12 answers
Antonio
Student
Damascus, Oregon
1
Question
Asked
2339 views
how do you become a famous musician?
I want to be a famous music artist, I feel like i try hard and still don't get recognized.
12 answers
Thomas O'Shea
Music Producer, Composer, Live Sound Engineer, Musician
119
Answers
Madison, Wisconsin
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
This is going to be a very long answer and a lot of it is going to be a little depressing. I am showing you the reality of a career in music and the amount of work it takes. Please do not be discouraged and PLEASE keep with it. I've been doing this for over 8 years and have thought about giving up many times. Stick with it and good things will happen.
I'm going to tell you what I tell a lot of people with the same question. Please don't take this as discouraging because it should be taken as the opposite. You aren't going to be a famous musician if you're putting your priorities elsewhere. You need to focus on your craft, learn the industry, register for as many music companies that can help you, perform, write, practice, and market yourself. There's a reason why not everyone is a famous musician- it's really really really hard to do.
I suggest you edit how you see your dream- don't say you want to be a famous musician. That's too broad. Instead, say that you want to make a living in music and make all your income from your art. This is much more feasible and is easily doable. It still takes a lot of work, but what doesn't? If it's worth pursuing, then it WILL take a lot of work. There's no way around it.
Just because you're good doesn't mean people are going to find you right away. It's a weird analogy, but I like using the quote from Pitch Perfect 2 that the music producer says to Becca- "... You're talented, everyone else here it talented. So what makes you different?" Search for that difference. Maybe you're really good at writing ballads- focus on that. Maybe you're really good at performing piano- focus on that. Find the thing that makes your art unique and put it in everything you make. Make content. Make a LOT of content. And post it- don't just do something once and get mad that people aren't watching. If you truly love doing music, then you will put in the work.
Make a website and put your work, your bio, and who you've worked with on it. Reach out to people and set up collaborations. As you work with people, encourage your collaborators to show your work to their network and build your own network. Submit your work to playlists (not the kind with bots), blogs (that fit your genre and your niche), and radio stations. Perform at open mics, book shows, and give your all for every performance- not just the ones with a lot of people in the audience.
While you're doing all of this marketing and campaigning work- you have to keep practicing. Every day. As much as you can. That's another reason why many many people decide to make music a hobby and not a career- it's work basically 24/7. In order to finish projects, send my beats to big artists, and make time for all the different kinds of music I make, I frequently miss out on hanging out with friends, spending time with family, going to parties, watching movies or tv shows, playing video games, and even stuff like dating and relationships. When most people are watching TV or playing video games with their friends, I'm locked in my room with headphones on mixing, producing, recording, or sending emails so that I can keep up with my career. You need to be prepared for this. If you can't do this, then I'm sorry to be a Debbie downer, but no one will find your music.
This is why many parents and families are against their children going into music. In order to make a sustainable career that will earn you money and will help give you a happy life, you will be working 24/7 and will not have much of a social life- like at all. I don't like to sugarcoat things when I'm talking to aspiring musicians and people who want to join the music industry- if anyone sugarcoats anything about this industry then they are lying to you to make you feel better. But the harsh reality is that everyone working in the industry either already has or is currently doing nothing but work. A lot of nights, both during the semester at school and during breaks, I don't stop working until 10:30 or 11pm. Sometimes I'm working later. Sometimes I get up super early to work on something and on that same day don't get to bed until 1am or later because I'm working all day. This is the reality of working in the music industry. If you do truly want to do this for a living then change around how you see your dream and never give up even if people tell you negative things about your music. You make what your career will be. Everything is in your hands to make your career music.
I'm going to tell you what I tell a lot of people with the same question. Please don't take this as discouraging because it should be taken as the opposite. You aren't going to be a famous musician if you're putting your priorities elsewhere. You need to focus on your craft, learn the industry, register for as many music companies that can help you, perform, write, practice, and market yourself. There's a reason why not everyone is a famous musician- it's really really really hard to do.
