Episodios

  • #199: Still Making New Year’s Resolutions? Serious Musicians Do This Instead

    #199: Still Making New Year’s Resolutions? Serious Musicians Do This Instead
    Dec 29 2025
    Action > Resolution New year.New you.New gigs. But not just more gigs. The right gigs. In this episode, Nomad breaks down why New Year’s resolutions don’t work for musicians—and what to do instead if you want real progress this year. Instead of setting goals you’ll forget by February, Nomad introduces a simple Plan of Action (or as he calls it, a Plan of Attack) designed to help you stop procrastinating, stop chasing the wrong opportunities, and start taking consistent action toward the career you actually want. This episode is built around Nomad’s ETHOS framework and the core pillars of The Career Musician—helping you improve your mindset, your business decisions, and your gig and studio life. Why “more gigs” isn’t better if they’re pulling you in the wrong direction The real reason New Year’s resolutions fail musicians How to replace resolutions with a simple Plan of Action Why Nomad also calls it a Plan of Attack (and what you’re actually attacking) How to beat procrastination, self-doubt, complacency, and excuses A clear, easy-to-follow framework you can use all year—not just in January This episode is practical, simple, and built for real working musicians—not hype, not motivation, just action. To go along with this episode, Nomad created a free, fillable one-page Plan of Action worksheet you can use immediately. 👉 Download it here:https://thecareermusician.com This worksheet walks you through: Telling the truth about where you are Choosing one clear focus for the next 90 days Identifying simple weekly actions Building daily momentum—even when you don’t feel motivated This episode and worksheet come directly from ETHOS: The Career Musician’s Code—Nomad’s complete framework for building a sustainable music career. ETHOS shows you how to: Think like a career musician Make smart decisions Take consistent action that leads to real opportunities Learn more at:https://thecareermusician.com Resolutions are easy to break. Action—done consistently—changes everything. If you’re ready to stop hoping and start building, this episode is your starting point. 👉 Download the free worksheet👉 Take action👉 Get after the right gigs 🌟 Nail the Audition and Get the Gig! (Audition Secrets—Free Guide) → https://thecareermusician.com/audition/ 🎛 PA Rehearsal Studios Official Sponsor (L.A.) Get 20% OFF your next booking Use code NOMAD → https://parehearsalstudios.com/ 🎸 JamPlay Guitar Lessons (Free Trial) Sharpen your skills & stay inspired Use code NOMAD → https://jamplay.com/get-free-access?code=NOMAD 📲 Follow The Career Musician Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecareermusician/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCareerMusician/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecareermusician TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecareermusician 🎙 Stream The Podcast: Podcast Hub: https://thecareermusician.com/podcast/ Apple: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-Apple Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-Spotify iHeart: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-iHeart Stitcher: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-Stitcher-Pod 📚Online Courses → https://www.thecareermusician.com/store 💼Expert Career Coaching → https://www.thecareermusician.com/coaching 🔖Read Our Blog → ⁠https://www.thecareermusician.com/blog/⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    11 m
  • #198: Year In Review | Top 10 Episodes of 2025 Wrapped!

