310 Creative Meets Commerce: A Musician's Guide to Revenue Stream Balance
10/25/24 • 22 min
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. Whether building a sustainable career or managing a passion project, discover actionable steps to maintain your artistic fulfillment while achieving financial stability. Based on insights from Liner Notes, this episode provides a comprehensive framework for integrating your creative and business mindsets.
Support the Unstarving MusicianThe Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes.Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions, Links, and Related EpisodesAutomation Tips for Working With Audio and Video Files, by Anna B. Yang
Building Community–Shannon Curtis and Jamie Hill (Ep 168)
Writing Music With Preparedness In Mind–Bradford Loomis (Ep 220)
Cutting Out the Music Business Middleman–Bradford & Kimberly Loomis
Circus Swing and the Transformation of Dean Johanesen
Live Streamed Shows In Isolation —Dean Johanesen Part 2 (Ep 156)
The Obstacle Is The Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph, by Ryan Holiday
The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles, by Steven Pressfield
Kit – Email Marketing for Musicians
ResourcesThe Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience an...
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. Whether building a sustainable career or managing a passion project, discover actionable steps to maintain your artistic fulfillment while achieving financial stability. Based on insights from Liner Notes, this episode provides a comprehensive framework for integrating your creative and business mindsets.
Support the Unstarving MusicianThe Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes.Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions, Links, and Related EpisodesAutomation Tips for Working With Audio and Video Files, by Anna B. Yang
Building Community–Shannon Curtis and Jamie Hill (Ep 168)
Writing Music With Preparedness In Mind–Bradford Loomis (Ep 220)
Cutting Out the Music Business Middleman–Bradford & Kimberly Loomis
Circus Swing and the Transformation of Dean Johanesen
Live Streamed Shows In Isolation —Dean Johanesen Part 2 (Ep 156)
The Obstacle Is The Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph, by Ryan Holiday
The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles, by Steven Pressfield
Kit – Email Marketing for Musicians
ResourcesThe Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience an...
Previous Episode
309 Harmony in Hustle: Blending Creativity and Business for Musical Success
Ever feel like you're juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle when it comes to balancing your music career? This episode dives into the wild world of being an independent musician-slash-solopreneur. It explores the age-old question: Can you be both a creative genius and a business whiz simultaneously? (Spoiler alert: You totally can!)
Get ready to unpack the challenges and surprising rewards of wearing both the artist and entrepreneur hats. Discover strategies for switching between your creative and business brains without getting whiplash. Plus, learn how to use your business smarts to fuel your creativity – mind-blowing, right?
Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your music journey, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you nail that tricky balance between making killer music and running a kick-ass business. So grab your headphones, and get ready to turn that tug-of-war between creativity and business into a harmonious duet!
Support the Unstarving MusicianThe Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes.Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related EpisodesUnstarving Musician podcast playlist on YouTube
308 Wearing All the Hats: A Guide to Balancing Your Music Career
Crowd Sponsor (Suppport The Unstarving Musician)
New Gods Part 2, by Robonzo & Peter Rand
ResourcesThe Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Next Episode
311 - Musician Finance: Building Your Safety Net (It's Simpler Than You Think)
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, and essential musician-finance practices that won't make your head spin.
Whether you're a full-time musician or working toward it, these straightforward financial tips will help you build a more sustainable music career. Plus, discover why having a backup plan is just as important as having a backup amp (or bass drum pedal). Time to get financially savvy without sacrificing your creative spirit!
Key Topics: Musician finance, revenue streams, budgeting basics, accounting for creatives
Support the Unstarving MusicianThe Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes.Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
ResourcesThe Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
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