Award season is here â and in this episode of The Career Musician, Nomad and the TCM Pro Team sit down for a post-show Green Room debrief after working an awards-show house band gig in the trenches.
We kick things off with a real talk âpost-Grammysâ perspective: why awards can help your career (visibility, awareness, doors opening)⊠but why music will always remain opinion-based and subjective â and why no trophy should ever define your value as a working musician.
đž Grab the free 3-step Audition Guide:
thecareermusician.com/audition
Then we go full behind-the-curtain and unpack what actually happened on the show day:
â the prep⊠the advancing⊠the last-minute curveballs
â the playback chaos (sample rate drama + tech chain breakdowns)
â the âstop and restartâ moment that felt like an eternity
â a surprise performance rescue where the house band had to jump in and save the set in real time
â and the most unexpected pivot of the night: getting told to âstretch the showâ and jam with a full orchestra on the spot
This isnât just a story about an awards show. Itâs a masterclass in what it really means to be a career musician: professionalism under pressure, adapting on the fly, and keeping the show moving no matter what.
Weâre joined by Michael "Ace" Baker, Front of House engineer and production pro, who breaks down what was happening from the mix position and why âplan Aâ isnât enough when youâre dealing with live production.
Aceâs notable credits include:
FOH Engineer for Dream Theater (including their touring production)
FOH for Sammy Hagar (including major touring runs)
Longtime work with Joe Satriani (including the G3 Tour )
FOH history with Chickenfoot
Working alongside guitar heroes like John Petrucci and Mike Mangini through touring worlds that overlap at the highest level
Also in this episode...
The âawards donât define youâ mindset â and why consistency + relationships beat headlines every time
A real-world example of submit & omit / send it & forget it
The Green Room format debut: how pros *actually* debrief after the show
A reminder that rehearsal studios like CenterStaging are where the pros iron out the chaos before the spotlight hits
Nomad also references his colleague and friend Harvey Mason Jr., who leads the The Recording Academy â Find Harveyâs episode in The Career Musician archive for an inside look at how the ecosystem really works here đ https://megaphone.link/PAN2101942231
đ„ TCM Pro Tip
When the stakes are high and the clock is ticking, donât just âhope it works.â
Lock your fundamentals:
Advance your assets early (tracks/video/stems)
Never introduce mission-critical files at the last second
Build redundancy (backups, alternate plans, human fallbacks)
And most importantly: practice the mindset of the pivot
Because in the real worldâŠ
EVERYTHING YOU DO IS AN AUDITION!!!
đ Nail the Audition and Get the Gig! (Audition SecretsâFree Guide)
â https://thecareermusician.com/audition/
đ PA Rehearsal Studios Official Sponsor (L.A.)
Get 20% OFF your next booking Use code NOMAD
â https://parehearsalstudios.com/
đž JamPlay Guitar Lessons (Free Trial)
Sharpen your skills & stay inspired Use code NOMAD
â https://jamplay.com/get-free-access?code=NOMAD
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Your professionalism is already âenough.âDonât put management or âimportant peopleâ on a pedestal. Show up prepared, play great, be a pro.
Prioritize relationships over âimpressing.âInstead of trying to win over the top boss, find one person in the firm or at the company you can genuinely connect with.
Be a good hang; thatâs your X-factor.There are tons of great players. What separates you is being a solid human: chill, personable, easy to be around, making others feel comfortable.
The âcare less, play betterâ mindset.When youâre too hyped or anxious, your performance suffers. You generally play better when youâre relaxed, not gripping so hard.
For introverts: small, doable behaviors.You donât have to turn into a cartoon extrovert. Just push your comfort zone a bit: smile, say hi, repeat peopleâs names, be present for a moment.
Energy is currency (ETHOS: Attitude + Vibe).Bring positive, high-vibe energy into sessions, shows, and NAMM. Like Kenny Aronoff, you can âsaveâ a room just by the energy you bring.
NAMM is for friends, not ânetworking.âUse the 3-foot rule: if someoneâs within three feet, talk to them.
Go to NAMM with clear goals, not delusions.Donât show up thinking, âIâll get signed to five endorsements in a day.â Instead, go with 1â2 concrete missions.
Understand what endorsements really are.
