In our most recent conversation, Mike and I talk about more than just marketing and the long game of life. He’s fired up about an increased investment he’s made with Music Marketing Manifesto and DTFI, but he did humor me in discussing his forthcoming album, ReverbNation’s calendar widget, pickup bands in the blues scene, and why he finds drummers to be an x-factor in any new ensemble.
Mike’s forthcoming album is in final production stages. He seems confident in releasing at least some of it in time for the holiday season. He also tells me that the new recordings are stylistically more country than his past work. This makes sense given that Mike finds most of his songs start out that way. We’ll soon hear if that country feel supersedes his traditional blues-rock sound. Whatever the case, Mike is excited about the project and I’m excited for him.
Find Mike and follow the progress of his marketing and recording projects on Facebook @MikeOsbornBand.
SHOW NOTES Mike Osborn Band on Facebook
In the Dog House – Mike Osborn on CDBaby
Lovin Time – Video
ReverbNation Widgets
Math Class
DTFI
RELATED EPISODES Episode 34 – Tribute Bands, Jam Etiquette, & Backing Tracks–Mike Osborn
Episode 61 – Circus Swing and the Transformation of Dean Johanesen
Episode 41 – Reverb and Whiskey (or Iced Tea)–Singer Songwriter Joe George
Episode 60 – House Concert Host Amy Killingsworth
Episode 62 – Tapping into the House Concert Scene–Robonzo
RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo Growth Farming the Seth Godin Way, a FREE ebook by D Grant Smith
More resources for musicians
I’ve been fascinated with house concerts for years, but my interest went up recently following my interview with Ezra Vancil for The Unstarving Musician’s Podcast. Then Ray Prim made an appearance on the podcast, and shared his experience with house concerts in the Austin area. And then self-proclaimed ambassador of house concerts Tom Meny came on to the podcast. He clued me in to tidbits and resources that got elevated my interest even more.
Since these interviews, I’ve spoken with Amy Killingsworth who founded and co-produces Amy & Gary’s House Concerts. Amy gave me the host perspective, so I’m privy to all kinds of firsthand information lately. Soon I hope to have indie artist Shannon Curtis on the podcast. She does most of her performing at house concerts, and has written a popular book on the subject matter.
No Booker, No Bouncer, No Bartender: How I Made $25K On A 2-Month House Concert Tour (And How You Can Too), by Shannon Curtis
No Booker, No Bouncer, No Bartender: How I Made $25K On A 2-Month House Concert Tour (And How You Can Too), by Shannon Curtis
FYI: The book title listed above contains an affiliate link. If you purchase using that link, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I appreciate your support!
Tapping into the House Concert Scene As Ray Prim told me, it’s not necessarily easy learning about and becoming part of the house concert scene. (**Here my conversation with Ray in this episode.**) In fact, Ray compares it to the Luminati. Here are some helpful tips I’ve recently gathered.
House Concert Hosts Want to be Found House concert hosts are invested in growing their own networks. This is because they must draw consistent attendance in order to have successful events. A successful event for hosts is a good experience for guests and the artists that perform them. While many hosts are well established, it will never hurt for them to grow their attendee list and their artist database. In many or most cases, hosts are sharing their events on Facebook and sites like Meetup.com and Eventbrite. Note that in spite of the sharing on social sites, these are private events, by invitation and/or RSVP only. House concerts are not public events, and are not promoted as such (nor should they be, for legal reasons).
Attend a House Concert Attending house concerts is a great way to meet one or more hosts. I say one or more, because there may be hosts in attendance. There may also be aspiring house concert hosts in attendance. The performing artist is undoubtedly going to know something about they house concerts community. Even if you happen to meet a performing artist at their first house concert ever, they are probably on the cusp of learning more about the community at large. This is all schmoozing and networking 101, but you get the idea. Meet some hosts, fans and artists. Ask questions and be helpful to others when the opportunities arise.
Regularly Send Notes of Inquiry to Hosts I’ll lead this tip with something Amy Killingsworth of Gary & Amy’s House Concerts says, which is that it’s all about being nice. Thoughtful communication is key here. Amy also shares a story about an artist who contacts her regularly. You want to hear this story, and you can hear it in this episode. The moral of Amy’s story is that nice, thoughtful, persistent communication to the right host can get you plugged into the scene.
You Can Build Your Own House Concert Network Shannon Curtis has built her own house concert network by sharing her interest with her own community (i.e. her email list). She has built upon this at her house concert shows. This is all detailed nicely in her aforementioned book.
House Concerts are Big Audience Growth Opportunities As Shannon Curtis says, house concerts done right are an opportunity to grow your audience by as many as 20 people per night. How many days and how many gigs at cafes and bars does it take to grow this much? Because a house concert is a true listening event, it’s an event conducive to making connections with your audience. As the performing artist at a house concert, you have an opportunity to speak with new fans before and after your performance. Audience interest in speaking with you will be primed by your performance and your onstage stories. They’ll also be primed to join your community email list and buy your merch–bonus.
The House Concert Experience and the Fan Perspective I said it before and I’ll say it again.
House concerts are listening events, not parties.
If your a fan of live music, this is a plus. If you like talking and networking, you can do that, just not during the performance. House concerts are often structured with an intermission, during which time the performing artist does a meet and greet. And they want to meet and get to know you. If you’re in attendance, you’re a true music fan. Artists are also typically hanging out with attendees before and after their performance, so you’ll have plenty of opportunity for one-on-one time. Artists love this! They truly want to get to know their fans. The smart ones will also have merchandise for sale, and will want to stay in touch with you via email. Savvy artists can even speak to you about hosting your own house concert.
Best Practices Done right, house concerts are by invitation and RSVP only. Again, there are legal reasons for this (additional info can be found in the show notes listing of resources). In order to meet attendance goals that make for a successful event, hosts should invite double the number of people they want to attend. Murphy’s Law will dictate that not everyone will be able to attend, some will cancel, and a small percentage will no-show.
As the host, don’t try to do too much. BYOB and potluck meals are common place. Go the extra mile if you enjoy and can afford the added expense of entertaining. Attend other house concerts and learn from other hosts. Talk to other hosts. Borrow what works for you.
As a performer, unless you’re dealing with an experienced and established host, learn everything you can about producing a successful house concert, so that you can guide and educate your host. Promote your availability for house concerts on your website, on social, at your shows, and at house concerts. Buy Shannon Curtis’ book (mentioned above and in the show notes) for additional info and resources.
While some house concerts allow children, all will have an age limit. A crying infant will quickly kill the vibe of the otherwise intimate performances. Even a cute well-behaved 5-year old can be a problem, as they can effortlessly draw attention away from an artist performance. Performing artists and hosts want shows to be about audience/artist connection. This is what makes a truly successful house concert event.
How Artists Gets Paid House concerts are donation based events. The common practice is for hosts to recommend a donation of $20, with the expectation that all guests pay something. Shannon Curtis has a brilliant twist on this which she details in her book. Her suggestion is to not recommend a donation amount, but to communicate that the event is donation based. She argues that this removes a donation ceiling in the minds of attendees, instead encouraging them to give what they feel the performance was worth. Again, see Shannon’s book for a more detailed explanation. As with getting paid for any gig, there is an art to the pitch. In this case, there’s an art to pitching the donation. It may start with the artist explaining the donation basis to the host. In the other cases it starts with an experienced host announcing and consistently communicating that the show is donation based. The culmination is an announcement by the host at the end of your show. The best hosts will mention this fact in all emails and social posts about the event. Effective communication of the donation based aspect is very important to the success of house concert shows. It ensures that you the artist get paid, and it ensures that hosts are able to hold future house concerts that attract quality artists.
Getting Booked In addition to promoting your interest in and availability for house concerts to fans and hosts, you can join house concert networks. I’m going out on a limb here by say that this is your least desirable means of obtaining bookings. That said, I know there are artists who rely on this approach and who have success with it. The downsides are that it may involve a paid subscription, and you won’t necessarily find all of the best hosts in these networks. Again there are exceptions, but building your own relationships within your own network is going to work best every time. Shannon Curtis has this figured out also. Again–read her book! You can organize a tour in a way that’s very different from traditional venue touring. Do it right, and you’ll organize a much more successful tour doing house concerts.
If you’re in a rock, pop or dance band that typically performs shows that involve amplified volume and large ensembles, you may be thinking that house concerts won’t work for you. You’d be right, but that said, artists like Ray Prim are creating alternate ensembles and solo repertoires that are better suited for house concerts. My recommendation is to look at your band and consider two adjustments. First, create a configuration that works for house concerts. By this I mean a three-piece configuration, perhaps a duo. Five-piece bands or bigger are not typically going to work for house concerts. It’s too much gear and too much personnel. Second, create acoustic versions of your existing material. Leverage existing material, but consider additions to your repertoire. This will make you house concert ready, plus it can make you a better musician. Scaling down creates space and playing acoustically or at lower amplified volumes enables musicians to hear more.
Advice for Aspiring Hosts Amy Killingsworth says you should attend a house concert if you’re thinking of hosting one. Meet and chat with the host, borrow ideas from them, and use the parts you like to create your own experience. Amy loves to entertain. She goes an extra mile with little things like fresh flowers, but says that one needn’t do everything she does to create a quality house concert experience. I believe what Amy is saying here, is that one should create their own brand of house concert. Put your personality on it. Let it be a work-in-progress until you feel you’ve got it dialed in.
If You Want More I hope it gives you some fresh insight on house concerts. If you want a little more right now, see the related episodes and resources listed in the show notes for this episode of The Unstarving Musician’s Podcast. If you want more in the future, join the Unstarving Musician community.
SHOW NOTES Rex Brown
Pat DiNizio
The Smithereens
FEM Podcast
Ray Prim
Ezra Vancil
Tom Meny
Shannon Curtis
DIY Musician’s Podcast #134: Shannon Curtis
RELATED EPISODES Rock Photographer Neil Zlozower On Being & Shooting the Best
A Profitable Musician Summit–Bree Noble
Why musician Ray Prim has a day job, and loves it!
House Concert Ambassador Tom Meny
House Concert Host Amy Killingsworth
RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo Growth Farming the Seth Godin Way, a FREE ebook by D Grant Smith
More resources for musicians
Circus swing is my favorite genre that’s been used to label Dean Johanesen. The label comes from Dean’s fascination with circus history and a family story that ties it all together. In discussing my fondness of this genre with Dean, he confessed that he’s not sure (yet) that he wants to be defined by circus swing indefinitely. At the moment, it appears to be working well for him.
This circus swing style has made Dean a favorite with his peer Tom Meny, who said this about Dean.
“The dude just has a great style. He’s always dressed up, nice pants, button down shirt and tie. Just class. And one helluva cool dude. At the festival, you sometimes can get lulled because everyone’s playing all these folk or Americana songs… then this dude breaks in with his up-tempo Django Reinhardt style and everyone loves it.”
After enjoying these kind words for a moment, Dean told me that songwriter festival performers most often play very heartfelt material. That material is often of sad subject matter. Dean feels that following two or three performers who all played emotionally heavy songs with his upbeat sound helps keep audiences engaged. The shift in mood is probably a pleasant surprise to festival audiences. That’s the kind of surprise that can have an energizing effect on a performer like Dean.
Dean sites The Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival as one of his favorites. As I’ve become more acquainted with the songwriter festival scene, thanks to guests like Dean, Tom Meny and others, I’ve also become more interested in them. Some are great places for artists to pitch their songs, and others appear to be simply about the music performances. Both types can be great according to Dean, although he has a preference for those that are focused on performances. He began looking into songwriter festivals following the breakup of a four-piece band of which he was a member. Good move, as I imagine some artists feel a bit lost following the breakup of a band.
In spite of his success as a solo artist, Dean still enjoys the camaraderie one finds with being in a band. In fact he says that he didn’t set out to be a solo guy. Enter his current trio The 24 Hour Men. The trio is helping Dean keep people interested in what he’s doing. The band also has appeal for festivals that look for groups as opposed to solo artists, adding diversity to Dean’s career. As we discussed The 24 Hour Men, Dean mentioned his desire to keep an open dialogue within the band. As I probed for more on this thought, he brought up his work as a sideman with another band. This work has reinforced Dean’s sentiment on open dialogue and allowed him to experience what it’s like to be “the other guy.” It’s been an opportunity to offer his help to a fellow bandleader, and an opportunity to empathize with band members in general. He says the experience has put a new perspective on being in a band. Dean maintains that he wants to keep it fun for everyone. Open dialogue helps, whereas he recalls miscommunication in past projects has been the cause of much grief.
“I want to exist doing the things I love, because I think it makes you a better, kinder human being.”
As a songwriter, Dean says his process and style has transformed over the years. Earlier compositions were introspective, where his later work has taken him down the path of writing about other people. Working on soundtracks has taken him in a direction where he uses history as subject matter. This has culminated in writing about the circus, a subject that his home base of Sarasota Florida has fostered. Sarasota is rich in Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus history. And this all begins with a story of an aunt who, as a little girl, threatened to run away and join the circus. It is all of this that inspired Dean to coin the genre of circus swing.
Being a full-time musician has it’s ups and downs in Dean’s words. To make it all work he tours, teaches, performs in multiple configurations, and occasionally couch surfs. He’s clearly loving every minute of it though. He likes moving around stylistically, and confessed he’s currently experimenting with a new sound. He wants to be inspired by whatever he’s doing, inspired to write new songs, inspired to write better songs. Change for Dean makes perfect sense.
You can check out Dean’s work at DeanJohanesen.com; and bonus–hear his unreleased track Red Eyed, Red Light at the end of our conversation.
SHOW NOTES DeanJohanesen.com
Dripping Springs Songwriter’s Festival
The 24 Hour Men
Tom Meny’s Interview on The Unstarving Musician’s Podcast
Songwriter Tommy Barnes (Indian Outlaw)
Mississippi Songwriters Festival
A Time and a Place, Album by Dean Johanesen
Partner4Leads Biz Podcast
Mel Bay
The Super Cajon designed by Max Kelly of The 24 Hour Men
SXSW
Dean’s M.I. Music Classes (a free PDF download)
RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS
The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Growth Farming the Seth Godin Way, a FREE ebook by D Grant Smith
More resources for musicians
Amy S Killingsworth founded and co-produces Amy & Gary’s House Concerts of San Antonio Texas. I’m fascinated with house concerts as of late, and this conversation was an opportunity to get the host perspective. Amy and Gary hosted their first show in April of 2016. Their 25th house concert will happen in July of 2018. Amy's added street cred comes from former Unstarving Musician's Podcast guests Ray Prim and Tom Meny. They both think she's all that and a bag of chips. I'm often a little anxious about interviews that are not with music artists, but Amy was fun and easy to talk to. It turns out that Amy was a bit nervous too, but tells me she decided to embrace the new and do the interview. Lucky me. She was a wealth of information on hosting house concerts. Our conversation also covers the artist and fan perspective. Here are a few topic highlights.
Challenges of Hosting House Concerts Amy says that one of the biggest is getting people to come. She sees no-shows as money out of the artist's pocket. The thing is that Amy really cares for the artists. She loves the live music, but she really cares about the welfare of music artists.
"We’re a listening room.”
"We’re a listening room,” Amy says of her home and house concert venue. Being attentive is a show of respect to the musicians, she adds. Apparently her audiences are well trained. Amy shared with me that she's only ever had to shush one person, her husband and co-producer Gary. She went on to say that the Dripping Springs Songwriter Festival has volunteers that use hand fans to remind attendees that theirs is a listening venue. Personally, I think this method would work well for any house concert host.
Advice to Aspiring House Concert Hosts Don’t be intimidated, just do it. That's Amy's top recommendation. "You’re there to help the artists make money... so just lean in to it–enjoy it," she says. Amy also recommends attending house concerts produced by different hosts. Ask for advice, borrow the things you like and use them. This is exactly what Amy has done. A tip she shared from another house concert host is to keep a guest registration list for each show. Amy uses this list to nurture her community with little things like sending thank you emails and sharing insider artist information. This next one isn't so much a tip as it is an example of how Amy goes the extra steps. She uses a birdcage (nice touch!) to collect donations for the performing artists. She also reminded me that using the words "Suggested Donation" and "Private House Concert" are important. Tom Meny talks about this in his interview for this podcast, and Shannon Curtis discusses it at length in her book.
Pardon the Interruption: The book listed below contains an affiliate link. If you purchase using these links, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!
No Booker, No Bouncer, No Bartender: How I Made $25K On A 2-Month House Concert Tour (And How You Can Too), by Shannon Curtis
Amy loves to shoot live streaming video, as they're a great way to market her private house concerts. Another pro tip she offers, however, is to always ask for artist permission before shooting video of their performance. Not all artists are keen on it.
Advice to Artists Interested in Performing House Concerts Amy receives an average of five to ten emails per week from artists expressing interest in performing for Amy & Gary's House Concerts. Doing only twelve or so shows in a given year makes it tough to choose artists. As a way of giving back, Amy helps artists book gigs at other venues when she can't book them for her own shows.
Amy looks for a good house concert performance video when choosing artists. It's important to note that she and other house concert hosts prefer to see live performance videos. Also important to note is that the video doesn't need to be of the highest production quality; but the video sound quality does need to be good. Staged videos are fine, according to Amy, as long as it's live in front of a live audience. She says that artists should invest as much as they can to have one of their house concert show recorded on video. This is your artist calling card to house concert hosts. This is one of the things that will get you house concert gigs.
Artists should understand that it's tough to have full bands at a house concert. Percussion instruments such as a cajón are doable, but a drum kit is typically not practical. Artists should present their gear list to hosts. Lastly and very important, Amy says "persistence and nice.” She offers an example in Brian Pounds who at one time sent weekly personalized emails. She’s booked him three times at other house concert venues. The added lesson here is artists should network with house concert hosts.
My take away from this interview: Amy Killingsworth is a determined doer of good things, and a gift to the music community at large.
SHOW NOTES Amy & Bay’s House Concerts Facebook Page
Amy & Bay’s House Concerts on Meetup
Tom Meny Ray Prim
Lisa Sanders & Brown Sugar
Concerts in Your Home
Java Joe’s
Folk Alliance International
Peter Case
Americana Fest Nashville 2018
Dripping Springs Songwriter Festival 2018
RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo Growth Farming the Seth Godin Way, a FREE ebook by D Grant Smith
More resources for musicians
Life and songwriting on the road was the underscoring theme of my interview with Crystal & Pete Damore of Ordinary Elephant. We actually discuss a number of topics including how they've grown their Spotify audience, songwriting camps, the daily practice of object writing, music festival showcase gigs, and the importance of their fan newsletter. But all of this is enveloped by a nomadic life on the road, and music of course.
