In Part 2 of this Backstage Money conversation, Jason K Powers continues his discussion with Stevie Rachelle, lead singer of Tuff and founder of Metal Sludge, diving deeper into how musicians actually survive financially over the long haul.

Stevie breaks down the real economics of touring internationally, why getting in front of people often matters more than upfront guarantees, and how merchandise has become a critical revenue stream for working bands. He shares practical insight into selling directly to fans, building relationships at the merch table, and making the most of every opportunity on the road.

The conversation also explores Stevie’s long-running DIY approach through RLS Records, including self-releasing music, manufacturing physical product, distributing to independent record stores, and adapting as formats shifted from CDs to vinyl to streaming and back again. Stevie explains why physical product still matters, how collectors think, and why artists who treat music like a business give themselves a better chance at longevity.

This episode is essential listening for independent musicians, touring artists, and anyone looking to understand the real money mechanics behind a sustainable music career.

This is Part 2 of a two-part conversation. Part 1 focuses on Stevie’s early journey, mindset, and the risks required to get started.

Backstage Money is real-world finance for musicians, where music and money collide through honest conversations with artists and industry professionals who are living it.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/StevieTuff

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100050872071674

Metal Sludge

Website: https://metalsludge.tv/

Tuff

Official website: https://tuffcds.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StevieRachelle

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backstagemoney

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/backstagemoney

Get the free ebook, A Musician’s Guide to Infinite Banking, at

https://1024wealth.com/music

In this episode of Backstage Money, Jason K Powers sits down with Stevie Rachelle, lead singer of the band Tuff and founder of Metal Sludge, for a wide-ranging conversation about taking risks, betting on yourself, and doing whatever it takes to make a music career happen.

Stevie shares the early chapters of his story, from leaving home with little more than belief and determination to landing major opportunities in the Los Angeles music scene. He talks candidly about mindset, sacrifice, and why waiting for permission is often the fastest way to never get started.

This first part focuses on the decisions, risks, and mentality required to chase a career in music, long before record deals, MTV, or industry recognition entered the picture. Stevie offers perspective that is especially relevant for musicians at the beginning or middle of their journey who are wondering whether to play it safe or go all in.

This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation. Part 2 dives deeper into the business side of music, including touring, merchandise, money realities, and long-term survival in the industry.

Backstage Money is real-world finance for musicians, where music and money collide through honest conversations with artists and industry professionals who are living it.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/StevieTuff

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100050872071674

Metal Sludge

Website: https://metalsludge.tv/

Tuff

Official website: https://tuffcds.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StevieRachelle

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backstagemoney

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/backstagemoney

Get the free ebook, A Musician’s Guide to Infinite Banking, at

https://1024wealth.com/music

In this episode of Backstage Money, Jason K Powers sits down with Jack McCarthy, entrepreneur, touring veteran, and co-founder of IndieX at Indepreneur, the agency helping artists build sustainable, direct-to-fan revenue.

Jack shares his journey from touring guitarist and guitar tech to building one of the leading artist-focused e-commerce and marketing teams in the industry. He breaks down why so many musicians stay stuck in feast-or-famine income cycles and how treating your music like a real business can change everything.

The conversation dives deep into direct-to-fan sales, owning your data, e-commerce strategy, touring versus streaming income, and why artists need systems they can control. Jack explains how artists of all sizes can stabilize revenue, better serve their fans, and build long-term sustainability instead of relying solely on platforms and algorithms they do not own.

This episode is a must-listen for independent musicians, touring artists, managers, and anyone serious about building a music career that lasts.

Backstage Money is real-world finance for musicians, where music and money collide through honest conversations with artists and industry professionals who are living it.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indepreneur

Indepreneur Site: https://indepreneur.io

IndieX Site: https://indepreneur.io/about-indiex

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backstagemoney

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/backstagemoney

Get the free ebook, A Musician’s Guide to Infinite Banking, at

https://1024wealth.com/music

In this episode of Backstage Money, Jason K Powers sits down with Grace Graber, a rising Christian pop punk artist known for her bold covers, raw honesty, and outspoken conversations around mental health, faith, and the realities of being an independent musician.

