Episodes
SEASON 3
EPISODE 90
Top Keys to Financial Success for Musicians
Today we give you our top 10 moments from the 30 episodes of season three. The cream of the crop, the best fruit of our labor, the secrets to creating a successful and thriving music career, all from the interviews and experiences that have made up our favorite season yet.
EPISODE 89
Build Your Team (Music, Money and Life)
We are all about balance around here. When you get your career to a “sweet spot,” it often includes a feeling of control and a period of less stress. It allows you to feel confident, happy, and more present in other activities. This is something we want for all the musicians in our community.
EPISODE 88
How to Blow Up on TikTok by Playing a Trumpet into Jell-o
Today we finish our chat with trumpeter, producer, and songwriter, Sammy Haig. We discuss how success often comes over the long haul, but also how social media can decide what it wants from you despite what you want to give it.
EPISODE 87
Sammy Haig Bridges Brass and Beats: The Dual Identity of a Trumpet-Producer
Sammy Haig is a talented musician hailing from Cleveland, Ohio. He is known as a trumpeter, producer, and songwriter. He graduated from the IU Jacobs School of Music in Bloomington, IN and has gained recognition for his musical prowess. Sammy Haig is signed to Hallwood Media, showcasing his versatile skills across many different platforms.
EPISODE 86
The Benefits of Recording Music at Home and in a Professional Studio: A Comprehensive Guide with Neil Ross Hebbert
We are going to shed some light on the world of work-for-hire studios and how this all fits into your life. Many musicians have home studios these days. But there is still a need for a professional studio, and there likely always will be. Let's break down what makes up the deciding factors and differentiates the two recording options.
EPISODE 85
Some Questions Musicians Don’t Like Being Asked
Today we take this platform and outlet as an opportunity to share in the common frustrations of this life choice we make to follow our calling as musicians and the almost cliché statements we hear far too often from the world around us. We try to give a voice of reason to this rhetoric, and some of the best responses we have heard in response…
EPISODE 84
How Musicians Manage Stress and Anxiety
Today we discuss the stress and anxiety that often accompany the life of a musician. We break down what has helped us and many of the artists we talk to about how best to manage these heavy weighted mental challenges.
EPISODE 83
Communication: The Musician's Key to Growth and Relationships
Today we discuss all the powers that create a strong communicator and how successful musicians use these tools well in all areas of their business and art. We will also give you some simple ways you can immediately be more effective in your communication and how to use these skills to increase your opportunities and income!
EPISODE 82
How Do You Connect with Your Fans? Building Audience Energy with Andy Frasco
Today we discussed putting your message under your performance, allowing it to have a bigger impact. We continue discussing the inspiring journey of the powerhouse that is Andy Frasco. Today's quote comes from our guest, Andy. He said, “Throw as much at the wall as you can. One thing is going to stick, I swear.”
EPISODE 81
Delivering Unparalleled Music Experiences: Giving Your Fans Everything They Deserve with Andy Frasco
You may know Andy Frasco from his music, his live shows, his podcast, or maybe from his inspirational excitement when he talks about music. He is who he is, and that is something he has worked hard to show the world both on and off the stage.
EPISODE 80
How A.I. Can Help Musicians
Whether you are hiding from it or are now BFFs with it, Artificial Intelligence is on its way to being in your pocket next to your camera. Let’s discuss some ways that AI can work in your music business…
EPISODE 79
What University of Colorado Denver Students Think of The Financial Scale (Part 2)
This is such a privilege to share the experiences of some of the students that were a part of the Financial Scale Course offered at the University of Colorado at Denver this last semester. I hope you get as much motivation out of these as we do.
EPISODE 78
What University of Colorado Denver Students Think of The Financial Scale
This is such a privilege to share the experiences of some of the students that were a part of the Financial Scale Course offered at the University of Colorado at Denver this last semester. I hope you get as much motivation out of these as we do.
EPISODE 77
Should You Be Releasing Your Own Music NFTs?
Today we complete our conversation with Austin, Texas, musician Josh Pearson. We discuss the many ways NFTs could be a big part of the future and ways you can use these ideas right now to make some new revenue streams with your music.
