Challenges You Will Face When Starting Your Music Career & Tips To Deal With Them!

Music: it is something that has the power to take off all our stresses. But what about the artists? Are they full of life always? And successful?

To be honest, all the glamorous life we see of musical artists is only a part of their life. Because at the very beginning, they also had their own share of challenges and heartbreaking moments. 

However, that didn’t let them fall apart. Instead, they have come this far by overcoming all the obstacles in their way using the right tactics. And the result is right in front of us!

So, if you are a newbie in the musical industry, who is facing a series of challenges and wondering if this path is meant for you or not, don’t let anything break you. The moment you know how to deal with obstacles, you will eventually be able to conquer them like a pro!

Here is a list of the top ten challenges that aspiring music artists tend to face, along with the potential solutions to overcoming them:

1. The Right Platform 

In this digital era where music is just a click away, finding the right platform to showcase your talent is one of the most tedious tasks a musician can face. 

It’s like being in a vast music superstore with countless options, but here you are, all confused and desperately looking for that perfect aisle to create a break. This single thing is so powerful that if you can pick the right one, success is bound to come. Similarly, the opposite can happen as well.

Hence, to navigate this challenge, it is crucial that you understand your target audience and the genre of music you specialize in. 

If needed, do some research to find out the platforms that cater to your style and have a strong presence among your potential fans. Whether it is streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music or social media platforms like YouTube and Instagram – the list goes on!

Alternatively, you can even opt for music streaming platforms like Distrikoid. They are one of the most popular platforms for independent artists who are receiving recognition while also getting paid for every music stream. 

However, before making any final call, make sure to have a quick go-through review like this Distrokid review. Reviews can help you figure out whether the platform you have chosen can meet your specific needs.

2. Building A Team 

Building a team? Is it even necessary?

Well, you might think that you have got it all, but believe it or not, having a dedicated and talented team by your side can take your music career to the next level. 

Hence, try to surround yourself with people who share the same passion and zeal as you do. Because whenever you will be able to match vibes, then only you will be able to explore yourself. 

On the other hand, if you are equipped with people who don't believe in your music, then certainly you will not be able to be your best. 

For instance, a good manager can help you navigate the industry flow, a producer to bring out the best sound composition, and maybe a creative guru to design some eye-catching visuals for videos. You will only be able to create wonders when all of you can work at the same pace and level. 

3. Staying Motivated

Whenever you have fixed the goal of becoming a musician, make sure to lock it in your brain that the music industry ride is going to be more bumpy one than a rollercoaster. There will be so many ups and downs, self-doubts, and hundred of times things will not go as planned. 

Such setbacks can make you think that this path isn’t for you. This is the moment you cannot let things go out of hand. Instead, you must stay strong and keep that passion burning in your heart. Remember the things that drove you here, despite all the odds and sufferings. 

Interact with various kinds of artists, hear their stories, attend concerts and finally let yourself get immersed in the whole creative process. All these things, in return, will help you to stay inspired and driven, no matter how tough the times are. 

Besides, setting goals and celebrating small victories along the way is pretty helpful in creating a sense of accomplishment and motivation.

4. Funding In Projects

Limited funds?

Well, it is one of the most challenging things that you will experience the moment you decide to be a musician. As an audience, you may not understand how deeply you need funding. But in reality, they can have a bad impact on the musician’s path to success. 

From the studio recording expenses to instruments – there are several things that go into music production!

So, what to do?

Try to get creative as much as possible by bringing the best version of yourself, such as, you can consider crowd-funding platforms to attract a growing fan base and eventually raise funds for your projects. 

If you have the talent, don’t let anything get in the way. As the famous proverb goes “when there’s a will, there’s a way”!

5. Mental Health

Always give priority to your mental health, no matter the situation. 

You ask why?

Well, if you are not mentally happy, you will not be able to focus on any music, let alone create some tracks. The ride to pursuing the passion in the music industry can be extremely overwhelming and emotionally draining.