A Lifestyle Change The couple made a big lifestyle change in 2014, trading their home and many possessions for life in an RV. My impression is that this was a move intended to simplify their lives. Something fortuitous and unplanned came from this big change–the ability for Crystal and Pete Damore to perform and write music full time. The Damores say that doing music full time was a calling that became clear once their new lifestyle began. Hearing their story first hand, they sound as though they couldn't be happier. Well, there is one thing they seem to desire.
Songwriting Retreats and Object Writing Crystal and Pete are in love with songwriting retreats. It's a love fest and a topic of humor, as the couple admits they'd go to more if it were financially practical. Such is the case with many good things. Humor aside, they explain that these retreats put them in the company of song writing talent that has been both eye-opening and career changing. It was at a songwriting retreat that they learned about object writing. This is the practice of focusing on an object and descriptively writing about it in a stream of consciousness fashion. Crystal and Pete say it's really helped their songwriting. I happened to notice it's also a feature of their fan newsletter. You can check out samples of their fan newsletter, their music and tour schedule at OrdinaryElephant.com.
SHOW NOTES Ordinary Elephant Tom Meny White Cat Studio Spotify Widgets Libsyn Tim Ferris Show – Brandon Stanton, Humans of New York episode OE Newsletter Archive Object Writing
RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo Growth Farming the Seth Godin Way, a FREE ebook by D Grant Smith More resources for musicians
Singer Songwriter Roger Blevins Jr is the driving force of Austin based Mingo Fishtrap. He grew up listening to R&B, soul, funk, metal, hip-hop, and a little rock, but Mingo Fishtrap is known for the sound of Texas soul.
In this episode Roger and I discuss a songwriting accountability group that has driven him to set up his perfect home studio. The group has also greatly helped with his productivity as a songwriter, having amassed a collection of about 200 original songs. We also discuss Roger’s reflections on important lessons learned in music school at the University of North Texas. Although the biggest of those lessons are not typical of what one garners from university, they have no doubt helped him create a financially sustainable and long running music career.
Part of Mingo Fishtrap’s sustainability formula is the band’s immersion in lucrative music festivals. It’s a formula that’s enabled Roger to maintain top notch musicianship in the band. It’s part of the gig for Roger, and it’s clearly worth it to him. He loves writing, recording, creating, and performing. And that’s what Mingo Fishtrap is all about.
SHOW NOTES Mingo Fishtrap
House Concerts Ambassador Tom Meny
Do You Realize by The Flaming Lips
Bob Scheider
The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo Growth Farming the Seth Godin Way, a FREE ebook by D Grant Smith
More resources for musicians
Singer songwriter Jennifer Vazquez came to me out of the blue, the blue canvas of Twitter. I was checking my alerts, glancing at the feed and there she was, promoting her latest album Rediscovering Me.
Jennifer grew up in and around the Bronx of NY. She has spent a good deal of time in LA, but now calls Nashville home. Before we even spoke, I got a sense that Jennifer has a mindset built on giving and a belief in abundance. It’s true, and you’ll hear it in the stories she tells.
Here are a few of the interesting things we discuss.
- How a super fan helped her tour Sweden and England
- How (and why) she killed and then revived her solo artist persona
- What improving as a songwriter means to Jennifer
- What she learned at the recent Music Biz Conference in Nashville
Jennifer is all about investing in herself, facing fears, giving back and recognizing opportunity. She has a lot to offer musicians, songwriters and music fans. She said at one point in our conversation, “When you feel like you can’t, that’s exactly when you should.” This typifies her view facing our fears.
Jennifer’s album Rediscovering Me features a track called I Believe, which can be heard at the end of this episode. Enjoy.
SHOW NOTES JenniferVazquez.com
Shelby Park (Site of Jennifer’s encounter with a turtle)
Matt Farnsworth Voice Studio
Joan Osborne
Music Biz Conference 2018
Color Your Way to Calm
Musicians on Call
Miliman12 Photography
RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo Growth Farming the Seth Godin Way, a FREE ebook by D Grant Smith
More resources for musicians
SHAPESCENES is a reference to synesthesia. My guest in this episode is Chase Anderson, lead singer and guitarist for the Austin band SHAPESCENES. Chase says when he was a kid listening to music, he could close his eyes and see notes, tones and chords as specific complex shape and color combinations. He referred to those visuals as shape scenes. With age and expanding music knowledge, this experience faded.
Synesthesia clearly gave way to a great deal of talent. As a live band SHAPESCENES has been described by many as a wall of sound. Their forthcoming release Empyrean Heaven is an impressive blend of modern sound and a throwback to the late 80’s and early 90’s sound of post-punk and new wave. The band has definitely hit a stride. The official release of the EP just around the corner at the time of our interview.
Our conversation covers touring, PR, releasing new music, marketing, the evolution of SHAPESCENES, some of Chase’s favorite Austin venues, and his life as a pro musician. On a very personal note, we also touch on Chase’s experience with mental health struggles and the Austin organizations that helped him. Today he holds a great deal of compassion and concern for mental health among musicians and people in general. I’m grateful for his willingness to discuss the issue. Hopefully this part of our chat makes for good listening at just the right time for some of you. Today Chase says he’s in one of the best places in his entire life. Lucky Austin. Lucky us.
SHOW NOTES SHAPESCENES
Fair City Fire
SXSW
The Backstage
Empire Garage
Brian Wolff, Episode 55
Empyrean Heaven on Band Camp
Austin Radio Stations: KTSR, KUTX, 101X
Ray Prim, Episode 52
SIMS Foundation
HAAM (Health Alliance for Austin Musicians)
Stubbs
Mohawk
RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo Growth Farming the Seth Godin Way, a FREE ebook by D Grant Smith
More resources for musicians
Brian Wolff is lead singer and guitarist for Austin based rock band Fair City Fire. Our conversation covers Brian’s start in the music scene of Binghamton NY to his immersion in the Austin music scene. He shares lessons learned from touring, podcasting, college, business and marketing. His band’s latest release is Shake Your Bones (see show notes below). The title track is featured at the end of the episode.
A highlight of our conversation is Brian’s take on marketing. I’m always expecting musicians to tell me about some sophisticated marketing hack, but Brian offers his insights on relationship marketing. Just another reminder that old-school marketing still delivers a big impact for musicians.
Given that Brian and I are both fans of Ray Prim and the fact that I love rock bands, this was an exciting conversation for me. I suppose the podcast needs to feature more rock artists.
Please enjoy!
Disclosure (pardon the interruption): Products listed below may contain affiliate links. If you purchase using these links, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. SHOW NOTES The Linda – WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio
WAMC Northeast Public Radio
Fair City Fire
Fair City Fire on Spotify
Shake Your Bones
Say it Loud Podcast
Humans of San Antonio
Austin Music Foundation
RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo Growth Farming the Seth Godin Way, a FREE ebook by D Grant Smith
More resources for musicians
Singer songwriter Tom Meny considers himself an ambassador for house concerts. He says they’re his bread and butter these days. He’s so into them that he has a podcast episode devoted to the topic. Among his most recommended resources on the subject is this episode of the DIY Musician Podcast, featuring an interview with house concert expert Shannon Curtis. His other most recommended resource on the topic is this book by Shannon Curtis.
Recommendations for breaking into the house concert scene Tom admits that it can be hard to get into the house concert scene, but offers a couple of important recommendations. One is to get involved in regional folk festivals and conferences and apply for their showcases. Another is to have a friend host a show. He’s quick to add that you should get familiar with house concert guidelines, and elaborates on why during our conversation.
Live acoustic performances by John Mayer were among Tom’s earliest influences. Although he got his start posting videos on YouTube, Tom credits his entire existence in the Austin music scene to fellow singer songwriter Ray Prim. He hasn’t always been into folk and Americana, but is now a regular attendee and regular performer at the Kerville Music Festival and Folk Alliance conferences. There’s a connection between these events and the house concert scene, which explains why they’ve become a regular part of Tom’s marketing routine.
Other topics we discuss include merchandising, digital distribution, selling albums on USB (and maybe USB-C someday soon), and how Spotify could make it easier for fans to support their favorite artists. We also share social media etiquette tips for music fans. Hint: If you can’t make it to Tom’s next show, just click “Interested.”
*Disclosure (pardon the interruption): Some products mentioned in this post contain affiliate links. If you purchase using one of these links, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. If you’d rather not use them, I understand. Thanks for your support!* SHOW NOTES **TomMeny.com**
Hate My Job by Tom Meny (video)
Ray Prim interview on this podcast
The Singer Songwriter Podcast Episode 2.2 – House Concerts
DIY Musician’s Podcast #134: Shannon Curtis
No Booker, No Bouncer, No Bartender: How I Made $25K On A 2-Month House Concert Tour, by Shannon Curtis
Kerville Music Festival
New Folk Competition
Southwest Regional Folk Alliance Conference
Southeast Regional Folk Alliance
Northeast Regional Folk Alliance
RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo Growth Farming the Seth Godin Way, a FREE ebook by D Grant Smith
More resources for musicians
This best-of episode features four musicians who appeared as guests in early episodes of the podcast. I chose these guys, because their insights say so much about the little things musicians can do to build a career or keep their gig calendars full.
Texas Guitar Slinger Chris Raspante on Marketing When I asked Chris what he’s learned about marketing during his rich career, he went straight to relationships and networking. He lays out all the things that a musician needs to be in order to get hired, to get invited back, and to be remembered. Without hesitation Chris says that these qualities will give you the best marketing results you can ever ask for.
Gig Gab Co Host & Houserockers Front Man Paul Kent on the Value of Building a Network My conversation with Paul Kent chimes in on how to assemble and sustain a quality band by building a network. His 11-piece Houserockers averages about 100 gigs per year, so Paul definitely an expert in this area. He views his network as a giving opportunity and a Karmic thing that shows him love, time and time again.
Bill Lonero on Drive, Perseverance, Passion, & Focus Bill Lonero’s career is relatively young, but he’s learned a lot. His growing wisdom compliments his strong opinions. Bill talks about drive, perseverance, passion and focus as though nothing else matters. That and ignoring negativity.
Robert Berry Credits His Success to Family Support and a Backup Plan Robert Berry has a very impressive musician resume, and he’s a longtime business owner. His values are simple and his approach to music is uncomplicated. He rounds out these best-of conversations by sharing a lesson from his father, his support network, and his belief in a good backup plan.
SHOW NOTES Bad Things by Jace Everett
Gig Gab Podcast
The Defiant Machine
Straptight
December People
RELATED EPISODES Episode 2 with Chris Raspante
Episode 9 with Paul Kent
Episode 16 with Bill Lonero
Episode 19 with Robert Berry
RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo Growth Farming the Seth Godin Way, a FREE ebook by D Grant Smith
More resources for musicians
Why musician Ray Prim has a day job, and loves it! Ray Prim is a talented Austin based musician with a day job. He’s widely seen as a performer with an onstage sense of humor, something he says he doesn’t understand. I think I get his reputation. During the first 10 to 15 minutes of our conversation, he proclaimed his love for Taco Cabana tortillas and shouted at a Cortana enabled device. He’s not trying to be funny, he just is.
When I asked him about his reputation as an onstage funny guy, he says “I can’t explain it. I say microphone, and they laugh.” He also says he once planned and told a joke on stage, and it bombed. In spite of this, Prim thinks he could write sketch comedy for SNL.
Happy having a day job Ray’s happy about having a day job. He sites living with band mates and playing shows you don’t want to play as good reason to think about getting one. He puts his own situation in perspective for me by sharing a story from his touring days. His pivotal moment came when he received his first temp job paycheck. It was apparently considerably more than he’d grown accustomed to earning as a full time touring musician. He was about 28 at the time.
Now in his forties, Ray reflects that the music business has a shelf life, such that the chances of “making it” diminish over time. He made his life change decision largely so that he could play gigs that he wanted to play, and so that he could write songs. He says there are lots of musicians in Austin with day jobs, and that the talent pool is big. His advice to musicians who struggle after a long career, “Go out there and find people with jobs that love to play.”
“If anybody is digging you, you’ve accomplished something.”
Today he turns down more gigs than he plays, while watching many of his full time musician friends struggle. He does shows so that he can pay musicians, and makes a point of not playing with full-time musicians. He says he can’t afford them. The first thing he wants to know when recruiting musicians is if they have a day job. Living in Austin means being surrounded by talented people with day jobs. He adds, “There’s always someone better… but there’s enough ears out here for everyone. If anybody is digging you, you’ve accomplished something.”
House concerts versus clubs On the day of our conversation, I happened to notice that Ray had done gigs for something called Tips Concerts, which is produced by a couple that lives in South Austin. They’ve build a sweet outdoor venue at their ranch home for hosting invitation-only concerts. Attendees pay ~$20 to attend the potluck events where artists perform hour long shows. Ray says it’s a community thing, and that musicians are paid well. “House concerts is where it’s at,” according to Ray. Fellow Austin musician Tom Meny turned him on to this particular gig. Ray goes on to talk about other house concert venues where he performs in San Antonio and Houston. They’re typically booked well in advance and the venue hosts do all the marketing. In fact artists are discouraged from marketing the invitation only events. Ray enjoys these gigs so much, he wishes he had a home big enough to host house concerts.
Featured Track Ray and I were introduced by Austin based singer Lara Price. The two met while doing backup vocal tracks for an artist known as Dr Joe. He says of Lara that he loved her voice the first time he heard her sing. “Lara is the cat’s meow,” he added. I agree, and I’m thankful she introduced us. As Ray says, Lara’s a talented and cool person.
This episode’s featured track is Find a Suit, which Ray says he wrote for a friend who was getting married at the time. The track compliments Ray’s long list of breakup songs. Where does he find inspiration for such songs? Ray’s addicted to TV. He says his life is boring, so his go-to muse is television drama. He tells me about a few of his favorites and closes with, “Don’t get me started on Felicity–Oh I Love that girl.” He’s not trying to be funny, he just is.
SHOW NOTES The Ray Prim Band
Dr. Joe
Tom Meny
Six Million Dollar Man
SoFar Sounds
Tips Concerts
The Blueprint by Jay-Z
The Belle Sounds
RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo Growth Farming the Seth Godin Way, a FREE ebook by D Grant Smith
More resources for musicians
Hannah Holbrook is a solo artist and member of the sibling quartet SHEL. She and her sisters are considered virtuosos, and their collective tastes create an exciting and eclectic sound that the band calls alternative pop. This episode is a conversation about SHEL, their relationship with a noteworthy Nashville label, and why they went independent. We also get into questions about how SHEL self-produces their music videos, establishing a presence in Nashville, business management of SHEL, film projects, Hannah’s solo career, relationships, photographers, songwriting, and more.
Here are some particularly important takeaways from our conversation.
On writing good songs Hannah confessed that she’s writing 10 songs for every one that has potential for the next SHEL album. This brings to mind a quote I paraphrased during our chat. It goes something like, “Writers have to write a lot of bad pages before one good one emerges.” Hannah and I agreed that if she’s getting one good candidate for every 10 songs she writes, she’s doing really well.
On saying yes I asked Hannah about relationships, as I gathered that she’d somewhat recently seen one come to an end. She commented on the many new friends she’s made in Nashville, using words like “community” and “life giving.” In listening to our recorded conversation I hear an indirect and perhaps unintentional commentary on the life of a music artist. For those who create art and actually find success, there are choices that don’t always come easy. Choices about saying yes to one thing, and no to another. These same choices are intertwined with those we make to create our circle of influence or those that determine how and where to spend our time. The time I spent speaking with Hannah? In a single word? Gratitude.
You can find Hannah on Facebook @HannahOnTheKeys.
And bonus… Hear Hannah’s solo track First Flight at the end of this episode. Her piano playing is nothing short of exquisite.
SHOW NOTES SHEL
Enter Sandman (SHEL Official Video)
Diana Maher, Publisher
Brent Maher, Producer
XTC
Squeeze
Republic Records
Big Machine Label Group
Dave Stuart
The Band Perry
Mira Goto Episode 12 / Episode 46
Let Every Woman Know
Anthony Scarlotti Photography
Art Hefron Photography
Depth Perception (Official Trailer)
Late Bloomer EP by Hannah Holbrook
RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo Growth Farming the Seth Godin Way, a FREE ebook by D Grant Smith
The Profitable Musicians Summit
More resources for musicians
Independent musician Mike Dawson is crushing it on Instagram. He also subs for the principle drummer of The Lion King, leads drum workshops and gives private lessons. That's all on top of his day gig as managing editor at Modern Drummer Magazine.
Mike last appeared on the podcast in episode 25. This is episode 50!
Drum workshops–Mike's preparation & vibe We began our conversation discussing his drum workshops, the preparation involved, and the vibe he strives to create for attendees. It turns out that Mike keeps the preparation part fairly simple. He chooses a theme, brushes up on the necessary material, but goes in prepared to change the theme as needed for attendees. He says his vibe all about creating hands-on interactive workshops. Given that drum clinics are somewhat in a state of decline, Mike's workshops are generally for smaller groups of up to 20 attendees. The upside is that smaller groups cater to the interactive approach he prefers. His primary goal with workshops is to give back by sharing all the great stuff he's had the opportunity to learn.
I asked Mike if he does much outreach marketing to get workshop gigs. He responded by first recalling that his earliest workshops came by way of invitations, sometimes from friends who taught at universities. More recently however, his workshop bookings have been primarily driven by social media. Mike posts daily on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, with Instagram being his main hub. He describes his social media posts as documenting his daily practice, and sharing what he happens to be working on at the time.
Performing with the Lion King Orchestra Since we last spoke, Mike picked up an amazing gig subbing for Carter McLean, Principle Drummer for Broadway musical The Lion King. The two were already acquainted by way of Modern Drummer Magazine, but Mike believes that his presence on Instagram played a big part in getting this gig. I'm sure that The Modern Drummer Podcast helped also. McLean listens to the podcast, as do I. Mike D's conversations with podcast co-host Mike Johnston provide in-depth perspective on the breadth of Mike’s work as a musician. Mike had done a dozen Lion King performances at the time of our chat, and confessed that it's a high intensity gig. It's the type of gig in fact where subs have to play exactly like principle drummer.
