Are you worried about paying the bills as you move through your music career? Are you thinking about how to about save for a 401k or college for your kids? We don't have to think of a music career as being starving artists until we one day hit the big time. We aren't being inauthentic as artists if we earn income that isn't directly from the fruits of our music or artistic labour.   Born and raised in New England, Laura Clapp (she/her) brings her passion for love and life to each of her songs and lyrics. Her voice has taken her all over the world and she weaves moments from her travels and experiences into every piece she creates.   A Berkeley Music School grad, Laura is now a Retail Market Development Specialist for Shure. She has worked as a product demonstrator for TC Helicon, performed back-up and toured internationally with Howard Jones, worked in Nashville as a singer and published songwriter.   In this episode we talk about Laura's own journey and her thoughts and considerations as she has moved through her career as both an artist and professional within the industry. She provides great insight on how to consider your career path while also being a paid performing artist.   BONUS: At the end of the episode you can hear Laura's new single Rise Up, available to stream now on all platforms.   Follow Laura @lauraclappmusic and see her website lauraclapp.com   Transcripts available at http://thisnextsongsabout.com  ----more---- For the tip sheet mentioned in the podcast and other Behind The Scenes access from the pod go to http://Patreon.com/thisnextsongsabout    Don't forget to check out some great home-recording microphones on offer from Shure here:   Shure MV7 podcast and vocal mic Shure SM58 - most durable stage & recording mic ever created!