Liz The Music Manager Podcast

Stephen Bishop’s 2027 Farewell Tour dates are officially announced! In this episode, I share the full tour schedule as we celebrate 50 years of Careless, with an all-star band and special guest David Wilcox.

I also take you behind the scenes—from negotiating ticket prices and working with venues to discourage inflated resale prices to planning rehearsals, building the set list, and coordinating travel. Plus, I discuss setting up a separate touring company and organizing payroll for band members working across different states.

A look at the music, the business, and everything it takes to bring this farewell tour to the stage.

Tour dates and official ticket links: stephenbishop.com/tour

Reissuing an album sounds simple. Just remaster it, press some vinyl and put it up for sale, right? Not exactly.

In this episode, I’m reading my latest Substack article about what it really took to create the 50th anniversary edition of Stephen Bishop’s debut album, Careless. I share the licensing process with Universal, restoring the original artwork, finding the original cover pin, remastering the original tapes with Bernie Grundman, uncovering two bonus tracks, creating a 20-page booklet, manufacturing the confetti-splatter vinyl and getting thousands of records where they needed to go.

I also break down the actual costs, explain why we decided against a CD reissue and traditional physical distribution, and discuss submitting the project for GRAMMY consideration in Best Historical Album and Best Album Notes.

Putting out a record—especially a 50-year-old one—is never as simple as it looks.

Learn More: https://www.stephenbishop.com/careless-50th-anniversary

Join Liz for a captivating conversation with the legendary Vonda Shepard, whose unforgettable voice, timeless music, and dynamic live performances have touched audiences worldwide.

Vonda reflects on her remarkable journey—from her early days as a piano prodigy in New York City to becoming a household name as the musical voice behind Ally McBeal and its iconic soundtrack. She also shares stories from her collaborations with acclaimed artists including Rickie Lee Jones, Dan Hill, and Jackson Browne.

Liz explores the magic of Vonda’s live shows, her eclectic catalog spanning 15 albums, and her record-breaking Billboard success. She also discusses her deeply personal album Red Light, Green Light, an intimate exploration of life, love, and parenthood, and offers a sneak peek at the new music she has planned for 2026.

Whether she’s performing a tender ballad or delivering a soul-stirring anthem, Vonda’s passion for music and storytelling shines through. Tune in for behind-the-scenes stories, insight into her creative process, and a heartfelt conversation with one of music’s most distinctive artists. 🎶

In this inspiring episode of Liz the Music Manager, I sit down with the legendary Jai Uttal—a GRAMMY-nominated composer, musician, and pioneer of world devotional music.

With a career spanning more than 50 years, Jai shares his extraordinary journey, from growing up in Manhattan as the son of a record executive to discovering the transformative power of Indian classical music, kirtan, and Bhakti Yoga.

Jai reflects on the moment that changed his life—hearing Maestro Ali Akbar Khan at age 17—and how meeting his guru, Neem Karoli Baba, deepened his connection to mantra and devotional singing. We explore his lifelong pursuit of blending Indian melodies with Western harmonies, the evolution of his sound across more than 20 albums, and his latest project: an expansive, genre-defying rendition of the Hanuman Chalisa featuring the Pagan Love Orchestra and his son, Ezra.

Jai also opens up about the healing power of music, the essence of Bhakti, and the beauty of discovering one’s authentic voice. Whether you’re a longtime fan or encountering his work for the first time, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about music, spirituality, and self-expression.

Personally, this was one of my favorite interviews. Jai has lived such a colorful and beautiful life, and the entire episode takes you on an unforgettable journey.

Learn more about Jai at www.jaiuttal.com.

I’m thrilled to welcome my friend and singer-songwriter Liz Lieber to the podcast! With her velvet alto voice, soulful sound, and magnetic personality, Liz has attracted more than 500,000 social media followers and built a loyal worldwide fanbase in less than four years—all as an independent artist.

Inspired by artists including Carole King, Sara Bareilles, and Amy Winehouse, Liz blends honesty, sass, and irresistible harmonies into her music. She began taking piano lessons in first grade, started voice training soon afterward, and has spent her life developing her distinctive sound.

