Music is a tough business that needs a mix of talent and different skills. Artists often have to handle a lot of work on their own. They manage not just the music but also business tasks and other duties. Independent artists carry the full load. Signed artists face a different set of challenges that come with being part of a label. This shift in business is not only happening in music, but it is affecting every field where there is a deal between a buyer and a seller.
The power has moved more toward the customer now. Because of this change, the music industry needs to adjust. It must find a better balance and respond to what the market now demands. Artists and industry leaders have to stay sharp and flexible. This new phase extends beyond just making music. It is also about understanding people, trends, and how to stay ahead in the game.
Major challenges faced by the music industry -
1. Most artists do not earn enough to make a living
Music is everywhere. We listen to it more than ever before. It is easier to access and share, and new artists get more chances every day. However, the numbers show a though truth. Take Spotify, for example, the biggest music platform on the internet today. For an artist to earn a decent income from the platform, they need about 120,000 streams every month. That is only if they own 100% of the rights to their songs, which is extremely rare. So, is this goal even achievable? Yes, but that is not easy. One way is to get added to the right playlists, which can bring a lot of streams.
However, that takes a lot of time and hard work, and there is no promise of success. To get on playlists, artists need to do a lot of research and build connections with playlist curators. Another option is to try and please the algorithm or guide fans straight to their Spotify page. But even then, the results are not guaranteed. Sometimes, it can start to feel like all that effort leads to nothing. Many artists wonder if it is really worth it. The world of music offers big dreams, but turning streams into income still comes with many struggles and no clear path forward.
2. Live shows
Live shows can be tough for artists, especially for new and unknown ones. Many of them struggle to find the right places to perform. Even when they do get gigs, they are often not paid much, if anything at all. The working conditions at some venues can also be poor. It is common for venues to offer artists a chance to perform without any payment. They often claim the artist will get exposure in return. Sometimes this is true and helps the artists grow. But often it leads to nowhere. Even well-known artists are facing challenges regarding live performances. Some big names struggle to sell out shows. One major reason for this is the rising cost of concert tickets. Prices have gone up a lot in the last few years, and many fans simply cannot afford them. So, whether an artist is just starting out or already famous, live shows come with their own set of problems. From unfair deals to high ticket prices, the live scene is not easy for everyone.
3. Long-term deals are a thing of the past
Long-term record deals are slowly fading away. While some see this as a good thing, it also comes with a major downside. In the past, artists with potential had more time to grow. They could experiment, fail, and learn before creating something truly great. Record labels used to sign artists for several releases, maybe three or four albums. That process gave them time to develop their sound and skills while working on each project. Today, things move much faster than in previous times.
New artists, often very young and sometimes still teenagers, are appearing almost daily. They release highly polished songs that cost thousands of dollars to make. In addition to this, they are usually funded by their families or teams. However, they have little time to grow or explore their own style. Instead, they are pushed to start making money right away to recover those early investments. There is no room to slow down or take creative risks. Removing failure from the creative journey is dangerous, as making mistakes helps artists become better. Without time to grow, many young artists are left chasing quick success rather than building lasting careers. The pressure to perform fast often hurts the long-term growth of real talent.
Also Read: Analyzing the Impact of the Internet on the Modern Music Industry
4. Looks matter more than sound
The Buggles once said, “Video killed the radio star.” In today’s world, you could say, “Instagram killed the music.”
Instagram is a platform built for visuals where everything is made for quick attention, fast likes, and instant impact. This means if you are an artist, it is not enough to focus on just the sound. You also need to think about cameras, lighting, and the overall “look” of your profile, and the music often takes a backseat. Listeners might not even hit play unless the video or cover art grabs them first. Which is why many artists now spend just as much time curating their image as they do creating songs. Some artists are even forced to spend more. This shift has forced musicians to become content creators, brand managers, and social media experts all in one. While some artists, especially those who enjoy photography or video, thrive in this setup, others struggle. They entered the music industry to create sound, not to master visuals. Still, in today’s industry, visuals are no longer an option; they have become a must. Without the pretty visuals, even great music risks being overlooked.
5. Shorter attention spans in the digital age
The rise of instant gratification from social media ties into a bigger issue: shorter attention spans. Research shows that people’s ability to focus has decreased globally, partly due to the overwhelming amount of content available to us. This shift is noticeable in everyday life. While digital technology and the internet have made it easier for even independent artists to share their music with the world, it has created a downside: audiences are now flooded with endless options.
With so many choices, the average listener no longer takes the time to listen to an entire album or even a six-minute track to decide whether they like it. In fact, they often make up their minds after only a few seconds of a song. This rapid decision-making has changed the way artists approach music. In a world where people quickly scroll through endless content, it is now harder to capture their attention for long periods. Artists must find new ways to stand out and make an impact in a shorter window of time. The days of letting a song or album build over time are slowly fading.
6. The impact of industry monopolies
In any market controlled by a few major players, breaking in as an outsider is always tough. The music industry is no exception. While we occasionally hear stories of artists being "discovered" and suddenly skyrocketing to fame, these cases are rare exceptions rather than the rule. Connections within the industry, especially with record labels, remain the easiest route to widespread recognition. For most artists, this creates an unfair barrier to reaching a larger audience.
The influence of major labels and the close-knit relationships between industry figures often dictate who gets attention. As a result, emerging talent struggles to get noticed unless they have the right connections. This monopolistic control distorts the music market and limits opportunities for independent artists who do not have the same resources. It makes it harder for genuine talent to thrive in an environment where the deck is stacked against them. The industry further pushes a more controlled and less organic form of success with paid promotions and exclusive deals. This makes it increasingly difficult for new artists to break through and achieve recognition on their own merit.
Also Read: Best 10 Digital Music Markets Worldwide
7. The modern musician: a one-person team
In a traditional record label setup, the artist’s job is clear. It is to focus solely on creating and performing music. The label takes care of everything else, starting from hiring producers, mix engineers, managers, publicists, marketers, event bookers, and even social media managers to maintain the artist’s overall brand. With a whole team working behind the scenes, the artist can concentrate on their craft.
However, the scene is quite different for today’s independent artists. Getting noticed is a real struggle. Album sales are low, live shows do not always make money, and streaming platforms do not provide enough income. The luxury of a full promotion team is often out of reach. This means that independent artists must take on multiple roles themselves. Not only do they need to create, produce, and record their music, but they also have to handle promotion, marketing, and business tasks. The artist is expected to be their own manager, social media expert, and publicist - all continuing to focus on their music. The pressure to juggle these responsibilities can be overwhelming. It can leave a little time for creative growth. So, today’s musician must be a true jack of all trades!
The music industry is a tough field that demands a rare mix of talent and skills. Big labels and unfair paid promotions make it hard for independent artists to build a lasting career. The barriers set by major players make breaking in even harder. On top of creating music, today’s artist must also act as their own manager, marketer, and promoter. Balancing all these roles while trying to grow as a musician makes the journey even more challenging.