Beware of âfakeâ endorsements that are just tiny discounts and bad support.
Real endorsement = you truly back the product, and the company truly backs you.
Relationships outlast companies and reps.Artist reps leave. Deals lapse. Thatâs normal. Keep nurturing relationships so you can re-ignite deals.
Say âyesâ more, but stay discerning.Donât shut down opportunities just because they donât fit your old mental picture (tours, panels, gear deals, etc.)
NAMM is more than a gear expo.The NAMM org does year-round work: lobbying in D.C., helping with regulations (woods, tariffs, shipping), and creating educational panels on social media, AI, mental health, business, etc.
Everything is an audition â including content.Whether itâs a tour, a bar gig, a podcast, or your IG reel, people are always seeing you âauditionâ for the next thing.
Donât be jaded â let yourself be excited.Locals love to say âIt was better 10 years ago.â That mindset kills joy and keeps you stuck in the past.
Exclusive Career Musician ResourcesÂ
đ Nail the Audition and Get the Gig! (Audition SecretsâFree Guide)Â
â https://thecareermusician.com/audition/
đ PA Rehearsal Studios Official Sponsor (L.A.)Â
Get 20% OFF your next booking Use code NOMADÂ
â https://parehearsalstudios.com/
đž JamPlay Guitar Lessons (Free Trial)Â
Sharpen your skills & stay inspired Use code NOMADÂ
â https://jamplay.com/get-free-access?code=NOMAD
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecareermusician/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCareerMusician/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecareermusician
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecareermusician
Apple: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-Apple
Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-Spotify
đOnline CoursesÂ
â https://www.thecareermusician.com/store
đŒExpert Career CoachingÂ
â https://www.thecareermusician.com/coaching
đĄ TCM Pro Tip: Don't fall into the trap of being jaded, go to ENJOY NAMM and watch your future blossom!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome to Episode 200 of The Career Musician Podcast!
This milestone episode celebrates 200 conversations, lessons, and real-world strategies for working musicians.
Nomad reflects on recent gigs with legendary bassist Nathan East, introduces the TCM Pro team (Joel Meza and Emily Lauren), and dives deep into the philosophy that's driven the show from day one: action over resolution, principles remain methods change, and execution over perfection.
đŻ Core Philosophy:
Action over resolution: Why consistent action compounds into results
Methods change, but principles remain
The importance of having a Plan of Attack (POA)
Done is better than perfect
đ„ Meet the TCM Pro Team:
Joel Meza and Emily Lauren share their transformative goals for the year
Emily's focus: Being present and not "watering all the flowers at once"
Joel's commitment: Actively using a CRM (Contacts Relations Manager) to maintain relationships
đĄ Key Insights:
The danger of over-scheduling and setting unrealistic daily goals
How to stay "top of mind" in the music industry
The power of sincere relationship building vs. transactional networking
Why execution beats perfection every time
đž Real Talk:
How Nathan East kept the Eric Clapton gig for over 40 years
Working with legendary artists (Aretha, Barbara Streisand, Celine Dion, David Foster)
The importance of auditioning with intention
Minimum Viable Product (MVP) mindset for musicians
đ Practical Tools Discussed:
CRM/Contacts Relations Manager for musicians
Plan of Attack (POA) worksheet
Audition preparation framework
Balancing work, life, and creative pursuits
Exclusive Career Musician ResourcesÂ
đ Nail the Audition and Get the Gig! (Audition SecretsâFree Guide)Â
â https://thecareermusician.com/audition/
đ PA Rehearsal Studios Official Sponsor (L.A.)Â
Get 20% OFF your next booking Use code NOMADÂ
â https://parehearsalstudios.com/
đž JamPlay Guitar Lessons (Free Trial)Â
Sharpen your skills & stay inspired Use code NOMADÂ
â https://jamplay.com/get-free-access?code=NOMAD
đČ Follow The Career MusicianÂ
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecareermusician/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCareerMusician/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecareermusician
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecareermusician
đ Stream The Podcast:
Podcast Hub: https://thecareermusician.com/podcast/
Apple: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-Apple
Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-Spotify
iHeart: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-iHeart
Stitcher: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-Stitcher-Pod
đOnline CoursesÂ
â https://www.thecareermusician.com/store
đŒExpert Career CoachingÂ
â https://www.thecareermusician.com/coaching
đRead Our BlogÂ
â https://www.thecareermusician.com/blog/
đĄ TCM Pro Tip:Done is better than perfect. Execute faster than anyone else, and get it to market first.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#199: Still Making New Yearâs Resolutions? Serious Musicians Do This Instead
Action > Resolution
New year.New you.New gigs.