Mike clearly appreciates the network that Modern Drummer Magazine has given him the opportunity to build, but he's very conscious of the fact that it's no platform for asking favors of his drum heroes. Yet he also told me that he’s never been good at asking anything, meaning he's never really been very deliberate about expressing interest in opportunities like subbing for The Lion King. Yet as an observer, I can see various ways in which invites opportunities into his music life. It's a formula whereby he serves others at a very high level, and does so with class.
Mike's Instagram video setup Mike primarily does short practice videos for Instagram. An example he gave me was waking up one day hearing a Steve Jordan groove in his head. That groove inspired him to post his morning practice on Instagram, one of many minute-long presentations of his daily practice routine. These posts are raw and intended to show his followers what he's doing to improving his own playing. He says some of the best compliments he's received on these posts are about the fact that he does complicated stuff, but presents it in such a way that viewers feel they too can do it. He tries to make videos that are relate-able, documenting practices to show his personal progress. I love asking Mike about his gear. His Instagram video setup is pretty simple. He uses an iPhone, a Shure interface, and a Xenvo wide angle lens for iPhone. The Shure interface allows him to position his iPhone an ideal distance out from his kit. See a more comprehensive list of Mikes gear in the show notes of episode 25.
Inspiration for his Instagram posts comes in part from the drum heroes he gets to interview for Modern Drummer Magazine. He looks at these conversations as personal lessons given to him. He takes all of this knowledge and shares it with his followers and students. This leads me to another phase of Mike's evolving brand. He's created a Patreon page, which he sees as a great way to share the love and create some income, without the hassles of managing a custom website. While I'm not sure Mike would be comfortable with me referring to this as part of his marketing and branding, it's exactly that. And I think it's great! His plans moving forward to include a full library of courses, and album, and probably other stuff he hasn't yet shared with me.
Just as Mike gets to learn from his drum heroes, I got to learn something from him. Listen to our full conversation for more insight on how Mike thrives as an independent musician.
British singer songwriter Lynz Crichton has been busy working on a new EP, and the project has two noteworthy facets.
One–Lynz gave herself a 90-day deadline for songwriting and recording the demos.
Two–She collaborated with her fan base to get feedback on song ideas and input on which songs to feature on the new EP.
The 90-day deadline for songwriting I was particularly interested in the 90-day deadline for songwriting and demoing. Deadlines aren't novel by any means, but our conversation reminded me that many songwriters I know appear to struggle with the actual business of creating (i.e. songwriting). What better way to get into the creative process than to challenge herself with a 90-day deadline. Lynz tells me that she plans to do a similar 90-day thing for the recording and mixing of the final tracks.
All the things indie artists must do sometimes “takeover." Her 90-day deadline approach was born of necessity. Lynz is not only an indie music artist–she’s also a mother of two. She says life and all the things indie artists must do sometimes “takeover." If you’re an indie music artist, this is an approach worth considering.
"Musicians should put fans first. As an indie artist, it’s possible to give fans close access."
Lynz started the fan collaboration process by simply asking for their help and involvement. This was all possible because she's built a healthy email list and Twitter following. Asking fans to vote on which songs to include on the EP was brilliant in my opinion. This whole affair of fan collaboration also inspired her to create two versions of the EP, one with guitar and vocals only, and a second with additional instrumentation. She best expresses the method to her madness in telling me, "Musicians should put fans first. As an indie artist, it’s possible to give fans close access." In this particular case Lynz genuinely wanted to find out what her fans are into, and to involve them in the creative process. She adds that it was also a great way to "keep the conversation going."
Lynz also does work writing personalized songs. Fans commission Lynz to write these personalized songs, and it's apparently become a regular thing for her. It's also something she actively offers fans. She describes personalized songs as a piece of history in time, and a way for fans to honor their close friends or loved ones. This is a great example of the many ways in which indie artists can make money.
Continuing our discussion on the different ways indie artists can make money, I asked Lynz about her experience with performing alternative or less common venues. Among those less common venues are open markets, foodie events, craft fairs, and toddler festivals. I've also discussed lesser known venue opportunities with Bree Noble in episode 17, and continue to discuss this theme with other artists. Apparently there's no end to these new opportunities, where organizations and event planners are looking for music and music programs–and they have budgets!
Our conversation in this podcast episode indirectly offered lessons to songwriting procrastinators and looking at income opportunities more creatively. I hope you'll take the inspiration to heart. Life is passing by, and we await your next compositions.
SHOW NOTES LynzCrichton.com
DIY Musician Podcast 30 Emails that Will Automate Your Fan List
Shannon Curtis
Carlos Castillo, Episode 44
Lynz Crichton in Episode 14
Mira Goto, Episode 46
Tara Brueske
Ezra Vancil, Episode 42
12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran, Michael Lennington
RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo The Profitable Musician Summit
More resources for musicians
Bree Noble returned to the podcast this week to talk about The Profitable Musician Summit, a project that's been months in the making. The event will include dozens of speaker interviews with musicians and music marketing professionals. Topics of discussion throughout the event will focus on the many revenue streams available to working musicians. The timing of our conversation was such that I caught Bree just prior to the live portion of the event. We discuss the event inception and the mechanics of how she put it all together. Bree also gives an update on her longtime projects The Female Entrepreneur Musician Podcast, Women of Substance Radio Podcast and The Female Musician Academy.
Bree's first appearance on this podcast was in episode 17. In that episode she shares the story behind her passion for educating other indie artists. As soon as our conversation began for this episode, I was reminded that Bree is a natural as an interviewee (and interviewer). It’s no wonder, as she's published over 150 episodes of the FE Musician Podcast, and is closing in on 300 episodes of the Women of Substance Radio Podcast. Bree is also a natural educator. She has a thriving Facebook community for female artists; a growing library of online courses for entrepreneurial musicians, and is now bringing an epic online event to the musicians of earth. That event is the aforementioned Profitable Musician Summit.
Bree's name has come up in several episodes of this podcast. The reason for this is that she has built a solid reputation as an educator for the indie musician. I expect that the Profitable Musician Summit will not only help indie artists reach the next level of their careers, but that it will also take Bree and her music entrepreneur community to new heights.
Lara Price is an Unstarving Musician’s Podcast alumni from early episode 4. Similar to my recent conversation with country singer songwriter Mira Goto, this is a progress update of sorts. It’s been almost one year since my last interview with Lara. At that time she had just made a big move from the San Francisco Bay Area to Austin, and she was still riding high on the release of her then newish album I Mean Business. This time around I happened to catch Lara near the 43rd anniversary of a very special flight on which she was a passenger. Lara was part of Operation Baby Lift, the mass evacuation of orphans to the US and other countries at the end of the Vietnam War.
Our conversation opens with Lara’s reflections on her fate as an evacuee and how it has influenced her art. We also talk about starting over in Austin, and the journey of finding a new band. Lara had been a music fixture of the San Francisco Bay Area for about 20 years. She says that the process of establishing a new band she can call her own is something that hasn’t been without a few tears. Lara is a self-proclaimed optimist by nature, so she’s naturally upbeat about having met many great Austin musicians and having landed some great gigs. She was one of the local artists featured at the 2018 Red Gorilla Music Festival, and was excited to tell me that she landed a coveted gig on Austin’s Bergstrom International Airport music stage. Lara has her eye on a much bigger prize though–Austin City Limits.
I’d always thought of Lara as someone who favors blues as a genre. There’s no question that she loves the blues, but she confesses that she originally wanted to sing in a rock band. She also says the blues found her–lucky us. Lara’s returned to her roots in that she’s frequenting blues jams in the Austin area. She and I agree wholeheartedly that blues jams are a great place to network with other musicians. And as Lara points out, blues musicians are often into other things besides blues. As an indie artists, we should remember this anytime we’re feeling dismissive of the blues. Blues jams are a great place to network with other players, many of whom are into other genres. As Lara is quick to point out, blues ain’t easy. To that I’ll add, blues ain’t easy when it’s done right.
Lara says she wants to get back in the studio this year. She also wants to find the lineup for that band she can call her own. Much to my surprise, she anticipates that she might finally find her sound. I thought she found her sound long ago, but I’m now under the impression that this has been one of her ongoing quests in life. She points out that all of this will take time, and making time seems to be on the forefront of Lara’s mind. She recently made the big decision to get a day job. Austin is a place where Lara says she can hold a 9-to-5, focus on one music project, and live a more comfortable life. The super-expensive San Francisco Bay Area is unfortunately not among the most conducive places for artists to do such a thing, especially if their sole focus is making a living from their art.
SHOW NOTES LaraPrice.com
Mira Goto episode 45
Lara Price episode 4
Red Gorilla Music Festival
I Mean Business by Lara Price
Operation Baby Lift
Ray Prim Band
Redd Volkaert
Ezra Vancil episode 42
Poor House Bistro of San Jose California
RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo Growth Farming the Seth Godin Way, a FREE ebook by D Grant Smith
More resources for musicians
Country singer songwriter Mira Goto first appeared on this podcast for episode 12 back in mid-August of 2017. I invited her back for a progress update of sorts, and she’s been very busy since our last conversation. She has a new album coming out, a new single called Crazy Cat Lady, and a new video on the way. Like I said, she’s been very busy.
Mira’s new single Crazy Cat Lady is on Apple Music The first time I listened to Mira’s new single Crazy Cat Lady, I got sucked in to the story. Granted I’m a cat person, but it was only a preview of the song. During our chat, she eluded to the emotional peaks of the song, so I was prepared. My wife on the other hand almost started crying when she heard it. Yup… if you’re an animal person, and especially if you’re a cat person, consider yourself warned. All that said, it’s a beautiful track.
I’m recommending that my indie artist listeners pay close attention to what Mira’s doing on social, especially on Twitter and Periscope–@miragoto. Get to know her, perhaps by merely listening to our conversation, and you get a glimpse into the how she’s managing her music career and the special ways she’s building a loyal following. All this, while writing music most days, managing her own marketing affairs, and commuting back and forth between Nashville and Santa Cruz California.
Mira and I hit on a number of helpful topics including sponsors, endorsements, co-writing appointments, the importance of having professional photography, Periscope and YouTube. She also shares valuable insights on building a loyal fan base, how she’s learning social media for music professionals, and how attending NAMM has turned into a big boost for her brand.
In spite of being so very busy, Mira’s been ultra focused on building relationships that matter. These are predominately relationships with her her tribe, which she affectionately calls her Llarmy. She loves llamas. Get it?
SHOW NOTES MiraGoto.com
Mira Goto in Episode 12
@miragoto
Mira’s new single Crazy Cat Lady
Episode 1 with Mike Dawson
Episode 25 with Mike Dawson
NAMM
Moraine Music Group
Nick Chau Photography
MikesLessons.com
Modern Drummer Podcast
SHEL
Sinclair & Daughtry
John Ondrasik and Five for Fighting
West Coast Songwriters
Episode 18 with Alyssa Trahan
Rick Barker
Terry LaPorta in Episode 26
Carlos Castillo & Schwilly Family Musicians, Episode 44
Recording King
Gator Cases
Mira’s llama post on Instagram
RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo Growth Farming the Seth Godin Way, a FREE ebook by D Grant Smith
More resources for musicians
Sofar Sounds is a global organization who’s mission is to reimagine live events through curated, secret performances in intimate settings; and they are attempting to do just that in over 350 cities around the world. My guest for this episode of the podcast is Tony Di Silvestro of Sofar Sounds Kansas City. I don’t typically seek out businesses or organizations to guest on the podcast, although some of my past guests are musicians who also happen to have a thriving business related to music and musicians (see Lee Oskar, David Barrett, and Carlos Castillo). In this case Tony reached out to me to express interest in sharing the Sofar Sounds Kansas City story with my listeners and readers. And after a phone conversation with him, I decided that Sofar Sounds is something that both music artists and fans should know about.
As for Tony, he wanted to get involved in the music and arts scene in Kansas City and has found Sofar Sounds a nice way to do so. Sofar caters to indie artists, but doesn’t shy away from noteworthys. For example, here are some names you might recognize–Yeah Yeah Yeahs front gal Karen O., Bastille, and Ed Sheeran. Impressive.
I’d love to know what you think as a listener, a reader, a fan, and/or as a music artist. Have you looked into Sofar Sounds in your city? Have you already had experience with them? Are you intrigued? I ask these questions because if Sofar Sounds is as cool as it appears to be, I'd love to help raise awareness among music artists and fans everywhere.
Why should artists & fans care? Tony says that the surprise element keep Sofar shows fresh and unique. Shows are announced the week of the performance, and to an invitation-only list. You can apply to attend a show near you on their website (here's how it works). Tony also feels fans should appreciate the fact that Sofar showcases new artists. I imagine music artists also appreciate this. Also... the shows are affordable. In many cases, Sofar asks for a mere $10 donation. The cost of shows, however, varies by city and the performing artist.
What about the music artists? Music artists love playing a captive room, and that's what Sofar Sounds gives them. Sofar also gives its performing artists a high quality professional video of their performance, something Tony says artists really appreciate. He emphasizes that being part of Sofar is a great networking opportunity for music artists because of its global social presence. It's a great way for artists to get involved in multiple cities. Payments to performing artists can be just the pro video of their performance and/or a monetary payment. This too varies by city, and sometimes by performing artist.
The Sofar business model While Sofar Sounds Kansas City is focused on producing shows at unique venues, every city has it's own vibe. Tony cites the intimacy of shows as a primary pillar of the Sofar Sounds model. The biggest opportunity for Sofar Kansas City to profit is more frequent shows and more artists who want to perform; but Tony will tell you that they're not in it primarily for profit. He says they're in it for the atmosphere and buzz being created. Keeping shows secret and keeping a cool buzz seem to genuinely motivate Tony. He goes on to explain that Sofar cities always start as non-profits. At the time of this podcast episode, Kansas is in transition to a for-profit mode of business. Sofar shows request fan donations starting at $1, and while show prices can vary, a $10 donation is common. Whether for profit or not, I'm sure that sustainability is part of the long term goal. I wish them tons of success.
SHOW NOTES Sofar Sounds
Sofar Sounds Kansas City
Sofar Sounds Kansas City on Facebook
Captiva
Karen O
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Sunday Assembly
Ezra Vancil
Boulevard Brewing Company
RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo Growth Farming the Seth Godin Way, a FREE ebook by D Grant Smith
More resources for musicians
Carlos Castillo runs a Facebook community called Schwilly Family Circus. It's a community for entrepreneurial musicians (aka musicpreneurs). It took us a while to connect for this interview, thanks to a power outage at my own home podcasting studio. As it turned out, Carlos had just become a brand new father, so he was understandably relieved by my request to reschedule. He tells me he was suffering from sleep deprivation. I understand newborns commonly inflict this type of suffering on the mums and dads. ;)
Samson (his first child) turned 3 months old at the time of our conversation and interview. Carlos says he’s an awesome baby, not a crier and very fun. He also says that the best thing about living the entrepreneurial lifestyle is that working from home gives him the flexibility to spend more time with Samson. He says he didn’t realize how good his entrepreneurial work life would be for fatherhood. This made me realize that I should ask more guests about their kids. I don’t have kids, but I know it’s a common bond among many of guests, listeners and readers.
A few years back Carlos set out on a quest to get fired from his day job–he references the movie Office Space as a good representation of how it went down. He says that he was a corporate monkey for about five years, was making good money, buying fancy toys–but feeling miserable. His enrollment in online courses for an MBA in entrepreneurial small business set in motion an eventual departure from the rat race. Carlos knew he wanted to start a business of his own. He didn’t care to participate in workplace politics, and felt that his job was a dead end.
"For those of us that are failures to leading a normal life, maybe that’s because we’re supposed to live a special life.” –Carlos Castillo paraphrasing one of his favorite quotes
When Carlos hit the 5-year mark at his job, his 401k doubled in value thanks to a company match. This was an event that gave him the opportune chance to finally quit. Rather than walk off the job, Carlos says he just stopped “doing" (a la Office Space). He spent his work hours transcribing music and making plans for what he’d do when he left the company. When he was walked to HR, he did so with his head up and a smile. He was packed & ready to go–onward to freedom. He cashed in his 401k, bought an RV and some recording gear, and started what would become known as the Schwilly family road trip.
His business idea was to start recording live shows, targeting lesser known artists. He recorded about 250 bands in 2013. Carlos knew that super fans loved live recordings, and he wanted to build a business around his recordings. He started by giving smaller bands a record of their shows, but he couldn’t figure out how to make the idea profitable. Musicians he worked with couldn’t afford to pay him, nor did they have money to pay for studio time that he wanted to offer. Next he tried burning CDs to sell at shows, but this didn’t add up to much income either.
Musicianship is the most quintessential entrepreneurial business.
Before he could get his business going, the engine in his motor home broke down and Carlos went broke. He found work on a farm, saving up the money to buy a beat up old van and make his way back home to Utah. He gave thought to a new plan, and discovered the thriving world of online music marketing. It occurred to Carlos that musicians lacked business knowledge for building a career. He also felt that many musicians lack the realization that they could build an entrepreneurial business based on their music. Many musicians were stuck in the idea that they just needed to shine very brightly and that someone in the industry would help them make it. Musicianship is the most quintessential entrepreneurial business. This is a view Carlos learned he shares with quintessential marketeer Seth Godin. Carlos combined his MBA education with information that he gathered from blogs and podcasts like CD Baby's DIY Musician podcast to make up a new business idea. This podcast and the CD Baby blog was Carlos' number one learning resource in the beginning. He even wrote a guest post for the CD Baby blog, which got him 500 subscribers and a helpful boost to his business.
In the beginning he applied newly learned strategies as a consultant to musicians who were willing to pay. Most musicians didn’t have the wherewithal to apply the strategies that were widely available. Some musicians were willing to hire him for help; but he realized that there was a limit to how many people he could serve in this capacity. The proverbial light bulb lit up in Carlos' head. It dawned on him that teaching was the way to go.
