🎙️ The Career Musician Podcast — Featuring Rob Garland

From England to Los Angeles, navigating soul bands, jazz fusion, and iconic guitar hero moments.

Rob Garland has built a lasting career through sheer passion, persistence, and the willingness to evolve. From teaching 40+ students during the pandemic to interviewing legends like Steve Vai and Dweezil Zappa, Rob embodies what it means to be a true Career Musician — adaptable, self-made, and dedicated to lifelong growth.

Whether he’s performing original music, breaking down fretboard systems, or helping others develop their sound through Real World Guitar, Rob is proof that there’s no single path to a thriving career — only the path you relentlessly walk.

In this episode, Nomad & Rob dive into:

⭐ Persistence over perfection — landing interviews and gigs with consistency + professionalism (“You can email someone once and never hear back — don't leave it there.”)

⭐ Diversify or die — live gigs, teaching, online courses, YouTube, real-world auditioning

⭐ Surviving the changing music landscape — from tube amps exploding to digital-only generations (“Digital is great… I don’t think it’s quite the same.”)

⭐ Carving space for your unique musical identity — sounding like you in a world full of clones

⭐ Intentional career building — planning gigs before moving cities, hustling for students, finding visas

✅ 5 Key Takeaways for Career Musicians

1️⃣ Plan your opportunities ahead of time Rob sent audition tapes and answered “guitarists wanted” ads months before moving to the U.S.

2️⃣ Creativity + stubbornness = longevity You don’t just “decide” a music career — you refuse to do anything else.

3️⃣ Diversification keeps you working Teaching, gigging, original music, content, courses — he embraces all revenue lanes.

4️⃣ Persistence beats proximity Some auditions go to friends-of-friends… Keep showing up anyway.

5️⃣ Develop YOUR voice The greats sound like nobody but themselves — strive for that.

📌 Listen & Connect with Rob Garland Website: rwg.robgarland.net

Exclusive Career Musician Resources 

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Get 20% OFF your next booking Use code NOMAD 

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The Imaginaries | Dynamic Duo of Music and Business

From Norman, Oklahoma to Muscle Shoals and Hollywood, The Imaginaries — the husband-and-wife duo of Maggie McClure & Shane Henry — are carving a bold path as artists, entrepreneurs, and relentless creators. Whether they’re touring the country in their Honda Pilot packed with gear, releasing music infused with Americana soul, or taking business risks that lead to major wins, their story is a masterclass in modern musicianship.

Their latest major highlight? Landing a cover of “My Eyes Adored You” on the official soundtrack of the Dennis Quaid film Reagan — as the only unsigned band featured alongside icons like Bob Dylan, Tanya Tucker, Clint Black & Gene Simmons. Even better: they retained ownership of the master thanks to smart negotiation and initiative.

Their new album FEVER continues to build momentum, recorded at the legendary studios of Muscle Shoals, where their musical identity first came to lifeIn this episode, The Imaginaries with Nomad & Joel dive into:

⭐ Turning opportunities into long-term wins — including getting placed in a major motion picture & soundtrack

⭐ How they negotiated smart… and kept the master — pushing back when the money wasn’t right and doubling the offer

⭐ Leveraging every skill for a sustainable music career — from sync licensing to acting to real-estate investing & Airbnb businesses

⭐ The Muscle Shoals magic — why recording live as a full band changed everything

⭐ Hustling your own tour — booking 30+ shows themselves when agents only landed a few

⭐ The power of performing arts centers — concerts with built-in audiences, fair pay, hotels, & merch buys

⭐ Longevity as a couple & creative team — building a career AND a marriage with grace, humor, and communication

🌟 Exclusive Career Musician Resources VIP All-Access Pass (All TCM Products in One Bundle) → https://thecareermusician.com/membership/all-access-vip-pass/ PA

🔊 Rehearsal Studios Official Sponsor (L.A.) Get 20% OFF your next booking Use code NOMAD → https://parehearsalstudios.com/

🎸 JamPlay Guitar Lessons (Free Trial)

Sharpen your skills & stay inspired Use code NOMAD → https://jamplay.com/get-free-access?code=NOMAD

Follow The Career Musician

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More Helpful Links Online

📚 Courses → https://www.thecareermusician.com/store

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🔖 Read Our Blog → https://www.thecareermusician.com/blog/

💡 TCM Pro Tip: Shane & Maggie show us that your career is built one bold decision at a time. Say yes to the opportunity, yes to the work, and yes to yourself — even when the industry doesn’t hand you permission. Ownership, momentum, and longevity all start with choosing to bet on your own voice.

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🎙️ The Career Musician Podcast — Featuring Carly Lyman

From the mountains of Colorado to the heart of Los Angeles’ music scene, Carly Lyman has carved a dynamic path as a songwriter, producer, performer, and creative visionary. As VP of Music for Devin Powers / Powers Music Group, Carly has been at the helm of projects spanning K-Pop chart-toppers, indie artist collaborations, and music for film, trailers, and commercials.

