The Harsh Truth of Being A Music Artist in 2024

[@DamianKeyes]

Do me a favour and hit the 'Like' button. Means a lot to me!

[@InnerCalmTones]

liked

[@TheMidnightBandit]

I've released over 450 songs onto streaming since 2020. Should I continue to release, or work on content? I'm creating a routine for myself as you're reading this, and I intend on becoming the best version of myself every day I can help it. I have Schizoaffective disorder and ADHD, and I have issues taking care of myself or holding down work, but I'm determined to succeed in whatever I can. I'd like to make at least 1,000 fans, and I already have a few people in my community who think my stuff is bitchin'. Your video gave me a lot of inspiration, and that's great. Now, it's just time for me to go all in and cater my content to my target demographic. Thanks!

[@stevelanemusic4463]

This is great. I like the longer, unedited format. 👍🏼 Keep it up!

[@Chronade]

You mean a lot to me, always 😊

[@guusbokmusic]

Fantastic video!!

[@officialWWM]

The problem is, trying to cut through the noise is almost impossible. It still comes down to budget. If you have the money to promote, you will likely get a return in that investment. If not, your only option is the social media marketing route. That’s a lot of work with zero guarantee of the result. It’s a mine field out there… On the upside, I made $4.75 from my Spotify streaming last month 😂😂

[@AdamBrucass]

This is exactly where im at The whole world tried to tell us that social media is a gift that we should be using to get our music out there, but doesnt want to hear just impossible it is to do that, between over-saturation, automated content, ads and spam, what possible hope could anyone without a $1000 a day budget or 500,000 followers possibly have?

[@Mr._MatchIt]

It took me two weeks to watch this video. I’m currently hiding away in bed; refusing to do anything for almost 2 months. Thank you for making this video.

[@Turtlpwr]

9:43 all of the stuff you’re saying are why it’s been so hard for me to even get started again after an 8 year hiatus

[@AtrikJay]

Hearing you talk about everything we do suddenly makes me feel better about myself and how kick ass my skillsets are despite not being able to cut through the noise

[@AdamBrucass]

What i’ve struggled with recently is the way the industry has moved so far from the things that inspired me to pursue music in the first place. I wanted what a lot of people wanted, to sell out stadiums and become a household name, and in the time it took me to understand and work out what needed to happen and what i needed to do to achieve that, old avenues of making contacts and getting in with the right people have dissolved into social media becoming the be all and end all, and then social media becoming an oversaturated mess designed to stop anyone from using it effectively, every single artist that has achieved what i wanted to achieve either started before social media became useless, or had another another way in like wealthy well connected parents or a stroke of luck on the voice or americas got talent The biggest record label in the world removed all lf its music from what was meant to be the biggest and best resource in the world for getting music heard, and no one even noticed, the way music is consumed now has left me wondering if the things i wanted to achieve are even really possible anymore

[@DamianKeyes]

I feel you, socials might be a necessity but are defo a problem for most. We are all fighting that algorithm.. Even me with this video which has tanked lol. I don't want to make negative, click baity doom filled videos but when i do they do 10x better. It really sucks. All we can do is keep working on it and hope that consumption habits change into something that benefits us as creators. I do think the emergence of the 3 mins video is what a lot of platforms are fighting over and that might help creativity and artists ... who knows! Let's keep striving t make things we are proud of and enjoy the journey as much as we can! 😊😊

[@AdamBrucass]

Hear hear! Thats why my new single and album are called “Right Now” i needed something to remind me to focus on what i can do, rather than worrying about the things i cant control, but its still damn hard to fight those thoughts and keep going

[@DamianKeyes]

@@AdamBrucass love that, good luck with it 😊😊

[@ELRADONE]

I agree the talk of "Gate keepers" and haveing the reality of music hit you in the face HARD with the cess pool of greedy people,sleazy people and fool hardy pettiness...you question your self ..but being indie is a lot more work but your in control..I had a friend of mine that got signed ,he worked day and night on his music but then he got shelfed...that scared me straight...anyway yes homie its a lot harder but in the long run its worth it..keep ya head up homie!!

[@lilnutty6821]

Not possible anymore buddy. Was barely possible to begin with for 99.999% of people. Why don't you just try and make great music and see where it takes you naturally. If you're in it for the right reasons and not trying to sell out stadiums, then you might get further than you'd think.

