In our Season 5 finale, we sit down with musician, sync agent, and author Elaine Ryan (Unicorn Sync) to talk about what it really means to find your fit in today’s music industry. Elaine shares lessons from over 15 years in music—touring internationally, landing sync placements on NBC & Amazon, founding her own sync agency, and now publishing her first book Living a Music-Centered Life. We cover:

• Breaking through the intimidation of sync licensing
• Why balance matters as much as hustle
• Setting fair rates (and when to say “no” to gigs)
• Redefining success beyond fame or Wikipedia pages
• How to live a truly music-centered life, on your own terms

Elaine even gifts us with a live reading from her upcoming book (including a bit in an Irish accent). 👉 Learn more about Elaine: elaineryan.ca | @elaineryanmusic

👉 Support this week’s nonprofit: intermusicsf.org This episode closes out Season 5 with clarity, inspiration, and community. Whether you’re just starting out, gigging full time, or finding your second act—this one’s for you.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/musicians-tip-jar--4698023/support.

Visit MusiciansTipJar.com for more resources and tools to empower your financial journey.

Intro & Outro Music Donated by: The Magi https://www.themagimusic.com 

Intro Read by: David “DJ” Lee of The Magi

https://soundcloud.com/rockababyrock 

Pictures by: Kit Chalberg https://kitchalberg.com/

🎙️ Episode S5E24 –  Finding Your True Value as a Musician with Elaine Ryan

 In this episode of Musicians Tip Jar, hosts Chris Webb and Dave Tamkin sit down with Elaine Ryan — singer-songwriter, author, and founder of Unicorn Sync — to explore how musicians can discover, communicate, and confidently set their value in today’s music industry.

Elaine shares her inspiring journey from gigging in Maui to building a thriving sync licensing agency in San Francisco, helping indie artists land placements in TV, film, and ads. She opens up about balancing creativity with income, launching her nonprofit Sync Music for Change, and writing her upcoming book Living a Music-Centered Life. 👉 Whether you’re a gigging musician, songwriter, or building your sync career, you’ll learn:

• How to define your unique value in music
• Why setting your rates matters (and how to do it without guilt)
• Tips for navigating sync licensing opportunities
• Strategies to balance fulfillment with financial stability

💡 Key Quote from Elaine:
“For me, it’s always been being able to create songs that I care about and get them heard by other people.”

📌 Nonprofit of the Week: Maui Music Mission – bringing music education to kids and communities in need. 🔗 Don’t miss this conversation full of practical advice, inspiration, and a reminder that your music has real value.

Elaine's
website: https://www.elaineryan.ca/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/mselaineryan


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/musicians-tip-jar--4698023/support.

Visit MusiciansTipJar.com for more resources and tools to empower your financial journey.

Intro & Outro Music Donated by: The Magi https://www.themagimusic.com 

Intro Read by: David “DJ” Lee of The Magi

https://soundcloud.com/rockababyrock 

Pictures by: Kit Chalberg https://kitchalberg.com/

Unlock insider knowledge from Jenna LoMonaco, Head of Marketing at ONErpm, in this exclusive Musicians Tip Jar interview. 🎶 With over 20 years in the music industry, Jenna shares what sets ONErpm apart as a 100% independent, self-owned company and how they empower artists with transparent deals, realistic advances, and proprietary technology. We dive into:

• Common mistakes musicians make on social media (and how to fix them)
• The importance of consistency and content planning
• ONErpm’s artist-first mission and global reach across 43 offices
• How to build a sustainable music career outside of the mainstream
• Using AI as a marketing tool (not a replacement for creativity)
• The most valuable investments independent artists should make
• Career advice on building a team, managers vs. lawyers, and long-term growth

Whether you’re an indie musician, DIY artist, or industry professional, this conversation offers real-world strategies for growing your music career while staying in control. 👉 Subscribe for more musician money tips and industry insights


More about ONErpm at https://onerpm.com/ and https://www.instagram.com/onerpm/

Visit MusiciansTipJar.com for more resources and tools to empower your financial journey.

