Episodi

  • 342 What I Learned in 2025

    342 What I Learned in 2025
    Jan 2 2026

    Welcome to 2026. In the last episode, I shared what I'm grateful for and the personal questions I'm sitting with. Today, I'm sharing the strategic side: what I learned in 2025 that changed how I work.

    Six concrete lessons from running this podcast and newsletter, plus 300+ conversations with independent musicians and creative professionals. Some of these lessons were uncomfortable. Some contradicted what I thought I knew. A few are still unresolved—I'm learning in real-time.

    If you're trying to build something sustainable as a musician or creative professional, there's value in seeing what worked, what didn't, and what I'm still figuring out.

    Topics Covered:

    • Newsletter-first architecture: Why the newsletter became the business and the podcast became newsletter growth infrastructure
    • How better questions in guest submission forms filter for quality and save time
    • Why systems don't kill creativity—they enable it by removing decision fatigue
    • Content gating creates better value through a clear hierarchy (free vs. premium)
    • Guest quality compounds; guest quantity doesn't—one excellent guest beats three mediocre ones
    • The tension between strategic thinking and creative joy, and the warning signs to watch for
    • The shift from SEO optimization to conversion optimization in episode descriptions
    • What "sustainable" actually means when building a creative business

    This is the first episode of 2026. If you're balancing creative work with business thinking, wondering how to structure systems without losing spontaneity, or defining what success looks like on your own terms, this episode is for you.

    Scheduling Note: Next episode will be in three weeks (buffer break for content creation). After that, we resume the normal every-two-weeks schedule.

    Show notes at UnstarvingMusician.com.

    Support the Unstarving Musician

    The 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 was brought to you by Podcast Startup.

    Ready to launch your podcast or take it to the next level? Podcast Startup gives you the frameworks, systems, and insider knowledge to build a show that actually grows your audience and serves your goals.

    Whether you're just getting started or looking to improve your existing podcast, you'll get actionable strategies on equipment selection, content planning, audience building, and sustainable production workflows—without the overwhelm.

    Learn more at UnstarvingMusician.com/PodcastStartup. Join podcasters who are building shows that last.

    Resources

    The Unstarving Musician's Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo

    Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.

    More Resources for musicians

    Pardon the 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

    @UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube

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    28 min
  • 341 Gratitude, Growth, and What I'm Learning (Holiday Edition)

    341 Gratitude, Growth, and What I'm Learning (Holiday Edition)
    Dec 19 2025

    Every year, I write up a gratitude list. This year, the list came easily - but it's mixed with what I'm learning, because growth and gratitude feel connected right now.

    In this holiday edition, I share what I'm grateful for in 2025: 31 years of marriage, the Unstarving Musician community, my health, and the accidental connections that turned into real relationships. But I also talk about the harder questions I'm sitting with about work, stress management, and what "making it" actually means.

    If you're dealing with the tension between strategic thinking and creative joy, wondering if you should quit your day job, or trying to define success on your own terms rather than social media's terms - this episode is for you.

    Topics Covered:

    • Why day jobs might be the smartest path for most musicians
    • The cost of strategic thinking (and when it becomes exhausting)
    • Redefining "making it" - still creating in 5 years, not burned out, not broke
    • The question of celebrating versus numbing stress
    • What the "mystery of the quotient" means for finding your tribe
    • Health, sustainability, and the choices that compound over time
    • How loss clarifies gratitude

    This is the last episode of 2025. The next episode drops on January 2nd of the new year. Happy holidays, and thank you for being part of this community!

    Show notes at UnstarvingMusician.com

    Support the Unstarving Musician

    The 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 was brought to you by Podcast Startup.

    Ready to launch your podcast or take it to the next level? Podcast Startup gives you the frameworks, systems, and insider knowledge to build a show that actually grows your audience and serves your goals.

    Whether you're just getting started or looking to improve your existing podcast, you'll get actionable strategies on equipment selection, content planning, audience building, and sustainable production workflows—without the overwhelm.

