Explore every episode of the podcast What It Takes To Be A Rockstar
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 23 - Full Flower Moon Band - On going from the Australian underground scene to playing stadiums | 18 Mar 2026 | 01:58:23 | |
This week I am chatting with Kate "Babyshakes" Dillon of Full Flower Moon band. Full Flower Moon Band is an incredible rock band from Australia who started getting national attention in 2022 with their album "Diesel Forever." Recently they opened for the Foo Fighters, have done a couple Europe tours and have gone viral multiple times on the internet. We chat about all this and way more on this week's episode! Enjoy! Check out Full Flower Moon Band here: https://www.fullflowermoonband.com/ Check out the FFMB/Gustaf collab here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfdLHQ1ucPo You can watch this full episode and others on Youtube: Listen to the playlist of all the bands that have been on this podcast here: Join the Community! Chat with others about the episodes on Discord for free: If you enjoy this podcast, please make sure to hit subscribe or follow - it's free and goes a long way! If you'd like to support the show even more you can "Buy Me A Coffee" here: Get in touch: whatittakestobearockstar @ gmail.com Edited, recorded, mixed and produced by Melissa Lucciola. | |||
| BONUS - What It Takes To...Release 100 12" Vinyl Records (Cost Breakdown) | 17 Feb 2026 | 00:12:41 | |
Welcome to the bonus "What It Takes..." series! For this bonus episode I will be sharing the nitty gritty breakdown of what it's going to cost me in total to release 100 12" vinyl records for an album I've been working on for my band Francie Moon. I started working on this record in 2023 and am nearing the finish line, so I figured it would be a good time to share all the details! Enjoy! You can check out my latest singles for this upcoming record here. Edited, recorded, mixed and produced by Melissa Lucciola. | |||
| Episode 15 - Charles Ellsworth - On touring in a $600 van with zero dollars, building DIY skills and being a good hang | 04 Feb 2025 | 01:43:52 | |
This week I am chatting with Charles Ellsworth, an incredible songwriter, podcaster and filmmaker originally from Arizona who has toured most of his adult life. Chuck tells me stories about living in his van while being flat broke to years later getting a full time job working with LCD Soundsystem. We chat about how he learned guitar in the back of a furniture store, his movie-worthy travel stories and the realities of choosing a life in the arts. You can also catch a glimpse of his dog Banjo if you watch on Youtube. Check out Chuck's website here: Check out his podcast "A Dirtbag's Guide To Life On The Road" here: You can watch this full episode on Youtube (and see Banjo) here: If you enjoy this podcast, please make sure to hit subscribe! It's free and goes a long way. If you'd like to support the show you can "Buy Me A Coffee" here: Or become a monthly subscriber here: About the podcast: Host and musician Melissa Lucciola talks with signed and DIY musicians from around the world about their lives behind the scenes. From maxing out credit cards, sleeping on floors, sharing beds and having the whole band get paid $250 to play Madison Square Garden, you will hear the in's and out's of life on and off the road and the real struggles of the modern day musician. Edited, recorded, mixed and produced by Melissa Lucciola. | |||
| Episode 14 - Spoon Benders - Stolen vans, Europe plans and dirty laundry | 28 Jan 2025 | 01:19:41 | |
This week I am chatting with Katy Black (guitar/vox) and Casey Hanson (bass) of Spoon Benders, a heavy fuzzy psychy garage psych band from Portland, Oregon. We chat about how they got into music, how they got their van stolen multiple times, their upcoming plans to tour Europe and how they feel about big vs. small venues. We also chat about if they have other jobs, their life on the road and how they got their EURO booking agent. Enjoy! Edited, recorded, mixed and produced by Melissa Lucciola. | |||
| Episode 13 - Tongues of Fire - On choosing flexibility to tour over stability, getting creative with marketing and being persistent | 21 Jan 2025 | 01:08:35 | |
This week I talk with Lowell Hobbs of Tongues of Fire about DIY touring, recording in a garage-turned-studio, opening for Modest Mouse and turning down a well paying wedding gig to be able to tour. We also talk about how he tries to get creative and have fun with marketing, how he once sent 100+ emails and didn't hear back from anyone, and how he keeps staying persistent. He also gives some tips and tricks for how to not piss off a soundperson. Enjoy! Edited, recorded, mixed and produced by Melissa Lucciola. | |||
| Episode 12 - Sloppy Jane - On making big imaginative visions come to life with small steps everyday | 14 Jan 2025 | 00:27:41 | |
This week I chat with Haley Dahl of Sloppy Jane about how she got into music via acting and how she was able to bring up to 14 people around on tour. We also talk about how she made a record in a cave, how she turns goals into smaller bite sized steps and how she affords it all. Edited, recorded, mixed and produced by Melissa Lucciola. | |||
