For a lot of us, living a full life comes down to money in the end. Success often means wealth, by default. But as an artist, you know chasing a paycheck is frustrating. 

You started making music because you love the craft. Something about it ignites you. And in the grand scheme of life, that is real success: doing what you love for a living. 

Focusing only on making money can lead to burnout, frustration, and disconnection from your music, which actually makes success harder to attain. When you make music for money, it often lacks a depth of soul and passion. This is why money-driven music is rarely good—but in reality, good music is what sells. 

It’s the biggest conundrum you’ll probably face as you try to make a music career. You want to make a living as an artist, so of course you’re thinking about profits from the moment you step in the studio. But that’s the last thing you should be doing. 

Instead, follow the Law of Detachment. Forget specific outcomes and external rewards (like money).

The irony is when you stop chasing money and focus on creating the best music you can, things come together and financial success follows. 

Forget Money to Make Money

Create passionately, not for a payout. Focusing on your craft makes you sound better and more authentic to listeners. They know you’re genuinely showing up to share your art, not pander for money. Invest time to immerse yourself in the world of music, put the art first and keep a level head. 

Here’s some advice on how to make money as a musician by detaching from the desire to do so. 

Go All-In

Regularly make new music. Even when you’re tired, take 30 minutes or an hour per day to sharpen and play with your sound. It’s okay if you just strum some new chords or do a quick demo, as long as you’re not thinking about the number of streams it’ll get. 

Enjoy the creative process and remember that numbers do not determine your value as an artist. When you go all-in, focus on your growth, and put in the effort without pressure of getting paid, you're operating from a place of authenticity and purpose. This allows more genuine connections with people, which can lead to financial success.

Experiment with Sound

Work in multiple genres. If you record multiple genres, you can have a different brand name for each one. But at least practicing more than one genre is crucial to your growth as an artist. 

Branching out into new music styles exposes you to artistic freedom you might not have found otherwise. Play with rhythm and techniques for fun or to refine your style. You might even come up with a whole new genre if you experiment enough!

Insert Yourself

Join the bustle of the music industry somehow. Participate in conversations, share your ideas. Find people to work with; co-creators like vocalists, instrumentalists, producers and engineers. Share your projects–show people what you’re working on, whether it’s in person or on Instagram, Threads, or TikTok.

Social media is one way to do it, but there are plenty of forums and (more than likely) local clubs you can use to build your network. Try searching Facebook for nearby groups you’re interested in. Or find artists to work with on StudioBook. 

Insert yourself where you want to belong and don’t stop making noise in the music industry. Your brand deserves to be heard. 

Take Nothing Personally

Not everyone will like you, but that doesn’t matter. What matters is how you let your outside world interfere with the inner. Numbers and other people’s opinions do not define you as a human or as an artist.

When you separate your value and art from external validation, you free yourself to create from a place of authenticity. And that’s how best-selling music is made. 

When you’re not chasing approval, you're inspired by passion, which will always shine through in your work. 

Artists driven by passion and authenticity naturally attract the right opportunities. When you're genuine, you tend to stand out in a way that resonates with the right people. 

Focus on your craft and show up authentically. Let go of the need for external validation or money and they will come to you in the long run.

Success is all about creating from a place of passion and purpose, not desperation or attachment. Don’t stop enjoying the art of music or let the idea of money ruin it for you. Go all-in on music, experiment with it, get involved in a community of like-minded folks. Stay authentic and forget about external validation; money will come naturally. Your biggest concern should be your current project.

"Don't think about art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it's good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art." -Andy Warhol