Managing Expectations: The Tough Truth About Making It
I watched the Amy Winehouse movie, and it was very sweet, then became very bitter. A tale of just one of thousands of great singer-songwriters who, by a stroke of luck, was found by a record label scout who believed in her unique talent and took a chance. Well, she did have a unique talent. But in my opinion, she wasn’t any different than thousands of other talented singer-songwriters in the world. She was in the right place at the right time.
But as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that she didn’t give a damn about being a famous pop star. She pushed back at every turn, and it was so wild to me why the record label and others who were trying to help her still tried. It was very different back then. Yet, even in those days, there was no real inclination of a businessperson inside her. She had a voice and songwriting skills born from love and trauma, and that was about it from what I gathered.
Now, I love Amy Winehouse’s music and the amazing portrayal of her, but I can’t help but compare her story to today’s modern artist. Nowadays, without actually giving a damn, being smart, and becoming a beast on all levels, things are unlikely to work out for you on a massive scale. None of us are born with these skills—we develop them over time. That’s why having a strong, success-minded group around you is crucial to help you learn and grow the skills required to build a sustainable brand and business.
Times have changed, and frankly, I believe they were never like people say they were. The idea of “making it” or being discovered, and then the rest is history, was always a fantasy. That dream was 1 in a million back then, and now it’s 1 in a billion. Plus, the overall narrative has been flawed. The traditional story says the artist makes the art, and the manager, agents, and record labels handle the business. Wrong. Out of all the stories of “real life” after major fame and success, there’s an artist who is broke, broken, or dead who didn't handle their own business.
If the odds of “making it” were 1 in a million, the odds of maintaining success, wealth, and health over decades are exponentially lower. The reality is harsh but clear: you have to develop business acumen, systems, and digital skills alongside your music skills to truly thrive in today’s music industry.
The New Rules of Success
Manage your expectations. In fact, lower them. Feeling defeated after one or ten Instagram posts go unnoticed is not even close to the real challenge you’ll face. This is “hope marketing”—hoping things will work out, or you’ll get noticed. The world doesn’t work that way anymore, and it never really did. You have to develop your skills, build systems, and execute relentlessly.
Here’s the hard truth: you are not special. No one is going to “sign” you or save you, even if you are the next Amy Winehouse. Step 1 is accepting that there are millions of insanely talented artists in the world. Are you one of them? Great. Step 2 is asking yourself: why should people listen to you or care about your posts? What makes you different? What value do you bring to your audience?
I’m not here to tell you that you suck. I’m here to remind you that talent is only a fraction of what’s needed to succeed. The rest is strategy, effort, and persistence.
Take me as an example. I know I’m not the most talented drummer or producer in the world. That would be insane to think. But I also know I can create music and products that reach thousands, even millions of people, and generate significant income doing it. And guess what? So can you.
The Path to Building Your Future
The good news is that the tools and opportunities available today are better than ever before. You don’t need a record label or a “golden ticket.” You need skills, systems, and resilience. Start small. Create, learn, develop, and repeat. Get up when you fail. Try again when you fall short. Refine your craft, and don’t just hope to “make it”—build it.
Take action every day. Release songs consistently. Engage with your audience. Learn about marketing, branding, and business systems. Understand that success is not a moment; it’s a journey of constant improvement and evolution.
In the blood-red sea of today’s music industry, being great at your craft isn’t enough. You need to be exceptional in every area that matters: your art, your business, and your determination. No one is coming to save you. But that’s the beauty of it. You have the power to create your own success. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. So, stop hoping and start building.
I you are looking to grow your music and business you might need a mentor, book a consultation appointment with me here
https://KjSawka.as.me/student-consultation