Silhouette of singer on stage with cheering audience | Photo by Dustin Tray, @trayproductions on Pexels.com | https://www.pexels.com/photo/silhouette-of-singer-on-stage-with-cheering-audience-11963135/

This episode of The Unstarving Musician explores how independent musicians can effectively use donations as a viable income stream. The conversation covers:

  • The historical precedent and modern relevance of fan support
  • Crafting compelling donation requests
  • Popular donation platforms and payment options
  • Creating a dedicated donation page
  • Offering incentives to encourage support
  • Tips for successful crowdfunding campaigns

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to diversify your income, this episode provides practical strategies to engage your fanbase and help sustain your musical journey through donations. Learn how to communicate your needs, maintain transparency, and build stronger connections with your audience while supporting your artistic endeavors.

Get the FREE companion download for this episode!

Transcript not yet available. Please check back.

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
YouTube badge
Listen on Overcast badge
Listen on Amazon Music button
Listen on Sticher badge
Listen On iHeartRadio

Support the Unstarving Musician

The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers. Learn how you can offer your support by visiting our Crowd Sponsor page at UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor

This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes.

Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I’ve spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes.

Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You’ll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives.

Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.

This episode is powered by Podcast Startup

If you feel you need a little help getting your podcast started, Podcast Startup is for you. Podcast Startup is a program designed for new podcasters. Did you know that most podcasts don’t make it past their first few episodes. That’s right, they start, they stall, and then they die. Sustaining a podcast ain’t easy. It’s a commitment. Lack of planning and misaligned expectations are a recipe for a fast burnout and fade-out for podcasters. This is exactly the kind of thing Podcast Startup was designed to help with.

If you’re intrigued, if you want to start a podcast the right way, go to UnstarvingMusician.com/PodcastStartup to learn more.

This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method

Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. It’s a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career. I’m in the program and I’m learning tons! I’m growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I’ll be earning money in the new year. It’s also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that?

To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing.

This episode was powered by Bandzoogle

BandZoogle - Musician Websites that Work

From garage bands to Grammy winners, Bandzoogle powers the websites for thousands of musicians around the world.

Plans start at just $8.29/month, which includes hosting and your own free custom domain name. Go to Bandzoogle.com to start your 30 day free trial. Use promo code “ROBONZO” to get 15% off the first year of any subscription.

Mentions and Related Episodes

FREE episode companion download

House Concert Tours & Community – Shannon Curtis

288 Johnny Burgin – Queretaro Mexico, The Queretablues Festival, His Guitar Masterclass And YouTube Channel, Moving to Memphis, Leaving Chicago, And His Forthcoming Album

We Are All Musicians Now – Zack O’Malley Greenburg (Ep 226)

Stay in touch!

Leave voice feedback on Robonzo’s Speakpipe page

Resources

The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo

Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income

Libsyn Podcast Hosting

Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music

More Resources for musicians

Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) 
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!