Backstage Money

Jason K Powers
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  • 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. 3D AGO

    Danny Zelisko on Guarantees, Ticket Prices, and Why Some Bands Get Booked (Part 1)

    In this episode of Backstage Money, Jason K Powers sits down with Danny Zelisko, a veteran concert promoter whose career spans back to 1974 and includes working with some of the biggest artists in live music history. Danny shares his origin story and how he got into concert promotion, from discovering music as a teenager to booking his first shows and learning the business through real-world trial and error. He breaks down what concert promoters actually do, how booking decisions are made, and why understanding the market matters more than ego. The conversation dives into guarantees, ticket pricing, and the hard realities of live music economics. Danny explains why some bands keep getting booked while others don’t, how pricing mistakes can stall careers, and why promoters have to balance risk, audience trust, and long-term relationships. This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation. Part 2 goes deeper into touring risk, selling tickets, market realities, and what it really takes to survive in live music over the long haul. 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 Danny ZeliskoWebsite: https://dzplive.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dannyzeliskopresents Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dzpresents/ X: https://x.com/dzpresents Backstage MoneyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/backstagemoney Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/backstagemoney Free Financial Resource for MusiciansGet the free ebook A Musician’s Guide to Infinite Banking https://1024wealth.com/music

    42 min

  2. JAN 30

    The Next Evolution of Music Funding, with Justin Longo of MariNation

    In this episode of Backstage Money, host Jason K Powers sits down with Justin Longo, founder and CEO of MariNation, a new platform exploring how fans, artists, and data could reshape the way music is funded. Justin breaks down the problem artists face today, streaming pays more than ever at the industry level, but individual artists see less value per song than ever before. The conversation explores how artists are forced to self-fund releases, tours, and content long before the music ever generates income, and why that financial pressure often stalls creative momentum. Justin explains how MariNation approaches this challenge through a fantasy-style, risk-free music investing game that tracks real artist performance data, allowing fans to engage with music in a deeper way while competing for real prizes and experiences. The discussion also looks ahead at what the future could hold, including artist equity, fan participation, and new ways artists might fund careers without selling off their rights too early. This episode is for independent musicians, touring artists, music entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in the intersection of music, technology, and financial sustainability. 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 Justin Longo & MariNationWebsite: https://marinationmusic.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mari__nation TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mari..nation Backstage MoneyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/backstagemoney Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/backstagemoney Free Financial Resource for MusiciansGet the free ebook A Musician’s Guide to Infinite Banking https://1024wealth.com/music

    37 min

  3. JAN 20

    Dale Thompson of Bride: 40 Years in Music and What It Really Takes to Survive

    In this episode of Backstage Money, Jason K Powers sits down with Dale Thompson, lead vocalist of the band Bride, for an honest conversation about longevity, faith, and what it really takes to survive in the music industry for four decades. Dale reflects on his journey with Bride, including hard-earned lessons from early record deals that did not work in the band’s favor. He speaks candidly about being taken advantage of by labels, learning the business side of music the hard way, and why understanding contracts, ownership, and money matters is critical for artists who want to last. The conversation covers the realities of building and sustaining a band through constant industry change, from touring and recording to navigating setbacks, reinvention, and burnout. Dale also shares how faith, discipline, and staying true to your message helped him endure challenges that end many music careers. This episode is a must-listen for musicians, artists of faith, independent bands, and anyone who wants a real-world look at the business mistakes, lessons, and mindset required to build a career that lasts. 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 Dale ThompsonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dalethompson1963/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DaleThompsonBrideVocalist BrideInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bride.band/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BridebandOn/ Website: https://www.bridepub.com/ Backstage MoneyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/backstagemoney Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/backstagemoney Listen on all platforms: https://backstagemoney.captivate.fm/listen Free Financial Resource for MusiciansGet the free ebook, A Musician’s Guide to Infinite Banking, at https://1024wealth.com/music

    34 min

  4. JAN 14

    Merch, Money, and Survival: Stevie Rachelle on How Musicians Really Get Paid

    In Part 2 of this Backstage Money conversation, Jason K Powers continues his discussion with Stevie Rachelle, lead singer of Tuff and founder of Metal Sludge, diving deeper into how musicians actually survive financially over the long haul. Stevie breaks down the real economics of touring internationally, why getting in front of people often matters more than upfront guarantees, and how merchandise has become a critical revenue stream for working bands. He shares practical insight into selling directly to fans, building relationships at the merch table, and making the most of every opportunity on the road. The conversation also explores Stevie’s long-running DIY approach through RLS Records, including self-releasing music, manufacturing physical product, distributing to independent record stores, and adapting as formats shifted from CDs to vinyl to streaming and back again. Stevie explains why physical product still matters, how collectors think, and why artists who treat music like a business give themselves a better chance at longevity. This episode is essential listening for independent musicians, touring artists, and anyone looking to understand the real money mechanics behind a sustainable music career. This is Part 2 of a two-part conversation. Part 1 focuses on Stevie’s early journey, mindset, and the risks required to get started. 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 Stevie RachelleInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/StevieTuff Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100050872071674 Metal Sludge Website: https://metalsludge.tv/ Tuff Official website: https://tuffcds.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StevieRachelle Backstage MoneyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/backstagemoney Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/backstagemoney Free Financial Resource for MusiciansGet the free ebook, A Musician’s Guide to Infinite Banking, at https://1024wealth.com/music