Carlos started his current business during a period when he was homeless and working from libraries. He shares this story to help musicians realize that they can start working on their own musicpreneur business from just about any point in life. There’s so much information online that it can be overwhelming and often misleading, says Carlos. He also feels that many educators are merely regurgitating, rather than applying and teaching what they’ve personally applied. The first bit of important knowledge Carlos came across in the early stages of his research, is that you have to build an email list and you have to build authority. He also learned about meeting and connecting with people via Twitter. He put together an email list, and started sharing all the articles he was finding on music entrepreneurship to his Twitter followers and email subscribers. The result is that people started looking at him as someone who was knowledgeable–an authority. At this point he was knowledgeable as an entrepreneur, but not as a musician entrepreneur. Even so, musicians started asking him questions. He in turn started using Twitter direct messaging to find out what musician’s were challenged by. [Carlos likely used a Single Most Important Question approach here.] He says that he got the important questions before he knew the answers. He knew where to find answers, but needed to know the questions. He learned simply by asking. Carlos got hired to execute online strategies for others, which lent itself to building authority. It’s all based on principles of business, he says. He used these same tactics to build his own business, then he simply translated the same principles to help musicians to get super fans. Carlos sees himself as an entrepreneur who serves musicians. His market is musicians, and the market of the musicians he serves is super fans. His authority is also in part attributed to the fact that he himself is a super fan–a professional super fan, who spent thousands on the work of other musicians.
Carlos started out doing pro bono work. Once he got the results that his clients were looking for, he started charging for his time–and his courses. He has increased prices as he's increased the value within his courses. He initially operated solely on the need to build an email list and serve his community. Once he established his own community, his own super fans, Carlos says that all he had to do was teach his students what he learned about connecting with people. Some musicians will say things like, “This won’t work for me and my fans.” Yet Carlos used these very tactics to connect with them. He asks students to simply trust the system he’s developed and the principles he teaches. However, he emphasizes that his methodologies are more about principles than systems or technology. Carlos reminds us that technology changes, but sound principles are universal.
This is his differentiator. Many educators show musicians how to do tactical things based on technology. Carlos teaches on the basis that principles are cross platform. As technology changes, principles still apply. It’s the same in any field, he adds. He focuses most on Twitter and Facebook, which have their own unique sets of tech skill requirements. The principles that make things work in Carlos’ world can be applied to any social platform. He strives to give his students principles they can use 10 years from now, and believes that people get a lot of value out of transferable skills and principles.
“How things are done, isn’t necessarily how things should be done.”
The Musicpreneur Apprentice Program The Musicpreneur Apprentice Program (MAP) is the flagship offering of Carlos’ Schwilly Family Musicians community. The program provides tools for developing a web presence, a custom Twitter app, Wordpress website tools, a crowd funding template, and more. Carlos has designed MAP to be fully inclusive, rather than something that has lots of upsells. A key principle he teaches: cut out as many middle-men as possible. MAP also includes a WooCommerce booster (add-on) plugin, which normally costs ~$150. This plugin allows musicians to offer an option for buyers to pay more than the recommended price, something that BandCamp has proven to work well. He emphasizes that some buyers will in fact pay more than recommended price to support the artists they love. His Twitter app was developed in-house and in cooperation with Twitter, and is exclusively for Schwilly Family Musicians. Carlos also includes weekly online coaching for MAP students, plus credits for 1-on-1 coaching. He’s unhappy with much of what is being offered to musicians, and sees lack of entrepreneurial knowledge as the reason behind poor offerings. Carlos develops some of his own student tools in-house, because he hasn't found the right tools elsewhere.
Labels & the In-DUH-stry
Carlos has branded himself as the anti-industry guy and sees major labels as no different than the corporate world he chose to leave. He doesn’t care for the way musicians are treated by major labels, which he likens to the treatment of cattle. It angers him that traditional industry has victimized musicians, although he finds many smaller labels doing good things. The DUH in "in-DUH-stry” refers to major labels and gatekeepers. His main thing is empowering musicians with the knowledge and skills needed to take ownership of their careers–to help musicians realize they can do it on their own.
The Ideal Schwilly Family Musician Student According to Carlos, the ideal student for MAP is secure in their music and adds that their music is mostly developed. He looks for people who want to take ownership of their own small business, are willing to do the work, and are creative enough to put their own spin on MAP principles. He also adds that his ideal students want to make an impact on the community they serve. Carlos believes that some people just need a leader to shove them in the right direction. In Carlos' world, it’s all about amplifying your own weirdness… And that's how you connect with your community.
Krosst Out is the first Canadian and first rap artist that I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing for the podcast. He was born in Toronto, but grew up in the small town of Campbellford, a town he describes as a place where everyone wants to fit in. As a kid his interests were focused on the city life and doing his own thing. Today he lives in the city of Toronto, but admits he loves returning to the country town where he grew up.
Like many of the indie artists featured on the podcast, Krosst Out fits into the "up and coming" category. His father was a guitar player, a gigging musician, and a source of music inspiration. His father insisted that KO do something he himself had never done–learn music theory. Piano lessons ensued. Then KO found his dad's bass, and says–he was hooked. Krosst Out would go on to also learn guitar and drums.
He genrefies his style as hip hop and rap fused with rock. His music influences include rap, metal and rock. Among his favorite artists–Rage Against the Machine, System of the Down, Eminem, and Biggie. But before all of these influences took hold, he'd been exposed to the music of his father–Rush, Dire Straights, Eric Clapton, The Who and The Police.
When I asked how and when he first got into rap, KO begins by sharing that he grew up in a christian household, adding that his parents were unsure about rap music. He listened to christian rappers in the beginning, but by his teens moved on to metal. It was during this time period that he also started playing bass, writing lyrics, and inevitably listened to more and more rap. But it's the rock influence that provides a certain versatility with regard to venues that will book him.
Where touring is concerned, Krosst Out takes the DIY approach. He applied this approach in setting up his current tour–it's simple and straight forward. KO followed other Canadian artists on Facebook, noting where they performed. Then he methodically started contacting those venues, compiling a database. He also looked at cities he specifically wanted to play, adding them to his database. The outreach routine was and still is a relentless routine of emailing, calling, emailing, followed by a deliberate rinse & repeat. He says he also spent hours on Google looking for bars in various cities. This has become his routine process for booking outside of Toronto.
KO says his brief pitch includes what venues want, what they're looking for, selling the event, links to live performances, social, and his bio. We also touch on a few concepts straight out of The Unstarving Musician's Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, including schmoozing, asking for peer help, and staying on top of the changing venue landscape. KO also gets a little marketing help from his girlfriend, suburban pop indie artist Mel Yelle. Although KO feels fairly new at the game of touring, he says this year will be his biggest to date. The current leg of his tour spans seven shows in three weeks, taking him from Toronto to Nova Scotia.
We also talk about some of the not-so-great aspects of tour planning, referring specifically to artists who suffer from rockstar-syndrome and generally poor attitudes. As a tour organizer, KO deals with ticket sales, photographers, artist payouts, and more. There's not much room or toleration for poor attitudes. In fact, he and I agree that attitude trumps talent–every time.
KO's touring configuration is pretty basic, in his own words, consisting of two mics, a drummer and/or a DJ. He says he likes having the onstage interaction of a DJ or drummer. Funny thing is, drummers notoriously despise DJs. It could have been just for me, but KO says he thinks the onstage interaction is better with a drummer, adding that he likes jumping off the kick drum, followed by a pause. He says the crowd gets into it. And why wouldn't they?
This video compelled me to invite singer songwriter Ezra Vancil to be a guest on my podcast. After speaking with him, I watched the video a second time, but through an entirely new lens. Ezra's forthcoming release You is a collection of ten songs that represent ten years of his current relationship(s). He describes those relationships (and his life) as complicated, albeit mostly in his own head.
Ezra is a native Texan. He in fact grew up not far from my own hometown of Fort Worth. I find the stories of his childhood, music career and personal struggles to be quite compelling. There's also a unique aspect to Ezra's stories–the openness with which he recants them. He has a gift for story telling in that he's quite good at telling them both musically and conversationally. He's clearly at a point in his life where transparency, reflection and self-assessment are ultra important.
A Self-Taught Musician Surrounded by an Incredible Musician Community Given that he's a self taught musician surrounded by the incredible musician community that is Dallas Fort Worth, I asked him if he has ever experienced feelings of intimidation. As a predominately self-taught drummer from the same area, I often felt a sense of inferiority. Nearby North Texas University of Denton churns out amazing musicians. Ezra admitted to me that he did have a time in life where he was up at 5:00 AM every morning for a year straight practicing finger-style playing and studying various playing techniques. This was all to overcome a feeling of embarrassment over his own musicianship. He's overcome these feelings and has long known that he best competes as a songwriter. As for the plethora of talent around him, Ezra sees this talent pool as a resource for his various music projects.
“My current vibe is a return for me to the music my parents played and what they introduced me to – mostly songwriter music, 70’s folk and country and artists..."
Discovering the Hidden Album Collection of His Parents Ezra was raised by working musician parents, who in his own words "followed the music." His parents moved the family dozens of times in pursuit of opportunities within the gospel music scene. He remembers them as being very religious parents who didn't want him exposed to pop music. Ezra was fortunately privy to their hidden album collection, which included Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, The Beatles, and more. He describes his vibe today as a return to the music that his parents introduced him to. He also says he's in a new phase where he wants to let his Texas Country Americana influences shine, something he previously tried to hide.
Ezra's personal struggles include addiction, which brought a great deal of mistakes and loss into his life. Today he appears to be in a state of personal resurrection. The aforementioned compelling video in fact captures his feelings on past mistakes and heartache. In the video, he exhibits what for me is a rare display of self-admission. All of this doesn't leave necessarily leave me with the impression that Ezra has worked everything out, but he appears to be moving in a very positive direction.
The Business of Music and Nurturing Relationships We did spend time discussing the business of music and nurturing fan relationships. It came up as we discussed a couple of his video projects. I'm always interested in how indie artists make their careers work, and fan support is a recurring theme. I had a great opportunity to ask Ezra about this very thing. We specifically discussed how he organizes volunteers for projects like video shoots. The short of it is that Ezra works with intent to understand what his fans want from him, particularly within the framework of volunteering. Then he strives to give them what they want. As he puts it, some people want accolades, some want a fun day, some want to be in a video, and some people just want to get out of the house for a day. He goes on to point out that people love music that they feel they’re a part of. Ezra wants events that surround the creation of his music videos to be a lasting memory for volunteers.
The Process Behind Ezra's Music Videos To help me understand the process behind his music videos, Ezra told me that one of his latest videos had a crew of 20. Only a handful of dancers were paid. How does he make this work for all volunteers? He's very transparent about the production process, so that everyone who's part of a volunteer team understands the pay situation. This takes him back to giving people what they want. If they aren’t getting what they want, he'll simply say to them, “Let’s talk about it.” If they want a relationship, he may throw a pizza party. If they're a budding musician who wants to play in a fun environment, he'll organize a campfire jam night. If he's not adding to the lives of his volunteer fans, Ezra says he doesn’t feel he should utilize their time. If he can't add to their lives, he doesn’t want to ask for their help. The amazing thing is that his volunteers don’t usually know one another at the outset of a project, but they become friends with one another. The projects therefore turn out to be more about volunteer friendships than anything else.
"If you’re really serious about having a music career, you can’t do it alone.”
A friend enlightened Ezra to this approach for keeping a volunteer project cohesive. This particular friend ran a non-profit historic sailing ship in California for years, utilizing hundreds of volunteers. His friend simply said, “Ezra, it’s not about you. You're just creating a place for these people to meet, and they’re going to make friends, have relationships; and you're giving the something to do." He realized from this moment on that his volunteer teams weren't so much paying attention to him. They're focus is on each other, and enjoying something that brings them together. Ezra says that during his early career, he didn't understand the invaluable nature of community. He in fact experienced much frustration over this issue early on. Today, he's nothing but committed to his fans and supporters, and it's clearly making a difference in his life and his career. In Ezra's words, "If you’re really serious about having a music career, you can’t do it alone.”
Ezra sees now that volunteers are enjoying each other and the experience that brings them together for a purpose. However, this leads to an aspect of the music career life that troubles him. Musicians don't have the luxury that many business do, whereby they can make due with a hundred good clients. Ezra sees business for the indie artist as requiring a thousand or more true fans. Relationships naturally get thin. Yet this troubling aspect drives Ezra to be quality focused where his relationships are concerned. It's a bit of an irony on the surface, but it definitely seems to be working for him.
SHOW NOTES Ezra's website
Lanny Flowers
Peace in the Morning (video)
Song Before I Go (video)
Christmas Wish (single)
Unstarving Musician Christmas Playlist on Spotify
RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo Growth Farming the Seth Godin Way, a FREE ebook by D Grant Smith
More resources for musicians
Musician Joe George (aka Joe Shadid) has a steady gig as a content producer for Reverb.com, where he creates video lessons, demos and more. Reverb is an online marketplace where musicians can buy, sell and learn about new, used, vintage and handmade music gear. A listener of the podcast and long time San Francisco Bay Area friend recently sent me this NY Times article on Joe, suggesting that he’d be a great guest interview. I reached out to Joe via Facebook, he was kind enough to schedule an interview, and he was indeed a great guest interview.
“It’s a freakin’ dream job.” –Joe George on his gig at Reverb.com
To our surprise, Joe and I are mutually acquainted with Rex Brown, the former bassist for metal sensation Pantera. His video work for Reverb not only gives Joe a steady paycheck, but also a little notoriety. Rex had seen Joe in some of his Reverb videos, and was apparently impressed. Rex invited Joe to to join his band on a tour to support his new solo album Smoke on This. Joe has had opportunities to interact with other noteworthy musicians because of his gig with Reverb, including Queens of the Stone Age guitarist Troy Van Leeuwen and Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead. Understandably he says, “It’s a freakin’ dream job.” Indeed.
Joe as an Independent Artist & Songwriter The most interesting facet of Joe is his work as an independent artist and songwriter. He released his first album over a year ago, and this year in 2018 is working on a project whereby he’ll release a song and companion video once a month. So he’ll end up with 12 tracks and 12 videos by year’s end. This project for Joe is a great way to do something different, to collaborate with others, and to keep himself working on original music all year. Check out the first three videos at joegeorgemusic.net.
Joe has a truly varied taste in music. He’s passionate about string quartet, but has an appreciation for all kinds of popular music as well. He also really enjoys film scoring. These facets of Joe’s music all have some tie-in with his education at Berkeley College of Music. It was here that he discovered his appreciation of string quartet and found the opportunity to learn about music for film. Where his music is concerned, he comes across as an artist in the truest sense. It’s something you hear in his voice as he talks about music and collaboration.
His self admission where marketing and money are concerned, is that neither are something he’s focused much energy on. To a degree, he hasn’t really had to focus on marketing and money. His gig at Reverb has been a benefit to his marketability and success. It’s very symbiotic, I suppose. In spite of the lift that Reverb may provide to Joe’s independent artist career, he’s extremely talented. He’s clearly nurtured and has invested in his art.
Throughout our Skype conversation, I heard an the occasional sound of ice cubes tapping the edge of a glass, as Joe would pause to take a sip of a beverage. Our interview was done during the evening hours, so I couldn’t help but imagine that he was enjoying a nice whiskey, or perhaps a bourbon. It matters not. In my humble opinion, iced tea or whiskey–Joe is hip either way.
SHOW NOTES Joe on YouTube
The Reverb.com YouTube Channel
Reverb.com
JoeGeorgeMusic.net
Johnny Burgin on Episode 31
Rex Brown on Episode 32
(Franz) Joseph Haydn
Berklee College of Music
Troy Van Leeuwen Watches Reverb Queens of the Stone Age Potent Pairings
RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo Growth Farming the Seth Godin Way, a FREE ebook by D Grant Smith
More resources for musicians
Tom Irwin grew up admiring and learning songs by the likes of Grand Funk Railroad, Led Zeppelin, and Thin Lizzy. He was a participant of the 80s New Wave scene, but eventually found himself drawn to life as a solo artist. He’s been musically genrefied as folk rock and alt country. Willie Nelson once said to Tom about his band’s performance after they opened for Willie & Family in 2001, “I like your shirt, and your music, too.” Tom was wearing a Hank Williams, Sr. shirt.
He has recently worked with John Stirratt of Wilco, who was involved in the production of Tom’s latest release All That Love. He's a music journalist for the Illinois Times and a gigging machine. Music and journalism have helped him build a network of lifelong friends. Some of these friends have become studio collaborators.
Tom’s journey as a solo artist started after he witnessed fighting among his bandmates. These particular bandmates were also his best friends; and the fighting was an event he tells me he never wanted to experience again. The release of Tom's latest album was a long road traveled during changing times in the music industry. He rolled with the industry changes and eventually made his latest release happen with the help of a Kickstarter campaign that raised almost $10,000. To hear Tom talk about this 5-year journey, you wouldn't get the impression that he found it all that challenging. He obviously learned some things along the way, but he comes across as nothing more than grateful and humble when discussing it.
The quintessential indie artist I recorded our interview on a day when Internet service was down at my home studio. The audio isn’t great, but that’s mostly on my end. Tom (the important guy) sounds pretty good. I mention this because I'm so glad we went through with the interview, in spite of the tech issues. In the episode intro, I refer to Tom as a "statesman" of indie artists, but that was the wrong word. I should have said that Tom is the "quintessential" indie artist.
A music column that Tom writes for The Illinois Times is somewhat the reason that we connected. Tom met Rockin' Johnny Burgin at Central Blues and wrote a piece on him for the Times. They became fast friends. Rockin' Johnny told me I should have Tom on the podcast. This all strikes me as fairly typical. It seems that Tom has developed many friendships through music and journalism. This reminds of the savvy musician adage, "Be cool, and don't be a dick." As we spoke about his relationships and music journey, it became quickly evident that he is kind and genuinely pleasant to be around. A case in point is a chance meeting he had with John Stirrat of Wilco in 2012. Tom was playing at a venue called The Castle in Bloomington Illinois, opening for Candy Gold, a band featuring Ben E Carlos of Cheap Trick and Stirrat. Following a fortuitous mix up in performance scheduling, Stirrat arrived at the venue during Tom's set and liked what he heard. Stirrat appreciated Tom's music enough to engage in a conversation, and eventually to coproduce All That Love.
This point of Tom's journey could have been marred by the changing music industry. When the project was ready to market and distribute, both Tom and Stirrat were surprised by changes that meant labels were no longer providing a clear path to distribution. While All This Love was being created, all things distribution had changed. Labels were no longer investing in artists as they once had. According to Tom, this came as a disappointing surprise to Stirrat. Things had changed, but Tom forged on–enter Kickstarter.
