Musicians Can Thrive

One of the things I'm most interested in this year, is how artists get real people off the couch, out of the house, and in the venue as part of the crowd they're performing for. Social media followers and streams are great, but developing an audience that will make the effort to see you perform and hear your music live… It's a critical piece of building momentum as a musician. And in those early days, those shows are often the biggest revenue generators. So Alfred Banks shares a perspective on audience building that leverages live shows and merch first, social media second. Alfred Banks has gone on tour opening for artists like Tank and the Bangas, and I caught him in Austin this summer just before he did a series of Texas shows opening for Devon the Dude. He's a hip hop artist, based in New Orleans. Links: Visit Alfred Banks' website for merch, videos, and more. https://www.underdogcentral.com/ Listen to Alfred Banks on Spotify Listen on Apple Music Subscribe on YouTube Follow Alfred Banks on IG @underdogcentral Follow him on Twitter @underdogcentral Musicians Can Thrive things: Share your thoughts on this episode with your host, Gigi, on Twitter @gigi_alyse If you liked what you heard, please subscribe! And if you're really feeling generous, give a review to help your friends decide this show is worth listening to. Find Musicians Can Thrive on IG for BTS, shorter videos, and photos. @musicianscanthrive Find Musicians Can Thrive on TikTok, if that's your thing. But I'm not gonna give you this link lol. If you want to dive in deeper, you can find the full back-catalog of episodes from SZN 1-3 on your favorite podcast app. More show notes: There's a point in our interview where Alfred Banks calls himself an octopus, because he's learned how to do so many different things as part of building his independent music career. Listen to find out more. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gabrielle-pitman/support

Recovering from burnout is a slightly different process for everyone. But, there are a few ways creating and trying new ways of approaching your music/ art can help you recover faster. Personally, I've reached the burnout point more times than I can count in the past 7 years. That's not a pattern that's conducive to long-term momentum as I develop this podcast, my songwriting, or any other creative project I want to make. So how do you prevent burnout? How do you find ways to recover that can feel sustainable, and make you more resilient so you don't reach the same burnout point again? There was a big shift for the better 12 months ago when I tried a new approach. If you're impatient, I get into those details about 10 minutes into this episode… This episode features clips and examples from the king of “consistency” and content creating himself, Gary Vee. As well as a talented Austin-based rapper named RAH. He's also built quite the content library across multiple social platforms, YouTube, and his music. Links below if you want to dive in deeper. Please subscribe if you liked what you heard! Source videos: Gary Vee - How to Make Content Consistently | New Media Academy [watch on YouTube] RAH - I'm quitting YouTube? ** The Truth ** [watch on YouTube] RAH's music and more: https://rah.biglink.to/RAHONLYFAM RAH's apparel line: Only Fam Mafia https://www.onlyfammafia.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gabrielle-pitman/support

Welcome back to Musicians Can Thrive! We're going to kick off this new season with the stories you know and love. Featuring a variety of independent artists developing their own definition of what it means to thrive in the music industry. A few things are going to change though. You might hear from multiple people in the same episode. I have stories that I'm going to weave together so you can see different perspectives right next to each other. There are also some live show interviews I did at an event called Tillery Live, during South by Southwest in Austin, Texas. I actually co-hosted this rap, R&B, and hip hop showcase with my friend Abhi at PRMTD. Entertainment. It was very fun. And it's also my first experiment with interviews that have video to go with the audio. So you'll find those short-form interviews on YouTube. Go ahead and subscribe to the channel so you don't miss the rest of the videos I have coming. If you're a returning listener, you already know I'm interested in how people are building careers in the music industry, independent of a big label. But lately, I'm especially interested in how we can make those careers sustainable. Over the course of decades. So that's behind what most of these episodes are exploring. I'm hoping you can listen to this and find something helpful among the variety of different stories and experiences from artists who are out there showing up. And doing what it takes, week in and week out. Find @musicianscanthrive on Instagram for behind-the-scenes stories, clips from live shows I attend around Austin, and other ideas I share exclusively on IG. Thanks for being part of the Musicians Can Thrive community - your host, Gigi.

