After 10 years with the same band and launching his own label, Ezra Vancil has learned that sustainable music careers require business systems—not just passion. In this conversation, he reveals the productivity frameworks he's borrowed from his marketing day job and how they've transformed both his creative output and family dynamics.

→ Liner Notes Insider subscribers get Ezra's complete "Music Career as Business System" framework + his pre-release strategy that sold an album for a full year before streaming.

Key Topics Discussed

• The "fear as compass" approach that guides his creative decisions
• Why he sold his last album direct for a year before streaming (and the revenue impact)
• How business systems thinking improved his relationships with band members and family
• His 5am-8am creative routine that produced a 14-month double album while working full-time
• The house concert preparation framework that turns parties into professional events

Previous Episodes with Ezra

Keeping Your Side of the Street Clean–Ezra Vancil (Ep 182)

A Hidden Album Collection Discovery–Ezra Vancil (Ep 42)

The Mystery of The Flounder – Cozi Anda Flounder (Ep 231)

On Top Of The World – Ezra Vancil Interviews Robonzo About Debut Single (Ep 187)

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Also Mentioned in this Episode

Backline Mental Health & Wellness Resources for Music Industry Professionals

Celebrate Recovery

332 Eli Lev – Spiritual Growth: From 250 Shows to Finding Sacred Space in Music

Kid Andersen on Greaseland Studios, Playing The Blues, Musicianship and Music Ed (Ep 003)

Kid Andersen On TrueFire TV and His Forthcoming Album (Ep 110)

House Concert Tours & Community – Shannon Curtis

No Booker, No Bouncer, No Bartender: How I Made $25K On A 2-Month House Concert Tour, by Shannon Curtis

Resources

The Unstarving Musician's Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo

Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process.

More Resources for musicians

Pardon the Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!

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