There’s space for everyone in the music industry—you don’t have to be at the top to belong. Success isn’t just about being part of the small percentage of artists getting millions of streams. At the core of it, we make music because we love it. If that passion wasn’t there, we wouldn’t be doing it.
Of course, striving to grow in the industry and earn a living is important, and there’s room for all of us to do that. But thinking of it as an “all or nothing” game—where you either reach the top or you’ve failed—misses the point. If you love what you create and enjoy the process, even if your music only reaches a small audience, you’re still succeeding. Music is about more than numbers; it’s about crafting sounds that evoke emotions, telling stories through melodies and lyrics, and making something that resonates with both you and your listeners.
Not everyone can be in the global spotlight at once. The names at the top may rotate—some will stay, others will fade—but that doesn’t define the value of your work. Instead, think about the people who have discovered and connected with your music. How many people truly find what they love in life and get to express it through the vibrations of a guitar string or the strike of a piano key? When music means something to its creator, that meaning often translates to the listener, sparking emotions and memories.
So don’t sell yourself short. You’re not out of the game just because you’re not dominating the charts. Simply knowing what you love and continuing to create is a victory in itself. Keep making music.
Coffee & a Playlist 