“You’re only successful because of that one viral video” or “It’s easy when you have a top 10 hit”—I hear these comments often from students and aspiring artists. While it’s true that a breakout moment can accelerate your career, getting there isn’t as simple as creating a single viral piece of content. It’s part of a much larger process, and today, I want to break down the steps that can help you achieve that “big break.”
I recently came across some fascinating insights while researching an episode of Full Stack Creative’s music marketing tips. Over the years, they’ve analyzed the marketing paths of countless artists, from those just starting out to those who’ve reached mainstream success. A common theme emerged: creating a song, video, or ad that resonates deeply with an audience can propel an artist to the next level. But how do you get there?
The Two Key Factors for a Breakout Moment
1. Skill Set: First, you need to have the skills to create something special—something that people will love. This might seem obvious, but it’s worth stating: your content needs to be good. It needs to stand out in a crowded market.
2. Volume of Tries: However, talent alone isn’t enough. The second and often overlooked factor is the sheer volume of attempts it takes to create that one piece of content that catches fire. This is where the Rule of 100 comes in.
The Rule of 100: Why Volume Matters
If you’re aiming for that elusive breakout moment, you need to be putting in the reps—creating a significant volume of work. I recently listened to an interview with Sia, an incredible artist who has written numerous hits. She emphasized that success is about volume. According to the Rule of 100, about 1-2% of the songs or videos you create will gain more traction than the others. Once you find something that resonates, you can double down on it.
But here’s the thing: you have to get there first. After producing 100 songs or 100 video posts, it’s almost certain that one of these will perform significantly better than the others. It’s a numbers game. You’re not just waiting for inspiration to strike—you’re increasing your chances by consistently putting out content.
What If You Don’t Break Through After 100 Tries?
If you’ve put in the work and created 100 pieces of art or content and still haven’t seen success, it might be time to reevaluate. This isn’t a signal to quit, but rather a prompt to go back to the drawing board. Perhaps you need to refine your skills further, experiment with different styles, or analyze what’s working for others in your genre.
Conclusion: Keep Creating, Keep Improving
The path to a breakout moment in the music industry is rarely linear. It’s built on a foundation of hard work, persistence, and continuous improvement. By embracing the Rule of 100 and committing to creating volumes of work, you’re not just waiting for a big break—you’re actively working towards it. And when that moment comes, you’ll be ready to capitalize on it.
So, if you’re serious about breaking out as an artist, start today. Keep creating, keep pushing, and remember—it only takes one song or video to change everything.
If you are serious about your music career, you might be a candidate for my mentorship program. Grab a free consultation appointment with me here https://KjSawka.as.me/student-consultation