Her credits include co-writing "Tamed-Dashed" for ENHYPEN — a K-Pop smash that soared to #1 — and penning music featured in major sync placements. She’s equally passionate about her own artistry, blending cinematic textures with infectious pop sensibilities in her solo work.

In this episode, Carly and Nomad dive into:

Breaking into the K-Pop world as a U.S. songwriter

Navigating the industry as both a creative and executive

How to write for sync, trailers, and commercial placements

The balance between collaboration and personal artistry

Tips for moving to LA and building your music network

📌 Listen & Connect with Carly

YouTube (ENHYPEN – Tamed-Dashed): Watch Here

Spotify: Carly Lyman

Instagram: @carlylyman

Key Talking Points:

Her journey from Colorado to LA — what motivated the move and how she broke in.

Role & responsibilities as VP of Music at Powers Music Group.

Creative process behind writing for K-Pop, especially “Tamed-Dashed.”

How she approaches writing for different formats (artists vs. sync vs. commercial).

Success stories and lessons learned from sync placements.

Her evolution into an artist releasing her own material — inspiration behind the new single.

Networking strategies and tips for thriving in LA’s music scene.

🚀 From Colorado mountains to K-Pop #1 hits in Seoul! 🎶

Meet Carly Lyman — songwriter, producer, VP of Powers Music Group, and the creative force behind ENHYPEN’s smash “Tamed-Dashed” 💥 She’s also landed music in films, trailers, and commercials — and she’s just dropped a brand-new single.

In this TCM episode, Carly shares: 🎯 How she broke into the K-Pop scene 🎯 The art of writing for sync + trailers 🎯 Why moving to LA supercharged her career

🎧 Watch/Listen now: [Link to episode] 📱 IG: @carlylyman

#CareerMusician #KPop #SongwriterLife #SyncLicensing #MusicBusiness

Here are three alternate hook variations you can swap in for different platforms or posts to keep Carly’s episode promo fresh:

💡 How do you go from a small town in Colorado to writing a #1 K-Pop hit? Carly Lyman did it — and she’s here to spill the secrets. 🎶 From ENHYPEN’s “Tamed-Dashed” to music in films, trailers, and commercials, Carly’s career proves there’s more than one way to make it in music. 🎧 Watch/Listen: [Link to episode] #KPopSongwriter #MusicCareer #CareerMusician

🎬 Ever wondered how your song ends up in a movie trailer? Carly Lyman has done it — and scored a #1 K-Pop hit along the way. Hear how she juggles being VP of Powers Music Group, creating for sync, and dropping her own singles.

#SyncLicensing #SongwriterLife #MusicBusinessTips

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Introduction & Background

Casual, authentic conversation with insights into the music industry.

Focus on TV and film scoring, specifically unscripted reality TV and production music.

Personal stories illustrate industry evolution and building a career.

Industry Insights & Knowledge

Importance of building client relationships ("clients, clients, clients").

Overdelivering as a key to standing out and securing repeat business.

The significance of templates, alternate mixes, and stems to streamline workflow and ensure consistency.

Technical tips on mixing, layering, and the use of sound signatures (stings, bumpers) for editors.

Moving away from traditional library music to creating custom scores, emphasizing uniqueness and adaptability.

The importance of understanding the editing process and how cues are integrated into shows.

Strategies for collaboration, negotiation, and valuing your work ethically.

Practical advice on career longevity, brand building, and nurturing a team.

Personal Anecdotes & Stories

The journey from early work on shows like Blind Date to big hits like Naked and Afraid.

Real-life stories of musicians’ financial breakthroughs and gratitude.

Experiences with different business models, ownership, and licensing.

Closing & Future Content

Promises a part two focusing on production, artist development, and broader career strategies.

Emphasis on sharing actionable knowledge to help aspiring and current professionals.

2. 10 Takeaways for Young Musicians

Build Strong Client Relationships: Success depends on developing trust and long-term collaborations.

Always Overdeliver: Doing more than expected sets you apart and keeps clients coming back.

Use Templates & Workflow Strategies: Streamline your production with templates, tracks, and consistent practices.

Create Versatile Alternate Mixes & Stems: Flexibility in your cues makes your work more valuable.

Pay Attention to Editor Needs: Design cues with clear starts, stops, and signature sounds for easier editing.

Specialize in Custom Scores: Unique, tailored music stands out more than stock or library tracks.

Learn the Business Side: Understand licensing, rights, and negotiations; value your work ethically.

Experiment & Be Self-critical: Continually refine your sound by listening objectively and experimenting.

Develop a Network & Team: Your success is multiplied when you nurture relationships and support other creatives.

