Backstage Money

Lessons From a Career in Rock: What Musicians Need to Know | Shawn Duncan (L.A. Guns)

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0600

What does it really take to survive - and build a long career - in the music industry?

In this episode of Backstage Money, host Jason K. Powers sits down with Shawn Duncan, drummer for L.A. Guns and founding member of Odin, to talk about the realities of life as a working musician.

Shawn has spent decades performing, recording, and touring in rock music. From the legendary Sunset Strip scene to stages around the world, he shares lessons musicians often learn the hard way about professionalism, persistence, and navigating the business side of music.

This conversation dives into the realities behind the stage lights and what it actually takes to build longevity in a tough industry.

In this episode we discuss:

Lessons from decades in the rock music world
The realities of touring and performing professionally
What younger musicians often misunderstand about the industry
Why relationships and professionalism still matter
The mindset required to stay in the music business long-term

If you're an artist trying to build a sustainable career, this episode offers insight from someone who has lived it.

Free Resource for Musicians

Download your free copy of A Musician’s Guide to Financial Stability

https://1024wealth.com/music

Chris Fletcher on Longevity, Industry Reality, and Staying in the Music Business

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 13:00:00 -0600

In Part 2 of this Backstage Money conversation, host Jason K Powers continues his discussion with music industry mentor Chris Fletcher, founder of Music Biz Mentors.

This half of the conversation focuses on the practical realities of building income as a musician and thinking creatively about career sustainability. Chris shares examples of overlooked opportunities that musicians often miss, from session work and voiceover jobs to writing for television, teaching, production work, and other ways artists can monetize their skills beyond touring and streaming.

The discussion also explores sponsorships, endorsements, crowdfunding, and subscription platforms like Patreon. Chris explains how artists can attract brand support, why audience size and engagement matter to sponsors, and how independent musicians can fund projects without taking on unnecessary debt.

Jason and Chris also talk about financial discipline for musicians, including tracking income, understanding expenses, negotiating performance fees, and learning how venues actually make money. Chris shares practical advice from years of working with artists on how to price gigs, manage finances, and avoid common mistakes that derail careers.

If you are an independent musician, songwriter, or artist trying to turn your skills into sustainable income, this episode offers real-world insight into the business side of staying in the music industry long term.

This is Part 2 of a two-part conversation. Part 1 covers starting a career in music, building industry connections, and what most artists misunderstand about getting momentum in the music business.

Backstage Money is real-world finance for musicians, where music and money collide through honest conversations with artists and industry professionals who are living it.

Connect with Chris Fletcher

Music Biz Mentors

https://musicbizmentors.com

Backstage Money

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Free Financial Resource for Musicians

Get the free ebook A Musician’s Guide to Infinite Banking

https://1024wealth.com/music

Chris Fletcher on Starting a Career in Music and What Most Artists Don’t Understand | Part 1

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0600

Before you grow your music career, you need to know where you really stand.

In this episode of Backstage Money, Jason K. Powers sits down with Chris Fletcher, founder of MusicBizMentors.com, artist development coach, and longtime music business instructor at Musicians Institute.

Chris shares how she got started helping artists, how she built her career in music business and education, and why musicians need to honestly assess their songs, skills, and business habits before trying to level up.

This conversation covers:

How Chris Fletcher got started in artist development
What “baby bands” need most early on
How to tell whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced artist
Why releasing music matters more than chasing perfection
Why musicians still need an email list
How consistent small actions build momentum over time
Why creating and business growth go hand in hand

If you’re trying to get more serious about your music career, this episode will help you think more clearly about your next steps.

Learn More About Chris Fletcher

MusicBizMentors.com

Backstage Money

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Free Financial Resource for Musicians

Get the free ebook A Musician’s Guide to Infinite Banking at https://1024wealth.com/music

Jason Hartless on Touring with Ted Nugent and Building a Career in the Music Business

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Backstage Money, host Jason K Powers sits down with Jason Hartless, touring drummer for Ted Nugent and co-owner of Sound City Entertainment, to talk about what it actually takes to build and sustain a career in the music business.

