Backstage Money

Jason K Powers
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Music Interviews

Backstage Money is where music and money collide. Host Jason K. Powers talks with musicians and industry insiders about the realities of making a living in music, sharing honest stories, practical insights, and raw lessons to help you stay in control while building a career you love.

  1. Jul 15

    From the Federal Reserve to the Stage: The Economics of Making It in Music, with Murat Iyigun

    What does the music industry actually look like through an economist's eyes? In this episode of Backstage Money, host Jason K. Powers sits down with Murat Iyigun, Professor of Economics and co-founding guitarist of Red Rock Vixens. Murat spent years at the Federal Reserve under Greenspan, has decades in academia studying how markets really work, and has been building and running a band in Colorado at the same time. Murat breaks down why musicians are still getting paid the same nominal fee they were in the 1980s, how AI is about to do to music production what Napster did to distribution, why the label system was always a venture capital game, and what Parkinson's Law has to do with why musicians spend every dollar they make. He talks about winner-take-all economics, the Colorado music scene, managing a 7-piece band where scheduling is harder than booking, and why the sugar daddy is gone and musicians have to be their own bank now. Plus Yngwie Malmsteen going bankrupt, the Doc McGhee and Motley Crue story, and why GoFundMe pages keep popping up for musicians who should have been financially set. One of the most honest and eye-opening conversations we have had on this show. Follow Red Rock Vixens Website: https://redrockvixens.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redrockvixens Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/redrockvix Follow Backstage Money 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 Free Guide for Musicians Download A Musician's Guide to Financial Stability https://1024wealth.com/music

  2. Jun 17

    Jennifer Benson | Just Ask: How Ignescent Built a Career on Bold Moves and Bigger Faith

    What does it really take to build a band from scratch, keep it alive through financial hardship, and land a record deal on your own terms? In this episode of Backstage Money, host Jason K. Powers sits down with Jennifer Benson, founder and lead singer of Ignescent, a female-fronted hard rock band out of Chicago signed to Frontiers Music. Jennifer shares the raw story of building the band herself with no manager, no budget, and no roadmap, getting rejected by Frontiers the first time, nearly shutting the whole thing down, and then getting the email that changed everything. She also talks co-writing with Clint Lowery of Sevendust and Sameer of Flyleaf, the real economics of merch and touring, and what she would tell any young musician just starting out. If you have a dream and you are not sure how to make it real, this episode is for you. Topics include: Building a band from scratch with no manager and no budgetGetting signed to Frontiers Music after years of rejectionWhat the label deal looks like from the insideCo-writing with Clint Lowery, Sameer of Flyleaf, and New Year's DayThe near-breaking point that almost ended the bandWhy merch is still the most reliable income stream for working musiciansThe bad advice that cost money and what she learned from itAdvice for young musicians, especially women, trying to break throughThe flying porta potty story from Rockfest Follow Jennifer Benson and Ignescent Website: https://ignescentmusic.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/180259632048244 Instagram (Band): https://www.instagram.com/ignescentmusic Instagram (Jennifer): https://www.instagram.com/jenniferbenson_ignescent Follow Backstage Money 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 Free Guide for Musicians Download A Musician's Guide to Financial Stability https://1024wealth.com/music

  3. Jun 4

    Franz Nicolay | Band People: From the Tour Bus to Congress, Fighting for the Working Musician

    What happens after the show is over? For most musicians, the reality of a music career isn't private jets, sold-out arenas, or million-dollar record deals. It's long drives, inconsistent income, side gigs, creative fulfillment, and the constant challenge of making a living while pursuing a craft they love. In this episode of Backstage Money, host Jason K. Powers sits down with Franz Nicolay — musician, writer, educator, current member of The Hold Steady, and author of the acclaimed book Band People: Life and Work in Popular Music. Named one of Rolling Stone's best music books of 2024, Band People explores the lives of the working musicians who make up the backbone of the music industry. Franz shares lessons from decades on the road, stories gathered from musicians across the industry, and his work advocating for artists through organizations such as the Future of Music Coalition, including bringing the concerns of working musicians to Congress. This conversation dives into the realities of building a sustainable music career and why musicians need to think beyond the stage if they want longevity. Topics Include:What Franz learned from interviewing dozens of career musiciansThe concept of the "musical middle class"Why musicians often struggle to talk about moneyTouring, side gigs, and the realities of making ends meetSongwriting, publishing, and long-term income streamsBand dynamics and career longevityMusic advocacy and taking musicians' concerns to CongressWhat younger artists should know about building a sustainable career If you're trying to build a career in music, this episode offers a rare look at the people who make the industry work, even when nobody sees their names on the marquee. Follow Franz NicolayWebsite: https://franznicolay.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/franznicolay/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franznicolay/ Book: Band People: Life and Work in Popular Music Follow Backstage MoneyInstagram: 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 Free Guide for MusiciansDownload A Musician's Guide to Infinite Banking https://1024wealth.com/music