Kickstarter put Tom back in the driver's seat A friend suggested to Tom that he look into Kickstarter. While I'm sure that all of Tom's recording projects have been important to him, this one had to be especially so. Not only was Stirrat co producing and performing on the record, but he also recruited Greg Wieczorek (aka G. Wiz). The album was released in 2017. Where labels had cited lack of "bandwidth" on their part and lack of "traction" on Tom's part, Kickstarter put Tom back in the driver's seat. This was a familiar place for Tom, as he'd been marketing and distributing his own music for years. This time, however, it was on a bigger scale. The Kickstarter campaign, Tom says, gave him funds for media promotion and I'm sure helped with the finished product. Although he learned some lessons about media promotion, it's clear that Tom is thankful for the success provided by his Kickstarter campaign. He shared with me that Kickstarter also helped him from a planning and accountability standpoint.
“I got to go stick my head in the back room, and watch them make the sausage."
All That Love is available pretty much anywhere that digital music can be found–and on vinyl through Tom's website. On the subject of digital distribution and royalties, Tom gave me a better picture of what streaming does for an artist's paycheck. We had a good laugh talking about a recent statement from CD Baby that included a couple of album sales, followed by page after page of fractional streaming royalties. I'm reminded of a quote from a friend who regularly posts on Twitter: "Buy the music you like." A pleasant surprise for Tom is that vinyl sales are doing very well. Turns out people still appreciate a physical product version of their music. He shares advice on selecting the right company for producing vinyl versions of your album. According to Tom, there aren't a lot of companies to choose from, but he learned that location, weight, and shipping are worth careful consideration. In this case, Tom says that the company with the lowest price isn't necessarily the most cost effective choice. He chose to work with Fat Possum Records. This leads me to my favorite quote from our conversation. In recanting the day he took in-person delivery of the finished vinyl LP product, when he also got to see the Fat Possum production facilities, Tom said “I got to go stick my head in the back room, and watch them make the sausage." You can also hear this podcast on Apple Podcasts, iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play Music, iHeartRadio, YouTube & Spotify.
SHOW NOTES TomIrwinMusic.com
Rockin’ Johnny Burgin
IRS Records
Electra Records
John Stirratt
Wilco
Yep Roc Records
Bloodshot Records
Greg Wiz
Single Lock Records
Lannie Flowers
Dave Da Silva
Fat Possum Records
Illinois Central Blues Club
Illinois Central Railroad
Tom’s Weekly Column in The Illinois Times
Memphis Record Pressing
NRBQ
RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo Growth Farming the Seth Godin Way, a FREE ebook by D Grant Smith
More resources for musicians
Judy Rodman has a rich career in singing, performing, studio engineering, producing, coaching, mentoring, publishing, blogging, podcasting, and life. When I asked her to describe the evolution of her career, she said simply "Every time I hit a brick wall, I went another way. In this crazy business, you have to be on roller skates.”
If you’ve ever thought about hiring a vocal coach, if you are a vocal coach or ever thought about being one, you need to look her up, after listening to this episode of course. If you’re a vocalist or public speaker, this episode is especially for you. If you’re already a fan of this podcast, you too are in for a treat.
Judy's Street Cred Judy’s commercial and artist collaboration credits are vast. There are in fact too many to list here; but allow me to cherry pick.
- 2011 "Best Vocal Coach", Nashville Music Pros
- 1996 "Top New Country Female, Billboard Magazine
- 1985 "Top New Female Vocalist", ACM
- Voice over talent for United Airlines, Miller Beer, McDonalds, Kelloggs, Chevrolet, Lay's Potato Chips, Biz Bleach, Opryland, thousands of radio ID spots and voice overs
- Background vocalist, arranger and/or contractor on hundreds of master albums, live shows and TV for artists including Johnny Cash, Janie Fricke, Tom Jones, Elvis Presley, Crystal Gail, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ray Charles, Tammy Wynette, Lee Greenwood, Dolly Parton, Reba, Wynonna, George Strait, George Jones, and many more
Her experience consists of so much more, including: recording artist, songwriter, musician, public speaker, actor… it’s a little mind boggling. Her breadth of work comes from adaptation to what she reflects on as an ever changing music industry.
Her beginnings in coaching and mentoring arguably began after the jingle market and work she'd done with LeAnn Rimes slowed down. At this time Judy was approached by a backup singer who was working with Lynyrd Skynyrd. This particular singer was having difficulty with a small part of her performance. Judy was surprised by the request, but she had developed a reputation that reputation came from working with many bands and artists. It was this incident that helped Judy realize she had a skill and a gift for teaching and mentoring vocalists.
Advice from 50 Years in the Business Judy drops a few business and life tips in our conversation, including the following.
- You’re have to find multiple streams of income [as a music artist]
- When you hit a brick wall, you have to ask yourself, what else can I do?
- You have to want to sing even if it doesn’t pay
Judy's a proponent of making making your own website as a central marketing hub for your music career. She's seen the peril that can come from basing ones business on another company's web property, and drives her point home by asking, "Remember MySpace?" I've personally know of at least one business that used a Facebook Group as it's primary hub. That business was decimated by a Facebook algorithm change.
Her focus is on the professional singers and speakers, and working with people who are vocally strained. Judy says that the most challenging vocal/music genre is the genre that’s wrong for the singer. She teaches a pulling technique that gets her clients into the language they need to speak. Her ideal client is someone who’s serious about the voice, but she points out that most people who aren’t serious, are afraid to show that they’re not great. Her first objective with clients is to earn their trust. She tells me that she starts this process by saying to clients, “My office is the safest place you’ll ever suck.”
"Everything I do informs everything else I do.”
Judy continues to write music and does work in the area of vocal production. As a vocal producer, she works to help studio production teams get vocals done in the most economical and the "most magical" way possible. Vocals are the most important asset of a music project, in Judy's opinion. When I asked her advice on bringing vocal coaches to the studio, Judy warns that producers have to be careful. There’s a technical side and an artistic side, she continues. She compares being a vocal production specialist to being a midwife, in that vocal production is like helping to birth a baby. She has to be aware of what the producer wants from the project vocals, and wants to ensure that engineers don’t have to stitch things together. With proper vocal production, Judy says, engineers and recording artists end up with a more natural sound and delivery. The engineer can thus concentrate on other aspects of the mix. Judy works to set singers up physically and psychologically to the idea of singing to an imaginary friend. She calls this singing to one person, or one heart.
As an educator, Judy shares tons of great content in her "All Things Vocal" Podcast, on her website, and in her Facebook Group. She has a gift for anticipating curiosity that she says comes from her own sense of curiosity.
"Articulate as to the selectively deaf. As artists we have to break through the noise. If we articulate like we really want to get someone’s attention. If the objective is to get a response, then the way you form your words are going to get different responses."
The Honesty of Slight Imperfection When I asked Judy what she saw as the biggest challenges facing vocalists today, she said that things may full circle back to organic sound, as opposed to today's sanitized and perfectly pitched recordings. She adds that real live performance moves endorphins through the brain, and that the ability to actually sing in tune will become more successful again. She calls this the honesty of slight imperfection.
"Look for and adapt to reactions. Make the person your talking to part of the equation using your voice. We’re not just talking at people."
On marketing, Judy says her technique is to show that you can trust her. If you can’t afford her $19 course, she can still teach you something. Her one-on-one training is isn't cheap, but she shares a lot of great content so that everyone will have an opportunity to learn. She says, "If you can’t trust me, you can still learn from me."
Judy likely sees her passion for educating and mentoring as she sees art. She says that art is in the giving, and when we’re making art, we’re delivering messages. This in Judy's words means, "It’s important to listen too."
You can also hear this podcast on Apple Podcasts, iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play Music, iHeartRadio, YouTube & Spotify.
SHOW NOTES JudyRodman.com AllThingsVocal.com & the All Things Vocal Podcast Judy's Facebook Page Judy's Facebook Group Judy's FREE 5-Page "Vocal Health" Report RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo Growth Farming the Seth Godin Way, a FREE ebook by D Grant Smith
More resources for musicians
Liz Cirelli describes her music journey as a push and pull affair that began from an egotistical point of view. She's been challenged by a fear of financial lacking, elusive fame, and the absence of help. Today she finds solace in the realization that she's always had everything she needs.
Cirelli was born in the UK of Italian parents. Today, she lives in the tiny village of Roseto Valfortore, in the Puglia region of Italy. She describes Roseto Valfortore as a beautiful place, free of distraction and great for creativity. She's a composer, producer, and creative mentor. Her studio lives in a laptop, going where she goes.
The state of Liz's music career is very much the product of a recent trip to California, where she met with her now music production mentor Gary Gray. At the time Liz felt she lacked the funds for the trip, but said it was a calling of the heart that restored her faith in humanity. The trip was to attend an educational event for music producers, songwriters, and music entrepreneurs (aka musicpreneurs). At the event Liz met a panel of great educators and connected with two fellow students who are now important friends and collaborators. It's no surprise that Liz believes in the mind-expanding and horizon-broadening power of travel.
During her California sojourn, Liz took a licensing course by Aaron Davison. She'd hit an impasse with licensing, and had many questions. Because most of Liz's questions were of a technical/production nature, Aaron referred her to Gary Gray. Soon after their first meeting, Gary became Liz's production mentor. He offered important production advice such as A/B, referencing, stressing the importance of using existing commercial tracks as a point of reference. Not all of his advice was production related. According to Liz, Gary also said, “If you want to change your thoughts, first change your behavior.” This bit of advice proved quite important to Liz. She talks about this profound tip in a video on her YouTube channel. The ensuing revelation has helped Liz change her behavior such that it is in alignment with who she wants to be as an artist. It has also enabled her to feel a sense of forward motion in her life and music.
The genrefication of Liz Cirelli Liz finds it challenging to place herself into a specific genre, but admittedly identifies with electronica, dream pop and deep house. Where she sees herself in terms of genre was a personal curiosity of mine. I have an appreciation of electronica, but don't know much about the important artists or sub-genres. Liz has given me a brief education and new point of reference. It could be her classical/DJ/electronica influence and fusion that appeals to me personally. Whatever it is–I like it.
A music marketeer in action I saw Liz as a standout for this podcast the moment I discovered her via social (Twitter or Facebook). Her online presence, marketing, and breadth of work impressed me instantly. Once we connected via Twitter, she gently asked if I'd be interested in a sample of her music and other goodies via email. I said yes, as I was curious to see her marketing funnel in action. She quickly sent me a pre-release gift from her forthcoming release.
Liz's Artistic Journey Liz's journey as an artist goes back to her teenage years as a ballet dancer and spans music studies, DJ'ing, and ultimately falling in love with electronic music. Her desire to create music also meant learning how to produce it. She confessed to me that she initially lacked the patience and humility required to produce music, adding that she struggled to make a decent living in the beginning. Time told Liz, however, that creating music is what she needed to do. Moving to Italy helped.
After taking Aaron Davison’s course on licensing and meeting with Gary Gray, it dawned on Liz what she needed to become an indie artist. Among those lessons, Liz learned how to set herself up online with WordPress, learned social media, and continues to invest in education. She's also figured out how to package all of what she's capable of offering into a livelihood. Her ongoing education, she says, has also provided the benefit of a strong support network.
Coursework has also taught Liz how to properly nurture her fan base. She spends 1-2 hours daily interacting with her audience, be it by email or social media. A growing Facebook community that she calls Day Dream Believers and a twice monthly email newsletter adds fuel to her fan base fire. It's not all marketing for the sake of marketing though. Liz tells me that she finds the contact to be a pleasure, because she’s dealing with people who actually care about what she’s doing.
Where daily routines and creativity clash Liz starts her day with a cup of mate tea, but otherwise often heads straight to the studio. Once upon a time, her mornings revolved around yoga and meditation. While she still practices both, she's come to realize that morning is her most creative time of day. Consequently, self care rituals happen later in her day.
Being Creative is an artist's duty These days, Liz strives to create for the sake of art, rather than money. While she wants to make a living from her art, she wants to do it in a way that feels right. To do it in a way that feels right, Liz had to figure out how to let go of making music just to become a star, but rather to make music for love and passion. Music is her oxygen she says. Changes in her work ethic and humbling herself is helping her career move forward. Where she previously held the illusion that music was all about glamour and glitz, Liz has used her education to get over herself and just get on with the work of being creative.
You can also hear this podcast on Apple Podcasts, iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play Music, iHeartRadio, YouTube & Spotify.
SHOW NOTES LizCirelli.com
Gary Gray
Aaron Davison
Tiamo De Vettori
War of Art by Steven Pressfield
Schwilly Family Circus
Daydream Believers Facebook Group
Lynz Chrighton, Ep 14
Clare Jose
Music Launch Hub
Rick Barker
Rex Brown
Art is Dead Movie
RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo Growth Farming the Seth Godin Way, a FREE ebook by D Grant Smith
More resources for musicians
In 2011 Sommer Sharon started a Facebook page and Twitter account for a music promotions project. It was a project born of sheer interest, but things started to get interesting when Joe Satriani followed her Twitter account. Satriani was her fourth follower. Her interest suddenly became a business.
Musicians and music industry pros started to take notice of her work. This lead to the development of a great music network that included bands and solo artists from around the globe, publicists, magazine owners, radio hosts, and promoters.
Among those who took notice was Screamer Magazine, which lead to a writing gig, and new acquaintances in music. Before she knew it, Sommer was booking a weekly concert series, festivals, shows all over the midwest, and entertainment for Harley Davidson events.
Sommer has since become host/creator of the Rock Talk Podcast. The podcast has become a platform where she's leveraging her digital marketing expertise and music journalism experience to champion women in the music industry and arts. Our conversation also digs into the state of Rock Talk the podcast, Sommer's interest and work in music, technology, and women's advocacy.
"The industry is about money, not talent.”
I believe it was Sommer who recently said to me, "The industry is about money, not talent.” Although she wouldn’t be the first to make this observation, we got a kick out of discussing it. It’s a sentiment that we tend to agree with on many levels.
When I asked her to talk about the beginnings of her music interest, she shares a childhood story involving a 3rd grade girl with crazy hair, a Care Bears radio, and an Iron Maiden cassette. It's a story that provided inspiration for the intro of her Rock Talk Podcast. Hear the full story in this episode.
SHOW NOTES Tom Tom Magazine Margo Z, Cover Artist of Van Halen’s 1984 Jay Vigon, Artist Designer @chickenfootjoe Joe Satriani on Twitter Screamer Magazine Bullet Boys Performer Magazine Revolver Magazine Royal Bliss The Brassy Broadcast with Jen Edds Greg Marra Iconoclast Music Podcast Mira Goto Susan Rogers Lori Lee Love Your Story Lisa Leuschner Andersen Kid Andersen Sleigh Consulting Libsyn podcast hosting Rock Talk Podcast Facebook Page Rock Talk Podcast on Instagram Rock Talk on Apple Podcasts RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs
ConvertKit – Awesome email marketing solution, something every musician needs!
DreamHost – Been using this web hosting service forever. Love them, trust them!
More resources – Deals on musician resources.
Stephanie Tice and I have mutual ties to Greaseland Studios in San Jose. We share an interest in some of the artists that have recorded there. In Stephanie’s case, however, it’s more. She has fallen head over heels for the blues.
Finding Little Lou's , Poor House Bistro & Greaseland Following a big life change, Stephanie found happiness at San Jose blues venues Little Lou’s and Poor House Bistro. The blues saved Stephanie when she needed saving.
It was during this time that she met Norwegian born Kid Andersen of Greaseland Studios. Stephanie happens to speak Norwegian, so she and Kid hit it off. Stephanie soon thereafter went to Greaseland where she discovered that a number of special recordings had been done.
Howlin' at Greaseland Fast forward and she becomes the executive producer for Howlin’ at Greaseland. At the time of this interview, Howlin’ at Greaseland had been nominated for Traditional Blues Album of the year. The album is a tribute to Howlin’ Wolf and it features 25 artists including Henry Gray, Taildragger, Terry Hanck, John Blues Boyd. Aki Kumar, Chris James, Patrick Rin, and Kid Andersen among others. A couple of the featured artists actually toured with Howlin’ Wolf and share story snippets about their friendships with him.
Blues culture and being a producer Stephanie is extremely fascinated in the development of blues culture around the world and the many language barriers it's broken. She hosts Basking in the Blues, which is a radio program featured on KKCR in Kauai. She does this as DJ Ginger Moonstone.
We discuss details of being a producer, her work with Rockin’ Johnny Burgin, projects she’s dreaming up with producer/sound engineer Ron Nevison, who has worked Jefferson Starship, KISS, The Who, Bad Company and many more. We also talk about a podcast she’s making plans to start. A podcast she says will cover world blues news.
“All blues are lusty lyrical realism charged with taut sensibility.” – –Richard Wright, Writer
Stephanie shared a quote with me that she found during her research of blues music culture. The quote is, “All blues are lusty lyrical realism charged with taught sensibility.” Stephanie sees the blues as filled with despair and humiliation, but also with hope. She’s just mad for the blues I tell you.
Please enjoy our conversation. And take a moment to explore the Blues Music Awards at Blues.org.
SHOW NOTES Rockin’ Johnny Burgin
Greaseland
Little Lou’s
Poor House Bistro
Kongsberg Jazz Festival of Norway
Notodden Blues Festival of Norway
Howlin’ at Greaseland
Taildragger
Aki Kumar
Terry Hank
John Blues Boyd
Chris Cain
Blues Music Awards
Ron Nevison
SWOT Analysis
Marina Crouse
KKCR Kauai
MTV Unplugged
RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs
ConvertKit – Awesome email marketing solution, something every musician needs!
DreamHost – Been using this web hosting service forever. Love them, trust them!
More resources – Deals on musician resources.
My interview with Guitarcore pioneer Bill Lonero was apparently his first on a podcast. I told Bill my prediction was that he would soon start receiving requests to be on other podcasts. Enter Los Angeles based guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, and host of The Iconoclast Music Podcast, Greg Marra. Lonero was soon featured on Greg's podcast, and I've now had the pleasure of interviewing Greg for this podcast.
His band Plenty Heavy has a new album called Colossus Maximus. The track Paper Machete from that album is featured at the end of this episode. I discovered during our conversation that Greg is friends with Doug Pinnick of King's X. Greg and I are both big fans of Kings X. He told me that when he finally committed himself to singing in a lead vocal capacity, that Pinnick was a source of encouragement. He in no way compares himself vocally to greatness of Pinnick, but you can definitely hear the influence.
Marra's overriding sentiment on music ed Greg started playing guitar at age 6, but didn't have his first guitar lesson until he was about 17. By junior year of high school, he started taking every music class he could get into, a pattern he continued into junior college and privately. His overriding sentiment on music education is that one need only listen to greats like Jeff Beck or Clapton to learn most everything they need to know.
