Why freelancing in music is tougher than it looks (and what to do about it)
3 Hard Truths About Freelancing in Music (That No One Tells You)
Are you a freelancer in the music industry, or are you thinking about pursuing that path?
Being a freelancer in the music world sounds fun because you can be creative and make your schedule. But there are important things to know that people don’t always talk about. What do you really need to do to be successful as a freelancer in music?
This newsletter will unveil three hard truths that could make or break your freelancing career.
I’ve been freelancing in the music industry for eight years, and it took me some time to recognize these key truths, which cost me more hours than I can count and too many headaches. I hope to spare you some of that struggle.
Here are the three hard truths that we’ll explore:
1) A lot of people claim they want it... believe their actions.
2) Often, you are your biggest bottleneck. Be honest with yourself.
3) You are not just a creator; you are a business operator, so act accordingly.
Let's dive in!
1) A lot of people claim they want it... believe their actions.
The music industry is filled with aspiring freelancers, but how many are truly committed to the craft?
Many are captivated by the glamorous idea of being a creator, overlooking the demanding work required to thrive in this competitive field. Collaboration often becomes a crutch, a way to avoid the challenging tasks of creating, releasing, and refining music.
This illusion leads to a common pitfall: lack of growth.
Freelancers may find themselves trapped in low-paying gigs or constantly switching teams without making significant progress. The key lies in recognizing the difference between those who genuinely want success and those who merely claim to want it.
2) Often, you are your biggest bottleneck. Be honest with yourself.
You've likely heard about the importance of networking, skill development, and marketing in freelancing.
But here's the thing: the most significant obstacle you'll face is often staring back at you in the mirror. Many freelancers struggle with inconsistency and lack of focus, unaware that these personal limitations hold them back. It's crucial to confront these weaknesses head-on.
Are you avoiding certain tasks due to a lack of knowledge? Does poor time management disrupt your creativity?
3) You are not just a creator; you are a business operator, so act accordingly.
As a freelancer, you are charged with The Dual Role of Creator and Entrepreneur.
Now, you're probably thinking, "I just want to make music. Why do I need to worry about business?"
Here's the reality: as a freelance musician, you're not just a creative artist – you're also a business operator.
This dual role requires a delicate balance between your artistic pursuits and essential business tasks. Sales, marketing, branding, and operations are all part of your new job description. Neglecting these aspects can lead to undervaluing your work, missing opportunities, or burning out from poor management.
Strategies for Success
To thrive as a freelance music creator, you need to embrace both your creative and business sides. This means:
Continuous learning: Stay updated on industry trends and business practices.
Organizational systems: Use tools like CRMs or Google Sheets to manage your workload and client interactions.
Steady growth: Focus on quality over quantity, especially in the early stages.
Appropriate pricing: Value your work correctly to avoid burnout and maintain quality.
Focused approach: Start by mastering one area before diversifying.
The Path Forward
These truths may seem daunting, but they're essential for anyone serious about a freelancing career in music. By acknowledging and addressing these challenges, you'll be better equipped to navigate the complex landscape of the industry.
As you embark on your freelancing journey, remember these key takeaways:
Actions speak louder than words – collaborate with those who demonstrate true hustle.
Self-honesty is your most powerful tool for growth and improvement.
Embrace your dual role as both a creative artist and a business operator.
By internalizing these hard truths and applying the strategies we've discussed, you'll be well-prepared to overcome the hidden challenges of freelancing in music and set yourself on a path to success.
I hope this helps :)
🧠 Quote of the week
“I’m convinced that about half of what separates the successful entrepreneurs from the non-successful ones is pure perseverance.” - Steve Jobs
Enjoy your week,
Melvin Darrell
