Best Roberto R Hernandez Podcasts (2026)

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342 What I Learned in 2025 27:53

Play Pause

4d ago27:53

27:53

Welcome to 2026. In the last episode, I shared what I'm grateful for and the personal questions I'm sitting with. Today, I'm sharing the strategic side: what I learned in 2025 that changed how I work. Six concrete lessons from running this podcast and newsletter, plus 300+ conversations with independent musicians and creative professionals. Some of…

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341 Gratitude, Growth, and What I'm Learning (Holiday Edition) 20:11

18d ago20:11

20:11

Every year, I write up a gratitude list. This year, the list came easily - but it's mixed with what I'm learning, because growth and gratitude feel connected right now. In this holiday edition, I share what I'm grateful for in 2025: 31 years of marriage, the Unstarving Musician community, my health, and the accidental connections that turned into r…

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340 How to Conduct a Personal Royalty Audit and Recover Missing Money 22:27

1M ago22:27

22:27

Most independent artists have thousands of dollars in unclaimed royalties sitting in four separate collection systems—and a four-year window to recover this money before it's redistributed to major labels. In this episode, I break down the systematic framework for conducting a personal royalty audit. You'll discover why being registered with ASCAP,…

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339 Missing Royalties: Revenue Recovery Strategies with Amani Roberts 1:05:36

2M ago1:05:36

1:05:36

Independent musicians leave significant money on the table—not from lack of talent, but from unclaimed royalties and overlooked revenue streams. Amani Roberts, music business educator and author of the USA Today bestseller "The Quiet Storm," reveals the specific registration gaps costing artists thousands of dollars annually. In this conversation, …

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338 Jesse Flores – Distribution Partnerships And Strategic Planning For Independent Artists 46:22

2M ago46:22

46:22

Distribution partnerships can make or break an independent music career, but most artists don't understand what separates a good deal from a bad one. Jesse Flores, VP of Artist and Label Partnerships at Intercept Music and former Senior Director at Virgin Music Group, shares insider knowledge from over 20 years negotiating deals with major artists …

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337 Ezra Vancil – Business Systems: From Marketing Day Job to Sustainable Music Career 1:26:03

2M ago1:26:03

1:26:03

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…

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336 Community Collaboration: Turning Your Fanbase Into Creative Partners Without Losing Artistic Control 29:11

3M ago29:11

29:11

Can your community become a creative collaborator without turning your art into committee-designed mediocrity? In this solo episode, I explore proven frameworks for involving your audience in the creative process while maintaining complete artistic control. You'll discover how Amanda Palmer uses early-stage feedback on Patreon to gather emotional r…

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335 Music Revenue Through Community - Moving Beyond Streaming 25:17

3M ago25:17

25:17

Music revenue diversification is essential for independent artists, but how do you actually monetize your community of superfans? This follow-up to episode 333's community-building strategies explores the practical side of turning deep fan relationships into sustainable income that goes beyond streaming pennies. Emerging direct-to-fan platforms lik…

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334 Musician Podcaster Bree Noble – From Kitchen Recordings to Industry Authority 1:02:31

4M ago1:02:31

1:02:31

As a musician podcaster who has built multiple successful shows over the past decade, Bree Noble represents what's possible when artists embrace podcasting as both a creative outlet and business tool. In this conversation, she shares her evolution from recording in her kitchen to becoming a recognized industry authority featured in Forbes. Bree rev…

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333 How to Build, Name, and Nurture Your Creative Community 30:36

5M ago30:36

30:36

Most independent artists focus on building an audience, but the real power lies in developing a creative community. In this episode, I delve into the psychology behind transforming casual followers into passionate community members who view themselves as part of something larger. Drawing insights from my recent interview with singer-songwriter Eli …

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332 Eli Lev – Spiritual Growth: From 250 Shows to Finding Sacred Space in Music 56:10

5M ago56:10

56:10

Spiritual growth takes many forms for independent musicians. Folk artist Eli Lev has woven together influences from Jewish upbringing, Buddhism, and Navajo teachings into a unique artistic journey that took him through 250 shows last year alone. In this third appearance on the podcast, Eli opens up about the realities of intensive touring, the "ent…

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331 Musical Listening: The Art of Playing While Truly Hearing Your Band 26:52