Intro & Outro Music Donated by: The Magi https://www.themagimusic.com 

Intro Read by: David “DJ” Lee of The Magi

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/musicians-tip-jar--4698023/support.

Visit MusiciansTipJar.com for more resources and tools to empower your financial journey.

Intro & Outro Music Donated by: The Magi https://www.themagimusic.com 

Intro Read by: David “DJ” Lee of The Magi

https://soundcloud.com/rockababyrock 

Pictures by: Kit Chalberg https://kitchalberg.com/

In this episode of Musicians Tip Jar, we sit down with Jenna LoMonaco, Head of U.S. Marketing at ONErpm and veteran digital strategist who has worked with Shawn Mendes, Nick Jonas, Demi Lovato, The Killers, and more. Jenna shares her journey from intern to label executive, and the key lessons she’s learned about:

• What labels actually look for in new artists
• How to build real, engaged fans (not just followers)
• Why genre-specific strategies matter and how to adapt them
• Using social media without losing your authenticity
• The balance between creative passion and hard data

If you’ve ever wondered how to market your music more effectively, connect with true fans, and build a career with longevity, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. 🎧 Listen in and start defining the conversation you want to have with your audience.

More about ONErpm at https://onerpm.com/ and https://www.instagram.com/onerpm/

https://onerpm.com/

Visit MusiciansTipJar.com for more resources and tools to empower your financial journey.

Intro & Outro Music Donated by: The Magi https://www.themagimusic.com 

Intro Read by: David “DJ” Lee of The Magi

https://soundcloud.com/rockababyrock 

Pictures by: Kit Chalberg https://kitchalberg.com/

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/musicians-tip-jar--4698023/support.

Visit MusiciansTipJar.com for more resources and tools to empower your financial journey.

Intro & Outro Music Donated by: The Magi https://www.themagimusic.com 

Intro Read by: David “DJ” Lee of The Magi

https://soundcloud.com/rockababyrock 

Pictures by: Kit Chalberg https://kitchalberg.com/

Money can strain any relationship—add gigs, touring, irregular income, and public-facing work, and it gets complicated fast. In this episode, Chris Webb and Dave Tamkin break down practical ways musicians (and their partners, bandmates, and teams) can navigate money, expectations, and emotional ups/downs without burning out—or each other.

What you’ll learn How to budget around irregular income (and reduce stress with simple monthly forecasting) Touring realities: staying emotionally present when you’re miles apart Creative identity vs. partnership needs—protect both without resentment Public image, social life, and boundaries (what to post, what to discuss) Collaboration vs. competition inside creative couples and bands The role your personal “money relationship” plays in every other relationship

 A simple weekly action step to open the tough conversation you’ve been avoiding 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more tips on money, music, and building a sustainable music career. #MusiciansTipJar #MusicBusiness #MoneyForMusicians #IndependentMusician #MusicCareerTips #MusicianFinance #MusicIndustryAdvice


Visit MusiciansTipJar.com for more resources and tools to empower your financial journey.

Intro & Outro Music Donated by: The Magi https://www.themagimusic.com 

Intro Read by: David “DJ” Lee of The Magi

https://soundcloud.com/rockababyrock 

Pictures by: Kit Chalberg https://kitchalberg.com/

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/musicians-tip-jar--4698023/support.

Visit MusiciansTipJar.com for more resources and tools to empower your financial journey.

Intro & Outro Music Donated by: The Magi https://www.themagimusic.com 

Intro Read by: David “DJ” Lee of The Magi

https://soundcloud.com/rockababyrock 

Pictures by: Kit Chalberg https://kitchalberg.com/

🎙️ S5 E20 – Taking the Luck Out of Growing Your Social Channels (with Johnny Fiacconi of The Dreamboats) In this episode of Musicians Tip Jar, we’re back with Johnny Fiacconi — drummer, entrepreneur, and viral content creator — to dive deep into how musicians can strategically grow their social media without waiting on luck. We explore what it really takes to build a consistent online presence, develop a content strategy, and show up with authenticity. Johnny shares how he grew multiple channels to millions of views with no ad budget — just by showing up every day and delivering value. 💡 You’ll learn:

• Why consistency beats luck in growing your social presence
• How Johnny creates, schedules, and improves daily content
• The key differences between amateur and pro musicians online
• Why music is just one piece of your band’s business model
• How to build a roadmap, not just a hope-filled wish list

If you’ve been wondering how to stand out on TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube — this is the mindset and strategy shift you’ve been waiting for.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/johnnyfiacconi
Band: www.instagram.com/thedreamboats  & www.thedreamboatsband.com 
Drumming: https://www.instagram.com/johnnygwiz


Visit MusiciansTipJar.com for more resources and tools to empower your financial journey.

