Why The Music Industry Is Past The “Big Break” Era

When I was a younger, more naive musician, I thought being on NBC’s The Voice would be my big break in music.

It would be the ticket to a successful career.

Boy, was I wrong.

Years ago, I had been in talks with a company that wanted to help me go on a tour of colleges across the country. I didn’t have the moola for the upfront fee, so I declined.

But then my contact at that company said The Voice had asked them to submit singers they knew to audition for the show.

And he wanted to submit my name.

So I said sure.

I never heard anything from it, so he was either lying to me to get on my good side, or he actually submitted my name and I got rejected.

And after that, I gave up.

That is, I gave up on the idea of getting signed or getting on some singing competition.

Here’s why: making a living from music is something that requires a steady work ethic.

Those who do it have worked hard for it.

Good things come to those who work, not to those who wait.

So don’t stake the success of your entire music career on winning The Voice, America’s Got Talent, or getting signed to a label.

If that happens, great. But if not, what then?

Instead, work hard. Take baby steps. Rely on yourself to make a living from your music.

Forget about your big break in music. Today is your big break. And so is tomorrow and the next day.

You got this.