Jason shares his story of growing up around music, developing his craft as a drummer, and eventually stepping into the role of touring drummer for rock legend Ted Nugent. Along the way he explains how musicians get hired, what bandleaders are really looking for, and why professionalism, reliability, and attitude often matter just as much as talent.

The conversation dives deep into the realities of the modern music industry. Jason talks about touring life, working relationships inside a band, and how musicians navigate an industry where income streams have shifted dramatically over the last two decades. From touring and merchandise to fan engagement and career longevity, he offers a candid look at what it takes to stay working as a musician today.

Jason also shares insights into the business side of music, including how artists adapt to the streaming era, how independent musicians can build sustainable careers, and why understanding the financial realities of the industry is essential for long term survival.

If you are a drummer, touring musician, band member, or independent artist trying to build a career that lasts, this episode offers a real world look at the music business from someone who has lived it on stage and behind the scenes.

Backstage Money is real world finance for musicians, where music and money collide through honest conversations with artists and industry professionals who are living it.

Connect with Jason Hartless

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonhartless

Sound City Entertainment: https://www.instagram.com/soundcity_musicgroup

Backstage Money

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Free Financial Resource for Musicians

Get the free ebook A Musician’s Guide to Infinite Banking at https://1024wealth.com/music

Danny Zelisko on Touring Risk, Selling Tickets, and Staying Alive (Part 2)

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0600

In Part 2 of this Backstage Money conversation, host Jason K Powers continues his discussion with Danny Zelisko, veteran concert promoter and founder of Danny Zelisko Presents.

This half of the conversation dives into touring risk, ticket sales realities, and what actually keeps bands alive long term.

Danny explains how promoters evaluate risk, why overpaying for a show can sink everyone involved, and how ticket pricing must match what the market will bear. He shares candid insight on loyalty, competition between promoters, and why chasing higher guarantees without understanding your draw can backfire fast.

The discussion also tackles VIP packages, meet and greets, rising ticket prices, and the growing cost of live entertainment. Danny offers a blunt perspective on what helps artists build sustainable careers versus what accelerates burnout or audience fatigue.

Toward the end, he gives practical advice for up and coming bands on protecting themselves financially, putting agreements in writing, understanding club deals, and avoiding the common mistakes that lead to bad shows and broken relationships.

This episode is essential listening for touring musicians, independent bands, managers, and anyone trying to understand the real economics behind live music.

This is Part 2 of a two-part conversation. Part 1 covers guarantees, ticket pricing fundamentals, and why some bands get booked while others don’t.

Backstage Money is real-world finance for musicians, where music and money collide through honest conversations with artists and industry professionals who are living it.

Connect with Danny Zelisko

Website: https://dzplive.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dannyzeliskopresents

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dzpresents/

X: https://x.com/dzpresents

Backstage Money

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Listen on all platforms: https://backstagemoney.captivate.fm/listen

Free Financial Resource for Musicians

Get the free ebook A Musician’s Guide to Infinite Banking

https://1024wealth.com/music

Danny Zelisko on Guarantees, Ticket Prices, and Why Some Bands Get Booked (Part 1)

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Backstage Money, Jason K Powers sits down with Danny Zelisko, a veteran concert promoter whose career spans back to 1974 and includes working with some of the biggest artists in live music history.

Danny shares his origin story and how he got into concert promotion, from discovering music as a teenager to booking his first shows and learning the business through real-world trial and error. He breaks down what concert promoters actually do, how booking decisions are made, and why understanding the market matters more than ego.

The conversation dives into guarantees, ticket pricing, and the hard realities of live music economics. Danny explains why some bands keep getting booked while others don’t, how pricing mistakes can stall careers, and why promoters have to balance risk, audience trust, and long-term relationships.

