Brother Musician Podcast

Rico Anthony

This channel was developed to give musicians guidance and proven solutions to help them navigate in the music arena. Full-time or  part-time musicians can benefit from the knowledge given in this channel.  Interviews and perspectives from other professionals will also be included.

  1. 08/30/2025

    Faithful But Not Qualified

    Send us a text Faithfulness without skill development creates a ceiling on your musical journey. In this powerful episode, I share the eye-opening story of a church musician who showed up faithfully for 15 years but couldn't musically follow the pastor through key changes. The deacon defended him saying, "He's faithful!" But as the frustrated pastor pointed out - "It's faithful, but it has not made it to his hands yet." This tension between showing up consistently and actually growing in your craft strikes at the heart of what holds many musicians back. Whether you serve in church or perform professionally, reliability might get you in the door, but skill keeps you there. Many of us aren't born prodigies with perfect pitch - we develop over time through dedicated practice. The question is: are you as committed to improving as you are to showing up? I break down practical strategies to ensure your faithfulness translates to growth: setting achievable monthly goals, measuring your progress, writing down objectives, and praying over them. Remember that while God provides the gift, we're responsible for developing it rather than burying it. Your gift will make room for you, but only if you nurture it through practice, prayer, and preparation. When opportunity finally knocks, will you be both faithful AND ready? Let this message inspire you to bridge the gap between your commitment and your competence, because the musical journey requires both showing up and leveling up. Support the show

    5 min
  2. 08/29/2025

    Beyond the Music: Understanding the Artist-Manager Relationship

    Send us a text Are you at that critical crossroads in your music career where managing the business side is pulling you away from your creative work? Rico Anthony tackles this pivotal question head-on in a straightforward, insightful exploration of the artist-manager relationship. The financial dynamics of music management can be confusing for emerging artists. Rico breaks down the standard compensation structure, explaining how managers typically take 10-20% of net income—meaning you still keep the lion's share of your earnings. He walks through practical examples showing how this percentage works for both established artists with six-figure deals and emerging musicians booking smaller gigs. The key takeaway? When your manager makes money, it means you're making even more. Beyond the financial aspects, Rico highlights how managers serve as crucial intermediaries between artists and clients, handling communications, negotiations, and business details that would otherwise consume an artist's time and energy. A good manager doesn't just take a percentage—they actively generate income opportunities, protect you from unfavorable deals, and maintain relationships with entertainment attorneys who can review complex contracts. As Rico emphasizes, "If I'm an artist, what I want to be focused on is the music. As a manager, what you want to be focused on is the business, so they work hand in hand." Whether you're considering your first manager or reassessing your current representation, this episode provides the clarity you need to make informed decisions. If you're ready to focus on your art while someone else handles the business, it might be time to find a manager who knows the industry and has your best interests at heart. Subscribe to the Brother Musician Podcast for more insider knowledge on navigating your music career successfully! Support the show

    5 min
  3. 08/25/2025

    Music School Worth It?

    Send us a text Should musicians invest in formal education? Drawing from personal experience, I take you through my transformative journey of returning to school while maintaining a full-time music career. When I enrolled at Full Sail University in 2012, I had no idea how profoundly it would reshape my professional identity. My bachelor's in music elevated my technical foundation—deepening my understanding of theory, notation, and production techniques that years of performing hadn't taught me. But the real game-changer came with my master's in entertainment business, which unified my disparate skills into a cohesive brand. This comprehensive education transformed me from simply being a musician to becoming a musical entrepreneur capable of identifying market opportunities and creating sustainable revenue streams. The path wasn't easy. Balancing full-time studies with professional commitments meant constantly racing to meet deadlines, often submitting assignments minutes before midnight after a long weekend of performances. The financial investment was substantial too—student loans remain a reality I'm still addressing years later. Yet the return has been exponential. My education multiplied my earning potential by teaching me to leverage every aspect of my musical abilities in ways I wouldn't have discovered independently. Beyond the financial benefits, completing my degrees fulfilled my desire to set a powerful example for my children about the value of education. While self-directed learning through YouTube and independent study has merit, there's something uniquely valuable about the structured growth and accountability that formal education provides. What's your experience with music education? Has it shaped your career trajectory? Share your thoughts in the comments, and don't forget to subscribe for more insights on navigating the music industry successfully! Support the show

    4 min

About

This channel was developed to give musicians guidance and proven solutions to help them navigate in the music arena. Full-time or  part-time musicians can benefit from the knowledge given in this channel.  Interviews and perspectives from other professionals will also be included.