Vintage Jay is a rapper and entrepreneur here in Austin, TX, with a deep love of the creative process, and a desire to use his music as a means of supporting the local community that helped him become the man he is today.

Cody Brandell is an R&B artist with a passion for telling stories through his music. He's also an artist with a vision for how he can build a life around music, that doesn't get held back by having a "plan B."

D.Harmon has a vision for his music career. He's a versatile creator, unafraid of moving to a new country to support his art.

I talk with Tree of Lyfe about the positive difference practicing accountability and having a plan for your creative path makes.

With hints of pop, hip hop, and even a little electronic house touch, nearly every song of Jonny's makes your body start moving to the beat before you're aware of what you're doing. And his hooks have a finely honed catchiness to them that many independent artists struggle to find in their first few projects.

Yandi shares his approach to collaborations, and his perspective on when getting paid is a priority, and when it's more important to focus on your music's reach.

Mama Duke is a gifted storyteller, and a rap artist capable of giving J.Cole a run for his money.

How do you share your values in your music? Our guest today is Alyssa Hoffman, a songwriter and singer based near Diesdorf, Germany.

Asante is creating a world where independent artists can thrive financially and artistically.

There’s more than a few gems here for you about managing your money, AND making it. Drew Imani is a singer-songwriter based in Austin, TX. She’s prioritizing the development of several complementary sources of income, so she can design her life around songwriting and music as much as feels right for her.

One of my favorite things we discuss in this episode is why it’s so important to separate the kinds of work that you do in one day. Creative work like songwriting and recording uses one part of your brain, and strategic work like planning your next steps for the quarter, and coordinating new gigs or partnerships uses the opposite side of your brain.

Shadyvice identifies himself as a producer first, artist second. Learn how he's building a resilient career with multiple streams of income. And creating a captivating sound at the same time.

New here? Learn what Musicians Can Thrive is exploring through interviews with independent artists and creators in the music industry. The video version is on YouTube, look for the link below!

Joey van Leeuwen just might be the modern definition of a renaissance man. A talented composer who plays several instruments, Joey also teaches percussion. And he helps musicians organize to create better working conditions.

Strange Cadets is an indie rock band that came from El Paso and I'm thrilled to say that they are now Austin locals. In this case, Strange Cadets decided to make that quintessential choice of moving to a “music city" to pursue a better opportunity for their careers as musicians.

Morgan Davis is an artist manager based out of Austin, TX, in addition to being the Editor in Chief of the local publication OVRLD (Overload). By merging that publication with his management business, Morgan is able to help a diverse roster of artists that he personally manages, while also amplifying the music of other indie artists - often Austin locals themselves. He’s also someone who’s been in the trenches as a DIY musician himself, so he knows what it feels like being on both sides of the stage.

What would you do if you finally “made it”? If you got to go on tour in Brazil opening for a BIG artist, regularly tour around the US, and you didn’t need a day job anymore? Tribe Mafia accomplished all these things. But this might be the best part: they experienced all this “success,” AND they still consistently make an effort to help other indie artists who are not as well known.

I met Susannah Joffe at a show that was presented by New World Audience, during what would normally have been SXSW Music Week. I had this incredible surprise when this girl gets up on stage with no one but a guitarist and the mic in her hand. And she starts singing... The amount of richness that was in her music with nothing but her voice, and an electric guitar... It was mesmerizing.So, of course, I had to go talk to her, meet her. And that was the day I crossed paths with Susannah Joffe, and her soulful bluesy sound, toeing the line between pop and R&B with a little Americana on the acoustic side. Her voice grabbed my attention, and didn’t let go until she finished her set.Turns out, Susannah has found a way to carry her storytelling to a second outlet, and to diversify the sources of income she’s able to make as a musician. But that part will come later. Listen to Susannah on SpotifyListen on Apple MusicWatch the music video for Nobody Wants Me TonightExplore Susannah's short films on her websitehttp://www.susannahjoffe.com/Follow Susannah on Instagram @susannah.joffe