    #198: Year In Review | Top 10 Episodes of 2025 Wrapped!
    Dec 24 2025
    Welcome to the 2025 Year in Review Wrap-Up episode! Celebrate our milestones, meet the team, and discover the top 10 career tips that defined this year. From building your brand to mastering auditions and networking, this episode is your guide to thriving as a professional musician. As we approach our 200th episode, Nomad reflects on a year of incredible growth, community, and music industry insights. This episode features reflections on the top 10 career tips of 2025, including: • Building your brand as a musician • The importance of preparation and professionalism • Navigating auditions and getting the gig • Business savvy and protecting standardized rates • Building alliances and networking in the industry • Communication and showing up for yourself and others 🙏 🎶 ❤️ Heartfelt thanks to listeners and the global Career Musician community Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration to help you build a sustainable music career. 🤘 Exclusive Career Musician Resources 🌟 Nail the Audition and Get the Gig! (Audition Secrets—Free Guide) → https://thecareermusician.com/audition/ 🎛 PA Rehearsal Studios Official Sponsor (L.A.) Get 20% OFF your next booking Use code NOMAD → https://parehearsalstudios.com/ 🎸 JamPlay Guitar Lessons (Free Trial) Sharpen your skills & stay inspired Use code NOMAD → https://jamplay.com/get-free-access?code=NOMAD 📲 Follow The Career Musician Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecareermusician/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCareerMusician/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecareermusician TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecareermusician 🎙 Stream The Podcast: Podcast Hub: https://thecareermusician.com/podcast/ Apple: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-Apple Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-Spotify iHeart: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-iHeart Stitcher: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-Stitcher-Pod 📚Online Courses → https://www.thecareermusician.com/store 💼Expert Career Coaching → https://www.thecareermusician.com/coaching 🔖Read Our Blog → https://www.thecareermusician.com/blog/ 💡 TCM Pro Tip: Three qualities that determine you're a TCM Pro—Dedication, Communication, Preparation! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    12 m
  • #197: Crash 'n Crunch with the Beatqualizer

    #197: Crash 'n Crunch with the Beatqualizer
    Dec 15 2025
    🎙️ From Baltimore hustle to shaping a music career on his own terms. Drummer, producer, father, and brand-builder — Bryant Wilson (aka The Beatqualizer) proves that success isn’t defined by location or industry hype. After COVID nearly knocked him out of the game for years, he rebuilt from the ground up: steady wedding gigs, a home studio, his own sample pack, and even branded cereal. Yes — cereal. 🍽️🥁 Bryant’s story is a blueprint for musicians who are determined to provide, create, and stay consistent — no matter what season of life they’re in. In this episode, Bryant & Nomad dive into: ⭐ Consistency > luck — how steady wedding gigs rebuilt his career after COVID ⭐ Create your own opportunities — drum studio, remote sessions, sample packs, and a production team ⭐ Brand yourself like a business — unique products (like drummer cereal!) and always evolving your brand ⭐ Seasons of life and music — balancing fatherhood, ambition, and survival ⭐ Mindset shifts that keep you in the game — comparison kills creativity; focus on your path Exclusive Career Musician Resources 🌟 Nail the Audition and Get the Gig! (Audition Secrets—Free Guide) → https://thecareermusician.com/audition/ 🎛 PA Rehearsal Studios Official Sponsor (L.A.) Get 20% OFF your next booking Use code NOMAD → https://parehearsalstudios.com/ 🎸 JamPlay Guitar Lessons (Free Trial) Sharpen your skills & stay inspired Use code NOMAD → https://jamplay.com/get-free-access?code=NOMAD 📲 Follow The Career Musician: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecareermusician/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCareerMusician/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecareermusician TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecareermusician 🎙 Stream The Podcast: Podcast Hub: https://thecareermusician.com/podcast/ Apple: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-Apple Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-Spotify iHeart: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-iHeart Stitcher: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-Stitcher-Pod 📚Online Courses → https://www.thecareermusician.com/store 💼Expert Career Coaching → https://www.thecareermusician.com/coaching 🔖Read Our Blog → https://www.thecareermusician.com/blog/ 🌐 Find Bryant Wilson on: ⁠https://thebeatqualizer.com/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠💡 TCM Pro Tip:Writing your goals down coupled with consistent work toward those goals will produce results. Be patient and consistent and you will reap the benefits! #careermusician Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    28 m
  • #196: LA's Bass Guy Next Door

