The Unstarving Musician

Chris Coles is the Founder of Musicians Unite, a community born out of the desire to support musicians of all ages, styles and skill levels together to help one another achieve their goals. Not only is it a group for musicians to share their challenges and successes, but it's a place for them to learn from each other as well. Chris is an avid drummer and percussionist. He holds a B.S. in Music Edu...

Frankie Raye is a powerhouse performer juggling over twenty shows a month. She is a singer-songwriter based out of Tampa, Florida. In 2019 Frankie launched her first album Brave. She has been recognized in several Best of the Bay categories including: singer, songwriter, vocalist, pop act - original, local band - original, cover band etc. Frankie shares what it's like to gig on a consistent basis,...

Adam and Michael Scharff are longtime working musicians and music teachers. These days they're in the world of virtual artist artist development. With a focus on mentoring artists, Adam and Michael offer a compliment of production, writing, recording services. Their podcast Mentoring for the Modern Day Musician features the advice and expertise of the Scharff brothers, designed to help music artis...

My guest today is Bruce Wawrzyniak of Now Hear This. We talk about PR, promotions, social media, websites, placements and a whole lot more.  I did a quick search for musician-focused podcasts and came across Now Hear This by our guest, Bruce Waryzyniak. His company has a focus on talent management, promotion and booking. He really knows his stuff, I learned so much during this episode. Bruce drops...

This is a special announcement episode for Unstarving Musician gal pal Lindsay White and Lady Brain Presents. The conversation features Karyn Ann, who will be one of the performing artists for an upcoming Lady Brain Presents listening room event.  (See press release below.) Karyn shares stories about networking on the road, and how new connections landed her a slot at this month's Lady Brain Prese...

My guest for this episode is LA-based musician, Miles Franco. We talk about balancing multiple projects and how he established himself after relocating from San Jose to LA. Miles reminds me a little bit of myself. He gigs with a number of bands, he's in demand. He's balancing a day job, music, multiple bands and it's not that easy. I was that way in the Dallas Fort Worth and Silicon Valley areas f...

Greg Wilnau, host of the Musician Monster podcast, joins me this episode. We talk about the Musician Monster website, which is a treasure trove of free resources, branding your music and making more money as a performing artist and more. Greg Wilnau has been on my radar for quite some time. He is a working musician and a musician mentor. He's all about helping other musicians make it and in Greg's...

In this episode I speak with musician mindset coach and mentor Suz Paulinski of The Rock/Star Advocate. We talk about the DIY Musician Conference, her upcoming MusicPreneur Mindset Summit and the one thing she recommends to musicians who seek a better way. We also talk about her MusicPreneur podcast, on which I'm an upcoming guest. Episode Highlights We begin by chatting about the DIY Musician Con...

In this episode I speak with pianist, synthesist, producer, vocalist and songwriter Glasys. We talk about his immigration from Israel to Portland, Oregon, discovering a new local music scene, and the pivotal moments that lead to touring and recording with Todd Rundgren. I discovered Glasys while listening to the Music Business Hacks podcast and related to his big move from Israel to Portland, and...

Brian Wolff of Fair City Fire is giving back to Austin's youth  as Community Engagement Coordinator with a nonprofit called Kids In a New Groove. In this episode we talk about how this work and the mission keeps him connected to his music, the release of his band's new single Simple Stupid and much more. Episode Highlights We start the episode by talking about Kids In a New Groove and go on to dis...

Only a few episodes ago I was joined by Bollywood Blues artist, Aki Kumar. Aki had some exciting news at the time that was under wraps, so I wanted to have him back to announce his signing with Sony Music India and the release of his single Dilruba. Episode Highlights We start by discussing the Sony Music India launch of his music video, and go on to discuss: How this opportunity has opened him up...

The artist known as My Name is Chapel releases a new single called Taxi Cab today. Chapel is also in the midst of producing and scoring his first film. We discuss this, his recent full-length album, the origins of his name, and more. Episode Highlights We start by discussing our shared connection of previous guest Chris Avetta and go on to discuss: The process of producing his album Empire State H...

