How To Become a Music Artist and Make Money

Introduction.

Becoming a music artist and making a living from it is a dream many people have. Whether it’s the thrill of performing on stage, creating songs that resonate with people, or simply pursuing something you’re passionate about, the journey into the music industry is full of excitement and challenges.

But how exactly do you turn that dream into reality, especially in a world where thousands of new songs are released every day?

I’ll walk you through what it takes to start as a music artist and, most importantly, how to make money doing it.

Let’s break it down, step-by-step, so you can see the different ways to earn from your passion while staying true to your art.

How Do I Become a Music Artist and Make Money?

1. Finding Your Unique Sound and Style

The first step to becoming a successful music artist is discovering your unique sound. This doesn’t mean you have to invent a whole new genre—some of the most popular artists today simply have a fresh take on existing styles.

Spend some time experimenting with different musical styles, instruments, or digital tools to find what feels most natural.

Listen to artists who inspire you, but don’t try to copy them exactly. Instead, focus on what you can bring to the table that’s different. That’s what’s going to make people want to listen to you.

2. Building Your Skills and Knowledge.

Talent is a great start, but it’s not the whole story. Even the best artists need skills to reach their potential.

This could mean taking vocal lessons, learning music theory, mastering an instrument, or getting familiar with music production software.

Learning how to produce your own tracks can save money and give you creative control, while understanding music theory can make songwriting easier. It’s like any other skill—the more you know, the more options you have.

Consider taking online music courses or joining local music groups. Platforms like MasterClass, Udemy, or Skillshare offer music production, singing, and instrument lessons that could help you grow your skills quickly.

Having strong skills will also make you more competitive in the music industry, where everyone’s looking for that next big break.

3. Setting Up Your Online Presence.

These days, the internet is where most musicians find their first audience. Creating profiles on music streaming sites and social media platforms is a must. Start with YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok for posting videos and updates.

SoundCloud, Spotify, and Apple Music are essential for sharing your songs. Regularly posting and engaging with your followers can help build a fan base that will support your journey and even promote your work.

An active online presence can also open up new income streams through ad revenue, sponsorships, or fan support on platforms like Patreon. As you grow, remember to interact with fans in a real way—reply to comments, thank them for sharing your music, and keep them updated on new projects.

4. Understanding Revenue Streams in Music

There are several ways for artists to make money today, but it’s important to diversify so you’re not relying on just one income stream. Here are some of the main ways artists can earn:

• Streaming Royalties: Platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube pay artists based on how often their music is played. The pay-per-stream rate can be quite low, but with enough plays, it adds up. On Spotify, for example, artists typically earn between $0.003 and $0.005 per stream, so 1 million streams could earn $3,000 to $5,000.
• Merchandising: Selling branded items like T-shirts, posters, or vinyl can help you earn money and promote your brand. Many fans enjoy having a tangible piece of an artist they admire, so merchandise can be a great way to boost both revenue and recognition.
• Live Performances and Gigs: Performing at live shows, festivals, and local events is another solid income source. When you’re just starting, you might not get paid much, but as your fan base grows, you can charge more. Some artists also use live streaming for paid virtual performances, which has grown since the pandemic.
• Crowdfunding and Fan Support: Platforms like Patreon or Bandcamp allow fans to support you directly, either through monthly donations or by purchasing your music. It’s a great way to earn money while building a stronger connection with your audience.
• Licensing and Sync Deals: Some musicians make money by licensing their songs for commercials, movies, or TV shows. This is a competitive area but can pay well if you land a deal. Sync deals can be particularly lucrative, as companies pay for the rights to use your music in their ads or projects.

5. Marketing Your Music

Once you’ve created music, getting it out there is crucial. Social media marketing is a big part of this, but traditional networking is also essential. Reach out to local venues, connect with other musicians, and look for opportunities to collaborate.

Many artists also work with music PR services to get their songs featured on playlists or music blogs, which can make a big difference in visibility.

It’s also worth investing time in playlist promotion. Getting your songs on popular playlists, especially on Spotify, can result in a significant increase in listeners. Reach out to playlist curators or use platforms like SubmitHub to pitch your music.

6. Keeping Track of Income and Expenses

As you start making money from music, it’s important to treat it like a business. Keep track of all your earnings and expenses, which might include equipment, studio time, or promotion costs.

Many artists don’t think about this until they’re further along, but being organized early on can help you avoid headaches later. Tax deductions for music expenses can also make a difference, so consider consulting with an accountant if you start earning consistently.

7. Staying Motivated and Adapting to Changes

The music industry is competitive and constantly changing. Streaming services, new social media platforms, and trends will keep evolving, so staying adaptable is key.

Also, remember that setbacks are a part of the journey. It’s normal to experience challenges, especially at the beginning. Just keep focusing on your goals, improving your skills, and connecting with your fans.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a record label to make money as a musician?

A: No, you don’t need a record label. Many successful artists are independent, especially with platforms like Spotify and YouTube, where you can reach fans directly. However, a label can provide resources and connections if you’re looking to expand.

Q: How much do artists make from streaming?

A: It varies by platform, but generally, Spotify pays about $0.003–$0.005 per stream. To make $1,000 a month, you would need around 200,000 to 333,000 streams. It’s tough at first, but as your audience grows, so will your streaming income.

Q: How can I get my music on Spotify and Apple Music?

A: To get your songs on these platforms, you’ll need to work with a music distributor, like DistroKid or TuneCore. They handle uploading your music to multiple streaming services for a fee.

Q: What’s the best way to connect with fans?

A: Social media is essential for building a connection. Engage with your followers by responding to comments, holding Q&As, or sharing behind-the-scenes content.

Live streaming or interacting on platforms like Instagram and TikTok can also help you build strong relationships with fans.

Q: Should I invest in music promotion services?

A: Yes, if you can afford it. There are reliable promotion services that can help your songs get featured on playlists and blogs.

However, do some research, as not all services deliver results. Sometimes, reaching out directly to playlist curators or bloggers can be effective and more affordable.

Conclusion

Becoming a music artist and making a living from it is a challenging yet rewarding path. It takes a mix of talent, hard work, business sense, and a willingness to keep learning.

But with the right approach, you can build an audience, create income streams, and bring your unique voice to the world. What’s your next step in starting or growing your music career?