But not just more gigs.
The right gigs.
In this episode, Nomad breaks down why New Yearâs resolutions donât work for musiciansâand what to do instead if you want real progress this year.
Instead of setting goals youâll forget by February, Nomad introduces a simple Plan of Action (or as he calls it, a Plan of Attack) designed to help you stop procrastinating, stop chasing the wrong opportunities, and start taking consistent action toward the career you actually want.
This episode is built around Nomadâs ETHOS framework and the core pillars of The Career Musicianâhelping you improve your mindset, your business decisions, and your gig and studio life.
Why âmore gigsâ isnât better if theyâre pulling you in the wrong direction
The real reason New Yearâs resolutions fail musicians
How to replace resolutions with a simple Plan of Action
Why Nomad also calls it a Plan of Attack (and what youâre actually attacking)
How to beat procrastination, self-doubt, complacency, and excuses
A clear, easy-to-follow framework you can use all yearânot just in January
This episode is practical, simple, and built for real working musiciansânot hype, not motivation, just action.
To go along with this episode, Nomad created a free, fillable one-page Plan of Action worksheet you can use immediately.
đ Download it here:https://thecareermusician.com
This worksheet walks you through:
Telling the truth about where you are
Choosing one clear focus for the next 90 days
Identifying simple weekly actions
Building daily momentumâeven when you donât feel motivated
This episode and worksheet come directly from ETHOS: The Career Musicianâs CodeâNomadâs complete framework for building a sustainable music career.
ETHOS shows you how to:
Think like a career musician
Make smart decisions
Take consistent action that leads to real opportunities
Learn more at:https://thecareermusician.com
Resolutions are easy to break.
Actionâdone consistentlyâchanges everything.
If youâre ready to stop hoping and start building, this episode is your starting point.
đ Download the free worksheetđ Take actionđ Get after the right gigs
đ Nail the Audition and Get the Gig! (Audition SecretsâFree Guide)Â
â https://thecareermusician.com/audition/
đ PA Rehearsal Studios Official Sponsor (L.A.)Â
Get 20% OFF your next booking Use code NOMADÂ
â https://parehearsalstudios.com/
đž JamPlay Guitar Lessons (Free Trial)Â
Sharpen your skills & stay inspired Use code NOMADÂ
â https://jamplay.com/get-free-access?code=NOMAD
đČ Follow The Career MusicianÂ
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecareermusician/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCareerMusician/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecareermusician
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecareermusician
đ Stream The Podcast:
Podcast Hub: https://thecareermusician.com/podcast/
Apple: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-Apple
Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-Spotify
iHeart: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-iHeart
Stitcher: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-Stitcher-Pod
đOnline CoursesÂ
â https://www.thecareermusician.com/store
đŒExpert Career CoachingÂ
â https://www.thecareermusician.com/coaching
đRead Our Blog â â https://www.thecareermusician.com/blog/â
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#198: Year In Review | Top 10 Episodes of 2025 Wrapped!
Welcome to the 2025 Year in Review Wrap-Up episode! Celebrate our milestones, meet the team, and discover the top 10 career tips that defined this year. From building your brand to mastering auditions and networking, this episode is your guide to thriving as a professional musician. As we approach our 200th episode, Nomad reflects on a year of incredible growth, community, and music industry insights.
