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Category: Backstage Money

BSM Episode 4 – From Garage to Grammy Nominations: The Music & Money Journey of Pillar

Listen to this episode and subscribe on your favorite podcast channel HERE.

About This Episode

The podcast delves into the multifaceted life of Michael ‘Kalel’ Wittig, whose journey as a musician transcends mere performance. His leadership in the business aspects of Pillar showcases a pivotal understanding of the music industry’s dynamics, particularly in the context of financial management.

Wittig shares candid insights about the challenges faced by musicians, emphasizing the importance of resilience and adaptability in navigating the tumultuous waters of the music business. He reflects on the band’s strategic decisions, including the choice to focus on regional recognition before expanding their reach, thereby establishing a solid foundation that would support their later success.

Furthermore, Wittig discusses the significance of communication within the band, highlighting how improved interpersonal dynamics could have altered the course of their history. The episode serves as a poignant reminder that the journey of a musician is not merely about artistry but also about the intricate business acumen that underpins their success.

Connect with Pillar

  • Pillar website: www.pillarmusic.com
  • Pillar Facebook & Instagram: @pillarmusic
  • Michael Wittig Instagram: @wittigworks
  • Michael Wittig Facebook: @michaelwittig

Backstage Money Links

BSM Episode 3 – How to Survive When the Music Stops: Lexxi Garza-Hartless

Listen to this episode and subscribe on your favorite podcast channel HERE.

About This Episode

Lexxi Garza-Hartless brings a rare blend of talent, grit and honesty to this episode. She is an accomplished musician with a diverse background in the entertainment industry, currently serving as the Entertainment Director at Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar and co-owner of Sound City Entertainment, where she works alongside her husband, Jason Hartless, whose touring credits include Ted Nugent and several other major rock artists. Lexxi has built a career around adaptability performing leadership and staying grounded in an industry known for constant change.

In this conversation she talks openly about rebuilding after unexpected setbacks learning to adjust her career path and how she and Jason navigate life and marriage as full time working musicians. She shares the pressure of entertainment roles in Nashville the demands of piano bar settings and the personal discipline required to stay healthy both physically and financially.

We also get into money decisions and real world financial challenges that musicians face. Lexxi talks about saving planning and how she sees the Infinite Banking Concept as an important tool for musicians who often do not have steady predictable income. She explains why this approach makes sense to her and how it can create stability safety and options when life and work take unexpected turns.

If you are a vocalist, a pianist, a touring member, a Nashville musician or an artist who wants to build a career that lasts, this episode will speak directly to you.

Backstage Money is where music and money collide. Host Jason K Powers brings you real conversations with artists and industry pros about the business of staying in the game financially mentally and creatively.

Connect with Lexxi Garza-Hartless

Backstage Money Links

BSM Episode 2 – Lessons from the Road: Dave Moody on Money, Mindset, and Making It Last

Listen to this episode and subscribe on your favorite podcast channel HERE.

About This Episode

Dave Moody’s journey in the music industry is both inspiring and insightful, as he reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his career. The episode commences with a nostalgic recounting of his childhood, where an encounter with the KISS Destroyer album ignited a lifelong passion for music. This early revelation set the stage for a career that would see him perform with notable acts, including Billy Ray Cyrus, and ultimately lead to his role in Hairball, a celebrated tribute band. Throughout the episode, Moody emphasizes the relentless nature of touring, where he performs upwards of 130 shows a year, a testament to his unwavering commitment to his craft.

The discussion transitions to the often-overlooked financial aspects of a musician’s life. Moody candidly shares the lessons he learned regarding financial planning and the importance of preparing for the future, especially in an industry characterized by unpredictability. He advocates for musicians to take proactive steps towards financial security, such as investing early in a 401(k) plan. This crucial advice highlights the necessity for artists to balance their creative pursuits with practical financial management, ensuring they are equipped to navigate the challenges that come with a career in music.

As the conversation unfolds, Moody delves into the significance of relationships within the music industry. He underscores the importance of fostering connections with colleagues and fans alike, recognizing that these relationships can provide invaluable support and opportunities for growth. His reflections serve as a reminder that success in the music industry is not solely determined by talent but is also heavily influenced by the ability to build and maintain a supportive network. The episode concludes with a heartfelt message about gratitude, emphasizing the necessity of appreciating the journey and the people who contribute to it, ultimately reinforcing the idea that a successful music career is built on a foundation of passion, preparation, and community.

If you’re an artist trying to figure out the long game, this is the episode.

Mentioned in This Episode

Check out the upcoming Hairball tour at https://hairballonline.com and grab your tickets today!

Connect with Dave Moody

Backstage Money Links

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BSM Episode 1 – From Stage to Bank: Mark Maxwell on Valuing Your Music and Making It Pay

Listen to this episode and subscribe on your favorite podcast channel: https://backstagemoney.captivate.fm/listen

About This Episode

Join host Jason K. Powers on an exciting debut episode of Backstage Money as he talks with Mark Maxwell, owner of Maxwell’s House of Music and mentor to countless musicians. Mark shares his journey from working in his father’s music store to running his own successful music shop and being a part of his band, The Crashers, for over 17 years. They discuss valuable tips on building and sustaining a music career, the importance of valuing your time and efforts, and strategies for making good financial decisions. Mark also reveals insights on how to rehearse properly, communicate effectively within a band, and manage band finances wisely. Whether you’re in an original band or a cover band, this episode offers essential advice to help you thrive in the music industry. Don’t miss it!

Mentioned in This Episode

Grab the “Gig Sheet” talked about in this episode at https://www.maxwellshouseofmusic.com

Backstage Money Links

~ Let no man seek the good of his own, but that of his neighbor. 1 Corinthians 10:24 ~

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