    Learn more at UnstarvingMusician.com/PodcastStartup. Join podcasters who are building shows that last.

    Resources

    The Unstarving Musician's Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo

    Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.

    More Resources for musicians

    Pardon the 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

    @UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube

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    20 min
  • 340 How to Conduct a Personal Royalty Audit and Recover Missing Money

    340 How to Conduct a Personal Royalty Audit and Recover Missing Money
    Dec 5 2025

    Most independent artists have thousands of dollars in unclaimed royalties sitting in four separate collection systems—and a four-year window to recover this money before it's redistributed to major labels.

    In this episode, I break down the systematic framework for conducting a personal royalty audit. You'll discover why being registered with ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC isn't enough, and learn about the three additional systems most artists don't know exist: SoundExchange for digital performance royalties, publishing administration services for worldwide mechanical collection, and the Mechanical Licensing Collective for streaming platform royalties.

    I'll walk you through the five-step implementation process: auditing your current registrations, gathering documentation, registering with missing systems, claiming historical royalties, and creating an ongoing management system to prevent future losses.

    This framework builds on insights from music business educator Amani Roberts in Episode 339, where he reveals how artists consistently leave money on the table through incomplete registrations and missing split sheet documentation.

    Topics Covered:

    • The four registration systems required to collect all your royalties
    • How unclaimed royalties are redistributed to major labels after four years
    • How to verify you're registered correctly with your PRO (writer AND publisher sides)
    • SoundExchange registration for Pandora, iHeartRadio, and SiriusXM royalties
    • Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) free registration process
    • When publishing administration services are worth the cost
    • Split sheet documentation as the foundation for royalty collection
    • Metadata management across all four systems
    • Common mistakes that cause royalties to go unclaimed
    • Step-by-step audit process with time estimates
    • Creating an ongoing system to prevent future unclaimed royalties

    December is the perfect time for this year-end financial cleanup—start recovering money you've already earned.

    Support the Unstarving Musician

    The 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 was brought to you by Podcast Startup.

    Ready to launch your podcast or take it to the next level? Podcast Startup gives you the frameworks, systems, and insider knowledge to build a show that actually grows your audience and serves your goals.

    Whether you're just getting started or looking to improve your existing podcast, you'll get actionable strategies on equipment selection, content planning, audience building, and sustainable production workflows—without the overwhelm.

    Learn more at UnstarvingMusician.com/PodcastStartup. Join podcasters who are building shows that last.

    Resources

    Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to find resources and links to things mentioned in this episode.

    Stay in touch!

    @RobonzoDrummer on Instagram, X/Twitter, and Bluesky

    @UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube

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    22 min
  • 339 Missing Royalties: Revenue Recovery Strategies with Amani Roberts

