Most musicians stay trapped in a cycle of practice, gigs, and side hustles — but what does it really take to go full time? Julia Graves, a talented Milwaukee-based saxophonist and songwriter, reveals her journey from musical family roots to carving out a sustainable career in music. With honest insights into the discipline, mindset shifts, and business skills needed to thrive as a full-time artist, she talks to Allen and Jim about exactly what it takes to turn passion into profession. You’ll discover the crucial importance of balancing technical mastery with marketing savvy — like how Julia learned to leverage social media, develop her piano and saxophone skills, and build a supportive community through her own open mic events. You can find Julia at JuliaGravesMusic.com

Allen Halas

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Threads/Bluesky: @AllenHalas

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Jim Love

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Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@jim_m_love⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Hustling Sideways is a business podcast hosted by Milwaukee-based music writer Allen Halas and keynote and motivational speaker Jim Love. The two both attended Marquette University, and now host the show to discuss the side hustles and passion projects of people that they meet, all while continuing to run their own side businesses. Every Monday, they're either interviewing a guest, or talking about the different aspects of business that side hustlers go through when balancing their 9-to-5 and their entrepreneurship endeavors. You can get the podcast wherever you download podcasts, as well as on our YouTube channel.

Episode 119: Singer/Songwriter Julia Graves