This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation. Part 2 goes deeper into touring risk, selling tickets, market realities, and what it really takes to survive in live music over the long haul.

Backstage Money is real-world finance for musicians, where music and money collide through honest conversations with artists and industry professionals who are living it.

Connect with Danny Zelisko

Website: https://dzplive.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dannyzeliskopresents

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dzpresents/

X: https://x.com/dzpresents

Backstage Money

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/backstagemoney

Free Financial Resource for Musicians

Get the free ebook A Musician’s Guide to Infinite Banking

https://1024wealth.com/music

The Next Evolution of Music Funding, with Justin Longo of MariNation

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Backstage Money, host Jason K Powers sits down with Justin Longo, founder and CEO of MariNation, a new platform exploring how fans, artists, and data could reshape the way music is funded.

Justin breaks down the problem artists face today, streaming pays more than ever at the industry level, but individual artists see less value per song than ever before. The conversation explores how artists are forced to self-fund releases, tours, and content long before the music ever generates income, and why that financial pressure often stalls creative momentum.

Justin explains how MariNation approaches this challenge through a fantasy-style, risk-free music investing game that tracks real artist performance data, allowing fans to engage with music in a deeper way while competing for real prizes and experiences. The discussion also looks ahead at what the future could hold, including artist equity, fan participation, and new ways artists might fund careers without selling off their rights too early.

This episode is for independent musicians, touring artists, music entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in the intersection of music, technology, and financial sustainability.

Backstage Money is real-world finance for musicians, where music and money collide through honest conversations with artists and industry professionals who are living it.

Connect with Justin Longo & MariNation

Website: https://marinationmusic.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mari__nation

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mari..nation

Backstage Money

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/backstagemoney

Free Financial Resource for Musicians

Get the free ebook A Musician’s Guide to Infinite Banking

https://1024wealth.com/music

Dale Thompson of Bride: 40 Years in Music and What It Really Takes to Survive

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Backstage Money, Jason K Powers sits down with Dale Thompson, lead vocalist of the band Bride, for an honest conversation about longevity, faith, and what it really takes to survive in the music industry for four decades.

Dale reflects on his journey with Bride, including hard-earned lessons from early record deals that did not work in the band’s favor. He speaks candidly about being taken advantage of by labels, learning the business side of music the hard way, and why understanding contracts, ownership, and money matters is critical for artists who want to last.

The conversation covers the realities of building and sustaining a band through constant industry change, from touring and recording to navigating setbacks, reinvention, and burnout. Dale also shares how faith, discipline, and staying true to your message helped him endure challenges that end many music careers.

This episode is a must-listen for musicians, artists of faith, independent bands, and anyone who wants a real-world look at the business mistakes, lessons, and mindset required to build a career that lasts.

Backstage Money is real-world finance for musicians, where music and money collide through honest conversations with artists and industry professionals who are living it.

Connect with Dale Thompson

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dalethompson1963/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DaleThompsonBrideVocalist

Bride

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bride.band/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BridebandOn/

Website: https://www.bridepub.com/

Backstage Money

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backstagemoney

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/backstagemoney

Listen on all platforms: https://backstagemoney.captivate.fm/listen

Free Financial Resource for Musicians

Get the free ebook, A Musician’s Guide to Infinite Banking, at

https://1024wealth.com/music

Merch, Money, and Survival: Stevie Rachelle on How Musicians Really Get Paid

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0600

In Part 2 of this Backstage Money conversation, Jason K Powers continues his discussion with Stevie Rachelle, lead singer of Tuff and founder of Metal Sludge, diving deeper into how musicians actually survive financially over the long haul.

Stevie breaks down the real economics of touring internationally, why getting in front of people often matters more than upfront guarantees, and how merchandise has become a critical revenue stream for working bands. He shares practical insight into selling directly to fans, building relationships at the merch table, and making the most of every opportunity on the road.