    339 Missing Royalties: Revenue Recovery Strategies with Amani Roberts
    Nov 21 2025
    Independent musicians leave significant money on the table—not from lack of talent, but from unclaimed royalties and overlooked revenue streams. Amani Roberts, music business educator and author of the USA Today bestseller "The Quiet Storm," reveals the specific registration gaps costing artists thousands of dollars annually. In this conversation, Amani breaks down the four major royalty collection systems most artists fail to use properly: PRO registration for public performance royalties, SoundExchange for digital performance royalties, publishing royalties through services like Songtrust, and the Mechanical Licensing Collective. He explains how unclaimed royalties eventually get redistributed to major labels based on market share—money that independent artists could be collecting themselves. Beyond royalty recovery, Amani shares his framework for building a private and corporate event business that can generate 5-10x more revenue than traditional bar gigs. He details the specific industry associations to join (MPI, PCMA, SITE), how to price yourself for corporate events, and the contract elements that differ from venue bookings. Our conversation also covers email list-building strategies that convert social media followers into owned audience assets, how book publishing creates revenue opportunities beyond book sales, and why direct fan-to-artist platforms should be every musician's first 90-day priority. Key Insights from This Episode The Four Unclaimed Royalty Streams: Independent artists commonly miss public performance royalties (PROs), digital performance royalties (SoundExchange), publishing royalties (Songtrust), and mechanical royalties (Mechanical Licensing Collective). Unclaimed royalties eventually get redistributed to major labels—money independent artists should be collecting. Royalty Recovery: Artists can recover unclaimed royalties going back up to four years. Proper metadata management and identical information across all platforms are critical for successful collection. The Streaming Misconception: The biggest misconception is believing streaming is where most royalties come from. Mechanical, public performance, and publishing royalties represent more significant opportunities that are frequently overlooked. Private and Corporate Event Revenue: Private and corporate events can generate 5-10x more revenue than bar gigs. Break in by joining event planning associations like Meeting Professionals International (MPI), Professional Conference Management Association (PCMA), and Society for Incentive Travel Executives (SITE). Volunteer at local chapters to build relationships with planners. Corporate Event Pricing: Ask about the budget upfront, research past hires, and price based on your worth with flexibility. Always require deposits and negotiate hotel stays, parking, meals, and written/video testimonials in contracts. Email List Monetization: Email lists are owned media (social is rented space). Revenue generation can begin with 50 subscribers. Use lead magnets like acoustic song versions and tools like MiniChat to automate conversions. Book Publishing Strategy: Books rarely generate significant income from sales, but can increase speaking fees, create performance opportunities at events, and enhance rates for services. View publishing as paid marketing for your broader business. 90-Day Priority: Launch a direct fan-to-artist platform like Patreon with a compelling lead magnet for fast revenue impact. Sustainable Revenue Model: Target 30% from performance, 30-35% from direct-to-fan, 20% from merchandise, 15% from private events. Support the Unstarving Musician The 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 was brought to you by Podcast Startup. Ready to launch your podcast or take it to the next level? Podcast Startup gives you the frameworks, systems, and insider knowledge to build a show that actually grows your audience and serves your goals. Whether you're just getting started or looking to improve your existing podcast, you'll get actionable strategies on equipment selection, content planning, audience building, and sustainable production workflows—without the overwhelm. Learn more at UnstarvingMusician.com/PodcastStartup. Join podcasters who are building shows that last. Resources The Unstarving Musician's Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process. More Resources for musicians 🔗 Shownotes for this episode Pardon the 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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    1 ora e 6 min
  • 338 Jesse Flores – Distribution Partnerships And Strategic Planning For Independent Artists

    338 Jesse Flores – Distribution Partnerships And Strategic Planning For Independent Artists
    Nov 7 2025
    Distribution partnerships can make or break an independent music career, but most artists don't understand what separates a good deal from a bad one. Jesse Flores, VP of Artist and Label Partnerships at Intercept Music and former Senior Director at Virgin Music Group, shares insider knowledge from over 20 years negotiating deals with major artists and independent labels. In this conversation, Jesse reveals the specific factors distributors evaluate when considering partnerships, the most common contract mistakes artists make (including the advance trap that costs artists future revenue), and what actually moves the needle for independent artists in 2025. He explains why having a team and release plan matters more than just great music, how to optimize your streaming profiles to attract partnerships, and why listening to your distribution partner's advice is the most overlooked strategy for success. Whether you're self-distributing and considering a partnership or already working with a distributor, Jesse's insights on deal structures, streaming economics, and strategic planning will help you make smarter business decisions. Topics covered: What distributors actually evaluate beyond your musicThe advance mistake that costs artists future revenueDistribution deal vs. label deal: Critical differencesWhich contract terms you can negotiate (and which you can't)Why releasing too quickly without a plan hurts your careerHow to optimize streaming profiles to attract partnershipsMarketing tactics that actually work in 2025 (hint: not just playlists)International distribution strategy: Regional rollout vs. global releaseWhat artists consistently underinvest in that impacts partnership successThe power shift between artists and labels in the streaming era Support the Unstarving Musician The 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 sponsored by Liner Notes Insider. Get exclusive weekly insights drawn from in-depth research and conversations with hundreds of thriving musicians and industry pros. I dig deep to uncover proven strategies for building a sustainable music career, from marketing and touring to sync licensing and beyond. As an Insider, you'll receive:Deep-dive analysis and actionable strategies from extensive industry researchExpert interview breakdowns with step-by-step implementation guidesAccess to my curated resource library and toolsMonthly Q&A sessions for personalized guidancePriority access to special events and workshopsFirst look at new resources and research findings Try Liner Notes Free Start with our free edition featuring selected insights and latest episodes. Upgrade anytime to Liner Notes Insider unlock full access. This episode was brought to you by Podcast Startup. Ready to launch your podcast or take it to the next level? Podcast Startup gives you the frameworks, systems, and insider knowledge to build a show that actually grows your audience and serves your goals. Whether you're just getting started or looking to improve your existing podcast, you'll get actionable strategies on equipment selection, content planning, audience building, and sustainable production workflows—without the overwhelm. Learn more at UnstarvingMusician.com/PodcastStartup. Join podcasters who are building shows that last. Mentioned in this Episode Visit the show notes for this episode at UnstarvingMusician.com for links to things mentioned in this episode. Resources The Unstarving Musician's Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process. More Resources for musicians Pardon the 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 @UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
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    46 min
  • 337 Ezra Vancil – Business Systems: From Marketing Day Job to Sustainable Music Career

