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 strategy
Things 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 Atkins
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