I gave my youth to music, left my home, signed deals, collaborated etc … I burnt myself out to the point where I’ve almost completely stopped. I want it to ‘feel’ like a hobby - less pressure, just creating and seeing what comes up. Thanks for this video🙏🏻
I’m happier with it being a hobby. Less stress. I’d rather be happy creating, releasing & having a small circle of supporters vs stressed conforming to opinions & the gimmicks of the industry. Not everyone is meant to be Beyoncé or Michael Jackson, and I’m starting to become okay with that. 🙏🏽❤️ Great video!
@@thejosephfortune yup, ain't stressing myself out over this shit. If it "happens" it happens. If not, I still have my family, friends and I'm content. Nobody in the music business seems happy.. either they're being ripped off, they act like Kanye or they're washed up and bitter. At least I can still enjoy making music. They are forced to do it because of a contract or because they simply need money. So unfortunate.
I spent 20+ years working my way up the corporate ladder in my Day Job, keeping my music as a hobby but honing my craft and improving my chops. waiting to see an opening where I could take my music to the next label. In that time, I figured out how to do everything on my own, but at the highest quality. Not relying on anyone else or on luck. My first single drops this month (Feb 2024) Distro with Sony. Publicity with Milestone in Nashville. We will see if my slow track paid off. All I know is that I am better at songwriting and preforming knowing that I don't HAVE to do it. It takes the pressure off knowing that I have a good paying day job to cover my bills. Its a good balance. Not sure what I'll do if my record blows up. That might change the balance, but we will have to wait and see. At a minimum, I love what I do for work, I love what I do with music. Music is a hobby no matter what happens. Thanks for the great video and the education.
Music is all I know and the only thing that I’ve ever been exceptionally great at. I’m an underground hiphop artist, so my definition of success isn’t a Drake or Kendrick level. My success would be earning a income within mid six figure range and having a comfortable life without paparazzi, blogs, or unwanted attention. I just want to create for my unique Fanbase and stay in my lane.
I’m just happy people are making this a public conversation because it depressed me for years thinking about how bad of an artist I was because I didn’t want to put in the same work at the Beyoncé’s of the world. It was exhausting! I literally burned myself out just trying to support myself. 😪
Honestly, all those little jobs within music sound exciting low key. Ive gotten into female rap a few years ago and it literally brought me out of my depression - i cant get enough. I love writing bars, dancing, making beats etc
Ive stopped producing music for almost a year. I am so glad its not my job or I would be unemployed! its definitely a hobby now after years of my obsessing about it as a potential career.
I agree I was a professional pianist and drummer singer and well it was not easy at all I was so tired now Iam happier just playing my music 🎶 at home. Ps: peaceful no stress. Carol
Definitely a video I need to rewatch. Been thinking of delegating my music to more of a hobby status for a while now (much like I've done with my writing) since I can't seem to get any traction with it. Not only that, but the love for just playing and creating has long been little more than a flicker of a flame mainly due to focusing on audience needs and wants instead of what originally drew them to me in the first place-my music! Thanks, Brandon, for these insights.
I grew up in the 70's idolizing the rock stars of the day; cut to today and I'm so glad I had a successful career and and I'm now 71, prosperously retired, and playing in my home studio with my buddies for no one but us. I'm most thrilled that I didn't spend 20 years being broke playing clubs and wake up at 50 knowing I was going to be a broke old man too. Music is a 1% percenter business; the other 99% struggle to match finances with minimum wage workers. By the way, if you planning to be a schoolteacher, be aware that that occupation is famous for low pay too. Moral of the story: If you know a certain profession pays poorly, find something else to do. Being poor sucks with or without adulation from cheering crowds. Selah
To be honest Sir, being in a band or even having my own band has been my crazy secret dream since my scholastic days, I'm now 33 but I don't know why, I still love music and i think will never stop loving it. I grew up in a family where most of us love to sing and dance, especially my late dad who used to sing so excellently, while my older sisters used to be in a choir and dance troop during their youngster days, but practically prevails, they chose to work in a company, my eldest sissy as an advertising manager, and my other sister as an account executive for a multinational company. And me, I'm now working as data financial analyst for an international finance company but music is still knocking inside me, I don't know why, in fact i'm an introvert I ah kind of afraid to be in front of a crowd, but when I'm alone in my room singing hitting the right notes and still studying to play instrument, I feel like a real pro or a rockstar haha...perhaps time will tell if I can really do it as a musician, not in the pop era though I'm a fan of pop as well in fact, my ultimate crush is Dua Lipa. But my genre would be I think a combi of alternative, funk, blues, rnb and electronic etc... and in a band not as a solo
I do it for fun than to be working extremely hard to be a “celebrity “ however it’s up to those who want to achieve the goal of being a star with other celebrities but me just give me my instrument and inspiration I’m fine with that
I'm only just discovering your little "talks" now, and I find you very trustworthy and direct. I am a musician, but one who started taking it seriously only recently. This is after a LIFETIME of doing mostly other things. So, by necessity, it will be a hobby for me. Still, my favorite thing is writing songs, and I'd like other people to perform them. I have no idea how to make this happen, since the songwriting/publishing business has changed, and many songs are written by committees of producers and "hit-makers." Also, my songs are not any particular genre (in my opinion) although some people have said they sound like musical theater. I am wondering if you have addressed "professional" songwriting in any of your videos.