    337 Ezra Vancil – Business Systems: From Marketing Day Job to Sustainable Music Career
    Oct 24 2025
    After 10 years with the same band and launching his own label, Ezra Vancil has learned that sustainable music careers require business systems—not just passion. In this conversation, he reveals the productivity frameworks he's borrowed from his marketing day job and how they've transformed both his creative output and family dynamics. → Liner Notes Insider subscribers get Ezra's complete "Music Career as Business System" framework + his pre-release strategy that sold an album for a full year before streaming. Key Topics Discussed The "fear as compass" approach that guides his creative decisionsWhy he sold his last album direct for a year before streaming (and the revenue impact)How business systems thinking improved his relationships with band members and familyHis 5am-8am creative routine that produced a 14-month double album while working full-timeThe house concert preparation framework that turns parties into professional events Previous Episodes with Ezra Keeping Your Side of the Street Clean–Ezra Vancil (Ep 182) A Hidden Album Collection Discovery–Ezra Vancil (Ep 42) The Mystery of The Flounder – Cozi Anda Flounder (Ep 231) On Top Of The World – Ezra Vancil Interviews Robonzo About Debut Single (Ep 187) Support the Unstarving Musician The 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 was brought to you by Podcast Startup. Ready to launch your podcast or take it to the next level? Podcast Startup gives you the frameworks, systems, and insider knowledge to build a show that actually grows your audience and serves your goals. Whether you're just getting started or looking to improve your existing podcast, you'll get actionable strategies on equipment selection, content planning, audience building, and sustainable production workflows—without the overwhelm. Learn more at UnstarvingMusician.com/PodcastStartup. Join podcasters who are building shows that last. Also Mentioned in this Episode Backline Mental Health & Wellness Resources for Music Industry Professionals Celebrate Recovery 332 Eli Lev – Spiritual Growth: From 250 Shows to Finding Sacred Space in Music Kid Andersen on Greaseland Studios, Playing The Blues, Musicianship and Music Ed (Ep 003) Kid Andersen On TrueFire TV and His Forthcoming Album (Ep 110) House Concert Tours & Community – Shannon Curtis No Booker, No Bouncer, No Bartender: How I Made $25K On A 2-Month House Concert Tour, by Shannon Curtis Resources The Unstarving Musician's Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process. More Resources for musicians Pardon the 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 @UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
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    1 ora e 26 min
  • 336 Community Collaboration: Turning Your Fanbase Into Creative Partners Without Losing Artistic Control

