BONUS EPISODE: The State of Live Music in 2025: Especially for Smaller Venues

In this powerful return episode, Chris G sits down with Orlando-based rapper, singer, and voiceover artist E-Turn — one of the most respected indie artists in the Southeast. With a deep catalog, multiple Florida tours, and voiceover credits for brands like Kmart, E-Turn shares her wisdom on building an independent music career with intention, grit, and grace. We dive into the realities of DIY touring, how she landed her first tour with Homeboy Sandman, tips for booking shows the right way, and the surprising overlap between voice acting and the music business. E-Turn also shares her pivot into voiceover work, managing burnout, and why aligning your craft with your purpose is essential for long-term success. Whether you're an artist, promoter, or someone navigating the creative industry, this conversation is full of gold — from tour booking strategies and energy management on the road to monetizing your voice in unexpected ways. 🔐 Plus: Head over to Patreon for an exclusive bonus segment where E-Turn and Chris break down a real tour booking email step-by-step — and how to write one that actually gets a response. 💡 Topics Covered: Building genuine relationships in the music industry How to book your own tour (even as an indie artist) Touring tips: energy management, merch strategy, and mental health Transitioning into voiceover work (and how to get started) Leveraging past work to promote new music Making merch that actually sells How to define "making it" on your own terms 🎶 Guest Info: Follow E-Turn: Instagram – @eturnmusic Spotify – E-Turn on Spotify Website – eturnmusic.com 🔗 Connect with the Making It Academy Network 🎓 Website + Courses: makingitwithchrisg.com 📺 YouTube: @chrisgoyzueta 💼 LinkedIn: Making It Academy 💥 Patreon (Bonus Content + Live Workshops): patreon.com/makingitacademy

What do anime, jazz trombone, and a sold-out national tour have in common? In this episode of Making It with Chris G, we sit down with musician, creative director, and founder of Cowboy Bebop Live — Corey Paul — for a high-energy, deeply honest conversation about the real journey of building a music career from scratch. 🎷 From growing up on classical and jazz in Orlando to turning his anime fandom into a full-blown multimedia concert experience, Corey shares the behind-the-scenes of how he built a career in live music — from local jam sessions to performing with David Foster and Ariana Grande, to selling out venues with his anime-jazz tribute band. 🎧 In this episode, we dive into: Corey's early days playing trombone and switching from classical to jazz Why UCF's location (not ranking) helped launch his music career The importance of community, the "hang," and showing up like a pro A breakdown of Orlando's gigging ecosystem: weddings, parks, corporate gigs & more How Cowboy Bebop Live went from dive bar to nationwide phenomenon What it's really like to tour for 9 weeks straight with 13 people Financial realities: health insurance, taxes, unions, and planning for retirement as a freelance musician Corey's advice for new musicians navigating the road, logistics, and creative fulfillment Plus: anime fans, this one's for you — hear how Corey reverse-engineered a dream show for fans and newcomers, and how he landed partnerships with Crunchyroll, Bandai, and Live Nation. 🔗 Connect with Corey Paul: Instagram: @cowboybeboplive Website: https://www.cowboybeboplive.com 🔗 Connect with the Making It Academy Network 🎓 Website + Courses: makingitwithchrisg.com 📺 YouTube: @chrisgoyzueta 💼 LinkedIn: Making It Academy 💥 Patreon (Bonus Content + Live Workshops): patreon.com/makingitacademy

What does it really take to build a sustainable music career as a woman — from college to touring to thriving as a creative entrepreneur? In this live AMA session turned podcast episode, Chris Goyzueta sits down with Bree Noble — musician, founder of the Female Musician Academy, host of the Profitable Musician Podcast, and long-time champion for women in music — for a real, no-fluff conversation about what it takes to create a lasting career that supports your life, not just your streams. 🎧 In this episode, we explore: Bree's journey from corporate finance to touring artist to full-time educator Why women are crushing it in classrooms — but still underrepresented on stage and in studios How Bree found her niche performing for moms and church groups (while parenting herself) The "shadow career" trap — and how to know when it's time to leap Why artists need to stop relying on labels and build like businesses The truth about social media consistency, email marketing, and fan relationships What real allyship looks like for men in the industry Bree's advice for young women designing a music career that works for them Whether you're a student, indie artist, or music industry pro, this conversation will leave you inspired, informed, and ready to build a career that lasts. 🔗 Resources & Links: Profitable Musician – Free 39 Income Streams Guide Female Musician Academy Bree's Podcast: The Profitable Musician Bree on IG: @profitablemusicianllc 🔗 Connect with the Making It Academy Network 🎓 Website + Courses: makingitwithchrisg.com 📺 YouTube: @chrisgoyzueta 💼 LinkedIn: Making It Academy 💥 Patreon (Bonus Content + Live Workshops): patreon.com/makingitacademy