The conversation also explores Stevie’s long-running DIY approach through RLS Records, including self-releasing music, manufacturing physical product, distributing to independent record stores, and adapting as formats shifted from CDs to vinyl to streaming and back again. Stevie explains why physical product still matters, how collectors think, and why artists who treat music like a business give themselves a better chance at longevity.

This episode is essential listening for independent musicians, touring artists, and anyone looking to understand the real money mechanics behind a sustainable music career.

This is Part 2 of a two-part conversation. Part 1 focuses on Stevie’s early journey, mindset, and the risks required to get started.

Backstage Money is real-world finance for musicians, where music and money collide through honest conversations with artists and industry professionals who are living it.

Connect with Stevie Rachelle

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/StevieTuff

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100050872071674

Metal Sludge

Website: https://metalsludge.tv/

Tuff

Official website: https://tuffcds.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StevieRachelle

Backstage Money

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backstagemoney

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/backstagemoney

Free Financial Resource for Musicians

Get the free ebook, A Musician’s Guide to Infinite Banking, at

https://1024wealth.com/music

From One-Way Ticket to MTV: Stevie Rachelle on Betting on Yourself in Music

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Backstage Money, Jason K Powers sits down with Stevie Rachelle, lead singer of the band Tuff and founder of Metal Sludge, for a wide-ranging conversation about taking risks, betting on yourself, and doing whatever it takes to make a music career happen.

Stevie shares the early chapters of his story, from leaving home with little more than belief and determination to landing major opportunities in the Los Angeles music scene. He talks candidly about mindset, sacrifice, and why waiting for permission is often the fastest way to never get started.

This first part focuses on the decisions, risks, and mentality required to chase a career in music, long before record deals, MTV, or industry recognition entered the picture. Stevie offers perspective that is especially relevant for musicians at the beginning or middle of their journey who are wondering whether to play it safe or go all in.

This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation. Part 2 dives deeper into the business side of music, including touring, merchandise, money realities, and long-term survival in the industry.

Backstage Money is real-world finance for musicians, where music and money collide through honest conversations with artists and industry professionals who are living it.

Connect with Stevie Rachelle

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/StevieTuff

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100050872071674

Metal Sludge

Website: https://metalsludge.tv/

Tuff

Official website: https://tuffcds.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StevieRachelle

Backstage Money

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backstagemoney

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/backstagemoney

Free Financial Resource for Musicians

Get the free ebook, A Musician’s Guide to Infinite Banking, at

https://1024wealth.com/music

IndieX Insights: Growing Your Music Career with Jack McCarthy

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Backstage Money, Jason K Powers sits down with Jack McCarthy, entrepreneur, touring veteran, and co-founder of IndieX at Indepreneur, the agency helping artists build sustainable, direct-to-fan revenue.

Jack shares his journey from touring guitarist and guitar tech to building one of the leading artist-focused e-commerce and marketing teams in the industry. He breaks down why so many musicians stay stuck in feast-or-famine income cycles and how treating your music like a real business can change everything.

The conversation dives deep into direct-to-fan sales, owning your data, e-commerce strategy, touring versus streaming income, and why artists need systems they can control. Jack explains how artists of all sizes can stabilize revenue, better serve their fans, and build long-term sustainability instead of relying solely on platforms and algorithms they do not own.

This episode is a must-listen for independent musicians, touring artists, managers, and anyone serious about building a music career that lasts.

Backstage Money is real-world finance for musicians, where music and money collide through honest conversations with artists and industry professionals who are living it.

Connect with Jack McCarthy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indepreneur

Indepreneur Site: https://indepreneur.io

IndieX Site: https://indepreneur.io/about-indiex

Backstage Money

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backstagemoney

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/backstagemoney

Free Financial Resource for Musicians

Get the free ebook, A Musician’s Guide to Infinite Banking, at

https://1024wealth.com/music

From Passion to Purpose: A Musical Journey with Grace Graber

Sat, 27 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Backstage Money, Jason K Powers sits down with Grace Graber, a rising Christian pop punk artist known for her bold covers, raw honesty, and outspoken conversations around mental health, faith, and the realities of being an independent musician.