[@heinrichsmit2]

I do like this style and enjoyed it. It's nice to listen to and it feels like there's less pressure to concentrate, it feels more like a conversation.

[@priestblack22]

Agreed

[@eyeglassesstringmusic]

You hit the nail on the head Damian- the artist now wears so many different hats it can feel overwhelming. I’ve found it really helpful to automate and do in bulk as much as possible in my routine: flooded by emails you haven’t responded to? Have them fill out a google form for gig inquiries and reply with an email template, or even chatgpt. Need microcontent? Bring a tripod whenever you go on a trip or somewhere interesting and shoot your song. Promoting music? If you have the funds, set up facebook ads that do the heavy lifting while you’re doing other tasks. It will be interesting to see how much AI will free up artists to do what they love- music.

[@CINEMARTYR]

Yep, I do all those things you listed and more (writer, producer, videographer, psychologist 😆, accountant, tour booker etc.) and it's completely overwhelming. One of the things that keeps me going is the idea that I'll quit when I'm 40 if this doesn't become at least a little monetarily sustainable - now I'm not even sure if I actually would quit but the thought helps me sleep at night, and that's kinda sad. But you raised some great points here and it's good to know we are not alone. Really great vid thanks Damo

[@TonyonFireHouston]

I'm getting ready to release music for the first time in 7 years and this guy is describing exactly why I'm feeling overwhelmed.

[@Turtlpwr]

You’re not alone 🫠🫠🫠

[@adbmusicify]

Anyone else feel this way? I'm thinking lately exactly why after just turning 40 I finally feel like I am ready to "start" my career...I know I'm not alone in this...have literally spent over two decades devoted to being a guitarist, a songwriter, a producer, playing tons of small shows learning how to perform and the last few years on how to mix and master so I can do it all and release completely independent etc, video work, blah blah on and on ---and it's finally starting to harmonize in a cohesive flow---hopefully at least lol! As always thank you for your videos!

[@TheSlingmustard]

Thanks Damian! I enjoyed the 'off the cuff' style of this video and think you should make more of them. It came across as authentic and informative.. You made a lot of excellent points about the good, bad, and ugly aspects of being an artist in 2024. In a perfect world, I would be Bob Dylan writing songs and touring the world while Albert Grossman handled everything else. The reality is, we have to be our own managers, videographers, editors, producers...and even then, there are no guarantees. On the flip side, there are more opportunities now than ever before. From what I'm hearing, the most effective way to become a successful artist is to start with specific measurable results, then unfold backwards to the present, with every action put into existence in the calendar. I just joined DKMBA, so I'm still adjusting to this new way of being. But I'm excited to see where this journey takes me.

[@MelsoM_Music]

You said it all ! Although I'm convinced my music is good and can please a certain amount of people, I'm discouraged by all the stuff we, as independant artist, have to do by ourself nowadays.. 😓

[@CoreyLennox]

It felt really cathartic to hear someone else voice all the stresses and time demands we face as artists every day. But you also highlighted some of the positive steps we can take too. So genuinely, thank you so much for this video. Do you have any lessons on what specific content to make in more detail? I’ve been binge watching your most recent videos but I haven’t found a video going over that yet!

[@DreamingWhileAwakeMusic]

after all this we need to make great music.

[@Gileein]

I reasonate with this vid as someone who is just starting. I honestly didn’t expect there to be so many components. For me, even though I have a passion for music, it is more of a hobby right now so I am taking my time with everything. I am not expecting to become a full time musician but if it happens overtime, I would be open to it.

[@mytoOSRS]

Switched from music to voiceover and I'm never looking back! Same skill set, same passion, but more money, less competition and a chance to make a career out of it! I became much happier too. If you're struggling mentally with music, there are other options

[@DamianKeyes]

That’s very interesting, would love to know more about how you transitioned and how you built it up

[@davidlisteresq]

I can't possibly see how that is anywhere near the same. Music is an emotional and artistic outlet. Reading someone else's script is not even remotely close to that.

[@doombiamusica]

how do you get started? I have the equipment and a good, clear reading voice.

[@doombiamusica]

@@davidlisteresq maybe being a session musician is?