Grace shares her powerful origin story, including how music played a role in saving her life, what led her to pursue a career in music, and why authenticity matters more than image. From moving to Nashville and building her career independently, to balancing touring, social media growth, and working a day job, she gives an unfiltered look at what it actually takes to keep going as an artist today.

The conversation dives into the business side of music, including why streaming income alone is not enough, how touring and merchandise have become essential, and the financial pressure musicians face behind the scenes. Grace speaks candidly about money stress, uncertainty, and the emotional toll of chasing a calling in an industry that rarely offers stability.

This episode is a must-listen for independent musicians, Nashville artists, pop punk fans, and anyone trying to balance creativity, faith, mental health, and real-world financial pressure while building a career that lasts.

Topics covered include:

1. Independent music careers
2. Touring and merchandise as income
3. Streaming realities for artists
4. Social media growth and visibility
5. Mental health and faith
6. Working a day job while pursuing music
7. Financial pressure in the music industry

Backstage Money is real-world finance for musicians, where music and money collide through honest conversations with artists and industry professionals who are living it.

Connect with Grace Graber

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracegraber

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gracegrabermusic

Website: https://www.gracegraber.com

Backstage Money

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backstagemoney

Facebook: https://facebook.com/backstagemoney

Get the free ebook, A Musician’s Guide to Infinite Banking, at

https://1024wealth.com/music

The podcast delves into the multifaceted life of Michael 'Kalel' Wittig, whose journey as a musician transcends mere performance. His leadership in the business aspects of Pillar showcases a pivotal understanding of the music industry's dynamics, particularly in the context of financial management.

Wittig shares candid insights about the challenges faced by musicians, emphasizing the importance of resilience and adaptability in navigating the tumultuous waters of the music business. He reflects on the band's strategic decisions, including the choice to focus on regional recognition before expanding their reach, thereby establishing a solid foundation that would support their later success.

Furthermore, Wittig discusses the significance of communication within the band, highlighting how improved interpersonal dynamics could have altered the course of their history. The episode serves as a poignant reminder that the journey of a musician is not merely about artistry but also about the intricate business acumen that underpins their success.

www.pillarmusic.com

Pillar Facebook & Instagram: @pillarmusic

Michael Wittig Instagram: @wittigworks

Michael Wittig Facebook: @michaelwittig

Backstage Money Facebook & Instagram: @backstagemoney

Grab your free e-book, A Musicians Guide to Infinite Banking at www.1024weath.com/music

Lexxi Garza-Hartless brings a rare blend of talent, grit and honesty to this episode. She is an accomplished musician with a diverse background in the entertainment industry, currently serving as the Entertainment Director at Pete's Dueling Piano Bar and co-owner of Sound City Entertainment, where she works alongside her husband, Jason Hartless, whose touring credits include Ted Nugent and several other major rock artists. Lexxi has built a career around adaptability performing leadership and staying grounded in an industry known for constant change.

In this conversation she talks openly about rebuilding after unexpected setbacks learning to adjust her career path and how she and Jason navigate life and marriage as full time working musicians. She shares the pressure of entertainment roles in Nashville the demands of piano bar settings and the personal discipline required to stay healthy both physically and financially.

We also get into money decisions and real world financial challenges that musicians face. Lexxi talks about saving planning and how she sees the Infinite Banking Concept as an important tool for musicians who often do not have steady predictable income. She explains why this approach makes sense to her and how it can create stability safety and options when life and work take unexpected turns.

If you are a vocalist, a pianist, a touring member, a Nashville musician or an artist who wants to build a career that lasts, this episode will speak directly to you.

Backstage Money is where music and money collide. Host Jason K Powers brings you real conversations with artists and industry pros about the business of staying in the game financially mentally and creatively.

Lexxi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexxigarza/

Jason Hartless Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonhartless/

Sound City Music Group: https://soundcitymusicgroup.com/

https://www.instagram.com/soundcity_musicgroup/

Backstage Money

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backstagemoney/

Facebook: https://facebook.com/backstagemoeny

Listen to the podcast on all major platforms:

https://backstagemoney.captivate.fm/listen

Free financial resource for musicians Get the free ebook, A Musician’s Guide to Infinite Banking, at https://1024wealth.com/music

Dave Moody's journey in the music industry is both inspiring and insightful, as he reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his career. The episode commences with a nostalgic recounting of his childhood, where an encounter with the KISS Destroyer album ignited a lifelong passion for music. This early revelation set the stage for a career that would see him perform with notable acts, including Billy Ray Cyrus, and ultimately lead to his role in Hairball, a celebrated tribute band. Throughout the episode, Moody emphasizes the relentless nature of touring, where he performs upwards of 130 shows a year, a testament to his unwavering commitment to his craft.

