4 Success secrets for emerging artists & songwriters

It’s often said in the music industry that making it big is all about “who you know.” This, by itself, is an oversimplification and simply not true, especially in this world of digital connectivity and social media. There’s a much deeper layer to success that doesn't get talked about as much. There’s also a much deeper pattern of failure that doesn’t get talked about much. I say the word “pattern” because I want to emphasize that out of all the artist and writers I’ve worked with, there are common traits that can be spotted a mile away where I can point and say, “they’re not going to make it.”

Here are 4 nuggets of wisdom that I would like to share with you, inspired by a conversation I had today with an aspiring songwriter.

1 - Consistency is King

One big warning sign that an artist will not reach success is when they stop being consistent. For example, an artist might say, "I wrote a song," but after writing, recording, producing, mixing/mastering, and releasing that song, new artists or writers will commonly disappear for a long, extended period of time.

However, the artists who really “make it,” (having a tangible measure of success over a long period of time) are the ones I see who keep working hard and keep showing up in the studio every month without fail. I have yet to see an exception.

It's a bit like going to church. If you skip once in a while, it doesn't mean your faith is weak. But you will find those who are strong and mature in the faith—"oaks of righteousness," as the Bible puts it—are the ones with regular attendance, year after year, after year. The same can be said about artists and songwriters in the studio.

As I said, I have yet to see an exception. Those artists/writers who dig deep and strike gold are the ones who keep digging. They’re the ones that say, “See in the studio!”—month after month, year after year; tirelessly working on their craft. I find that this also carries over in their habits of marketing and network of connections. Little by little by little, their music, following, and connections grow until BAM! Like the stock market their graph shoots up!

Artist that are diligent, hardworking, and consistent are like the “Joseph’s” of their day, they prepare, prepare, prepare, and then suddenly God puts them into a position or place of influence, like Joseph at the right-hand of Pharaoh. Conversely, a common (very, very, VERY common) trait of new artists, rather than being diligent and discipline, is to go “gung-ho” at their first single and think suddenly they’ll become a famous, overnight sensation. Remember, with every other artist that has a measure of success, there is always much more to the iceberg than what is above the surface of the water.

2 - Make Meaningful Connections

”I’m so glad I kept that relationship active…”

…something I’ve told myself plenty of times. It helps that I, in general, love “doing life” with people. I genuinely care about people and love the relationships I have have with them.

But one thing I realized…

…people that want to “hit it big” doing this music thing always try to “fly to the top of the mountain” rather than suit up and climb.

Let me add some real-world advice: those that are “on top” in this music industry are not actively looking down at strangers or hobbyists looking to do them favors. It’s the sad truth. Everyone and their mom is trying to reach out to the 1%. You have to realize that in those inner circles… they THEMSELVES are trying to reach up to get into an even deeper circle!

What people also fail to realize is that those artists had to climb the mountain like everyone else. That said, you, as an aspiring arist/writer, may consider that it’s always a better idea to start with the “low-hanging fruit,” so to speak.

Start closer to home first. Connect with folks who are as driven as you are but perhaps just a bit ahead on their path. These connections can lead to unexpected opportunities and are often more valuable than you might think.

When connecting with people, I always look for those that have two things, even if they’re not “famous”:

Number one, are they extremely talented or unique.

Number two, are they actually “doing” something, whether that’s regularly co-writing, killing it on social media, or regularly releasing songs or content.

To sum it up, try to partner or foster relationship with the lesser-known, talented, “doers” of the music scene. One day gasoline may be thrown on their fire and you’ll happy you did.

3 - Focus on Being Exceptionally Good

This one’s straightforward but challenging: be really, really good at what you do.

The music industry, much like many other creative fields, is like a set of nested circles. To get from the outer ones to the inner core, where the magic happens, you’ve got to stand out. And how do you do that? By being so good that people can’t ignore you. This isn’t about copying what’s already popular; it’s about refining your unique sound until it shines.

The only way to the inner circle is for someone that’s already in one to pull you in. So get good, and bring something to offer.

There’s not much else to say about this, except I first learned this point when talking to a well-known music publisher in Nashville. He said if he were to sum up “everything” about success in the music industry (big statement, I know), he said “BE. GOOD.”

Being good let’s you:

1- stand out from the crowd

2 - gives you something to uniquely offer instead of looking for a favor.

Remember, even the Bible states that “A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.” (Pr. 18:16, KJV)

Stop trying to take shortcuts. Cultivate the gifts inside of you and let them lead the way.

4 - Be a Good Human (let your light shine)

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly… be a genuinely good person.

Have you heard the phrase, "Go the extra mile; it's not crowded"? You’ll find as you go into certain places in the music industry, being a genuine, loving, follower of Christ is actually… not as common as you think (no condemnation intended by this comment, of course.)

In a world where it's "dog-eat-dog" and in a such a competitive industry, it’s easy to adopt a “me first” attitude. However, as a believer, it’s important to remember that our lives are hidden in Christ. We must continue to set our minds on the eternal, rather than the ways of this world (Colossians 3). We are to live in a different kingdom.

I believe that God wants the gifts inside of you to shine for the world to see.

But first, He's more interested in renewing your mind with the Word of God and molding your heart to carry and foster the love of the Savior. When you make “loving people” your passion, I guarantee you that that shines brighter than any talent you could ever develop.

What does this love look like?

Sometimes, that means going out of your way to help someone, even if you put yourself in harm’s way.

Sometimes, it even means letting someone else's gift shine in the writing room and not thinking of yourself (after all, it doesn't have to be YOUR idea, right?).

I could go on.

If I could drive this principle into your spirit, I would: when you align yourself with the mind of Christ, then you align with His plan.

He becomes your source of prosperity, love, and joy — that is something no one can take away.

When you align with the Word, you will hear His voice.

After all, it's a promise — He says, "My sheep hear my voice; they know it and follow me."

When you live a life of love, putting others first, it’s so uncommon to this world’s way, and you will indeed shine like a star in the dark black sky.

To sum it up, if you choose to align your life to this final point (seeking His Word, presence, and kingdom first before all thing), then I guarantee you…

…nothing — and I mean NOTHING — will stop you from fulfilling what God has called you to.

No weapon, no power, nor even the occasional wolf in the industry.

Remember today that HE directs every step you take when you align with Him.