What we talked about He has a lot going for him including endorsements, a great band, a regular gig at NAMM, great online presence, his own record label, a family, lots of very cool musician friends, some of which you’ll hear mentioned in this episode. I could go on and on. We talk about a lot of cool stuff, including Dave Navarro’s podcast, the return of Greg’s own Iconoclast Music Podcast, songwriting, the early years and the anatomy of his career, how some equipment companies (like some people) don’t seem to understand “relationship first marketing”, music education, YouTube, G4, NAMM and more. We only just met, but he struck me as a really cool guy. I hope to see his band Plenty Heavy sometime very soon. You can learn more about Greg and Plenty Heavy on Facebook, Instagram and at GregMarra.com. You can also hear this podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play Music, iHeartRadio, YouTube & Spotify.
SHOW NOTES Plenty Heavy
Greg Marra on Instagram
Greg Marra's Facebook Page
Iconoclast Music Podcast
Doug Pinnick
King's X
Wampler Pedals
Bananas at Large Instruments & Pro Audio
G4 Guitar Camp
NAMM Disciples of Dio
Synergy Amps
KZ1 Guitars
Tsunami Cables
Greg Howe
Steve Fister
Ted Green's Guitar Book
Modern Drummer Podcast
Neil Zlozower
RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs
ConvertKit – Awesome email marketing solution, something every musician needs!
DreamHost – Been using this web hosting service forever. Love them, trust them!
More resources – Deals on musician resources.
Last weekend I sent an email to my listener's list asking what topics they'd like to hear discussed on the podcast. Thank you to all who replied! Among those who chimed in was San Francisco Bay Area blues-rocker Mike Osborn. We did a little back and forth via email, and I ended up inviting Mike to join me on the podcast for a listener questions episode. He kindly obliged.
Here are some of the topics and questions that listeners sent in, which also happen to be the ones Mike and I discussed in this episode.
- What's with the large demand for tribute bands?
- What's the proper etiquette for jams?
- Who to approach and how to approach organizers of municipal events and festivals
- Yes or no to backing tracks at live gigs?
- Setting up gear checklists for gigs
- Carrying extra gear for band mates
Here are a few takeaways that are summed up by the fact that we musicians sometimes lose sight of a few facts. I'm no exception.
Read more...
On May 9th of 2017 I walked into Greaseland Studios to interview producer Kid Andersen. I was immediately blown away the abundance of musical gear everywhere. The next thing thing that came into my focus was the kitchen. Greaseland is also the home of Kid and Lisa Leuschner Anderson. There in the kitchen was a grand piano. Rather than thinking how rather odd it was to see a grand piano in a kitchen, my focus next shifted to the fact that there was a vocal lesson in progress. I'm not sure who the student was that day, but there at the grand piano was Lisa Leuschner Andersen.
At the outset of my plans to interview Lisa, I thought we'd spend most of our time talking about her vocal coaching business. It turned out that there was much more to discuss.
Lisa is the Queen of Greaseland, a vocal instructor, singer with Foreverland (San Francisco based tribute to the music of Michael Jackson), Alumni of American Idol seasons 2 and 3, and Showtime at The Apollo alumni. She’s also a dancer, Bitstrips enthusiast & artiste, and a really enjoyable storyteller.
Gigging professionally since age 7 Lisa comes from a musical family and has been gigging professionally since age 7. She's a major voice at Greaseland, having contributed vocals on just about every album ever recorded there. She also tells me that she hears every sound made at Greaseland Studios (from anywhere in the house), so I think it's safe to say that she's also the ear of Greaseland. I don't recall exactly when I initially decided she'd be a great contributor to this podcast, but her name came up during my recent interview with Rockin' Johnny Burgin. Lisa is Burgin's vocal coach.
"Everyone that knows me knows I’m a huge fan of Michael Jackson"
On how she got the gig with Foreverland, Lisa told me that it was the first time she had ever auditioned for a gig. Up until then, she got gigs based on her reputation. She also tells the Foreverland story as if she "begged" for the gig. Lisa was determined, but begging is merely how she refers to the act of asking for the audition.
Lisa credits American Idol for the fact that she's a full time musician, but not for the reasons you might think. While rehearsing for her first season with AI, she quickly realized that she didn't have time for her then day job at a hotel. She very soon after quit that job and never looked back.
Today she sings in a number of live performance situations, does regular studio work Greaseland, and has a book of business as a vocal coach. One of my personal favorite things that Lisa does is something called Bedtime Jamz (#bedtimejamz on Facebook). Bedtime jamz are late night performances recorded on Facebook Live from Greaseland Studios. Kid is typically featured in these performances, along with whomever happens to be at Greaseland. These rather sporadic and impromptu performances are typically done with everyone sporting PJs. I'm hoping they'll make it a regular thing–it's truly entertaining.
On making the jump to career musician, Lisa says that going full time is wrought with peril. The peril she refers to are the various traps that can lead an artist into doing things she doesn't enjoy or otherwise regrets. She adds that there's absolutely no shame in keeping a day-job to supplement one's music income. Lisa has had personal dealings with the peril of going full time, but today comes across as fulfilled, happy and content. I heard this in her voice and her laughter.
You can learn more about and contact Lisa via her About Me page.
About.Me/Helleuw
Also on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play Music, iHeartRadio, YouTube & Spotify
SHOW NOTES Foreverland
Lisa on SoundCloud
Greaseland Studios
Tommy Castro Band
Bitstrips
Kid Andersen
All about Lisa
Lisa performs Sweet Thing on American Idol
Showtime at the Apollo
Kid Andersen Episode 3
Rex Brown Episode 32
Rockin' Johnny Burgin Episode 31
Blues Music Awards
Saturday Night Gospel Hour
Reality - 11 songs by Lisa Leuschner Andersen
Lisa Leuschner's Christmas album Sing Me Home
BitStrips app
Aki Kumar Episode 23
An Unstarving Musician Christmas Mix
Kid Anderson on Facebook Love Your Story Podcast with Lori Lee
RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs
ConvertKit – Awesome email marketing solution, something every musician needs!
DreamHost – Been using this web hosting service forever. Love them, trust them!
More resources – Deals on musician resources.
My very first interview for this podcast was a wheels-off train wreck. It was recorded a little over eight months ago. To make matters worse, the interview was with a celebrity. My guest was Rex Brown, best known as a member of metal pioneers Pantera. He also happens to be a friend and former band mate going back to our high school years–a blessing and a curse on this occasion.
The problem? The moment we started our Skype call, I encountered technical issues. Did I mention this was my first ever interview for the podcast? We went ahead with the interview, and Rex dutifully gave me a hard time for not having my sh*t together. That's what high school friends do, call one another out on our respective BS.
When we spoke, Rex was exuberant about the upcoming launch of his first solo album, Smoke on This. I think he also saw our interview as a nice opportunity for us to catch up. It was indeed. The timing was perfect and preceded the promotional activity that he was about to immerse himself in. He was in great spirits as Smoke on This was already looking and sounding like it was going to be a big success.
After listening to the playback, I decided the audio was not good enough to use for my first episode. It was important for me to start the podcast with high-quality content and audio. I sat on the recording for a while before telling Rex that I’d decided not to use it. He seemed a little disappointed. It had been an enjoyable the conversation, which he quite possibly thought turned out to be a decent interview as well. We both figured we could do it again sometime. The question was when?
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Rockin’ Johnny Burgin is incredibly passionate a about performing, and holds the stage in the highest regard. Johnny resides in the San Francisco Bay area, but came up as a blues player learning and performing in the west side Chicago blues scene. In his early twenties, he was performing at west side black clubs where he says watching bands was like watching a boxing match, a place where musical phrasing came to life.
Why move from Chicago to California? Apparently Johnny had toured in California several times, and those tours kept getting better and better. He recalls that the move was an opportunity to expand his market. Knowing what I know about the San Francisco Bay area blues scene, I imagine he was also welcomed with the openest of arms.
When we booked Johnny's interview, he expressed interest in talking about his new album Neoprene Fedora. We do in fact talk about the album, and feature the track Guitar King at the end of our conversation. It is such a great tune! We also discuss Johnny's beginnings in blues, his many memorable collaborations, Aki Kumar, Kid Andersen, touring around the world, and how much he appreciates his time with a father who introduced him to the arts. His appreciation for the arts seems to fuel Johnny's passion for the blues and performing. Johnny says he's living on the edge when he's on stage. He sees the stage as a place of endless possibilities. It's also a place where his spontaneity thrives.
Read more at UnstarvingMusician.com
Mark Wenner and his band The Nighthawks have been performing and recording for over 40 years. He did this with and along side an impressive list of blues and R & B note-worthies. Mark came up as a young man when rock & roll was perceived by older adults as the devil’s music. It was a time, he notes, when when Elvis was in army, Jerry Lewis was banned, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran were dead, Little Richard was immersed in church, Ray Charles was in jail, and Gene Vincent was crippled. It was at this time that Mark sensed a conspiracy of sorts, as radio began to market the likes of Fabian and Frankie Avalon. Older people hated rock & roll, and teachers would yell about its ills for an entire periods, Mark recalls. His response? He'd venture without the permission of his parents to DC's Howard Theater. Here he'd see The Motown Review, Otis Redding, James Brown and Marvin Gaye mentor Billy Stewart. It's no wonder that he fell in love with music, learned to play harp, and formed The Nighthawks in 1972.
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SHOW NOTES Nighthawks music on CD Baby
Nighthawks music on iTunes
Nighthawks.com
Michael Streissguth
Nighthawks on the Blue Highway documentary website
Nighthawks on the Blue Highway DVD
The Howard Theater
EllerSoul Records
David is highly respected in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond as a versatile musician. His versatility seems to stem from his deep appreciation for Bruce Lee the man, Taoism, and existentialist philosophy. As I discovered in my conversation with him, David strives to use the present moment and mindfulness to be everything he can be as a musician, an onstage performer, and student of life. Because I've seen David play, and actually performed with him on one occasion, I know that his versatility also comes from lots of passion and hard work. I met David before I'd finished writing The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs. This is significant, because in the book I mention a gig that we did together with another relatively young artist by the name of Mike Annuzzi. And this is relevant, because I learned some things about performing and serving ones audience from both Annuzzi and De Silva. As David and I discuss, there's always another person from whom we can learn.
A self-taught musician with a strong grasp of music theory David is an amazing musician, and although he has an in-depth understanding of music theory, he's predominately self-taught. Jaco Pastorius comes up in conversation as one of his early and primary influences; but it's progressive metal band mates and his own music students that David sites as his main motivators for learning music theory. His progressive metal band mates were so well versed in theory that he was compelled to teach it to himself. His number one recommended read on the subject is Jazz Theory by Mark Levine. As a private lesson music teacher, he's had occasion where students progress to a point that has forced him to learn something new to maintain teacher status, thus expanding his own music theory knowledge base.
The importance of staying humble as a musician Working as a pro musician has clearly given David the gift of expanded music vocabulary. Yet he says it's important to stay humble, suggesting there's always someone from whom we can learn. Playing professionally and putting in the hours has also made him very confident in his ability to quickly grasp a feel upon first exposure. This is without doubt a trait that keeps him in high demand as a gigging musician.
Archer Nation nearing completion of 2nd album His band Archer Nation was nearing completion of their second album at the time of our interview. Their first album, Culling the Weak, can be found on BandCamp, Spotify, and iTunes. At the time of our interview, the artist listing for this album is simply "Archer," in case you have trouble finding it under "Archer Nation." Their forthcoming album is being produced by Mike Clink (Megadeth, Guns N' Roses, UFO, and more), who also worked with the band on Culling the Weak. David jokes about being the eldest member of the band at 35. He joined the band in early 2010, replacing their original bassist. He seems to genuinely love what their doing on the songwriting front. We share a good laugh about his stage presence being an issue when he first joined the band. We share a good laugh about his stage presence being an issue . His playing was apparently good enough, but his new band mates apparently had to brow beat him into things like lowering the height of his bass. Over time David learned that being in the moment was the key to developing his personal stage presence.
Making fans part of the family One of the more interesting and educational parts of our conversation was on fans. David shares his thoughts of knowing all of your fans to reaching a point where it's no longer possible to know them all. He confirmed for me that fans are such an important part of a bands success, but not just because the go to shows or buy your stuff. It's also because they literally show up to help the band, hooking them up with venues, places to stay, shots, you name it. These are the super fans that make up a volunteer force that Archer Nation relies on, appreciates, and loves.
David also shares his thoughts on endorsements, the record label model, where the music industry might be headed, his fear of having a "regular job," and working with a clear mind. Like water indeed.
SHOW NOTES Brief History of Everything by Ken Wilbur (Recommended Reading)
George Brandau Episode 22 Mike Annuzzi Jaco Pastorius Stanley Clarke Billy Sheehan Black Sabbath Geezer Butler Jack Bruce John Entwistle Guitar Showcase Ron E. Beck Tower of Power Bobby Womack Dave Gonzalez Jazz Theory by Mark Levine (Recommended Reading)
Archer Nation website Paul Weller, The Jam and The Style Council Mike Clink Rust in Peace by Megadeth Doug Wimbish Spector Bass Dead Horse Trauma MetalVille Rough Trade Steve Lucas Lannie Flowers, Episode 27 Mike Dawson, Episode 1 & Episode 25 Lewis Johnson Samantha LaPorta, Episode 24 Terry LaPorta, Episode 26 ArcherNation.com
If you’re a regular listener of this podcast you know that I recently published milestone episode 25, featuring Mike Dawson of Modern Drummer Magazine and The Modern Drummer Podcast. Well this is another milestone episode. It’s the first to feature a live guest performance. That performance and today’s interview is by acclaimed music educator David Barrett.
David has made a living as professional harmonica player & educator David has made his living as a professional harmonica player and as one of the most widely respected educators of the instrument. In fact he's largely responsible for taking the harmonica from novelty instrument to highly coveted art form. He's published 70 book/CD sets and over 4000 educational videos, all of which is part of BluesHarmonica.com. David’s an extraordinary individual. He’s very self-motivated, has a keen appreciation for systems, and has a true love of community. In 2002 David opened School of the Blues in San Jose California, which is dedicated to the study of blues.
Building a business around his love of harmonica & teaching David built a business around his love of harmonica and teaching, and it all happened somewhat organically. As he became a respected harmonica player, David was asked to teach private lessons. Private lessens evolved into workshops, which lead to the realization that there was an absence of quality literature for harmonica, and particularly blues harmonica. He learned to play harmonica by listening, but turned his skill into a teaching method that has garnered a longtime partnership with Hohner. His craft has also garnered him respect among the most noteworthy players across two or more generations.
In our conversation David opens up about the evolution of his educational programs and business, marketing, community, and his new emphasis on gear reviews. His story is fascinating, he's a good communicator, savvy in business, and passionate about teaching. I enjoyed our conversation so much, that I'm hoping to have him back for a part-two interview. Hope you enjoy listening to our conversation as much as I did recording it.
Also available on iTunes*, Stitcher & Google Play Music***
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and rating on iTunes. I'd be forever grateful!
SHOW NOTES David Barrett on Facebook
BluesHarmonica.com
David Barrett on Twitter
The Modern Drummer Podcast
School of the Blues
Hohner
RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS * The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs: How to Get Booked and Paid What You’re Worth, Over and Over Again! * ConvertKit – Awesome email marketing solution, something every musician needs! * DreamHost – Been using this web hosting service forever. Love them, trust them! * More resources – Visit my Resources page for more deals on musician resources.
In late October I was enjoying craft beer at one of my favorite watering holes with some of my favorite people. This was at Kool Keg in Arlington Texas, next door to the very place that I met my wife of 23 years. Recent podcast guests Chris Raspante (episode 2) and Neil Schnell (episode 8) would be joining me. Chris and Neil did indeed join the party, accompanied by singer songwriter Lannie Flowers. The last time I'd seen Lannie was in 2013, when his Lannie Flowers Band performed at Hotel Utah in San Francisco for the International Pop Overthrow Festival. His band was an amazing wall of sound that night. I thought we were meeting for the first time that night, but quickly realized that we both grew up and played in the music ecosystem of Dallas-Fort Worth. We'd probably met years before.
Lannie sees his music as just rock & roll with harmonies Lannie has been awarded 'Record of the Year', 'Rock Artist of the Year', 'Breakthrough Video of the Year', and 'Social Media Artist of the Year’ by the LA Music Awards. He's helped keep the power pop genre alive in the process. We began our interview with Lannie's ties to the power pop and his thoughts on the state of the genre. He says it was all quite accidental that he ended up within the power pop genre, adding that these are simply the people who took to his music. Lannie sees his music as just rock & roll with harmonies, and recalls that it was his album The Same Old Story that power pop fans first bought. Lannie sites power pop as a very niche genre that comes with very loyal fans. He says it's particularly popular in Spain, Brazil and Japan. He finds this all a little surprising and even a little strange, but it's a reality that's clearly contributing to his success. It's also contributed to Lannie's bucket list accomplishments of performing the world famous Whiskey a Go Go in LA and the Cavern Club Liverpool.
Lannie's career is a blend of songwriting, musicianship, and studio engineering. Lannie has been a career musician for most of his adult working life. He makes this work with a blend of songwriting, musicianship, and studio engineering skills. His longtime relationship with Spyder Pop Records has afforded him the opportunity to become part of the Spyder Pop recording studio team.
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Terry LaPorta says her daughter's singing started out as a hobby, but that by age 11 she was performing in Nashville honky-tonks. Her now 16-year old daughter Samantha has since become a Disney Radio artist, and is showing little sign of slowing down. In fact, with the new release of It's a Girl Thing, Samantha LaPorta (featured in episode 24) appears poised for a rapid rise in popularity. In this interview, Terry shares stories of her daughter's journey and what it's like to be her parent and career manager. She also shares useful tips for other parents whose children have Samantha's level of talent and potential.
Terry was in the entertainment business as child, which gives her an advantageous perspective. She also brings a working mom's perspective to the table as a career professional in the healing arts. In spite of these perspectives, Terry has had to learn a great deal about many things, including the music business, social media, artist development, and the art of protecting and preserving her pop star daughter's youth. She and her husband were savvy enough to create a college fund for Samantha, and were also forward thinking enough to lay groundwork for Samantha's social media presence, before her career began to show signs of traction. Perhaps the one most insightful thing Terry has done for her daughter, has been to ensure that she has always had an out. As much as she's excited for her daughter's career, Terry has never wanted Samantha to feel the pressure that comes with lack of choice where her life and music career are concerned.