EPISODE 76
Find Yourself and Your Income Through the Same Instruments
Today we chatted with Austin, Texas, musician Josh Pearson about how music can be our teacher and growing into who you are as a full-time musician. We are always finding more ways that music not only sustains musicians financially but also helps them grow and find themselves. We choose this path because it calls us, or perhaps it chooses us.
EPISODE 75
The Simplest Way to Find and Land Gear Endorsements
We are diving into endorsements today, and our guest Zoë Moff gives her tips on how it has worked for her. She is a recording engineer, bassist, and recent graduate of the University of Colorado.
EPISODE 74
Navigating a Path to Being a Professional Musician
Our guest today, Zoë Moff is an audio engineer, bassist, composer, and recent graduate of the University of Colorado Denver. She was also one of our first interns here at Musicians Tip Jar when we were first getting up and running.
EPISODE 73
How to Get Your Music in and Money from Sync
How do you increase your value? How do you know what is valuable? We want to help you crack the code of the sync world. We dive into all things music licensing and discuss solutions to these questions and much more with our guest, Jennie Armon.
EPISODE 72
All About a Music Supervisor
Today we answer the basics, like, “What really is a music supervisor?” and “What does it mean to be ready to clear your music?” As well as getting to go on the journey of our guest Jennie Armon from self-proclaimed DJ to big time supervisor.
EPISODE 71
Be Creative and Happiness Will Follow
Many people believe that happiness is a choice. What’s your opinion? I like to think it's a series of choices that lead to a state of happiness, and perhaps the biggest choice we get to make in the free world is what we do with our time. Our guest, Chadzilla is a mint example of this, and we discuss how to find places you are valued and how exploring our creativity effortlessly enables our income diversification.
EPISODE 70
The Ultimate Power of Work Experience
Our guest today, Chadzilla Johnson, has made a name for himself in Denver as many things: a drummer, vocalist, educator, studio owner/engineer/producer, and composer. For nearly 30 years, he has performed with a multitude of local, national, and international touring acts, as well as recorded many albums of his own and others. We cover everything from filling the needs you find to the absolute powers of referrals and experience.
EPISODE 69
How to Reverse Engineer Your Dream Life (Part Two)
Today we talk about the easiest way to live the life of your dreams simply by starting with the end in mind.
EPISODE 68
Your Niche Is in Your Path
Today we are joined by the kind, dedicated and driving creative that is Stolie, also known to youngin’s as Super Stolie. We discuss everything from how to make useful merch to how to know when to lean into opportunities that arise.
EPISODE 67
Will Streaming Income Ever Be Enough? (Part Two)
Today we discuss the concept of “enough”. What is enough empathy, enough love and enough streams to make a living. All tough questions that need to be talked about.
EPISODE 66
Let Go of Your Ego (Part One)
Today we talk to the intimidating talented Dylan Dunlap who couldn’t be any less intimidating to talk to. He shares his journey through Berklee and getting a record deal all the while finding what it means to take care of your mental health. We also discuss the way ego may be sabotaging the progress on your next project.
EPISODE 65
How Creating Value Will Pay You the Most (Part Two)
As we jump back into the second half of our conversation with speaker and content creator, Eddie Pinero, we focus on you and how the best thing you can ever do is give your gifts to the world by investing in yourself.
EPISODE 64
How to Choose Your Future (Part One)
Eddie Pinero is a motivational speaker who has seen an explosion of success through his Youtube channel and podcast. He offers a blueprint to those looking for an edge as they navigate their day-to-day lives. With over 200 million total streams, his use of powerful spoken word and beautiful imagery is a reminder to many that they are always one decision away from a totally different life.
EPISODE 63
Derek Sivers: The Actual “Thing” That Separates the Super Successful from the Rest (Part 2)
Just as it’s often true that the second half of my set is the strongest, this last half of the interview with Derek just keeps cranking up the insights. Things are just getting warmed up! By the end you will better understand how solving problems is at the core of being an artist, what’s often been the secret to great success and how knowing your next step is a critical next step in your development as a successful musician.
