The Unstarving Musician

Musician health strategies are essential tools for navigating the complex web of personal and professional relationships that can make or break long-term success in the music industry. This episode explores the unique relationship dynamics that musicians face, where the lines between personal and professional connections often blur in ways both enriching and challenging.

Drawing from our Liner Notes Insider three-part series, we ex...

This episode explores musician well-being and challenges the persistent "suffering artist" myth. Drawing from recent examples of successful artists like Lizzy McAlpine and Ashe, Robonzo examines how prioritizing mental health leads to sustainable music careers rather than limiting them.

Discover practical strategies for setting boundaries, managing performance demands, and creating sustainable touring schedules that protect your cr...

Music business fundamentals can make or break an artist's career sustainability. In this episode, we break down essential legal and financial practices that help independent musicians protect their work and build sustainable careers. From copyright registration and performance contracts to accounting basics and tax planning, we provide actionable steps for managing the business side of music while staying focused on creativity. Lea...

Tour planning requires careful strategy and execution for independent musicians to succeed on the road. In this episode, I share key insights from Liner Notes Insider on venue selection, tour management, fan engagement, and revenue optimization. Learn practical approaches to building sustainable tours and get a glimpse of the exclusive content available to Liner Notes Insider subscribers. Whether planning your first tour or looking...

Home recording doesn't require a professional studio - it requires understanding fundamentals, making smart choices about gear, and focusing on performance quality. In this episode, I share my journey from basic podcast recording to producing music, including practical tips on choosing your first DAW, selecting an audio interface, and setting up your recording space. You'll learn about essential gear, common connectivity issues, an...

Book marketing takes center stage in part two of my conversation with independent musician and author Tony Harrah. He breaks down his mathematical approach to sales strategy, sharing insights on reaching target audiences without traditional industry gatekeepers. From his decision to self-narrate audio books to his perspective on working with publicists and labels, Tony offers practical wisdom for creative entrepreneurs.

This contin...

Independent musician and author Tony Harrah shares his lyrical poetry journey across the music and literary worlds. In this first of two parts, Tony discusses his realization that marketing books mirrors marketing music, detailing his experiences building writer groups (much like starting his blues jams) and developing grassroots promotional strategies. We explore his evolution from musician to author with works like "Boxing With G...

Music marketing doesn't have to be perfect to be effective. Join host Robonzo as he challenges traditional promotion methods and reveals why your unpolished, real moments might be your greatest marketing asset. Learn practical strategies for Instagram Stories, Reels, and Posts, plus discover the untapped potential of LinkedIn for booking gigs. With personal anecdotes and actionable insights, this episode shows how embracing authent...

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 ...

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,...

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. W...