If you’re an artist, your talent is only part of the equation—your business mindset is just as important. Before you dive into doing shows and expanding your career, take a step back and evaluate your approach. Here’s how you can set yourself up for long-term success:

1. Break Free From Genre Limitations

Stop confining yourself to a single genre—it’s like putting your creativity in a box. Music is universal, and your sound should reflect the full scope of your artistic vision. Expand your concepts, experiment, and reach audiences you might never have considered before.

2. Educate Yourself

Knowledge is power. Ask yourself tough questions:

• Can I do what I’m paying someone else to do? Learning skills like production, marketing, or distribution could save you money and give you greater control.
• Do I really need a manager? If you don’t have much to manage yet, it might be better to handle things yourself for now.
• Are these interviews beneficial? Be strategic about where you invest your time—will the exposure help your career, or is it more advantageous to the interviewer?

3. Stand On A Solid Foundation

Avoid building your career on unstable platforms. Collaborating with others can be valuable, but ensure their foundation is as strong as yours. Be cautious about whom you trust with your future.

4. Invest In Yourself

Take control of your promotional efforts:

• Create merchandise like T-shirts, CDs, and USB drives to market yourself.
• Pay for your own radio spots—this gives you direct access to your audience.
• Organize your own events. For instance, host a listening party and charge $10 per ticket. As a bonus, give every attendee a free CD. This builds a connection with your audience while generating income.

5. Plan & Prepare

Don’t rush your music—success takes time. Have more than one single ready to release. Think about it: when you eat a meal, your plate has more than one item. Apply that same principle to your music career. Diversify your offerings to ensure you’re well-fed in the industry.

Conclusion

Your career is your responsibility. Stay informed, stay creative, and most importantly, stay in control. When you invest in yourself and make thoughtful decisions, you’re setting the foundation for a lasting legacy in the music world.