I think there really are degrees in between as well. Making it a career doesn't have to mean becoming wealthy or famous. Imagine if that same thinking was applied to other occupations, like cooking or farming? I really think there is something to be said for being satisfied with a working class income and not subjecting yourself and your family to the suffering of you being on the road chasing fame 200 nights a year. What about playing 75 or 100 shows a year, not stressing out about becoming well-known, not taking shows you don't want to play, not playing songs you don't want to play, not whoring yourself out on the internet, and gradually working up to a goal of making $1,000 per show? That's my life plan
Thank you so much for making this video; I really can't picture myself in a career that's not singer-songwriter - - I had to get my mental health in check, now I know I'm on my way to the top. The songs that I've written, the places I'll go, were written in God's plan ✈
Music is the biggest waste of time imo and costs you money to play and there is billions of people trying to do the same thing which causes the real musicians to get lost in the sea of mediocrity
I gave my youth to music, left my home, signed deals, collaborated etc … I burnt myself out to the point where I’ve almost completely stopped. I want it to ‘feel’ like a hobby - less pressure, just creating and seeing what comes up. Thanks for this video🙏🏻
I tried to make it a career for years, now I wish I would've invested time in a better career choice. I should have made it a hobby
I’m happier with it being a hobby. Less stress. I’d rather be happy creating, releasing & having a small circle of supporters vs stressed conforming to opinions & the gimmicks of the industry. Not everyone is meant to be Beyoncé or Michael Jackson, and I’m starting to become okay with that. 🙏🏽❤️ Great video!
Truth. I think a lot of artists would be happier without the rat race. Thanks for watching!
@@thejosephfortune yup, ain't stressing myself out over this shit. If it "happens" it happens. If not, I still have my family, friends and I'm content. Nobody in the music business seems happy.. either they're being ripped off, they act like Kanye or they're washed up and bitter. At least I can still enjoy making music. They are forced to do it because of a contract or because they simply need money. So unfortunate.
@@checcoofficial933 yup. I feel you. Would love to hear your work if you have some posted.
Cool. As long as you have enough time left to do it.
I spent 20+ years working my way up the corporate ladder in my Day Job, keeping my music as a hobby but honing my craft and improving my chops. waiting to see an opening where I could take my music to the next label. In that time, I figured out how to do everything on my own, but at the highest quality. Not relying on anyone else or on luck. My first single drops this month (Feb 2024) Distro with Sony. Publicity with Milestone in Nashville. We will see if my slow track paid off. All I know is that I am better at songwriting and preforming knowing that I don't HAVE to do it. It takes the pressure off knowing that I have a good paying day job to cover my bills. Its a good balance. Not sure what I'll do if my record blows up. That might change the balance, but we will have to wait and see. At a minimum, I love what I do for work, I love what I do with music. Music is a hobby no matter what happens. Thanks for the great video and the education.
Music is all I know and the only thing that I’ve ever been exceptionally great at. I’m an underground hiphop artist, so my definition of success isn’t a Drake or Kendrick level. My success would be earning a income within mid six figure range and having a comfortable life without paparazzi, blogs, or unwanted attention. I just want to create for my unique Fanbase and stay in my lane.
I just started doing it at 23. I started doing it pretty late already. I'm making it my hobby
I’m just happy people are making this a public conversation because it depressed me for years thinking about how bad of an artist I was because I didn’t want to put in the same work at the Beyoncé’s of the world. It was exhausting! I literally burned myself out just trying to support myself. 😪
Honestly, all those little jobs within music sound exciting low key.
Ive gotten into female rap a few years ago and it literally brought me out of my depression - i cant get enough. I love writing bars, dancing, making beats etc
Ive stopped producing music for almost a year. I am so glad its not my job or I would be unemployed! its definitely a hobby now after years of my obsessing about it as a potential career.
