PROFITABLE MUSICIAN: FEM FRIDAY EDITION

September 4, 2026

Happy FEM Music Friday!

If you've been in my world for a while, you know I often talk about Holiday releases and bookings every year in July, because that gives you the best runway to get something recorded and book some shows to promote it in December.

But this year I decided not to beat the same drum in July...but I can't allow myself to completely ignore December bookings because they can be so lucrative!

So consider this your nudge to book some December gigs right now before they're all full.

Here's why I think Holiday releases and gigs can be so profitable and fulfilling.

The year I released my holiday album, Gift Beneath the Star, I had no idea it would become the anchor for one of the most aligned, soul-filling seasons of my music career.

But it didn’t happen by accident. I didn’t wait until November and hope people would magically book me. I started in July with a plan.

That year, I filled my calendar with church gigs, women’s events, corporate and nonprofit luncheons, and senior centers during the week.

Weekends were reserved for keynotes, private parties and concerts that paid well and built real audience connections.

And everywhere I went, I brought that CD and other merch, wrapped up beautifully for easy purchase and gift giving (don't tell me CDs are passe because my daughter and her friends LOVE CDs - what's old is new again).

And I did giveaways that got hundreds of new signups on my email list.

The gigs paid well, and the merch sold well...but the explosion of my fan email list was the most lucrative byproduct.

Now, maybe you’re not releasing a full album this year, and that’s okay. You don’t need to.

A single holiday song, a refreshed program title, or even a creative promo of your older holiday release can breathe new life into your bookings. I’ve seen artists in my community take a Christmas EP from three years ago, rebrand it with a new show name, and book more gigs than ever before.

If you want to go deeper, here's a podcast episode I released last year in July with the complete strategy.

It's Time To Start Booking H... Jul 1 · The Profitable Musician... 19:16   ​

This is your reminder that December is your opportunity. Not just to make money, but to show up for your audience in a way that sticks.

Holiday shows are memorable. Seasonal songs make a comeback every year. And during that season, people are more likely to buy, share, and connect with you.

But you have to lay the groundwork now.

Start by making a list of every venue or group you've played for in the past few years. Reach out this month, especially to those weekday events that will fill your calendar before the big Saturday gigs even come in.

This is exactly why we're helping artists implement a complete booking system inside the Female Musician Accelerator Get-It-Done week this month, Sept 14 - 18.

Then, look at your music. Do you have a Christmas song you’ve never promoted? A cover you could record and release? Could you build a themed show around an older holiday project, or bundle merch into wrapped-up gifts ready for your table?

It doesn’t have to be a huge production. It just has to be intentional.

So tell me, what’s your plan for December? And if you have questions about the Get-It-Done week, hit reply and I'll answer them for you.

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.

ON THE PODCAST

Struggling to land better gigs and feel confident that you're deserving of them? This episode breaks down key strategies to help you level up your music gigs

• Why saying no to the wrong gigs is essential for attracting high-quality opportunities
• How the exposure-as-currency mindset drives down pay and fills your calendar with undesirable gigs
• The real opportunity costs of taking every gig that comes your way

Bree Noble

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When You're Ready, here are 2 ways we can help you become a more Profitable Musician:

​Promote Your Music To 20K+ Listeners/month on Women Of Substance Music Podcast​

​NEW Free "Become A Category of One Artist" Secret Podcast​