indivibes: Get Your Bag Right: Building Financial Stability in Your Music Career
Let’s talk about the not-so-glamorous side of chasing your music dreams: the MONEY. Studio time? Ain’t free. Beats? Not cheap. Promo? That costs too. And let’s not even get started on finding a sound engineer who can actually listen to what you want without making your wallet cry.
But here’s the thing—being an artist doesn’t have to mean being broke or disorganized. Let me break down how I’m leveling up financially while keeping the music alive and thriving.
The Struggle is Real (But Manageable)
Okay, so I’m going to be completely transparent here: I’ve had my share of moments staring at my bank account like, “How am I gonna make this music thing happen?” It’s stressful, but every challenge has a solution.
For example, I once spent weeks hunting for a sound engineer who could work within my budget and still deliver quality. Spoiler alert: that wasn’t easy. Some were too expensive, some didn’t get my vision, and some…well, some just didn’t click.
What I learned? It’s not about rushing or settling. I took a step back, networked like my rent depended on it (high-key, it did), and found someone who aligned with my vibe AND my budget. And thus, my debut mixtape “Bloom” was born.
The takeaway? The right people exist, but you have to play it smart. Network, be patient, and don’t be afraid to negotiate. You’re worth it, babe.
What To Do When You’re NOT in the Studio
Listen, I know studio time is expensive. If you’re waiting to book, that doesn’t mean you sit around doing nothing between gigs. Here’s what I do to keep the magic alive:
• DIY Demos Are Your BFF: Got GarageBand? Audacity? Use it. Even a rough draft is better than nothing.
• Invest in Basic Gear: A USB mic and interface can turn your bedroom into a creative lab. Start small and upgrade later. Places like Target, Best Buy or Amazon.com are great places you can gather sound equipment for the time being.
• Perfect the Craft: Write. Sing. Rap. Harmonize in the shower. Whatever keeps your skills sharp, do it! I use my Notes App on my iPhone and I carry around a small notebook with me. You never know when a song lyric pops up or your environment can inspire a song topic.
Most Importantly, once you get studio time, make sure you are fully prepared. It saves you time AND money. Nobody wants to pay for studio hours to figure out a hook. Be ready to work.
Covers: The Secret Sauce for Going Viral
If you think covers are just for karaoke nights, think again. Covers can literally change the game for you as an artist.
Here’s why:
• Familiarity Hooks People: Cover a song they know and love, and they’re way more likely to stop scrolling.
• Put Your Spin on It: Don’t just copy the original song, remix it. Make it your own unique listening experience.
• Algorithms Love Covers: Platforms like TikTok (fingers crossed it stays up after 01/19), YouTube and Instagram eat this up. Play the game and let that algorithm work for you.
Budgeting: Because Music Costs More Than Vibes
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty: how to fund your dreams without losing your sanity.
• Separate Music Money: I set aside a specific monthly budget just for music. That way, I don’t accidentally spend my studio savings on a shopping spree (I blame new month sales lol).
• Spend Where It Counts: For me, that’s beats, studio time, and marketing. Know your priorities and stick to them.
• Save for the Big Goals: Want an EP? A music video? Start small, save intentionally, and watch those big dreams become reality.
So, what did we learn?
Listen, building a music career is all about strategy. It’s not just talent. t’s knowing how to work smarter, not harder. Be intentional with your time, your money, and your connections. Covers can help you shine, budgeting can keep you sane, and a little patience can go a long way when searching for collaborators.
Remember: you’re not just an artist. You’re a brand, a business, and a force to be reckoned with. So go get that bag AND make the music that sets your soul on fire.
Stay balanced & fabulous.
- Indigo Asaá
