Are You TOO OLD for a Music Career? | Tips for Older Musicians

[@tsm7964]

After working in insurance for 10 years, I went back to college at age 35 to study music, and I was 39 years old when Katy Perry invited me on her Hello Katy tour.

[@Epiphany_lace]

I’m 40. Just started recording three years ago. Things are starting to pick up pace. I’m being made a strong offer and others have shown interest in my cause. This guy is right. There is a market for everyone. Hope you all well. Don’t give up the dream.

[@adam.muzzik]

I’m 39 (although I don’t look it lol) and I thought I was too old to enter the industry as a new singer and producer. But I’m beginning to realize I’m not and no one has told me I am either so, I guess it was only an insecurity.

[@judzarintocomak9330]

im Judy from Philippines and turning 33 this November and I had same mindset as you 😁

[@adam.muzzik]

@@judzarintocomak9330 oh you definitely shouldn’t feel that way. I’m glad you don’t feel that way now.

[@LSarah36]

Hey I've checked your music and it's so good! I hope you keep going. I wish you good luck

[@adam.muzzik]

@@LSarah36 hey! I really appreciate you checking me out! 🙏🏾 ❤️

[@stenbiller99]

I decided to start making tunes again at 39 as well , 39 crew lol

[@anthonybocash6778]

I'm 44 and I needed to hear this ty

[@iampatrice33]

Music is a feeling. When you are doing music because you LOVE it, nothing else matters. You will attract the fans that resonate with you and your sound. You are NEVER too old to rock out! I totally am proving that. Great video! Thank you! xo, P. 🎤🤍🎵🕊

[@GRINDETHIKSMIXTAPESHOW]

its only the limited mind that thinks that music as an age , the industry created that stigma

[@DohertyMusic]

💯

[@MsFamousMimi]

Age really doesn't matter. Music is energy. As long as it sounds good and feels good. You will be added to my list lol

[@DohertyMusic]

Do I make the list? 🥹

[@scottfriery9091]

You have given me what I needed to hear. I am so damn sick of people telling me, "It is too late for you." No, it is never too late. Thank you, man!

[@donzabonanza]

I legit know a guy who popped off as a producer in his 40s. He's a multi millionaire now working with BIG electronic artists. Never too late. It's a mindset thing for most.

[@beatrice3371]

I'm 25. I only have one song out and I'm still finding myself. But sometimes I feel like I'm running out of time. There's so much pressure on women to always look young and beautiful.

[@iamtheone2000]

im a 25 year old male but i feel the same sometimes

[@marzblaq7267]

I started training my voice to sing around 24, I am now 30. I have other goals and aspirations but I’ve always wanted to give music a try as a personal passion project. I don’t have intentions to go mainstream or sign to a major label but I’d be content with a small, niche audience while dropping sporadic mixtapes and EP’s, if there a demand I may put out an album solely independently.

[@DohertyMusic]

Do it, you’re at a good age.

[@nicoleharrington9086]

I'm 32 and I've just came out of my songwriting haitus, this video is refreshing. I'm also planning to watch KZbin videos on how to produce and play instruments

[@stevierico5934]

The best way to go as an older artist is to be unique and original and to keep it real. Artists like Ben Harper have their own international cult following and the are very successful even though they aren’t big on the mainstream. To build up a following of dedicated fans takes time and patience and you have to play the long game to get results. Becoming a main featured artist on a music platform like Bandcamp and Reverbnation will put you in a strong position, but this is only the beginning. The road to success is long and hard for an independent singer songwriter musician and there’s no guarantee you will succeed.

[@Allheil]

just turned 15

[@francesswan4599]

I'm so glad to hear this. I am an older woman who started writing after a 20 year break in 2013 with Logic and Ableton and I didnt make traction. I love the music I am writing, feel relevant and love making music. But feel alone as a woman and musician. It was super nice to hear you chat about the possibilities ..

[@Godishere247]

Great video idea! Thank you for this! Im a musician and I do not believe you have to be younger at all to do anything! As long as you have the heart for it and you can reach an audience who gets you! Keep pushing forward and you can do anything! Thanks again!

