I ask every new artist I work with the same question before we get into recording budgets, promotion plans, or photos.

Why do you want a music career?

I don't mean "do you love music." I don't mean "have people told you you're talented." I mean something more specific: what are you actually trying to build? Do you want to make your living from music? Touring? Write songs for other artists? Build a loyal fan base? Sign with a label? Make something that lasts?

"I want to be successful" isn't really an answer, because success means something different to every artist. The clearer you get about what it means to you, the easier your decisions get from that point forward. This matters because a music career can eat up an enormous amount of time, money, and emotional energy. If you don't know where you're headed, it's easy to mistake activity for progress. I see that happen constantly.

What if success in music wasn’t about luck — but about the actions you take today?

Today, we’re breaking down the 6 most common challenges independent musicians face and sharing practical strategies to help you navigate them like a pro.

Are you able to balance your own musical authenticity and integrity and be relevant in today’s music landscape?