6M ago26:52

26:52

Musical listening is the secret that separates professional-sounding bands from technically correct but disconnected performances. This episode explores blues guitarist Kid Andersen's "50% rule" and why listening should consume at least half of your mental bandwidth while playing. You'll discover the technical mastery paradox that traps countless m…

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330 Skulk the Hulking – Merging AI Visual Production, Music, and Performance Art 1:12:34

6M ago1:12:34

1:12:34

AI visual production is revolutionizing how independent artists create and present their work, and Steve Pasieka (Skulk the Hulking) is creating visual art at the forefront of this transformation. In this episode, Steve shares how he evolved from live performance art and noise rock to creating a multimedia project that seamlessly blends music, AI-g…

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329 Legal Mashups: Navigating Music Copyright and Studio Management with George Ajjan 53:47

6M ago53:47

53:47

Legal mashups and studio management are critical skills that can make or break an independent music career. In this episode, George Ajjan (The ajjancy) shares his systematic approach to creating and distributing mashup covers within legal boundaries, plus his proven strategies for efficient studio sessions and sustainable creative scheduling. Georg…

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328 Christian DeWild – Multi-Art Creativity: Balancing Music, Books, and Painting While Building an Authentic Artistic Career 59:13

7M ago59:13

59:13

Multi-art creativity takes center stage in this conversation with Christian DeWild, a Folsom, California-based artist who seamlessly juggles music, literature, and visual art while working for an electrical contractor. Christian has just released his first single of 2025, "By Your Side," recorded on his analog Tascam system and he's the author of t…

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327 Timothy Reid – Game Composition: From AAA Studios to Indie Freedom 1:15:18

7M ago1:15:18

1:15:18

Game composition opportunities have transformed dramatically in recent years, creating new pathways for musicians to enter the video game industry. In this episode, I reconnect with Timothy Reid, a guitarist-turned-video game composer based in Osaka, Japan, for his second appearance on the show since our 2021 conversation. Timothy shares his journe…

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326 Anmara - Music Funding Success: From $75,000 in Grants to Record Deal 58:58

8M ago58:58

58:58

Music funding changed everything for Anmara. The Virginia-based singer-songwriter has secured over $75,000 through grants, crowdfunding, and her recent Chrome City Records deal. Her Funding Journey In this episode, Anmara shares her approach to financing her music career. She won a prestigious $75,000 House Artist Grant in 2014. Later, she successf…

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325 Music Collaboration: Tracee Perrin on Creative Partnerships, Life in Nashville, and Staying Healthy on Tour 55:03

8M ago55:03

55:03

This music collaboration episode features the return of Tracee Perrin discussing her creative partnerships in Nashville and the release of her 2024 EP "The Clearing." Tracee shares insights about her upcoming single "Seasons Change" with Lauren Anderson and how their collaborative mini-tour succeeded through effective merchandise strategies. We exp…

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324 Abe Partridge - Touring Strategy, Recording, Collaboration, and Documenting Undocumented Folk 57:57

9M ago57:57

57:57

Touring strategy, recording, and collaboration are at the heart of this conversation with independent music artist Abe Partridge. Fresh from recording with Steve Shelley of Sonic Youth, Abe shares his journey on the road since 2017, including performing with Matthew Sweet and recently signing with a booking agent. We explore his Alabama Astronaut p…

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323 Canadian Immigration: Essential Legal Guide for Touring Musicians with Maggie Stewart 57:41

9M ago57:41

57:41

In this episode, we explore Canadian immigration essentials for touring musicians with expert Maggie Stewart, a Los Angeles-based immigration lawyer with 15 years of experience specializing in Canadian immigration law. Discover crucial information about navigating criminal conviction waivers, work permit requirements, and visa processes for perform…

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322 Creative Storytelling: Novelist Sofía Segovia on the Art of Narrative 1:04:05

9M ago1:04:05

1:04:05

Creative storytelling bridges worlds in this special episode where I speak with acclaimed Mexican novelist Sofía Segovia, author of the internationally celebrated book "The Murmur of Bees." Our conversation explores the fascinating parallels between writing novels and creating music - from creative discipline and narrative techniques to building an…