[@ChillMELLOMix]

This was very helpful! I'm currently 29, and I was starting to doubt myself as a producer/artist within the past 2 years, but this information has given me a better perspective, and reassurance, on the path I want to try and take in the industry. Thank you for creating and sharing this video my dude. Thanks for keeping it a 100!

[@DohertyMusic]

Don’t doubt your talent because of your age. Do you have any new stuff out?

[@MirelaMusicUK]

Really appreciate this video, thank you! I'm 25 and feel ridiculous for feeling "too old" but it's hard not to when the music industry is as visual as it is. For women, it feels like you need to be young and sexy to make it, and not just in the mainstream. I know that's not necessarily completely true but with all the TikTok stars who are making music out of their clout, it just feels disheartening. I'm still going for it 100% but they are just some insecurities I have whilst navigating the music world 🙃 and I haaaate marketing and self-promo but it's sooo integral to any chance of success!! Sorry for the rant! Your video was actually very reassuring!

[@la6136]

Don’t pay attention to people on Tik Tok. Most of those people will be one hit wonders.

[@playmakersmusic]

Hey fellow 25 y/o here. All I see are my friends hustling while I'm out studying something not music related because my parents are have a traditional mindset. Really hope that when I do get a degree, I would able to pursue music full time too.

[@Lovergirlstudiio]

Same age here, I’m just focused on putting out my music Independently regardless of making it mainstream as long as I get to make music, work on my craft just for the love of it and perform that’s all that matters✨best of luck to you

[@DubaiiMakavelii]

Im bout to be 28 😢

[@StoffweXel23]

I'm getting 40 this week and I really look old. Most of the people think I'm 50+. It's for sure a little bit strange for a old fck making tiktoks and sing and rap like I'm 20. But I have my audience and i grew a lot in the past two years. Posting daily and release at least every month seems to work for me like it works for young folks. Maybe with a little bit more hate because of my look 😆

[@GoodMorningAlmightyGod]

Had a big record 26 years ago, I’m 55 now and still love creating music .

[@AlexanderT.A.G]

How can I find your music would love to check it out

[@stephenraybrown]

Thanks.

[@grownlady5023]

I really like your style! Thank you so much for the information you provide as well as the extra added inspiration as I journey towards creating feel good music☺️.

[@stevero77]

I'm 62 and been making music for 30 years. I had some success 20 years ago and even a couple minor hits on KZbin, but KZbin changed several policies over the years that essentially made me invisible. It's really hard to get any attention, and I can't relate to most new music. I always shoot for the more eclectic, rather than the current trend. I only put out music that sounds good to me. I've had a few positive comments, so I don't think I'm totally crazy. I believe my audience is out there, but reaching them is the struggle. I watched your other video about how nobody cares, and I think that is largely true. The attention span of most viewers is infinitesimal, and most of my music depends on changing moods throughout and changing textures, and you need to listen to the whole thing to get it. One 30 second clip doesn't tell you anything about it. It is all about tension and release, which is largely missing in todays music (in my opinion).

[@punchmobility]

I'm 57 and have been doing music for over 30 years myself mostly live gigs, yet this past year, I decided to get all of my material completed and put it "out" there, I have been researching this for some time now and I have come to the conclusion that to gain any traction, you need to build a fan base, and this requires consistent content output, such as daily/weekly video content as, music videos and other video content( There is world of possibilities here ) , being consistent with publishing music regularly, and understanding how to trigger the algorithms. Obviously, there is a lot more to it, but after researching the more successful independent artists, regardless of age, this is what they are doing....It is not easy, and yes, no one cares, we live in an age where people "watch" music more than they listen, having said that, I believe there is an audience for everybody who puts the time and effort to get themselves "out there". The key is consistency, and of course, there has to be a level of quality that resonates with people. Think about this, in our age group, we are part of the largest demographic right now, there is certainly no shortage of potential fans

[@thedocbongo4091]

Nice session, Thanks!

