The Next Evolution of Music Funding, with Justin Longo of MariNation

In this episode of Backstage Money, host Jason K Powers sits down with Justin Longo, founder and CEO of MariNation, a new platform exploring how fans, artists, and data could reshape the way music is funded.Justin breaks down the problem artists face today, streaming pays more than ever at the industry level, but individual artists see less value per song than ever before. The conversation explores how artists are forced to self-fund releases, tours, and content long before the music ever generates income, and why that financial pressure often stalls creative momentum.Justin explains how MariNation approaches this challenge through a fantasy-style, risk-free music investing game that tracks real artist performance data, allowing fans to engage with music in a deeper way while competing for real prizes and experiences. The discussion also looks ahead at what the future could hold, including artist equity, fan participation, and new ways artists might fund careers without selling off their rights too early.This episode is for independent musicians, touring artists, music entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in the intersection of music, technology, and financial sustainability.Backstage Money is real-world finance for musicians, where music and money collide through honest conversations with artists and industry professionals who are living it.Connect with Justin Longo & MariNationWebsite: https://marinationmusic.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mari__nationTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mari..nationBackstage MoneyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/backstagemoneyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/backstagemoneyFree Financial Resource for MusiciansGet the free ebook A Musician’s Guide to Infinite Banking https://1024wealth.com/music