If you’re pursuing a music career independently, you’ve probably heard the phrase “you have to wear many hats.”
It’s true, being an independent musician means you’re not just writing songs and performing them. You’re also running a business. You’re the CEO, the marketing team, the content creator, the roadie, and everything in between.
So what exactly are these hats, and what do they involve? Let’s break it down shall we…
1. The Artist Hat
This is why you started in the first place.
At the heart of it all, you’re a musician. This hat covers your creative output, writing, practising, recording, and performing music. It’s where your identity, sound, and personal expression live.
This is your core activity. No other hat will function with you attending to this one first.
Duties include:
- Writing songs
- Rehearsing
- Recording and producing tracks
- Performing live
- Developing your sound and message
2. The Business Manager Hat
You’re running a business so it pays to think like one.
Without a clear plan or direction, even great music can stall. This hat involves managing your time, money, and opportunities like a small business would. It’s about seeing the bigger picture and making informed decisions.
Duties include:
- Setting goals and budgets
- Booking shows and negotiating deals
- Applying for grants or funding
- Managing income and expenses
- Long-term planning
3. The Marketer/Promoter Hat
If no one hears your music, does it even exist?
Creating music is only half the equation. The other half is making sure people know it exists. This hat is all about promotion, building awareness, excitement, and connection with your audience.
Duties include:
- Social media posting and strategy
- Running email campaigns
- Organizing release plans
- Promoting gigs, songs, and merch
- Managing ads on Facebook, Instagram, etc.
4. The Content Creator Hat
Your story matters and people want to see it.
In today’s music world, content is king. This hat is about telling your story through visuals, behind-the-scenes moments, videos, blog posts, and more.
Duties include:
- Making TikToks, Reels, and YouTube videos
- Shooting behind-the-scenes footage
- Writing blog or caption content
- Livestreaming
- Repurposing content across platforms
5. The Producer/Engineer Hat
Your music needs to sound great, no matter your setup.
Whether you’re DIY-ing your own tracks or overseeing someone else’s mix, you still need to make production decisions. This hat involves getting your music recorded, mixed, and mastered, even if you’re not the one doing it all.
Duties include:
- Recording demos or full tracks
- Mixing/mastering or outsourcing it
- Booking and organizing studio time
- Managing audio files and sessions
6. The Merchandiser/Distributor Hat
Make it easy for fans to support you.
From T-shirts to digital downloads, this hat is about getting your music and merch into the hands of fans. It’s part creative, part logistical.
Duties include:
- Uploading music to streaming platforms
- Managing Bandcamp or Shopify
- Designing and ordering merch
- Handling shipping and fulfillment
- Selling at gigs and online
7. The Networker Hat
Relationships open doors. Build them wisely.
You’re not in this alone. This hat is about community, connecting with other musicians, venues, media, and fans. It’s also about showing up and being part of something bigger.
Duties include:
- Collaborating with others
- Reaching out to venues and bookers
- Engaging with fans directly
- Attending gigs and events
- Supporting other artists
8. The Analyst Hat
Track what works. Drop what doesn’t.
Gut feelings are great, but data can be your best friend. This hat helps you look at the numbers and figure out what’s actually moving the needle in your music career.
Duties include:
- Reviewing social and streaming stats
- Tracking email opens and click rates
- Adjusting strategies based on what you learn
- Measuring ROI on campaigns
9. The Admin Hat
It’s not sexy, but it’s essential.
Paperwork, scheduling, contracts… The stuff that nobody loves but every artist needs to stay legit and organized. This hat ensures that your foundation is solid.
Duties include:
- Registering songs with your PRO (APRA AMCOS if you’re in Australia like me)
- Handling copyright and publishing
- Keeping tax records
- Managing calendars
- Reviewing contracts and agreements
10. The Self-Care Hat
You’re no good to anyone if you burn out.
Being your own team can be exhausting. This final hat is about taking care of yourself so you can keep doing all of the above and enjoy the ride while you’re at it.
Duties include:
- Resting and recovering
- Maintaining physical and mental health
- Creating space for non-music passions
- Setting boundaries
- Recharging creatively
My Final Thoughts
Being an independent musician isn’t easy, but it’s one of the most rewarding paths you can take if you’re driven by your art.
Wearing all these hats may seem overwhelming at first, but over time, you’ll figure out which ones you can handle, which ones you can outsource, and which ones you actually enjoy.
The trick is not to be perfect at everything, just good enough to keep the wheels turning until the right collaborators or team come along. Until then, wear those hats with pride.
