A lot of artists are pursuing careers in music with the wrong mindset. Believing that the money and fame will come swiftly, many hit the ground running without the proper training and/or experience, then burn out before they’ve completely developed.
The music artists that have achieved legend status were not overnight successes: they perfected their craft, worked hard, and continued even when the rejection was thick around them. Katy Perry lost 3 record deals before “I Kissed A Girl”. Beyoncé’s first group lost Star Search 5 years before Destiny’s Child’s first single.
You can liken it to cooking a pot of stew: if you try to rush it, skip steps and/or ingredients, it will come out disgusting. But if you take your time, prepare the ingredients just right and let them simmer, it will be the best pot of stew you’ve ever tasted.
There is an article on Music Think Tank entitled “Why Unsigned Musicians Should Worry About Popularity, Not Money“, and it is spot on:
Even in 2015, unsigned musicians are still releasing their music and asking “where’s my money?” right out of the gate. It’s extremely important that every artist look deeply into this question. First of all, in my view, the expectation is flawed. If you have less than 10,000 genuine fans and you’re hoarding your music, waiting for those iTunes sales to save you, you’re shooting yourself in both feet.
Build your audience first. Then you can sell to that audience. Not before they are “on board”.
Develop your craft.
This is the foundation that your career will stand on. If it is shaky or inauthentic, the world will know and you will shoot yourself in the foot.
Build your fan base.
This is beyond your friends and family; you know you have a fan when someone who doesn’t know you supports your art.
Pursue revenue.
Once you have a group of people willing to support you monetarily, you now have more leverage in possible label or production situations than you would have as a newer artist.