[@sixbloccmusicgroup5463]

I went back to school back in October for audio engineering. Let me say this I’m here because music is life I don’t create music for likes. Every time I play my music for younger ppl they love it. I’m 43. My song D.O.P.E. has over 36,000 streams and I have had time to really promote it because of school

[@darrellruger6989]

I want to break the system at my age and change how people few music and who is doing it. Can you help me ? I am older and my music is multi-genre and loved by all who hears it

[@DavidGomme]

47 years old and just retired. decided to get back into music. I just want to make beer money. Don't need to be famous or make boat load of money. just want to share music and have some fun in my retirement

[@LuRuello]

I'm 66 and making GREAT new music using AI, and it sounds heaps better than my previous efforts!

[@SirTyler336]

Singer no limit on age. Rapper my opinion young 30s .

[@DavidNolan999]

Rock stars rock until they die, it's a business & if your music is dope & people feeling it you can rap until you feel it's time to switch it up.

[@EarlyNevaLater]

U got the best channel on KZbin about these topics so far

[@paulgilliam2477]

I am 40 years old and always thought I was too old to rap by now. But I never had the time to let the whole world hear my voice. I am sorry I took so long.

[@patriotic80]

I would really like to speak with you personally how do I do that. This was inspiring and an amazing video i really appreciate you telling the people the truth and breaking the self defeating stigmas of the business.

[@kpec3]

My experience has shown me that it's not "age" that hurts older musicians. Their problems are in writing that sounds dated, bad engineering or bad musicianship. An older musician that writes awesome music, records it to pro standards and performs it with perfection HAS a serious chance. When I've seen old timers at open stages, they just aren't ready yet and the songs they play sound dated or are older covers.

[@ChiefYuya]

As an older artist, this was an awesome perspective. Thank you

[@kpec3]

@@ChiefYuya YW! I just don't think "age" is the problem. It's about making something that sounds professional and relevant.

[@ChiefYuya]

@@kpec3 I totally agree. I have been guilty of lazy production and engineering at times, myself. I used to have a fully equipped studio with 24 channel Soundworkshop board and MCI 2”tape machine and more. So, these new ITB tools have made me lazy , at times. Just learning the new tech is one thing but, truly pushing it to the limits and assimilating into what the new Sonic’s are is important too. Your comment was a good kick/reminder.

[@kpec3]

@@ChiefYuya Yeah that is the advantage that the youth has on us. They get to start out at that level, we have to learn it. But I still say you can do it. Write really good songs and lyrics and make good recordings. Make the kind of music that is the quality of the songs on Spotify's New Music Friday playlist.

[@yungqueenkhali]

Great Video thank you!! I’ll remember this!! 🙏🏾

[@ronsimart]

Thank you so much for always motivating us with your content 🙏🏿

[@crazygamer241]

Look at David Guetta. Dude is 55 right now and as big as ever. He didn't really become a mainstream act until the late 2000s or so (when one love came out).

[@Djsatile]

He right look at the legendary mortal kombat theme song them people that made that song was in they 50s when they made it

[@whoslord6702]

Bless you brother

[@AngeIDynamite]

Thanks man for the advice!

[@garyprater8139]

The young people are really responsible for thriving the fashion and music world because they love drama and attention. Therefore many of them compete to be the coolest and the first to have something rather it's clothing, music, or the latest dance moves. I'm not young, but I'm working on my music now and just plan on keeping my soul and have fun. 🙂

[@DohertyMusic]

I think if you make good music it shouldn’t matter. You might not get a young audience but you probably will get some if your music is good enough. I’m just starting again after I gave up for a few years. And I’m looking forward to getting out gigging again. I’m in my 40’s btw.

[@bro.charles]

FYI TO EVERYBODY - as I'm listening to his good advice, I have to remember - and y'all should too - that many of the artists that we consider BIG are actually lying about their ages and their backstory. For instance, many of these popular rappers out here are in their 30s and 40s lying about being in their 20s, lying about being from a rough background or neighborhood, lying about selling and using drugs, etc, meanwhile they are promoting that in their music like they're about that life and they are as squeaky clean as Mr. Rogers.