Stay Adaptable & Evolving: Keep up with tech, industry trends, and changing client needs to remain relevant.

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Nomad kicks off TCM’s new Talk 'n Tunes jam-in-the-round format with drummer Joel Meza (new TCM co-host) and bassist Maxx Diaz—two working pros with real-world receipts.

We break down Maxx’s “audition” that wasn’t an audition at all (a full day at Disneyland to test chemistry), the mindset shifts that beat imposter syndrome, and why saying yes (fast) often beats over-preparing. We also trade stories from the road, touch the four stages of learning (unconscious → conscious mastery), talk Maslow and “subsidize your talent,” and jam on ear vs. theory, flow state, and that sticky thing called voice.

Key Takeaways

🎢 “The Disneyland Audition” — Sometimes you’re being evaluated offstage. Artists hire for the 23 hours you’re not playing. Chemistry > chops.

🧠 Imposter Syndrome vs. Ignorant Courage — Early “just go” energy can level you up. Later, manage the head noise.

🎯 Be Gig-Ready Always — Keep your mindset, gear, and schedule ready for last-minute calls. Say yes before your brain talks you out of it.

🤝 Three-Foot Rule — If you’re within three feet: say hi. It’s not “networking,” it’s relationship-building. Seeds planted today sprout 1–3 years later.

🌆 Proximity Matters — LA/Nashville/NYC raise the odds. Must be present to win.

💼 Subsidize Your Talent — There’s no shame in side income. Reduce chaos so creativity can breathe (hello, Maslow’s Hierarchy).

🎼 Ear First, Theory Second — Follow what’s sticky. Learn songs you love; name the theory after. Flow > jargon.

🌍 Touring Reality — Long drives, shared rooms, high-point memories (fans singing in languages you don’t speak). Celebrate your altitude—be present.

In this episode you’ll hear about:

Maxx’s Disneyland day that led to a bus tour

Joel on holding the poker face when the dream gig is on the line

Nomad’s MD perspective: why the best player isn’t always the right player

The “Nail the Audition, Get the Gig” initiative and what MDs actually look for

Live in-studio jams

Resources

Join the Conversation

“Success means something different to everyone — but your version is the only one that matters.”

🔗 Follow & Subscribe

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⁠⁠https://thecareermusician.com/membership/all-access-vip-pass/⁠⁠

Host and creator Nomad welcomes drummer & playback tech Joel Meza as a guest and officially announces him as the new co-host! Together, they dive deep into the realities of touring, the secrets to building a successful music career, and reveal a brand new show format: 🎶Jam Talk 🗣

Episode Highlights

✈️ Life on the Road: Joel joins from Calgary, Canada and shares insights into balancing music, workouts, and adventure during a tour. Nomad and Joel reminisce about their favorite on-the-road routines, emphasizing the importance of structure and self-care.

🫵 Building a Career Band: Learn why it’s crucial for artists to hire pros, not just hobbyists, and how picking the right team can make or break your show.

📘 Daily Habits of Successful Musicians: From morning routines to practicing for the gig, discover work habits, such as the Priority Matrix that will help you sustain a long-term career in music.

💪 Earning the Gig Every Day: Joel talks about the constant pressure to deliver your best performance—the myth of “making it,” and how every show is an opportunity to keep your spot.

💼 The Power of Preparedness: Together they share personal stories about the cost of complacency, whether forgetting a key piece of equipment or not responding to communications quickly. Nomad learned this the hard way on his first and last Danny Elfman session!

🌎 Joel’s Musical Journey: Find out how movies like Drumline inspired Joel’s drumming path, and how mentorship and relentless networking opened up touring and blues circuit opportunities.

🏙 Moving to Major Music Cities: Why musicians need to “be present to win”—Joel’s lessons from Salt Lake City to Nashville, and the hard-hitting advice from famed drummer, Thomas Pridgen, that moved him forward.

🤳 Communication is Key: Why answering emails and texts promptly is a non-negotiable part of working with Nomad, Joel’s own bands and ANY band you find yourself working with!

🤓 Notable Quotes:

“You’re only as good as your last performance, your last gig.”

“The definition of luck is when preparedness meets opportunity.”

“A rising tide raises all ships—the better we all get at working this business, the better it is for everyone.”

If you’re a musician seeking practical advice, motivation, and the wisdom that comes only from real industry experience, this episode is packed with the real stuff.

Connect, Share, Level Up:

Don’t forget to follow, subscribe, and share with your fellow musicians!

The more you share, the more our community grows—and the more everyone succeeds.