I agree I was a professional pianist and drummer singer and well it was not easy at all I was so tired now Iam happier just playing my music 🎶 at home. Ps: peaceful no stress. Carol
Well.. It's safe to say a career in art goes a long way when luck is involved... Hardworking and talent only gets you extorted.
Word.. i met rhapsody 9th phonte and median at the black cat in.... let's just say that meeting them changed my life!!
Fam. If I don’t meet 9th Wonder in 2010, this channel doesn’t exist.
@@mastermusicmarketing damn that was the same year I met him too 🤣
Definitely a video I need to rewatch. Been thinking of delegating my music to more of a hobby status for a while now (much like I've done with my writing) since I can't seem to get any traction with it. Not only that, but the love for just playing and creating has long been little more than a flicker of a flame mainly due to focusing on audience needs and wants instead of what originally drew them to me in the first place-my music! Thanks, Brandon, for these insights.
Everyone's journey is certainly unique. You raised some good questions. This is all I've ever done, so you know my answer 😊 cheers.
The growth is impressive, I saw one of your videos where you had less than a thousand subs back then, hard work pays off
I grew up in the 70's idolizing the rock stars of the day; cut to today and I'm so glad I had a successful career and and I'm now 71, prosperously retired, and playing in my home studio with my buddies for no one but us. I'm most thrilled that I didn't spend 20 years being broke playing clubs and wake up at 50 knowing I was going to be a broke old man too. Music is a 1% percenter business; the other 99% struggle to match finances with minimum wage workers. By the way, if you planning to be a schoolteacher, be aware that that occupation is famous for low pay too. Moral of the story: If you know a certain profession pays poorly, find something else to do. Being poor sucks with or without adulation from cheering crowds. Selah
To be honest Sir, being in a band or even having my own band has been my crazy secret dream since my scholastic days, I'm now 33 but I don't know why, I still love music and i think will never stop loving it. I grew up in a family where most of us love to sing and dance, especially my late dad who used to sing so excellently, while my older sisters used to be in a choir and dance troop during their youngster days, but practically prevails, they chose to work in a company, my eldest sissy as an advertising manager, and my other sister as an account executive for a multinational company. And me, I'm now working as data financial analyst for an international finance company but music is still knocking inside me, I don't know why, in fact i'm an introvert I ah kind of afraid to be in front of a crowd, but when I'm alone in my room singing hitting the right notes and still studying to play instrument, I feel like a real pro or a rockstar haha...perhaps time will tell if I can really do it as a musician, not in the pop era though I'm a fan of pop as well in fact, my ultimate crush is Dua Lipa. But my genre would be I think a combi of alternative, funk, blues, rnb and electronic etc... and in a band not as a solo
I do it for fun than to be working extremely hard to be a “celebrity “ however it’s up to those who want to achieve the goal of being a star with other celebrities but me just give me my instrument and inspiration I’m fine with that
I'm only just discovering your little "talks" now, and I find you very trustworthy and direct. I am a musician, but one who started taking it seriously only recently. This is after a LIFETIME of doing mostly other things. So, by necessity, it will be a hobby for me. Still, my favorite thing is writing songs, and I'd like other people to perform them. I have no idea how to make this happen, since the songwriting/publishing business has changed, and many songs are written by committees of producers and "hit-makers." Also, my songs are not any particular genre (in my opinion) although some people have said they sound like musical theater. I am wondering if you have addressed "professional" songwriting in any of your videos.
Thanks for the advice, bruh.
Any time!
I love this video! Everything you said makes so much sense. Subscribed ✅🤍
Great info bro. Glad I subscribed
Good food for thought thank you 🙏🏽 ✊🏾
No doubt!
I wanna rock!! Rock no die.
I think there really are degrees in between as well. Making it a career doesn't have to mean becoming wealthy or famous. Imagine if that same thinking was applied to other occupations, like cooking or farming? I really think there is something to be said for being satisfied with a working class income and not subjecting yourself and your family to the suffering of you being on the road chasing fame 200 nights a year. What about playing 75 or 100 shows a year, not stressing out about becoming well-known, not taking shows you don't want to play, not playing songs you don't want to play, not whoring yourself out on the internet, and gradually working up to a goal of making $1,000 per show? That's my life plan
My question too you who is the first too make this claim
Thank you so much for making this video; I really can't picture myself in a career that's not singer-songwriter - - I had to get my mental health in check, now I know I'm on my way to the top. The songs that I've written, the places I'll go, were written in God's plan ✈
Bro how you feel about United masters
Promo-SM
Music is the biggest waste of time imo and costs you money to play and there is billions of people trying to do the same thing which causes the real musicians to get lost in the sea of mediocrity