Terry attributes much of the success she's shared with her daughter Samantha to video courses offered by music business educator Rick Barker. She spoke very highly of the content that Rick offered, much of which was free on YouTube. We also talk about the challenges and frustrations that she and Samantha have faced. Most people in touch with the music business have come to understand that artist development by record labels is a thing of the past. Terry in fact says it's all up to the artist, or in her daughter Samantha's case, it's all up to the family. She also speaks candidly about the fact that the music business is numbers driven. I suppose this could be said about most if not all businesses. Even so, she feels that there are many positives in the music business, including people who are willing to share what they've learned.
When I asked what recommendations she had for other parents in her boat, she started off by admitting had she known how much money she'd spend on Samantha's endeavors, she probably would have run in the opposite direction. She laughs and admits, however, that it's been a very gradual investment. Two recommendations she shared were on recording albums and social media. Terry has learned that recording an entire album is probably not a good idea for young artists, as they're likely to have a completely different sound from the time an album project is started to the time it's completed and marketed. Self-motivated behavior is something Terry believes parents should look for as a sign that a professional music career is right for their child. Her advice on social media–start by choosing three channels, get familiar with them, and identify the one you like best. Once you find your favorite social channel, share real moments, like rehearsal performances. Finally, she says it's about baby steps, or as I like to say, it's a long game.
SHOW NOTES Lucas Prata
Samantha LaPorta on Twitter
Samantha LaPorta on Instagram
SamanthaLaPorta.com
Musical.ly
Sweety High
Mira Goto, Episode 12
Live.ly
Radio Disney
Rick Barker
Reverbnation
Alyssa Trahan, Episode 18
Samantha LaPorta, Episode 24
Mike Dawson is one of the coolest people I've met in the last year. He's also a great drummer, podcast host, and Managing Editor at Modern Drummer Magazine; but my favorite Mike Dawson qualities are generosity and humility. I believe it's these two qualities that brought him back to the podcast to help me celebrate milestone episode 25. Would you like to know a bit more about him? Check out episode 1 of this podcast. That's right, he was my very first guest. For this episode, I had two primary interests for this interview. One, find out Mike's secret sauce for success on Instagram and Facebook. And two, dig into the details of his home studio setup. Here's what I learned.
The first order of business was talking about how Mike has built his impressive following on social media. He summed it up in a word–consistency. He said his strategy has been simply to put some grooves on Instagram every day at about the same time of day. When asked about his preference in terms of social channels, he went straight to Instagram, because it allows easy-to-use editing, trimming, filters, and more. He also loves how Instagram easily and conveniently feeds right into Facebook and Twitter.
The conversation then dove deep into how Mike's studio is set up for the different types of recording he does. For Instagram his set-up includes two mics for the drum set; one on the bass drum just outside the hole in the head and a room mic three to four feet in front of the kit. He runs the mics through a mixing board which feeds through a Shure MVi and then into his iphone. The good news is that the mics he uses are fairly inexpensive.
Mike then shares specifics on mics, software, hardware and sound treatment used for his professional recording work. This is typically work for which he's hired and paid. He shares a number great tips including his "secret microphone," sound treatment, overheads, and more. Mike uses Logic recording software. He admits that their are benefits to knowing Protools even if you prefer an alternative such as Logic, but finds Logic best fit his needs. When I asked him to ballpark the cost of a starter home studio, he says it's totally doable for less than $1000, not including your instruments and computer.
SHOW NOTES * @MikeDawsonDrums on Facebook * @MikeDawsonDrums on Instagram * Episode 1 of The Unstarving Musician's Podcast * The Modern Drummer Podcast
PRODUCTS DISCUSSED * WaveDrum * Mendala Drum * Nord Drum 3P * Shure MVi Digital Audio Interface * Final Cut Pro * Sennheiser E604 * Shure Beta 91a * AKG d12vr * Solomon Subkick * Audix D6 * Shure Beta 52 * Shure SM57 (the secret mic) * MXL 604 Small Diaphragm Condenser Micr * Shure Beta 98A * Sennheiser e904 * Shure SM7B * BLUE Hummingbird Condenser Mic * Shure ksm32 * Audio Technica AT4050ST * Logic Pro X recording software * WeTransfer.com * Focusrite 18i20 * iMac
RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS * The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs: How to Get Booked and Paid What You're Worth, Over and Over Again! * ConvertKit – Awesome email marketing solution, something every musician needs
Disclosure: Many of the products below are listed using Amazon Associate links, which means I get a small commission if you buy using one of these links. This is one way that I support the podcast. If you wish to purchase something using any of these links–cool. If you don't want to purchase using one of these links, don't give it another thought. The podcast is for you, and I appreciate your support as a listener. Just so ya know. :)
Mike Dawson is one of the coolest people I've met in the last year. He's also a great drummer, podcast host, and Managing Editor at Modern Drummer Magazine; but my favorite Mike Dawson qualities are generosity and humility. I believe it's these two qualities that brought him back to the podcast to help me celebrate milestone episode 25. Would you like to know a bit more about him? Check out episode 1 of this podcast. That's right, he was my very first guest. For this episode, I had two primary interests for this interview. One, find out Mike's secret sauce for success on Instagram and Facebook. And two, dig into the details of his home studio setup. Here's what I learned.
The first order of business was talking about how Mike has built his impressive following on social media. He summed it up in a word–consistency. He said his strategy has been simply to put some grooves on Instagram every day at about the same time of day. When asked about his preference in terms of social channels, he went straight to Instagram, because it allows easy-to-use editing, trimming, filters, and more. He also loves how Instagram easily and conveniently feeds right into Facebook and Twitter.
The conversation then dove deep into how Mike's studio is set up for the different types of recording he does. For Instagram his set-up includes two mics for the drum set; one on the bass drum just outside the hole in the head and a room mic three to four feet in front of the kit. He runs the mics through a mixing board which feeds through a Shure MVi and then into his iphone. The good news is that the mics he uses are fairly inexpensive.
Mike then shares specifics on mics, software, hardware and sound treatment used for his professional recording work. This is typically work for which he's hired and paid. He shares a number great tips including his "secret microphone," sound treatment, overheads, and more. Mike uses Logic recording software. He admits that their are benefits to knowing Protools even if you prefer an alternative such as Logic, but finds Logic best fit his needs. When I asked him to ballpark the cost of a starter home studio, he says it's totally doable for less than $1000, not including your instruments and computer.
SHOW NOTES * @MikeDawsonDrums on Facebook * @MikeDawsonDrums on Instagram * Episode 1 of The Unstarving Musician's Podcast * The Modern Drummer Podcast
PRODUCTS DISCUSSED * WaveDrum * Mendala Drum * Nord Drum 3P * Shure MVi Digital Audio Interface * Final Cut Pro * Sennheiser E604 * Shure Beta 91a * AKG d12vr * Solomon Subkick * Audix D6 * Shure Beta 52 * Shure SM57 (the secret mic) * MXL 604 Small Diaphragm Condenser Micr * Shure Beta 98A * Sennheiser e904 * Shure SM7B * BLUE Hummingbird Condenser Mic * Shure ksm32 * Audio Technica AT4050ST * Logic Pro X recording software * WeTransfer.com * Focusrite 18i20 * iMac
RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS * The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs: How to Get Booked and Paid What You're Worth, Over and Over Again! * ConvertKit – Awesome email marketing solution, something every musician needs
Disclosure: Many of the products below are listed using Amazon Associate links, which means I get a small commission if you buy using one of these links. This is one way that I support the podcast. If you wish to purchase something using any of these links–cool. If you don't want to purchase using one of these links, don't give it another thought. The podcast is for you, and I appreciate your support as a listener. Just so ya know. :)
At age 16, Samantha LaPorta is the youngest guest I’ve had on the podcast. Our conversation took place on the same day that her single “It’s a Girl Thing” was released. She's a Disney Radio artist, something she always wanted to be, and she's has acquired a number of awards and accolades, including social site Sweety High's Best Holiday Songs of 2016, NCMA's 2015New Teen Artist and Best Teen Video, and the 2015 Nashville Universe Awards nominations for Rising Star, Best Song, and Best Female Artist. Clearly Samantha has caught the attention of people who matter, which is a testament to her drive and self motivation. All of this in spite of the fact that she’s at a very early point in the trajectory of her fast moving career.
Samantha has been described musically as a mix of Ariana Grande and Tori Kelly. She sees herself as a pop singer with R&B in her soul. Even though she regularly performs for large crowds, Samantha admits that she was pretty shy in the beginning. She shared with me that she used to be so shy, that she couldn’t look at people or have either of her parents in the same room while singing. Clearly she’s broken out of her shell, but says she's still working to become the performer she really wants to be. Nowadays Samantha performs, records and works on her skills as a songwriter through practice, coaching and collaborating. She loves playing guitar too. She loves the language and what it gives her as a songwriter.
Samantha's mother Terry is very active in the management of Samantha's career. I got the strong impression that there's good balance between Samantha's music, school and social life, thanks to her parents. Terry told me she wants Samantha to reflect on this time in her life, with memories of an actual childhood. Part of this balance includes Samantha's active involvement in giving back, which she does by performing for children with medical needs, the elderly, and anti-bullying events. She’s mega talented, and I know it’s a tough business; but I think she’ll go far. She’s got a good head on her shoulders and great parents guiding her along the way. Lookout indie pop. Here she comes!
SHOW NOTES * SamanthaLaporta.com * Samantha on Facebook * Samantha on Twitter * Samantha on Instagram * Samantha on YouTube * Music.ly * Sweety High * Bill Lonero, episode 16 * Alyssa Trahan, episode 18
Looking for more gigs? Check out my book The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs to learn the methods and tactics I used to play as often as I wanted, with people I admired and respected.
Aki Kumar fell in love with the blues and blues harmonica, but Bollywood pop is part of his music memory. This memory is creating what's likely to become a bonafide genre–Bollywood Blues. You can hear this on his latest album Aki Goes to Bollywood.
Although Aki is of Indian decent, his bold move to mix the blues and Bollywood pop from his childhood started with his love of the Chicago blues sound. Although the final tracks of his first album Don’t Hold Back were perhaps a foreshadowing of things to come. In the early days of his love affair with the blues, Aki focused on learning to play harp and performing blues classics. His rapid rise to success is a testament to his talent as a performer, but may also be attributed some of his success to the people he’s surrounded himself with, including the likes of David Barrett, Kid Andersen and Jim Pugh. Even so, Aki is a fantastic performer/entertainer with a flair for style. He’s also a consummate professional who looks after the small details as much as he does the bigger picture. When I asked him about business and where he’s currently focusing his energy, he said without hesitation– live performances.
Show Notes Poor House Bistro Mark Hummel David Barrett School of the Blues Kid Andersen, Greaseland Studios Jim Pugh and Little Village Foundation Hardly Strictly Bluegrass June Core Charlie Musselwhite Vance Ehlers Aki on KQED Arts Radio Bill Lonero & Guitarcore Originator Aki on Facebook Aki on Instagram AkiKumar.com
George Brandau is a super connector musician who regularly organizes benefit shows for his local community. He’s also a longtime friend and fellow drummer, who's been mentioned on The Unstarving Musician’s Podcast a few times. In this episode George and I discuss his superpower for connecting others, and how he goes about organizing and promoting benefit gigs.
George and his band Chrome Deluxe have raised thousands of dollars for the homeless, underprivileged children and fire victims. It struck me that many of us in the music community would appreciate the opportunity to learn about the art of benefit shows, the charitable giving involved, and the performing that goes along with it all. George says it's part of the hustle, but does get into some detail on how he uses social media, email and printed posters to pull consistent crowds to these events, be they benefit shows or otherwise.
As George says, connecting people is in the fabric of his being. So much so that he has to keep his super-connector side in check, lest it interfere with the act of listening. We had a laugh about this, as I frequently catch myself suppressing the urge to interrupt people for the sake of blurting out something that sounds funny in my head. Truth be told, my brand of humor seldom warrants interrupting anyone. I doubt this is the case for George as the rolodex of his mind starts to spin anytime he meets someone interesting.
George claims to be extroverted, yet he’ll also tell you that he cherishes alone time. Alone time for George is an ideal time to unplug and reflect. This is a topic I enjoyed discussing, as it can appear to fly in the face of being an extrovert, and because I can relate. I think that he and I are both extroverted introverts, because neither of us has issues with alone time. In fact, we both love and leverage it.
Read more and find show notes at UnstarvingMusician.com.
In this episode I chat with rock photographer Neil Zlozower. Neil is considered by many to be one of the best rock photographers of all time, although he refers to himself as merely a “fairly successful photographer." He’s photographed many of rock's icons including Zeppelin, The Stones, Van Halen, Motley Crue, Sheryl Crow, Guns & Roses, Eric Clapton, Pantera and many, many, many more. These days Neil spends most of his time running Atlas Icons, an agency he co-founded and that specializes in licensing of music photography. You can find his work at www.zloz.com and atlasicons.com.
WARNING: Neil is opinionated and at times colorful in his choice of words. If you’re easily offended by language or things otherwise non-PC, this episode may not be for you. Consider yourself forewarned.
We talk about is Neil’s career, changes in the music business, and the business of photography. He describes his early days in photography as a glorified fan, inspired by a Cream concert he attended in 1968. In spite of getting a C in high school photography, Neil's body of work is definitely world class. He told me he always wanted to go down as the best in the business. Interestingly, but not uncommon for guests of this podcast, he feels strongly that success is less about talent, but more about business sense and drive. Although our conversation didn't go where I typically expect conversations of this podcast to go, I believe we touch on a few things you can use in your music journey.
Show Notes Bill Lonero episode 16
Igor Vidyashev
Atlas Icons
NAMM
Rex Brown
Rival Sons
Books Mentioned Rock and Roll Portraits
Eddie Van Halen
Van Halen
Motley Crue
Six String Heroes
Looking for more gigs? Check out my book The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs to learn the methods and tactics I used to play as often as I wanted, with people I admired and respected.
Michelle Lockey is a performing singer songwriter, composer for film & TV, and creator of Licensing Songs Academy, a community of songwriters & composers that are learning how to write & license music for Film & TV. She's also a three-time Washington Area Music Award Nominee and Grand Prize Winner in the folk category of the 2013 John Lennon Song Contest. My interest in connecting with Michelle was to learn more about her as a music licensing and music business educator. As usual for the podcast, we also get into her music influences, education and musicianship.
Michelle devotes much of her craft to writing for film and TV, and the rest to recording, performing, writing and teaching music. All of this, and she claims she didn’t have much formal education. That depends on your definition of formal. In reality, she's taken a number college courses and private instruction lessons. When I asked how she got into educating others on the business of music licensing, she took me back to a time when she created a customer education platform to help deal with recurring questions for the biotech industry. As she gained knowledge and expertise in licensing, she started getting questions and meeting requests from musicians curious to learn what she could share with them. This lead to an idea for a workshop, which eventually lead to online courses where she's applied much of what she learned in setting up education systems during her stint in biotech.
Her work for film and TV requires a broad stylistic range, which for Michelle means going from acoustic folk-indie to electric alt rock, from sad and dark to happy. As we discussed her early music influences, she talks about music on TV. I wondered if she's made the connection between those early years of interest and where she’s now focusing her career. She also shares that the biggest factor in her music career path was nurtured by a community called Taxi Music, where she took workshops, learned about the artist side of the music business, and ultimately about writing for film and TV. She’s establishing herself within the educator community as a leader and mentor to others, partnering with the likes of Bree Noble, who was featured in episode 17 of this podcast.
If music licensing is a topic of interest for you, you'll enjoy this episode.
Licensing Songs Academy
John Lennon Song Contest Taxi Music Episode 17 with Bree Noble
Robert Berry's resume includes work with The Greg Kihn Band, Ambrosia, Carl Palmer, Keith Emerson, Sammy Hagar, Jason Bonham, Steve Howe, members of Boston, and Night Ranger. He's passionate about his classic rock holiday band December People, which does community service through food bank donations. He owns and operates Sound Tek Studios in Campbell California, which dramatically expands his resume. He’s a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, performer, composer, arranger, recording engineer, and producer. He’s also incredibly humble.
Our conversation touches on his music beginnings in San Jose, where a host of good people began to shape his life. The stories he shares are entertaining, sentimental and at times dramatic.
His aforementioned humility really shines when he talks about his music education, a fascinating aspect of which is that he never thought of himself as a very good musician. He started on piano at a very young age, but recalls hating it. He majored to be a music teacher, one of his many backup plans. Although he learned many instruments in college, he doesn’t reflect on his playing as all that proficient. He even goes so far as to say he was a lousy student. He reflects on his early years as a musician in a self-deprecating way, yet his stories reveal a pattern of others taking notice of his skills. As we spoke, I got a sense that it wasn't just his musicality that people took notice of; I suspect people took notice of his giving personality. At times, he comes across as a bit puzzled by it all, but acknowledges that he's always tried to deliver lots of value to his bandmates, clients and collaborators.
Today he'll tell you that he's all about the bass (and drums). He feels that if the bass and drums are tight, so goes everything else. His studio, which I hope to tour in my upcoming visit to the San Francisco Bay Area, is apparently a museum of instruments and recording technology. Among the collectables are 130 guitars, several amps, synthesizers, and other studio gadgetry. He attributes this collection to the fact that his dad owned a music store. That being said, Robert recalls that he had to pay for all the gear he acquired, despite the family music store. I think he appreciates it as part of his father's legacy. His dad made him work hard to pay for every piece of gear he acquired in those early years. I actually love this part of our conversation, because it's as though Robert doesn't realize to this day that his father had devised a clever motivation game in finding work that helped Robert earn almost enough money for that next piece of gear.
At Sound Tek Studios, he does sessions Monday through Friday, arranging, producing, engineering, and playing parts for clients. He currently plays bass and sings with Greg Kihn, referring to him as the greatest and warmest person he’s ever worked with. Together, Berry says, he and Kihn are filled with ideas. Our conversations about Kihn go pretty deep. Robert also shares his perspective on the music business and the many changes therein. In spite of it all, he seems genuinely happy doing what he does. Frankly, he sounds like he's on top of the world, catering to studio clients on a Monday through Friday daytime basis, and touring with Greg Kihn. It's clearly given him much appreciation for others who truly love what they do, something I found to be one of his endearing qualities.
