Other Ways to Make Money Besides Just Your Music

It’s back to the mixing console at Crystal Blue Sound Studios for Dominick Pages this morning, as a new week begins.  His setup is a bit different from what he sits down to as the Front of House Engineer and Audio Director at New Hope United Methodist Church.

The singer, songwriter, guitar player, and recording studio owner/operator is one of many musicians around the country who have found unique and, yes, creative ways for a secondary income.  For Pages, the guest on Episodes 56 and 8 of the weekly “Now Hear This Entertainment” podcast, his work at the church seems like a natural extension of the work that he does at his studio, located in the greater Tampa Bay area.

But for others, there are some clever efforts being undertaken that aren’t so connect-the-dots-logical for additional methods to bring in some money, all of which were launched well before the coronavirus was even known.

Many performers would just think of merch as a means to supplement what they already earn from the sale of their music.  The following guys and gals, however, have thought well beyond that.

Orlando-based singer, songwriter, guitar and banjo player Bianca Leduc stays plenty busy with her sister Gabriela as the country act Diamond Dixie.  Like Dominick Pages, the two have made a pair of appearances on NHTE (Episodes 226 and 63), and the girls have made lots of music and fans.  But in her spare time, away from the chords, lyrics, and melodies, Bianca makes jewelry, which she markets through a designated Instagram account called After Coffee Creations.

My hot drink of choice isn’t coffee, but rather, tea.  In fact, just this morning I started my day drinking a cup of Human Tribe Tea, sent to me by Roger Fisher, the founding guitarist of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band Heart and guest on Episode 86 of NHTE.  Although he continues to churn out music, including last year’s “Heart of the Blues,” going off the page and doing something like loose leaf tea is quite commendable.  Just like creating songs, he even displayed the power of collaboration by launching the beverage initiative with someone else.  (And yes, it sure does taste good.)

Speaking of tasting good, renowned fingerstyle guitarist Muriel Anderson already draws plenty of attention for her performances on the harp guitar, as talked about on Episodes 319 and 211 of NHTE.  But launching an international cookbook last year was something that truly drew a “wow.”  It’s still undetermined if it’s a cookbook with a CD or a CD with a cookbook, but either way, as far as I’m concerned that’s a whole new way to serve up a memorable meal with a soundtrack.

Another performer known for guitar playing, NHTE 107 guest David Feder from down in the Florida Keys, takes his fingers off the guitar strings and holds brushes instead to create art, just like singer, songwriter, guitar player Hope Cassity (NHTE 258 and 13) whose creations literally come off the canvas.  The Nashville-based musician even had a Facebook post last month about combining both elements of her art, via a “live couch concert and online art show.”

And if all of these initiatives haven’t dazzled you enough, then think back to last summer’s interview with Justin Johnson (NHTE 287) who makes guitars out of shovels that were originally intended to turn dirt (pictured at top).  That and the others mentioned above should make you realize that if you’re trying to make a career in music, whether those dreams have turned into reality or not, you can turn a nice profit by thinking outside – in some cases, way outside – the box and finding other efforts you can enjoy alongside your music making.

What are you doing that should’ve been on this list?  Tweet those at me to @NHT_tweets!