We're back and we're kicking off this new season with a powerful, full-circle conversation! In this episode, Chris sits down with his longtime friend and marketing mentor Greg Rolett, plus Greg's 12-year-old son Colt, co-creator of The Brolletts Podcast and a rising content entrepreneur in his own right. Together, they've launched a sunglass brand, built a content-first media company, and are stacking at-bats in the game of brand building—one piece of content at a time. 🎧 What You'll Learn: How Greg introduced Chris to digital marketing (back in the street-team email sign-up days) The origin of The Brolletts podcast + how they've built a media brand with 250k+ video views The "baseball content" strategy that anyone—from bands to businesses—can replicate Why more artists and athletes should start podcasts (even if you're only 12) Content formats, short-form hacks, and how AI is making all of it easier The "shoot your shot" mindset: how Colt lands big-name podcast guests with cold DMs Guerrilla marketing lessons from the past—and how they're still relevant today Why consistency and speed of implementation win in content creation 🔥 Plus: Hear how Colt's hustle landed their sunglasses on viral baseball players, and why Greg believes every musician, creator, and student should be documenting the journey now—not later. 🎯 Whether you're an artist trying to grow your fanbase, a parent raising a future creative, or just want to get better at content, this episode delivers gold. 🎥 Watch The Brolletts Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@thebrolletts8253 🕶️ Check Out Their Sunglass Brand: https://areteshades.com/  📬 Join the Patreon Bonus Segment on Distribution: https://www.patreon.com/c/makingitacademy   

🎙️ BONUS EPISODE: Why Small Venues Are Struggling in 2024 (And What's Coming Next) The live music industry is in a major transition. In this bonus episode, we break down why smaller venues and developing artists are facing serious challenges in 2024—and why there's still hope on the horizon. If you're a venue owner, promoter, artist, or industry pro, this is a must-listen. We cover: The slowdown in ticket sales for venues under 2,000 capacity Why A-list tours are booming while clubs are closing The impact of rising artist fees, interest rates, and production costs How declining alcohol sales from Gen Z and Millennials are affecting the bottom line Why historic venues like Rockwood Music Hall are shutting down What's happening to festivals—and why 170+ were canceled this year The real story behind skyrocketing ticket fees Why Q3 will be rough—but Q4 could be a massive rebound 🎯 Whether you're running shows, planning tours, or trying to understand the current market, this episode delivers a clear picture of the landscape—and where the smart bets are for 2025. 🔗 Connect with the Making It Academy Network 🎓 Website + Courses: makingitwithchrisg.com 📺 YouTube: @chrisgoyzueta 💼 LinkedIn: Making It Academy 💥 Patreon (Bonus Content + Live Workshops): patreon.com/makingitacademy

We're back and warming up for the official return of Making It with Chris G this Thursday with a brand new format: the Coffee Chat Q&A ☕️🎧 In this special bonus episode, Chris answers your burning questions about how to get started in the music industry, even if you're in college, just graduated, or trying to pivot careers. We dive into: ✅ How to land your first internships (and when to start) ✅ The best side hustles for artists and aspiring tour managers ✅ Why working events is the fastest gateway to the live business ✅ How to build a network before you have experience ✅ Creative ways to stand out without a huge social following ✅ How to book venues and promote shows with no budget ✅ Building artist and promoter careers from scratch This is real, no-fluff advice from someone who's lived it from talent buying at Live Nation and AEG to managing artists and running Making It Academy. 🎧 New episodes every Thursday. Let's make it—together. 🔗 Connect with the Making It Academy Network 🎓 Website + Courses: makingitwithchrisg.com 📺 YouTube: @chrisgoyzueta 💼 LinkedIn: Making It Academy 💥 Patreon (Bonus Content + Live Workshops): patreon.com/makingitacademy

