Being part of an artistic or creative field, particularly the music industry, requires tough skin and numerous challenges. From music producers and agents to band managers and musicians, they all face significant setbacks when starting out.
It is certainly not easy to make it big in this industry, with many aspiring musicians and artists showcasing their work and many established artists already on the top. However, understanding the common struggles aspiring individuals face in this field can allow you to find better solutions and avoid these issues.
Here are the five common problems faced by aspiring musicians and artists:
1. Staying Motivated
While you might feel highly motivated initially, it can quickly die down when you actually enter the field. There are bound to be days when you feel down and unable to create magic as a musician or an artist.
It is essential to be aware of the many ups and downs this industry will throw at you. Creating long-term and short-term goals is best to stay motivated and in the right direction.
2. Getting Cold Demo Responses
In the music industry, aspiring artists have to send demos to multiple music producers, record labels, media houses, and organizations to showcase what they can do. They have to pitch themselves to multiple people to get a chance to perform or showcase their work.
However, with the sheer volume of demos, it gets challenging for them to get their work accepted. Aspiring musicians and artists often have to deal with the disappointment of not getting any responses even after putting in the hard work.
3. Little to No Funding
One of the biggest struggles for aspiring musicians and artists is the money problem. Even if they are highly talented, being unknown makes it an issue to get the funding they need to rise to fame. It is important to be financially strategic when it comes to entering a career in this field.
Ensure you have your savings and you are spending them wisely. Continue pitching into different media houses and record labels while wisely managing the costs. Use social media platforms to promote your work and get sponsors.
4. Shows Getting Cancelled
Another major problem that is part and parcel of choosing this career is that shows often end up getting canceled for multiple reasons. Many musicians and artists take months preparing for a show and getting their hopes up, only to find out at the last moment that the show has been canceled.
It is important not to react badly even when you want to, as being on the wrong side of the organizers could mean losing out on future shows. You must be prepared for these cancelations and be patient enough to wait for your chance.
5. Low Turnout
One of aspiring musicians and artists’ biggest problems and disappointments is performing on a stage with little to no audience. It can be highly disheartening when there is a low turnout. It is essential to understand that many artists and musicians have to deal with a low turnout before they get discovered.
Wrapping Up
Becoming a successful musician and artist is not a walk in the park. You have to face multiple challenges, more than usual from other career paths, to finally make your mark. It might seem not very encouraging when trying to break into this industry, but many have gone on the same path and achieved success.
Eric Dalius is The Executive Chairman of MuzicSwipe, a music and content discovery platform designed to maximize artist discovery and optimize fan relationships. Beyond his work at MuzicSwipe, he hosts the insightful weekly podcast “FULLSPEED,” engaging with entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds. Eric also contributes to education through the “Eric Dalius Foundation,” offering four scholarships for US students. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Entrepreneur.com.