Real Talk: Building Your Music Career in Today’s Game

Alright, let’s be real, music has changed big time over the years, and the internet flipped the entire industry. It’s not just about the quality of your music anymore,,,, it’s about how strong you are on social media. Like it or not, social runs the game right now.

Being an Artist in This Era Ain’t Easy or Hard But the Rewards Are Bigger

Look, being an artist today is harder, no question, but there’s a big upside. Smaller teams, bigger returns. When you manage yourself, you keep a bigger cut, and that’s powerful. Yeah, the big players,,, Sony, Universal, Warner—still control a lot, no doubt. But independence means you’ve got options they don’t own.

Self-Management is the New Normal

Here’s where it gets tough: as an artist, you’ve got to manage yourself. That’s not something you learn overnight. There’s no silver spoon here,,,, what you put in is exactly what you get out. The main skill to focus on? Time management. If you can’t handle your time, you’ll fall behind fast. Sure, things come up, but you need to rely on yourself and adapt, or you’ll look like someone who’s just not serious.

Patience is Non-Negotiable in This Industry

You’re going to need a lot of patience. Don’t think you’re going to get a shortcut or that someone else is going to carry you up the ladder. This industry’s brutal on the impatient. If you’re waiting on someone else to level you up, you might as well call it quits now. Blaming others for a lack of progress? That’s on you. Growth takes time, and you need to be ready for the long game.

Know Who’s Real, But Don’t Rely on Anyone

You’ll meet all types along the way,,,, some snakes, some genuine folks. Take advice, but don’t get reliant. Most people who know the game aren’t looking to babysit,,,, they’re busy building their own brands. Use your head, learn what you can, but don’t push away valuable connections by constantly needing their help. Show respect for their time and bring something real to the table.

Master the Process Before Dropping Anything

Before releasing a single track, you need to understand the system: how to assemble your team, what resources you need, budget considerations, and terms. This is your blueprint. Go out there and hunt for the knowledge,,,, it’s all online right now. Soon, that info might be filtered or hidden, so take advantage of the open internet while you can. Without a solid understanding, your music career will suffer, and your art will lose its edge.

Set Up the Right People, the Right Way

Once you know how to handle the business side, get the right people in place. Book what you need, keep the momentum, and refine the process before you release. Repetition builds a rhythm, and that rhythm is going to set you apart.

Don’t Let Hunger Trap You

Too many artists are desperate to get out there, but that rush traps them. They end up competing with locals, fighting to prove who’s doing better, while the real players are sitting back, watching the circus. Don’t let yourself become part of that small-time game. The industry’s watching, but not for the same reasons you think. They’re checking how you package and present yourself, whether it’s with good energy or just noise. You’re either a leader or a follower. If you’re a follower, you’re probably one of those trying to build a career off someone else’s knowledge and skills. Trust me, you won’t get far with that,,,, you’re only holding yourself back. What you pay for is what you get,,, simple as that.

Position Yourself to Run the Show

Instead of waiting for a manager to sign you, my advice is to work toward a position where you hire the manager. That way, you’re running the show rather than being told what you can or can’t do. This takes time and dedication, but if you’re going to do it, do it right. Build your brand, and when you’re ready, bring a manager in on your terms. That’s the real power move.

Keep it Real, Stay Patient

Yes, put your music out there. But don’t act like you’ve already made it big. Keep it authentic, stay real, and you’ll enjoy the process a lot more than if you rush it. This is all about learning, about mastering each stage so that when the majors notice, they see quality and integrity. They’re looking for consistency, energy, and a vibe that’s real,,,, not just hustle for the sake of hustle.

Start Simple, Build Your Foundation

There are tons of ways to release your music, but start with the simple ones. Build experience and get the basics down. It’s all a game of understanding and patience. The better you grasp those, the stronger your foundation for long-term success.

Key Things an Artist Needs to Be Aware Of:

1. Social Media Presence: Engage authentically on social platforms—build an audience that truly connects with your brand.

