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 independent DIY music artists better understand the marketing, business and creative processes that help us create sustainable and profitable music careers.
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
11/22/24 • 42:59
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
11/8/24 • 10:13
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
10/25/24 • 22:30
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
10/11/24 • 27:14
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
9/27/24 • 15:58
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: 1. 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. 2. Passion Projects and Band Dynamics: Joe shares valuable insights on finding the right players for passion projects, discussing his secret for successful musical collaboration. 3. Sync Libraries: Joe shares his recent experiences and challenges entering the world of sync licensing. 4. 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. 5. 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
9/13/24 • 40:59
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
8/30/24 • 34:49
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
8/16/24 • 68:25
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
8/2/24 • 13:41
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
7/19/24 • 20:37
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
7/5/24 • 21:20
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
6/21/24 • 17:51
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
3/15/24 • 23:38
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
3/8/24 • 22:04
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
3/1/24 • 19:42
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
2/23/24 • 15:57
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
2/16/24 • 48:49
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
2/9/24 • 48:26
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
2/2/24 • 51:58
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
1/26/24 • 56:16
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
1/19/24 • 74:15
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
1/5/24 • 60:14
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
12/22/23 • 58:26
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
12/8/23 • 48:04
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. Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime. 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
12/1/23 • 47:09
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
11/17/23 • 37:00
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
11/10/23 • 64:02
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
10/27/23 • 50:51
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
10/20/23 • 59:10
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
10/13/23 • 72:42