7 answers
Addilyn
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
3
Questions
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What are the hardest parts of this career?
I want to become a musician and songwriter
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6 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey again there,
Alroght so basically, Jose really hit the nail on the head — being a musician and songwriter is a whole juggling act. One of the hardest parts is that you're not just writing songs — you're basically building your own little music business. You're the songwriter, performer, producer, promoter, and sometimes even your own manager... all wrapped into one.
But here's the secret sauce — that's actually what makes it so special. Every step helps you shape your own sound and style. It’s not just about getting famous — it’s about creating something that feels like you.
One thing that trips up a lot of new musicians is waiting for perfect inspiration to strike. The truth? Inspiration shows up after you start working, not before. Set little goals like writing one new line every day or making one voice memo melody a week.
If producing your own music sounds overwhelming — don't worry. You don't need a fancy studio to start. Free apps like BandLab or GarageBand can turn your ideas into demos. Even Billie Eilish started recording in her bedroom, so why not you?
Another hard part is putting your work out there. Sharing your songs can feel like showing people your diary — totally nerve-wracking. But here's the trick: Post your songs before you feel ready. The more you share, the easier it gets. Plus, every little like or comment will remind you why you're doing this in the first place.
Right now, try writing one small melody or chorus — something simple you'd sing in the shower. It doesn't have to be perfect, just something that feels good.
Music isn't just about the final product, but it's about the journey you're on. Keep creating, keep learning, and trust that every little song you write is one step closer to your future album. All the best Addilyn. You got this!!🤗
Alroght so basically, Jose really hit the nail on the head — being a musician and songwriter is a whole juggling act. One of the hardest parts is that you're not just writing songs — you're basically building your own little music business. You're the songwriter, performer, producer, promoter, and sometimes even your own manager... all wrapped into one.
But here's the secret sauce — that's actually what makes it so special. Every step helps you shape your own sound and style. It’s not just about getting famous — it’s about creating something that feels like you.
One thing that trips up a lot of new musicians is waiting for perfect inspiration to strike. The truth? Inspiration shows up after you start working, not before. Set little goals like writing one new line every day or making one voice memo melody a week.
If producing your own music sounds overwhelming — don't worry. You don't need a fancy studio to start. Free apps like BandLab or GarageBand can turn your ideas into demos. Even Billie Eilish started recording in her bedroom, so why not you?
Another hard part is putting your work out there. Sharing your songs can feel like showing people your diary — totally nerve-wracking. But here's the trick: Post your songs before you feel ready. The more you share, the easier it gets. Plus, every little like or comment will remind you why you're doing this in the first place.
Right now, try writing one small melody or chorus — something simple you'd sing in the shower. It doesn't have to be perfect, just something that feels good.
Music isn't just about the final product, but it's about the journey you're on. Keep creating, keep learning, and trust that every little song you write is one step closer to your future album. All the best Addilyn. You got this!!🤗
Thhaank you sooo much Dr. H. I appreciate this and was really helpful.
Sama
Also, Dr H, You mentioned how important it is to keep creating and sharing music consistently — but what advice would you give for dealing with self-doubt when you're not sure if your music is actually any good? How do you know when a song is ready to share or if you're just overthinking it?
Sama
You're really out here asking the realest question every artist wrestles with — and I want to give you the biggest standing ovation for even saying it out loud 👏. Okay, let's crack open this little monster called self-doubt — because honestly? It's just a sneaky little gremlin trying to mess with your genius.
Dr H
First off: How do you know if your music is any good?
You don't. Nobody does. Not even the biggest artists in the world.
Do you know how many songs your favorite artists probably have sitting on their laptops collecting digital dust? Beyoncé? Probably thousands. Billie Eilish? Definitely thousands. BTS? Don't even get me started.
The secret is... the audience decides what's good — not you.
Your job isn't to judge your music — your job is to make it, share it, and let the world figure out how they feel about it.
Dr H
But, what if it's actually bad?
Okay, hear me out: There’s no such thing as bad music when you're still finding your sound.
Every single song you make is just one little brick in the castle you're building. Even if one song flops harder than me trying to dance salsa — it’s still getting you closer to your masterpiece.
🤔When is a song ready to share?
Here's the golden rule: If you're 70% happy with it... drop it.
Because if you wait for that perfect 100%, you'll never release anything.
Music isn't meant to be perfect — it's meant to be felt.
Dr H
Now to fight self-doubt like the cool artist you are:
1. Make peace with cringe. Every artist starts off making stuff they lowkey cringe at later. It's part of the process.
2. Detach from the outcome. Your first songs aren't supposed to blow up — they're just supposed to exist.
3. Share first, improve later. The only way to get better is to put your music out and learn from the feedback.
.
.
If you're really spiraling in self-doubt, make a little secret alter ego like... ✨ DJ Cringe Queen ✨ Then whenever you feel like your music isn't good enough, just be like: "Ugh, this isn't even me, this is DJ Cringe Queen's demo. I'm just dropping it for fun."
Dr H
And now truth bomb 💣Sama!
Nobody in the entire history of the universe can make the exact music you're meant to make.
Not even one single human.
So if you don't share your songs... the world literally misses out on a sound that has never existed before.
Now go throw that self-doubt in the bin, call up DJ Cringe Queen, and start dropping music like you're the secret love child of SZA and Jungkook.
And if you ever feel like your songs aren't good enough?
Just remember: Somewhere out there, someone's favorite song hasn't even been written yet — and it might be yours.
I'm rooting for you, Sama — and I better see those Spotify links popping up soon in your name girl! 😎👀
Dr H
Thomas O'Shea
Music Producer, Composer, Live Sound Engineer, Musician
146
Answers
Madison, Wisconsin
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
It depends on what side of the music industry you work in. Rejection is a big thing you have to deal with. Being told your sound the thing you take hours and hours and hours to develop absolutely sucks is also pretty hard. Hours and hours and hours of work only for 10 or so people to listen to your work- you'll have to go through that at first no matter what side of the industry you go on. Here's the thing about the music industry though- everyone's journey is different. There's not a one size fits all model. Some people go to school and get a music degree (like I did) and some people don't. Some people blow up from one song and then are never heard from again. Some take years and years to get their music out there but slowly work their way up (this is what I did).
The BEST advice I can give to an aspiring professional musician is this: read your contracts all the way though (NEVER skim over them), and the more you skill stack the more prepared you'll be to do this as a career. Skill stacking is acquiring many different skills that can be a part of the same industry. For example, I can do graphic design, video editing, mixing audio, mastering audio, songwriting, music production, classical music composition, piano teaching, piano performance, piano accompaniment, and live sound engineering. Capitalize on ALL your skills and you will make enough money to live off of- once you develop all those skills ofc.
The other thing I should say is to take any opportunity thrown in your direction even if you have to miss out on hanging out with friends or going to parties or something. You are the creator of your own story when it comes to music which means any decision you make could push your career forward or take you back a ways. If someone asks for your help with something in music but can't pay you- do it. That can be networking where that same person may be able to pay the next time you work for them. Think outside the box because that's how you'll make money.
best of luck. If you're interested in my skill stacking (lol) you can see more about what I do here: www.tyoismusic.com
The BEST advice I can give to an aspiring professional musician is this: read your contracts all the way though (NEVER skim over them), and the more you skill stack the more prepared you'll be to do this as a career. Skill stacking is acquiring many different skills that can be a part of the same industry. For example, I can do graphic design, video editing, mixing audio, mastering audio, songwriting, music production, classical music composition, piano teaching, piano performance, piano accompaniment, and live sound engineering. Capitalize on ALL your skills and you will make enough money to live off of- once you develop all those skills ofc.
The other thing I should say is to take any opportunity thrown in your direction even if you have to miss out on hanging out with friends or going to parties or something. You are the creator of your own story when it comes to music which means any decision you make could push your career forward or take you back a ways. If someone asks for your help with something in music but can't pay you- do it. That can be networking where that same person may be able to pay the next time you work for them. Think outside the box because that's how you'll make money.
best of luck. If you're interested in my skill stacking (lol) you can see more about what I do here: www.tyoismusic.com
Jose Carlos Campos Alejos
Music Producer
3
Answers
Lima, Callao Region, Peru
Updated
Jose Carlos’s Answer
Great question Addilyn!
I can tell you a bit about my experience as a music producer. You have to do a lot of things in order to make a living. I work making music for advertising, produce local bands, and teach online. I have a busy schedule so time management is key!
As a songwriter you are expected to be able to compose, perform, and fully produce your own music. At the very least you should be able to produce demos as a professional songwriter.
It can be overwhelming but if it's something you love then it's worth it.
I can tell you a bit about my experience as a music producer. You have to do a lot of things in order to make a living. I work making music for advertising, produce local bands, and teach online. I have a busy schedule so time management is key!
As a songwriter you are expected to be able to compose, perform, and fully produce your own music. At the very least you should be able to produce demos as a professional songwriter.
It can be overwhelming but if it's something you love then it's worth it.
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
Sama
thank you for sharing! How did you land your first paying gig when you were just starting out? Did you slide into DMs, hit up local bands, or just wing it?
Sama
I landed my first gig as a producer through connections. I studied music so I was around a hadfull of musicians that needed a producer. In my experience good relationships lead to work directly or indirectly through referrals.
Jose Carlos Campos Alejos
Arsen Escobedo
Student, currently working for volunteer hours.
30
Answers
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Updated
Arsen’s Answer
Writing songs can be tough, especially when you want your lines to be clever or meaningful. Eminem has crafted some brilliant lines in his rap career. Remember, creativity is the key to success.
Elizabeth Bryson
Songwriter
12
Answers
Parkton, Maryland
Updated
Elizabeth’s Answer
Hi Addilyn!
Sorry, I'm answering this question a little late! There are some great answers that I see you have already received!
Speaking from personal experience, I think patience is always a challenge. Whether you're waiting to hear feedback on your music, trying to find music related jobs when you're not making money with your music (and by the way, that is by NO means a reflection on the quality of your music!), wondering what you can do to get more listeners, etc. I've been told that timing is very important and it is... with most things in life!
Again, that's where patience comes in. The bottom line - keep creating, keep writing. You may hear this advice frequently and there's a good reason for it. You are a musician and songwriter. Be patient with yourself and your journey. Again, keep creating and keep writing. God bless you.
Wishing you all the best!
Elizabeth
Sorry, I'm answering this question a little late! There are some great answers that I see you have already received!
Speaking from personal experience, I think patience is always a challenge. Whether you're waiting to hear feedback on your music, trying to find music related jobs when you're not making money with your music (and by the way, that is by NO means a reflection on the quality of your music!), wondering what you can do to get more listeners, etc. I've been told that timing is very important and it is... with most things in life!
Again, that's where patience comes in. The bottom line - keep creating, keep writing. You may hear this advice frequently and there's a good reason for it. You are a musician and songwriter. Be patient with yourself and your journey. Again, keep creating and keep writing. God bless you.
Wishing you all the best!
Elizabeth
Doc Raymond
songwriter
14
Answers
Hiawassee, Georgia
Updated
Doc’s Answer
As a lyricist (songwriter without music notes) I can tell you that writing lyrics is like writing a short story. You have a character or more, you have a plot, chapters and an ending. Most of mine are from life experiences, some about people I know or run across in public. If you are creative, then you should pursue your dreams. Let me suggest a website where you can actually take your lyrics and turn them into a song for free using AI. Try SUNO.com. That will be great practice for you to see what kind of product you can produce. Now, the bad news. There are literally 10's of thousands of songwriters and unless you have an in at a recording studio, it is practically impossible to get any label to just listen to a demo. But there are websites where you can post your songs that cost little to nothing and get feedback from listeners. There are no books or YouTube videos that can make you a great songwriter. Just be you and create what's in your head and heart. You may get a hundred no's, but it only takes one yes!