The Career Musician
Learn the secrets of the music industry and how to build a lasting career!
Episodes
May 13, 2025 • 22 mins
🎙️ EPISODE 187: Real Talk: Banding Together as Career Musicians
SUMMARY:
Feeling stuck, isolated, or overwhelmed in your musical journey? You're not alone. This episode highlights the power of community, emphasizing how important it is for career musicians to band together, support each other, and rise collectively. Nomad shares real-life insights into overcoming challenges, navigating responsibilities, and maintaining your pa...
Mark as Played
May 7, 2025 • 13 mins
In this energetic episode, Nomad takes listeners on a ride to a non-music event, demonstrating firsthand the power of his four essential rules for building meaningful relationships and standing out as a musician.
Key Takeaways:
Rule #1: Get Up, Dress Up, Show Up
Nomad emphasizes the importance of physically showing up to events, even when you’re not explicitly required to attend. Commitment and presence are key.
Rule #2: C...
Mark as Played
May 1, 2025 • 10 mins
Tired of chasing gigs? You’re not alone.
In this real talk session, NOMAD flips the script and explains why letting go may be the key to making work come to you.
Show Notes:
Why "work begets work" in the gig economy
The trap of hustle culture and how to escape it
How creating your own momentum leads to unexpected opportunities
Practical advice: build your rig, finish the project, and stay ready
Key mindset: The gigs are co...
Mark as Played
April 28, 2025 • 11 mins
Getting ghosted sucks — especially when it’s a gig you really wanted.
Here’s how to deal with the silence, follow up like a pro, and protect your mental space.
Show Notes:
The emotional sting of being ghosted (we’ve all been there)
The “3 strikes” method for professional follow-ups
How to close loops, track your contacts, and stay mentally free
Create a contact spreadsheet to manage outreach
Let it go — and keep moving forw...
Mark as Played
April 24, 2025 • 9 mins
Ever met a musician who pours on the love… but disappears when it matters?
In this episode, NOMAD calls out fake support and makes the case for keeping it real.
Show Notes:
What “insincere sincerity” sounds like in the music world
How to spot it, avoid it, and never be that person
The difference between honest encouragement and hollow hype
Why integrity and authenticity matter more than ever
Be the real one in a room full o...
Mark as Played
April 21, 2025 • 9 mins
Feeling lost in your creative journey? You’re not alone.
This honest episode dives into the emotional weight of being a creative and how to push through the fog.
Show Notes:
What it means to have an existential crisis as an artist
Why creativity often comes with emotional and spiritual weight
The power of reflection, community, and self-awareness
Tips to navigate the “Why am I even doing this?” moments
You’re not broken. Yo...
Mark as Played
April 18, 2025 • 9 mins
You’re not making music for other musicians — you’re making it for people.
This episode is a wake-up call to shift your focus and build a real audience.
Show Notes:
Why musicians aren’t your target audience
The problem with making music just to impress your peers
How to build a connection with real listeners
Serving the song, not your ego
Want to get hired? Want to get heard? Then play for the people.
💡 This one hits har...
Mark as Played
April 17, 2025 • 9 mins
“Play through the changes” is great advice… until it isn’t.
This episode unpacks the deeper meaning behind the phrase — both musically and in life.
Show Notes:
Jazz school lessons vs. real-world career moves
Chops vs. artistry: where the real connection happens
Evolving beyond your training and finding your sound
Letting go of comparison and staying true to your voice
You don’t have to play through every change — you can gr...
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March 25, 2025 • 11 mins
In this episode, dubbed "Payday Friday," Nomad dives into the realities of making a living as a career musician. Joined by industry professional Michael Elsener from Master Music Licensing, they stress the importance of learning from others in your field to fast-track your success. Nomad hilariously points out the difference between a musician's lifestyle and the traditional 9-5 worker, emphasizing financial inconsistency in their ...
Mark as Played
March 18, 2025 • 28 mins
In this engaging episode of the Career Musician podcast, host Nomad dives deep into the world of home studios and offers invaluable tips and tricks for musicians looking to maximize their creative flow.
From his own experience setting up a home studio in a 10x10 room, Nomad shares practical advice on optimizing both the acoustics and aesthetics of your space to inspire creativity. Whether you're just starting out or are seasoned ...
