Is Making Good Music Enough?

Here’s What Every Artist Needs to Know

Is making good music enough to succeed as an artist? While talent is important, relying solely on your musical skills might not get you as far as you hope. In today’s music industry, success often requires a mix of creativity and business savvy. Let’s dive into why making good music is just one part of the puzzle and what you can do to turn your passion into a sustainable career.

Key Takeaways

• Talent Alone Isn’t Enough: Even if you’re incredibly talented, without the right business approach, your music might never reach the audience it deserves.
• Think Like a Business: Treating your music career like a business is essential. This includes marketing, promoting, and understanding your audience.
• Give People What They Want: Balancing your artistic vision with audience expectations can help you grow your fanbase and achieve long-term success.

Why Good Music Isn’t Always Enough

Many talented artists, far more skilled than I am, struggle to make a living from music. It’s not just about how good you are; it’s about how well you can operate as a business. A lot of creative people aren’t naturally business-minded—they just want to make art. But to get people to listen to your music, they have to know it exists in the first place.

The Burger Joint Analogy

Think of it like this: imagine you own a burger joint with the best burgers anyone has ever tasted. But if you don’t tell anyone about your restaurant, it doesn’t matter how good the burgers are—no one will come to eat them. The same goes for your music. If you don’t promote it, people won’t know it’s there, and they won’t listen.

Building a Team or Switching Mindsets

If you’re not naturally inclined to handle the business side of things, you have two options: either switch into a business mindset or build a team that can handle it for you. Even the most artsy artists, like Kendrick Lamar, have teams working behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Many artists look at their favorite stars who rarely post or seem to do little self-promotion and think they can do the same. But those artists have entire teams managing their business operations, so they can focus solely on creating.

Balancing Art and Audience Expectations

Another critical aspect of success is giving the audience what they want. This doesn’t mean you have to compromise your artistic integrity completely, but there needs to be a balance. If you only make music for yourself without considering your audience, it might be harder to gain traction.

The Spicy Burger Dilemma

Let’s revisit the burger analogy: imagine your favorite burger to make is extremely spicy with jalapeños and peanut butter. While it might be your passion, it’s not what most customers want. Most people prefer a classic double patty with some bacon. Your business might struggle if you don’t also offer the regular options that appeal to the broader market.

Similarly, if you only create niche music that doesn’t cater to any audience, your career might face hurdles. Pay attention to what your fans enjoy and find ways to incorporate that into your work.

How to Succeed as an Independent Artist and Run Your Music as a Business

To run a successful music career, you need to merge your creative side with business strategies. This doesn’t mean you have to “sell out” or completely change your style, but you do need to understand your market.

Build Your Personal Brand

Creating your own brand as a musician is crucial for standing out in today’s crowded music landscape. Your brand goes beyond your music—it’s your image, your story, and the unique vibe you bring to your audience. A strong brand helps fans connect with you on a deeper level, making them more likely to follow, support, and share your work. It’s about defining who you are as an artist and consistently communicating that identity across your music, visuals, social media, and interactions. By building a recognizable brand, you create a memorable experience that sets you apart and turns casual listeners into dedicated fans.

Focus on Marketing and Promotion

Without marketing and promotion, even the best songs can go unheard. It’s important to invest time and resources into letting people know your music is out there. This can involve social media, email newsletters, and collaborations, among other strategies.

Grow Your Fanbase Over Time

Once you’ve built a loyal fanbase, they’ll be more likely to support anything you put out because they’re invested in you, not just your music. In the early stages, you might need to make more accessible music, but as your audience grows, you can experiment more with your style.

The Importance of Persistence and Flexibility

Navigating the music industry is challenging, and there’s no one-size-fits-all formula for success. Some artists make it big with minimal business strategy, but these cases are rare. It’s important to stay adaptable and willing to learn from the business side of things.

My Personal Approach

I’ve found success by treating my music career as a well-oiled business. I don’t feel like I’m sacrificing my art; rather, I’m adding business strategies to my creativity. If you can get over the hurdle of thinking that business is the enemy of art, you might find more success in making a living from music.

Conclusion

So, is making good music enough? Not usually. While talent is a key component, it’s not the sole factor in a successful music career. Without marketing, promotion, and a bit of business acumen, even the best music can go unnoticed. Think of your music career like a business—combine your creativity with smart strategies, and you’ll have a better chance of turning your passion into a sustainable career.

FAQs

1. Why isn’t making good music enough?

Making good music is important, but without marketing and promotion, your music might never reach the right audience. Talent needs to be paired with a business mindset to succeed.

2. How can I start thinking of my music career as a business?

Start by setting goals, understanding your audience, and planning your promotions. If you’re not comfortable with these tasks, consider building a team to help you.

3. How do I balance my artistic vision with what my audience wants?

You don’t have to completely change your style, but pay attention to what resonates with your audience. Incorporate those elements into your music while staying true to yourself.

4. Do all successful artists have teams?

Many successful artists have teams that handle business operations, even if it seems like they’re doing it all themselves. Teams help manage marketing, promotions, and other business aspects.

5. Can I still succeed without compromising my art?

Yes, but it’s about finding the right balance. You can stay true to your art while also making strategic decisions that appeal to your audience. Over time, as you grow your fanbase, you’ll have more freedom to experiment.