In this episode of Backstage Money, Jason K Powers sits down with Stevie Rachelle, lead singer of the band Tuff and founder of Metal Sludge, for a wide-ranging conversation about taking risks, betting on yourself, and doing whatever it takes to make a music career happen.

Stevie shares the early chapters of his story, from leaving home with little more than belief and determination to landing major opportunities in the Los Angeles music scene. He talks candidly about mindset, sacrifice, and why waiting for permission is often the fastest way to never get started.

This first part focuses on the decisions, risks, and mentality required to chase a career in music, long before record deals, MTV, or industry recognition entered the picture. Stevie offers perspective that is especially relevant for musicians at the beginning or middle of their journey who are wondering whether to play it safe or go all in.

This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation. Part 2 dives deeper into the business side of music, including touring, merchandise, money realities, and long-term survival in the industry.

Backstage Money is real-world finance for musicians, where music and money collide through honest conversations with artists and industry professionals who are living it.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/StevieTuff

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100050872071674

Metal Sludge

Website: https://metalsludge.tv/

Tuff

Official website: https://tuffcds.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StevieRachelle

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backstagemoney

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/backstagemoney

Get the free ebook, A Musician’s Guide to Infinite Banking, at

https://1024wealth.com/music

In this episode of Backstage Money, Jason K Powers sits down with Jack McCarthy, entrepreneur, touring veteran, and co-founder of IndieX at Indepreneur, the agency helping artists build sustainable, direct-to-fan revenue.

Jack shares his journey from touring guitarist and guitar tech to building one of the leading artist-focused e-commerce and marketing teams in the industry. He breaks down why so many musicians stay stuck in feast-or-famine income cycles and how treating your music like a real business can change everything.

The conversation dives deep into direct-to-fan sales, owning your data, e-commerce strategy, touring versus streaming income, and why artists need systems they can control. Jack explains how artists of all sizes can stabilize revenue, better serve their fans, and build long-term sustainability instead of relying solely on platforms and algorithms they do not own.

This episode is a must-listen for independent musicians, touring artists, managers, and anyone serious about building a music career that lasts.

Backstage Money is real-world finance for musicians, where music and money collide through honest conversations with artists and industry professionals who are living it.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indepreneur

Indepreneur Site: https://indepreneur.io

IndieX Site: https://indepreneur.io/about-indiex

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backstagemoney

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/backstagemoney

Get the free ebook, A Musician’s Guide to Infinite Banking, at

https://1024wealth.com/music

In this episode of Backstage Money, Jason K Powers sits down with Grace Graber, a rising Christian pop punk artist known for her bold covers, raw honesty, and outspoken conversations around mental health, faith, and the realities of being an independent musician.

Grace shares her powerful origin story, including how music played a role in saving her life, what led her to pursue a career in music, and why authenticity matters more than image. From moving to Nashville and building her career independently, to balancing touring, social media growth, and working a day job, she gives an unfiltered look at what it actually takes to keep going as an artist today.

The conversation dives into the business side of music, including why streaming income alone is not enough, how touring and merchandise have become essential, and the financial pressure musicians face behind the scenes. Grace speaks candidly about money stress, uncertainty, and the emotional toll of chasing a calling in an industry that rarely offers stability.

This episode is a must-listen for independent musicians, Nashville artists, pop punk fans, and anyone trying to balance creativity, faith, mental health, and real-world financial pressure while building a career that lasts.

Topics covered include:

1. Independent music careers
2. Touring and merchandise as income
3. Streaming realities for artists
4. Social media growth and visibility
5. Mental health and faith
6. Working a day job while pursuing music
7. Financial pressure in the music industry

Backstage Money is real-world finance for musicians, where music and money collide through honest conversations with artists and industry professionals who are living it.

Connect with Grace Graber

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracegraber

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gracegrabermusic

Website: https://www.gracegraber.com

Backstage Money

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backstagemoney

Facebook: https://facebook.com/backstagemoney

Get the free ebook, A Musician’s Guide to Infinite Banking, at

https://1024wealth.com/music