2. Networking: Connect with other artists, producers, and industry players. Relationships open doors.

3. Brand Consistency: Every release should reflect your brand’s unique identity.

4. Adaptability: Music trends shift fast; staying flexible and open to change is essential.

5. Patience & Perseverance: Progress takes time; the biggest moves are rarely quick.

6. Personal Responsibility: Managing yourself means taking ownership of everything—schedules, work ethic, and results.

Things an Artist Needs to Understand:

1. Music Business Fundamentals: Learn about royalties, publishing, licensing, and contracts.

2. Marketing & Promotion: Understand the basics of audience targeting, campaign timing, and how to drive engagement.

3. Production Quality: Release only the best work; don’t compromise quality to rush releases.

4. Budgeting: Know what you can afford—each move should fit within a solid financial plan.

5. Value of Patience: Rushing a release rarely pays off; learn to trust the process.

6. The Right Time for a Manager: Don’t rush into management. Position yourself so you’re hiring them, not the other way around.

Listen Up

Listen up, I’ve seen a lot of artists out here, and almost every one of them wants to be on top,,,, I get it. But too many act like success can be served up like an order at a restaurant. It doesn’t work like that. First off, they don’t understand the deals they’re signing, working off what they think are great deals but falling for the fake ones, so they end up playing themselves. Then they think they can build a career without putting any money down, like it’s gonna happen for free. Real ones will distance themselves from that vibe real quick.

I see it all the time,,,, help an artist out a little, and they start sitting back, waiting for everything to be handed to them, acting like big crybabies who can’t control themselves. It’s like they’re artists but behaving like little kids. Stay cool, calm, and collected.

Pay your way, show respect for everyone’s time and expertise, because remember,,,, they’re not doing this for you; they’re building for themselves. There’s no first-class shortcut in this game. No matter who you know, the work still falls on you.

Take this advice seriously, and make it all about your music. Don’t let the rush to release control your creativity. Focus on quality, stay patient, and with time, you’ll attract the right manager and the right opportunities,,,, on your terms.

Here are some highly recommended books to help you understand the music industry, develop your brand, and improve your skills as an artist. These books cover everything from music business basics to self-management and branding:

1. “All You Need to Know About the Music Business” by Donald S. Passman

•    Description: Considered the bible of the music industry, this book provides an in-depth look at how the music business works, from contracts to royalties.

•    Amazon Link

https://www.amazon.com/All-You-Need-Know-Business/dp/1501122185

2. “How to Make It in the New Music Business” by Ari Herstand

•    Description: A comprehensive guide for independent musicians navigating the modern music landscape, covering promotion, distribution, and building a fanbase.

•    Amazon Link

https://www.amazon.com/How-Make-New-Music-Business/dp/1631494791

3. “The Musician’s Way: A Guide to Practice, Performance, and Wellness” by Gerald Klickstein

•    Description: Perfect for artists focused on performance, this book teaches techniques for improving practice habits, stage performance, and musician wellness.

•    Amazon Link https://www.amazon.com/Musicians-Way-Practice-Performance-Wellness/dp/0195343131

4. “Six-Figure Musician” by David Hooper

•    Description: A straight-talking guide to turning your music into a profitable career with tips on branding, promotion, and business strategy.

•    Amazon Link

https://www.amazon.com/Six-Figure-Musician-David-Hooper/dp/1608423336

5. “Crushing It!: How Great Entrepreneurs Build Their Business and Influence—and How You Can, Too” by Gary Vaynerchuk

•    Description: Though not music-specific, Gary Vee’s book provides valuable insight into personal branding and social media strategy that’s essential for musicians.

•    Amazon Link https://www.amazon.com/Crushing-Great-Entrepreneurs-Business-Influence/dp/0062674676

6. “Your Music and People: Creative and Considerate Fame” by Derek Sivers

•    Description: A guide focused on unconventional ways to connect with fans and grow an audience authentically, from the founder of CD Baby.

•    Amazon Link

https://www.amazon.com/Your-Music-People-Creative-Considerate/dp/1732232902

These books will give you a solid foundation to grow your career strategically and authentically. Start with the basics, and build up your knowledge as you go!

Love ❤️

Stay Blessed 🙏