Pursuing A Career In The Music Industry? (11 Harsh Truths)

There’s no question that the music industry has drastically evolved over the past few decades. But we aren’t talking about the taste, preference, or type of music made. There have been major tides on the marketing, promotion, and production side of things — and only those strong enough to ride along are left standing.

With the growth of the digital era, music promotion and marketing accessibility has hit an all time high. This has given more musicians the opportunity to shine without the need of a major label behind them. This means, the success of an independent artist largely relies on their marketing abilities much more than the quality of their music.    

Today’s musician need more marketing talent than they do musical talent. They also need to be more active online then they need to be in the studio making music. What sells fans is the person behind the music and their popularity online, then the music comes after. Your music may be fantastic but you are not marketable or likable as a person, there is almost no chance of you making it in the music business. 

The music industry is one of the most difficult industries to break into. Not because the standard for music quality is so high, but because it takes much more than talent to be a successful artist these days. Tough skin is one of the most essential traits to a sustainable music career. 

A music career is not for the weak-hearted, as you will have your hopes and dreams shot down in your face more times than not. Artists must be assertive, invulnerable, and insensitive to criticism or insults. 

You will be made fun of, told that your music stinks, you will hear that you are never going to make it in the business time and time again. But you can never let this get under your skin or in the way of you achieving your goals. The ability to push through the constant adversity is a necessity, and it will make you a stronger and better music professional in the long haul.

It doesn’t matter how experienced your manager is or how great your marketing team is — the future of your music career solely lies in your own hands. So many upcoming artists believe that when the right team comes along, or when the big label scoops them up, that is when they will make it. 

However, this isn’t true. Almost anything someone else can do for your music career, you can do yourself. It’s just a matter of you going out there and getting it on your own, rather than waiting on someone else to bring it to you. If you want something in this industry (and in this world in general), you have to go out there and grab it. There is almost nothing the music business or someone else can provide you with that you cant provide yourself.

With every little move we make being public knowledge thanks to social media and the internet, cancel culture is at an all time high. As an artist, you need to move accordingly and make smart choices not only when it comes to your music career, but also your every day life.

One wrong comment, tweet, picture, video, etc., can easily ruin a career. Even if you are not currently in the public spotlight but get famous later down the road, people are waiting to pull up your dirty laundry from the past and air it out.

As an artist, you will be watched and judged by everything you do or did prior to fame. As your career rises, be ready for your haters to arise with it — and give them as little ammo against you as possible.

If you’re pursuing a career in the music industry, not only will you receive a ton of rejection, but you will receive much more rejection than acceptance. Successful musicians must grow accustomed to this fact and learn to continue pushing forward despite how many no’s they may hear. 

It can be grueling getting so much dismissal, especially when your music is your passion. But it’s important to remember that out of a hundred no’s, you are bound to get one yes. It takes a ton of strength to keep fighting after being denied so many times — but this strength and willpower to keep grinding is ultimately what separates successful musicians from unsuccessful ones.

A lot of people forget that the music business is well, a business. If you are an emerging musician, think of yourself as a start-up company. There are a TON of costs that go into starting a business — and there are a ton of costs that come with being an upcoming musician. 

Sure, there are a ton of free services out there that are beneficial to independent artists but as the saying goes, “you get what you pay for”.

 If you really want to get your music out there, there are necessary costs that come with gaining visibility. Good marketing and promo campaigns cost money, good music videos cost money, good features cost money. These upfront costs are essential investments that artists must endure to launch their careers forward.

Having connections and knowing the right people is beneficial in any industry, but for the music industry — it’s a necessity. You don’t need a big fancy degree to land your music dream job, nor do you need a ton of music experience or business knowledge under your belt. What you do need is relationships with important industry professionals. 

Reputation and word of mouth is everything in the music business. It’s so important to know the right people so they can help put you a position of success. At first, it may seem impossible to meet these people but remember, everyone starts in the same place.

 The way you navigate networking opportunities will impact your future for years to come. The quicker you realize this is a fundamental process of the business, the quicker you'll start seeing results in your music career.