Listen to this episode and subscribe on your favorite podcast channel HERE.
In this episode, Tai Anderson of Third Day sits down with Jason K Powers to talk about the early business lessons of a touring band, a brutal review that reshaped how he thinks about success, and the fan-first framework behind his new book, Market Like a Rockstar.
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Listen to this episode and subscribe on your favorite podcast channel HERE.
What does fifty years in rock and roll actually teach you about money?
Rudy Sarzo was born in Havana, spent part of his childhood in Miami and New Jersey, and has spent the better part of five decades on and around the Sunset Strip. He’s played bass with Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake, and Dio, and is still touring with Quiet Riot today at 75. Rudy walks through how he ran out of money in LA in the late 1970s, moved to New Jersey to earn enough to get back, and got the call from Kevin DuBrow that landed him in Quiet Riot the same day he returned. A few years later, a connection that traced back to a chance meeting with Randy Rhoads led to the audition call that put him in Ozzy Osbourne’s band.
He also gets honest about the money side most musicians never hear about. He talks about the era when the business was completely opaque, when artists never saw how the industry actually worked and had to trust a business manager on faith, and the moment his wife took over the family’s finances entirely. He explains why he sees music as a calling rather than a paycheck, and closes with the most direct piece of advice in the whole conversation: hold onto your money, because life is only going to get more expensive.
If you’re a working musician trying to figure out the money side of a career that doesn’t look anything like a normal job, this is a rare, honest look at what that looks like across five decades, from a guy who is still, by his own words, “just getting started.”
If this helped you think differently about the money side of your career, share it with another musician who needs to hear it.
Listen to this episode and subscribe on your favorite podcast channel HERE.
Most musicians have never heard how a venue actually thinks about a door split, a guarantee, or that catering line in a rider that quietly turns a $5,000 show into a $6,500 one.
Scott Happel has.
Scott is a co-owner of three of Denver’s independent live music venues: The Oriental Theater, HQ, and The Federal Theatre. He built that footprint one venue at a time, almost entirely by accident. In this episode, he pulls back the curtain on what happens on the other side of every deal a musician signs. He breaks down door splits versus guarantees, what a first email to a venue needs to include to actually get opened, and what breaks trust between an artist and a room that could otherwise have them back again and again. He gets specific about the parts of the business that rarely get explained clearly: merch splits, catering buy-ins that quietly change a deal after it’s signed, and who should really cover the cost when an artist wants to sell a VIP meet and greet. He also tells the story of bringing The Federal Theatre back to life after roughly 40 years of sitting dark, a reminder that even the venues musicians play started somewhere and took real risk to exist.
If you’re a working musician, this episode is about your side of the table too. Every choice a venue makes, from splits to load in times to catering budgets, connects directly to decisions you’re already making about your own money. Knowing what a venue is actually pricing when it makes an offer, and what earns an artist a callback, puts you in a better position to negotiate and manage your own income with more clarity.
If this helped you think differently about the money side of your career, share it with another musician who needs to hear it.
Listen to this episode and subscribe on your favorite podcast channel HERE.
What does 50 years in the music industry actually teach you about money?
In this episode of Backstage Money, host Jason K. Powers sits down with Steve Lynch, co-founder and lead guitarist of Autograph, pioneer of the two-handed tapping technique, and author of Confessions of a Rock Guitarist. Steve talks about going from an eighth-grade dropout to Guitar World’s Solo of the Year, signing with RCA backstage at Madison Square Garden on the Van Halen tour, watching Aerosmith go broke in 1985, losing five promoters in one year doing 80s nostalgia touring, and why “write more songs” is the single most important piece of financial advice he never received.
This one is packed with real, hard-won lessons from someone who has seen every era of the music industry up close and lived to tell the story honestly.
Listen to this episode and subscribe on your favorite podcast channel HERE.
What does the music industry actually look like through an economist’s eyes?
In this episode of Backstage Money, host Jason K. Powers sits down with Murat Iyigun, Professor of Economics and co-founding guitarist of Red Rock Vixens. Murat spent years at the Federal Reserve under Greenspan, has decades in academia studying how markets really work, and has been building and running a band in Colorado at the same time.