In this episode, Liz shares her musical journey, creative process, and how her weekly Facebook and TikTok performances helped her connect with audiences around the world. We also discuss the realities of being an independent artist and the power of building a genuine relationship with your fans. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation!

https://www.lizlieber.com

Prepare to be inspired by groundbreaking singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer Marcus Eaton, hailed by the legendary David Crosby as “one of the best young singer-songwriters in America—maybe even the world. And he plays guitar like God on a good day.”

With a career spanning more than two decades, Marcus has redefined what it means to be a modern singer-songwriter, blending captivating lyrics, intricate melodies, innovative live looping, and extraordinary guitar mastery.

Born into a musical family as the son of acclaimed songwriter Steve Eaton (The Carpenters, Art Garfunkel), Marcus discovered his passion for the guitar at just nine years old and has since built an extraordinary career of his own. His distinctive style draws from flamenco, classical, jazz, funk, reggae, and folk, creating a sound that is unmistakably his. Along the way, he has collaborated with an impressive list of artists, including David Crosby, Graham Nash, Bob Dylan, Derek Trucks, Flea, Stephen Bishop, Toots and the Maytals, Seal, Jewel, Jason Mraz, and many more.

In this episode, Marcus shares stories from his remarkable creative partnership with David Crosby, including co-writing songs for Croz, touring together, and composing the Grammy-nominated score for David Crosby: Remember My Name. We also dive into the realities of today’s music industry, songwriting, creativity, and the lessons he’s learned throughout his career. The episode features his powerful single, “Better Way,” produced by Eric Robinson and recorded with members of John Mayer’s band.

Beyond his solo work, Marcus has become one of today’s most sought-after producers and collaborators. Most recently, he produced Stephen Bishop’s final studio album, THIMK, featuring an all-star lineup that includes Eric Clapton, Sting, Graham Nash, Kenny Loggins, Michael McDonald, Art Garfunkel, Jimmy Webb, and more. He also contributed guitar to the score of the 2024 film The Book of Clarence and continues to push creative boundaries as a composer, producer, and performer.

Join us as we explore Marcus Eaton’s incredible journey—from shaping Hollywood soundtracks to mesmerizing audiences around the world with his innovative musicianship. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering his music for the first time, this conversation is filled with insight, inspiration, and unforgettable stories from one of the most respected artists of his generation.

https://www.marcuseaton.com/

Welcome to Liz The Music Manager, where I sit down with legendary musicians, industry professionals, and independent artists to demystify the music business. From publishing and royalties to sync licensing, registrations, and music marketing, my goal is to break down the industry in a way that’s simple, honest, and easy to understand.

In this episode of Liz the Music Manager, Liz sits down with the incomparable James Lee Stanley—acclaimed singer-songwriter, comedian, actor, and one of the most unique voices in American music.

Over a career spanning six decades, James has shared the stage with legends including Bonnie Raitt, Robin Williams, and Peter Tork of The Monkees, with whom he collaborated for decades. He was mentored by the late Cass Elliot of The Mamas & The Papas, built his own independent label, Beachwood Recordings, and even became a fan favorite in the Star Trek universe, portraying everything from Klingons to Romulans on Deep Space Nine and Voyager.

Liz and James discuss his remarkable journey—from his early days in music and the making of his documentary The Opening Act to the lessons he’s learned as an independent artist and the stories behind his unforgettable live performances. Filled with humor, heart, and incredible behind-the-scenes moments, this conversation is a masterclass in creativity, perseverance, and staying true to your art.

Whether you’re a music lover, a Star Trek fan, or simply appreciate great storytelling, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Learn more about James:https://jamesleestanley.com/

Welcome to Liz The Music Manager's podcast, where I interview legendary musicians, industry professionals, and indie artists to break down the music business. I am here to give you a simple and honest breakdown of the music industry explained simply—diving deep into publishing, sync licensing, registration, music royalties, and everything you actually need to know to get paid.

In this special episode, I sit down with a songwriter's songwriter, the legend himself: Oscar- and two-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Stephen Bishop. As the voice and pen behind hits like “On and On,” “It Might Be You” (Tootsie), and “Separate Lives,” Stephen has written over 650 songs, sold 15 million records, and garnered 6.1 billion streams. Today, he shares an absolute masterclass on songwriting longevity, protecting your publishing, and surviving decades in the industry.