5 Myths in the Music Industry

The music industry is notorious for having tons and tons and tons of false information. Several artists hear information which they deem is true and so they tailor their journey around it. The problem is, a lot if it false and steers you down the wrong way. Here are five of the biggest myths in the music industry, with the corresponding reality.

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Myth #1: “All I need is a record label deal”

Reality: Labels can have a great impact, but they’re not an end goal.

Let’s explain: Many artists (and maybe you too) believe that once you achieve a label, you can sit back, collect royalties, gain clout, increase your following, etc.

To be completely honest with you though… wherever you heard that or whoever told you that is wrong. You need to forget that right away, because it is hindering your thought process.

Being signed to a label is ultimately having someone invested in you. It sounds great, and it definitely has its perks, but, when someone has their money, business, brand, etc behind you, they’re not going to let you ‘relax.’

They will be pushing you and pushing you and pushing you. You will be working harder than you ever have before. Your numbers will increase, but it is nowhere near an end goal.

With attention spans being shorter than ever, you will be pushed to release content more frequent than you probably ever have or even ever imagined.

Not to mention, the more work you do prior to signing a label, the more beneficial the label will be to you, in terms of financial gains for yourself.

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Myth #2: “It’s hard to get into the music industry”

Reality: There is no screening process or degree needed.

Let’s explain: Several artists (and maybe you as well), use “it’s hard to get into the music industry” either as an excuse or because you hear others say it and therefore believe it must be true.

Maybe you’re unsure of where to start, how to get where you want to go or what to do and therefore, because learning this is time consuming and challenging, you perceive music as a whole to be “hard.”

Instead of trying more, learning more, receiving guidance, you sit back on this quote. The music industry however has no barrier to entry. In fact, you are in the industry, right now!

The problem is most-likely that you’re relating ‘music industry’ to getting signed, internationally touring, or something along those lines, but that itself is not “getting into the music industry.”

What you’re thinking of, is achieving a successful career, or fulfilling a music dream of yours. To reach success (regardless of which industry it's in), is hard, but if it was not, everyone would have it, making its significance and rewards far less rewording.

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Myth #3: “If your music is good enough, labels/managers/agencies will find you"

Reality: It takes much more than music. You need to be marketable, have engaged fans, successful gigs, etc.

Let’s explain: There are millions of artists and hundreds of thousands that are talented across the globe. Therefore, quality and talent is something that on its own, is sadly not all that is needed.

The industry has become more ‘math focused’ than ever before. It is all about the hype you can create, the numbers you can bring in and how frequently you can release music.

Therefore, music companies and labels in particular, need to find artists that have more to offer than talent alone, such as followings of a substantial size, experience gigging and have marketable features.

Maybe you’re just looking for someone who truly believes in your talent, to take you under their wing and help you succeed. Unfortunately, that is extremely rare nowadays.

Managers, agencies, etc. primarily make their money by taking a percent of your revenue. So while they can help you succeed, it would be more beneficial for them (financially) to work with artists that already have other ‘assets’ as discussed above.

Therefore, work hard everyday to grow all aspects of your music. A great quote summarizing this is “no one is going to offer you something life-changing without you doing hard work.”

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Myth #4: “You’re too (old/young/ugly) to be successful in the music industry”

Reality: No one is stopping you from spreading your music through social media, live gigs and other ways.

Let’s explain: Companies have portrayed “ideal figures/personalities” for many, many years and so you may believe that if you do not fit that often fake and unachievable look/style, you will not be able to succeed.

That is simply so wrong. Companies (labels, agencies, etc.) are now looking for diverse artists more than ever before (because it provides a distinct marketing feature), which helps them market that artist.

In addition to that, more and more sub groups are emerging with insanely loyal fanbases. If you position yourself (and your music) within those niches, you will be able to gain traction, exposure and recognition, quickly.

Also, whoever told you that you’re too old/young/ugly, or whatever it may be, is simply a hater, not wanting to see you succeed. The best thing you can do is feel sorry for them and rise to the top.

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Myth #5: “It’s too hard to make it now. It used to be so easy to be an artist”

Reality: By looking in the past, you’re missing all the opportunities right in front of you.

Let’s explain: In the past, you needed big companies that could distribute, market and promote yourself and your music. Now you just need access to the internet, which you already have.

Maybe you’re thinking it was easy because all you needed was talent, but let’s take a step back. How would you be able to show your talent to the world before social media?

You would have to be in the right place at the right time, which was not easy. Furthermore, if you weren’t from a city with a popping music culture, you could kiss that dream goodbye.

Right now, via social media, you’re able to literally connect with just about any professional in the music business. Artists back in the day would give anything to have what you have right now.

There is no doubt, the music industry has drastically changed over the last few decades with social and music streaming platforms becoming increasingly popular.

The best thing you can do is keep your ears and eyes open to all the new methods you can take advantage of to further your chances of living your music dream.

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