STAYING IN THE BUSINESS

Allen Johnston – The Music Specialist 

www.asha.com 

Here’s something to think about. 

Today, it’s easier than ever to record, release, and distribute music. Nearly anyone with a laptop and a microphone can produce a track, upload it to streaming platforms, and call themselves an artist. Add in AI-powered mastering tools, smartphone videography, and no-code website builders, and you’ve got the foundation of a professional-looking brand. With platforms like Spotify, TikTok, Bandcamp, and social media algorithms promising viral fame, plus a sea of independent promoters and playlist curators, the barriers to entry have all but vanished. Even live performance—once a gatekept privilege—is now accessible through open mics, DIY venues, and pay-to-play showcases. 

But here’s the catch: Just because you can put your music out there doesn’t mean anyone will care. 

The music industry in 2025 is like a crowded marketplace where everyone’s shouting, but few are heard. AI-generated tracks flood streaming services, influencers dominate attention spans, and even talented artists struggle to cut through the noise. The truth? While technology has democratized creation, it’s also made competition fiercer than ever. For every artist who breaks through, thousands more go unnoticed. 

Think of the music business like modern dating. Swiping right on a dating app is as effortless as uploading a song to DistroKid—but lasting connection? That’s rare. Relationships fizzle out, and so do music careers. Artists keep chasing the next “big hit,” pouring money into ads, playlisting, and vanity metrics, hoping for a breakthrough. But the numbers don’t lie: Only a fraction of releases gain real traction, while the rest vanish into the void. The abandonment rate for music projects dwarfs even the highest divorce rates. 

If you’re a new artist, you might tell yourself you’re in it “for the love, not the money.” That’s noble—until the bills pile up. Without strategy, you’ll either burn out or become another casualty of the “hustle culture” trap, throwing cash at promotions that never pay off. But if you’re serious about music as a career, there comes a moment when you must decide: Is this sustainable? Or is it time to pivot? 

There’s no magic formula, no guaranteed path—just choices. And sometimes, the bravest choice is to step back, reassess, and reinvent. Because in 2025, longevity in music isn’t about luck. It’s about adaptability.