Intro & Outro Music Donated by: The Magi https://www.themagimusic.com 

Intro Read by: David “DJ” Lee of The Magi

https://soundcloud.com/rockababyrock 

Pictures by: Kit Chalberg https://kitchalberg.com/

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/musicians-tip-jar--4698023/support.

Visit MusiciansTipJar.com for more resources and tools to empower your financial journey.

Intro & Outro Music Donated by: The Magi https://www.themagimusic.com 

Intro Read by: David “DJ” Lee of The Magi

https://soundcloud.com/rockababyrock 

Pictures by: Kit Chalberg https://kitchalberg.com/

🎙️ S5 E19 – The Game-Changer for Staying Motivated (with Johnny Fiacconi of The Dreamboats) In this episode of Musicians Tip Jar, we sit down with Canadian drummer, entrepreneur, and content creator Johnny Fiacconi of The Dreamboats. Johnny shares the real truth behind staying motivated as a working musician — and the simple daily habit that transformed his mindset, productivity, and long-term success. From band dynamics and business decisions to mentors and morning routines, this episode covers how musicians can build momentum, stay focused, and create a sustainable career in today’s music industry. 🔥 You’ll learn:

• The daily routine that keeps Johnny consistent and driven
• Why financial clarity is a creative advantage
• How to build a band that actually works
• The power of saying no to the wrong gigs
• Why “hope is not a strategy” (and what is)

🎧 Whether you're a full-time musician, content creator, or music entrepreneur — this episode will inspire you to step up, take action, and invest in your own growth.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/johnnyfiacconi
Band: www.instagram.com/thedreamboats
Drumming: https://www.instagram.com/johnnygwiz

Visit MusiciansTipJar.com for more resources and tools to empower your financial journey.

Intro & Outro Music Donated by: The Magi https://www.themagimusic.com 

Intro Read by: David “DJ” Lee of The Magi

https://soundcloud.com/rockababyrock 

Pictures by: Kit Chalberg https://kitchalberg.com/

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/musicians-tip-jar--4698023/support.

Visit MusiciansTipJar.com for more resources and tools to empower your financial journey.

Intro & Outro Music Donated by: The Magi https://www.themagimusic.com 

Intro Read by: David “DJ” Lee of The Magi

https://soundcloud.com/rockababyrock 

Pictures by: Kit Chalberg https://kitchalberg.com/

Are you a musician feeling the weight of financial stress? In this essential episode of Musicians Tip Jar, hosts Chris Webb and Dave Tamkin dive deep into the often overlooked realities of debt for musicians and the transformative power of investments for musicians. 

Discover how carrying debt doesn't just drain your wallet, but also stifles your creative freedom and limits your music career longevity. We expose the hidden costs of debt, from missed opportunities and delayed investing to reduced creditworthiness and overwhelming stress. Learn why a "broke artist" mentality is a phase, but a "financially trapped artist" is a cycle you can break. 

This episode is packed with eye-opening statistics on household debt, credit card burdens, and student loans impacting today's artists. More importantly, we provide actionable financial planning strategies. Understand the critical difference between good and bad debt, and why prioritizing high-interest debt is your first step towards wealth for musicians. 
Whether you're battling credit card debt, navigating student loans, or simply looking to build a more secure music business, this episode offers clear insights and practical advice. We emphasize the importance of financial awareness, starting small with investments, and letting compound interest work for you. 