RC McCree is a thoughtful and talented lyricist. His melodies get stuck in your head, so you can fully absorb his words. I first met RC McCree in 2018, March. It was South by Southwest Music Week, and I was super excited because I got asked to play a couple unofficial showcases, during music week. We shared a stage for one of those showcases, and reconnected in 2020.Keep an ear open for the dynamics of different music scenes in Austin, and how they're warm and inviting for new people… RC and I discuss that later on in the episode. It’s an important thing to seek out in your local area. Seek out places that are inviting. And where people are friendly.Because a rising tide lifts all ships. But if we're going to work together to make that happen, we need to know who the others are. We need to like each other, so we can get along. And we need to make space for newcomers to feel welcome and heard. So we can all share our music and make money.Listen to RC McCree on SpotifyListen on Apple MusicFollow RC on Instagram @rcmccree92

LivFree is the kind of rap artist whose flow reminds you of spoken word poetry in its smoothness, whose hooks grab you and pull you deeper into the rhythm, and when the message within the flow hits you… Well, let’s just say if it resonates, it hits you where it hurts - in the best way.I first met Liv as the Kaleidoscopes were kicking off their single release party and introducing their project to the Austin music scene with a bang. If you missed the episode with Keira Nova, that’s the first half of this two-part episode with the members of the hip hop duo Kaleidoscopes. Make sure you get a chance to listen to that interview later. But right now, let’s get to know LivFree.Listen to LivFree on SpotifyListen on Apple MusicFollow LivFree on Instagram @livfree219Kaleidoscopes website https://kaleidoscopesmusic.com/Want to hear that song "Say to You"?  

I don’t know if it was fate, or just incredibly good luck, that I happened to meet Keira Nova in one of my music business classes. Whichever one it was, my perspective on what my own career in music could look like, is infinitely better thanks to her.A commanding presence on stage and a prolific songwriter, Keira is as sharp and clever as she is talented. A solo artist and one half of the hip hop/ R&B duo Kaleidoscopes, today you’re listening to the first half of a two-part episode featuring the Kaleidoscopes.One of the things I admire most is Keira's passionate drive to support local indie musicians with her duo partner Liv. The Kaleidoscopes make an effort to give opportunities for paid gigs with an audience that’s receptive to hearing new music, because they trust the curators. This is where Liv and Keira Nova’s Kaleico Entertainment comes into the picture…LINKSLivestreaming site, Mixer https://mixer.com/The  Kaleidoscopes musicListen on SpotifyListen on Apple MusicKeira Nova's musicListen on SpotifyListen on Apple MusicThe new single Keira’s featured onListen to Shots on SpotifyListen to Shots on Apple MusicKeira Nova’s websitehttps://keiranovamusic.com/Watch the Kaleidoscopes live videos with their band https://kaleidoscopesmusic.com/If you want to explore using Twitch https://www.twitch.tv/

Dorothy and Jace Seavers are just about the coolest 58 year olds out there. Their blend of funky jazz music and lyrics that sometimes feel like a vaudeville throwback demands nothing less than one hell of a show to back it up.Don’t believe me? After you’re done listening to this episode, go check out one of their music videos. I’ll even serve up the link for you in the show notes. :PThis is the kind of music that shines brightest on a stage, or at the very least, in a creative music video like the ones you’ll enjoy with Meet the Seavers.Their music is enjoyable off stage too. It might be a little avant garde, but the music, and the melodies… they sound good. Watch the music video for On Your Way to ConsequenceVisit their website http://www.meettheseavers.com/Listen on SpotifyListen on Apple MusicResources Jace mentioned:MusicSupervisor.com (for getting your songs synced)Undiscovered Music (venue and house concert database)

What happens when you go to a secret “Anti-Valentine’s Day” concert with no idea what kind of music you’re about to hear? You just might see Kris Angelis playing an acoustic set.She’s an award-winning singer-songwriter with a wonderful ability to tell stories - whether she’s singing them, or sharing them with you between songs at a show. I found Kris thanks to a wonderful organization called SoFar Sounds.They were putting on that Anti-Valentine’s Day show, and I figured treating myself to a surprise selection of music at a show where I wouldn’t learn the lineup until I got there was a great idea.Before the show started, I saw this woman wearing a burgundy velvet jumpsuit and it was so awesome, she immediately had my attention. Turns out, that woman was Kris, and as soon as she started talking about her 50 state tour, I knew I wanted to share her stories with you.Kris' website: https://krisangelis.com/Support her on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/krisangelisListen on SpotifyListen on Apple Music

