296 Julia A. Miller, Delmark Records – The Evolution of Delmark's Business Model, How Labels Can Serve As Business Partners To Musicians, And Practical Advice For Leveraging Your Record Label
Release Date: 02/16/2024
325 Music Collaboration: Tracee Perrin on Creative Partnerships, Life in Nashville, and Staying Healthy on Tour
The Unstarving Musician
This music collaboration episode features the return of Tracee Perrin discussing her creative partnerships in Nashville and the release of her 2024 EP "The Clearing." Tracee shares insights about her upcoming single "Seasons Change" with Lauren Anderson and how their collaborative mini-tour succeeded through effective merchandise strategies. We explore the parallels between marriage and musical partnerships, techniques for maintaining vocal health while touring, and the creative process behind their joint content creation. Tracee reflects on embracing artistic challenges and her fear of not...
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324 Abe Partridge - Touring Strategy, Recording, Collaboration, and Documenting Undocumented Folk
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323 Canadian Immigration: Essential Legal Guide for Touring Musicians with Maggie Stewart
The Unstarving Musician
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322 Creative Storytelling: Novelist Sofía Segovia on the Art of Narrative
The Unstarving Musician
Creative storytelling bridges worlds in this special episode where I speak with acclaimed Mexican novelist Sofía Segovia, author of the internationally celebrated book "The Murmur of Bees." Our conversation explores the fascinating parallels between writing novels and creating music - from creative discipline and narrative techniques to building an international audience and adapting to changing industries. This interview had personal significance as Segovia's novel is set in Linares, Mexico. Linares was the birthplace of my father in 1922, creating a powerful connection that became even more...
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321 Maximizing Video Promotion Impact: Andy Gesner's Strategies for Independent Musicians
The Unstarving Musician
Effective video promotion strategies can transform an independent artist’s career, as demonstrated by Hip Video Promo founder Andy Gesner in this informative conversation. With 25 years of experience connecting musicians to audiences through visual content, Andy shares the tactics behind breakthrough successes like Johnny Cash’s “Hurt” and The Lumineers’ “Ho Hey” videos that propelled these artists to new heights of recognition. From his studio in South River, New Jersey, Andy reveals what truly matters in today’s digital landscape: authentic engagement over vanity metrics,...
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320 Musician Health Strategies: Navigating Music Industry Relationships for Career Longevity
The Unstarving Musician
Musician health strategies are essential tools for navigating the complex web of personal and professional relationships that can make or break long-term success in the music industry. This episode explores the unique relationship dynamics that musicians face, where the lines between personal and professional connections often blur in ways both enriching and challenging. Drawing from our Liner Notes Insider three-part series, we examine how to build effective support networks that understand the musician lifestyle, manage the guilt and obligations that come with creative careers, and implement...
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319 Musician Well-being: Breaking the Suffering Artist Myth for Sustainable Success
The Unstarving Musician
This episode explores musician well-being and challenges the persistent "suffering artist" myth. Drawing from recent examples of successful artists like Lizzy McAlpine and Ashe, Robonzo examines how prioritizing mental health leads to sustainable music careers rather than limiting them. Discover practical strategies for setting boundaries, managing performance demands, and creating sustainable touring schedules that protect your creative energy. Learn why being transparent about mental health challenges can actually strengthen fan relationships rather than damage them. Whether you're a touring...
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318 Music Business Essentials – A Musician's Guide to Copyrights, Contracts & Cash Flow
The Unstarving Musician
Music business fundamentals can make or break an artist's career sustainability. In this episode, we break down essential legal and financial practices that help independent musicians protect their work and build sustainable careers. From copyright registration and performance contracts to accounting basics and tax planning, we provide actionable steps for managing the business side of music while staying focused on creativity. Learn how to establish proper documentation, maximize royalty collection, and implement smart financial tracking that will serve your music career for years to come. ...
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317 Tour Planning – Essential Strategies for Independent Musicians' Success
The Unstarving Musician
Tour planning requires careful strategy and execution for independent musicians to succeed on the road. In this episode, I share key insights from Liner Notes Insider on venue selection, tour management, fan engagement, and revenue optimization. Learn practical approaches to building sustainable tours and get a glimpse of the exclusive content available to Liner Notes Insider subscribers. Whether planning your first tour or looking to improve your touring game, this episode delivers actionable tips for the independent touring musician. Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify,...
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316 Home Recording: A Drummer's Guide to Getting Started
The Unstarving Musician
Home recording doesn't require a professional studio - it requires understanding fundamentals, making smart choices about gear, and focusing on performance quality. In this episode, I share my journey from basic podcast recording to producing music, including practical tips on choosing your first DAW, selecting an audio interface, and setting up your recording space. You'll learn about essential gear, common connectivity issues, and how to manage the learning curve without getting overwhelmed. Whether you're a drummer looking to record your kit or a musician wanting to capture your ideas,...
info_outlineIn May 2018, Julia A. Miller became the CEO & President of Delmark Records LLC. That same year, Delmark Records LLC purchased Delmark, the oldest continuously operating jazz and blues independent record label in the United States. Delmark was founded in St. Louis, Missouri in 1953. Julia and company celebrated Delmark's 70th anniversary by releasing a 70th Blues Anthology and a forthcoming 70th Jazz Anthology.
In this conversation, Julia shares with me her background in music and academia, the evolution of Delmark's business model, how labels can serve as a business partner, how musicians can best leverage their labels for business, the challenges Delmark faces as a medium size international business, the role of labels in music publishing, pre and misconceptions faced by women business executives, the value of networking for women in business, the next 5 years, and more.
Please enjoy my conversation with Julia A. Miller of Delmark Records.
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Mentions and Related Episodes
Blues and News interview with Julia (video)
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)
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.
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