5 Crucial Things Every Upcoming Artist Must Do to Break Into the IndustryBy Ronny Jones

Breaking into the music scene today is both easier and harder than ever before. On one hand, you don't need a major record label to release music—you can record a song in your room and upload it to Spotify, Apple Music, or Audiomack in minutes. On the other hand, thousands of songs are uploaded every single day, making it easy to get lost in the noise.

So, how do you stand out as an upcoming artist and build a loyal fanbase that actually listens to your tracks? Here are 5 non-negotiable steps you need to take right now.

1. Stop Chasing Trends—Find Your Unique Sound

It’s easy to look at artists like Asake, Wizkid, or Rema and try to copy their exact style, cadence, or choir harmonies. But replication rarely creates superstars.

The artists who blow up are those who bring something fresh to the table. Take time to experiment with different tempos, vocal textures, and lyric styles until you find a signature sound that makes people say, "Yeah, that's definitely [Your Name]!"

2. Treat Quality Production like a Non-Negotiable

You only get one chance to make a first impression on a listener or an A&R scout. If your vocals are muddy, off-key, or improperly mixed, people will skip your song within 5 seconds—no matter how good your lyrics are.

Work with skilled producers and audio engineers.

Never compromise on mixing and mastering.

A clean, professionally mixed song makes listeners treat you like an established star rather than a beginner.

3. Master Content Creation (TikTok & Reels Are Your Main Stage)

You can no longer afford to just "make music and wait to be discovered." In today’s digital era, content drives stream numbers.

Show the process: Share short videos of you writing lyrics, recording in the studio, or freestyling over a beat.

Be consistent: Post daily short clips on TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.

Tell stories: People don't just fall in love with songs; they fall in love with the artist's story, personality, and journey.

4. Understand the Business Side (Splits & Copyrights)

Making good music is only 50% of the game; the other 50% is business. If you want to make a real living from music, you need to understand the basics:

Split Sheets: Always agree on royalty percentages with beatmakers, feature artists, and songwriters before releasing a track.

Distribution: Use reliable distributors (like DistroKid, TuneCore, or EmPawa) to deliver your tracks to streaming platforms.

Songwriting Ownership: If you write original lyrics, make sure your rights as a songwriter are secured.

5. Build Direct Connections with Your Early Fans

Your first 100 or 1,000 true fans are the most important people in your career. They are the ones who will stream your songs on day one, share your links, and buy your merch.

Reply to comments and DMs.

Create a WhatsApp group or broadcast list for your core supporters so you can send them new music before anyone else hears it.

Perform locally: Take every opportunity to perform at local shows, open mics, and community events to build real-world presence.

Final Thoughts

Blowing up in music isn't an overnight event—it's the result of daily consistency, quality music, and smart promotion. Stay patient, keep refining your craft, and treat your music like a business from day one.

Are you an independent artist working on new music? What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing right now? Drop a comment below and let’s talk!