On the marketing side, Robert says (and I paraphrase), "You at least have to go out and act like you're better than anyone else. People want to live vicariously." I gathered this is something he's not personally comfortable doing, but that he admires those who do it well. While he seems to think that a bit of this rock star narcissism would have served his career, he has clearly done quite well on a philosophy of giving more and serving others.
Show Notes
RobertBerry.com
The Greg Kihn Band
Robert on Facebook
Sound Tek Studios
December People
Aiden Hatfield, In Music We Trust
Looking for more gigs? Check The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs: How to Get Booked and Paid What You're Worth, Over and Over Again!
In this episode, I chat with Nashville based singer songwriter Alyssa Trahan. I must admit that I'm blown away by how much Alyssa has accomplished, and by the amount of expertise she's amassed at the young age of 22. She’s driven, smart, and talented. I suspect she’s going to do big things in country music, despite the droves of talented people with whom she's forced to compete.
I got to some firsts in terms of topics for the podcast, including sponsorships and an enlightening perspective on gigging in and around Nashville. We also touch on her endorsement with Breedlove Guitars. In some regards Alyssa's not doing anything incredibly unique where the business of her music is concerned. She is, however, very methodical and thoughtful in the way she’s getting things done.
Alyssa shares her story on getting to Nashville from her home in New York, a journey that began with a cleverly orchestrated family vacation.
She recorded and co-produced her latest single Pickle Jar at Sound Emporium in Nashville, took the track home, edited it, recorded vocals, sent it off for mastering, and approved the final mix. She's been doing things this way since she was 16, and shared with me that her involvement in the recording process came about because of a bad studio experience long ago. While she did obtain a degree in audio engineering, she's mostly self taught.
We backed into the topic of sponsorships when I asked about Yummies coffee (my research told me that she was a big fan). The coffee comes from Yummies Frozen Yogurt, who sponsored Alyssa's Over You video. This was her first sponsorship, and it all happened because of her relationship with Yummies as a customer and friend. Alyssa also scripted the video, with a list of shots and props, showed Yummies what she needed, and then simply asked what they’d be comfortable with. See the end result here (Over You video).
Judging from our conversation, Alyssa's music business network has been a valuable resource. She was very gracious in sharing her knowledge during this interview, and I suspect she's very much as gracious in paying it forward to her circle of friends.
We also talk about her recent GoFundMe campaign, merchandising, her views on marketing, income streams, why she doesn't gig much in Nashville proper, and lessons she's learned from the music business. She refers to the business as a beautiful struggle, and sees it as a triangle of Talent, Passion and Money.
Please enjoy my conversation with this all-around music entrepreneur.
Show Notes * Mira Goto, Episode 12 * Jane Bach * Pickle Jar on Spotify * Sound Emporium * Pro Tools * Yummies Frozen Yogurt * Breedlove Guitars * Over You music video * Hoselton Chevrolet * AlyssaTrahan.com * The Unstarving Musician Resource Page
Looking for more gigs? Check out my book The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs to learn the methods and tactics I used to play as often as I wanted, with people I admired and respected.
Bree Noble and I were introduced to one another by super-connector D Grant Smith of Appetizer Radio Show and episode 5 of this podcast. Man oh man am I thankful for the introduction.
The overused phrase “value bombs” comes to mind when I reflect on this episode. Bree is a value bomber. I just made that one up (and it feels so right).
Bree is an advocate for female music entrepreneurs. She founded Women of Substance Radio, The Women of Substance Podcast and Female Entrepreneur Musicians. Do I have your attention ladies? Gents... you'll want to pay close attention too.
After enjoying an indie career filled with life lessons, Bree decided to help others by creating the WoS online radio station and podcast for female music artists; and she’s created a community and education platform devoted to, you guessed it, female music entrepreneurs. In spite of catering to women, she did allow me to sneak into one of her online courses recently. She assumed I was doing research for this interview–I was. The content was Facebook Ads training, which she did via her WoS Facebook Page using Facebook Live. She's definitely hip to social.
In this conversation, we talk about her radio station, podcasts (plural), podcasting, house concerts, doing your thing with or without a band, business, marketing, performance venues uniquely for women, and much, much more.
Show Notes * Female Entrepreneur Musician Podcast * Female Entrepreneur Musician * Women of Substance Radio & Podcast * Create A Facebook Ad System That Attracts New Fans on Autopilot * Bree on Facebook * Bree on Twitter * Female Music Academy * Bree on CD Baby * D Grant Smith, Episode 5
Looking for more gigs, check out my book The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs to learn the methods and tactics I used to play as often as I wanted, with people I admired and respected.
His band’s latest album The Defiant Machine was recently recognized by Guitar Player Magazine as one of the most noteworthy albums of the last 50 years. I'm talking about my new friend Bill Lonero. His band LoNero has become known for creating the genre Guitar Core, which is a special brand of instrumental music that has a metal edge. Bill is also the founder of Straptight, a company that has innovated the concept of strap locks for guitar players.
Our discussion traverses several topics, including but not limited to, Bill’s views on history, roots and influences, how bread-ties became the basis for a new business idea, music licensing, fan appreciation, where the music industry and many musicians “get it wrong,” songwriting, getting ripped off, getting 8 hours of sleep every night, the politics of music, and fun stories about Joe Satriani and Michael Burry, both of whom are among Bill’s friends.
We had just met when I recorded this episode, and I found that Bill has amassed a wealth of experience during what has turned out to be a challenging time to be in music and the music business. I certainly took some great notes, and hope you will too.
Show Notes The Defiant MachineUSS HornetJeff BeckJohn PetrucciJimmy PageEddie Van HalenSteve VaiJoe SatrianiMarty FreedmanLee Oskar in episode 15 of this podcastStraptightThe G4 Guitar Experience Camp
ElvisThe Rat PackLoNero.netLoNero on Facebook
Check out the book that lead me to start this podcast!
The Unstarving Musician's Guide to Getting Paid Gigs: How to Get Booked and Paid What You're Worth, Over and Over Again!
Born in Denmark, Lee Oskar found his way to New York at age 18 to pursue a career in music. He eventually found his way to LA where people quickly took notice of his unique skills as a harmonica player. This is about the time he met Eric Burdon who went on to be his bandmate in a little funk rock fusion ensemble called War. The ensuing string of hits include "Spill the Wine", "The World Is a Ghetto", "The Cisco Kid", "Why Can't We Be Friends?", "Low Rider.” He also has an impressive body of solo recordings.
Lee has always seen the harp as not just an instrument, but as his voice. In the late 70’s Lee began working on what would become Lee Oskar Harmonicas, all out frustration with the subpar harps available to him at the time. What better reason to create a business that would become the leading designer and manufacturer world class harmonicas.
Our conversation is wide ranging, traversing his early influences, his band War, gigs at Ronnie Scott’s famed Jazz club, meeting and jamming with Jimi Hendrix, business, following one’s heart, believing in one’s self, persistence, hype, and much, much more.
I recommend taking notes, because you’re about to hear a voice of true wisdom and unique experience. Please enjoy my conversation with the gifted Lee Oskar.
Show Notes * Lee Oskar Harmonicas * Tombo * Playing for Change Band * Crying Time by Ray Charles * The Lowrider Band * Lee Oskar & Friends * Eric Burdon * Boquette Jazz & Blues Festival * UMP Episode 6 featuring John Wolff * Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club * War
Check out the book that lead me to start this podcast!
The Unstarving Musician's Guide to Getting Paid Gigs: How to Get Booked and Paid What You're Worth, Over and Over Again!
I recently discovered Nottingham England's up and comer Lynz Crichton on Twitter, by way of mutual Facebook friends. Intrigued by her current social marketing campaign and her music, I jumped at the chance to bring her on the podcast.
Lynz has a great story. Once upon a time, she had a full time job, took time off to be a full time mum, and then reconnected with her love of music and songwriting, which brings us to present day. With a little help from some Facebook friends, she's finding her way within a new breed of music artists who are learning to build a following online, and she’s sharing the love that is her music along the way. In spite of living in a rural community, she’s busy performing, has plans to record a second EP, was recently awarded first place in a noteworthy songwriting competition that afforded her the opportunity to be involved in a celebrity run songwriting workshop.
She’s building a fan base, or as she calls it “a clan” via Twitter, YouTube and other social channels, and she’s rightfully filled with excitement and optimism. In our conversation, you'll hear about how a course for music entrepreneurs and a songwriting competition set the stage for her current trajectory. All of this in spite of being located in a rural town.
As an added bonus, Lynz mentions a few big names in the UK music scene, which you'll also find in the show notes. Enjoy!
Show Notes * Lynz on Twitter @lynzcrichton * Lynz on Facebook * Nottingham, England * Crichton Tarton * Carlos Castillo's Musicpreneur Course * D Grant Smith of Appetizer Radio Show and UMP episode 5 * Schwilly Family Circus Facebook Group * Bandcamp * Jin Jin * First Direct Mobo Awards * Jess Glynne * Little Mix * Clean Bandit * Kanya King * Stoke-on-Trent * Robbie Williams * Lynz's EP Acquittal on BandCamp * LynzCrichton.com * My book The Unstarving Musician's Guide to Getting Paid Gigs
Products Mentioned * Focusrite iTrack Pocket Portable Stereo Microphone and Guitar Input for iPhone * Focusrite iTrack Studio * Shure SM58
This episode of The Unstarving Musician’s Podcast features a conversation with drummer, vocalist, podcaster, Mac expert, tech dude and self-proclaimed nerd, Dave Hamilton.
I first met Dave as a guest on one of his podcasts, GigGab The Working Musician’s Podcast (episode 88). Dave is a formally trained musician, which garners a lot of points with me. But he’s a lot more… Dave cofounded The Mac Observer, a site devoted to all things Apple and BackBeat Media an online marketing/interactive business. He regularly gigs with two bands and two theater companies, hosts the podcasts Mac Geek Gab and The Small Business Show. He also has a family. He's into so much, it makes my head spin just thinking about it.
We talk about a lot of this during discussion, plus his appreciation for Rush, tips for learning music theory, setting up a home recording studio, and a whole lot more. Please enjoy my conversation with Super Dave Hamilton.
SHOW NOTES * The Mac Observer * BackBeat Media * Mac Geek Gab * Fling * Chafed * Gig Gab Podcast Episode 88 (featuring yours truly) * The Small Business Show * Unstarving Musician’s Podcast Ep 9 with Paul Kent * Gig Gab Podcast Episode 100 with Kenny Aronoff * Gig Gab Episode 71 with Robert Berry * Avenue Q * FocusRight Scarlett 18i20 8/18 channel * Reason for Mac or Windows
This episode of The Unstarving Musician’s Podcast features a conversation with country singer songwriter and friend Mira Goto. We became acquainted in 2014 whilst gigging around the South San Francisco Bay Area, where I had the opportunity to drum for Mira in a couple of different bands comprised of mutual friends.
I was highly impressed the first time I heard her guitar playing and voice; and that was during soundcheck before our first gig ever got underway. Mira’s the whole package, from musicianship to good looks and charm.
Our conversation takes place at an interesting time in Mira’s journey. She’s a young, albeit lifelong singer songwriter who made a daring move from her hometown Santa Cruz California to Nashville, in order to surround herself with other songwriters and likeminded music professionals. She’s doing and learning all kinds of things in the process. All in the DIY spirit of making it happen. I have high hopes for her in the uber competitive landscape of Nashville’s country music scene.
This week's episode of The Unstarving Musician’s Podcast features yours truly, in solo fashion. There are a couple of noteworthy themes that have emerged from interviews I've done for the podcast and my book, the importance of networking and helping other succeed. I share some personal experience and more importantly the experience of several guests of this podcast. As mentioned during the episode, my hope is that I’m not just stating the obvious, but that my rant serves as a little reminder for you to serve others, when the opportunity arrises. Thanks for listening. And by the way, if you like this podcast, please subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcast app. Oh and again if you like this podcast and if you like it, please leave a short review. I would be forever grateful. SHOW NOTES * The DIY Musician’s Radio Handbook: How To Growth Hack Your Fan Base & Build Stronger Networks Using Indie Radio Airplay * D Grant Smith’s website * Appetizer Radio Show * The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs * Lara Price (Episode 4 of this podcast) * Blues Awards * Chris Raspanty (Episode 2 of this podcast) * True Blood * Travis Tritt * Stan Lynch * Dixie Chicks * D Grant Smith (Episode 5 of this podcast) * The DIY Musician’s Radio Handbook * The Appetizer Radio Show * El Valle de Anton, Panama * John Wolff (Episode 6 – John Wolff) * The Bouquete Jazz and Blues Festival * Episode 7 – Jim Kisselburg * Episode 9 – Paul Kent * Gig Gab Podcast website * Los Gatos Music in the Park * The Houserockers
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This episode features a conversation with John “Kiko” Carney, a versatile Panama based guitarist and new friend. John has and continues to perform throughout Panama, the US and Europe as a full time original artist. His resume is impressive. He's opened for the likes of Bo Diddley, Styx, Little Richard, and Clint Black; and he’s backed such legendary artists as Joe Cocker and Percy Sledge. He’s also become a recent regular at The Bouquete Jazz & Blues Festival, also known as the biggest little festival on the planet. Check out my conversation with John Wolff in episode 6 for more on The Bouquete Jazz & Blues Fest. In this episode, John Carney and I talk about his early doubts about being a full-time musician, the fateful day that cemented his path, working with Joe Cocker and Percy Sledge among others, music as a business, his quest for orchestration, developing a signature sound, and more. I’ve taken a personal interest in John, because he’s local and quite good. Whenever he comes up in discussion, it’s always with rave reviews. He’s a wonderful guy who I hope to spend some time with in the near future. Please sit back and enjoy our conversation. Show Notes * Boquete Jazz & Blues Festival * Joe Cocker, Mad Dog with Soul * Andy Eghert * Lynchberg Gastropub, Panama City * Bobby Keys * Clint Black * Bill Hamm, ZZ Top manager * Eydie Gorme & Trio Los Panchos, circa 1964 * Jeff Lyndsay, Author of Dexter * Ann Harris * Scott Ambush bassist for Spyro Gyra * Lee Oskar * War * Gato Maximo (aka Max Cat) * Percy Sledge * John Carney on Reverb Nation * Boquete, Panama * Me & Sami on a windy day in Bouquet, Panama (Mar 2015)
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This episode of The Unstarving Musician’s Podcast features yet another one of my good friends, Paul Kent. At the time of our conversation, Paul was on track to perform well over 100 gigs in 2017, which is his norm--and he gets paid well doing it. Paul is cohost of the wildly popular Gig Gag Podcast, which is a podcast for working musicians. His eleven piece band, The Houserockers has been a San Francisco Bay area crowd pleaser for 17 years, and they’re showing no signs of slowing down. He’s also among the smartest guys I know when it comes to building relationships and successful music collaborations. But wait, there’s more. Paul is also co producer of Los Gatos Music in the Park, a South San Francisco Bay Area event that annually boasts thousands of attendees. Needless to say, he’s knows a thing or two about business, marketing and live music performance. Pay close attention, because Paul shares some extremely valuable insights for musicians. Enjoy.
This episode of The Unstarving Musician’s Podcast features another former bandmate and friend Neil Schnell. Neil is a gigging, touring machine, who performs solo shows, as well as shows with Dallas Fort Worth favorites Velvet Love Box and The Lannie Flowers Band. We talk about his published work, his views selecting collaborators, how musical self-indulgence has been a good thing for his career, and how a gig for a Dallas Stars Hockey Club event changed everything for one of his bands. He's one of the kindest and most talented guys I know. Please enjoy our conversation.
This episode of The Unstarving Musician’s Podcast features my conversation with my good friend and former bandmate Jim Kisselburg. As a longtime weekend warrior musician/guitarist, Jim has done it all, from cover bands to originals. He’s also a featured member of a band I loved back in the day, Daddy's Soul Donut. Check out their album Scarecrowes on iTunes, Spotify and/or CD Baby. In addition to doing a little catching up, Jim and I talk about how he uses video and a good one sheet to get gigs. We talk a little about singing and playing an instrument, gig trading, favorite music apps and more.
This episode of The Unstarving Musician’s Podcast features my conversation with John Wolff Director/Producer of The Bouquete Jazz and Blues Festival, which takes place annually in Boquete, Panama in Central America. John is also President of The Bouquete Jazz and Blues Festival Foundation. Given that this festival is known as “The Biggest Little Music Festival” in the world, I ask John for advice on gaining access to the world festival circuit, but we also discuss… The festival’s history, some of the amazing talent that has performed the festival stage, bigger and better things in store for the festival, of course relationships, and some of the reasons why being low maintenance and easy going is the way to be in music.
This episode of The Unstarving Musician’s Podcast features a conversation with host of indie radio station The Appetizer Radio Show, D Grant Smith. D Grant is what he likes to call an audience growth farmer. His long-time mission is not only to curate quality music in album format, but also help musicians be better and growing their careers. He’s also the author of a book that I highly recommend you check out, The DIY Musician’s Radio Handbook: How To Growth Hack Your Fan Base & Build Stronger Networks Using Indie Radio Airplay. Our conversation touches on his work, Chris Cornell, marketing Jedi Seth Godin, and why showing you care about others will get you far.
This episode of The Unstarving Musician’s Podcast features a conversation with Lara Price, the phenomenal blues singer who I first had the pleasure of meeting at a blues jam in San Jose California. Lara and I talk about our respective beginnings in the San Jose music scene, running a jam bands, tips for jammers, her latest album I Mean Business, the importance of networking, and her recent, big move to Austin.
This episode of The Unstarving Musician’s Podcast features a conversation with award winning producer, sound engineer, guitarist, vocalist, performer, and all around cool guy, Kid Andersen. As owner of Greaseland Studios, Kid is doing some amazing work, taking breaks to perform live in his current home town of San Jose California and various locations abroad. He’s also devoting time to help bring awareness to some otherwise lost gems of the blues world.
This episode of The Unstarving Musician’s Podcast features Chris Raspante, who I first met at a holiday season jam last December 2016, near Fort Worth, Texas. the place I originally called home. Chris is a gigging musician for hire, a songwriter and recording engineer whose guitar work has been featured on the HBO series True Blood and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Chris has also worked with a host of Nashville noteworthies, including Travis Tritt, The Dixie Chicks and Stan Lynch. On top of all this, he’s a hell of a guitar player and a really nice guy. In our conversation we talk about serendipity, networking, reputation, Nashville, the wonders of today’s talent and much more.