This episode features reflections on the top 10 career tips of 2025, including:
âą Building your brand as a musician
âą The importance of preparation and professionalism
âą Navigating auditions and getting the gig
âą Business savvy and protecting standardized rates
âą Building alliances and networking in the industry
âą Communication and showing up for yourself and others
đ đ¶ â€ïž Heartfelt thanks to listeners and the global Career Musician community
Whether youâre a seasoned pro or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration to help you build a sustainable music career. đ€
Exclusive Career Musician ResourcesÂ
đ Nail the Audition and Get the Gig! (Audition SecretsâFree Guide)Â
â https://thecareermusician.com/audition/
đ PA Rehearsal Studios Official Sponsor (L.A.)Â
Get 20% OFF your next booking Use code NOMADÂ
â https://parehearsalstudios.com/
đž JamPlay Guitar Lessons (Free Trial)Â
Sharpen your skills & stay inspired Use code NOMADÂ
â https://jamplay.com/get-free-access?code=NOMAD
đČ Follow The Career MusicianÂ
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecareermusician/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCareerMusician/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecareermusician
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecareermusician
đ Stream The Podcast:
Podcast Hub: https://thecareermusician.com/podcast/
Apple: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-Apple
Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-Spotify
iHeart: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-iHeart
Stitcher: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-Stitcher-Pod
đOnline CoursesÂ
â https://www.thecareermusician.com/store
đŒExpert Career CoachingÂ
â https://www.thecareermusician.com/coaching
đRead Our BlogÂ
â https://www.thecareermusician.com/blog/
đĄ TCM Pro Tip:
Three qualities that determine you're a TCM ProâDedication, Communication, Preparation!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
đïž From Baltimore hustle to shaping a music career on his own terms.
Drummer, producer, father, and brand-builder â Bryant Wilson (aka The Beatqualizer) proves that success isnât defined by location or industry hype. After COVID nearly knocked him out of the game for years, he rebuilt from the ground up: steady wedding gigs, a home studio, his own sample pack, and even branded cereal. Yes â cereal. đœïžđ„
Bryantâs story is a blueprint for musicians who are determined to provide, create, and stay consistent â no matter what season of life theyâre in.
In this episode, Bryant & Nomad dive into:
â Consistency > luck â how steady wedding gigs rebuilt his career after COVID
â Create your own opportunities â drum studio, remote sessions, sample packs, and a production team
â Brand yourself like a business â unique products (like drummer cereal!) and always evolving your brand
â Seasons of life and music â balancing fatherhood, ambition, and survival
â Mindset shifts that keep you in the game â comparison kills creativity; focus on your path
Exclusive Career Musician ResourcesÂ
đ Nail the Audition and Get the Gig! (Audition SecretsâFree Guide)Â
â https://thecareermusician.com/audition/
đ PA Rehearsal Studios Official Sponsor (L.A.)Â
Get 20% OFF your next booking Use code NOMADÂ
â https://parehearsalstudios.com/
đž JamPlay Guitar Lessons (Free Trial)Â
Sharpen your skills & stay inspired Use code NOMADÂ
â https://jamplay.com/get-free-access?code=NOMAD
đČ Follow The Career Musician:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecareermusician/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCareerMusician/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecareermusician
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecareermusician
đ Stream The Podcast:
Podcast Hub: https://thecareermusician.com/podcast/
Apple: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-Apple
Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-Spotify
iHeart: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-iHeart
Stitcher: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-Stitcher-Pod
đOnline CoursesÂ
â https://www.thecareermusician.com/store
đŒExpert Career CoachingÂ
â https://www.thecareermusician.com/coaching
đRead Our BlogÂ
â https://www.thecareermusician.com/blog/
đ Find Bryant Wilson on:
â https://thebeatqualizer.com/â â
â â Instagramâ â đĄ TCM Pro Tip:Writing your goals down coupled with consistent work toward those goals will produce results. Be patient and consistent and you will reap the benefits! #careermusicianÂ
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How a versatile bassist built a career touring with todayâs pop stars
From Six Flags shows to Coachella, Bonnaroo, and headline runs with modern chart-toppers like Dominic Fike and Remi Wolf, bassist Sean Sobash has built a sustainable touring career through community, versatility, and smart business decisions.
He shares how jam sessions led to major gigs, how to negotiate fair pay, when to say no â and why prioritizing relationships will book you far more work than any other avenue.
If youâre a young musician dreaming of the road⊠Seanâs journey is the blueprint.