EPISODE 62
Derek Sivers: Help Your Fans Help You (Part 1)
We explore Derek Sivers’ ideas from his latest book, “Your Music and People,” as well as how musicians are often missing some of the biggest opportunities their fans can give; their talents and time. Derek Sivers first made his name commonplace with the creation of CDbaby but since selling the business in 2008 for $22 million, he has continued to help the music community with his invaluable insights through writing and speaking. We hope you get as much out of this interview as we did!
EPISODE 61
Music and Money: The Mission
Welcome to Musicians Tip Jar where we talk about musicians and money. Today we are starting the season with a question. Why does it often feel so hard to want to both be a musician and be wealthy? Do you feel your non musician friends are always worried about you and your ability to split the check? Whether you're a veteran of this business or just getting your feet wet, let's unpack this tour trailer load of content in time to actually do a soundcheck and get a clearer understanding of how we intend to help resolve this dissonance in season 3 of Musicians Tip Jar.
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Episode 34
Tax Tips for the Working Musician
with Farrell Parker
We are excited to deliver on our promise of providing some insight into the mysteries of taxes and we are uber excited to have our Guest Farrell Parker with us to demystify some of the most common tax questions we musicians have. Today we discuss everything from the biggest mistakes to how best to protect yourself.
Episode 33
A is for Advance
Today we attempt to nail perfect harmony. Not as singers but as artists, as beings in the universe. attuning ourselves to a frequency that makes everything else we do easier and more doable with less resistance. Positioning our energy so that we are open to pursue the interests and passions that pull us into this calling of being musicians. So pull up Lulu’s and grab some granola.
EPISODE 32
B is for Budgeting
Just in case, for those who don’t know, Kenny G is a Seattle born American adult contemporary and smooth jazz saxophonist who has a net worth of around $200 million. He has had a strong career for over 35yrs, selling over 75million albums. His good habits with money are actually pretty well known too, after his first hit in 1980, he took a large amount of the royalties and invested in a new local coffee company called Starbucks.
Episode 31
Clarity is Middle C
Clarity is such a powerful stage to stand on, it gives you confidence, vision and the ability to understand what’s working and what is not. Clarity is what’s needed when you take a solo over a jazz progression so you know what notes will work and what notes to avoid. It affords you headspace to really feel the music in your performance and be present and honest in all your work. Clarity is in the center of your music business. Clarity is middle C.
SEASON ONE
Episode 29
Musicians and Perfectionism
When learning to get really good at something such as an instrument or songwriting. Practice makes perfect is often what we say. We are striving for perfection in order to bring out the best we possibly can in ourselves as artists. But in business, being a perfectionist can often slow down your ability to grow. As your music business grows, you eventually will have too many things that need attending that you simply cannot do alone and be forced to release some control, even if you still believe you can do it best.
Episode 30
The Good, The Bad and The Unwritten
We believe repetition works for remembering things, because by repeating things you’re more likely to remember them and that is why we repeat things. I’m your host Chris Webb joined by my co-host and the musician who repeats all his best jokes, Dave Tamkin. Quote: “At the end, someone or something always gives up. It is either you give up and quit or the obstacle or failure gives up and makes way for your success to come through.” -Idowu Koyenikan
Episode 25
How Much Musicians Should Charge and What They're Worth
“How much do you usually charge?” We all have to face this question in our music business. It’s a question that despite its frequency, We still hesitate to answer or at least it feels like it is an answer we are still not sure of. There are always variables that make the correct number change but today we are going to help you know your numbers and create a rate guide.
Episode 26
Follow Your Passions and Book Like a Pro with Jared Judge of BookLive
It’s true that the more we can learn from others in our community the better. Especially from those who are not only willing to share their stories but also help prevent others from making the same mistakes. This show has always been about having those conversations, about having people in our corner to set us up for success and prosperity. We are excited to share Jared Judge’s story and resulting solution, Booklive Pro
Episode 27
Tips from the Pros
We live in a very material world, and we are all material girls. We want it now. But the greatest success stories in life never happen that way. They require a much deeper dedication to building something of value. There is plenty of time to scale up your lifestyle after your number one hit single or at least when you get that first six figure year from your music business.
