The Career Musician Podcast By The Career Musician cover art

The Career Musician

The Career Musician

By: The Career Musician
Listen for free

Learn the secrets of the music industry and how to build a lasting career!Copyright © 2015 Art Entertainment & Performing Arts Music
Episodes
  • #202 Art of the Pivot | Awards Show Shuffle

    #202 Art of the Pivot | Awards Show Shuffle
    Feb 3 2026
    Award season is here — and in this episode of The Career Musician, Nomad and the TCM Pro Team sit down for a post-show Green Room debrief after working an awards-show house band gig in the trenches. We kick things off with a real talk “post-Grammys” perspective: why awards can help your career (visibility, awareness, doors opening)… but why music will always remain opinion-based and subjective — and why no trophy should ever define your value as a working musician. 🎸 Grab the free 3-step Audition Guide: thecareermusician.com/audition Then we go full behind-the-curtain and unpack what actually happened on the show day: ✅ the prep… the advancing… the last-minute curveballs ✅ the playback chaos (sample rate drama + tech chain breakdowns) ✅ the “stop and restart” moment that felt like an eternity ✅ a surprise performance rescue where the house band had to jump in and save the set in real time ✅ and the most unexpected pivot of the night: getting told to “stretch the show” and jam with a full orchestra on the spot This isn’t just a story about an awards show. It’s a masterclass in what it really means to be a career musician: professionalism under pressure, adapting on the fly, and keeping the show moving no matter what. We’re joined by Michael "Ace" Baker, Front of House engineer and production pro, who breaks down what was happening from the mix position and why “plan A” isn’t enough when you’re dealing with live production. Ace’s notable credits include: FOH Engineer for Dream Theater (including their touring production) FOH for Sammy Hagar (including major touring runs) Longtime work with Joe Satriani (including the G3 Tour ) FOH history with Chickenfoot Working alongside guitar heroes like John Petrucci and Mike Mangini through touring worlds that overlap at the highest level Also in this episode... The “awards don’t define you” mindset — and why consistency + relationships beat headlines every time A real-world example of submit & omit / send it & forget it The Green Room format debut: how pros *actually* debrief after the show A reminder that rehearsal studios like CenterStaging are where the pros iron out the chaos before the spotlight hits Nomad also references his colleague and friend Harvey Mason Jr., who leads the The Recording Academy — Find Harvey’s episode in The Career Musician archive for an inside look at how the ecosystem really works here 👉 https://megaphone.link/PAN2101942231 🔥 TCM Pro Tip When the stakes are high and the clock is ticking, don’t just “hope it works.” Lock your fundamentals: Advance your assets early (tracks/video/stems) Never introduce mission-critical files at the last second Build redundancy (backups, alternate plans, human fallbacks) And most importantly: practice the mindset of the pivot Because in the real world… EVERYTHING YOU DO IS AN AUDITION!!! 🌟 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 26 mins
  • #201 The NAMM Show | TCM Pro Guide

    #201 The NAMM Show | TCM Pro Guide
    Jan 19 2026
    Your professionalism is already “enough.”Don’t put management or “important people” on a pedestal. Show up prepared, play great, be a pro. Prioritize relationships over “impressing.”Instead of trying to win over the top boss, find one person in the firm or at the company you can genuinely connect with. Be a good hang; that’s your X-factor.There are tons of great players. What separates you is being a solid human: chill, personable, easy to be around, making others feel comfortable. The “care less, play better” mindset.When you’re too hyped or anxious, your performance suffers. You generally play better when you’re relaxed, not gripping so hard. For introverts: small, doable behaviors.You don’t have to turn into a cartoon extrovert. Just push your comfort zone a bit: smile, say hi, repeat people’s names, be present for a moment. Energy is currency (ETHOS: Attitude + Vibe).Bring positive, high-vibe energy into sessions, shows, and NAMM. Like Kenny Aronoff, you can “save” a room just by the energy you bring. NAMM is for friends, not “networking.”Use the 3-foot rule: if someone’s within three feet, talk to them. Go to NAMM with clear goals, not delusions.Don’t show up thinking, “I’ll get signed to five endorsements in a day.” Instead, go with 1–2 concrete missions. Understand what endorsements really are. Beware of “fake” endorsements that are just tiny discounts and bad support. Real endorsement = you truly back the product, and the company truly backs you. Relationships outlast companies and reps.Artist reps leave. Deals lapse. That’s normal. Keep nurturing relationships so you can re-ignite deals. Say “yes” more, but stay discerning.Don’t shut down opportunities just because they don’t fit your old mental picture (tours, panels, gear deals, etc.) NAMM is more than a gear expo.The NAMM org does year-round work: lobbying in D.C., helping with regulations (woods, tariffs, shipping), and creating educational panels on social media, AI, mental health, business, etc. Everything is an audition — including content.Whether it’s a tour, a bar gig, a podcast, or your IG reel, people are always seeing you “audition” for the next thing. Don’t be jaded — let yourself be excited.Locals love to say “It was better 10 years ago.” That mindset kills joy and keeps you stuck in the past. 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 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecareermusician/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCareerMusician/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecareermusician TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecareermusician Apple: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-Apple Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-Spotify 📚Online Courses → https://www.thecareermusician.com/store 💼Expert Career Coaching → https://www.thecareermusician.com/coaching 💡 TCM Pro Tip: Don't fall into the trap of being jaded, go to ENJOY NAMM and watch your future blossom! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show more Show less
    47 mins
  • #200 Ways To Win as a Career Musician

    #200 Ways To Win as a Career Musician
    Jan 14 2026
    Welcome to Episode 200 of The Career Musician Podcast! This milestone episode celebrates 200 conversations, lessons, and real-world strategies for working musicians. Nomad reflects on recent gigs with legendary bassist Nathan East, introduces the TCM Pro team (Joel Meza and Emily Lauren), and dives deep into the philosophy that's driven the show from day one: action over resolution, principles remain methods change, and execution over perfection. 🎯 Core Philosophy: Action over resolution: Why consistent action compounds into results Methods change, but principles remain The importance of having a Plan of Attack (POA) Done is better than perfect 👥 Meet the TCM Pro Team: Joel Meza and Emily Lauren share their transformative goals for the year Emily's focus: Being present and not "watering all the flowers at once" Joel's commitment: Actively using a CRM (Contacts Relations Manager) to maintain relationships 💡 Key Insights: The danger of over-scheduling and setting unrealistic daily goals How to stay "top of mind" in the music industry The power of sincere relationship building vs. transactional networking Why execution beats perfection every time 🎸 Real Talk: How Nathan East kept the Eric Clapton gig for over 40 years Working with legendary artists (Aretha, Barbara Streisand, Celine Dion, David Foster) The importance of auditioning with intention Minimum Viable Product (MVP) mindset for musicians 📊 Practical Tools Discussed: CRM/Contacts Relations Manager for musicians Plan of Attack (POA) worksheet Audition preparation framework Balancing work, life, and creative pursuits 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:Done is better than perfect. Execute faster than anyone else, and get it to market first. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show more Show less
    20 mins
All stars
Most relevant
Some of the biggest names in the music biz are right here on this podcast...telling us exactly how they made it. I’m really impressed with the production quality and the hosts ability to deliver the information in such an understandable manner and develop a story arc while doing so.
Kudos, Nomad and thank you for this insightful free resource!

Amazingly comprehensive career advice for any musician seeking to go pro!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.