    39 min

  5. JAN 9

    From One-Way Ticket to MTV: Stevie Rachelle on Betting on Yourself in Music

    In this episode of Backstage Money, Jason K Powers sits down with Stevie Rachelle, lead singer of the band Tuff and founder of Metal Sludge, for a wide-ranging conversation about taking risks, betting on yourself, and doing whatever it takes to make a music career happen. Stevie shares the early chapters of his story, from leaving home with little more than belief and determination to landing major opportunities in the Los Angeles music scene. He talks candidly about mindset, sacrifice, and why waiting for permission is often the fastest way to never get started. This first part focuses on the decisions, risks, and mentality required to chase a career in music, long before record deals, MTV, or industry recognition entered the picture. Stevie offers perspective that is especially relevant for musicians at the beginning or middle of their journey who are wondering whether to play it safe or go all in. This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation. Part 2 dives deeper into the business side of music, including touring, merchandise, money realities, and long-term survival in the industry. 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 Stevie RachelleInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/StevieTuff Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100050872071674 Metal Sludge Website: https://metalsludge.tv/ Tuff Official website: https://tuffcds.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StevieRachelle Backstage MoneyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/backstagemoney Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/backstagemoney Free Financial Resource for MusiciansGet the free ebook, A Musician’s Guide to Infinite Banking, at https://1024wealth.com/music

    49 min

  6. JAN 2

    IndieX Insights: Growing Your Music Career with Jack McCarthy

    In this episode of Backstage Money, Jason K Powers sits down with Jack McCarthy, entrepreneur, touring veteran, and co-founder of IndieX at Indepreneur, the agency helping artists build sustainable, direct-to-fan revenue. Jack shares his journey from touring guitarist and guitar tech to building one of the leading artist-focused e-commerce and marketing teams in the industry. He breaks down why so many musicians stay stuck in feast-or-famine income cycles and how treating your music like a real business can change everything. The conversation dives deep into direct-to-fan sales, owning your data, e-commerce strategy, touring versus streaming income, and why artists need systems they can control. Jack explains how artists of all sizes can stabilize revenue, better serve their fans, and build long-term sustainability instead of relying solely on platforms and algorithms they do not own. This episode is a must-listen for independent musicians, touring artists, managers, and anyone serious about building a music career that lasts. 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 Jack McCarthyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/indepreneur Indepreneur Site: https://indepreneur.io IndieX Site: https://indepreneur.io/about-indiex Backstage MoneyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/backstagemoney Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/backstagemoney Free Financial Resource for MusiciansGet the free ebook, A Musician’s Guide to Infinite Banking, at https://1024wealth.com/music

    54 min

  7. 12/27/2025

    From Passion to Purpose: A Musical Journey with Grace Graber

    In this episode of Backstage Money, Jason K Powers sits down with Grace Graber, a rising Christian pop punk artist known for her bold covers, raw honesty, and outspoken conversations around mental health, faith, and the realities of being an independent musician. Grace shares her powerful origin story, including how music played a role in saving her life, what led her to pursue a career in music, and why authenticity matters more than image. From moving to Nashville and building her career independently, to balancing touring, social media growth, and working a day job, she gives an unfiltered look at what it actually takes to keep going as an artist today. The conversation dives into the business side of music, including why streaming income alone is not enough, how touring and merchandise have become essential, and the financial pressure musicians face behind the scenes. Grace speaks candidly about money stress, uncertainty, and the emotional toll of chasing a calling in an industry that rarely offers stability. This episode is a must-listen for independent musicians, Nashville artists, pop punk fans, and anyone trying to balance creativity, faith, mental health, and real-world financial pressure while building a career that lasts. Topics covered include: Independent music careers Touring and merchandise as income Streaming realities for artists Social media growth and visibility Mental health and faith Working a day job while pursuing music Financial pressure in the music industry 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 Grace Graber Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracegraber Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gracegrabermusic Website: https://www.gracegraber.com Backstage Money Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backstagemoney Facebook: https://facebook.com/backstagemoney Get the free ebook, A Musician’s Guide to Infinite Banking, at https://1024wealth.com/music

    53 min

  8. 12/18/2025

    From Garage to Grammy Nominations: The Music & Money Journey of Pillar

    The podcast delves into the multifaceted life of Michael 'Kalel' Wittig, whose journey as a musician transcends mere performance. His leadership in the business aspects of Pillar showcases a pivotal understanding of the music industry's dynamics, particularly in the context of financial management. Wittig shares candid insights about the challenges faced by musicians, emphasizing the importance of resilience and adaptability in navigating the tumultuous waters of the music business. He reflects on the band's strategic decisions, including the choice to focus on regional recognition before expanding their reach, thereby establishing a solid foundation that would support their later success. Furthermore, Wittig discusses the significance of communication within the band, highlighting how improved interpersonal dynamics could have altered the course of their history. The episode serves as a poignant reminder that the journey of a musician is not merely about artistry but also about the intricate business acumen that underpins their success. www.pillarmusic.com Pillar Facebook & Instagram: @pillarmusic Michael Wittig Instagram: @wittigworks Michael Wittig Facebook: @michaelwittig Backstage Money Facebook & Instagram: @backstagemoney Grab your free e-book, A Musicians Guide to Infinite Banking at www.1024weath.com/music

    53 min
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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
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 1024 Wealth / Jason K Powers
  • Show Website
    Backstage Money