| Episode 11 - Tall Juan - From having shaky knees to standing tall | 07 Jan 2025 | 01:12:31 | |
This week I chat with Tall Juan about his backstory of how he got into music, his move to the US from Argentina, how he got into recording and having a studio, and why he chooses to not really tour these days. We also chatted about how he managed to get a booker and to get 20+ people to play on his recent album, Racoon Nights. Edited, recorded, mixed and produced by Melissa Lucciola. | |||
| Episode 10 - (BONUS) - On making your own opportunities happen + the secret inspiration for this podcast! | 05 Nov 2024 | 00:17:41 | |
Hi! This week is a little different - I am doing a short recap of what we covered so far and giving a quick update about the next season for this podcast. Today I chat a little bit about my own thoughts as a working musician, while fresh on back to back tours in Europe and the USA. This podcast was inspired by a quote made by Caroline Rose which I do read to you all. Thanks for tuning in to Season 1! Season 2 will be out as soon as possible :). If you have any questions, comments, concerns you can email me at whatittakestobearockstar@gmail.com. Thanks! Edited, recorded, mixed and produced by Melissa Lucciola. | |||
| Episode 9 - Show Brain - On throwing free and all ages punk shows in NYC parks | 29 Oct 2024 | 00:51:42 | |
This week I am chatting with Ozzie Silva of Show Brain. Show Brain is a DIY non-profit organization in NYC that books free shows in different parks around the city. Ozzie has tirelessly put on incredible and consistently fun shows for the last couple years with epic lineups and has done a lot for the NYC music scene. He also is a drummer who fills in for lots and lots of bands on a regular basis, sometimes during the same shows he is organizing. I wanted to chat with him because he has been making a big impact on building community via music. I wanted to see what sparked the idea for starting Show Brain, what the behind the scenes looks like and what he envisions for the future. Enjoy! Edited, recorded, mixed and produced by Melissa Lucciola. | |||
| Episode 8 - BALACLAVA - On DIY recording, booking and getting comfortable with rejection | 22 Oct 2024 | 01:04:55 | |
This week I chat with Dylan Joyce of BALACLAVA, a "NYC trash rock" band. We chat about DIY recording, how he booked his own tours, coming back to music after taking a break and tour finances. They are currently on tour now in the US on the east coast so check them out if you can! Edited, recorded, mixed and produced by Melissa Lucciola. | |||
| Episode 7 - SKORTS - On playing bars and arenas in two different bands simultaneously | 15 Oct 2024 | 01:07:22 | |
This week I chat with Emma Welch, the bass player of the Brooklyn based bands SKORTS and Aggie Miller. I wanted to chat with Emma because she spent time playing huge shows in the band Sir Chloe while helping build SKORTS from the ground up. She has a unique perspective to offer from seeing and experiencing these two different sides of the music industry simultaneously. Edited, recorded, mixed and produced by Melissa Lucciola. | |||
| Episode 6 - PT. 2 - Dead Tooth - On chasing the carrot | 08 Oct 2024 | 00:50:32 | |
This week is Part 2 with Zach Ellis from Dead Tooth. During this conversation we talk about finances, keeping relationships going through tour, staying healthy and the sacrifices he has made to do music. Edited, recorded, mixed and produced by Melissa Lucciola. | |||
| Episode 22 - Shred Flintstone - On being a shy but mighty front person, a DIY touring mishap and why small town scenes are the best | 11 Feb 2026 | 01:36:01 | |
This week I'm super excited to be chatting with Dan Barrechia of the band Shred Flintstone. Dan and I have been sharing bills with our bands since 2016 and our biggest common thread is that we are both NJ based bands who commute to NYC to play. We talked about that and how he books his own DIY tours, finds rad small scenes across the country and how got to play Treefort Fest a few times. We also talk about being a shy front person who has a bigger-than-life stage persona and how important it is to have an early champion in your life who sees your talents and encourages them. Enjoy! Check out Shred Flintstone here: https://linktr.ee/shredflintstone You can watch this full episode and others on Youtube: Listen to the playlist of all the bands that have been on this podcast here: Join the Community! Chat with others about the episodes on Discord for free: If you enjoy this podcast, please make sure to hit subscribe or follow - it's free and goes a long way! If you'd like to support the show even more you can "Buy Me A Coffee" here: Edited, recorded, mixed and produced by Melissa Lucciola. | |||
| Episode 5 - PT. 1 - Dead Tooth - From booking on Myspace to getting a manager | 01 Oct 2024 | 01:14:10 | |
