Episode 64: Why Musicians Must Be Business-Minded with Don Cusic

For the entire interview transcript, please ⁠click ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.You don’t have to be a superstar to make a living in music, but you do need a plan. Don Cusic, author, professor, and Western Music Association Hall of Fame inductee, reveals how to turn your passion into a profession. Learn how to balance self-expression with crowd-pleasing, navigate the business side, and build lasting momentum in today’s fast-moving music world.Don Cusic is also the author of the newly released Chet Atkins: Mr. Guitar. This definitive biography from the University of Georgia Press explores the life and legacy of Chet Atkins, one of the most influential American guitarists of the twentieth century and a key figure in shaping the Nashville Sound.What You’ll Learn:*Why understanding the business side of music is crucial for artists*How persistence and work ethic outweigh raw talent and luck*The truth about mental health, fame, and staying grounded in the music industry*What aspiring artists need to know about cover songs, crowds, and career strategyThings Discussed:*The intersection of music, business, and technology*Importance of social media and self-promotion*Major labels vs. independent careers*The psychology of artists and emotional grounding*Realistic steps for emerging musicians (playing covers, booking small venues, building an audience)*Behind the scenes of writing about Chet AtkinsConnect with Don CusicOfficial WebsiteFacebookYouTubeConnect with Jason TonioliWebsite FacebookYouTube InstagramSpotifyPandoraAmazon MusicApple Music