The constant pressure to succeed, the uncertainty, and the inevitable setbacks – all these can take up a great toll on your mental health.

Hence, it is more than essential that you know how to take care of your mental health. Remember to take breaks with each session, and try to engage in activities that will bring you the ultimate joy outside of music. 

And most importantly, surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family, or fellow musicians who understands the challenges as you do. If needed, don’t hesitate to seek professional help as your mental health is above everything else!  

6. Promoting Your Music

It takes a lot of time and effort to create a masterpiece. But, now that you have created it, who will hear these? How will it reach to the people?

A big question, indeed!

This is where music promotion comes in. 

After all, if your music doesn’t get to the targeted audience, how will they get to know about you and your music? Luckily, nowadays, there are various powerful social media platforms to help you. 

All you have to do is create accounts on popular platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook and simply start engaging with the targeted audiences. The more you can connect and reach the audience, the more people will know about your music. 

To make things more interesting, you can share snippets of your music, glimpses of the behind-the-scenes, or any funny stories that reflect your personality. 

Besides, you can opt for local events or music conferences to meet like-minded individuals who might be able to help you spread the word.

7. Publishing Delays 

The day has finally arrived when your music is going to be published. But all of a sudden, you get to hear that it has been delayed. 

How will you feel?

It’s something you don’t want to experience, even in the wildest dreams. Besides, the more your tracks are being delayed to publish, the more you will feel frustrated.

Publishing delays ultimately lessen the chances of your music being heard as well. Hence, make sure to partner with reliable label so that they can get you onboard at the right time.

Plus, you must maintain an open line of communication with your distributor or record labels and always stay up-to-date about the release status. 

One key point to note, while signing any agreements, make sure to read all the clauses thoroughly. Sometimes, delays are beyond our control, such as technical or maybe any other issues. 

In that time, instead of wasting any seconds overthinking, make the most use of it to create more music, tune your guitar skills, etc.

8. Having Connections

It is an open secret that several doors get unlocked when you have the right connections. However, not everyone has connections, especially if you are someone who is starting their career right from scratch.

Moreover, you may feel all frustrated seeing other less talented people sail the boat just because they have their own networks. 

Fear not! 

As building connections doesn't have to be a stressful task anymore. Instead, with the right tactics, you can build a good network. 

For instance, make sure to attend local gigs, music workshops, and industry events as much as possible. Lastly, wait for the magic to happen, as within a short span of time, these connections will start blossoming like a well-tuned melody – surprising you!

9. High Competition

We all know how super competitive the music industry is. And among thousands of talented people, it’s really difficult to get noticed and create a name for yourself. 

However, don’t let that discourage you, mate. 

Instead, think of it as an opportunity for growth. And try to find the uniqueness in your voice, explore various genres and styles, practice day and night and develop a sound that just sets you apart. 

For starters, you can begin through a website, and book a contract with reputable clients. Or maybe take another route, such as making your own music video and airing it online.

10. Not Enough Time To Do Everything

As an aspiring musician, you will always find yourself juggling various responsibilities and commitments that you will hardly find time for yourself. 

From writing songs to practicing, recording, performing, and promoting your music – you will feel like there are not enough hours in the day.

To stop these things from getting on your nerves and becoming a daily routine, you must start prioritizing your tasks more than ever by coming up with a realistic schedule. 

Didn’t get the point?

Identify the most important activities that contribute directly to your music career and allocate time for them. Next, learn to collaborate and seek professional support. Last but not least, make sure to find time for yourself!

Final Thoughts

Starting a music career is no easy feat, instead, it comes with several challenges. However, the good news is with the right mindset and a toolbox full of strategies; you can effectively overcome any obstacles.

Always keep in mind challenges are a natural part of every successful journey that teaches us a lot of life lessons along with being a great foundation for our future life.

So keep that fire of your dreams burning bright, and know that every successful musician you admire has faced similar challenges. And if they can do it, so can you. Therefore, pick up that instrument, hit the stage and let the entire world hear your extraordinary melodies!

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