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.

• What Franz learned from interviewing dozens of career musicians
• The concept of the "musical middle class"
• Why musicians often struggle to talk about money
• Touring, side gigs, and the realities of making ends meet
• Songwriting, publishing, and long-term income streams
• Band dynamics and career longevity
• Music advocacy and taking musicians' concerns to Congress
• What younger artists should know about building a sustainable career

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.

Website: https://franznicolay.com

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Book: Band People: Life and Work in Popular Music

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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:

• Building a tribute band into a real business
• Reinvesting merch and show money to grow your production
• Door deals and why they changed everything
• Finding the right band members who share your vision
• The reality of life on the road vs. the dream
• What it takes to go from 20 shows to 94 shows a year

Follow Nikki Starr & That Arena Rock Show

Website: https://www.thatarenarockshow.com

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThatArenaRockShow

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Free Guide for Musicians Download A Musician's Guide to Financial Stability https://1024wealth.com/music

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:

• Lessons from decades in the rock music world
• The realities of touring and performing professionally
• What younger musicians often misunderstand about the industry
• Why relationships and professionalism still matter
• The mindset required to stay in the music business long-term

If you're an artist trying to build a sustainable career, this episode offers insight from someone who has lived it.

Official Website: https://www.lagunsmusic.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/L.A.GunsOfficial/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laguns/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnduncan007/

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Download your free copy of A Musician’s Guide to Financial Stability

https://1024wealth.com/music