I suggest you edit how you see your dream- don't say you want to be a famous musician. That's too broad. Instead, say that you want to make a living in music and make all your income from your art. This is much more feasible and is easily doable. It still takes a lot of work, but what doesn't? If it's worth pursuing, then it WILL take a lot of work. There's no way around it.
Just because you're good doesn't mean people are going to find you right away. It's a weird analogy, but I like using the quote from Pitch Perfect 2 that the music producer says to Becca- "... You're talented, everyone else here it talented. So what makes you different?" Search for that difference. Maybe you're really good at writing ballads- focus on that. Maybe you're really good at performing piano- focus on that. Find the thing that makes your art unique and put it in everything you make. Make content. Make a LOT of content. And post it- don't just do something once and get mad that people aren't watching. If you truly love doing music, then you will put in the work.
Make a website and put your work, your bio, and who you've worked with on it. Reach out to people and set up collaborations. As you work with people, encourage your collaborators to show your work to their network and build your own network. Submit your work to playlists (not the kind with bots), blogs (that fit your genre and your niche), and radio stations. Perform at open mics, book shows, and give your all for every performance- not just the ones with a lot of people in the audience.
While you're doing all of this marketing and campaigning work- you have to keep practicing. Every day. As much as you can. That's another reason why many many people decide to make music a hobby and not a career- it's work basically 24/7. In order to finish projects, send my beats to big artists, and make time for all the different kinds of music I make, I frequently miss out on hanging out with friends, spending time with family, going to parties, watching movies or tv shows, playing video games, and even stuff like dating and relationships. When most people are watching TV or playing video games with their friends, I'm locked in my room with headphones on mixing, producing, recording, or sending emails so that I can keep up with my career. You need to be prepared for this. If you can't do this, then I'm sorry to be a Debbie downer, but no one will find your music.
This is why many parents and families are against their children going into music. In order to make a sustainable career that will earn you money and will help give you a happy life, you will be working 24/7 and will not have much of a social life- like at all. I don't like to sugarcoat things when I'm talking to aspiring musicians and people who want to join the music industry- if anyone sugarcoats anything about this industry then they are lying to you to make you feel better. But the harsh reality is that everyone working in the industry either already has or is currently doing nothing but work. A lot of nights, both during the semester at school and during breaks, I don't stop working until 10:30 or 11pm. Sometimes I'm working later. Sometimes I get up super early to work on something and on that same day don't get to bed until 1am or later because I'm working all day. This is the reality of working in the music industry. If you do truly want to do this for a living then change around how you see your dream and never give up even if people tell you negative things about your music. You make what your career will be. Everything is in your hands to make your career music.
Karen Wedge Landry
Digital Marketing Producer
5
Answers
Rochester, New York
Updated
Karen’s Answer
I'm not a famous musician, but I am a musician :)
Becoming famous is more about luck and knowing the right people. But here are some suggestions to become a respected musician:
1) Practice a lot.
2) Join music organizations in your community (choruses, bands, etc.).
3) Volunteer at music-related events in your area.
4) Play your music for people whose opinion you respect (other musicians, music teachers) and listen to their feedback.
Becoming famous is more about luck and knowing the right people. But here are some suggestions to become a respected musician:
1) Practice a lot.
2) Join music organizations in your community (choruses, bands, etc.).
3) Volunteer at music-related events in your area.
4) Play your music for people whose opinion you respect (other musicians, music teachers) and listen to their feedback.
John Graham
Music Producer
57
Answers
Bremerton, Washington
Updated
John’s Answer
Hi Antonio!
I totally agree with Thomas comments. Perhaps you might want to break down your goal a little bit, instead of going straight to becoming famous. Like becoming a a great musician first, then an artist, then getting known and recognized. The fact is that the odds of becoming a famous performing artist, or even a famous streaming artist are very small. Take a look at these Spotify stats for example: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_most-streamed_artists_on_Spotify#:~:text=As%20of%20June%202024%2C%20the,with%20the%20most%20monthly%20listeners.