The discussion transitions to the often-overlooked financial aspects of a musician's life. Moody candidly shares the lessons he learned regarding financial planning and the importance of preparing for the future, especially in an industry characterized by unpredictability. He advocates for musicians to take proactive steps towards financial security, such as investing early in a 401(k) plan. This crucial advice highlights the necessity for artists to balance their creative pursuits with practical financial management, ensuring they are equipped to navigate the challenges that come with a career in music.

As the conversation unfolds, Moody delves into the significance of relationships within the music industry. He underscores the importance of fostering connections with colleagues and fans alike, recognizing that these relationships can provide invaluable support and opportunities for growth. His reflections serve as a reminder that success in the music industry is not solely determined by talent but is also heavily influenced by the ability to build and maintain a supportive network. The episode concludes with a heartfelt message about gratitude, emphasizing the necessity of appreciating the journey and the people who contribute to it, ultimately reinforcing the idea that a successful music career is built on a foundation of passion, preparation, and community.

If you're an artist trying to figure out the long game, this is the episode.

Check out the upcoming Hairball tour at https://hairballonline.com and grab your tickets today!

Connect with Dave Moody:

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/outracedave

FB: https://www.facebook.com/dave.h.moody

Like, comment, and subscribe for more real conversations about the money behind the music.

Grab the free guide or if you're ready to talk about your money system, head on over to : https://1024wealth.com/music

Join host Jason K. Powers on an exciting debut episode of Backstage Money as he talks with Mark Maxwell, owner of Maxwell's House of Music and mentor to countless musicians. Mark shares his journey from working in his father's music store to running his own successful music shop and being a part of his band, The Crashers, for over 17 years. They discuss valuable tips on building and sustaining a music career, the importance of valuing your time and efforts, and strategies for making good financial decisions. Mark also reveals insights on how to rehearse properly, communicate effectively within a band, and manage band finances wisely. Whether you're in an original band or a cover band, this episode offers essential advice to help you thrive in the music industry. Don't miss it!

Subscribe on your favorite podcast channel: https://backstagemoney.captivate.fm/listen

Grab the "Gig Sheet" talked about in this episode at https://www.maxwellshouseofmusic.com

Get the free ebook, A Musicians Guide To Infinite Banking, at https://1024wealth.com/music

And don't forget to schedule a call with Jason K Powers and see what your financial future can look like - visit https://1024wealth.com/music

Backstage Money embarks on an incisive examination of the intersection between artistry and financial literacy, an area often neglected within the music industry. Hosted by Jason K. Powers, these episodes will introduce an array of artists who articulate their personal experiences and insights regarding the financial realities of a career in music. The discussions highlight the pressing need for musicians to cultivate an understanding of their income streams, particularly given the contemporary landscape dominated by digital platforms that often yield meager financial rewards unless the artist reaches an extraordinary level of commercial success.

Throughout the episodes, we'll dialogue about the dichotomy between the artistic passion that fuels their endeavors and the pragmatic financial considerations that underpin their careers. While the allure of living in the moment may be enticing, it is imperative to recognize that financial obligations loom large, necessitating careful planning and proactive management of one’s finances. Artists share candid anecdotes regarding the challenges of balancing creativity with financial sustainability, underscoring the notion that the business of music requires as much attention as the music itself.

Suscribe now!

This is Backstage Money: Real-World Finance for Musicians.

I’m Jason K. Powers, and each week I sit down with musicians and industry insiders to pull back the curtain on the money side of chasing the dream. From touring on gas money to record labels taking 80% cuts, to streaming paying fractions of a penny, we’re digging into the raw stories and real strategies it takes to survive in this industry.

Our first full episodes drop this November, so hit follow or subscribe now. Let’s keep the music and the money alive.