[@GRINDETHIKSMIXTAPESHOW]

we are programmed to make our lives complected it is so easy now and days to dive into anything but most ppl /artist just keep on second guessing themselves based on worrying about validation and money us as artist have to train ourselves to not care about unnecessary shit ... we suffer as artist because we listen to society telling us that we are not good enough and we believe it

[@grownlady5023]

I would love to hear about what all services you offer as a marketing professional

[@carlosgil4196]

I’m the middle class musician producer I do it for fun on hip hop

[@oliviasdrawingchallenge5388]

I am 40 I am talented in singing but I really don't know where to start

[@CoreyGoldwaves]

I'm trying to ghost write and give my song ideas to other artists for a royalty check.

[@ysti-88eGvUK]

Thank you, appreciate the video man! Very insightful & encouragely inspirational

[@barstending954]

Almost 50 and still composing & producing while also working but i don't have the knowledge to be visible.

[@charliesomoza5918]

First of all thank you.The only "problem" that I see is that you need a training that is so intense.You need to learn how to read music, playing an instrument and perhaps learning to sing. Someone see that a man with 44 can achieve mastery before he dies? Thanks in advance. Good wishes to all.

[@alexfr811]

Thx so much for this video... Im just starting a duo project to offer music services for events playing covers basically. Id really appreciate any recommendation for this scenario. Thx again

[@EKOHFLARE]

I strongly dislike Social media, I don’t want to turn into a content creator and promoting myself is something I loathe. I’ll keep my day job, I’m too old for all this stress and unnecessary pressure, that won’t have a worthwhile return.

[@sharonshrensel7833]

Im a psychologist with a patient age 72, guitar and harmonica musician, former attorney, of the mind he is too old to pursue his love and fun with his music, asking "Whats the point, not enough time". How should I guide him toward a marketing coach, though he has had music mentors for his blues music, but now needs guidance and and energy sources to lead him and inspire his confidence...Ideas? Might you coach someone kike this?

[@GRINDETHIKSMIXTAPESHOW]

Hey maybe we need more older ppl to step up because alot of these younger artist dont know how to pack an arena for shit

[@AngeIDynamite]

I am 22 and I want to start. Doing this online marketing and other stuff like that seems too much for me. Probably because I'm autistic.

[@BillonBass]

Little has changed for me as a bassist focused only on being a hired gun sideman for the past 45 years. I just keep getting called and I just keep playing. I don’t write songs, produce or anything but play bass for hire. I have no desire to be famous. Put my daughter through med school playing music. One thing I do now is remote recording for clients all over the world without leaving my home studio. I don’t advertise or anything like that. I don’t know squat about social media. Just connections built over decades by being a good reliable player. I did tour with the Motown group The Miracles for a few years right before Covid hit. But got tired of the road and don’t do that anymore. That’s a young man’s game and frankly not as glamorous as many think. It’s actually a grind and you don’t get paid much for all you go through.

[@kaiserchief9319]

I got told today that the music school I want to fo to won't accept me because I am 30 and they prefer young people because they can train them to be stage performers. Go figure, an institution where age is more important than education. Truth of the matter is, I have a very comfortable life, I've already done my studies with my degrees hanging comfortably on my wall, I have a gorgeous house and a fantastic job where I make very good money but I am willing to forego all of that just to study music, - why? Because my soul is calling to it but I guess some 18 year old whose parents have been priming them to go and study will fare better. I can't even name a single student from that school who is doing anything groundbreaking. Since when does education have an expiry date? Unless you are going deaf or have poor eye sight and/or are hard of hearing, as long as you can speak, use your hands and your brain, there should be no limit. I dislike the current view towards education.

[@lad5329]

This is ageism and I would pursue this. Everyone has a right to be at the table. Music also thrives with someone who has life experience. I’m so sorry this happened to you. Please don’t give up on your dreams!

[@Mahmoudicooloomie]

I’m 12 Is that too old

[@OussamaTouroug-gr6bb]

Yes very

[@fabianedengard4495]

I am 36 and clicked on this video ...: Then I hear ages like 50 60 ... puh... :D

[@Zippymadreal]

hey theres a dot in your vid

[@alluringbliss4165]

First 🙃

[@WittledogbigWrld]

I’m 25 and I feel this way some time but then I be like f it my music good ah!!!!! FOLLOW MOTHERNATURESTODDLER ON ALL STREAMING PLATFORMS