Key Takeaways: * The true cost of debt: it steals your options and mental bandwidth. * Delaying your investments can cost you decades of potential growth. * Strategies to tackle high-interest debt and improve your credit. * How even small, consistent investments can lead to significant financial freedom. * There is an undeniable connection between financial peace and artistic freedom. Tune in to learn how to turn your passion into a thriving, sustainable music career. Stop treading water and start sailing towards your desires.

Visit MusiciansTipJar.com for more resources and tools to empower your financial journey.

Intro & Outro Music Donated by: The Magi https://www.themagimusic.com 

Intro Read by: David “DJ” Lee of The Magi

https://soundcloud.com/rockababyrock 

Pictures by: Kit Chalberg https://kitchalberg.com/

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/musicians-tip-jar--4698023/support.

Visit MusiciansTipJar.com for more resources and tools to empower your financial journey.

Intro & Outro Music Donated by: The Magi https://www.themagimusic.com 

Intro Read by: David “DJ” Lee of The Magi

https://soundcloud.com/rockababyrock 

Pictures by: Kit Chalberg https://kitchalberg.com/

Want more gigs, better collaborations, and fewer awkward misunderstandings? It all starts with how you communicate. In this episode of Musicians Tip Jar, Chris Webb and Dave Tamkin break down the 10 essential communication habits every musician needs to succeed in today’s music industry. From booking shows and negotiating deals to handling creative conflict and building strong relationships, we cover the specific scripts, tools, and strategies that turn musicians into trusted pros. If you've ever lost a gig, missed an opportunity, or struggled with unclear expectations — this one’s for you. 💡 What you’ll learn:

• How to write emails that actually get responses
• The difference between professional and casual communication
• Real examples of what to say to producers, venues, labels & collaborators
• Tools to stay organized and responsive
• Why communication is the foundation of your music business success

📌 Action step included to help you level up your communication this week! 📬 Get more resources: www.musicianstipjar.com
📧 Email us: [email protected]
📺 Watch more episodes: Subscribe on YouTube 👍 If you find this helpful, slam that Like button and Subscribe to keep your music business moving forward!


Intro & Outro Music Donated by: The Magi https://www.themagimusic.com 

Intro Read by: David “DJ” Lee of The Magi

https://soundcloud.com/rockababyrock 

Pictures by: Kit Chalberg https://kitchalberg.com/

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/musicians-tip-jar--4698023/support.

Visit MusiciansTipJar.com for more resources and tools to empower your financial journey.

Intro & Outro Music Donated by: The Magi https://www.themagimusic.com 

Intro Read by: David “DJ” Lee of The Magi

https://soundcloud.com/rockababyrock 

Pictures by: Kit Chalberg https://kitchalberg.com/

In this episode of Musicians Tip Jar, we bust the myths around cover gigs and show you how to turn them into a powerful income stream for your music career. Whether you’re playing weddings, bars, or private events, cover gigs can fund your original projects, build your audience, and sharpen your live performance skills—if you approach them with strategy. We break down how to price your sets, brand yourself without selling out, manage gear and expenses, and maximize every opportunity these gigs bring. This episode is for every working musician who wants to earn more and stay true to their art. 🎸 Topics Covered:

• Cover gig pricing strategies that reflect your value
• How to brand yourself in the cover scene without blending in
• Managing gear, contracts, and payments like a pro
• Turning cover gig income into fuel for original projects
• Networking tips that lead to higher-paying opportunities

🎯 Quote of the Episode:
"Cover gigs aren’t selling out—they’re buying in. To your future." If you’re ready to make more money without burning out, this episode gives you the tools and mindset to level up your cover gig game.


Intro & Outro Music Donated by: The Magi https://www.themagimusic.com 

Intro Read by: David “DJ” Lee of The Magi

https://soundcloud.com/rockababyrock 

Pictures by: Kit Chalberg https://kitchalberg.com/

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/musicians-tip-jar--4698023/support.

Visit MusiciansTipJar.com for more resources and tools to empower your financial journey.

Intro & Outro Music Donated by: The Magi https://www.themagimusic.com 

Intro Read by: David “DJ” Lee of The Magi

https://soundcloud.com/rockababyrock 

Pictures by: Kit Chalberg https://kitchalberg.com/