Merch, Money and Survival: Stevie Rachelle on How Musicians Really Get Paid | Episode 008 скачать в хорошем качестве

Merch, Money and Survival: Stevie Rachelle on How Musicians Really Get Paid | Episode 008

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 Rachelle Instagram:   / stevietuff   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... Metal Sludge Website: https://metalsludge.tv/ Tuff Official website: https://tuffcds.com/ Facebook:   / stevierachelle   Backstage Money Instagram:   / backstagemoney   Facebook:   / backstagemoney   Listen on all platforms: https://backstagemoney.captivate.fm/l... Free Financial Resource for Musicians Get the free ebook, A Musician’s Guide to Infinite Banking, at https://1024wealth.com/music 00:00 Introduction 02:10 Touring realities and why playing live still matters 06:45 How bands really make money on the road 10:30 Merchandise as a primary income source 14:50 Selling at the merch table and connecting with fans 18:40 Touring internationally and understanding guarantees 23:10 Physical product, CDs, vinyl, and collector mentality 27:45 Self-releasing music and running RLS Records 32:20 Manufacturing costs, margins, and managing inventory 36:10 Adapting as formats and the industry change 40:15 Treating music like a business for long-term survival 44:30 Advice for independent and touring musicians 48:00 Final thoughts and where to find Stevie online traveling musicians, international music tours, touring Europe, South America music festivals, live music in Thailand, playing in Australia, music opportunities abroad, small band touring, indie band strategies, music industry insights, recording and touring advice, merchandise sales for musicians, financial planning for musicians, self-releasing music, indie record labels, vinyl resurgence in music, navigating the music industry, fan engagement strategies, music promotion tips, artist branding and marketing