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.
Watch the episode here
Listen to the episode here
Why Do Musicians Struggle with Following Up?
At the heart of the discussion, Bree Noble asks why so many musicians find it tough to follow up, whether with venues, collaborators, or fans. Tara Brueske pinpoints the root of the problem: “I just think it’s that mental assumption that if we haven’t heard back…there’s just this assumption…of just assuming that people don’t want what we have or what we’re asking. And there’s kind of a negativity around it.”
Bree Noble adds, “We can go into the spiral of the mind…making all these assumptions. What helps is to think about your own activities. Have there been times when you ignored someone’s emails just because you were busy?”
The reality: most people are just overwhelmed. As Bree Noble points out later, “People are so busy. They’re getting so many emails…it’s possible that…you send somebody a voice memo…maybe they were listening…and then their kid came in…By the time you got back to it, you forgot and then it’s not showing up as a new message anymore and you really wanted to get back to that person.”
The Science Behind Forgetting—and Why Follow-Ups Matter
The hosts didn’t just stick to anecdotes. Tara Brueske shared a statistic that should motivate every musician: “Of new information that we get…we lose 50% of that in the first hour and 70% within 24 hours.” So, if you’re worried you’re being annoying, don’t be. Chances are, your audience or contact has simply forgotten or is waiting for the right reminder.
Emails, Gigs, and Different Approaches
Follow-ups aren’t just about relentless repetition—they’re about persistence and finding the right approach. Bree Noble recommends layering your message: “There are different people that respond for different reasons…some people are your early adopters…then there are the people that need…a logical argument…maybe the other person is the emotional person and they’re like…‘remember when I did this song at the show?’”
You can apply this to merch, events, crowdfunding, or any offering. And if people don’t respond at first? Tara Brueske says to mix up your channels and timing: “I’m very, very mindful of…am I sending it like…am I calling, am I messaging—varying those things and then also ways…and then the time of day.”
Brueske also highlights the necessity of careful record-keeping: “I record every time I reach out to somebody…Because I’ve also learned with some people their booking hour might be the lunch hour or it could be the end of the day.”
Best Practices: How Many Follow-Ups Are Too Many?
One fear that often holds musicians back is coming off as pushy. But, as [Tara Brueske](/speakers/B) emphasizes, “…how often do I follow up with somebody on average…even for rebooking…the average is about three to seven times, and probably more on that seven times, especially if it’s newer.” Being methodical and consistent is what wins bookings.
Tips to Make Follow-Ups Easier (and More Effective!)
– Switch Angles: “It’s a follow-up, but it’s not actually the same message every time,” advises Bree Noble.
– Automate Reminders: Use tools to “schedule send” or create calendar reminders so nothing falls through the cracks.
– Make It Personal: Tara Brueske loves a handwritten thank-you note after a first gig at a venue.
–Don’t Fear Unsubscribes: As Bree Noble reminds us, “It’s permission based…they can always delete them…If they don’t want to hear from you anymore, that’s totally fine.”
Dealing with Motivation Woes
If you need a motivational boost, Bree Noble suggests reframing your mindset: “What’s the worst thing that can happen if I do this right?…The likelihood: 99.9% of the chance that’s not gonna happen.”
Or, as Tara Brueske cheekily notes, if retail giants send emails all the time, so can you: “Target has no problem sending me emails. Oh my gosh. A day?”
Final Word
Consistent, strategic follow-up is not pushy—it’s an act of professionalism. With the right system and outlook, it’s one of the highest leverage skills you can hone as a musician.
Important Links Mentioned In This Episode
– The Musician’s Profit Path by Bree Noble
– 20 Must-Have Booking Tips Every Musician Needs by Tara Brueske
– Follow Bree Noble on Instagram: @profitablemusicianllc
– Follow Tara Brueske on Instagram: @tarabrueskemusic
