Most musicians dream of stability. Johnny Thirkell built a 50-year career with David Bowie, Paul McCartney, George Michael, and The Who - starting from colliery bands and working men's clubs in the North East.

This isn't about talent. It's about the business systems that keep session musicians working for decades while others struggle after a few years.

Johnny shares the relationship-building frameworks that get you in the room with major artists, the professional standards that ensure callbacks, and the economic strategies that survive massive industry changes - from the 1970s studio system to today's remote recording reality.

Whether you're building a session career or any sustainable music business, the principles are the same: systematic relationship management, clear professional standards, and strategic adaptation to industry shifts.

Topics covered:

• How session musicians actually get hired by major artists
• The relationship maintenance framework that creates repeat clients over decades
• Pricing strategies for session work
• Professional studio standards that ensure callbacks
• Adapting to 50 years of technology and industry changes
• Why "Blown It!!" became a book instead of staying as stories
• Career longevity principles that transfer to independent artists

Show Notes

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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

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