What does it take to put on a great show? Ashly and I discuss the different ways you can draw the audience’s attention, and how she’s designing a life that she loves around music.The first time I found out about Ashly’s band, Little Jane and the Pistol Whips, it was because my aunt thought I would like her music. Growing up in a small Montana town, it’s pretty easy for word of mouth to get around - after all, there aren’t *that* many people. But what Ashly hasn’t mentioned here, is just how engaged her audience is.Again, and again, the people around me would be talking about Little Jane and the Pistol Whips - or they would go “hey, have you seen that Little Jane lady?” Word might get around in small towns, but not every band gets talked about that consistently.This one of the reasons why I looked up to Ashly and her band so much over the years. Building an audience is one of the challenges that I’ve struggled with the most.One of the things I learned from Ashly is how designing a setlist around what your audience wants to hear, and what will earn their engagement with your show is one of the most powerful ways that you can earn that word of mouth promotion.Find Ashly on InstagramLittle Jane and the Pistol Whips Website https://www.littlejaneandthepistolwhips.com/Listen on SpotifyListen on Apple Music

If you like what you hear in the episode, do you know someone that you think would like it as well? Pass it on and spread the knowledge!Thank you for being a part of the Musicians Can Thrive community.

Watch Quinn perform live at Soundcolor Studios on YouTubeListen to Quinlan Conley & the I-90 BluesOn SpotifyOn Apple MusicCheck out their bandcamp, buy a song or two!Find Quinn's band on Instagram or Facebook Quinlan Conley has put his Americana-infused punk rock through the ultimate test. Over the course of almost 2 years on the road, touring nonstop, Quinn was able to cultivate an engaged audience in several different pockets across the US.Despite starting in a small town in Montana, his music now also has a home in St. Louis, Memphis, and areas in New England, among other places.All that time on the road testing his songs in front of different audiences helped shape the dynamic range you’ll hear on his album, When the Fire Goes Out.I actually met Quinn as a child growing up in that same small town in Montana. His dad was the very first guitar teacher I ever had, and the reason why I had the courage to try writing songs as early as I did. 

Some of the great strategies covered in this episode include: planning a series of shows around the ‘anchor’ show, learning to enjoy talking with strangers at your shows, and when to prioritize exposure or cash.A self-described ‘keyboard wizard,' I found Daniel Pingrey while he was on tour as a guitar player in the US band for an artist named Donovan Woods.As a musician who plays several instruments, produces music, writes soundtrack music for things like content videos that businesses may publish, and co-owns a record label…Daniel is a prime example of a musician who’s found a balance in juggling multiple streams of income, all while doing interesting things that revolve around music!Check out Daniel’s projects:His personal music projects can be found at danielpingrey.bandcamp.comDaniel's music studio  https://www.wavetopaudio.com/Corporate Panda Records, and their lineup of artists https://corporatepandarecords.com/Listen to new Sickhorse album…On SpotifyOn Apple Music 

Dan Fox is a jazz musician who worked to find a way to bring more of what he loved most - playing with other talented musicians, into teaching music. Inspired by a professor at Berklee College of Music, Dan created Morningside Music Studio - a place for young and old musicians to build their skillset and join ensembles where they could just jam and enjoy playing music, without having to focus on starting a band in the first place.Listen to his journey as a trombone player and an entrepreneur supporting other musicians.Dan’s personal website: http://www.danfox.com/Learn more about Morningside Music Studios http://www.morningsidemusicstudio.com/If you’d like to explore going on one of Dan’s music tours, their next stops are New Orleans, Venice, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba! http://www.morningsidemusicstudio.com/music-tours.htmlThis is the author I mentioned, and his book The War of Art https://stevenpressfield.com/books/the-war-of-art/ Hal Crook’s trombone solo is from this song, Blue Confessions ft. Esperanza Spalding https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFKk8_VFWAMTo learn more about Hal Crook https://www.berklee.edu/people/hal-crook-0 Other musicians Dan mentions: Wynton Marsalis https://wyntonmarsalis.org/ Sheila Jordan https://www.sheilajordanjazz.com/