Episode 28
Ways for Musicians to Start Investing
“Someone is sitting in the shade of a tree today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.” -Warren Buffett There is one thing most older people say about their investments is that they wish they had started sooner. And that’s what we focus on today, giving everyone here access and an introduction into some very simple options to get your investment funding started.
Episode 21
The Hidden Gems of Knowledge in One Hit Wonders with Storm Gloor - Part 1
The alternative is learning from those before us, using their experience to tell us where to cross to avoid being taken by the rough rapids of this business. The next two episodes we dive into the waters with Storm Gloor and explore the hidden gems, these survival tactics, that we can take with us from the data of one hit wonders.
Episode 22
The Hidden Gems of Knowledge in One Hit Wonders with Storm Gloor - Part 2
Some of the most valuable lessons in life often come the hard way or at least it can feel hard to accept them. Even when we know these lessons to be true, we resist their reality as we want a different one. Sometimes our resistance is capable of changing the outcome and sometimes it is just swimming up stream.
Episode 23
Ten Money Conversations to Have with Fellow Musicians
Let’s talk about where we are at with money and 10 money convos to have with your fellow musicians Nearly 70% of Americans have less than $1,000 in savings. 25% of Americans have no savings at all. The average U.S. household owes $7,149 in credit card debt. 40% of Americans spend up to half of their income servicing debt. Less than 1/3 of Americans use a budget.
Episode 24
Ten Money Conversations to Have with Fellow Musicians
We are all familiar with doubt in our lives, sometimes it is obvious, other times it’s hidden in our self-sabotage. It can be action or inaction. It can also spread like a virus through false belief and inaccurate ideas or myths. Well, we are here to offer a cure, and no, it’s not more cowbell.
Episode 20
Dave Ratner - Part 2
We all have been warned about the importance of contracts in our careers as musicians and I’m going to guess most of us have suffered the consequences of not heeding those warnings more than once. And yet, I’m also going to guess, somehow, many of us STILL don’t get a contract for many gigs we play. Even a simple one, as todays guest states, could protect you from not getting paid or help you get your gear replaced when the drunk guy spills his beer and falls on it.
Episode 19
Contracts are Cool with Dave Ratner - Part 1
We all have been warned about the importance of contracts in our careers as musicians and I’m going to guess most of us have suffered the consequences of not heeding those warnings more than once. And yet, I’m also going to guess, somehow, many of us STILL don’t get a contract for many gigs we play. Even a simple one, as todays guest states, could protect you from not getting paid or help you get your gear replaced when the drunk guy spills his beer and falls on it.
Episode 18
Musician's Guide to Farming the Little Things with Aimee Giese
We were so lucky to get some time with Aimee Giese and pick her brain on some really great ideas and tactics that musicians and bands can be doing everyday, quickly and for little or no cost. Little things that can build great results. We also cover when it’s time to hire a PR person, what an impactful EPK looks like and some important advice on sowing the seeds of relationships with music business professionals.
Episode 17
Right of Publicity with Stan Soocher
We are going to help define what the Right of Publicity really is and how all of us, as musicians, need to be aware of how it functions in this business. Similar to a snake in your community garden, it protects your assets from varmints but at the same time can bit you if you sample from your neighbors crop without permission.
Episode 16
Music Business is a People Business
Life is about relationships...and the music business is a people business. All the talk about the newest technology for creating music, all the AI and the hottest, newest platforms for sharing and finding music, when it comes down to the difference, the true tip the scale difference of a knockout, ass kicking successful career or not, the music business is still a people business.
Episode 15
Keep Your Focus
Keeping your focus is an easy thing to say and can be the hardest thing to do. For whatever the reason, this is especially true for many musicians. Like when you walk into a target just to grab Kleenex and leave with 20 items. And not even useful things like cleaners, but a random sign that says “home” burned in old looking wood from their magnolia home collection. I like that show. Do you like that show?
