Ep. 64: Touring, Merch, and Money: Smart Strategies for Indie Bands with Tommy Rehbein (Toilet Rats)

Are you leaking money as an indie artist?Making music isn’t about turning a profit for most indie artists—it’s about creating something meaningful. But that doesn’t mean you have to overspend. Whether music is your career or your passion project, being smart with your money can help you do more of what you love.That’s why in this episode of Secrets From the Scene, I sat down with Tommy Rehbein (musician, producer, and frontman of Toilet Rats) to talk about how indie bands can stretch every dollar and make smart financial moves.Tommy has spent years navigating the DIY music world, learning how to buy gear without going broke, turn merch into a real revenue stream, and make touring actually sustainable. If you’ve ever wondered:How do I afford quality gear without draining my bank account?What’s the best way to sell more merch and make it profitable?How can I tour on a budget and still come out ahead?…this episode is packed with practical, no-BS advice that can help.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ How to save big on gear—including why "scratch-and-dent" items are your best friend.✅ The secret to selling more merch—from pre-orders to smart bundling strategies.✅ Why your merch table is as important as your set—and how to use it to your advantage.✅ Touring on a budget—hacks to cut costs and make the road work for you.✅ Balancing music with a day job—without sacrificing your creative career.Whether you're trying to make your first tour profitable or just looking to stop bleeding money, this conversation is loaded with real-world tips that actually work.Episode Links and Mentions🌐 Motion City Soundtrack🌐 Justin Pierre🌐 ZVEX🌐 Wren and Cuff🌐 Twin Town Guitars🌐 Ax-Man Surplus🌐 Steadfast Records🌐 Sweet Cheetah Records🌐 Mary Jam🌐 Afternoon Printing🌐 Flavor World🌐 Jensen Creative🌐 Copycats Media🌐 National Audio Company🌐 Free GeekConnect with the Guest:🔗 https://www.instagram.com/toiletrats/Featured Song:"Haunted House" by Toilet Rats🎧 Listen on Spotify👀 Watch on YouTubeGet new episodes by email: Join the Secrets From The Scene newsletter.Secrets From The Scene is made by Helvig Productions, a Twin Cities recording studio for artists and bands.