  4. May 16

    Door Deals, Merch Money, and Playing to Win | Nikki Starr (That Arena Rock Show)

    What does it take to build a tribute band into a full-time business? In this episode of Backstage Money, host Jason K. Powers talks with Nikki Starr, founder, owner, manager, and guitarist of That Arena Rock Show, about building one of the hardest working tribute bands on the circuit from the ground up. Now up to 94 shows a year, Nikki shares the real business decisions behind the stage show - reinvesting merch money, door deals, betting on yourself, and what it actually takes to make music your full-time job. If you're trying to build a sustainable career in music, this episode is packed with real, hard-won lessons from someone who figured it out. Topics include: Building a tribute band into a real businessReinvesting merch and show money to grow your productionDoor deals and why they changed everythingFinding the right band members who share your visionThe reality of life on the road vs. the dreamWhat it takes to go from 20 shows to 94 shows a year Follow Nikki Starr & That Arena Rock Show Website: https://www.thatarenarockshow.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thatarenarockshow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatarenarockshow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThatArenaRockShow Follow Backstage Money 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 Free Guide for Musicians Download A Musician's Guide to Financial Stability https://1024wealth.com/music

  5. Apr 15

    Lessons From a Career in Rock: What Musicians Need to Know | Shawn Duncan (L.A. Guns)

    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 worldThe realities of touring and performing professionallyWhat younger musicians often misunderstand about the industryWhy relationships and professionalism still matterThe 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. Follow L.A. GunsOfficial Website: https://www.lagunsmusic.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/L.A.GunsOfficial/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laguns/ Follow Shawn DuncanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnduncan007/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawn.duncan2 Follow Backstage MoneyInstagram: 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 Free Resource for MusiciansDownload your free copy of A Musician’s Guide to Financial Stability https://1024wealth.com/music

  6. Apr 3

    Chris Fletcher on Longevity, Industry Reality, and Staying in the Music Business

    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

  7. Mar 23

    Chris Fletcher on Starting a Career in Music and What Most Artists Don’t Understand | Part 1

    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: How Chris Fletcher got started in artist developmentWhat “baby bands” need most early onHow to tell whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced artistWhy releasing music matters more than chasing perfectionWhy musicians still need an email listHow consistent small actions build momentum over timeWhy 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

  8. Mar 10

    Jason Hartless on Touring with Ted Nugent and Building a Career in the Music Business

    In this episode of Backstage Money, host Jason K Powers sits down with Jason Hartless, touring drummer for Ted Nugent and co-owner of Sound City Entertainment, to talk about what it actually takes to build and sustain a career in the music business. Jason shares his story of growing up around music, developing his craft as a drummer, and eventually stepping into the role of touring drummer for rock legend Ted Nugent. Along the way he explains how musicians get hired, what bandleaders are really looking for, and why professionalism, reliability, and attitude often matter just as much as talent. The conversation dives deep into the realities of the modern music industry. Jason talks about touring life, working relationships inside a band, and how musicians navigate an industry where income streams have shifted dramatically over the last two decades. From touring and merchandise to fan engagement and career longevity, he offers a candid look at what it takes to stay working as a musician today. Jason also shares insights into the business side of music, including how artists adapt to the streaming era, how independent musicians can build sustainable careers, and why understanding the financial realities of the industry is essential for long term survival. If you are a drummer, touring musician, band member, or independent artist trying to build a career that lasts, this episode offers a real world look at the music business from someone who has lived it on stage and behind the scenes. 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 Jason Hartless Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonhartless Sound City Entertainment: https://www.instagram.com/soundcity_musicgroup 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

See All (23)

Trailer

About

Backstage Money is where music and money collide. Host Jason K. Powers talks with musicians and industry insiders about the realities of making a living in music, sharing honest stories, practical insights, and raw lessons to help you stay in control while building a career you love.

Information

  • Creator
    Jason K Powers
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 1024 Wealth / Jason K Powers
  • Show Website
    Backstage Money