But here's the thing. You have to decide what makes you happy. If making music makes you happy - then that's the most important thing. If being recognized or feeling other people's approval makes you happy, then you may be in for disappointment. You really need to try and find your personal satisfaction and happiness within yourself. Most of us in Music never get to that Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, or Weeknd level - but that doesn't mean we can't love what we're doing and keep striving to get our music out there for others to enjoy. I've produced 62 tracks and have less than 250,000 streams. I feel my music and production skills have steadily improved over the years. My major weak area is marketing. But I wouldn't give it up for the world.
Keep going and good luck on your journey!
I totally agree with Thomas comments. Perhaps you might want to break down your goal a little bit, instead of going straight to becoming famous. Like becoming a a great musician first, then an artist, then getting known and recognized. The fact is that the odds of becoming a famous performing artist, or even a famous streaming artist are very small. Take a look at these Spotify stats for example: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_most-streamed_artists_on_Spotify#:~:text=As%20of%20June%202024%2C%20the,with%20the%20most%20monthly%20listeners.
But here's the thing. You have to decide what makes you happy. If making music makes you happy - then that's the most important thing. If being recognized or feeling other people's approval makes you happy, then you may be in for disappointment. You really need to try and find your personal satisfaction and happiness within yourself. Most of us in Music never get to that Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, or Weeknd level - but that doesn't mean we can't love what we're doing and keep striving to get our music out there for others to enjoy. I've produced 62 tracks and have less than 250,000 streams. I feel my music and production skills have steadily improved over the years. My major weak area is marketing. But I wouldn't give it up for the world.
Keep going and good luck on your journey!
T BANGA
1
Answer
Pinole, California
Updated
T’s Answer
First you want to do a lot of practice at home. Then record it and put it out there so the world can reconize it. How? Find some distrubutors and see if you can get them to help share your work.
Thanks for answering, T! Can you provide more information to Antonio about ways to release music and where to find distributors?
Sharyn Grose, Admin
Scott Stevenson
Demonstrations
2
Answers
Webster, New York
Updated
Scott’s Answer
Practice and meet people who share the same direction. Insta gram / tweeter etc
Charles Martin
trainer
1
Answer
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Charles’s Answer
This is a very broad question. First of all, everyone's path is different. What your path is may not be the next person's path. Everyone's definition of success is different as well. Love what you do the core of your being. Eat, sleep and drink being a musician if you truly love it. Make music to inspire and I promise you will get noticed. Rehearse very hard and practice at all times.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6479
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Antonio,
Antonio, it’s great that you’re passionate about music and want to make it your career! Becoming a famous musician is a challenging journey, but it’s definitely achievable with dedication, talent, and a strategic approach. Here’s a breakdown of key steps and considerations:
1. Develop Your Craft:
Master Your Instrument: Whether it’s guitar, piano, vocals, or another instrument, dedicate yourself to consistent practice and honing your skills. Seek out lessons from experienced teachers or online resources.
Develop Your Songwriting: Learn the art of songwriting, including melody, lyrics, and structure. Experiment with different genres and styles to find your unique voice.
Learn Music Theory: Understanding music theory will give you a deeper understanding of harmony, rhythm, and composition, allowing you to create more sophisticated and compelling music.
2. Build Your Brand:
Define Your Sound: What makes your music unique? What kind of message do you want to convey? Develop a distinct sound and style that sets you apart from other artists.
Create a Strong Online Presence: Establish a website, social media profiles (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, etc.), and a YouTube channel to share your music, connect with fans, and build a following.
Professional Branding: Consider creating a logo, designing merchandise, and developing a consistent visual identity that reflects your music and personality.
3. Network and Collaborate:
Connect with Other Musicians: Attend open mics, jam sessions, and music industry events to meet other musicians, producers, and industry professionals.
Collaborate on Projects: Collaborating with other artists can expose you to new audiences and help you develop your skills.
Join Music Communities: Engage with online music communities, forums, and social media groups to connect with fellow musicians and share your work.
4. Get Your Music Heard:
Record and Release Music: Invest in quality recordings and release your music on streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.
Promote Your Music: Use social media, email marketing, and other channels to promote your releases and engage with fans.
Perform Live: Playing live gigs is essential for building a following and getting your music in front of an audience. Start small with open mics and local venues, and gradually work your way up to larger stages.