[@yourbandisabusiness]

I’m happy for you but do you still make music? Not making music isn’t an option for me.

[@MadsBoldingMusic]

To me this is one of your most enjoyable videos to date. I put off watching it for three days because of the overly aggressive thumbnail; made it feel more like a shouting match than the calmly presented and conversational batch of advice that it actually was. I would love to see more of these videos and (on a good day) less fake fire in the background of thumbnails. Be kind to yourself - and thank you for the tips

[@Cresce_Music]

You and Nic D are the greatest in the space. To me, you guys are the ones actually speaking to the musicians brain in a way that artists understand. Because of that the advice is really impactful, it comes from a real place of understanding. Keep doing great work, much love Damian.

[@HEYSERGYO]

THANKs for this video!!!! Great stuff , and loved the un-scripted style, feels really honest, and potent , thanks 🙏🏼

[@Elle_e.l.l.e]

Its so messy!!! That it's just really difficult to keep the pace on surviving in a monthly basis and being able to invest on your production and media strategies at the same time... I'm still just a live performer musician striving. Willing to raise money to finish what I started, finish a couple of songs with a producer, defining a strong image ... How do I keep the money flowing...? ? ? Is the constant question deep deep inside my brain

[@instrumental_mind_official]

Thank YOU Damian. So many things you are saying are exactly how I feel as an artist. This is why I appreciate your tipps and advice every time. You know the game and you are great in explaining it. 🙌

[@paristheprince]

This is probably the best video from u! Thanks king 💙

[@stephensanislo7126]

Thanks for making these videos. It really can be overwhelming just how many different roles are needed to be successful as an aspiring musician/content creator. I'll find myself working on three different projects, only getting a small amount of work done on each, and not getting anything done. Shifting from a "now or never" mindset to scheduling is a great idea. I agree that we are really fortunate to have so many tools, resources, and connections available. What you said about artists filtering through the noise also applies to everything we can use. With so many options available, creating content feels like making a tiny sculpture out of a giant block of marble. The possibilities are endless, but it can be overwhelming if you just want to make something small and simple.

[@DamianKeyes]

I really appreciate that thank you, I’ll keep working on ways to break through 😊😊

[@amitinzelbergmusic]

I love you man. Your content is brilliant, and I hope you keep sharing more content like this. Thank you!

[@LaBatutaLAB]

Three things I repeat all the time! What does success mean for you? Prioritize and build systems to make your daily work easy Work with a business mind in your every day task and you could set your creative mind free later. After a burnout working as PR years ago, now that's one of the best thing I learned: you need a plan, do the things on your own pace and rest and recharge your energy. But first: mindset!

[@Songmob]

Thank you Damien. I feel a somewhat validated (its not just me) in the overwhelm that can leave me frozen to inaction, and yet still encouraged to do whatever I can. Something is always so much more than nothing. Often I hear the messages out there that suggest if I'm finding it too hot in the kitchen, to just get out. But we're artists, and something burns inside that still needs to get cooked 😊

[@KristofferLislegaard]

I enjoyed this non-overproduced style of this video. One thing I can't get out of my head is that how I have almost NEVER found an artist thru the big social media platforms. At least not after the honey moon phase of the platform. I DO enjoy the updates I get from artists I already know on Instagram, especially smaller artists, but I almost never discover anyone new that I like thru the social media platforms. Personally my favorite genres are experimental electronic music. Ambient, left field club music etc. And I get lots of people playing riffs on their synthesizers, hammering out beautiful drones and ambiences, sometimes in beautiful shot locations or perfectly lit studios. But I never find artists that capture my attention, get me to their website or where they have their music AND have music of (in lack of a better word) a certain quality that I also vibe with. Maybe this is a bit different in other genres, like very commercial pop or very energetic rock/metal etc. But I can't shake the feeling of if nobody elses try on this works reach me, then is this the smartest way I can spend my time as an artist? I guess an exception is I have discovered some artist on Mastodon / Fediverse and music production related forums so maybe this is a case of different platforms for different genres, I don't know. Maybe you have some thoughts on this. Thanks!

