PROFITABLE MUSICIAN: FEM FRIDAY EDITION

October 24, 2025

Happy FEM Friday!

This week I attracted a troll on Threads.

You know the type, the one who’s determined to discredit you because your version of success doesn’t look like theirs. He told me I shouldn’t be giving advice because I hadn’t been “successful.”

I couldn’t help but smile a little, because what he meant by success was probably fame, followers, or maybe a record deal.

My definition (and likely yours too) is very different...

My success looked like raising a family while touring regionally, building a career that fit my life, and getting paid a fair wage to share my gifts.

It looked like making music on my own terms, in my own season, and helping other women do the same.

I told him I wasn’t there for him. I was there for the women over 30, 40, and beyond who are juggling families, jobs, and responsibilities while still holding onto that spark that says, “Music is part of who I am.”

He accused me of music not paying for the roof over my head. That was simply untrue. I’ve made a steady income from music for over 20 years.

But here’s the truth. Even if that hadn’t been the case, his comments still wouldn’t have mattered. Because my purpose is to speak to women who need encouragement to keep going, not to win the approval of someone who thinks music is only valid if it hits the Top 40.

What really got to me wasn’t the personal attack.

It was that he kept replying under my posts where I was encouraging women like you, telling them they weren’t too old, that there were fans out there waiting to find them, that their dreams were still worth pursuing.

He would pop up and call it “nonsense.” That was when I finally hit block.

Because I can handle being attacked. What I can’t handle is someone trying to plant seeds of doubt in the very women I’m called to lift up.

I didn’t want his voice overshadowing the encouragement so many women have told me was “exactly what they needed to hear that day.”

So if believing that it’s not too late is nonsense, count me in.

If believing that there are fans for your music at every age is nonsense, sign me up.

If believing that your gifts matter and can still make an impact (even over the age of 50, 60 or even 70) is nonsense, then bring on the nonsense.

Because I’m not here to offer false hope. I’m here to offer real-world encouragement, the kind that says yes, it’s hard, yes, the doubts are real, but you can still build something meaningful and sustainable with your music.

If THIS is nonsense, then it’s the kind this world needs more of.

Always in your corner,
​<3 Bree

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You're reading the Profitable Musician Newsletter, FEM Friday Edition. This Friday newsletter is created for Female Artists & Advocates, and focuses on our mission to amplify quality music by Female Artists & Female-Fronted Bands in all genres and help them build a thriving music career and solid business. If you'd like to unsubscribe from FEM Fridays but still receive our regular Wednesday Profitable Musician Newsletter, click here and we'll note your preference.

The 50 Songs Every Songwriter Should Listen To

ON THE PODCAST

In this episode, Elaine Ryan joins me to share her journey as an artist, sync agent, and author. Get the inside scoop on her music career, experience with sync licensing, and her new book for musicians.

• Elaine Ryan’s background: from Ireland to Canada, her leap from law school to a full-time music career
• How she made a living as a gigging musician in Hawaii and the Bay Area
• Her path into sync licensing and launching “Sync Music for a Change”
• Building the Unicorn Sync agency and curating music for supervisors
• Insights from her new book "Living a Music Centered Life" and practical advice for musicians seeking balance and fulfillment

Check out the full conversation for actionable tips and honest perspectives on making music your life!

WOMEN OF SUBSTANCE FEATURED TRACKS

Maggie May Treanor - This Time Emily Maggie May is an emerging UK Americana artist rooted in Yorkshire with Irish and Spanish heritage. Raised on a working horse farm, she blends classic country influences like Emmylou Harris with the heartfelt storytelling of Jason Isbell. Her debut single earned over 10,000 YouTube streams, gaining attention in the UK Americana scene. Collaborating with acclaimed producers Dan Mizen and Grammy-winner Chris Wilkinson, she’s crafting a sound that’s both authentic and fresh. A gifted lyricist and soulful vocalist, Maggie writes deeply emotional songs about heartbreak and resilience, drawing from her rural upbringing and rich cultural roots to create a unique fusion of folk, country, and Americana. ​ This Time Emily Maggie May Treanor PREVIEW   ​ ​ Briley - Caroline (You’ve Done It This TIme) I’m Briley, a 16-year-old singer-songwriter from Downers Grove, IL. My music journey started early—singing in choirs at 7, then learning guitar at 10 thanks to my mom, who taught herself through YouTube just to teach me. By 11, I was playing open mics around town, which led to opening for local bands, performing at festivals, and even playing for 2,500 people at Grove Fest. I’ve performed at Nashville’s legendary Bluebird Cafe three years in a row. Songwriting is my passion. I won first place at both the DuPage County and Illinois State Fair talent shows with my original song, "Caroline (You’ve Done It This Time)." I recently appeared on WGN News for a live performance and interview. Right now, 3 viral songs this month and counting! ​ Caroline (You've Done It Thi... Briley PREVIEW   ​ ​ Ed & Carol Nicodemi - Windows Ed and Carol Nicodemi. Once two college teens, passionate about music and each other. Now two music professionals, a NYC vocal and guitar (sometimes piano) duo deeply committed to their craft. Songwriting, performing, writing for sync in the folk, jazz, childrens and instrumental genres. And it's all deepened every aspect of who they are. ​ Windows • Ed and Carol Nicod... Windows • Ed and Carol Nicod... PREVIEW   ​ ​ LISTEN TO THE WOMEN OF SUBSTANCE MUSIC PODCAST

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Bree Noble

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