Many upcoming music artistes have reached out to me, asking how to build a successful music career without making mistakes. This article highlights some of the common errors made by emerging artistes and provides practical solutions to overcome them.
A music career is highly competitive, attracting mostly young people drawn by its profitability. Some artistes take the wrong steps and later regret it, while others make it because they learn and adapt. Success in music isn’t just about investing money—it’s also about following the right strategies.
Top 6 Mistakes Made by Upcoming Music Artistes
1. Waiting for “Manna”
Many artistes expect a sponsor or a record label to discover them immediately after releasing a song. They neglect self-promotion and look for free beats or free publicity instead of taking proactive steps to market their music.
2. Settling for Cheap Offers
Some artistes avoid investing in quality production, thinking it’s a waste of money. They hire inexperienced producers or rely on free beats, forgetting that the music industry is highly competitive. Quality production is essential for long-term success.
3. Greediness
Many artistes try to handle everything alone, believing they can succeed without collaboration. Music today thrives on partnerships and networking. Expecting instant returns from social media without investing in professional help often leads to burnout and giving up.
4. Ignoring Social Media
Some artistes underestimate the importance of social media, hoping to earn from YouTube before building their presence elsewhere. They remain inactive except when releasing a song, missing out on valuable opportunities to connect with fans and grow their brand.
5. “I Too Know” (ITK) Mentality
Some artistes believe they know everything about music and reject advice from experienced professionals. Others think relocating to a big city like Lagos automatically guarantees success. Humility, learning from others, and strategic planning are far more effective.
6. No Source of Income
Many upcoming artistes are broke but expect instant fame and wealth within months of releasing music. A stable income or financial plan is crucial to sustain yourself while building your career.
Key Tips for Upcoming Music Artistes
Genres and Lyrics
Identify your strengths and the genre that suits you. Avoid following trends solely for popularity. Focus on what you are passionate about and strive to perfect it. Write meaningful lyrics and sing in the genre you genuinely enjoy to avoid regrets.
Promotional Handles
Social media is essential for reaching your audience. Start by creating profiles on key platforms and focus on a few where your fans are most active. Consistently share content, engage with followers, and consider hiring a social media manager if possible. Use social media as your primary promotion platform before investing in sponsored ads or blogs.
Patience Is Key
Success does not happen overnight. Be patient and persistent. If progress is slow, assess your strategies, identify mistakes, and make necessary improvements. Consistency and resilience are crucial.
Invest in Quality
Avoid cutting corners with cheap promotions, beats, or production. Work with experienced producers and creatives who understand the industry. Invest in professional artwork, beats, and production that reflect your commitment to quality.
Plan Your Steps
Have a clear roadmap for your career, including a source of income to support yourself. Set realistic goals and timelines for achieving milestones in your music career. Strategic planning ensures you stay on track and steadily build towards success.
FAQs
What are common mistakes made by music artistes in their career, and how can they be avoided?
Many music artistes often make the mistake of neglecting consistent practice and skill development, focusing only on fame or social media presence. To overcome this, artistes should dedicate time daily to honing their craft, studying music theory, and learning new techniques to stay competitive and versatile in the industry.
Why do some artistes struggle with audience connection, and how can they improve it?
A common mistake is ignoring audience engagement and feedback, which can make fans feel disconnected. To overcome this, artistes should interact regularly with their audience through social media, live performances, and Q&A sessions, listening actively to feedback to create music that resonates with listeners.
How can poor financial management affect a music career, and what is the solution?
Many artistes fail to manage their finances wisely, spending excessively on unnecessary luxuries instead of investing in their career or savings. Overcoming this requires creating a budget, investing in professional development, saving consistently, and consulting financial experts to ensure long-term stability and sustainability in their music career.
Why is collaboration important, and what mistakes do artistes make in this area?
Some artistes make the mistake of isolating themselves or avoiding collaborations, limiting their exposure and growth. To overcome this, artistes should seek strategic collaborations with other musicians, producers, and industry professionals, which can expand their audience, inspire creativity, and open doors to new opportunities.
Also Read: Top 10 Business Ideas in Nigerian Music Industry
