What do you do if you want to succeed in the music industry?

Build meaningful, lasting relationships. Understand this is going to be a marathon, not a sprint. Focus on creating music. RELEASE music, and MARKET music. Don't get too stuck into the process of creating while forgetting the marketing of the product.

It seems we may have overlooked a few important factors here. Succeeding in the music industry requires more than just talent—it demands persistence, networking, and a deep understanding of the business. As an A&R for MPT Agency, I’ve seen that building strong relationships with key industry players, staying adaptable to trends, and continually honing your craft are critical. Success also comes from knowing your audience and leveraging platforms to reach them effectively. By combining passion with strategic planning and a solid work ethic, you can position yourself for long-term success in this highly competitive field.

It’s a very wide spectrum of factors but I would 100% of a really simplified answer being consistency. It’s a fast moving industry which has a constant stream of opportunities. Having a great plan and goal posts and keeping as close to your plan and being consistent will help ten fold! Lastly I would say collaboration has been key to my success in all areas of music. Working with those who have different skills and connections that you can add to your tool belt and in turn they can use you to help theirs has been crucial to my success and longevity in the industry.

Think what niche means to you. Is it style of delivery, music genre, live performer, studio musician, writer, location, type of working approach etc? If you think in this way, you won’t unnecessarily box yourself in or spread yourself thin. For example I’ve worked with a lot of musicians across genres who don’t read music and write using jamming sessions, or who like to work with people who have similar music tastes, even if the project you’re working on doesn’t strictly draw from them. Reasons being that you bond quicker, are likely to see things a similar way, and the way you work together is frictionless.

Your reputation is a lot about the visual representation and identity that you embody. If people can find you, find out what you do, and understand you quicker, then branding is a way of helping you to achieve that. Having an online and offline presence offers a long-tail approach to people, for want of a better term, window shopping and trying before they buy while you’re not around. So your brand is like a 24/7 shop and verification tool. Above that, if you can communicate 1) salience (uniqueness and something striking), 2) value (help them make and save money in some way shape or form), 3) resonance (in sync amplified vibe), 4) intrigue/desire (curiosity and wanting more)… then you’re onto a winner!

Collaboration and a willingness to allow other highly skilled music professionals to contribute to your music is a major key. While it’s possible in 2024 to don’t all yourself, in the box with all the tools available. There’s power in bringing folks alongside you and sharing in the success. You’ll grow as an artist, you’ll invite talented people to be in your tribe, and your music will gain much needed perspective from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Music is better together.

Network with a purpose, rather than simply meeting people for the sake of meeting people - but try to understand their likes and needs first. Therefore, communicating open mindedness, flexibility, and enthusiasm are key before they get to know what your needs and wants are. Also, think what skills, values and attributes do you want them to remember you for, so it’s clear in their mind where you could fit in somewhere

Don't just network with the powerful people in the industry. Make contacts among your peers. Always be ready to sub in for someone who can't make a gig. The people you help now will be the ones who can give you a hand up later.

Networking in the music industry isn’t just about who you know—it’s about how you add value to those relationships. Approach potential collaborators, mentors, or industry pros with genuine interest and a willingness to help. Be consistent and professional, but don’t forget to make it personal. TIP: Follow up after networking events or online interactions with a thoughtful message that highlights something specific you discussed. That extra touch can make you memorable.

To succeed in the music industry, focus on consistently delivering high-quality work while adapting to trends. For example, if you’re a producer, stay updated on the latest software and production techniques, and collaborate with emerging artists to keep your sound relevant. Persistence and innovation are key.

Learning your craft so that you’re ready to go and hit the ground running is important - from your abilities, knowledge, and equipment right down to your mindset. Things and lucky breaks often happen quickly, and the people you want to work with frequently don’t have the time to wait around.

If you want to succeed in anything - buy a budgie with no beak. It you want to make a small fortune in the current music industry … … start with a large one.

Stay close to the music - keep listening to new stuff, old stuff, and stuff you wouldn't naturally be drawn too. The music will increase your network and knowledge if you dig deeper into how it works economically, culturally and artistically.

Having one or several alternative revenue streams will allow you more freedom to chase the music you want to do, rather than the music you have to do for money. Persistence and resilience is also a lot about being able to hold out for that work you really want.

Find your purpose. But don’t forget music is the soulful, spiritual soundtrack of life, the visuals and the marketing are equally important. Also, keep abreast of the music industry, media industry and film/tv news. Challenge yourself in songwriting contests, remix contests, media contests. Be authentic and hopefully the copyright laws will change where streaming could be scaled for all.

Be authentic and honest - whether the news is good or bad, when people know what they’re up against they can make informed decisions. Take this away from them and trust can never be regained!

To succeed in today’s music industry, adaptability is essential. Whether you’re navigating the shift toward AI-powered tools, optimizing your distribution strategy, or building your audience on social media, the ability to pivot and learn is what sets successful artists apart. Skills like digital marketing, storytelling, and networking are no longer optional—they’re core to long-term success. TIP: Master platforms like Spotify for Artists or YouTube Analytics to understand your audience better. Data-driven decisions amplify your creative efforts.