    336 Community Collaboration: Turning Your Fanbase Into Creative Partners Without Losing Artistic Control
    Oct 10 2025
    Can your community become a creative collaborator without turning your art into committee-designed mediocrity? In this solo episode, I explore proven frameworks for involving your audience in the creative process while maintaining complete artistic control. You'll discover how Amanda Palmer uses early-stage feedback on Patreon to gather emotional responses (not technical critiques), how British singer-songwriter Lynz Crichton turned her entire EP creation into a 90-day collaborative project with her email and social media communities, and how Imogen Heap invited fans to contribute raw materials—sound samples and personal stories—that she transformed into finished songs. I break down practical approaches you can test: the Preview-and-Pivot Framework (used by Luke Combs for "Forever After All"), constraint-based collaboration methods, and systems for turning fan-generated content into strategic assets rather than distractions. This episode also covers the critical boundaries every artist needs: establishing what's open for feedback versus what's locked, retaining veto power over all input, and knowing when to ignore community resistance entirely as you evolve artistically. Whether you're considering a model like Patreon, building an email list, or just wondering how to get useful feedback without compromising your vision, this episode provides actionable frameworks for sustainable creative collaboration. Support the Unstarving Musician The 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. Mentioned in this Episode Songwriting with a Deadline–Lynz Crichton (Episode 49) What a Tease: Why Song Previews Became Crucial In Modern Music How Imogen Heap invited fans to contribute raw materials for her album Sparks 333 How to Build, Name, and Nurture Your Creative Community Palmer Patreon Subscriber Guide Signup for Liner Notes Resources The 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. More Resources for musicians 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 @UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
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    29 min
  • 335 Music Revenue Through Community - Moving Beyond Streaming

    335 Music Revenue Through Community - Moving Beyond Streaming
    Sep 26 2025
    Music revenue diversification is essential for independent artists, but how do you actually monetize your community of superfans? This follow-up to episode 333's community-building strategies explores the practical side of turning deep fan relationships into sustainable income that goes beyond streaming pennies. Emerging direct-to-fan platforms like MySeat (highlighted by Dave Cool, formerly of Bandzoogle) allow artists to create branded mobile apps with multiple revenue streams - subscriptions, merchandise, live events, auctions, and exclusive content. Real case studies break down the revenue psychology of membership-based fan relationships and run realistic math on converting followers into paying subscribers. But this isn't just another "build it and they will come" episode. Kevin Kelly's sobering follow-up research to his famous "1000 True Fans" theory reveals uncomfortable truths, including ambient musician Robert Rich's brutally honest financial breakdown of three decades pursuing direct fan support. The reality check considers platform risks, time costs, creative constraints, and why most successful direct-to-fan artists still need traditional exposure first to build music revenue. Balancing optimism with realism, this episode explores genuine opportunities while setting appropriate expectations for what "success" in direct fan monetization actually looks like. Whether you're considering app platforms, subscription models, or other community revenue strategies, you'll discover how to approach these opportunities as part of a diversified career strategy rather than a complete solution. Recommended for independent artists looking to reduce streaming dependence while exploring new music revenue opportunities and understanding the real challenges of direct fan monetization. Key Topics: Direct-to-fan mobile app platforms and business models Revenue psychology: consumption vs. membership Real financial case studies and conversion math Platform ownership vs. algorithm dependence Kevin Kelly's "1000 True Fans" follow-up research Robert Rich's 30-year direct fan experience Implementation strategies and cautionary considerations Diversified income approaches for sustainable careers Support the Unstarving Musician The 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. Resources The 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. More Resources for musicians Mentioned in this Episode MySeat Media 1,000 True Fans The Case Against 1,000 True Fans The Reality of Depending on True Fans How to Build, Name, and Nurture Your Creative Community (Unstarving Musician episode 333) Eli Lev – Spiritual Growth: From 250 Shows to Finding Sacred Space in Music (Unstarving Musician episode 332) JR Richards – Dishwalla, His Tenth Album Forthcoming, Email Marketing, List Building, E-Commerce, Touring (Unstarving Musician episode 284) 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 @UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
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    25 min