The MoneyGigs

Cliff Adams

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Music Interviews

By gigging musicians, for gigging musicians.

Jun 1

Phil Carillo - Me No Play, Me No Roof

Send us Fan Mail Phil Carillo has spent 45 years gigging in Southern California on steel pan and vocals — and he's the rare working musician who figured out the business and won't apologize for it. We get into why he charges $3,500 for a two-hour wedding, how he runs a band nobody burns out of, the time he got banned from the Orange County Fair for making too many people dance, his surprisingly balanced take on AI, and the "Free Expression Sessions" that taught him quality is the enemy of a finished idea. If you've ever wondered what your time is actually worth on a gig, this one's for you. In this episode: - Why "no playing equals no eating" — and how to price like it - Running a band: pay for everything, but never be late once - Banned from the OC Fair for making too many people dance - A 45-year veteran's honest take on AI in music - "Quality is your enemy": creating without fear Guest: Phil Carrillo — Steel Parade steelparade.com TikTok @philj.carillo 00:00 Meet Phil: 45 years gigging, steel pan & Long Beach roots 09:21 $3,500 a gig & the worth of your time 14:47 "What is this burnout?" + how he runs a band 21:36 Banned from the Orange County Fair 27:25 Phil on AI & the future of live music 33:01 Free Expression Sessions: "Quality is your enemy" MoneyGigs helps gigging musicians track their pay, see their real hourly rate, and tap a crowdsourced venue database. Free download: iOS Android Use code INV-PHILC for access to the venue database for $2/mo. Did you like the show? Well then.. Support the show Join the Facebook community Follow MoneyGigs: TikTok @themoneygigsYouTube @MoneyGigs2026Instagram themoneygigsSupport the show Support the show by visiting our sponsor (and get a deal!): TryFloral THC Beverages https://tryfloral.com/themoneygigs Copyright (c) 2026 MoneyGigs, LLC

49 min
May 15

Dan Karlsberg — The Playing Was Never the Problem

Send us Fan Mail Dan Karlsberg has been playing Cincinnati for a long time — CCM (University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music) grad, seven albums, and teaches piano to students from age four to ninety-one. He just released a solo record called Rooms Without Walls, built in late-night sessions, mostly not knowing where it was going. By the second session, he did. DAN'S NEW ALBUM >>>> https://dankarlsberg.bandcamp.com/album/rooms-without-walls Episode Crossword We talk about what it actually feels like to gig — the driving, the parking, the day-of call you weren't ready for, and the internal voice that tells you mid-performance that you can't do this. We talk about why his gig floor has gone from a hundred dollars to now three or four hundred, why he shifted his income to teaching, and the anxiety he carried for twenty years before he had a name for it. 1:25 Who is Dan Karlsberg — the baseball card 4:26 Life outside music — exploring, obsessing, Nadia Boulanger & Elvis 7:04 Rooms Without Walls — making a solo piano record 17:32 The gigging landscape — when the playing isn't the hard part 19:04 Gigging rates flat since 1980 — the economics of working musicians 22:01 My biggest challenge is myself 26:03 Panic attacks, therapy, and finally understanding himself 27:32 Teaching ages 4 to 91 — playing without hurting yourself 🎸 Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2509891/support 📲 Download MoneyGigs — the app built for gigging musicians: iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/moneygigs-know-your-worth/id6752310856Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.themoneygigs.moneygigsUse invite code INV-DANKARL for access to the community venue database at $2/mo. Cancel any time directly from the app.🌿 This episode is sponsored by Tryfloral: https://tryfloral.com/themoneygigs Support the show Support the show by visiting our sponsor (and get a deal!): TryFloral THC Beverages https://tryfloral.com/themoneygigs Copyright (c) 2026 MoneyGigs, LLC

32 min
May 1

Jim Pelz — Starting Over at 35: Reinvention, Resilience, and the Real Business of Gigging

