Is It Hard Making a Living Doing Music?

Discover the realities of making a living doing music as an indie musician and learn how physical media can boost your music income.

The article “Tony’s Tips for Music Success and Longevity” on the Disc Makers Blog provides practical advice for musicians aiming to build a sustainable career in the music industry.

Tony van Veen emphasizes that while the music business is challenging, achieving longevity is attainable through deliberate actions and mindsets. Key recommendations from the article include:​

1. Treat Music Like a Job: Approach your music career with the same dedication and professionalism as any other occupation. This involves committing significant time and effort beyond just creative pursuits.​

2. Prepare to Play the Long Game: Understand that success in music often takes years. Develop a financial plan to support yourself during this period, which may involve maintaining a day job while pursuing musical endeavors.​

3. Make Financial Investments in Your Music: Be prepared to invest in instruments, recording equipment, manufacturing, and marketing. Recognize that initial expenses may outweigh earnings as you build your career.

4. Acknowledge Competition for Audience Attention: With numerous artists releasing music daily, it’s crucial to stand out. Continuously improve your musical skills, compositions, recordings, and live performances to capture and retain audience interest.​

5. Differentiate Yourself: Find unique angles—musically, visually, or performance-wise—that set you apart from others. This distinctiveness can help break through the noise and attract a dedicated fan base.

6. Recognize You Are in Business: Building a fanbase is essentially running a business. Beyond creating great music, engage in activities like social media marketing, fan interaction, and understanding the financial aspects of your career.

7. Build Your Audience One Fan at a Time: Focus on grassroots efforts to grow your fanbase. Personal interactions and genuine connections can lead to a loyal and supportive audience.​

8. Start Locally: Establish a strong presence in your local community before expanding. Local support can serve as a foundation for broader recognition.

9. Build a Network: Cultivate relationships with fellow musicians, industry professionals, and fans. Networking can open doors to opportunities and collaborations that might not be accessible otherwise.​

10. Be Professional: Maintain professionalism in all aspects, from punctuality at gigs to respectful communication. A professional reputation can lead to more opportunities and longevity in the industry.​

11. Beware of Difficult People: Surround yourself with supportive and trustworthy individuals. Avoid those who may hinder your progress or create unnecessary challenges.​

12. Release Music Regularly: Consistent releases keep your audience engaged and demonstrate your commitment to your craft. Regular output can also increase visibility and streaming opportunities.​

13. Perform Extensively: Live performances are vital for building a fanbase and generating income. Aim to perform frequently, honing your stage presence and connecting with audiences.​

14. Create and Sell Quality Merchandise: Offering well-designed physical products like CDs, vinyl records, and apparel can provide significant income streams and strengthen fan engagement.​

15. Enjoy the Journey: While pursuing success, don’t lose sight of the joy in making music. Appreciate the experiences, relationships, and growth that come with your musical journey.​

By integrating these strategies, musicians can navigate the complexities of the industry and work towards a fulfilling and enduring career.

Source: Is It Hard Making a Living Doing Music?