In this dual interview episode, I speak with Simon Tam about all he's doing for the music community through podcasting, public speaking and writing. We also talk about his activism and support for other artists. Then we switch seats and Simon interviews me for his Music Business Hacks podcast. Episode Highlights We start the conversation by talking about Simon's process for creating 300+ podcast e...

My guest for this episode is multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Kofy Brown . We navigate the balancing act of her many projects, how she's managed to stay in high demand, and what she'd say to younger players about creating an in demand and joyful music career. Episode Highlights We start the episode by talking about her new album with Skip the Needle and how she got involved with The Little Vil...

This is the third installment and re-release of The Unstarving Musician's Guide to Getting Paid Gigs . The episode is dedicated to chapters five and six, in which I discuss the importance of managing your gig schedule and boosting that revenue stream. Episode Highlights Gaining control of your gig schedule, creating multiple sources of income, and increasing your demand are among the topics I expl...

Bollywood blues artist Aki Kumar sees gratitude and humility as key to managing his music career, creative challenges, band dynamics, and life. He returns to the podcast for a second round of depth conversation of this and more. Episode Highlights We start by discussing his cameo in Solange and go on to talk about: San Jose and its influence on Aki's career His love for the musicians he plays with...

Singer songwriter Arlene Paculan is all about community. Whether it's through creating empowering arts events or sharing how artists overcome adversity, she understands the power of connection and shares that talent. We talk about her latest album Home With You and the various events she creates through Let's Make Good Productions . Episode Highlights We begin by talking about the music scene in M...

Singer songwriter Chris Avetta joins me for a conversation about stage fright, perspective, the business of music, and more. Chris had a lot going on when we spoke. She'd just released her new single Forest for the Trees , was set to perform Lady Brain Fest , and recently enrolled at the University of California at San Diego. Episode Highlights We begin the episode by talking about Chris' experien...

Kid Andersen has so much going on these days including having landed among the ranks of master class presenters for TrueFire TV , the release of new recordings for the Little Village Foundation, and a new album that's in the works. Episode Highlights The episode begins with Kid's recent work for TrueFire TV, and continues with: How he helps singers advance their skills (and improves his own skills...

Lindsay White and a musicians community called the Lady Brain Collective are supporting each another through teaching, knowledge sharing, and collaboration. We talk about the Lady Brain community, the upcoming Lady Brain Fest , Patreon , gratitude journaling, saying "no," and more. Episode Highlights This is a return appearance by Lindsay. We begin by getting an update on her current projects, and...

Staying creative and nurturing a music community is part of life on the road for Crystal and Pete Damore of Ordinary Elephant. This is their second appearance on the podcast, which was a great opportunity to talk about their recent Kickstarter campaign, their new album Honest , and more. Episode Highlights In addition to finding out what they've been up to since our last talk, I also discuss the f...

Singer songwriter Tom Meny knows a thing or two about facing rejection and staying creative. In this repeat engagement, Tom and I chat about this, his new podcast, and more. Episode Highlights In Tom's first appearance on the podcast , we talked at length about house concerts. This time round our conversation continues with Tom's thoughts on: His forthcoming podcast Facing rejection as a musician...

One the best ways to get good musician gigs is by building good relationships. The primary theme of this episode is relationships. This is the second installment and re-release of The Unstarving Musician's Guide to Getting Paid Gigs. This episode is dedicated to chapters three and four, which are among the first few podcast episodes I ever recorded. I also share a big announcement. If you need a l...

This episode is a two chapter reading of The Unstarving Musician's Guide to Getting Paid Gigs. These chapters were the first two podcast episodes I ever recorded. (I'm reflecting on the original podcast for the book while visiting Greve, Italy. My wife and I are celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary.) Also in this episode, I respond to listener emails that discuss finding the right musicians to...

Jason Davis loves helping music artists realize their dreams. He has founded several cutting edge entertainment companies including Radar Label Group (Jimmy Eat World, Plain White T's, Neon Trees, The Unlikely Candidates), Awaken Records (Austin French), One One 7, Care For Kids, is the Co-President/Partner of Higher Level Booking Agency, and is an artist manager with First Company Management. Jas...