337 Ezra Vancil – Business Systems: From Marketing Day Job to Sustainable Music Career

After 10 years with the same band and launching his own label, Ezra Vancil has learned that sustainable music careers require business systems—not just passion. In this conversation, he reveals the productivity frameworks he's borrowed from his marketing day job and how they've transformed both his creative output and family dynamics. → Liner Notes Insider subscribers get Ezra's complete "Music Career as Business System" framework + his pre-release strategy that sold an album for a full year before streaming. Key Topics Discussed The "fear as compass" approach that guides his creative decisions Why he sold his last album direct for a year before streaming (and the revenue impact) How business systems thinking improved his relationships with band members and family His 5am-8am creative routine that produced a 14-month double album while working full-time The house concert preparation framework that turns parties into professional events Previous Episodes with Ezra Keeping Your Side of the Street Clean–Ezra Vancil (Ep 182)  A Hidden Album Collection Discovery–Ezra Vancil (Ep 42)  The Mystery of The Flounder – Cozi Anda Flounder (Ep 231)  On Top Of The World – Ezra Vancil Interviews Robonzo About Debut Single (Ep 187)  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 at UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor This episode was brought to you by Podcast Startup. Ready to launch your podcast or take it to the next level? Podcast Startup gives you the frameworks, systems, and insider knowledge to build a show that actually grows your audience and serves your goals. Whether you're just getting started or looking to improve your existing podcast, you'll get actionable strategies on equipment selection, content planning, audience building, and sustainable production workflows—without the overwhelm. Learn more at UnstarvingMusician.com/PodcastStartup. Join podcasters who are building shows that last. Also Mentioned in this Episode Backline Mental Health & Wellness Resources for Music Industry Professionals Celebrate Recovery  332 Eli Lev – Spiritual Growth: From 250 Shows to Finding Sacred Space in Music  Kid Andersen on Greaseland Studios, Playing The Blues, Musicianship and Music Ed (Ep 003)  Kid Andersen On TrueFire TV and His Forthcoming Album (Ep 110) House Concert Tours & Community – Shannon Curtis  No Booker, No Bouncer, No Bartender: How I Made $25K On A 2-Month House Concert Tour, by Shannon Curtis  Resources The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process. More Resources for musicians Pardon the 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! Stay in touch! @RobonzoDrummer on  Instagram @UnstarvingMusician on Facebook  and  YouTube