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/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawn.duncan2

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/backstagemoney

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@backstagemoney

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

X (Twitter): https://x.com/jasonkpowers

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

https://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 Fletcher

Music Biz Mentors

https://musicbizmentors.com

Backstage Money

Instagram: 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

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:

1. How Chris Fletcher got started in artist development
2. What “baby bands” need most early on
3. How to tell whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced artist
4. Why releasing music matters more than chasing perfection
5. Why musicians still need an email list
6. How consistent small actions build momentum over time
7. Why creating and business growth go hand in hand

If 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 Fletcher

MusicBizMentors.com

Backstage Money

Instagram: 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