Five Ways To Make a Living as a Musician
Devyn Rush
Growing up, I was auditioning and performing a lot. Somewhere down the line, I received the message that I needed to be famous in order to be a successful artist. But as I grew, I started to learn that there are SO many ways to “make it” as a musician.
If you want to be a famous artist, GO and work toward your dream! But, I encourage every musician to ask themselves if they truly want everything that comes with their dream. And if the answer is yes… then there you go. You’re that much closer to getting it.
I might not be a pop icon, but my dream of supporting myself and my family while doing what I love absolutely did come true! And while I still have those little phrases-turned-perceived-expectations making me ‘should’ on myself sometimes, I feel so deeply grateful for my little house in Los Angeles, with my husband and baby, and a career in music that I wouldn’t trade for all the late nights, tour buses, and autographs in the world.
So, if you’re like me, there are so many ways you can make a living as a musician without being famous! Here are a few ideas for you:
Cover Bands
Weddings and corporate events are super fun, and they can definitely be lucrative enough to pay your bills! It’s an amazing way to connect with other musicians and make people happy.
One of the warmest, most joyful feelings I can imagine is watching a bride and groom dance together while I sing for them as husband and wife for the very first time. And then, watching them let loose and celebrate with all the people they love… now that’s the real icing on the cake. See what I did there? Too cheesy? Ok, moving on.
Session/Studio Work
Do you dream of wearing your pajamas all day while you play music with the most awesome people ever? Welcome to the world of music for commercials, TV & Film! So much of the time, this type of work is done from home nowadays, but it’s really nice to get to go to a studio to work with people in person, too. Pajamas or not, it’s always a fun time, and the lifestyle that comes with it is very family-friendly, which I absolutely love.
I’ve sung on some REALLY fun commercials, from popular toys to makeup brands, your favorite household food items to… ever hear that famous “Meow Meow Meow Meow” jingle? Yeah, you know the one. HI! I’m the Country Cat ;)
Singing for these projects can also be a way to make passive income, and if you’re a union singer (meaning you’re in SAG-AFTRA), singing on commercials can even help you earn health insurance!
Writing Songs for Sync (music for film & TV)
You know when you’re binge-watching your favorite show, and you hear a song you’ve never heard, but it’s like a real bop and you’re like - omg I have to know what that is! - so you Shazam it immediately? My friends, I give you… Production Music!
The production music industry is so huge that there’s a conference for it every year in Los Angeles that people from all over the world fly in for. Writing for music libraries gives you the flexibility to write and record all different genres, work with some of the nicest and most talented people in the world, and get your music out there in a less conventional way.
Once you start getting song placements, you earn royalties, which is a form of passive income that can flow for a lifetime! I started writing songs for production music more seriously around 5 years ago, and I’ve gotten some placements that I’ve been so excited about. It’s really cool to hear songs I wrote when I’m watching my favorite shows… including the guilty pleasure ones!
Live Music at Hotels & Restaurants
It’s so much fun to play live with a band for an intimate crowd! Ok, I’m gonna be honest though: Sometimes - sometimes - that intimate crowd can sound like an arena… and not in the hold-up-your-lighters-and-cheer kinda way. Sometimes, you might be the background music in a sea of people having their night out. And that can be totally cool! You’re still playing music, and you will likely have put the band together yourself, which means getting to play with your friends and make money doing it. But just be aware that, if you want to feel heard, it’s a good idea to check out the venues that want to book you before you accept the booking. When you do find those special spots that really appreciate your music, it can feel amazing, and you can connect with some really awesome people while you’re at it.
I’ve met some wonderful people playing at venues like this, and it’s fun to sing with some of my favorite musicians in such a fun and chill environment.
Work With A Music-Related Company That You Believe In
Not an influencer? I’ve learned that that’s ok! The right companies, with the most integrity, won’t necessarily care about how many followers you have. We all know you could buy a blue checkmark and some fake followers anyway. What matters to the right companies is that you’re truly into the product and that your values align.
I started working with Lutefish a year ago, and I love this company so much. The team is small and mighty, and I‘ll always support them like family because they’ve shown me how good and how real they are. Working with Lutefish has brought me so much joy and such amazing opportunities.
Yes, that is me singing with Stevie Wonder!
Now THAT was a true childhood dream come true.
Ok hold up - Not sure where to start finding these opportunities? It might feel overwhelming sometimes, but you gotta just put yourself out there. Here are some ways to do that:
Join groups that you align with.
I’m a part of a few organizations that I love: The Production Music Association, SONA (Songwriters of North America), and Mamas in Music - an organization made up of music mamas supporting music mamas. They are the reason I got in touch with Lutefish!
Going to conventions & networking events
Time and time again, I learn that there is so much to gain from simply SHOWING UP. I don’t go to everything all the time, and I’m not personally the networking type.
What I mean is, I don’t like to go up to people and go, “hey, here’s my card,” wink, and walk away. I love true connection, and I love working with my friends. I’ve learned that this mentality is a healthy one to have, because it helps me choose the events I actually want to go to, instead of the ones I feel like I’m supposed to be at for status or whatever. And then, when I do go to an event, I’m able to bring my authentic self into the space, meet people that I truly align with, and offer a way to help people instead of going to an event simply to get something out of it. THIS approach has brought me some of my favorite projects!
Sending a professional and personalized email can go a long way.
Make it short and sweet, but reach out and let them know you exist! Tell them what you want to do for them.
Stay organized by keeping track of everyone you meet and how you met them.
This way, you always know who to thank while your dreams are coming true! It really does take a village. I’m so thankful for mine.
So no more ‘should’ing on yourself! There is nothing that you should be, other than happy. Go where your heart feels warm. Go where the love is. Go where you feel valued & respected by people you value & respect. And Go. Make. More. Music!
I mean, if that’s what you wanna do :)