🎙️ The Podcast Is Back – Starting May 29th! After a much needed break, Making It with Chris G is BACK and better than ever. Relaunching May 29th, this new season is laser-focused on giving artists, creatives, and live music professionals the real tools they need to thrive in today's fast-changing industry. Each week, we dive into honest conversations with artists, managers, content creators, and music entrepreneurs who are building careers on their own terms. We talk branding, content creation, AI, mental health, touring, networking and everything in between. Whether you're a rising artist, music student, or aspiring tour manager, this podcast is your weekly dose of strategy, inspiration, and truth from behind the scenes of the live music world. 🎧 Subscribe now and get ready for powerful new episodes every week starting May 29th. 🔗 Stay Connected with the Making It Academy Network: 📺 YouTube: youtube.com/@chrisgoyzueta 💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/making-it-academy 🎓 Courses + Free Resources: makingitwithchrisg.com 💥 Patreon (Bonus Content + Workshops): patreon.com/c/makingitacademy 🗝️ Topics You'll Hear About: • Branding and identity for artists • Content creation strategies that work • Building a career in live music • AI tools for creatives • Booking shows and building community • Mental health in the industry • Touring tips and behind-the-scenes stories Hit "Follow," and let's make it together.

It's hard for musicians and people in the music business to find accountants and tax experts that understand how our industry works. Steph Belcher is a tax and business expert that has worked in many different areas of the music industry for 20 years. She's worked with some really big names in the music industry, and during the 2008 market crash, started transitioning to working with taxes and bookkeeping. Today, she helps musicians all over the country with filing their taxes and setting up their businesses.  To learn more about Step Belcher visit https://stephbelcher.com/.  Join the Academy: https://www.patreon.com/makingitacademy Got questions? Leave a comment or send me a DM on IG  https://www.instagram.com/makingitwithchrisg/  Who Am I? I've booked, promoted, and produced over 2,500 shows with the world's biggest promoters (Live Nation and AEG Presents) and independently. Here is more about my background - http://www.makingitwithchrisg.com/aboutme.  What's that sound?I have Tourette Syndrome, which is why you may hear a regular vocal sound. My producer calls it Jazz. I have quite a few tics and have had Tourette Syndrome since I was 6 years old. To learn more about Tourette's or support research for Tourette Syndrome, please visit https://tourette.org/. 

Tara Divina is a heart-healing medicine musician who creates songs to bring our deepest prayers into reality. She draws on her experience as a Vice President at the Warner Music Group to offer business coaching for conscious musicians, visionary artists, and business owners so they can build an organic fan base using authentic self-expression, and generate a sustainable income using all of their gifts. Tara has worked with hundreds of musicians and dozens of record labels over 10+ years to generate tens of millions in digital music sales. She currently works with a small, exclusive selection of musicians, authors, and artists to help them reclaim their identity as creative artists, integrate it into their existing businesses, and build a following. In this episode, we discuss branding, Spotify playlisting, engaging with people on social media, crowdfunding, and much more.  You can learn more about Tara at taradivina.com Join the Academy: https://www.patreon.com/makingitacademy Got questions? Leave a comment or send me a DM on IG  https://www.instagram.com/makingitwithchrisg/  Who Am I? I've booked, promoted, and produced over 2,500 shows with the world's biggest promoters (Live Nation and AEG Presents) and independently. Here is more about my background - http://www.makingitwithchrisg.com/aboutme.  What's that sound?I have Tourette Syndrome, which is why you may hear a regular vocal sound. My producer calls it Jazz. I have quite a few tics and have had Tourette Syndrome since I was 6 years old. To learn more about Tourette's or support research for Tourette Syndrome, please visit https://tourette.org/. 

So much talk about NFT's, Crypto, and Web 3.0. Is it something that every music artist should be using though? Or at what point should artists start using NFT's? How can they add value to your community and brand? In this episode of the NIFTY Music Show, Greg Rollett, and I discuss these topics and take a deep dive on how NFT's can create community, offer value, and much more.  Connect with Greg Rollett at https://www.instagram.com/gregrollett. Join the Academy: https://www.patreon.com/makingitacademy Got questions? Leave a comment or send me a DM on IG  https://www.instagram.com/makingitwithchrisg/  Who Am I? I've booked, promoted, and produced over 2,500 shows with the world's biggest promoters (Live Nation and AEG Presents) and independently. Here is more about my background - http://www.makingitwithchrisg.com/aboutme.  What's that sound?I have Tourette Syndrome, which is why you may hear a regular vocal sound. My producer calls it Jazz. I have quite a few tics and have had Tourette Syndrome since I was 6 years old. To learn more about Tourette's or support research for Tourette Syndrome, please visit https://tourette.org/.