Great Music Isn't Enough... it never has been

Correction to this video: I mentioned Running Up That Hill. It did indeed have commercial success when it came out - my point is that it had even more success because of Stranger Things today than it did originally did: was number 30 on billboard originally and number 3 in 2022

One major frustration many of us have is that in the early days of our career as an artist, we will need to have a "normal person job" to keep a roof over our head and food on the table. We dream of spending thousands of hours making great music PLUS strong visual content, crafting our brand, building our fan base, create a website, play shows, etc. etc., but we actually feel so physically/mentally/emotionally drained by what it takes to cover the basics that we are not creating from an authentic place of simply doing it "for the love of being creative". I am not saying it's impossible, but considering how it takes so long to build real success as an artist, I think it is only human to struggle with those doubts that make us ask ourselves "do I even really want this?" and "am I just doing this to be celebrated by people?" For me, when I was 17 I was ENAMORED with the thought of becoming a famous artist/producer. I'm 31 now, and even though I still love playing music and diving into Logic to see what I can create, I'm not nearly as attracted to the "artist life" as I used to be. I think it changed when I learned how a career in the industry can be just as challenging as a career outside the industry doing "something normal" (law, business, medicine, construction, retail, etc.) [sorry for the long comment, but dang, I think this talk caused me to type out my feelings and open up to the comments section like I would to a therapist. 😳]

The "I have to vs I get to" switch in mindset is key. "I have to" feels like a chore, a responsibility, and a task that needs to be done. "I get to" feels like an opportunity, something fun, a chance to do something great. Thanks for bringing that up!

15:00 that resonates so deeply. You have to care and not care at the same time. This is what has allowed me to push through the hard times in creating content.

fully on point. complaining is the most counterproductive thing when the reality is that no-one owes anyone anything

Even classical composers had to print and sell the sheet music to make a living, and/or convincing rich patrons to support them. Must have taken a lot of their time and effort.

Great video, the type of videos no one wants to see. Because they hurt, because it is true, because it is easier to complain and keep watching tutorials. Those who want to listen to what matters and put it in practice will thrive. Thanks for the video, I loved it and needed it.

I have been recording since the late 70's, and can tell you firsthand that it is SO much easier now than ever to get your music released (note I didn't say heard). Where you had to spend thousands, or tens of thousands to go into a recording studio, you can get free software that covers the gamut of tasks involved in recording, mixing and mastering! AND, there are so many outlets to distribute your content.

Nathan , The only Guy on Whole internet talking about the stuff and Realities that Matter. You are powerizing Mindset at it's best Bro.

I think it’s a both/and situation. Yes, marketing and all that social media stuff is very important, absolutely. However, if the song itself isn’t good, great marketing will not make a bad song good. It may get some buzz because of the novelty of it, but that’s where it ends. A great song + great marketing = a successful music career.

I have been complaining and polluting my brain so bad these past couple of months that i don't like making music, but i don't want to quit at all. I need to stay strong and trust the process. I will make music that i will be proud of and everyone will be too.

This is a wake-up call! Thank you so much Nathan. It's frustrating to feel like there isn't enough time to do things, and the "I have to" mindset really gets me as I feel I should just be making good music. It's so much more than that! Plus, why wouldn't you want to get more bang for your musical buck? I hope I can apply the mindset you talked about. Thanks for sharing. P.S. for anyone interested, I make pop and film music and my tracks can be found on my channel! Might as well advertise myself as you've suggested haha

Great video, thanks! I wish you share your story of how you actually began to make money by doing music stuff, and how long it took to actually make music production your main job. Did you have a fulltime job before? Would you continue to make music to this day even if haven't started to pay your bills etc.

Fantastic content, Nathan. Thanks for being vulnerable and sharing your own struggles building your other channels / socials. It’s both comforting and inspiring. I’m really digging your new videos this year!

In the past, many artists and bands didn't get a chance even if they were really good. Often a record label would tell them: "We already got (fill in a similar artist) in our roster." I have heard horror stories of bands that got signed and then their record got shelved because they posed a thread to an existing artist on a label. Business can be very evil. Artists have been trapped in impossible situations where they could not write or release new music for years. Back to today: I think it's a golden age for music makers now, you are less dependent on other companies. However, you need to understand some basic principles about making and releasing music and which parts are critical to invest in (like album artwork and other visual components.) But all investing and promoting is useless if your music isn't any good, so it's important to put time in your craft and your creative and musical expression. You really have to think about who you are, what you want to say and how to reach your audience. But the good news is: nobody is stopping you. The gatekeepers of old have mostly disappeared. You can have a studio on your computer with virtual equipment that would've cost millions in the 90s. You can record things at home now that was impossible (money wise) for musicians in the 80s. But you've got to work hard and keep going and keep growing. There are no magical shortcuts.

I like what you cover here. After years off of all social media and coming back because I believe in my product. It's a tough situation but have to give it a try. And have to have patience...

I definitely agree Nathan! I feel like it’s always been “who you know” even if you’re a mediocre music producer. There are super skilled music producers but because they don’t know anyone in the industry, it may take them a long time to be discovered

Love the mindset you have ... you're exactly right. :)

Soo good!! I love your rants btw. You should have a dedicated playlists of your rants haha. I could listen all day!

This is true , we live in sort of the best time to be an independent artist 🎉