Grace shares her powerful origin story, including how music played a role in saving her life, what led her to pursue a career in music, and why authenticity matters more than image. From moving to Nashville and building her career independently, to balancing touring, social media growth, and working a day job, she gives an unfiltered look at what it actually takes to keep going as an artist today.

The conversation dives into the business side of music, including why streaming income alone is not enough, how touring and merchandise have become essential, and the financial pressure musicians face behind the scenes. Grace speaks candidly about money stress, uncertainty, and the emotional toll of chasing a calling in an industry that rarely offers stability.

This episode is a must-listen for independent musicians, Nashville artists, pop punk fans, and anyone trying to balance creativity, faith, mental health, and real-world financial pressure while building a career that lasts.

Topics covered include:

Independent music careers
Touring and merchandise as income
Streaming realities for artists
Social media growth and visibility
Mental health and faith
Working a day job while pursuing music
Financial pressure in the music industry

Backstage Money is real-world finance for musicians, where music and money collide through honest conversations with artists and industry professionals who are living it.

Connect with Grace Graber

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracegraber

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gracegrabermusic

Website: https://www.gracegraber.com

Backstage Money

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backstagemoney

Facebook: https://facebook.com/backstagemoney

Get the free ebook, A Musician’s Guide to Infinite Banking, at

https://1024wealth.com/music

From Garage to Grammy Nominations: The Music & Money Journey of Pillar

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0600

The podcast delves into the multifaceted life of Michael 'Kalel' Wittig, whose journey as a musician transcends mere performance. His leadership in the business aspects of Pillar showcases a pivotal understanding of the music industry's dynamics, particularly in the context of financial management.

Wittig shares candid insights about the challenges faced by musicians, emphasizing the importance of resilience and adaptability in navigating the tumultuous waters of the music business. He reflects on the band's strategic decisions, including the choice to focus on regional recognition before expanding their reach, thereby establishing a solid foundation that would support their later success.

Furthermore, Wittig discusses the significance of communication within the band, highlighting how improved interpersonal dynamics could have altered the course of their history. The episode serves as a poignant reminder that the journey of a musician is not merely about artistry but also about the intricate business acumen that underpins their success.

www.pillarmusic.com

Pillar Facebook & Instagram: @pillarmusic

Michael Wittig Instagram: @wittigworks

Michael Wittig Facebook: @michaelwittig

Backstage Money Facebook & Instagram: @backstagemoney

Grab your free e-book, A Musicians Guide to Infinite Banking at www.1024weath.com/music

How to Survive When the Music Stops: Lexxi Garza-Hartless

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0600

Lexxi Garza-Hartless brings a rare blend of talent, grit and honesty to this episode. She is an accomplished musician with a diverse background in the entertainment industry, currently serving as the Entertainment Director at Pete's Dueling Piano Bar and co-owner of Sound City Entertainment, where she works alongside her husband, Jason Hartless, whose touring credits include Ted Nugent and several other major rock artists. Lexxi has built a career around adaptability performing leadership and staying grounded in an industry known for constant change.

In this conversation she talks openly about rebuilding after unexpected setbacks learning to adjust her career path and how she and Jason navigate life and marriage as full time working musicians. She shares the pressure of entertainment roles in Nashville the demands of piano bar settings and the personal discipline required to stay healthy both physically and financially.

We also get into money decisions and real world financial challenges that musicians face. Lexxi talks about saving planning and how she sees the Infinite Banking Concept as an important tool for musicians who often do not have steady predictable income. She explains why this approach makes sense to her and how it can create stability safety and options when life and work take unexpected turns.

If you are a vocalist, a pianist, a touring member, a Nashville musician or an artist who wants to build a career that lasts, this episode will speak directly to you.