    #196: LA's Bass Guy Next Door
    Dec 8 2025
    How a versatile bassist built a career touring with today’s pop stars From Six Flags shows to Coachella, Bonnaroo, and headline runs with modern chart-toppers like Dominic Fike and Remi Wolf, bassist Sean Sobash has built a sustainable touring career through community, versatility, and smart business decisions. He shares how jam sessions led to major gigs, how to negotiate fair pay, when to say no — and why prioritizing relationships will book you far more work than any other avenue. If you’re a young musician dreaming of the road… Sean’s journey is the blueprint. In this episode, Sean, Nomad, and Joel dive into: ⭐ The power of community over cattle calls — jam sessions → touring opportunities (not waiting in 100-person audition lines) ⭐ What touring should pay (and why rates matter) — minimums, sliding scales, and protecting the profession from undercutting ⭐ Knowing when to walk away — juggling overlapping tours, friendships, and long-term opportunities ⭐ Balancing “rockstar energy” with professionalism — look the part, but remember: you’re there to work ⭐ Why versatility = survival — electric bass, synth bass, upright, doubling duties ⭐ Making LA sustainable — networking with intention, good hangs, and keeping your ego out of business decisions 📌 Connect with Sean Sobash Instagram: @seansobash Artist credits: Dominic Fike, Remi Wolf, Luke Hemmings, Rooney… and more Exclusive Career Musician Resources 🌟 VIP All-Access Pass (All TCM Products in One Bundle) → https://thecareermusician.com/membership/all-access-vip-pass/ 🎛 PA Rehearsal Studios Official Sponsor (L.A.) Get 20% OFF your next booking Use code NOMAD → https://parehearsalstudios.com/ 🎸 JamPlay Guitar Lessons (Free Trial) Sharpen your skills & stay inspired Use code NOMAD → https://jamplay.com/get-free-access?code=NOMAD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecareermusician/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCareerMusician/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecareermusician TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecareermusician Podcast Hub: https://thecareermusician.com/podcast/ Apple: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-Apple Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-Spotify iHeart: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-iHeart Stitcher: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-Stitcher-Pod 📚Online Courses → https://www.thecareermusician.com/store 💼Expert Career Coaching → https://www.thecareermusician.com/coaching 🔖Read Our Blog → https://www.thecareermusician.com/blog/ 💡TCM Pro Tip: Whether you're in LA or not, the same rules apply—be a good hang and do the job of playing your instrument consistently and you'll succeed! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h y 22 m
  • #195: Power Of BRAND with Ron Paul Perry

    #195: Power Of BRAND with Ron Paul Perry
    Dec 1 2025
    In this episode, host Nomad sits down with Ron Perry, aka RPP, a seasoned outbound sales leader and former aspiring guitar hero, to unpack the universal principles of success in music and business. Broadcasting from Breckenridge, Colorado, they dive deep into why building a strong personal brand is just as important—if not more so—than mastering your craft.Key Topics: Why “brand” matters as much as talent for musicians and professionals How to develop a marketable identity and create memorable audience experiencesThe role of social media in amplifying your brand Embracing rejection: mastering the “art of no” and playing the numbers game Real-world stories: from LA’s music scene to creative sales tactics (like the legendary “red shoe” story) The importance of networking and being a “good hang” in the industryLessons from icons like John 5, Slash, and the value of standing outHow creative branding can overcome higher prices and competition Takeaways: Your brand is your ticket to opportunity—craft it intentionally Rejection is part of the journey; persistence pays off Networking and being authentic open doors you never expected Creativity and thinking outside the box can set you apart in any field About the Guest: Ron Perry (RPP) is known for his dynamic approach to sales, music, and personal branding. With roots in LA’s music world and a passion for helping others succeed, Ron shares actionable advice and entertaining stories from his career. Follow The Career Musician Podcast for more insights and inspiration Tune in for a blend of music industry wisdom, business strategy, and plenty of laughs! Exclusive Career Musician Resources 🌟 VIP All-Access Pass (All TCM Products in One Bundle) → https://thecareermusician.com/membership/all-access-vip-pass/ 🎛 PA Rehearsal Studios Official Sponsor (L.A.) Get 20% OFF your next booking Use code NOMAD → https://parehearsalstudios.com/ 🎸 JamPlay Guitar Lessons (Free Trial) Sharpen your skills & stay inspired Use code NOMAD → https://jamplay.com/get-free-access?code=NOMAD 📲 Follow The Career Musician Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecareermusician/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCareerMusician/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecareermusicianTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecareermusician 🎙 Stream The Podcast:Podcast Hub: https://thecareermusician.com/podcast/Apple: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-AppleSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-SpotifyiHeart: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-iHeartStitcher: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-Stitcher-Pod 📚Online Courses → https://www.thecareermusician.com/store 💼Expert Career Coaching → https://www.thecareermusician.com/coaching 🔖Read Our Blog → https://www.thecareermusician.com/blog/ 💡 TCM Pro Tip: The power of your brand carries your talent beyond organic reach and opens the gates of discovery for new audiences! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    33 m
  • #194: The Ultimate Guide to Playing in a Hollywood House Band | The HMMAs