In the music world and pop culture, it’s easy to find stories about the dream of becoming a star - often in either the rock or pop music scenes. What doesn’t get talked about as much, is the classical music world. How musicians find themselves drawn to that path, rather than more popular kinds of music.How musicians can be creative about making money, and shaping a new kind of career in the classical music world.Robert Heath is a clarinetist who first experienced the connective power of music during his years in bands with the West Virginia National Guard and the US Navy. Witnessing how music can bridge cultural divides and bring people together was a powerful catalyst for Robert.Now, he puts together small ensembles, so classical musicians can make money performing in a way that’s more agile and cost effective. He also teaches other classical musicians how they can do this, and pairs an entrepreneurial mindset of being willing to embrace failure with a musician’s creativity.Robert's website https://www.robertinconcert.com/The Music Paradigm (the conductor mentioned who coaches businesses and their teams) https://www.musicparadigm.com/what-is-the-music-paradigm/

Arison Cain is a prime example of a musician who’s created a life where they can thrive. In today’s episode, we discuss how getting creative with your merch can help you reframe the way you approach selling and making money from your music. We also discuss things like the “hopes and dreams” phase, and the way that learning skills not directly related to music can make your art more successful. If you like what you hear in the episode, do you know someone that you think would like it as well? Pass it on and spread the knowledge! Thank you for being a part of the Musicians Can Thrive community. Halfway Home Media https://www.halfwayhomemedia.com/ Arison Cain’s personal website: https://arisoncain.com/ (find his latest album, Funk Simulator 99 here!) Follow Arison on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arisoncain/ DIY Musician education he mentioned, Indepreneur: https://indepreneur.io/ Follow Backyard Wrestling on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backyard_wrestling/ Listen to Backyard Wrestling Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3whtfe6zBDo9p4eEXHyjQp?si=Q34dthTfR52ckid8N4b5ng YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCee_rHb0mZ9FrclP6iZ0g0Q Watch the Backyard Wrestling Kaiju Battel music video for Strong Style: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hewzSbeaJeU

Nate is an incredibly talented musician, and the kind of person that building a community comes easily to. Whether producing, playing in bands, co-writing songs, or any number of things a musician might need help with, he’s a powerful facilitator who can help you level up. In this episode we discuss the different ways you can build a community of musicians and other creative artists to support one another so that you can do the work you need to move your music forward, and you can help them in return. We talk about booking shows, and getting paid for them, and a little bit about what it’s like making a record. A few years ago, Nate’s band Skyline came to the threshold where it was time to make their first record. After much searching, they found Frenchie Smith, who ended up being a mentor to Nate in addition to producing their record. Skyline crowdfunded $10,000 from friends, family, and strangers to make the record Good Days. Solana Studios (Nate & Ben’s studio, where I recorded my EP): https://www.facebook.com/solanastudiosatx/ Good Days - the Skyline record (on Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/album/3crpycrGqurKkEnE9piqzB?si=7Oxd96TvRgiWnUgudaIciQ If you like what you hear in the episode, do you know someone that you think would like it as well? Pass it on and spread the knowledge! Thank you for being a part of the Musicians Can Thrive community.

If you’d like to learn more about Geoffrey’s previous experience in the industry, here’s his ACC website. https://www.austincc.edu/schulman/ You can find him LinkedIn, though he’s not much of a social media guy. https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffreyschulman/ Hungry for more? You can watch a video of Geoffrey talking more about the music business at an event several years ago. http://artistshousemusic.org/a-conversation-with-music-industry-veteran-and-educator-geoffrey-schulman/ Geoffrey Schulman once dreamed of being a great jazz saxophonist. To the delight of many musicians around the world, he ended up building a career around supporting musicians and their art. In this episode we talk about ways you can make money within the music industry, both on stage and behind the scenes. Geoffrey shares some perspective on the options for DIY musicians seeking the support of a label as well. There’s even a little something for anyone who might not be a musician, but who’s an avid music lover. If you like what you hear in the episode, do you know someone that you think would like it as well? Pass it on and spread the knowledge! Thank you for being a part of the Musicians Can Thrive community.

