Backstage Money

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 worldThe realities of touring and performing professionallyWhat younger musicians often misunderstand about the industryWhy relationships and professionalism still matterThe mindset required to stay in the music business long-termIf you're an artist trying to build a sustainable career, this episode offers insight from someone who has lived it.Follow L.A. GunsOfficial Website: https://www.lagunsmusic.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/L.A.GunsOfficial/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laguns/Follow Shawn DuncanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnduncan007/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawn.duncan2Follow Backstage MoneyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/backstagemoneyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/backstagemoneyTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@backstagemoneyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@backstagemoneyX (Twitter): https://x.com/jasonkpowersFree Resource for MusiciansDownload your free copy of A Musician’s Guide to Financial Stabilityhttps://1024wealth.com/music

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.Connect with Chris FletcherMusic Biz Mentors https://musicbizmentors.comBackstage MoneyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/backstagemoneyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/backstagemoenyFree Financial Resource for MusiciansGet the free ebook A Musician’s Guide to Infinite Banking https://1024wealth.com/music

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:How Chris Fletcher got started in artist developmentWhat “baby bands” need most early onHow to tell whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced artistWhy releasing music matters more than chasing perfectionWhy musicians still need an email listHow consistent small actions build momentum over timeWhy creating and business growth go hand in handIf you’re trying to get more serious about your music career, this episode will help you think more clearly about your next steps.Learn More About Chris FletcherMusicBizMentors.comBackstage MoneyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/backstagemoney Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/backstagemoeny Free Financial Resource for Musicians Get the free ebook A Musician’s Guide to Infinite Banking at https://1024wealth.com/music

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.Connect with Jason HartlessInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonhartlessSound City Entertainment: https://www.instagram.com/soundcity_musicgroupBackstage MoneyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/backstagemoneyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/backstagemoenyFree Financial Resource for MusiciansGet the free ebook A Musician’s Guide to Infinite Banking at https://1024wealth.com/music

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.Connect with Danny ZeliskoWebsite: https://dzplive.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dannyzeliskopresentsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dzpresents/X: https://x.com/dzpresentsBackstage MoneyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/backstagemoneyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/backstagemoneyListen on all platforms: https://backstagemoney.captivate.fm/listenFree Financial Resource for MusiciansGet the free ebook A Musician’s Guide to Infinite Banking https://1024wealth.com/music