Episode 14
Power of Community
There is a community in every area of our existence. It can stem from family history, location, interests, belief or ambition. Community is the center of every successful civilization and movement in human history. It’s in every city, town and village from Iceland to Italy and in every successful festival, band and genre of music. T
Episode 13
You and Your Niche
There’s a market and audience for anything thanks to the World Wide Web. Like your aunt or aunt, who keeps selling out of her kitten pattern wall quilts on Etsy. Or That 70s psychedelia resurgence band that is killing it on YouTube with their focus on a heavy saturation of envelope filters or is it envelope filters?
Episode 12
The Musician’s Money Mindset
As predictable as a Hollywood movie ending, when someone thinks “musician” as a career choice they think; hard life, temporary, dreamer, low-income...As artists we think; all or nothing, complete sacrifice, poor until rich, make or break and often end up accepting a low-income career mindset. Well, we are here to change that, the shift must start with the way we think as musicians and money. Money doesn’t think. What gives money meaning and emotion is humanity, it’s us.
Episode 11
Widespread Plan It
Sometimes looking too far in front of us in great detail can be taxing on the brain. But like a 30minute jam of “you enjoy myself” by the band Phish, we don’t really need to know ALL the details as much as we need to rely on the road map of a planned route and markers we’ve created to keep us on track. This can assure we will nail the climactic payoff at the end and arrive at our desired destination.
Episode 10
Don't Inhale the Burnout
We must remember, whether we signed up for this reality or not, if we are to pursue greatness in our art we must simultaneously accept that we must create a financial plan that will allow us to sustain such a noble cause. Just as muscles burn during your 116th push up, as you reach humbling milestones in your life; whether it be your 3th album, 30th birthday or 300th wedding performance, dreams too can burn.
Episode 9
Budgeting, Don’t Fear the Repo
The only word more uncomfortable to a musician then “sell out” might be the word “budget”. But whether you are recording death metal in your parents basement or getting a million views on YouTube for your Christina Aguilera cover performances, you are not immune to needing a budget. Tracking your monthly expenses; what monies come in and where your money is going, is a fundamental part of any well oiled music business.
Episode 8
Building a Solid Music Business Foundation
As musicians, we can often feel at a loss with where to start when structuring our business. It can be overwhelming with the amount to know and trying to figure out what our business should look like. This episode is for the musician trying to do it smart from the start or trying to restructure an unorganized idea.
Episode 7
Advanced Live Streaming
Back In episode 2 we discussed the basics to get you started with doing livestream performances and today we will deep dive into the advanced tactics of livestreaming and tackle things like sponsors without letting you drown in the sea of options. We cast off on all that bass in this episode 7.
Episode 6
Mid-Terms
We are stuck in our homes...everything’s closed or cancelled...which means we have more time than we did before, let’s not let that go to waste! This week well will discuss ways to Use this downtime to build your business, brand and musical biceps giving you actionable steps to put into your life right now
Episode 5
Teaching (Part 2)
How are you promoting your teaching business? What are you charging? What types of software are available to you? We’ll answer these questions along with giving you a number of lesson tips to help make sure you are successful.
Episode 4
Teaching (Part 1)
Today we will help those who have never taught an online lesson with getting started right now. We’ll discuss types of instruction from live, pre-recorded, group/class and one on one.
Episode 3
Busk/Sell/Write
We are going to address 3 more ways to create income so you can keep your focus on music long term and not have to take a job at your in-laws hardware store. Busking, selling your old merch and songwriter for hire…
Episode 2
Live Stream Performances
If you are a hard working musician stuck in this pandemic like us you are probably really missing playing live. And like many, you may have turned to the internet to get your fix and find some income by performing a livestream performance.
Episode 1
Intros and Hook
Welcome to Musicians Tip Jar, where we talk about musicians and money. We want to take the mystery out of how a musician can make money beyond performing every night of their life. We will show you how it is not a magic trick when musicians get steady cash flow from their business...
Musicians Tip Jar
Make your ass kicking sound a kickass asset