Why Musicians Quit: And How to Avoid It (The DIY Musician Podcast, Episode 335)
Pursuing a music career can be incredibly challenging. As an independent musician, it's easy to get overwhelmed and frustrated. The journey is full of ups and downs, and the road ahead looks like endless work.
But why do musicians really quit? What are the pain-points that cause so many talented musicians to throw in the towel? And most importantly, how can you overcome these challenges and thrive in your music pursuits?
In this episode of The DIY Musician Podcast, we'll take a look at some common reasons why musicians quit, and offer encouraging solutions to help you keep moving forward!
00:00 Intro
06:12 A preview of the DIY Musician VIP Experience
10:15 Why Musicians Quit
11:51 Lack of financial stability in creative fields
14:58 How to avoid financial pressure early in your music career
17:34 The musical benefits of a day job
21:10 Small budgets force you to develop skills by necessity
23:13 Difficulty gaining traction leads to frustration and disappointment
25:59 There are other forms of currency besides money and clout
28:17 Even the most successful artists share similar worries
29:47 Burnout! Being a musician is demanding
31:48 Forget FOMO! It’s okay to take a break
33:29 “if we stop, someone else will steal our thunder”
34:08 Constant comparison to other artists in your scene
34:39 Being the driving force behind your project
35:59 Creative differences with collaborators
37:01 Not realizing your own creative vision
38:25 Musical trust is earned and learned over time
44:48 It’s tough to stay current with constantly changing trends
50:34 There’s an audience for every niche
51:49 Think of your career as nurturing a community, not trendiness
54:23 The grind without a support system can be lonely
55:59 Ask for what you need, and clarify what “support” looks like to you
1:00:04 As an artist, you have to believe in yourself more than anybody
01:02:17 Galvanize your audience as a support network
01:04:23 A lot of the reward is returned to you later
01:05:14 Listener Calls & Emails
01:05:51 “Does AI need humans to drive creative innovation?”
01:11:10 “Next Level Songwriter”
