After replying to dozens of Instagram comments today about the state of the music industry, one thing is clear—most people don’t actually understand how it works. And to be honest, it’s been this way for hundreds of years.
Let’s set the record straight:
1. Artists have never made the kind of royalties people think.
There’s this fantasy that musicians have always been raking in cash from album sales, streaming, and radio plays. That’s simply not true. For the vast majority, royalties have never been a primary income stream.
2. The artists who have made millions did so in ways no one expects.
The biggest names in music didn’t get rich off their songs alone. They built businesses around their brand—merch, touring, sponsorships, licensing, investments, and more. Thinking you’ll get rich just from streaming or record sales? Not happening.
3. Before streaming, you had no idea who was listening to your music.
Spotify may not pay much, but at least now you know where your listeners are. Before streaming, artists had zero data. It was total darkness. No way to track fans, no way to target an audience—just throwing music into the void and hoping for the best.
4. Yes, royalties are shrinking—I know firsthand.
I’ve seen it myself: going from millions in royalties to hundreds per month/year. But let’s be real—99.9% of artists aren’t even in that world. When Snoop Dogg or Taylor Swift talk about royalties, it doesn’t apply to you. They’re on another planet.
5. Making great music does not mean people will magically find it.
I see artists still clinging to this idea that if they just make an incredible song, people will somehow discover it and make them famous. Complete nonsense. Your music is a product—and like any product, it needs marketing, strategy, and distribution to reach an audience.
6. The music industry is just like any other business.
At its core, music is no different from selling shoes, furniture, or electronics. There’s a product (your music), distributors (streaming platforms, social media, record labels), and customers (fans). Thinking it’s special or different is why so many artists fail.
7. Without money, you’re not building anything.
This is the hard truth no one talks about. Just like any other startup, if you don’t have capital—or at least another job or business covering your living expenses—your chances of building a successful music career are close to zero.
If you’re borrowing from a record label, from mom and dad, or still living at home without financial independence, your chances of long-term success are almost zero. Why? Because you need to understand money and how to make money—not just spend it. Without financial stability, you can’t invest in your career, take risks, or sustain momentum.
8. The idea that “someone will discover you” is a fantasy.
Yes, it’s happened—but it’s a pipe dream. Waiting around to be “discovered” is the same as waiting to win the lottery. Success in music is built, not found.
9. “It’s all about who you know.” True—but that’s not enough.
Networking is huge, but if you don’t handle yourself like a pro, it won’t matter. You need business skills, social awareness, and the ability to bring value to the table. Just knowing people won’t get you anywhere if you don’t have your act together.
Bottom line:
Stop waiting for the music industry to change or for someone to magically “discover” you. It’s time to learn how the game really works and start treating your music like a business.
What do you think? Let’s talk in the comments.