The Johnny Fiacconi Podcast

In this episode, I talk about what it actually takes to build a REAL career in music in today’s industry.

We get into creating demand, making money as an artist, breaking out of the local scene, understanding what buyers actually want, and how branding, performance, and business all tie together.

This episode is all about the difference between bands that stay stagnant and artists who intentionally position themselves for long-term growth and sustainable success in the modern music business.

Follow me for daily content:www.instagram.com/johnnyfiacconitiktok.com/@johnnyfiacconiMy band:www.instagram.com/thedreamboatswww.thedreamboatsband.com‪‪ @TheDreamboats ​

Rick Beato shared a video recently stating that “only rich kids make it in music nowadays” — and while I think there’s some truth to parts of what he’s saying, I also think musicians are romanticizing the old music industry and overlooking the amazing opportunities that exist today.In this episode, I break down how the music business has changed from the days of labels, radio, and gatekeepers… to an era where artists can now build audiences, record music, market themselves, sell merch, tour, and create momentum completely independently online.I talk about:- why the barrier in music shifted from access to attention- how social media changed the game for independent artists- how an artist like Oliver Anthony built momentum outside traditional systems- why consistency and adaptability matter more than ever- and why blaming the industry won’t move your career forwardYes, wealthy artists totally have advantages... but I also believe there has NEVER been a better time to build a real career in music if you’re willing to adapt to the modern landscape and put in the work.What do you think?? Let me know in the comments below

I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately

Our band is starting to grow to another level-- bigger opportunities, more momentum, and honestly… it doesn’t feel how I expected. It feels uncomfortable.In this episode, I talk about what it’s like being in the middle of that shift right now. The pressure, the expectations, the internal doubts, and how things start to change when it stops feeling like “just playing music” and starts feeling like something bigger.

If your band is leveling up and you feel a bit off… you’re probably right where you’re supposed to be.

Follow me for daily content:www.instagram.com/johnnyfiacconitiktok.com/@johnnyfiacconiMy band:www.instagram.com/thedreamboatswww.thedreamboatsband.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@JohnnyFiacconi

In this live Q&A episode, I talk about how I booked my band's European tour without an agent, how bands can deal with "competition," how to follow up with venues, how a beginner band can look professional, and more!

If you have any questions for a future episode, please share them in the comments below!

Follow me for daily content:

www.instagram.com/johnnyfiacconi

tiktok.com/@johnnyfiacconi

You can follow The Dreamboats at:

www.thedreamboatsband.com

www.youtube.com/thedreamboats

www.instagram.com/thedreamboats

In this episode, I have a conversation with charismatic frontman, Chris Hummel (aka. Ritchie Hummins) of the retro rock n' roll band, The Dreamboats. Not only is he one of the most unforgettable live frontmen, known for handstands, pistol squats, breakdancing, climbing, and inline skating on stage -- but he is also my fellow band mate, business partner, and co-founder of our band, The Dreamboats.

In this episode, Chris and I talk about how a performer can become unforgettable (at ANY level), the importance of showmanship, the ways in which you can prepare for a show, and why some bands can gain attention, while others don't.

What are your thoughts on being an unforgettable performer? Please let me know in the comments!

Follow me for daily content:www.instagram.com/johnnyfiacconitiktok.com/@johnnyfiacconi

You can follow The Dreamboats at:

www.thedreamboatsband.com

www.youtube.com/@TheDreamboats

www.instagram.com/thedreamboats

You can follow Chris Hummel at:

www.instagram.com/ritchiehummins

A lot of musicians still look at cover bands like they’re a "backup plan" -- Like it’s something you do if your original project doesn’t work out...

But from what I've been seeing over the last few years, cover bands are IN.

And not only are they in… they’re one of the most viable ways to actually build a career in music today imo.

In this episode, I break down what’s really going on:

Why venues, festivals, and corporate events are booking cover bands more than ever. Why audiences actually WANT familiarity. And why some cover bands are making serious money while others stay stuck playing the same bars forever.

There’s a big difference between playing songs, and putting on a show.

If you’re in a band, thinking about starting one, or trying to figure out how to actually grow in this space, this episode is for you.

Follow me for daily content:www.instagram.com/johnnyfiacconitiktok.com/@johnnyfiacconiMy band:www.instagram.com/thedreamboatswww.thedreamboatsband.comwww.youtube.com/@TheDreamboats

This is the first episode of "Late Night with Johnny" where I go live on my channel to answer questions from musicians, bands, and bandleaders. There were some great questions here...we got into it!

Some of the topics covered in this episode include:

- When venues don't reply to your emails

- What "winning" on social media looks like

- Having tough (but necessary) chats with your band

- The weakest link in your band

- Do you need a label/manager to get "famous"

- Opening for other bands

Follow me for daily content:www.instagram.com/johnnyfiacconitiktok.com/@johnnyfiacconiMy band:www.instagram.com/thedreamboatswww.thedreamboatsband.com

Most bands think the path is clubs → bigger clubs → maybe arenas (one day).

But there’s a whole side of the music industry — theaters, PACs, and booking conferences — that most musicians never even see.

In this episode, I share an in-the-field interview with my band’s booking agent, Genny DeMerchant (DAA), recorded at the Western Arts Alliance Conference in Los Angeles, CA.

We talk about how bands actually break into this world, when you need an agent, and what opportunities really exist in this space.

If you’re trying to grow your band beyond local gigs, this is a great place to start.

Follow me for daily content:

www.instagram.com/johnnyfiacconi

tiktok.com/@johnnyfiacconi

My band:

www.instagram.com/thedreamboats

www.thedreamboatsband.com‪‪ ⁨

www.youtube.com/@TheDreamboats

What does being a musician actually look like over time? In this episode, I break down how my approach to music has changed from my 20s, to my 30s, to now approaching my 40s — from just jamming, to finally making money, to building something real, to now thinking about long-term sustainability.

The mindset, the priorities, and the way I look at this career have completely shifted at every stage.

If you’re in a band or trying to make music work long-term, this episode will give you a real perspective on what that evolution actually looks like.

Follow me for daily content:

www.instagram.com/johnnyfiacconi

tiktok.com/@johnnyfiacconi

My band:

www.instagram.com/thedreamboats

www.thedreamboatsband.com

Most bands stay local because of a few things that are quietly keeping them stuck there...

In this episode, I break down some of the biggest reasons bands "plateau" in their local scene and never grow past it. From refusing to travel, to not treating the band like a real business, to misunderstanding the different circuits that exist in the music industry, these are the kinds of things that (in my experience) separate bands that level up from the ones that stay the same...year after year.

I also talk about why reputation matters more than most musicians realize, and why leadership inside a band can make or break the trajectory of the entire project.

If you're in a band and you're trying to grow beyond your local market, or you're curious about how touring bands actually build momentum over time, this episode will give you a clearer picture of what really makes the difference.

Follow me for daily content:

www.instagram.com/johnnyfiacconi

tiktok.com/@johnnyfiacconi

My band:

www.instagram.com/thedreamboats

www.thedreamboatsband.com