How hard is it to earn a living as a musician?

How hard is it to earn a living as a musician? Discover the truth behind the challenges and the key strategies that can turn passion into a profitable and sustainable career.

How hard is it to earn a living as a musician?

by Philip Kinsher from the Disc Makers Blog

You’ve heard it before: “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.” But is that true when it comes to making a living with your music? Pursuing a career as an independent artist can feel like jumping into treacherous waters — and there are indeed plenty of challenges that you’ll have to negotiate. That said, while it’s not easy, countless indie artists have built powerful, exciting, profitable, and sustainable careers.

There are ways to make money with music and you can do it, too. A key component? Tools like physical media and music distribution services. Coupled with passion, strategy, and persistence, the right physical media and music distribution can help you stand out and make an impact with your music. 

Table of Contents:
• The reality of being an indie musician
• Why physical media still matters in the digital age
• How to build a sustainable music career
• Ready to make your mark?

The reality of being an indie musician

Being an independent musician can be amazing, fun, adventurous, fulfilling, and life-affirming. It can also be stressful, difficult, unpredictable, and challenging. The reality is that you have to be smart and strategic to make it work:

• Break through the noise. There are millions of artists on streaming platforms and countless new songs being added every day. Luckily, working with Disc Makers to up your game when it comes to music mastering, album design, and distribution services can help you get your music heard.
• Build financial stability. Especially while building up their fanbases, many indie artists have a hard time bringing in a consistent income. Diversifying your revenue sources across gigs, streaming royalties, merch, and physical media sales can all help you get there.
• Promote like a pro. Even the most brilliant music won’t be heard unless people know it’s there. Engage with social media, educate yourself by reading the Disc Makers Blog, and market yourself with the passion your music deserves.

Being an indie artist offers wonderful opportunities to build a solid, sustainable career:

• Independent artists are in demand. Audiences love authentic, unique, non-commercialized music, so give them something raw and real to enjoy.
• Diversified revenue streams can give you the revenue you need. CDs, vinyl, and direct-to-fan sales offer income stability.
• Niche fanbases are on the rise. Does your music combine metal guitar with Indian raga? Are you a bluegrass throwback act that includes a DJ and live remixing? Whatever your genre (or mashup thereof), lean into your uniqueness and find the audience that appreciates exactly what you do. Once you’ve found them, remember that high-quality physical media will create a tangible connection with those loyal fans.
• Freedom to pursue related interests. You can further your skills by becoming a music producer or music teacher while making some extra cash on the side.

Why physical media still matters in the digital age

Why bother making CDs and vinyl records? Because physical media is a vital tool for building and sustaining your rising indie music career! Keep these points in mind:

• Fans love collectibles like custom vinyl records and limited-edition CDs. Physical objects remind audience members of a great show they saw, or the strong emotional connection they feel with their favorite artist’s music.
• Physical media earns you more money. You may be wondering: Can you make money from putting music on Spotify? You’d have to get thousands of Spotify streams to get the same amount of revenue you get by selling a single CD.
• Your physical media gives you cred. Telling people you’re an indie recording artist with great music and big plans? That’s one thing, but being able to show them a beautifully designed and expertly manufactured CD or vinyl record that contains your musical creations? That’s another level entirely. 

Disc Makers can help you connect with fans, raise your revenue, and earn the respect of fans and music industry figures alike. Plus, it’s easy to get a custom quote for your project. And for devoted audiophiles and true fans, there’s nothing like Disc Makers’ vinyl records, which can be customized to reflect who you are as an artist.

How to build a sustainable music career

Getting your music career up to speed can seem daunting and overwhelming. But like any large task, breaking it down into simple pieces can help. Follow this roadmap to gain and keep your career momentum:

Step 1: Create and publish your music

Afraid to release your first track? You’re not alone. Even the most experienced artists can get the jitters when the time comes to share something they’ve put their hearts and souls into creating. Remember that the world needs new music, and that Disc Makers has your back; our music distribution services can get your music onto music streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and more. 

Step 2: Build a connection with fans

Social media offers countless, innovative ways to engage with fans and build relationships with them, but don’t forget the physical world as well. Offering CDs and vinyl can deepen your connections with fans. Every time a fan looks at a custom-designed record sleeve or slides in an expertly manufactured CD, they’ll think of you. And remember that a physical object can bookmark good feelings for a fan in ways that a Spotify stream never can.

Step 3: Diversify your revenue streams

Even for the most accomplished and successful artists, things come in waves; sometimes streaming and physical sales are huge, while merch and gig bookings are quiet, or it could be the exact reverse. Whatever the case, having multiple ways of making money from your music can help you stay funded, positive, and eager to make the next big musical move. How can you make it happen?

Start by doing your research on the Disc Makers Blog to learn everything you can about monetizing your music via streaming and Disc Makers’ music distribution services; also check out Disc Makers’ resources for custom vinyl and CD pressing so you can fire — and earn — on all fronts. And remember, as far as booking live gigs, nothing leaves a lasting impression with bookers and clients like great-looking physical media filled with amazing music.

Ready to make your mark?

Take the first step toward making a living with your music. Start creating physical media and distributing your tracks today with Disc Makers! Our multifaceted approach to independent musician success gives you all the tools you need to share your music with fans at your next gig, and everywhere around the world.

Remember: The music industry can be tough, but you’re tougher. Let your talent shine and turn your dreams into reality — Disc Makers will be with you every step of the way.

Philip Kinsher is a writer, editor, and musician with a predilection for YA Sci-fi Fantasy books and rock and roll. And golf and pickleball.