[@Chronade]

Thank you for taking the time to get us up to speed. Last week I sold my first T-shirt, good to know I can replicate this humble result. Yeah, I love unscripted videos like this as well, because whether scripted or not, I believe in you, you've been blessed with understanding of how today's ever-changing music industry works! See you on the next one! 🌟

[@Roadsideunion]

Liked the format. Appreciated what you had to say. You are knowledgeable enough and a good enough speaker to make videos like this rather than have to script and edit all of your videos. With that said, I think that some of your videos may be specific enough that you need to edit and script in order to hammer across the very specific points that you need to make.

[@MadsGranumMusic]

@DamianKeyes I want to tell you - that your content is really helping me. Both in practical terms with your Forum and release strategies - but also mentally in terms of having the courage to keep going against the tough odds. At the moment I’m enjoying your book, reading about your journey.

[@KiNGFOO]

Thanks, Damian 💙

[@AndrewColyerMusic]

Damien speaks the TRUTH!! Get that calendar out and use it!! ❤😀🎹🎵👍🎊🤟

[@blqckpop]

I liked this longer and looser video format. I think it gives you options in taking issues apart looking at them different ways play with ideas, then put them back together again shining a different shade of light onto them! Great stuff! 😎👍

[@gmajordj]

Your video very helpful. I started as a DJ since 1988. Lately been getting into music, production and learning more about advertisements and using social media. My current EP is doing what I expected to do. It is grabbing some attention different platforms.

[@inarrears5521]

Thank you! I felt like you were speaking directly to me, and you gave me some great advice!

[@MultiFreddy34]

With full industry/labels support, music distribution at the most visible levels has been taken over by nepo babies and nepo parents. It’s a travesty how poorly things have been devalued from the top down for the sake of the almighty dollar. Richard Dodd on the Nashville panel shares insight into this unforgivable crime against musicians and why the best artists are languishing in home studios evermore

[@niklaskarlsson550]

I am still in the midst of pushing music out more like content this year. I am not sure how to think about it. I have different projects and i can test different approaches, but it's time consuming. I hear you with the planning, and i am really a chaotic creative person overall, so i am very "messy" and all over the place sometimes. Still having fun, but it feels like it just isn't enough sometimes to come to 8.5😊

[@sybersyn]

Hi Damian, I enjoyed this format, felt like you were genuinely sharing your thoughts/feelings about the music industry and strategies for navigating it. Would you do a video around analytics and advertising? What makes you pull the trigger on promoting something? Do you promote on all platforms or hone in on one? What do you consider a well perfoming ad?

[@DamianKeyes]

Thanks so much, I’ll start working on it this week and get something out soon, appreciate you 😊😊

[@connormorrisonmusic]

Love it Damo!! Amazing as always,

[@Tomalo-Dub]

I appreciate this video. I produce, master, mix, track, play all the instruments or as many as I can on my songs. I have just deactivated my FB and IG accounts because I feel the competition is just ridiculous. I like to think I write originals that are genuine, all the while someone is out to copy whatever parts that suite them. I am going to use SoundCloud, Bandcamp and KZbin from here on out for my music. IG and Facebook has musicians that like to copy your stuff so they can get views on their content, it’s not even about the music sometimes.

[@jonathanbeaudette]

Thank you for all that, and, yes, I like this unedited format, winging-it format.

[@michaelbonesmusic]

I'd like to think I am ground breaking as I have a very unique style and instrumentation - it's a long grind but once you Violin you can't Viol-out!

[@AdrianHogstrom]

This impacted me in such a beautiful way, thank you so much for this style of video, you are really a gift to all musicians and artists. ❤

[@DamianKeyes]

I really appreciate this, thank you so much 😊😊

[@djsaeg]

damn ive been an artist for 25 years in mexico i write, produce, sometimes master, i do art, logos, banners, record videos, edit videos, stickers, booking, and its so hard i even had suicide thoughts , but still surviving thats what i do i surive day by day

[@KalebJTaber]

You told me to comment and like, so I am. Thank you for the invaluable insight.

[@StellarWorks2023]

Really appreciate the real talk. Nice one Damo 👍🏾

[@ForesttLight]

Straight talk! Awesome content

[@rejoicesongs]

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated!! 💜🌷

[@Ramiroocampo]

For a brief period of time we musicians REALLY had it all: when iTunes got big and the new meta was buying Mp3s for download. I could distribute my own music over the entire world with all the control and max profit. That is why I despise Spotify: They took that away from us and their own business model does not even pay their own bills. Spotify is relying on investors since day one and there is no end in sight when that pyramid scheme of a company will make ends meet with subscription sales alone. By the way: I really dig this new format of yours without a script. Comes over more honest and engaging. Looking forward for more!

