The Unstarving Musician Robonzo (Roberto R Hernandez)

This episode of The Unstarving Musician explores how independent musicians can effectively use donations as a viable income stream. The conversation covers:
The historical precedent and modern relevance of fan support Crafting compelling donation requests Popular donation platforms and payment options Creating a dedicated donation page Offering incentives to encourage support Tips for successful crowdfunding campaigns Whether you're just starting out or looking to diversify your income, this episode provides practical strategies to engage your fanbase and help sustain your musical journey through donations. Learn how to communicate your needs, maintain transparency, and build stronger connections with your audience while supporting your artistic endeavors.
Get the FREE companion download for this episode!
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes FREE episode companion download 
House Concert Tours & Community – Shannon Curtis 
288 Johnny Burgin – Queretaro Mexico, The Queretablues Festival, His Guitar Masterclass And YouTube Channel, Moving to Memphis, Leaving Chicago, And His Forthcoming Album 
We Are All Musicians Now – Zack O’Malley Greenburg (Ep 226) 
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure)  Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter  and  Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook  and  YouTube
 

This episode dives into the complex world of music composition, master recording ownership, royalties, and income opportunities for independent musicians. 
Discover the benefits of owning your compositions and the importance of master recording ownership in protecting your creative work.  Learn essential tips for navigating the music industry, from Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) to mechanical royalties and synchronization fees. Understand how songwriters earn income from public performances, reproductions, and visual mediums.  The discussion covers the primary income sources for master recordings and emphasizes the importance of signing up with organizations like SoundExchange and a PRO to collect your well-deserved royalties. Further, I cover mechanical royalties for master recordings, components of the collection process, synchronization licensing for both composition and master recording owners, and the role of PROs in paying royalties to songwriters and publishers.
Join me as I unravel the music composition and master recording ownership, and royalties, empowering independent musicians to protect their creative works and maximize their income potential. 
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes Episode 278 Kayana – Drip Release Strategy, Self Forgiveness, Dating, a Short Film Commission, and a Creative Retreat that Gave Her the Theme and Outline for Her Forthcoming Album 
Unraveled by Kayana 
The Rain Song - Led Zeppelin cover by Chiara Kilchling 
Starry Messenger: Cosmic Perspectives on Civilization by Neil deGrasse Tyson 
Unstarving Musician Mug 
How to License Your Music as a DIY Musician
Music Publishing 101: How To Make Money With Your Music 
Owning Your Master Recording: All You Need to Know 
A beginner’s guide to performing rights organizations (PROs) ​
Leading by Example: How Taylor Swift Has Spotlighted Musician Rights and Ownership ​
Music Fairness Action Campaign Launches With Support Of Dionne Warwick
SoundExchange 
BMI 
ASCAP 
SESAC 
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure)  Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit Unstarvi

Songwriting and selling merch at shows were topics of a recent edition of Liner Notes. As I dip my toes back into the waters of writing original material, I looked up the tips du jour to see if I could find some worth sharing. I found a few interesting tips and added a couple of less common thoughts.
Selling merch has been on the top of my mind in recent months, so I thought I'd include a continuation of episode 299, in which I discussed selling music and merch. I haven't made a lot of merch sales at shows, as most of my shows have been as a supporting musician and often in cover bands. I have, however, had the opportunity to work with several original artists, taking note of what works for them. 
I've begun venturing into doing my original material at shows and thinking of merch opportunities for original acts and cover bands. These observations and personal ventures led me to include, in this episode, recommendations for selling more merch at your shows. These tips will help you maximize revenue from merchandise sales at your shows.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes Songwriting Tips: 10 Techniques for Writing Memorable Songs
​How to Write a Song | 12 Songwriting Tips from the Pros 
​Simple Songwriting Guide: How to Write a Song in 5 Steps 
​How to Sell Merch and Music at Shows Without Being ‘Sales-y’
​4 Foolproof Ways to Sell More Merch at Your Shows
Liner Notes: Songwriting and selling more merch at shows 🎶
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure)  Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter  and  Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook  and  YouTube
 

