On this month’s episode of the Female Entrepreneur Musician Podcast, Bree Noble and Tara Brueske dive into a crucial, often stressful topic for gigging musicians: what happens when illness or unexpected injuries strike right before—or even during—a performance? The conversation is relatable for anyone who books out their calendar months (or even years!) in advance, hoping they’ll be in top form when the big days arrive.
Watch the episode here
Listen to the episode here
Planning For the Unexpected
Both Bree Noble and Tara Brueske share the anxiety that comes with booking packed December schedules, especially since sickness tends to surge in colder months. The episode explores strategies for managing colds, coughs, and laryngitis, common issues for vocalists. Favorites like throat coat tea and all-natural remedies are discussed, with Tara Brueske adding her go-to “fire cider” recipe for sore throats and sinus drainage. Neti pots, honey, and creative changes—like shifting the key of a song to accommodate a less-than-perfect voice—are all part of the toolkit.
Backup Plans and Building Your Network
The reality is, sometimes you simply can’t perform. Bree Noble stresses the importance of cultivating a network of reliable subs—musicians and singers who can step in at a moment’s notice. She and Tara Brueske offer actionable advice for building your “emergency contacts” list, from connecting with church music directors and local teachers to reaching out to fellow performers. They share how relationships—both professional and personal—make a difference, and how helping one another often leads to more opportunities down the road.
Coping With Physical Injuries
This timely topic hits home for Tara Brueske, who reveals she’s currently sidelined by a finger injury and relying on YouTube karaoke tracks to cover her piano parts at gigs. She gets real about the extra prep work required—and how audiences are more understanding than you might expect. Tech solutions (like subscribing to YouTube Premium) and the benefits of honest communication with venues are highlighted. The takeaway: whether it’s a jammed finger, a broken limb, or transportation challenges, don’t be afraid to ask for help—many people are happy to support musicians in need.
Mindset and Money Management
Cancelling or modifying gigs can bring financial stress, especially for full-time artists. Tara Brueske shares her personal approach to coping with lost income, emphasizing faith, flexibility, and the power of long-term relationships with venues. Both hosts encourage listeners to give themselves grace, remembering that it’s okay to adapt—and sometimes, the changes are less noticeable to audiences than we fear.
Key Takeaways
- Always have backup performers ready—and expand your network continuously.
- Be proactive and honest with venues; professionalism builds lasting relationships.
- Use technology and flexible arrangements to keep performing, even with injuries.
- Don’t let self-judgment over “cheapening the experience” get in your way—audiences seek connection, not perfection.
- Maintain financial resilience and trust that opportunities will come back around.
Important Links In This Episode:
- Bree Nobleon Instagram: Profitable Musician LLC
- Tara Brueskeon Instagram: TaraBrueskeMusic (T-A-R-A B-R-U-E-S-K-E)
- Female Musician Academy (Referenced byBree Noble)
- Additional resources on technology for gigging musicians (YouTube Premium, karaoke tracks)
- Connect with the podcast to suggest future topics
Have a question or a topic you want covered on the next monthly episode? Reach out on Instagram and let Bree and Tara know!