Abel James Show

Suzanne Santo: How to Reinvent a Broken Music Industry

Abel James Show

Show Notes

Why do so many famous, seemingly successful musicians wind up completely broke?

In this bonus series, I’m interviewing incredibly talented musicians who are using cutting-edge podcasting technology to reinvent the music industry.

Today we’re here with Suzanne Santo, singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. A tireless creator, her sound has been described as Americana, Southern-gothic soul, and forward-thinking rock & roll. Santo performed for a decade as a member of the L.A.-based duo HoneyHoney, and went on to tour the world from Greece to Glastonbury as a member of Hozier’s band.

You’re going to dig this one. In this episode, you’ll hear: The surprising and tragic truth about big contracts in the music industry How and why musicians lose creative control over their art and identity How to maintain top health and performance on the road How to balance a career as a musician with being a mother Why deleting all of your social media accounts is awesome And much more… Be sure to listen until the end of this show to hear Suzanne’s track, Worried.

These special episodes with fellow performing artists are free of ads with no sponsors, so if you like what you’re hearing, you can support this show by sending a “boost” or “boostagram” to this episode on a modern podcasting app like Fountain.

If you want to help create a better future for music and podcasting, here’s your challenge: Download the Fountain app. Add a few dollars to your lightning wallet. Find this episode, click the lightning icon, and send us a Boost with an optional message. Since the Abel James Show is now using modern podcasting 2.0 technology, your contribution will automatically be split 50/50 with Suzanne Santo. We truly appreciate your support!

If you’d like to hear Suzanne Santo LIVE, we’ll be sharing the stage this Monday, 12/16 at Antone’s in Austin, TX. >> Get your tickets ($10): AntonesNightclub.com >> Or join the Livestream on Tunestr or Adam Curry’s Boostagram Ball podcast (Show starts at 6pm Central / 7pm Eastern / 4pm Pacific on Monday, December 16, 2024)

Head over to SuzanneSanto.com for music, upcoming shows, merch and more from Suzanne Santo

Read the show notes: https://fatburningman.com/suzanne-santo-how-to-reinvent-a-broken-music-industry/

More from Abel James Show

Oct 22, 2026

When machines can generate songs and play every note perfectly, what's the point of making music anymore?

Oct 7, 2026

Have you ever wanted to do something creative that makes absolutely no business sense?

Sep 17, 2026

What if the secret to becoming smarter, sharper, and more creative isn't about doing more?

Aug 27, 2026

What would your perfect day look like if money were no object, and what's actually stopping you from living closer to it right now?

Jul 30, 2026

Is modern medicine actually making us sicker?

See all episodes →