5. Be Patient and Persistent:
Don’t Give Up: Building a successful music career takes time, effort, and perseverance. There will be setbacks and challenges along the way, but don’t let them discourage you.
Stay Focused: Maintain your passion for music and keep creating new content.
Learn from Your Experiences: Use every opportunity to learn and grow as a musician and a professional.
Remember:
Authenticity is Key: Be true to yourself and your music. Don’t try to be someone you’re not.
Quality Matters: Focus on creating high-quality music that you’re proud of.
Networking is Crucial: Building relationships with other musicians and industry professionals is essential for success.
Persistence Pays Off: Keep working hard, stay focused, and never give up on your dreams.
It’s important to note that achieving fame is not guaranteed, and there are many talented musicians who never reach mainstream success. However, by following these steps and staying dedicated to your craft, you can increase your chances of making a meaningful impact in the music industry.
God Bless,
JC.
Antonio, it’s great that you’re passionate about music and want to make it your career! Becoming a famous musician is a challenging journey, but it’s definitely achievable with dedication, talent, and a strategic approach. Here’s a breakdown of key steps and considerations:
1. Develop Your Craft:
Master Your Instrument: Whether it’s guitar, piano, vocals, or another instrument, dedicate yourself to consistent practice and honing your skills. Seek out lessons from experienced teachers or online resources.
Develop Your Songwriting: Learn the art of songwriting, including melody, lyrics, and structure. Experiment with different genres and styles to find your unique voice.
Learn Music Theory: Understanding music theory will give you a deeper understanding of harmony, rhythm, and composition, allowing you to create more sophisticated and compelling music.
2. Build Your Brand:
Define Your Sound: What makes your music unique? What kind of message do you want to convey? Develop a distinct sound and style that sets you apart from other artists.
Create a Strong Online Presence: Establish a website, social media profiles (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, etc.), and a YouTube channel to share your music, connect with fans, and build a following.
Professional Branding: Consider creating a logo, designing merchandise, and developing a consistent visual identity that reflects your music and personality.
3. Network and Collaborate:
Connect with Other Musicians: Attend open mics, jam sessions, and music industry events to meet other musicians, producers, and industry professionals.
Collaborate on Projects: Collaborating with other artists can expose you to new audiences and help you develop your skills.
Join Music Communities: Engage with online music communities, forums, and social media groups to connect with fellow musicians and share your work.
4. Get Your Music Heard:
Record and Release Music: Invest in quality recordings and release your music on streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.
Promote Your Music: Use social media, email marketing, and other channels to promote your releases and engage with fans.
Perform Live: Playing live gigs is essential for building a following and getting your music in front of an audience. Start small with open mics and local venues, and gradually work your way up to larger stages.
5. Be Patient and Persistent:
Don’t Give Up: Building a successful music career takes time, effort, and perseverance. There will be setbacks and challenges along the way, but don’t let them discourage you.
Stay Focused: Maintain your passion for music and keep creating new content.
Learn from Your Experiences: Use every opportunity to learn and grow as a musician and a professional.
Remember:
Authenticity is Key: Be true to yourself and your music. Don’t try to be someone you’re not.
Quality Matters: Focus on creating high-quality music that you’re proud of.
Networking is Crucial: Building relationships with other musicians and industry professionals is essential for success.
Persistence Pays Off: Keep working hard, stay focused, and never give up on your dreams.
It’s important to note that achieving fame is not guaranteed, and there are many talented musicians who never reach mainstream success. However, by following these steps and staying dedicated to your craft, you can increase your chances of making a meaningful impact in the music industry.
God Bless,
JC.
Salonda Ezell
Consultant
6
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Salonda’s Answer
Good question. I'm not a famous musician but the fundamentals to achieve your goal is the same regardless of the aspiration.
1. Practice, practice, practice
2. Invest in yourself. Host your own shows
3. Audition for shows
4. Make the right connections - networking is key but don't connect with people just to name drop. Ensure the connections are quality and the individuals like your ability. You want someone to recommend you even when you are not in the room.