This week I'm talking with Zach Ellis from the Brooklyn based band Dead Tooth. We talk about the history of Zach's musical journey where he chats about how he started playing music, his move to NYC, booking tours on Myspace and showing up to gigs not knowing they've been cancelled. We also chat a bit about the modern day attention span and how he navigates that as a musician. Then he shares how he got his whole team including a label, a publisher, a manager and even a liquor company on board. Edited, recorded, mixed and produced by Melissa Lucciola. | |||
| Episode 4 - PT. 2 - Thelma and the Sleaze - On finances, being a woman in rock and roll and DRUMS! | 24 Sep 2024 | 00:50:16 | |
This week I'm talking again with LG from Thelma and the Sleaze. This time we talk about finances, breaking even on tour, being a woman in the music industry, vibrating drum stools and who she thinks the new Prince is. We also have a pretty hefty drum talk so strap in folks!! Edited, recorded, mixed and produced by Melissa Lucciola. Edited, recorded, mixed and produced by Melissa Lucciola. | |||
| Episode 3 - PT. 1 - Thelma and the Sleaze - On running an all female queer southern rock and roll band with over 35 members | 17 Sep 2024 | 00:47:46 | |
This week I am chatting with LG from Thelma and the Sleaze about crusty crash spots, having street smarts when it comes to picking out and protecting your van, why she dove into music and if she's going to keep playing forever. We also cover a lot more including finances and setting boundaries and this is only PART 1! Part 2 is coming out next Tuesday. Enjoy! Edited, recorded, mixed and produced by Melissa Lucciola. | |||
| Episode 2 - Ghost Funk Orchestra - On bringing an 8+ piece band on the road | 10 Sep 2024 | 01:33:48 | |
This week I talk with Seth Applebaum of Ghost Funk Orchestra about how he brings an 8-11 piece band on tour, how he got his booker and label and how he makes it all work logistically and financially. Edited, recorded, mixed and produced by Melissa Lucciola. | |||
| Episode 1 - 95 Bulls - Riding the line between DIY and having an agent | 03 Sep 2024 | 00:52:39 | |
This week I talk with Emily Ashenden from the band 95 Bulls about her story with music, how her band got a booking agent and how they afford to tour. Edited, recorded, mixed and produced by Melissa Lucciola. | |||
| What It Takes To Be A Rockstar - Teaser for Episode 1 | 27 Aug 2024 | 00:00:47 | |
Teaser for our first episode with Emily Ashenden of 95 Bulls coming out on Tuesday, Sep 3 at 10 EDT. Edited, recorded, mixed and produced by Melissa Lucciola. | |||
| BONUS - A scene is born, my year in music and Bandcamp bans AI | 20 Jan 2026 | 00:18:40 | |
Hello everyone! This is a bonus episode to share about where the heck I've been and what I've been up to. I also share about an incredible scene that has been born in Colorado and talk a little bit about music news. I also forgot to mention Gustaf toured with LCD Soundsystem in April and played the Rock and Roll hall of fame in August!! Busy busy year :). "What We Spend" Podcast (My Episode!) Apple Commercial with "Gustaf - I Trusted You" Francie Moon Music Videos released last year: You can watch this full episode and others on Youtube: Listen to the playlist of all the bands that have been on this podcast here: Join the Community! Chat with others about the episodes on Discord for free: If you enjoy this podcast, please make sure to hit subscribe or follow - it's free and goes a long way! If you'd like to support the show even more you can "Buy Me A Coffee" here: Edited, recorded, mixed and produced by Melissa Lucciola. | |||
| Episode 21 - Eugene Robinson (BUÑUEL/OXBOW) - No Dog Meat Policy! Fighting for standards in the 80s experimental punk scene until now | 13 Jan 2026 | 01:51:01 | |
Welcome to Season 3! This week I am chatting with Eugene Robinson of BUÑUEL (previously of OXBOW and Whipping Boy) about his life of touring and creating music since the 1980s. He's toured with Minor Threat and opened for countless bands such as The Melvins, Mr. Bungle, Lydia Lunch, A Perfect Circle, The Jesus Lizard and way more. In this conversation we talk about the creative ways he gets paid when someone is trying to stiff his band and how he used to book shows via fax machine. We also talk about autotune and AI in music, how some people want to treat bands the way they wouldn't treat themselves, his time at the Grammys and way more. Enjoy!! Check out his music here. You can watch this full episode and others on Youtube: Listen to the playlist of all the bands that have been on this podcast here: Join the Community! Chat with others about the episodes on Discord for free: If you enjoy this podcast, please make sure to hit subscribe or follow - it's free and goes a long way! If you'd like to support the show even more you can "Buy Me A Coffee" here: Edited, recorded, mixed and produced by Melissa Lucciola. | |||
| Episode 20 (BONUS) - On artists losing $50,000 on sold out US tours and why signed bands are going DIY | 11 Mar 2025 | 00:13:17 | |