Finding podcast guest appearance opportunities is a cost-effective way to promote your music, share your ideas, attract new fans, and build meaningful connections. It's also a great way to practice for live radio interviews.
In this episode, I cover getting started, how to screen podcasts, giving podcast hosts what they want and need from guests, crafting a compelling guest pitch, being prepared for your interview, the importance of familiarity with the show format, post-interview tips, and more.
You can apply the principles discussed in this episode to interview prospecting for radio, blogs, and YouTube. Pretty awesome, right? If you need something for your press page, podcast interviews are a great addition.
Find a bonus download for crafting the perfect guest pitch email in the "Mentioned in this Episode" section below.
Please enjoy this final episode of The Unstarving Musician.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentioned in this Episode Share "Best Guest Pitch Email (Bonus PDF download - Free)
Podcast Startup 
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure)  Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter  and  Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook  and  YouTube
 

The 2023 Unstarving Musician listener survey indicated that many Unstraving Musician listeners and Liner Notes subscribers were interested in learning more about selling merch and music and how to do it better. Music royalties are a long game, and most musicians won't earn much in royalties in the beginning. An alternative is direct-to-fan music sales. Physical merch and VIP packs are viable means of generating additional revenue for musicians. Furthermore, merch sales can be a way to deepen relationships with your fan base. It can be an opportunity to create new and better experiences for your audience.
This podcast episode focuses on physical merch ideas that connect with fans, drop-shipping, on-demand merchandise, crowd-funding and merch ideas, pre-selling, personalized merch, VIP packs, seasonal merch, and more.
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes ​Printful Custom Print On Demand​ 
​Hello Merch Band Merch​
​Kunaki CDs, Blurays, Vinyl Records​
288 Johnny Burgin – Queretaro Mexico, The Queretablues Festival, His Guitar Masterclass And YouTube Channel, Moving to Memphis, Leaving Chicago, And His Forthcoming Album 
285 Johnny Burgin (Rewind) – Chicago Blues, Music Festivals, The Magic Of The Stage, Pinetop Perkins 
Listening for That Phrase—Johnny Burgin Part 2 (Ep 138) 
Lynz Crichton’s Music Marketing Method (Ep 215)
Songwriting with a Deadline–Lynz Crichton (Ep 49) 
Lynz Crichton on Building a Clan, Learning the Business, Songwriting, and Recording (Ep 14) 
Alicia Van Sant – Happiness And Longevity Of The Wag, Singing Better In Heels, Performing Music Of The Beatles, Blue Bottles And Copper Coins, Making Merch With The Cricut, The Moody Blues, Star Trek, And Lord Of The Rings #266
The Cricut Maker Cutting Machine 
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure)  Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter  and  Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook  and  YouT

This episode is about how musicians can create gigs. I have written much about finding and booking better gigs, but my perspective has expanded since I started the podcast. If you'd like to read about how I started finding and booking gigs consistently, check out The Unstarving Musician's Guide To Getting Paid Gigs.
This episode is inspired  a strategy fellow musician ​Arlene Paculan​ (featured in episode 112) shared with me and how it has applied to my world. Arlene shared the idea of creating gigs. Her approach lead to Arline performing regularly and winning music awards. I cover details of Arlene's strategy, first-hand experience creating gigs, house concerts, open jams, gig swaps, awards events, volunteering, press kits, online booking resources, and more.
I know from experience that the strategies discussed in this episode can help musicians create gigs. Hopefully the discussion will inspire you to create gigs. If you have experience creating gigs, contact me. I'd love to hear your story. 
Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers.
Learn how you can offer your support.
This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career.
Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?
To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.
This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.
Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.
Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
Mentions and Related Episodes Arlene Paculan – Community and the Power of Connection (Ep 112) 
285 Johnny Burgin (Rewind) – Chicago Blues, Music Festivals, The Magic Of The Stage, Pinetop Perkins 
Listening For That Phrase— Johnny Burgin (Part 2) (Ep 138) 
Why Musicians Shouldn’t Have a Cell Phone on Stage – Rockin’ Johnny Burgin (Ep 31) 
Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income
Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.
More Resources for musicians
Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure)  Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!
Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals.
Stay in touch!
@RobonzoDrummer on Twitter  and  Instagram
@UnstarvingMusician on Facebook  and  YouTube