The Business of Music: How to Treat Your Music Career Like a Startup.

Generated by Jamilah Lawry

Many artists focus on creativity but forget that music is also a business. To succeed, independent musicians must think like entrepreneurs—handling branding, marketing, and revenue streams strategically. At Inspire Da Streets, we help artists build sustainable music careers by teaching essential business skills.

1. Define Your Brand & Business Plan

📌 Just like startups need a business model, artists need a clear vision for their music career.

🎤 Key Questions to Ask Yourself:✅ What’s my unique sound and identity?✅ Who is my target audience?✅ What platforms and strategies will I use to grow my brand?

💡 Pro Tip: Write down a simple business plan outlining your goals, revenue streams, and marketing strategies.

2. Build Multiple Income Streams

💰 Artists can no longer rely solely on streaming revenue. Successful musicians create multiple revenue streams just like a business.

📌 Ways to Make Money as an Independent Artist:✔️ Sell merchandise (shirts, hoodies, vinyl)✔️ Offer music production, songwriting, or engineering services✔️ License music for film, TV, and commercials✔️ Host paid online workshops or courses

3. Market Yourself Like a Business

🚀 Your music is your product—but marketing is how people discover it.

📌 Marketing Strategies for Musicians:✅ Build an email list to connect with fans directly✅ Run targeted social media ads for upcoming releases✅ Collaborate with influencers and playlist curators✅ Create consistent, high-quality content on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube

💡 Pro Tip: Treat each song release like a product launch—build hype before dropping new music!

4. Manage Finances & Invest Wisely

📌 Every music business needs proper financial management. Independent artists must learn to budget, save, and reinvest profits wisely.

💰 Essential Money Tips for Artists:✔️ Track income and expenses using budgeting apps✔️ Set aside money for studio time, marketing, and visuals✔️ Understand music royalties and performance rights organizations (BMI, ASCAP, SoundExchange)✔️ Consider setting up an LLC for tax benefits and liability protection

5. Build a Strong Team & Network

No successful entrepreneur does it alone—neither do musicians. Surround yourself with a team that believes in your vision.

📌 Your Music Team Might Include:✔️ A manager to handle bookings and opportunities✔️ A producer & engineer to craft your sound✔️ A marketing strategist to help with branding✔️ A publicist to get media exposure

💡 Pro Tip: Start by networking with other independent artists, DJs, and influencers to build organic relationships.

Treating your music career like a business can be the difference between staying underground and breaking into the industry. The most successful artists invest in their craft, brand, and business strategy—just like any thriving startup.

📌 Need help turning your music into a business? Join Inspire Da Streets' mentorship programs and workshops to get started!