Don Dixon talks about his four different income streams and why it’s better to not have known the pitfalls of a musician’s life when he started his career.
Jamie Barrier of The Pine Hill Haints on Tour Cook Outs and What a Haint Is
Singer Jamie Barrier of The Pine Hill Haints talks about playing “off of the books” and for the love of music.
Selwyn Birchwood on a High Stress Sales Job and Evolving From Poetry to Music
Blues artist Selwyn Birchwood talks about why blues music is about heart and the blessing of performing for a crowd.
Cole Quest on Tetris, NFTs, and Learning How to Learn
Cole Quest talks about bar buy backs at the Quays Pub in Queens, NY, racing to catch a flight home, and splitting his focus between the arts and science.
Amy Ray on Life as a Solo Artist and an Indigo Girl
Amy Ray talks about her exercise regime while on tour, time spent working in a record pressing plant, and being disciplined about songwriting. Ray also shares some advice about mixing a record.
The Accidentals Talk About Becoming Business Owners and Surviving a Tornado
Sav Buist and Katie Larson of The Accidentals reflect on the generosity of fans, sponsors, and strangers, share some of their favorite tour van and trailer breakdown stories, reveal what they did with the proceeds from their first gig, and describe the day job of running their music business.
John Smith on Nick Drake and Spending More Time with the Pen
Songwriter and guitarist John Smith talks about working in a comic book shop and a boozy tour bus breakdown while on the road with David Gray.
Hillary Grace Fretland on Gas Station Taquitos and Working at a Wine Bar
Singer-songwriter Hillary Grace Fretland of Fretland talks about finding leftover snacks in the band’s rehearsal space, stealing lyrics from Drew Barrymore.
Vanessa Peters on Coffee and Saying No to a Paid Gig
Singer-songwriter Vanessa Peters talks about the relationship between audience demographics and merch sales and recalls touring with “Charlotte” and “Mercurio”.
Zach Schmidt on Pandemic Day Jobs and Building a Rehearsal Space
Nashville (by way of Pittsburgh) singer-songwriter Zach Schmidt talks about Mama Jo, his luxury touring ride, and keeping his focus on the songs.