Today I want to say a few words about the money and music, or better said the money IN music.

The dream

Everybody wants to be a star, especially nowadays. They buy themselves a laptop, install some software and their first question is: “How do I write a hit-song?”

What do you answer to that? I usually ask them what their priorities are. Are they in for the money, fame, attention or could it by any chance be the music itself? Because if it is music, then they’ll have to work hard and learn to be able to write some songs, later some good songs, from which maybe some could end up as hit-songs. Funny thing is, as soon as they hear the word “work”, they don’t listen anymore…

The reality

Don’t wait for anybody to help you, do it yourself. You can learn your instrument from online resources, learn how to record and distribute yourself, you can even promote yourself too. The days of labels developing an artist are gone. Managers and especially the labels become interested in you when you already have a big following, at least high six or seven digit Spotify and Apple music streams and already performing live and selling some merchandise. Then they want in and have a (usually very big) piece of the pie. Let me ask you this: why would you want to let them in now? If you have all of the above, it sounds to me that you’re already doing great! If you let them in, you’ll only lose money to them, that’s all! I doubt there’s anything they can do for you except increase debt…
Oh, the only thing you might need later on to work on the road successfully, is an agent. But no agent will book you until you’ve proven you can book yourself and make money. It’s a twist, but nobody said it was easy…

Some tips

• Learn an instrument. If you want to do anything related to music it is very beneficial to understand how music works. The best way to comprehend it is to learn an instrument. You can learn any instrument you choose but if you ask me, you should also have at least a basic knowledge of playing a harmonic instrument like piano or guitar. This way you can better learn and understand how the harmony works.
• Learn to sing and write. Oftentimes writing is the way in. A lot of the today’s stars were songwriters for other acts first. You should never underrate the power of a great song. All the “flavour of the day” songs will sooner or later disappear, but a great song will live forever. Publishers always look for those…
• Determine your goals. While you’re learning you can already determine what kind of artist do you want to be. Do you want to be a solo artist or do you want to be in a band? Do you want to be a recording or a performing artist? If you want to earn some money, you have to go on the road. Even if you’ve got an online hit (which very rarely brings a lot of money), that does not necessarily mean you can sell tickets. And you want to sell them and go play live and also sell some merch – people love that…
• Go where others are not. Don’t do the same boring formula everybody’s already doing. It’s too crowded in there! Try to make something new, something fresh. Take your favourite music genres and put them together. Try what would fit together and what not and maybe you can come up with something new. A lot of artists were successful at doing that…
• Release singles. Especially at the beginning don’t wait and then release an album. Just release one song at the time for free on social and streaming platforms and see how people react. You can then adjust accordingly for the next song. With an album – it’s too late for that…

In a nutshell

If you’re not in for the music itself, don’t start. There’s just not a lot of money left here, the techies have it all. But if you love music and you want in by all means, you have to be committed. You’ll have doubts, you’ll be discouraged, you’ll even want to quit – I know I wanted to, not only once!
Oftentimes music can be a lonely life with little financial reward. It’s hard work and the odds are low that you’re going to make it to the top, but it’s always been like that! And not only in music. Take a look at sports. The great basketballers, footballers, tennis players, etc. They all paid their dues and stayed dedicated. There’s just no way around. But still, there are only handful at the top…

Always try to be the best version of yourself and stay focused. Never stop learning. Trust yourself and only the people you know you can trust. Collaborate with other musicians, play and write with them, there’s no better way to get fresh input. You’ll also make some new connections and even good friends on the way, I’m sure…
Keep working on your music, give it away for free AND also where people can buy it – if they like it, they’ll want to support you, trust me! But they have to hear it first so you must make it available for free anywhere you can.

And last but not least: always remember – it is not the goal but the way there that matters…