Imagine Jack https://www.coventgarden.london/street-performers/imagine-jack Tash Sultana https://www.tashsultana.com/ Andy Grammer https://andygrammer.com/ Josh Klaus https://www.joshklausmusic.com/

We're exploring all kinds of interesting new things this season! Stories about street musicians around the world, and questioning what it means to be a "professional" musician. I'll be talking about different ways of making money, and most importantly, using money to sustain your music. Thank you for listening and being a part of the Musicians Can Thrive community!

Aaron Howard is a singer-songwriter, who’s learned the art of producing and audio engineering out of sheer necessity. A full-time musician who balances coordinating his own tours with a full schedule of restaurant gigs. He’s built an impressive audience for himself. We discuss things like what makes a good gig scene (hint: it’s not the same thing as a good music scene), touring to listening rooms, treating creativity as a limited resource, and how he became a full-time musician. If you liked this episode, please leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts. It helps other musicians who might need some encouragement find this podcast. Find Aaron Howard & his music: website: https://www.aaronhowardmusic.com/ YT channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/Everybodywatching Twitter: https://twitter.com/AaronEHoward Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/aaron-howard/48260621?ign-gact=3&ls=1 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/108zHNJRo24G5hVHfG98tl?si=OcfbSgL4StSW5CmvXeGXaw Links of things mentioned: Seth Godin https://www.sethgodin.com/ alt MBA https://altmba.com/ Steven Pressfield https://stevenpressfield.com/ Akimbo https://www.akimbo.me/ Alex di Palma https://www.alexandradipalma.com/

As one of my mentors likes to say, “go make a ruckus.” Greg Barnhill shares why you don’t have to leave exactly where you are to make a noise big enough to make people come find you. Want to make money making music? Well get ready to learn a whole host of ways you can do it, either on stage or off. Learn the story behind the Grammy award-winning song that changed his life, and how persistence helps you come out on top despite any number of challenges. Website: http://www.gregbarnhill.com/ Walkaway Joe music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCdCuduv0H0 Article I referenced: http://viemagazine.com/article/greg-barnhill/

You’re tapping your foot along to the music, even if you’re not fully paying attention. That’s how Tortuga Shades pulls you in. And before you know it, they have your complete attention, because the music is just that good. Nadia and Gian from Tortuga Shades discuss what it’s like to be working musicians in Austin, TX and navigate the ins and outs of learning how to market your band, book shows, and maybe plan a tour. Listen on Spotify Listen on iTunes YouTube channel Facebook Page Instagram Support them via BandCamp website: https://www.tortugashades.com/

Once again, I’m going to mention Seth Godin - by far one of the most influential mentors I’ve had the pleasure of working with. He has a very simple strategy for working against “writer’s block.” Take a minute to read this if you’re curious. If you haven't already, please subscribe!

Listen on Apple Music Listen on Spotify Instagram Facebook Page Twitter YouTube Channel Brandy's website: https://www.brandyzdan.com/

Check out Josh's solo album, Heart of Stone on Spotify YouTube channel Facebook page Instagram website: https://www.joshklausmusic.com/

A podcast for anyone seeking to make money in the music industry. There once was a time where “opportunities” were hard to come by. There were gatekeepers controlling the flow of distribution, restricting people’s access to whatever part of the industry they chose. Now, there’s no lack of opportunities for you to share your art with people. The hard part now, is knowing how to start, where to move next, what’s a good call for you, or a choice that’s better suited for someone else. It’s easy to get stuck. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. My goal with this podcast is to help you learn about any number of ways that you can make a career for yourself, in the world of music, however you want to do it. It is absolutely possible. Subscribe and get ready to be inspired by real people building careers for themselves in the music industry!