5. Support others. Support other artists.
All it take one door to open. You must be prepared to say 'YES' when the opportunity knocks.
1. Practice, practice, practice
2. Invest in yourself. Host your own shows
3. Audition for shows
4. Make the right connections - networking is key but don't connect with people just to name drop. Ensure the connections are quality and the individuals like your ability. You want someone to recommend you even when you are not in the room.
5. Support others. Support other artists.
All it take one door to open. You must be prepared to say 'YES' when the opportunity knocks.
Chioma Enweremadu
Creative
1
Answer
Plainfield, New Jersey
Updated
Chioma’s Answer
I agree with some of the replies on here not to make fame your goal because it is uncertain. Just really be passionate about what you really do. For me what has kept me going is not finding worth on how people think of my work but (specifically for me as I’m a Christian) what God called me to do because I trust He has a plan. I am also an aspiring singer, rapper, music producer and songwriter and at times I want more time in my day to do them but as I say with the other replies on here to never give up.
Change goal
Find your passion
Practice
Don’t give up
Chioma recommends the following next steps:
Aldair Arroyo
Music Producer
1
Answer
Barquisimeto, Lara, Venezuela
Updated
Aldair’s Answer
There is no exact way to become famous. One thing to keep in mind is that having profitability in music is very different from being famous. Music, overall, is a business, and you should view it as a company. So, the factor to consider is what can make you special or stand out, and from there, create an advertising strategy to reach as many people as possible. This requires an investment of time, money, and building good connections with people who contribute to your proposal. Obviously, practice, improving performance, and investing in music are among other things that make an artist economically profitable. However, if fame is what we’re talking about, you need to focus on the quality of the product and its visibility to the public.
Joe Gaza
Producer/Actor/Artist/Athlete
1
Answer
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Updated
Joe’s Answer
Like any life decision, you need to first find the positive and negative impacts on your life. Once you know what to expect, all that's left is the repetitive practice of the art in question, consistently. As well as setting goals and analyzing your growth between each transition from one goal to the next, until you reach your final goal. For each musician the conclusion is different!
Smile Kat
CEO and Producer
1
Answer
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Smile’s Answer
To become a famous artist, you need to combine talent, hard work, strategy, and luck. Here are some steps to help you achieve fame as an artist:
1. Develop your talent: Work on your craft, music, or skill to be exceptional in your field.
2. Create a unique style: Develop a style that sets you apart from other artists.
3. Produce high-quality content: Create impressive and engaging work that resonates with your audience.
4. Build an online presence: Utilize social media and online platforms to showcase your work.
5. Network and collaborate: Connect with other artists, producers, managers, and industry professionals.
6. Perform and exhibit: Showcase your work at events, concerts, exhibitions, and festivals.
7. Seek opportunities: Auditions, competitions, residencies, and other opportunities to gain exposure.
8. Market and promote: Research and use effective marketing strategies to promote your work.
9. Persevere: Fame doesn't happen overnight, be prepared to work hard and face challenges.
10. Seize opportunities: When opportunities arise, be prepared to make the most of them.
Remember, fame is a process that requires time, effort, and dedication. Keep your passion and creativity alive, and keep working towards your goals.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you need more guidance.
1. Develop your talent: Work on your craft, music, or skill to be exceptional in your field.
2. Create a unique style: Develop a style that sets you apart from other artists.
3. Produce high-quality content: Create impressive and engaging work that resonates with your audience.
4. Build an online presence: Utilize social media and online platforms to showcase your work.
5. Network and collaborate: Connect with other artists, producers, managers, and industry professionals.
6. Perform and exhibit: Showcase your work at events, concerts, exhibitions, and festivals.
7. Seek opportunities: Auditions, competitions, residencies, and other opportunities to gain exposure.
8. Market and promote: Research and use effective marketing strategies to promote your work.
9. Persevere: Fame doesn't happen overnight, be prepared to work hard and face challenges.
10. Seize opportunities: When opportunities arise, be prepared to make the most of them.
Remember, fame is a process that requires time, effort, and dedication. Keep your passion and creativity alive, and keep working towards your goals.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you need more guidance.
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