Send us Fan Mail Jim Pelz started as a jazz trombonist in Boston, moved to Cincinnati, and then a rare neurological condition robbed him of his embouchure. Instead of quitting, he picked up the guitar and basically started over at 35. Today he plays the gigs he wants, says no to the ones he doesn't, and made more money from music this past year than ever — with a full-time warehouse day job and zero regrets. We talk about focal dystonia, imposter syndrome, the moment COVID changed everything, why doing less keeps it fun, and what it really means to know your worth as a working musician. Jim's Upcoming Performance Schedule in Cincinnati: 5/2 Crow’s Nest 8 pm 6/6 the Esplanade 5 pm 6/23 Kroger Oakley 5 pm 6/24 Taste of Belgium 6 pm 6/25 Taste of Belgium 6 pm 6/26 w/Tyler Christopher, Fitton Center If anything Jim described sounds familiar, the Dystonia Foundation at dystonia-foundation.org is a starting point. 🎸 Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2509891/support 📲 Download MoneyGigs — the app built for gigging musicians: iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/moneygigs-know-your-worth/id6752310856Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.themoneygigs.moneygigsUse invite code INV-JIMPELZ for access to the community venue database at $2/mo. Cancel any time directly from the app.🌿 This episode is sponsored by Tryfloral: https://tryfloral.com/themoneygigs Support the show Support the show by visiting our sponsor (and get a deal!): TryFloral THC Beverages https://tryfloral.com/themoneygigs Copyright (c) 2026 MoneyGigs, LLC

20 min
Apr 9

Jan Diehl: What 50 Years of Gigging Actually Teaches You

Send us Fan Mail Jan Diehl has been playing professionally since he was 12 years old. Saxophone, clarinet, flute, bass — 50 years of gigs, 35 years as a music educator, and more wisdom per sentence than most podcasts deliver in an hour. I showed Jan my app. He told me he'd never use it. And he's right — because Jan isn't who I built it for. I built it for the version of me in 2015. The guy with 142 gigs that year, making $3.85 an hour without knowing it, losing his family to the grind while thinking he was doing everything right. This conversation is honest, funny, and practical. Jan talks about showing up an hour early, why gigs are relationships not transactions, and what he wishes every gigging musician understood from day one. 📲 Download The Money Gigs free: iOS: https://tinyurl.com/yc3hnxbs Android: https://tinyurl.com/46vbt69h 🌿 This episode is sponsored by TryFloral — THC beverages in 2.5, 5, and 10mg varieties. Visit tryfloral.com/themoneygigs for your discount. If this episode gave you something, share it with one musician who needs to hear it. That's how this show grows. You can support the podcast as well: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2509891/support↗️ Support the show Support the show by visiting our sponsor (and get a deal!): TryFloral THC Beverages https://tryfloral.com/themoneygigs Copyright (c) 2026 MoneyGigs, LLC

26 min
Mar 13

Understanding Your Gigs: Touring and Funding Tips with Gregory McKillop

Send us Fan Mail Know your worth—see your real hourly rate and help fellow musicians avoid flying blind by rating the venues you play. 🍎 Download for iOS 🤖 Download for Android Explore more at themoneygigs.com Visit Gregory's website, https://featherandahalf.itch.io/ Show Summary: 🎹 Creative vs. Technical Skill: Lockdown music theory learning made songwriting deliberate, sometimes stifling creative freedom.🚐 Touring Strategy: Gregory's band saw 100-200 attendees at shows, focusing on intimate engagements with limited audience sizes.💰 Funding Strategies: How Gregory raised $2,000 for tour expenses, showcasing creative financial approaches.📱Social Media Dynamics: TikTok success led to new fan interactions, but managing emotional connections remains challenging. Support the show Support the show by visiting our sponsor (and get a deal!): TryFloral THC Beverages https://tryfloral.com/themoneygigs Copyright (c) 2026 MoneyGigs, LLC

