There are a lot of myths and urban legends about finding success in the music industry. “Success” is relative, but for the sake of this newsletter, let’s deem it as making a consistent income with music. Whether it’s a side gig or your primary income.

By recognizing some key realities (noted below), artists can better find success in the music industry. Knowing these misconceptions lets music artists make more informed decisions that align with their goals to build a sustainable career.

The Myth of Instant Success

There's a common misconception that achieving fame and wealth in the music industry happens quickly. In reality, building a successful music career requires years of dedication, consistent effort, and strategic planning. 

Take Chappell Roan, for example. She blew up after her 2023 album “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess,” but that wasn’t her first stab at music. She’d been working in the industry for roughly ten years before she finally got famous. 

If you want long-term success in your music career, know the reality behind the glamour. Your patience will be tested, you’ll need to make personal sacrifices and likely face financial instability (if you don’t already).

The allure of quick fame is really an illusion. Don’t give up. Success is never instant. Only in rare cases does it come fast. Anyway, a sustainable music career isn’t built on fame or going viral, it comes from having a loyal fanbase that shows up.

The Importance of a Loyal Audience Over a Large Following

While having a vast number of fans can be good for optics, a smaller, engaged, and loyal audience often brings you more sustainable income. The people who really love you will buy your merchandise, attend your concerts and support you directly. They won’t just stream your music once in a while. 

It’s true that 1,000 die-hard fans are better than 10,000 half-hearted fans. The people who show up for you consistently are the ones who’ll pay your bills. Don’t focus on amassing a huge audience–focus on cultivating the small audience you have and connect with them. Keep them coming back. Show them why they should stick with you.

The Reality of Record Deals

Securing a record deal doesn't guarantee success or money. Artists used to think a record deal was a golden ticket to fame, but that’s not the case. 

Many artists find themselves in binding contracts with labels that limit their earnings and creative freedom. Before signing anything, it's essential to understand the terms and implications of your agreement. But more importantly, know that a record deal is not necessary to succeed in music. You have the tools at your fingertips to write, record, distribute, and market your own music. Consider hiring a manager before signing yourself away to a record label.

Impact of Location

While being in a major city can offer networking opportunities, you don’t need to live in one. With modern technology, artists can build and engage with their audience from virtually anywhere. 

Platforms like StudioBook (which is basically VRBO or AirBnb for recording studios) make it easy to network with producers in recording studios near you. And social media lets you talk to your listeners whenever you want.

Location matters if you’re performing live or want to record music in a certain place, but it’s not the end-all-be-all of getting noticed. You don’t need to move to NYC or LA or Nashville to “make it” in music. You just need access to good equipment and production, which can be found almost anywhere. 

In all, here are the truths about having a music career: there’s no such thing as instant success. There’s no real benefit to having a big audience that’s not obsessed with you. Record deals are old news, and artists are no longer tied down by their location. You can more easily make money from music when you don’t subscribe to the “old ways” of the industry. 

Don’t limit yourself by believing you need a million listeners, a record deal or a downtown apartment to be a successful musician. And don’t fall into the trap of thinking success will come quick and easy. Be patient, create with passion, stay visible online, and watch magic happen.