    #194: The Ultimate Guide to Playing in a Hollywood House Band | The HMMAs
    Nov 25 2025
    Inside the House Band: What It Really Takes To Play an Elite Hollywood Awards Show with Joel Meza — Drummer/Playback Tech, The Career Musician House Band Most musicians see the glitz, the cameras, the red carpet, and the highlight reels… But very few ever get to experience what really goes down behind the scenes of an elite Hollywood awards show—like the Hollywood Music in Media Awards—especially from the vantage point of the house band. In this episode, Joel gives us his reaction to the vlog in which Nomad pulls back the curtain on the discipline, professionalism, and mindset it takes to thrive in one of the most demanding gigs in the industry. As the Music Director, Nomad shares the unfiltered truth: it’s not about chops alone. It’s about Preparation, Precision, Adaptability, Communication, and Respect—the core pillars of both TCM and The ETHOS. You’ll discover: What separates a “good” musician from a trusted musician on a high-pressure show Why consistency, humility, and reliability matter more than flashy playing How the house band becomes the heartbeat of a live broadcast The mental game required to handle last-minute changes, cue-based performance, and artist unpredictability How to show up like a pro, even in the most chaotic backstage environments The real expectations from producers, directors, artists, and MDs The unwritten rules that every elite house-band member lives by How ETHOS values—Energy, Talent, Humility, Objectivity, and Savvy—are the secret to getting called back Why being musical is only half the job—and being a dependable human is the other half Whether you’re a session cat, a touring musician, a rising pro, or a music-biz student, this episode gives you the blueprint for earning and keeping the kinds of gigs most players only dream about. This is the side of the industry no one teaches. This is music professionalism in real time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    18 m
  • #193: Real World Guitar Ace from Great Britain to LA

    #193: Real World Guitar Ace from Great Britain to LA
    Nov 17 2025
    🎙️ The Career Musician Podcast — Featuring Rob Garland From England to Los Angeles, navigating soul bands, jazz fusion, and iconic guitar hero moments. Rob Garland has built a lasting career through sheer passion, persistence, and the willingness to evolve. From teaching 40+ students during the pandemic to interviewing legends like Steve Vai and Dweezil Zappa, Rob embodies what it means to be a true Career Musician — adaptable, self-made, and dedicated to lifelong growth. Whether he’s performing original music, breaking down fretboard systems, or helping others develop their sound through Real World Guitar, Rob is proof that there’s no single path to a thriving career — only the path you relentlessly walk. In this episode, Nomad & Rob dive into: ⭐ Persistence over perfection — landing interviews and gigs with consistency + professionalism (“You can email someone once and never hear back — don't leave it there.”) ⭐ Diversify or die — live gigs, teaching, online courses, YouTube, real-world auditioning ⭐ Surviving the changing music landscape — from tube amps exploding to digital-only generations (“Digital is great… I don’t think it’s quite the same.”) ⭐ Carving space for your unique musical identity — sounding like you in a world full of clones ⭐ Intentional career building — planning gigs before moving cities, hustling for students, finding visas ✅ 5 Key Takeaways for Career Musicians 1️⃣ Plan your opportunities ahead of time Rob sent audition tapes and answered “guitarists wanted” ads months before moving to the U.S. 2️⃣ Creativity + stubbornness = longevity You don’t just “decide” a music career — you refuse to do anything else. 3️⃣ Diversification keeps you working Teaching, gigging, original music, content, courses — he embraces all revenue lanes. 4️⃣ Persistence beats proximity Some auditions go to friends-of-friends… Keep showing up anyway. 5️⃣ Develop YOUR voice The greats sound like nobody but themselves — strive for that. 📌 Listen & Connect with Rob Garland Website: rwg.robgarland.net Exclusive Career Musician Resources 🌟 VIP All-Access Pass (All TCM Products in One Bundle) → https://thecareermusician.com/membership/all-access-vip-pass/ 🎛 PA Rehearsal Studios Official Sponsor (L.A.) Get 20% OFF your next booking Use code NOMAD → https://parehearsalstudios.com/ 🎸 JamPlay Guitar Lessons (Free Trial) Sharpen your skills & stay inspired Use code NOMAD → https://jamplay.com/get-free-access?code=NOMAD 📲 Follow The Career Musician Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecareermusician/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCareerMusician/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecareermusician TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecareermusician 🎙 Stream The Podcast: Podcast Hub: https://thecareermusician.com/podcast/ Apple: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-Apple Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-Spotify iHeart: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-iHeart Stitcher: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-Stitcher-Pod 📚Online Courses → https://www.thecareermusician.com/store 💼Expert Career Coaching → https://www.thecareermusician.com/coaching 🔖Read Our Blog → https://www.thecareermusician.com/blog/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h y 37 m
  • #192: Dynamic Duo of Music and Business — The Imaginaries