45 min
Jan 22

Know Your Worth: Why Partnership Beats the "Homebody Culture" in 2026

Send us Fan Mail Most gigging musicians spend years mastering their craft, but zero hours learning the actual economy of the rooms they play. In an era where post-pandemic "homebody culture" is the new norm, simply showing up and playing a good set isn't enough to keep the doors open—for you or the venue. Today, we sit down with Joby Bowman, owner of Cincinnati’s BrewRiver Creole Kitchen, to bridge the professionalism gap. Joby gives us a rare, vulnerable look at the "Restaurant Squeeze" of 2026, revealing why: Playing a "good set" is only 50% of the reason you get booked.A venue's utility costs have more than doubled since 2018, making every $35 cover critical for survival.Your "posse" of 10 engaged friends is worth more to an owner than 10,000 cold followers on Instagram. 🎁 EXCLUSIVE BREWRIVER PERK: Joby is offering a $10 carry-out gift card to any listener who visits BrewRiver and mentions this podcast, along with the two iconic Cincinnati musicians discussed in this episode. This offer is valid through February 28th, 2026. STOP THE NAPKIN MATH: This episode is powered by MoneyGigs, the app built by and for musicians to calculate real hourly rates and locate top-rated venues. Join our growing community of performers who are using data to protect their creative autonomy and Know Your Worth. MoneyGigs Android MoneyGigs Apple https://www.facebook.com/brewrivercreolekitchen https://brewrivercreolekitchen.com/ Support the show Support the show by visiting our sponsor (and get a deal!): TryFloral THC Beverages https://tryfloral.com/themoneygigs Copyright (c) 2026 MoneyGigs, LLC

27 min
11/28/2025

Cincinnati Musician Tracy Walker on Why Venues Don't Value You (And How to Change That)

Send us Fan Mail Cincinnati music legend Tracy Walker shares 25 years of hard-won wisdom about staying authentic, knowing your value, and building sustainable venue relationships. We talk about the magic of grocery store gigs, why musicians can't save struggling venues, and the moment Tracy learned to step in for herself. Perfect listening while cooking or taking a quiet moment from family. Fitting material for release during Thanksgiving, 2025. https://tracywalker.com/ Music provided by Strange Spaghetti https://themoneygigs.com/podcast #musicianlife, #cincinnatimusic, #giglife, #tracywalker Support the show Support the show by visiting our sponsor (and get a deal!): TryFloral THC Beverages https://tryfloral.com/themoneygigs Copyright (c) 2026 MoneyGigs, LLC

16 min
11/21/2025

MoneyGigs Presents - Cybele

Send us Fan Mail Cybele is a veteran of the Greater Cincinnati music scene, a very gifted singer and keyboardist. We dive into her history and influences, recount a difficult experience with a venue, and discuss the MoneyGigs app. Support the show Support the show by visiting our sponsor (and get a deal!): TryFloral THC Beverages https://tryfloral.com/themoneygigs Copyright (c) 2026 MoneyGigs, LLC

16 min
11/14/2025

MoneyGigs Presents - Nicki Sage

Send us Fan Mail Ever wonder what drives a working musician? Dynamic pop-rock artist and gigging musician Nicki Sage joins us to offer an inspiring look at her career journey. Fresh off her travels, Nicki shares the motivations behind her music, how she stays inspired, and the process of coordinating her upcoming performances. A review of this working musician's world is packed with great music business tips and insights into the mindset required to be a passionate, full-time live performer. Perfect for any singer-songwriter looking for inspiration and real-world advice. https://nickisageofficial.com/ https://themoneygigs.com/ Music provided by Strange Spaghetti Support the show Support the show by visiting our sponsor (and get a deal!): TryFloral THC Beverages https://tryfloral.com/themoneygigs Copyright (c) 2026 MoneyGigs, LLC

14 min
11/14/2025

MoneyGigs - Introduction

Send us Fan Mail Is it possible to truly make a living playing music? This brief introduction explains the intent and mission behind The Money Gigs Podcast and the companion MoneyGigs app. Learn what you can expect from our episodes: real-world advice, inspiring interviews, and practical music business tips designed specifically to help working musicians and singer-songwriters master the business side of the gig economy. Tune in to find out how we help you turn your passion into a profitable and sustainable career. https://themoneygigs.com/ Music provided by Strange Spaghetti Support the show Support the show by visiting our sponsor (and get a deal!): TryFloral THC Beverages https://tryfloral.com/themoneygigs Copyright (c) 2026 MoneyGigs, LLC

4 min

10 Episodes

By gigging musicians, for gigging musicians.

Creator

Cliff Adams
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

10
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© 2026 The MoneyGigs
Show Website

The MoneyGigs