PROFITABLE MUSICIAN WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

July 16, 2025

Hey there, Profitable Musician!

I was standing on stage for my first big hometown concert since graduating college.

I had a degree in music, years of touring experience, and a shiny setlist ready to go.

I walked on with this “hometown girl makes good” energy, expecting to be met with warmth, admiration, maybe even a little reverence.

What I got instead felt more like a wall. And suddenly I felt like I was back in grammar school debuting with my first solo.

They weren’t rude. But they weren’t welcoming either. It felt like I had to prove something. Like they were saying, “I remember how you brought the house down four years ago...but what have you done for me lately?”

And honestly? They were right to feel that way.

It didn’t matter that I’d paid my dues on the road. It didn’t matter how much experience or training I brought to that stage. What mattered was the moment we were in.

Suddenly I was hit with the biggest wave of imposter syndrome I've ever felt. I could barely get the first not out.

I had walked on expecting them to make me feel safe and celebrated. But honestly, they didn't owe me anything.

I owed them a good show. And I had to spend the entire first song getting out of my head and out of my ego...and redirecting my focus off of myself and onto giving them a top notch experience - the show they deserved.

Because it’s not the audience’s job to lift us up and make us feel special.

It’s our job to invite them in, make them feel like VIPs and give them what they came for...

Every time you step on a stage, you start fresh.

People have carved out precious time, spent money, booked babysitters, and fought through traffic to be there. The moment you step up to the mic, they owe you nothing. It’s your job to create a moment worth remembering.

And that doesn’t start with perfection. It starts with connection.

Lucie Burns said something on the podcast this week that really stuck with me. She said, “For the performer, it’s about the audience. For the audience, it’s about the performer.” If you’re on stage worrying about how you sound, look, or come across, your energy is focused inward. That’s when things start to fall flat. Because the audience can feel that too.

You don’t get their trust just for showing up. You have to earn it.

And you do that by treating your audience like guests, not gate crashers.

Imagine inviting people into your home. When they show up at the door, you don’t look past them or mumble something while staring at your feet. You smile. You make eye contact. You open the door wide and make them feel like they belong there.

That’s the vibe you want on stage.

I know it’s easy to get in your head. Especially if you’re nervous or struggling with imposter syndrome. But here’s the truth no one wants to say out loud: if you don’t feel connected to your audience, sometimes it’s because you’re the one with the walls up. And they’re just mirroring you.

We’ve all seen performers who are technically perfect but emotionally closed off. It’s uncomfortable to watch. You start scrolling your phone, whispering to the person next to you, waiting for it to be over. Not because they’re bad, but because they’re not there with you.

And we’ve also seen performers who are raw, real, even a little messy, but totally magnetic. Because they’re giving. They're grateful. They’re present. They’re opening a door and saying, “Come on in. Let me share something with you.”

That’s what makes a room light up.

And, it's what will make you more PROFITABLE because your audience will respond by buying merch and coming to future shows.

So how do you flip the script if this is something you struggle with?

Start before the show even begins. Decide that your goal is to make your audience feel seen and welcomed.

Warm up your energy, not just your voice. When you step on stage, look at them. Smile. Feel grateful they’re there. And give, even before you get anything back.

Let the audience feel your generosity. Let them know they’re valued.

It’s not always easy. But it is always worth it. Because when you show up that way, your audience reflects that energy right back. That’s when the magic happens.

I’d love to hear from you on this. Hit reply and tell me — what keeps you from creating a welcoming experience for your audience?

Always in your corner,
​<3 Bree

P.S. If this resonates, go listen to my full podcast interview with Lucie Burns. It’s packed with performance wisdom, real talk about nerves, motherhood + touring, and some incredible tools for building confidence on stage.

You're reading the Profitable Musician, your guide to growing your fanbase, increasing your income and becoming more profitable. Shared with ~16,000+ readers every Wednesday. Was this forwarded to you? Subscribe here so you don't miss the next one.

Click worthy

The Email I Read Every Morning

NEEd-to-know

Music Industry News & Tips

🧠 What Smart Marketers Know About Fans That Most Artists Don't​

💪 Why Strong Artist Brands Matter To Fans, Not Just Artists​

🕰️ Your Timeline For Holiday Bookings & Releases​

👵 4 Secrets To Music Career Longevity​

ON THE PODCAST

Join Bree Noble and Lucie Burns in a candid conversation about the challenges and strategies for overcoming anxiety and building confidence in stage performances.

Discover insights on balancing music careers and personal life alongside expert advice on conquering stage fright.

• The significance of mindset and visualization in successful performances.
• Overcoming the temptation of comparison and focusing on individuality.
• Practical strategies to connect with audiences and enhance live performances.

Bree Noble

Say "Hello' on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or Threads​

When You're Ready, here are 3 ways we can help you become a more Profitable Musician:

​FREE "39 Little-Known Streams of Income For Musicians" Guide​

​Female Musician Accelerator: (this month's training: Crowdfunding Masterclass)

​Visit Our Website For Tons Of Helpful Resources For Musicians​