    #192: Dynamic Duo of Music and Business — The Imaginaries
    Nov 10 2025
    The Imaginaries | Dynamic Duo of Music and Business From Norman, Oklahoma to Muscle Shoals and Hollywood, The Imaginaries — the husband-and-wife duo of Maggie McClure & Shane Henry — are carving a bold path as artists, entrepreneurs, and relentless creators. Whether they’re touring the country in their Honda Pilot packed with gear, releasing music infused with Americana soul, or taking business risks that lead to major wins, their story is a masterclass in modern musicianship. Their latest major highlight? Landing a cover of “My Eyes Adored You” on the official soundtrack of the Dennis Quaid film Reagan — as the only unsigned band featured alongside icons like Bob Dylan, Tanya Tucker, Clint Black & Gene Simmons. Even better: they retained ownership of the master thanks to smart negotiation and initiative. Their new album FEVER continues to build momentum, recorded at the legendary studios of Muscle Shoals, where their musical identity first came to lifeIn this episode, The Imaginaries with Nomad & Joel dive into: ⭐ Turning opportunities into long-term wins — including getting placed in a major motion picture & soundtrack ⭐ How they negotiated smart… and kept the master — pushing back when the money wasn’t right and doubling the offer ⭐ Leveraging every skill for a sustainable music career — from sync licensing to acting to real-estate investing & Airbnb businesses ⭐ The Muscle Shoals magic — why recording live as a full band changed everything ⭐ Hustling your own tour — booking 30+ shows themselves when agents only landed a few ⭐ The power of performing arts centers — concerts with built-in audiences, fair pay, hotels, & merch buys ⭐ Longevity as a couple & creative team — building a career AND a marriage with grace, humor, and communication 🌟 Exclusive Career Musician Resources VIP All-Access Pass (All TCM Products in One Bundle) → https://thecareermusician.com/membership/all-access-vip-pass/ PA 🔊 Rehearsal Studios Official Sponsor (L.A.) Get 20% OFF your next booking Use code NOMAD → https://parehearsalstudios.com/ 🎸 JamPlay Guitar Lessons (Free Trial) Sharpen your skills & stay inspired Use code NOMAD → https://jamplay.com/get-free-access?code=NOMAD Follow The Career Musician Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecareermusician/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCareerMusician/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecareermusician TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecareermusician More Helpful Links Online 📚 Courses → https://www.thecareermusician.com/store 💼 Expert Career Coaching → https://www.thecareermusician.com/coaching 🔖 Read Our Blog → https://www.thecareermusician.com/blog/ 💡 TCM Pro Tip: Shane & Maggie show us that your career is built one bold decision at a time. Say yes to the opportunity, yes to the work, and yes to yourself — even when the industry doesn’t hand you permission. Ownership, momentum, and longevity all start with choosing to bet on your own voice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h y 13 m