Hey there, How are you balancing technology and wellness in your music career these days? Is there such a need? Well, I’ve been exploring both fronts and want to share some insights with you. Before I dive in, I want to acknowledge that Liner Notes has been rather technology-focused lately. This won’t be my continued focus moving forward. I’ll instead cover a mix of topics for you. Reading time: 4 minutes 👓 This edition will cover AI tools for musicians and how to stay healthy on the road....
23 days ago • 4 min read
Happy Friday! How's it going and is that what you're wearing today? 😁Here's another new episode for your weekend listening pleasure. Creative Storytelling: Novelist Sofía Segovia on the Art of Narrative 🎙 Creative storytelling bridges worlds in this special episode where I speak with acclaimed Mexican novelist Sofía Segovia, author of the internationally celebrated book “The Murmur of Bees.” Our conversation explores the fascinating parallels between writing novels and creating music – from...
29 days ago • 2 min read
Happy Friday! Here's another new episode for your weekend listening pleasure. Musician Health Strategies: Navigating Music Industry Relationships for Career Longevity 🎙 Musician health strategies are essential tools for navigating the complex web of personal and professional relationships that can make or break long-term success in the music industry. This episode explores the unique relationship dynamics that musicians face, where the lines between personal and professional connections often...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
When I first started the Unstarving Musician journey, I focused almost entirely on the music. I knew the business side was important, but it seemed overwhelming (and unexciting). While my lessons in legal and business matters come from experience in investing rather than music, I've gained valuable insights about the music industry through years of research, participation in a music marketing program, and conversations with hundreds of musicians for my podcast. What I've learned is that...
3 months ago • 5 min read
Happy Friday! Here's another new episode for your weekend listening pleasure. 315 Tony Harrah – Book Marketing, Sales Strategy, and Industry Independence 🎙 Book marketing takes center stage in part two of my conversation with independent musician and author Tony Harrah. He breaks down his mathematical approach to sales strategy, sharing insights on reaching target audiences without traditional industry gatekeepers. From his decision to self-narrate audio books to his perspective on working...
4 months ago • 1 min read
Happy New Year and welcome to the inaugural edition of Liner Notes Insider! 🎉 In the free edition of Liner Notes, I mentioned my interest in touring strategies. I also mentioned that I know many of you are interested in booking and tour management. That’s what this Insider issue expands on. This edition also includes links to bonus material that I know you’re going to love. Let’s dive in to the expanded Insider edition! Strategic Tour Planning Planning a tour isn’t just about booking random...
4 months ago • 4 min read
Happy New Year! 🪅 If you’ve been following Liner Notes, you know I’ve taken an interest in touring strategies. In a couple of August editions (links below), I covered everything from pre-tour planning to social media promotion. The response was great. Reading time: 6 minutes 👓 Liner Notes: More On Touring & Insights from Tara Brueske (Aug 21, 2024) Liner Notes: Touring Tips for Independent Musicians (Aug 07, 2024) I know many of you are interested in booking and tour management, so I’ll...
4 months ago • 4 min read
Why marketing and self-promotion matter for independent musicians Reading time: 7 minutes 👓 “You don’t do anyone any favors by lurking, put yourself out there!” –Nabeel S. Qureshi Let's face it - you could be the next great music artist, whether aiming to make a living or fund a passion project. But it won't happen if no one knows about your music. As entrepreneur Nabeel S. Qureshi aptly puts it, "You don't do anyone any favors by lurking, put yourself out there!" Your reason for being is to...
5 months ago • 8 min read
If a song is played in a forest, but no one is nearby to hear it, does it make a sound? This question is adapted from a famous philosophical thought experiment that begins, “If a tree falls in a forest…?” Reading time: 7 minutes 👓 Making art is a rewarding pursuit, but if only the artist can appreciate it, the artist’s work is only half done. No song will ever be heard or appreciated without some marketing effort, that was supported by a sales effort, that was underpinned by sound business...
7 months ago • 8 min read