Working in music for this long has confirmed that nobody actually knows what theyre doing out here (except maybe the ppl at the very top)
Just about everyone's learning by doing, so as long as youre honest and admit mistakes, you really can't mess anything up long-term
even Benny the Butcher starts his album saying
"last year was bout branding, this one is about expanding."
that is a statement that should be taken literally and can be applied to most of us...
it. takes. time.
it takes work, investment and planning.
PERIOD.
Noticing this more and more lately: the team around an artist is more important than whether or not they're on a label or what label they're on. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and allow you to be the best artist you can be and things will start to click.
It's so wild how low the bar is in the music industry.
Everybody's out here learning as they go, but it's actually rare to find people who 1) will do what they say they're going to do, and 2) care
Tbh i think those 2 things are some of the main reasons i've made it this far
and if you're afraid of someone recreating your beats, anyone can do that at literally any time, whether youre sending them directly or just posting snippets online. That's the reality with technology
bet on yourself, keep making music, and dont let these scammers out hustle you
I hear a lot from producers who are scared to send music because they're afraid someone will steal it.
this is the least of your worries in my opinion.
no artists are just using your music and telling you to go fuck yourself. it would be so blatant, and you could sue them
you don't need Complex, Fader, or any other top-tier publication to succeed. does it help? absolutely.
but this idea that you need one to talk about you to be successful is a lie.
just because you're just starting off as an artist does not mean there aren't opportunities to make money. however if your thinking is wrapped up in arbitrary numbers and ego.....it will be difficult for you to make the impact that you want as an artist.
random tips:
1. 50 real financially supporting fans is worth more than 50K plays on Spotify..by a longshot.
2. save even $10 from your paycheck to then invest back into your music career.
3. inform your audience of your release in advance and create content to keep the buzz.
your music isn't always going to catch the ears or garner the attention you want it to.
that doesn't mean your music is trash. that doesn't mean the publication or people rejecting you are trash.
it just means you have to get back to work. don't give up. we need you.