Murat breaks down why musicians are still getting paid the same nominal fee they were in the 1980s, how AI is about to do to music production what Napster did to distribution, why the label system was always a venture capital game, and what Parkinson’s Law has to do with why musicians spend every dollar they make. He talks about winner-take-all economics, the Colorado music scene, managing a 7-piece band where scheduling is harder than booking, and why the sugar daddy is gone and musicians have to be their own bank now. Plus Yngwie Malmsteen going bankrupt, the Doc McGhee and Motley Crue story, and why GoFundMe pages keep popping up for musicians who should have been financially set. One of the most honest and eye-opening conversations we have had on this show.
Listen to this episode and subscribe on your favorite podcast channel HERE.
What does it really take to build a band from scratch, keep it alive through financial hardship, and land a record deal on your own terms?
In this episode of Backstage Money, host Jason K. Powers sits down with Jennifer Benson, founder and lead singer of Ignescent, a female-fronted hard rock band out of Chicago signed to Frontiers Music. Jennifer shares the raw story of building the band herself with no manager, no budget, and no roadmap, getting rejected by Frontiers the first time, nearly shutting the whole thing down, and then getting the email that changed everything. She also talks co-writing with Clint Lowery of Sevendust and Sameer of Flyleaf, the real economics of merch and touring, and what she would tell any young musician just starting out.
If you have a dream and you are not sure how to make it real, this episode is for you.
Topics include:
Listen to this episode and subscribe on your favorite podcast channel HERE.
What happens after the show is over?
For most musicians, the reality of a music career isn’t private jets, sold-out arenas, or million-dollar record deals. It’s long drives, inconsistent income, side gigs, creative fulfillment, and the constant challenge of making a living while pursuing a craft they love.
In this episode of Backstage Money, host Jason K. Powers sits down with Franz Nicolay — musician, writer, educator, current member of The Hold Steady, and author of the acclaimed book Band People: Life and Work in Popular Music.
Named one of Rolling Stone’s best music books of 2024, Band People explores the lives of the working musicians who make up the backbone of the music industry. Franz shares lessons from decades on the road, stories gathered from musicians across the industry, and his work advocating for artists through organizations such as the Future of Music Coalition, including bringing the concerns of working musicians to Congress.
This conversation dives into the realities of building a sustainable music career and why musicians need to think beyond the stage if they want longevity.
Topics Include:
If you’re trying to build a career in music, this episode offers a rare look at the people who make the industry work, even when nobody sees their names on the marquee.
Listen to this episode and subscribe on your favorite podcast channel HERE.
What does it take to build a tribute band into a full-time business?
In this episode of Backstage Money, host Jason K. Powers talks with Nikki Starr, founder, owner, manager, and guitarist of That Arena Rock Show, about building one of the hardest working tribute bands on the circuit from the ground up. Now up to 94 shows a year, Nikki shares the real business decisions behind the stage show – reinvesting merch money, door deals, betting on yourself, and what it actually takes to make music your full-time job.
If you’re trying to build a sustainable career in music, this episode is packed with real, hard-won lessons from someone who figured it out.
Topics include:
Listen to this episode and subscribe on your favorite podcast channel HERE.
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:
If you’re an artist trying to build a sustainable career, this episode offers insight from someone who has lived it.
Listen to this episode and subscribe on your favorite podcast channel HERE.
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.
Listen to this episode and subscribe on your favorite podcast channel HERE.
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:
If you’re trying to get more serious about your music career, this episode will help you think more clearly about your next steps.
Listen to this episode and subscribe on your favorite podcast channel HERE.
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.
Listen to this episode and subscribe on your favorite podcast channel HERE.
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.
Listen to this episode and subscribe on your favorite podcast channel HERE.
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.
Listen to this episode and subscribe on your favorite podcast channel HERE.
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.
Listen to this episode and subscribe on your favorite podcast channel HERE.
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.
Listen to this episode and subscribe on your favorite podcast channel HERE.
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.
Listen to this episode and subscribe on your favorite podcast channel HERE.
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.
Listen to this episode and subscribe on your favorite podcast channel HERE.
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.
Listen to this episode and subscribe on your favorite podcast channel HERE.
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:
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.
~ Let no man seek the good of his own, but that of his neighbor. 1 Corinthians 10:24 ~