[@skatealex1]

I'm over approaching music as a career especially as a more (online) chillwave/synth musician. Regular jobs pay so much more. That said I hope I still continue to release music for as long as possible! Just not betting any money on it. I feel it's basically an over saturated market that screws you (the artist) over around every corner lol.

[@DamianKeyes]

As long as you still have the passion for creating and releasing and who knows what is around the corner as long as you are using good strategy and building with foundations. I'm here for it. Keep smashing it! 😊😊

[@danmcbmusic]

"Kendal mint cake". Mmm! Lot of seriously good advice, thank you Damo. One thing, I'd say a lot of us are also in a place where we are actually figuring out what works (for us) and what doesn't. It's hard and messy, but that's the game.

[@Sid588]

Like the long videos.

[@NickKizirnis]

Thanks Damian, great video and important information! I appreciate all the help and guidance you’ve given me.

[@Dustin_SkySmith]

Great video, I’ve been thinking about a lot of this stuff for awhile, you articulated it perfectly.

[@neledeneef209]

Very helpful stuff and I do like this style of video. If it's interesting I don't mind it being long. Thank you!

[@iameckoes]

Love your videos so much. The private concert bit! Hilarious. Thank you

[@LayogenicMusic]

Sometimes i feel i use all my free time to make content and invest in actually getting heard, and brand your music. That its hard to find time to actually make the music and be creative

[@xalex6029]

Thank you for this. This video was very helpful for me.

[@stevejacobson-thespreading7775]

Very good video, Damian. It is filled with very sensible points and valuable perspectives that we should all pay attention to! Thank you.

[@JeffBentonMusicTalk101]

You are a wealth of knowledge thank you 🙏

[@jadreza8182]

I really benefited from this style of video - very well explained 😊👍

[@upthecatters86]

You're the man Damo. Cheers!

[@the-mian-]

Cheers Damian - all good stuff. Peace

[@Ktorios]

This was such an excellent video. Please make more content like this!

[@doombiamusica]

An untapped resource a lot of musicians don't know about is artist grants. If I made a video about that, would you share it? I've raised over $15,000 for my music since 2022 through grants -- I don't have to pay any of it back, I get to own all of my masters, I have complete creative control, and unlike crowdfunding, I don't have to harass my family and coworkers.

[@OurAtlanticRoots]

Loved it Damian. Really helpful as usual. ❤

[@cupidandthecowboy]

as always a big thank you Damian- my questions are - what should my calendar look like and as an artist in NYC with 1000 followers on insta with hardly any fans going to shows in nyc - very hard to make fans in NYC- what ads should i pay for. for example i posted on tik tok everyday for two weeks bits of our live show and we just get the same 200 views - but we are a band we make music we don’t tell jokes. we don’t have a new way to cut pineapple or squirrel vids

[@luzng]

Thanks men you are very honest and that plays a string in the soul of the musician you know? we recognice bullshit from the pearls, the positive. Stay cool

[@ELRADONE]

good talk mate...theres alot of jems in your clip that's helping me tremendously...although I still believe in putting out albums..my count is not astronomical but I get feed back from them..maybe not taylor swift numbers...but I get by...for example there's a few indie record shops that carry my albums..and I've sold a few..so maybe not online I am getting it as much..but it does help some music fans actually holding the music in there hands...seeing my colborators,producers,and such...

[@DreamingWhileAwakeMusic]

lol, i was explaining this to someone the other day listening to it it's kind of funny, but seriously it's all true

[@priiormusic]

Hey man this was super helpful, I like the idea of getting to A.5, gonna remember that one !

[@smartmarc333]

I like this style very much, please more of it :)

[@itsgrecoray]

I needed to hear this today! Thanks for speaking about this Damo!

[@DamianKeyes]

I do really appreciate that, thank you. I’m always here to help. Keep smashing it and look after your mental well being! 😊😊

[@ShanikHughes]

I love you!!! So thankful for you.