Backstage Money is where music and money collide. Host Jason K Powers brings you real conversations with artists and industry pros about the business of staying in the game financially mentally and creatively.

Lexxi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexxigarza/

Jason Hartless Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonhartless/

Sound City Music Group: https://soundcitymusicgroup.com/

https://www.instagram.com/soundcity_musicgroup/

Backstage Money

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Facebook: https://facebook.com/backstagemoeny

Listen to the podcast on all major platforms:

https://backstagemoney.captivate.fm/listen

Free financial resource for musicians Get the free ebook, A Musician’s Guide to Infinite Banking, at https://1024wealth.com/music

Lessons from the Road: Dave Moody on Money, Mindset, and Making It Last

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -0600

Dave Moody's journey in the music industry is both inspiring and insightful, as he reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his career. The episode commences with a nostalgic recounting of his childhood, where an encounter with the KISS Destroyer album ignited a lifelong passion for music. This early revelation set the stage for a career that would see him perform with notable acts, including Billy Ray Cyrus, and ultimately lead to his role in Hairball, a celebrated tribute band. Throughout the episode, Moody emphasizes the relentless nature of touring, where he performs upwards of 130 shows a year, a testament to his unwavering commitment to his craft.

The discussion transitions to the often-overlooked financial aspects of a musician's life. Moody candidly shares the lessons he learned regarding financial planning and the importance of preparing for the future, especially in an industry characterized by unpredictability. He advocates for musicians to take proactive steps towards financial security, such as investing early in a 401(k) plan. This crucial advice highlights the necessity for artists to balance their creative pursuits with practical financial management, ensuring they are equipped to navigate the challenges that come with a career in music.

As the conversation unfolds, Moody delves into the significance of relationships within the music industry. He underscores the importance of fostering connections with colleagues and fans alike, recognizing that these relationships can provide invaluable support and opportunities for growth. His reflections serve as a reminder that success in the music industry is not solely determined by talent but is also heavily influenced by the ability to build and maintain a supportive network. The episode concludes with a heartfelt message about gratitude, emphasizing the necessity of appreciating the journey and the people who contribute to it, ultimately reinforcing the idea that a successful music career is built on a foundation of passion, preparation, and community.

If you're an artist trying to figure out the long game, this is the episode.

Check out the upcoming Hairball tour at https://hairballonline.com and grab your tickets today!

Connect with Dave Moody:

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/outracedave

FB: https://www.facebook.com/dave.h.moody

Like, comment, and subscribe for more real conversations about the money behind the music.

Grab the free guide or if you're ready to talk about your money system, head on over to : https://1024wealth.com/music

From Stage to Bank: Mark Maxwell on Valuing Your Music and Making It Pay

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -0600

Join host Jason K. Powers on an exciting debut episode of Backstage Money as he talks with Mark Maxwell, owner of Maxwell's House of Music and mentor to countless musicians. Mark shares his journey from working in his father's music store to running his own successful music shop and being a part of his band, The Crashers, for over 17 years. They discuss valuable tips on building and sustaining a music career, the importance of valuing your time and efforts, and strategies for making good financial decisions. Mark also reveals insights on how to rehearse properly, communicate effectively within a band, and manage band finances wisely. Whether you're in an original band or a cover band, this episode offers essential advice to help you thrive in the music industry. Don't miss it!

Subscribe on your favorite podcast channel: https://backstagemoney.captivate.fm/listen

Grab the "Gig Sheet" talked about in this episode at https://www.maxwellshouseofmusic.com

Get the free ebook, A Musicians Guide To Infinite Banking, at https://1024wealth.com/music

And don't forget to schedule a call with Jason K Powers and see what your financial future can look like - visit https://1024wealth.com/music

Trailer – Backstage Money: Real-World Finance for Musicians

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 20:40:00 -0600

Backstage Money embarks on an incisive examination of the intersection between artistry and financial literacy, an area often neglected within the music industry. Hosted by Jason K. Powers, these episodes will introduce an array of artists who articulate their personal experiences and insights regarding the financial realities of a career in music. The discussions highlight the pressing need for musicians to cultivate an understanding of their income streams, particularly given the contemporary landscape dominated by digital platforms that often yield meager financial rewards unless the artist reaches an extraordinary level of commercial success.