This week I am ranting in my van parked on a side street in NYC about the state of the music industry. I bring in recent news about Kate Nash starting an OF to finance her tours, and Caroline Rose leaking their own album on Bandcamp. I talk about the realities of the music industry currently and why many bands are choosing to go back to DIY, even if it looks like they got it all. This is the final episode of Season 2, see you in Season 3! You can watch this episode and others on Youtube here: Contact: whatittakestobearockstar@gmail.com Listen to the bands that have been on this podcast here: Join the Discord community and chat with others about the episodes here: If you enjoy this podcast, please make sure to hit subscribe or follow - it's free and goes a long way! Edited, recorded, mixed and produced by Melissa Lucciola. | |||
| Episode 19 - Randy Ojeda (Music Attorney & Manager) - On collecting royalties, the future of music with AI, and how to prevent an ugly band breakup | 04 Mar 2025 | 00:56:55 | |
This week I'm chatting with Randy Ojeda, a music attorney and a long time music manager. Randy has also done A&R for Symphonic Distribution and has hosted his own podcast, Cigar City Radio, among a ton of other things within the music industry. We chat about how he ended up becoming a music attorney and manager. He also gives some valuable insights and nuggets of wisdom including how bands can collect performance royalties for playing their own songs at shows, what the first thing a band should do is, and when a band should start thinking about getting a manager. You can watch this full episode and others on Youtube: Check out Randy's website here: Check out Randy's music podcast here "Cigar City Radio": Check out Cigar City Management (Boutique Artist Management Company and Record Label co-founded by Randy): Check out this article on the differences between ASCAP, BMI and SESAC: Join the Discord community and chat with others about the episodes here: If you enjoy this podcast, please make sure to hit subscribe or follow - it's free and goes a long way! Edited, recorded, mixed and produced by Melissa Lucciola. | |||
| Episode 18 - Donzii - On burning emotional energy for the aliens + doing sketchy things to get to shows on time | 25 Feb 2025 | 01:16:28 | |
This week I'm chatting with Jenna Balfe and Dennis Fuller of Donzii, a "time-bending, post-punk vision: a unity of go-hard industrial bangers, darkly ambient balladry, [with] new takes on the funk traditions of No Wave" band. This band is super fun and they keep it weird in such a good way! We chat about how they met on an island and started the band, how they feel about social media within the music world, their move to LA from Miami, the sketchy things they have done to get to shows and how they once had to leave their lost cat behind in another city to get to a gig on time (she's ok!). Walter, the mentioned cat, made a lot of appearances so if you'd like to see her you can watch this full episode and others on our Youtube. Check out Donzii here: Check out Dennis' recorder album here: Check out Dennis' book rec here: Listen to Donzii and the other guests from this podcast on this playlist: Join the Discord community and chat with others about the episodes here: If you enjoy this podcast, please make sure to hit subscribe or follow - it's free and goes a long way! Edited, recorded, mixed and produced by Melissa Lucciola. | |||
| Episode 17 - Tea Eater - On how much it costs to tour Europe, growing a cult following and raffling off good vibes | 18 Feb 2025 | 00:56:28 | |
This week I'm chatting with my bandmates Tarra Theissen and Vram Kherlopian of Tea Eater, Gustaf, MamajoeVramajoe, Francie Moon and more!! We chat about how much it costs to tour Europe/the UK, how they have been building a cult following and how much they love the color purple. These two have traveled the world playing music in "projects of varying degrees of investments and returns" and have a lot of insight into the music industry, DIY or not. Enjoy!! Check out Tarra and Vrams' projects here: Check out their Patreon here: Check out the Tea Eater fan club here: If you enjoy this podcast, please make sure to hit subscribe - it's free and goes a long way! Listen to the Playlist of all the guests' music here. Edited, recorded, mixed and produced by Melissa Lucciola. | |||
| Episode 16 - Crusasis - On never being able to quit music even if you want to | 11 Feb 2025 | 01:30:21 | |
This week I am chatting with Ryan Smith of the band Crusasis. This episode hits super close to home cause Ry is my boyfriend and bandmate, but he has a really interesting perspective with music because he has played many different instruments in many different genres in many different ways. He's done:
We also chat about a time in life where he stepped away from his life in music as he knew it and found himself making music anyway wherever he was. We chat about how if you are a musician, it is always a part of who you are, but you also need to care for the other aspects of your identity as well. Check out Crusasis here. You can watch this full episode (we recorded in our house) on Youtube. If you enjoy this podcast, please make sure to hit subscribe - it's free and goes a long way! Listen to the Playlist of all the guests' music here. Third intro song is "Wind Strings" by Francie Moon Edited, recorded, mixed and produced by Melissa Lucciola. | |||