319 Musician Well-being: Breaking the Suffering Artist Myth for Sustainable Success
02/21/25 • 8 min
This episode explores musician well-being and challenges the persistent "suffering artist" myth. Drawing from recent examples of successful artists like Lizzy McAlpine and Ashe, Robonzo examines how prioritizing mental health leads to sustainable music careers rather than limiting them.
Discover practical strategies for setting boundaries, managing performance demands, and creating sustainable touring schedules that protect your creative energy. Learn why being transparent about mental health challenges can actually strengthen fan relationships rather than damage them.
Whether you're a touring musician, recording artist, or industry professional, this episode provides actionable insights for maintaining well-being while pursuing musical success. Subscribe to Liner Notes for more industry insights and join Liner Notes Insider for exclusive deep dives into building a sustainable music career.
Support the Unstarving MusicianThe Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support at UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor
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/LinerNotes. 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.
Stay in touch!
This episode explores musician well-being and challenges the persistent "suffering artist" myth. Drawing from recent examples of successful artists like Lizzy McAlpine and Ashe, Robonzo examines how prioritizing mental health leads to sustainable music careers rather than limiting them.
Discover practical strategies for setting boundaries, managing performance demands, and creating sustainable touring schedules that protect your creative energy. Learn why being transparent about mental health challenges can actually strengthen fan relationships rather than damage them.
Whether you're a touring musician, recording artist, or industry professional, this episode provides actionable insights for maintaining well-being while pursuing musical success. Subscribe to Liner Notes for more industry insights and join Liner Notes Insider for exclusive deep dives into building a sustainable music career.
Support the Unstarving MusicianThe Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support at UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor
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/LinerNotes. 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.
Stay in touch!
Previous Episode
318 Music Business Essentials – A Musician's Guide to Copyrights, Contracts & Cash Flow
Music business fundamentals can make or break an artist's career sustainability. In this episode, we break down essential legal and financial practices that help independent musicians protect their work and build sustainable careers. From copyright registration and performance contracts to accounting basics and tax planning, we provide actionable steps for managing the business side of music while staying focused on creativity. Learn how to establish proper documentation, maximize royalty collection, and implement smart financial tracking that will serve your music career for years to come.
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.
Stay in touch!
Next Episode
320 Musician Health Strategies: Navigating Music Industry Relationships for Career Longevity
Musician health strategies are essential tools for navigating the complex web of personal and professional relationships that can make or break long-term success in the music industry. This episode explores the unique relationship dynamics that musicians face, where the lines between personal and professional connections often blur in ways both enriching and challenging.
Drawing from our Liner Notes Insider three-part series, we examine how to build effective support networks that understand the musician lifestyle, manage the guilt and obligations that come with creative careers, and implement practical self-care routines that sustain creativity. We also discuss how to recognize burnout warning signs and challenge the industry's "push through" mentality that has traditionally made taking necessary breaks difficult.
Whether you're dealing with band dynamics, family expectations, or maintaining connections while on tour, this episode offers actionable strategies for setting boundaries, communicating effectively, and remembering that your worth isn't tied to others' investments in you. Plus, we share valuable mental health resources specifically designed for music industry professionals.
Support the Unstarving MusicianThe Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support at UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor
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/LinerNotes. 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!
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Instagram
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