Throughout the episodes, we'll dialogue about the dichotomy between the artistic passion that fuels their endeavors and the pragmatic financial considerations that underpin their careers. While the allure of living in the moment may be enticing, it is imperative to recognize that financial obligations loom large, necessitating careful planning and proactive management of one’s finances. Artists share candid anecdotes regarding the challenges of balancing creativity with financial sustainability, underscoring the notion that the business of music requires as much attention as the music itself.

Suscribe now!

Backstage Money - Real World Finance for Musicians Is Here

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 22:45:00 -0600

This is Backstage Money: Real-World Finance for Musicians.

I’m Jason K. Powers, and each week I sit down with musicians and industry insiders to pull back the curtain on the money side of chasing the dream. From touring on gas money to record labels taking 80% cuts, to streaming paying fractions of a penny, we’re digging into the raw stories and real strategies it takes to survive in this industry.

Our first full episodes drop this November, so hit follow or subscribe now. Let’s keep the music and the money alive.

Trailer – Backstage Money: Real-World Finance for Musicians

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 22:30:00 -0600

Launching November 2025!

This is Backstage Money: Real-World Finance for Musicians.

Our first full episodes drop this November, so hit follow or subscribe now. Let’s keep the music and the money alive.

Backstage Money

Lessons From a Career in Rock: What Musicians Need to Know | Shawn Duncan (L.A. Guns)

Follow L.A. Guns

Follow Shawn Duncan

Follow Backstage Money

Free Resource for Musicians

Chris Fletcher on Longevity, Industry Reality, and Staying in the Music Business

Chris Fletcher on Starting a Career in Music and What Most Artists Don’t Understand | Part 1

Jason Hartless on Touring with Ted Nugent and Building a Career in the Music Business

Danny Zelisko on Touring Risk, Selling Tickets, and Staying Alive (Part 2)

Connect with Danny Zelisko

Backstage Money

Free Financial Resource for Musicians

Danny Zelisko on Guarantees, Ticket Prices, and Why Some Bands Get Booked (Part 1)

Connect with Danny Zelisko

Backstage Money

Free Financial Resource for Musicians

The Next Evolution of Music Funding, with Justin Longo of MariNation

Connect with Justin Longo & MariNation

Backstage Money

Free Financial Resource for Musicians

Dale Thompson of Bride: 40 Years in Music and What It Really Takes to Survive

Connect with Dale Thompson

Bride

Backstage Money

Free Financial Resource for Musicians

Merch, Money, and Survival: Stevie Rachelle on How Musicians Really Get Paid

Connect with Stevie Rachelle

Backstage Money

Free Financial Resource for Musicians

From One-Way Ticket to MTV: Stevie Rachelle on Betting on Yourself in Music

Connect with Stevie Rachelle

Backstage Money

Free Financial Resource for Musicians

IndieX Insights: Growing Your Music Career with Jack McCarthy

Connect with Jack McCarthy

Backstage Money

Free Financial Resource for Musicians

From Passion to Purpose: A Musical Journey with Grace Graber

From Garage to Grammy Nominations: The Music & Money Journey of Pillar

How to Survive When the Music Stops: Lexxi Garza-Hartless

Lessons from the Road: Dave Moody on Money, Mindset, and Making It Last

From Stage to Bank: Mark Maxwell on Valuing Your Music and Making It Pay

Trailer – Backstage Money: Real-World Finance for Musicians

Backstage Money - Real World Finance for Musicians Is Here

Trailer – Backstage Money: Real-World Finance for Musicians