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321 Maximizing Video Promotion Impact: Andy Gesner's Strategies for Independent Musicians 1:00:53

10M ago1:00:53

1:00:53

Effective video promotion strategies can transform an independent artist's career, as demonstrated by Hip Video Promo founder Andy Gesner in this informative conversation. With 25 years of experience connecting musicians to audiences through visual content, Andy shares the tactics behind breakthrough successes like Johnny Cash's "Hurt" and The Lumi…

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320 Musician Health Strategies: Navigating Music Industry Relationships for Career Longevity 29:51

10M ago29:51

29:51

Musician health strategies are essential tools for navigating the complex web of personal and professional relationships that can make or break long-term success in the music industry. This episode explores the unique relationship dynamics that musicians face, where the lines between personal and professional connections often blur in ways both enr…

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319 Musician Well-being: Breaking the Suffering Artist Myth for Sustainable Success 8:26

11M ago8:26

8:26

This episode explores musician well-being and challenges the persistent "suffering artist" myth. Drawing from recent examples of successful artists like Lizzy McAlpine and Ashe, Robonzo examines how prioritizing mental health leads to sustainable music careers rather than limiting them. Discover practical strategies for setting boundaries, managing…

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318 Music Business Essentials – A Musician's Guide to Copyrights, Contracts & Cash Flow 20:41

11M ago20:41

20:41

Music business fundamentals can make or break an artist's career sustainability. In this episode, we break down essential legal and financial practices that help independent musicians protect their work and build sustainable careers. From copyright registration and performance contracts to accounting basics and tax planning, we provide actionable s…

Roberto R Hernandez Podcasts

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The Unstarving Musician

Robonzo (Roberto R Hernandez)

1
342 What I Learned in 2025 27:53

1
341 Gratitude, Growth, and What I'm Learning (Holiday Edition) 20:11

1
340 How to Conduct a Personal Royalty Audit and Recover Missing Money 22:27

1
339 Missing Royalties: Revenue Recovery Strategies with Amani Roberts 1:05:36

1
338 Jesse Flores – Distribution Partnerships And Strategic Planning For Independent Artists 46:22

1
337 Ezra Vancil – Business Systems: From Marketing Day Job to Sustainable Music Career 1:26:03

1
336 Community Collaboration: Turning Your Fanbase Into Creative Partners Without Losing Artistic Control 29:11

1
335 Music Revenue Through Community - Moving Beyond Streaming 25:17

1
334 Musician Podcaster Bree Noble – From Kitchen Recordings to Industry Authority 1:02:31

1
333 How to Build, Name, and Nurture Your Creative Community 30:36

1
332 Eli Lev – Spiritual Growth: From 250 Shows to Finding Sacred Space in Music 56:10

1
331 Musical Listening: The Art of Playing While Truly Hearing Your Band 26:52

1
330 Skulk the Hulking – Merging AI Visual Production, Music, and Performance Art 1:12:34

1
329 Legal Mashups: Navigating Music Copyright and Studio Management with George Ajjan 53:47

1
328 Christian DeWild – Multi-Art Creativity: Balancing Music, Books, and Painting While Building an Authentic Artistic Career 59:13

1
327 Timothy Reid – Game Composition: From AAA Studios to Indie Freedom 1:15:18

1
326 Anmara - Music Funding Success: From $75,000 in Grants to Record Deal 58:58

1
325 Music Collaboration: Tracee Perrin on Creative Partnerships, Life in Nashville, and Staying Healthy on Tour 55:03

1
324 Abe Partridge - Touring Strategy, Recording, Collaboration, and Documenting Undocumented Folk 57:57

1
323 Canadian Immigration: Essential Legal Guide for Touring Musicians with Maggie Stewart 57:41

1
322 Creative Storytelling: Novelist Sofía Segovia on the Art of Narrative 1:04:05

1
321 Maximizing Video Promotion Impact: Andy Gesner's Strategies for Independent Musicians 1:00:53

1
320 Musician Health Strategies: Navigating Music Industry Relationships for Career Longevity 29:51

1
319 Musician Well-being: Breaking the Suffering Artist Myth for Sustainable Success 8:26

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318 Music Business Essentials – A Musician's Guide to Copyrights, Contracts & Cash Flow 20:41