🎟 ALL Access VIP Pass 🎟

If you're ready to take your music career to the next level and want access to all the tools, knowledge, and resources discussed in the TCM Podcast episode, don’t miss out on the VIP Pass which gives you:

The book Ethos (endorsed by David Foster!) in ebook, audiobook, and workbook formats

Pro-level recording sessions from home, a full course with over 30 lessons to up your studio chops

The Diversify or Die masterclass, teaching you how to create multiple income streams as a musician

All designed to get you road ready for touring and put you on the fast track for success in the studio

🙅‍♂️ No excuses—level up your game and make music your business! ⁠https://thecareermusician.com/membership/all-access-vip-pass/⁠

📲 Subscribe to the Career Musician Podcast on your favorite platform, and follow us on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok

#TCMPodcast #CareerMusician #MusicBusiness #TourLife #JamTalk

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🎙️ EPISODE 187: Real Talk: Banding Together as Career Musicians

SUMMARY:

Feeling stuck, isolated, or overwhelmed in your musical journey? You're not alone. This episode highlights the power of community, emphasizing how important it is for career musicians to band together, support each other, and rise collectively. Nomad shares real-life insights into overcoming challenges, navigating responsibilities, and maintaining your passion through meaningful connections with fellow musicians.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

RESOURCES:

The Career Musician Podcast

Coaching & Resources: thecareermusician.com

JOIN THE CONVERSATION:

How has community played a role in your musical journey? Have you experienced the power of musicians supporting musicians? Share your stories with us and join the Career Musician community!

"Success means something different to everyone — but your version is the only one that matters."

🔗 Follow & Subscribe🎧 Listen on all platforms: thecareermusician.com/podcast

📱 Instagram: @thecareermusician

📱 TikTok: @thecareermusician

💻 Facebook: @thecareermusician

📺 YouTube: @thecareermusician

🌐 Nomad's Website: nomadsplace.com

📩 Get free resources + audition tips: [email protected]

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In this energetic episode, Nomad takes listeners on a ride to a non-music event, demonstrating firsthand the power of his four essential rules for building meaningful relationships and standing out as a musician.

Key Takeaways:

Rule #1: Get Up, Dress Up, Show Up

Nomad emphasizes the importance of physically showing up to events, even when you’re not explicitly required to attend. Commitment and presence are key.

Rule #2: Choose Non-Music Related Events

Attending events outside of the music industry allows musicians to stand out and reduce competition, creating more networking opportunities.

Rule #3: The Icebreaker Technique

Use these six powerful words: “What's going on with you?” Then, focus on actively listening. People enjoy sharing their stories, and genuine listening builds strong connections.

Rule #4: The Three-Foot Rule

Always engage in conversation with anyone within three feet of you. Break down barriers and preconceived notions by initiating dialogue with everyone around you, regardless of their role or demeanor.

Episode Highlights:Nomad shares personal anecdotes and practical networking techniques, transforming the often-dreaded idea of "networking" into authentic "relationship building."

Tips on being organized with networking tools such as business cards, QR codes, and promotional guitar picks.

Real-time interactions illustrating how simple it can be to start a conversation and build relationships naturally.

Insight into maintaining a friendly demeanor, using smiles and positive body language to attract and engage others effectively.

Featured Interaction:Nomad demonstrates a spontaneous interaction with Jordan from SCV Cards, highlighting the ease of initiating conversations and creating immediate connections.

Memorable Quotes:

“People love talking about themselves—use it to your advantage.”

“Networking isn't a dirty word; it’s relationship building.”

“Within three feet? Say hello!”

Practical Tools Mentioned:

Business cards with QR codes

Customized guitar picks for networking

Call to Action:

Challenge yourself this week to apply these four rules. Pick a non-music event, get organized, and commit to genuinely connecting with others.

Stay Connected:

Follow Nomad and The Career Musician podcast for more practical tips and inspiring conversations to help you "Get the gig, keep the gig, and go beyond the gig!"

Rock On! 🎸🎤

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Tired of chasing gigs? You’re not alone.

In this real talk session, NOMAD flips the script and explains why letting go may be the key to making work come to you.

Show Notes:

• Why "work begets work" in the gig economy

• The trap of hustle culture and how to escape it

• How creating your own momentum leads to unexpected opportunities

• Practical advice: build your rig, finish the project, and stay ready

• Key mindset: The gigs are coming — but will you be ready when they do?

🔗 Visit TheCareerMusician.com for more resources

🎧 Follow, rate, sub and share!

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Getting ghosted sucks — especially when it’s a gig you really wanted.

Here’s how to deal with the silence, follow up like a pro, and protect your mental space.

Show Notes:

• The emotional sting of being ghosted (we’ve all been there)

• The “3 strikes” method for professional follow-ups

• How to close loops, track your contacts, and stay mentally free

• Create a contact spreadsheet to manage outreach

• Let it go — and keep moving forward with confidence

🗂️ Build your own audition CRM with tips from this episode

📩 Subscribe and share if this helped you reset your approach

🔗 Visit TheCareerMusician.com for more resources

🎧 Follow, rate, sub and share!

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