In this episode, Sean, Nomad, and Joel dive into:
â The power of community over cattle calls â jam sessions â touring opportunities (not waiting in 100-person audition lines)
â What touring should pay (and why rates matter) â minimums, sliding scales, and protecting the profession from undercutting
â Knowing when to walk away â juggling overlapping tours, friendships, and long-term opportunities
â Balancing ârockstar energyâ with professionalism â look the part, but remember: youâre there to work
â Why versatility = survival â electric bass, synth bass, upright, doubling duties
â Making LA sustainable â networking with intention, good hangs, and keeping your ego out of business decisions
đ Connect with Sean Sobash Instagram: @seansobash Artist credits: Dominic Fike, Remi Wolf, Luke Hemmings, Rooney⊠and more
Exclusive Career Musician ResourcesÂ
đ VIP All-Access Pass (All TCM Products in One Bundle)Â
â https://thecareermusician.com/membership/all-access-vip-pass/
đ PA Rehearsal Studios Official Sponsor (L.A.)Â
Get 20% OFF your next booking Use code NOMADÂ
â https://parehearsalstudios.com/
đž JamPlay Guitar Lessons (Free Trial)Â
Sharpen your skills & stay inspired Use code NOMADÂ
â https://jamplay.com/get-free-access?code=NOMAD
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecareermusician/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCareerMusician/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecareermusician
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecareermusician
Podcast Hub: https://thecareermusician.com/podcast/
Apple: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-Apple
Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-Spotify
iHeart: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-iHeart
Stitcher: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-Stitcher-Pod
đOnline CoursesÂ
â https://www.thecareermusician.com/store
đŒExpert Career CoachingÂ
â https://www.thecareermusician.com/coaching
đRead Our BlogÂ
â https://www.thecareermusician.com/blog/
đĄTCM Pro Tip: Whether you're in LA or not, the same rules applyâbe a good hang and do the job of playing your instrument consistently and you'll succeed!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, host Nomad sits down with Ron Perry, aka RPP, a seasoned outbound sales leader and former aspiring guitar hero, to unpack the universal principles of success in music and business. Broadcasting from Breckenridge, Colorado, they dive deep into why building a strong personal brand is just as importantâif not more soâthan mastering your craft.Key
Topics: Why âbrandâ matters as much as talent for musicians and professionals
How to develop a marketable identity and create memorable audience experiencesThe role of social media in amplifying your brand
Embracing rejection: mastering the âart of noâ and playing the numbers game
Real-world stories: from LAâs music scene to creative sales tactics (like the legendary âred shoeâ story)
The importance of networking and being a âgood hangâ in the industryLessons from icons like John 5, Slash, and the value of standing outHow creative branding can overcome higher prices and competition
Takeaways: Your brand is your ticket to opportunityâcraft it intentionally
Rejection is part of the journey; persistence pays off
Networking and being authentic open doors you never expected
Creativity and thinking outside the box can set you apart in any field
About the Guest: Ron Perry (RPP) is known for his dynamic approach to sales, music, and personal branding. With roots in LAâs music world and a passion for helping others succeed, Ron shares actionable advice and entertaining stories from his career.
Follow The Career Musician Podcast for more insights and inspiration
Tune in for a blend of music industry wisdom, business strategy, and plenty of laughs!
Exclusive Career Musician Resources
đ VIP All-Access Pass (All TCM Products in One Bundle) â https://thecareermusician.com/membership/all-access-vip-pass/
đ PA Rehearsal Studios Official Sponsor (L.A.) Get 20% OFF your next booking Use code NOMAD â https://parehearsalstudios.com/
đž JamPlay Guitar Lessons (Free Trial) Sharpen your skills & stay inspired Use code NOMAD â https://jamplay.com/get-free-access?code=NOMAD
đČ Follow The Career Musician Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecareermusician/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCareerMusician/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecareermusicianTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecareermusician
đ Stream The Podcast:Podcast Hub: https://thecareermusician.com/podcast/Apple: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-AppleSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-SpotifyiHeart: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-iHeartStitcher: https://tinyurl.com/TCM-Stitcher-Pod
đOnline Courses â https://www.thecareermusician.com/store
đŒExpert Career Coaching â https://www.thecareermusician.com/coaching
đRead Our Blog â https://www.thecareermusician.com/blog/
đĄ TCM Pro Tip: The power of your brand carries your talent beyond organic reach and opens the gates of discovery for new audiences!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices