How to start a career in music

So, you want to start a career in music? That’s exciting. Whether you’ve been singing into a hairbrush since you were five or you’ve just discovered a passion for songwriting, the good news is there are loads of ways in. You don’t need to have famous parents or a fancy music degree to make it. What you do need is patience, consistency, and a bit of know-how to get things rolling.

Get Inspired

If you haven’t watched the Clive Davis documentary on Netflix yet, you should. It’s a solid reminder that there’s more than one way into the industry. Clive didn’t start out as a musician, yet he ended up shaping the careers of Whitney Houston, Alicia Keys, and many others. It shows that music isn’t just about the stage — there’s a whole world behind it too. A&R, management, production, songwriting, and marketing are all part of the music machine.

Make Stuff

Start creating. Whatever your talent is, use it. If you’re a singer, record some demos on your phone. If you’re a beatmaker, get your tracks on SoundCloud. Don’t wait for things to be perfect — just put something out there. You can’t improve if you don’t start. And trust me, everyone cringes at their first few recordings. It’s part of the process.

Share It

Get your stuff online. Post clips on Instagram or TikTok. Upload full songs to YouTube or Spotify if you’re ready. People can’t support your music if they don’t know it exists. You don’t need a big budget or fancy equipment either. A decent phone camera and a little creativity can go a long way. Just be yourself and keep showing up.

Learn the Basics

No one’s saying you need to be a business expert, but it helps to understand the basics. Learn how royalties work, what a publishing deal is, and how to protect your rights. There are loads of free resources out there. And if you’re ever unsure, ask someone. The music community is bigger and friendlier than you might think.

Network Without Being Weird

Making connections in music is important, but no one likes the person who’s just there to “get ahead.” Go to open mics, join online forums, chat to other musicians. Be genuine and curious. The more people you meet, the more you’ll learn. And sometimes, that casual chat could turn into your next collaboration.

Stay True

It’s easy to get caught up in trends or compare yourself to others, but the best thing you can do is stay true to your own sound and style. The music world doesn’t need another copy — it needs your voice. Keep creating from a place that feels real to you.

Keep Going

Here’s the part no one really wants to hear. It takes time. Sometimes years. You might feel like you’re shouting into a void for a while. That’s normal. Don’t let slow progress fool you into thinking nothing’s happening. Keep writing, keep learning, and keep putting yourself out there. You never know who’s listening.