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March 5, 2025 • 14 mins
In this episode of the Career Musician Podcast, Nomad dives deep into the significance of protecting intellectual property in the music industry. Nomad shares his personal experiences and insights on copyright, trademark, and the intricacies of publishing and licensing music. Through an interesting analogy involving a unique instrument found at Goodwill, Nomad highlights the importance of owning your creative work. The episode also...
Mark as Played
February 25, 2025 • 9 mins
Mining the Gigs You Want: A Fresh Perspective
Welcome to the TCM Podcast, the go-to resource for career musicians looking to enhance their craft, grow professionally, and navigate the ever-evolving music industry. Hosted by Nomad, a seasoned musician and industry expert, the TCM Podcast delivers actionable insights, inspiring stories, and creative solutions tailored for musicians at every stage of their journey. Join us weekly for ...
Mark as Played
February 18, 2025 • 19 mins
In this episode of the Career Musician podcast, host Nomad discusses three crucial factors that distinguish professional musicians from amateurs. Drawing from his 30+ years of experience as a session and touring guitarist, Nomad breaks down the key elements of being a career musician:
1. Dedication - The importance of not waiting for motivation but following through with consistent work and discipline.
2. Communication - How prof...
Mark as Played
February 3, 2025 • 37 mins
In this episode, Nomad shares his perspective on the 2025 Grammy Awards and award shows in general, recording while commuting to Los Angeles College of Music where he teaches.
Key Topics Covered:
Nomad's personal perspective on award shows and why he believes art is subjective and difficult to quantify compared to sports
Brief history of the Grammy Awards, established in 1957 by NARAS (now the Recording Academy)
Discussion of h...
Mark as Played
February 3, 2025 • 17 mins
In this episode, Nomad discusses the concept of CYO (Chief You Officer) from his book "Ethos" and why it's crucial for independent musicians to master self-management. He explains how musicians, as independent contractors, need to wear multiple executive hats and handle everything from operations to finances.
Key points covered:
- Introduction to the concept of CYO (Chief You Officer)
- Why musicians need to be their own boss
- Th...
Mark as Played
January 28, 2025 • 20 mins
Should you QUIT the Music Industry? This past Friday was "Quitter's Day", when most people have quit their New Year's Resolutions... Did you? I go over some of the top excuses people give when leaving their dreams behind, and how I rebut and refuse them. If being a Career Musician is your goal, then being strong and resilient has to be in your blood!
Website: http://thecareermusician.com/
Podcast: https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/...
Mark as Played
January 22, 2025 • 48 mins
Join us on the TCM Podcast as we dive into the intricacies of the music industry with John Mlynczak, President of NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants).
Hosted by Nomad, creator of the Career Musician podcast, and co-hosted by Erin Workman from the Los Angeles College of Music, this episode unpacks the significance of NAMM for music makers, from the benefits of attending the NAMM show to understanding the organization's b...
Mark as Played
January 13, 2025 • 19 mins
Welcome to Episode 170 of The Career Musician Podcast: "Time - Your Most Valuable Resource"
In this episode, Nomad explores the significance of time management for musicians and how consistent daily efforts can lead to remarkable achievements.
Key Highlights:
- Mindset Over Motivation: Discover why discipline is more reliable than motivation and how being consistent in your actions can yield compounded results.
- Personal Journey...
Mark as Played
August 5, 2024 • 69 mins
The Career Musician featuring co-founders of The Musician's Journey!
Get ready for an insightful conversation with special guests Jed Elliott from the rock band The Struts and executive life coach Chelsea Sabo founder of Verbal Courage on Episode 169 of The Career Musician Podcast. Host Nomad leads a discussion on the highs and lows of being a musician, from playing for thousands alongside rock legends to struggling financially and...
Mark as Played
December 28, 2023 • 36 mins
Every Tuesday, Nomad feature a new indie artist on "Radio Ready", his new show only on Dash Radio.
This episode explains EXACTLY how to submit your music for a chance to be featured on Radio Ready –The Career Musician's new show only on Dash Radio, powered by Smash Haus!
Nomad and Tito Daniel explain the process in detail, which btw is very easy...3 steps and you're in!
Go to The Career Musician Instagram link in bio
Click "Sub...
Mark as Played
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