PROFITABLE MUSICIAN: FEM FRIDAY EDITION

December 5, 2025

Happy FEM Friday!

This year, I started recording podcast episodes with my friend and music business colleague Tara Brueske (Tara B).

After I few recordings together, it was clear to me that these convos would be some of the best episodes of the year - and my personal favorites.

Tara is the real deal: 30+ years of booking and performing, vocal and piano teacher, author, podcaster, previous coach in my community, church musician, and now she's even part of a popular Olivia Newton-John & Anne Murray Tribute Show.

Tara was one of my first podcast guests back when I started the show as the Female Entrepreneur Musician in 2015, and we have worked together in many capacities over the years.

So I knew having her as a regular part of the show would be valuable. But I honestly didn't realize how fun it would be to "talk shop" each month.

These episodes truly feel like two seasoned female musicians trading "war stories" and personal hacks while sipping espresso.

Since we both bring 30+ years of experience (the wins and the face-palm moments) to the conversation, we have a lot to talk about when it comes to life as a working musician.

These convos have been so rewarding. Many of you have told me how much you enjoy them and specific tips you've picked up from them.

So we're planning to keep going for 2026 with a new "Bree + Tara" episode each month.

But before we get into 2026, I want to recap my top 5 favorite "Bree + Tara" episodes from 2025 in case you missed them...

My Top 5 "Bree + Tara" Picks:

These are listed in no particular order - they're all so good, I couldn't rank them.

Click the links in this email to listen on Spotify. Or listen on your favorite Podcast app. Just search for The Profitable Musician Show.

#1: What to Do When Illness or Injury Threatens Your Music Gigs with Bree Noble & Tara B (new this week)

No matter how prepared you are, illness or unexpected injuries can throw a wrench into gig season. In this episode, Bree Noble and Tara Brueske share practical advice for handling last-minute setbacks and keeping your music career on track.

What to Do When Illness or I... Dec 2 · The Profitable Musician... 37:30   ​

#2: Hilarious Concert Mishaps Every Musician Can Relate To with Bree Noble & Tara B

If you’ve ever taken the stage—whether as a soloist, part of a band, or leading worship at church—you’ll know a universal truth: things will go wrong. In the latest episode of Profitable Musician Show, Bree Noble and Tara Brueske dive deep into their own archives of cringe-worthy, hilarious, and utterly relatable performance mishaps. Here, we’ve pulled together some eye-opening moments and sound advice for musicians everywhere who wonder, “Is it just me?”

Hilarious Concert Mishaps Ev... Aug 12 · The Profitable Musician... 45:10   ​

#3: Why Musicians Struggle With Follow Up & How To Overcome It with Bree Noble & Tara B

On this episode of the Profitable Musician Show, Bree Noble welcomes back Tara Brueske for an honest and actionable conversation on one of the most critical but overlooked aspects of a music career: the art of following up. Whether you’re a performing artist, music teacher, or songwriter looking to level up your professional relationships and income, these two industry pros drop some serious wisdom you won’t want to miss.

Why Musicians Struggle With... Nov 4 · The Profitable Musician... 32:30   ​

#4: Making Your Shows Unforgettable: Tips for Setlists, Stories, and Audience Engagement with Bree Noble & Tara B

If you want your music career to take off, mastering the art of a truly engaging live performance is essential. In a recent episode of the Profitable Musician Show, Tara Brueske and Bree Noble dive deep into what it really takes to connect with an audience from the stage. Their conversation goes far beyond just playing good music — it’s about intentional choices, interaction, and building memorable experiences.

Making Your Shows Unforgetta... Jun 17 · The Profitable Musician... 38:28   ​

#5: How to Stay Motivated After Rejection in Your Music Career with Bree Noble & Tara B

Bree and Tara share personal stories of rejection, from tough audience encounters to being dismissed by industry professionals. Bree talks about a stinging moment early in her career when a radio station rejected her album, citing her singing ability—something she later realized was unfounded and perhaps not even genuine feedback. Tara recounts similar experiences, including odd requests and frosty audience responses at live gigs, reminding listeners that even experienced performers aren’t immune to negative moments.

162. How to Stay Motivated A... May 27 · The Profitable Musician... 40:36   ​

I hope you enjoy these episodes as much as we did making them. If you have a sec, reply and let me know which is your favorite, or a specific tip or strategy you're gonna put to use right away.

Always in your corner,
​<3 Bree

PS: If you prefer to read FEM Friday on Substack, you can Subscribe Here​

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.

ON THE PODCAST

No matter how prepared you are, illness or unexpected injuries can throw a wrench into gig season. In this episode, Tara Brueske and I share practical advice for handling last-minute setbacks and keeping your music career on track.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Tips for managing gigs when you get sick, including remedies and preparing your set list accordingly
• How to create a reliable backup network of musicians and subs for emergencies
• What to do if you’re too ill or injured to perform—including communication strategies and professionalism
• Navigating physical injuries and using technology (like tracks and karaoke) to keep gigging
• Mindset reminders for handling cancellations, financial stresses, and maintaining relationships with venues and audiences

Tune in for real-world solutions every working musician needs.

WOMEN OF SUBSTANCE FEATURED TRACKS

The Levins - Across The Miles ​ The Levins are a husband-and-wife contemporary folk duo known for their uplifting, harmony-rich sound that blends guitar, piano, and delicate acoustic textures. Their music, often compared to artists like The Weepies and Simon & Garfunkel, focuses on connection and positivity, earning them praise across three albums and an EP. While this song is not yet on Spotify, you can hear it on the podcast. Here's a sample of their music on Spotify. ​ The Story I Can Hear The Levins PREVIEW   ​ ​ Keri Edwards - Conquerors Keri Edwards is a country-influenced pop-rock artist with soulful, powerhouse vocals who is experiencing a powerful musical rebirth after years of post-military family life. Her new songs delve deeply into her experiences, lessons, and emotional journey, reflecting both her fierce independence and her heartfelt vulnerability. A natural entertainer, Keri comes alive on stage as she shares stories of life, loss, and rediscovery, while continuing to write and refine her sound from her home in Lancaster, PA. After pausing an early Nashville career to raise a family, she is now fully embracing this new chapter—ready to share her evolving music with the world. ​ Conquerors Keri Edwards PREVIEW   ​ ​ Maribeth Alexander - Joy To The World Maribeth is a classically trained pianist and composer living in central Arkansas. Her genre is "crossover" classical. She has written and recorded five albums and some singles. She has always loved music since a child. She is also a mother and grandmother with a family she adores. ​ Joy to the World Maribeth Alexander PREVIEW   ​ ​ LISTEN TO THE WOMEN OF SUBSTANCE MUSIC PODCAST

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Bree Noble

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