[@stevemorano9317]

Awesome! I did need to hear this today. Thank you

[@theSUProject]

I like that format! Interesting discussion to have ✨️

[@nunoandradebluesdrive]

always cool to listen to you. Yes..this industry looks more and more like a moving target.

[@capsilam8787]

Love this kind of content Damien

[@Guitarandyman1969]

This is extremely helpful. I am very thankful for your knowledge.

[@sawceejack1450]

Glad I watched this, great job!

[@kaidennolan8837]

Amazing video mate pure wisdom of the game!

[@judegraham463]

great content. Cheers from Australia..

[@royaguilar7661]

Thank you! 🎉

[@thepartycrashers4510]

COULD YOU do a video about getting kicked out of a band and how to move on??? Recently I unexpectedly got booted from a band I was in and I was devastated! Do you have any advice for me? There are no videos or podcasts about it. I’m sure there are some upsetting ones, some mutual ones, and probably some funny ones you know of. I would love to hear. Thanks man! Keep doing what you are doing! Cheers!

[@ELLIEtelly1]

I find asking chat GPT questions is helpful. You’re dealing with. Rejection , so ask, how to deal with rejection, best ways of managing it. Sorry to hear it happened. I would say that people can be very arrogant in the music industry and focused on their own unrealistic goals whilst treating people very badly. They probably think it’s the right thing to do now, but later in life will realise how cruel they have been, especially if it doesn’t work out for them. Good luck moving forward and try not to take it personally.

[@thepartycrashers4510]

@@ELLIEtelly1 thanks for the good advice! Yes, I was totally blindsided when the singer did this. He said it was a mutual decision but I don’t think he even discussed it with the rest group. Yeah, it’s very competitive here in STL area. It’s hard to recruit members and it’s hard to get gigs but I still am going to continue to practice and put myself out there.

[@gaetanmathieu]

Thanks Damian !

[@roamakes]

Thank you for this!!!

[@axellemaire6101]

Can you please release that finance/budget set of videos you made? Heard you say you worried bout algorithm but I'd pay crazy amount of money to watch it whether that's on DKMBA or here please 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@wpsiamthatinot]

Elvis making movies 10 years you need to making tiktoks for one week get yourself together

[@theheartofkatherinenz2634]

Thanks mate. This is great.

[@itstristanwells]

cheers mate. thanks for the insight

[@glendanewton8632]

Love this un-scripted style Damian. I’ve visited your web sites for the mentoring help you & your team provide. Impressive! Is it necessary to join to learn the costs involved? I’m helping a duo get more exposure by providing some financial support. They’re wearing all those hats involved as independent artists. But, their music endeavors are stuck, and before I offer additional support I need help analyzing their current situation. Not sure how to proceed…maybe you can give me advice on my efforts? I believe in them, but where I thought I was helping maybe I’ve just given false hope..🤔

[@Matulo]

Thanks Damian!! Awesome

[@benmcnights1763]

I’ve only watched a few of your videos and I like your ‘no bs’ approach. But I think this info is more value to me in my own video production business, rather than as a musician…Coming up in the 90’s, the idea of doing all this stuff yourself is the antithesis of why you’d want to be a ‘rockstar’ in the first place (not talking punk). And I’m a fairly conservative guy, so if I can’t see myself turning into a manager,pr, social media company, merch designer and seller etc etc, then how many truly ‘arty’ and super talented (much more than I) people will fall thru the cracks and we miss out on the gift of their music? I guess this is just like, my opinion man, and ok, I’m not 25 at the start of my career, but this video is probably very helpful to people like me, to see the 2024 version of this pursuit is not worth it. Don’t think for one second I’m saying not to keep creating, but what this entails… you might as well do anything else, where you can sell a product that’s not so close to your art and then take off a day a week to do your music, and try and just enjoy it.

[@mitchgarcia4455]

it’s funny bc ive spent years getting good at production, learning guitar, drums, bass, singing, mixing and mastering. got a better day job to have more money. studying content. it is possible, but you have to get better at everything

[@officialWWM]

Love the Taylor Swift burn 😂😂

[@MattLeFaitMusic]

This was amazing!!

[@vitomartinomusic]

"You can't be king of the world if you are slave to the grind"

[@priestblack22]

Can u elaborate please?

[@emumist]

I like this form of video!

[@drewpiacine9612]

Time to read up on web3 my friend