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If I could hop into a time machine and give my younger self some advice, there’s definitely a few things I’d share before stepping foot into the music industry. Don’t get me wrong, the journey has been incredible, but there are some key lessons I picked up along the way that would’ve saved me a lot of headaches. For any of you just starting out or even deep into your career, here are five things I wish I knew about the music industry before I got started.
1. Talent Alone Isn’t Enough—It’s About the Hustle
I always thought that if I just played my heart out, opportunities would come flooding in. But I quickly learned that the music industry is as much about the business as it is about the art. Being talented is just the baseline. You’ve got to be willing to put in the work—network, market yourself, build relationships, and handle the grind. In other words, it’s not enough to just be good. You’ve got to hustle like you’re hungry.
I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately, especially after releasing my own albums and touring. There are a lot of great musicians who never make it because they don’t treat their career like a business. Don’t just focus on your craft—learn how to manage the business side of things too. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
2. Connections Are Everything
One of the biggest eye-openers for me was realizing just how much of the industry is based on relationships. From booking shows to getting into the studio with the right producers, it all comes down to who you know. And let me tell you—networking doesn’t stop once you “make it.” You’ve got to stay connected, build relationships with other artists, promoters, and even fans. The music industry is small, and your reputation can either open doors or shut them before you even know it.
Check this out—most of the opportunities that came my way weren’t from some audition or demo. They were because I knew the right people and had built trust over time. So start building those relationships early, and keep them strong.
Networking and building relationships have always been a critical part of success in the music industry, as Billboard frequently highlights in their coverage of industry trends and artist journeys.
3. Rejection Is Part of the Game—Get Used to It
Man, if I had a dollar for every time I was told “no” or got ghosted after sending out a demo, I’d be retired by now. The thing is, rejection is just part of the process in the music industry. You can’t take it personally. What I learned is that you’ve got to have a thick skin and keep moving forward. Sometimes the timing isn’t right, or the opportunity isn’t meant for you. Instead of getting discouraged, use rejection as fuel to keep pushing.
Looking back, the times I faced rejection only made me work harder, practice more, and come back stronger. You’ve got to be in it for the long haul and understand that every “no” brings you closer to a “yes.”
4. The Creative Process Will Evolve, and That’s Okay
When I started out, I had this vision of what my sound should be, and I was super focused on sticking to that. But here’s the truth: your creative process will change over time, and that’s not just okay—it’s necessary. I’ve grown as a musician, and my sound has evolved with me. Sometimes it’s because of personal experiences, other times it’s because of new influences, and sometimes it’s just because I wanted to experiment. Don’t be afraid of change. Embrace it.
Whether it’s with your instrument, your style, or even crossing over into other creative mediums like writing, the key is to keep evolving. It keeps your art fresh and your passion alive.
5. Protect Your Mental Health and Stay Grounded
This is probably the most important thing I’ve learned: the music industry can take a toll on your mental health. There’s pressure to always be “on,” always creating, and always performing at your best. It can be overwhelming if you don’t take time to reset. For me, staying grounded—whether it’s through family, friends, or just stepping away from the scene for a minute—has been crucial to staying sane.
If you don’t take care of yourself, none of the success will matter. Make time for rest, protect your energy, and remember why you got into music in the first place. The love of the craft should always come first.
Wrapping It Up
These are just five lessons I wish I knew when I got started, but I’m grateful for every step of the journey. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in the game for years, I hope this gives you a bit of insight into the realities of the industry. And trust me—there’s a lot more to share.
This is just the beginning—there’s so much more I want to give you. Whether you’re a musician or a creative, if you’re looking to grow and take things to the next level, stay tuned. I’ve got something exciting in the works that you won’t want to miss!
Look, I want you on my list. Trust me, you’ll want to be there too—because what I’ve got cooking for all you creatives and artists, you won’t find anywhere else. When I drop it, you’ll be the first to know.
—Jackiem Joyner